The legend
De Ocampo argues that this single 1887 novel contributed more tremendously to forming Filipino nationality than any other book of the period.
What is Noli Me Tangere?
When the Taft Commission created the "Province of Rizal" under Act No. 137, the actual proposal for the name came from this Filipino member of the Federal Party.
Who is Dr. Pardo de Tavera
The paper opens by noting that Rizal's name is a byword in every home, and his image uniquely adorns these two highly circulated everyday items.
What are postage stamps and paper money?
To show the novel's immediate impact, the paper quotes an exile in London who compared the Noli's impending glory to this immortal Spanish masterpiece by Cervantes.
What is Don Quixote?
Quoting Rafael Palma, the paper notes that Rizal abandoned his personal interests and considerable professional earnings to think only of this.
What is his country (or public matters)?
Long before the 1896 revolution, this radical secret society acknowledged Rizal’s supreme stature by making him their honorary President.
What is the Katipunan?
De Ocampo states that by the time the Americans arrived, Rizal's status was already a fait accompli, meaning the Commission merely did this to his heroism.
What is confirming it?
Immediately after praising Rizal, the text addresses a common belief among some Filipinos that Rizal is this type of "manufactured" hero.
What is a "made-to-order" national hero?
This famous German scholar read the Noli and immediately wrote to Rizal, stating the work was written "with the blood of the heart".
Who is Ferdinand Blumentritt?
To demonstrate his absolute selflessness, Laubach points out that Rizal wrote letters marked "To be opened after my death" before sailing into a "trap" in this city.
Where is Manila?
In September 1898, President Aguinaldo officially invoked the "illustrious spirit of Rizal" during his opening address to the assembled Congress at this location.
Where is Malolos, Bulacan?
The paper addresses critics who argue that this "Supremo"—who actually held a gun and sword in the battlefield—should be the primary national hero instead.
According to the rumor, this American Civil Governor allegedly told Filipino leaders, "And now, gentlemen, you must have a national hero"
Who is William Howard Taft?
Because the novel was so powerful, this censorship body in Manila swiftly recommended that its importation and circulation be absolutely prohibited.
What is the permanent censorship commission?
During his four long years of exile in this location, Rizal consistently said "No" to hundreds of temptations to escape.
Where is Dapitan?
On December 20, 1898, the revolutionary government issued an official proclamation ordering all government flags to fly at half-mast for this commemoration.
What is Rizal day?
To defend a civilian hero, Rafael Palma explains that the revolution fought with the sword was merely the consequence of the spiritual redemption wrought by this.
What is the pen of Rizal?
To set up his main investigation, De Ocampo defines Rizal as what?
What is a hero?
Moving to modern times, the paper notes that the lasting, bitter debates over the Noli and Fili eventually led to the enactment of this 1956 compromise law
What is Republic Act 1425 (The Rizal Law)?
Because the bigoted Spaniards viewed him as their most dangerous enemy, Rizal was given a brief mock trial and executed at this specific field.
Where is Bagumbayan Field (or Luneta)?
Following his death, the Anthropological Society of this European city held a prestigious scientific memorial service where a German translation was recited for this letter of Rizal.
What is his last farewell?
The essay closes by quoting Spanish biographer Retana, who states that millions of Filipinos will always stay under Rizal's influence because they "drink" and nourish themselves on his this.
What is his spirit?