1. Who is Pepe? Explain.

Pepe is Jose P. Rizal. He is our National Hero. The author of the famous book Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo. He is the great and remarkable captain of revoulution and one of the most notable propaga
ndist and prominent contributor in the Philippine history as well as in the Phillipine Literature.
2. Why does Pepe ask the persona about the purgatory?
Meriam Webster Dictionary stated that in Roman Catholic, purgatory is a place of suffering of the souls w
ho died. And I think he asked the persona about it because he thinks that purgatory is the consequences f
or rebelling the Outsiders and waking up the Filipinos to use the sword against them and on the top of th
at, he asked about it because he nearly feel that his life is about to end.
3. The poem talks about the nature of stars. Can you explain what he me
ans, in terms of science?
A star is a big, hot ball of fire. Stars are born to do its duty and function in the universe. It is to give he
at and light to the planets and other heavenly bodies. And once it reaches the coldest temperature, it will
stop living but it will continue to shine as if it is not dead.
4. This discussion of a star is also a metaphor. What is it a metaphor for
? Explain.
The star refers to Jose Rizal. Like a star, he was born to do his purpose here on earth. It is to bring hope
and light not just to the Filipinos but also to other nations who suffer the same way as we witness it to th
e hands of the foreign subjugator. Like a star that is million miles away from us, his light will still contin
ue to shine conquering our mind and soul through his Literature Artworks.
5. Why was Rizal executed? How is this similar to the idea of a star? Re
late this to Philippine history.
Rizal was executed because his writings are act of rebellion against the Spanish Government. It is similar
to a star because his works will remain as part of the Philippine History. I am assured that Rizal and othe
r valiant writers left a mark that will always be remembered through generations.
6. What do you think the persona felt for Rizal? Give textual evidence.
“And on this day, with the year beginning to turn, Salt sting my eyes.” As analyzing this phrase, I think t
he persona felt for Rizal is too painful and forlorn because he knows that Rizal wants to be free in ur ow
n country. And the words are not enough to unite all Filipino as one to fight and to make the Spaniards l
eave in our own land.
7. Do you feel the same way? Why or why not?
I feel the same way because First, Rizal just stated the fact about the way of ruling of Spaniards in our n
ation and he just wanted to be free from their abusive hand. Secondly, he also put an effort to write in or
der to know what is the true face or identity of the outlanders. And lastly, as the bible says in the Ten C
ommandments which is the teaching of the Roman Catholic, a man should not kill a man. Rizal is a huma
n, we don’t have the right to take away anyone’s life.

8. What would you say was Rizal’s greatest contribution to Philippine soc
iety?
I think the greatest contribution of Rizal in our country is his sayings and published works, The Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo because without this, we will not be aware of what they’ve (Spaniards) do
ne to us as well as not knowing what our history is.
 9. If you were in Rizal’s place, would you have supported the Katipunan?
Why or why not?
If you think critically, a Spaniard with a big gun versus Filipino with a bolo. Spaniards have tons of army
who are trained well. Filipinos will never win against their cannons and guns. If I were Rizal, I will not
support the Katipunan. Supporting them is a suicide. We have no match against the foreign subjugator.
10. Who do you consider as our national hero? Jose Rizal or Andres Bon
ifacio?
“Pen is mightier than the sword.” And because of that I will still consider Rizal as our National Hero. Thr
ough his skills in writing, he use this to lead a rebellion and he clearly stated the immorality and villainy
of Spaniards toward Filipinos. And because of his patriotism in his published works, every Filipino who r
eads it awaken his mind and soul to start a revolution and be united as one to fight against the vulgar Sp
aniards. Unlike Bonifacio who prefer a remorseless bloody rebellion, Jose Rizal stays a silent warrior who
leaves a primary source or evidence of what he really did for our country.

I stand on the roof

Of the Ateneo Municipal,

Shivering

On this December morning.

Months ago,

Pepe came to me

In the Observatory

I thought we would talk

About the stars

That do not collide

In the sky:

Instead, he asked me about purgatory.

(His cheeks still ruddy

From the sudden sun

After the bitter winters

In Europe.)

And on this day

With the year beginning to turn,

Salt stings my eyes.

I see Pepe,
 A blur

Between the soldiers

With their Mausers raised

And the early morning's

Star:

Still shimmering

Even if millions of miles away,

The star itself

Is already dead.

Danton R. Remoto (born March 25, 1963) is a Filipino writer, essayist, reporter,
editor, columnist, and professor. Remoto was a first prize recipient at the ASE
AN Letter-Writing Contest for Young People. The award made Remoto a schol
ar at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. As a professor, Remot
o teaches English and Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University.[1] Remoto
is the chairman emeritus of Ang Ladlad, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transge
nder (LGBT) political party in the Philippines.
Danton Remoto

Born March 25, 1963 (ag

e 56)
Floridablanca, Pampa
nga, Philippines

Occupation Essayist
writer
columnist
Field reporter

Remoto was born in Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, in Pampanga province. His f
ather, Francisco Sr., was a soldier while his mother, Lilia Relato, was a music t
eacher.[1]
Danton R. Remoto is a Filipino writer, essayist, reporter, editor, columnist, and professor. Re
moto was a first prize recipient at the ASEAN Letter-Writing Contest for Young People. The
award made Remoto a scholar at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Wikip
edia

Born: 25 March 1963 (age 56 years), Floridablanca

Books: Skin voices faces, Gaydar, Black Silk Pajamas: Poems in English and Filipino, more

Awards: Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Essay

Movies: Boy

Education: University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, more

Parents: Lilia Relato, Francisco Remoto Sr.