Rizal Essay Sample

bold proclamations. Rizal demonstrated that it was possible to combat oppression without resorting to violence and taking another person's life. He also showcased the immense power of the written word, proving that it could be mightier than any weapon. Rizal's example serves as a testament to the idea that change can be brought about peacefully.

An exceptional trait of Rizal was his reformist stance, setting him apart from other revolutionaries. His desire extended beyond mere freedom for the people; he sought to bring about necessary changes. His literary works were aimed at highlighting the significance of civilization for the Philippines, emphasizing his vision for the country's long-term welfare. This is precisely why Jose Rizal is revered as the national hero of the Philippines, as his concerns extended beyond immediate Spanish rule overthrow. He exhibited genuine interest in the lasting condition and progress of his homeland.

Dying for His Country, Rizal displayed great courage and bravery despite not carrying weapons. Instead, he fearlessly utilized his pen to reveal the Spanish authorities' hypocrisy. Even in the face of threats of execution, Rizal remained unafraid. Ultimately, his written works became the cause of his demise.

However, he was aware that his death held significance. Although they could end his physical existence, the notion of freedom would always reside within the minds of the masses. It was a concept that would deeply resonate with every individual. As long as the ideal continued to ignite passion in people's hearts, Rizal's demise would merely be a physical event.

In spirit, Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, resides within every individual and his ideals continue to inspire the Filipino to overcome the challenges they

face today. A reception is held by Capitan Tiago (Santiago de los Santos) at his house on Calle Analogue (now Juan Luna Street) to honor Crisostomo Ibarra, a young and wealthy Filipino who recently completed seven years of study in Europe. This event marks the beginning of the story in Noli Me Tangere.

Ibarra was the only son of Don Rafael Ibarra, a close friend of Capitan Tiago, and engaged to the beautiful Maria Clara, who was believed to be Capitan Tiago's daughter. The reception had various guests, including Padre Damaso, a rotund Franciscan friar who had been the parish priest of San Diego (Calamba), Ibarra's hometown, for 20 years. Padre Sybila, a youthful Dominican parish priest from Binondo, and Senor Guevara, a kind elderly lieutenant from the Guardia Civil, were also present. Don Tiburcio de Espadana, a deceitful Spanish physician and meek husband of Dona Victorina, was among the attendees as well. Apart from them, there were several ladies in attendance. Ibarra made a good impression on the guests, except for Padre Damaso, who was rude to him. He followed a German custom by introducing himself to the ladies. The conversation during dinner revolved around Ibarra's studies and travels abroad.

Padre Damaso was in a bad mood because he received a bony neck and a tough wing of the chicken tinola. He attempted to undermine Ibarra’s comments. After the meal, Ibarra departed from Capitan Tiago’s residence to go back to his hotel. On the journey, Lieutenant Guevara, who was kind, informed him about the tragic tale of his father’s demise in San Diego. Don Rafael, his father, was a wealthy and courageous man. He protected

a defenseless boy from the brutality of a Spanish tax collector who lacked education, resulting in the accidental death of the latter.

Don Rafael was imprisoned and died unhappily. He was buried in consecrated ground, but his enemies accused him of being a heretic and had his body taken from the cemetery. On learning about his father's tragic tale, Ibarra expressed gratitude to the compassionate Spanish lieutenant and pledged to uncover the truth behind his father's demise. The next day, he paid a visit to Maria Clara, his beloved from childhood. Playfully, Maria Clara remarked that he had forgotten her due to the beauty of German girls. Ibarra assured her that he had never forgotten about her.

Following his heartfelt reunion with Maria Clara, Ibarra made a trip to San Diego to pay a visit to his father's burial site on All Saint's Day. When he arrived at the cemetery, he was informed by the grave digger that the remains of Don Rafael had been relocated to the Chinese cemetery upon the parish priest's orders. Due to the challenging circumstances of a dark and rainy night, the grave digger admitted to discarding the corpse into the lake due to its weight. This revelation left Ibarra filled with anger towards the grave digger.

Leaving the cemetery, Ibarra unexpectedly encountered Padre Salvi, the Franciscan parish priest of San Diego. Instantly, Ibarra confronted the priest, seeking justice for the desecration of his father's body. The Padre insisted that he was not responsible as he had not yet assumed his role as the parish priest when Don Rafael passed away.

The responsibility for it lies with Padre Damaso, Ibarra's predecessor, who Ibarra believed

to be innocent and subsequently left. While in his hometown, Ibarra encountered various intriguing individuals. This included the knowledgeable old man known as Tasio the philosopher, who was labeled "Tasio the Lunatic" by those who couldn't comprehend his progressive ideas ahead of their time. He also met a forward-thinking school teacher who voiced concerns about the lack of proper school facilities and the friar's discouraging approach towards teaching Spanish and modern pedagogical methods, leading to a decline in student interest. The spineless gobernadorcillo, who bowed to the demands of the Spanish parish friars, Don Filipo Lino (the leader of the town police force), and prominent citizens Don Basilio and Don Valentin, all former gobernadorcillos, were among those he encountered. Additionally, a tragic storyline unfolds involving Sisa, a once wealthy woman who was impoverished after marrying a gambler and wastrel.

She became crazy because she lost her two boys, Basilio and Crispin, the joy of her wretched life. These boys were sacristanes (sextons) in the church, working for a small wage to support their poor mother. Crispin, the younger of the two brothers, was accused by the brutal sacristan mayor (chief sexton) of stealing the money of the priest. He was tortured in the convent and died. Basilio, with his brother’s dying cries ringing in his ears, escaped. When the two boys did not return home, Sisa looked for them everywhere and, in her great sorrow, she became insane.

Capitan Tiago, Maria Clara, and Aunt Isabel (Capitan Tiago’s cousin who took care of Maria Clara after his mother’s death) arrived in San Diego. Ibarra and his friends organized a picnic at the lake where Maria Clara and her

four girl friends, including the merry Sinang, the grave Victoria, the beautiful Iday, and the thoughtful Neneng, were also present. Aunt Isabel acted as Maria Clara's chaperon; Capitana Tika, Sinang's mother, was there too, along with Andeng who was Maria Clara's foster sister; Albino, an ex-theological student who had feelings for Sinang; and Ibarra and his friends. Among the boatmen was Elias, a strong and silent peasant youth.

During the picnic, a noteworthy event occurred when Ibarra heroically rescued Elias from a life-threatening situation. Elias valiantly fought against a crocodile that had become trapped in the fish corral. However, the crocodile vigorously resisted, making it difficult for Elias to overpower it. In a brave act, Ibarra leapt into the water and successfully eliminated the crocodile, ultimately saving Elias' life.

After the crocodile incident, Maria Clara, who had a sweet voice, sang a beautiful song, and they went ashore to celebrate in a cool, wooded meadow. Present at the gathering were Padre Salvi, Capitan Basilio (former gobernadorcillo and Sinang’s father), the alferez (lieutenant of the Guardia Civil), and the town officials. A lunch was served and everyone enjoyed their meal. After eating, Ibarra and Capitan Basilio played chess while Maria Clara and her friends played the “Wheel of Chance”, a game based on a fortune-telling book.

While the girls were enjoying their fortune-telling game, Padre Salvi arrived and angrily tore apart the book, stating that playing such a game was a sinful act. Shortly after this incident, a group consisting of a sergeant and four soldiers from the Guardia Civil suddenly appeared, in search of Elias who was wanted for attacking Padre Damaso and causing harm to the alferez

by throwing him into a mud hole. Fortunately, Elias had managed to escape and the Guardia Civil left without apprehending him. Additionally, during the picnic, Ibarra received a telegram from the Spanish authorities informing him that his donation of a schoolhouse for the children of San Diego had been approved.

The following day, Ibarra paid a visit to old Tasio in order to seek his advice regarding his schoolhouse project. He noticed that the old man's writings were written in hieroglyphics. Tasio explained that he chose to write in hieroglyphics because he intended for future generations to understand and acknowledge them, proclaiming, "Not everyone was unaware during our ancestors' era!" At the same time, San Diego was joyfully preparing for its annual fiesta, which celebrates its patron saint, San Diego de Alcala, on November 11th. On the eve of the fiesta, numerous visitors from nearby towns arrived and festivities ensued, including laughter, music, fireworks, feasting, and a theatrical performance known as moro-moro. The music was provided by five brass bands (including the renowned Pagsanjan Band owned by escribano Miguel Guevara) and three orchestras.

In the morning of the fiesta, a high mass was held in the church and was officiated by Padre Salvi. Padre Damaso delivered a lengthy sermon, discussing the negative impact of certain individuals who, having acquired some education, were spreading harmful ideas among the people. Following Padre Damaso's sermon, Padre Salve continued the mass. While Ibarra was praying by Maria Clara's side, Elias discreetly approached him and cautioned him about an assassination plot during the ceremony of laying the cornerstone of the schoolhouse.

Elias had a suspicion that the man responsible for building the derrick

was working for Ibarra’s foes. His suspicion turned out to be true when, in front of a large crowd, Ibarra went into the trench to cement the cornerstone and the derrick collapsed. In a sudden moment, Elias swiftly moved Ibarra out of harm's way, ultimately saving his life. Unfortunately, it was the yellowish man who was crushed to death by the falling debris of the broken derrick. Later that night, during a lavish dinner held beneath a decorated kiosk, a somber incident took place.

In the presence of numerous guests, the arrogant Padre Damaso insulted the memory of Ibarra’s father. Ibarra abruptly rose from his seat, struck the overweight friar with his fist, and proceeded to grab a sharp knife. If not for Maria Clara's timely intervention, Ibarra would have killed the friar. After the fiesta, Maria Clara fell ill and was attended to by Tiburcio de Espadana, a quack Spanish physician. His wife, a conceited and crude native woman, frequently visited Capitan Tiago’s house.

This woman suffered from delusions of superiority, identifying herself as a higher-ranking Castillan. Despite being a native, she looked down upon her fellow countrymen, considering them to be inferior. She altered her husband's surname by adding an additional "de" to make it sound more Spanish. As a result, she desired to be addressed as "Doctora Dona Victorina de los Reyes de De Espadana." She introduced a young Spaniard named Don Alfonso Linares de Espadana to Capitan Tiago's acquaintances. Don Alfonso was both the cousin of Don Tiburcio de Espadana and the godson of Padre Damaso's brother-in-law.

Linares came to the Philippines as a poor and unemployed fortune hunter, seeking a wealthy Filipino

heiress. Dona Victorina and Padre Damaso supported his courtship of Maria Clara, but she did not reciprocate because she was in love with Ibarra. Elias shared his tragic story with Ibarra, which mirrored the suffering and heartbreak of Sisa. About 60 years ago, Elias' grandfather was a young bookkeeper working for a Spanish commercial firm in Manila. He was falsely accused of setting fire to the warehouse and endured public flogging, leaving him crippled and near death in the streets.

The man's wife, who was expecting a child, resorted to begging and engaging in prostitution to provide for her ill husband and their son. Following the birth of their second son and the passing of her spouse, she fled with both boys to the mountains. As time went by, the older son named Balat transformed into a notorious criminal referred to as a tulisan. He struck terror in the provinces until he was eventually apprehended by law enforcement.

His head was severed and displayed on a tree branch in the forest, causing the grandmother (Elias' mother) to pass away upon witnessing this gruesome sight. Balat's compassionate younger brother fled and found employment as a reliable worker in the residence of a wealthy individual in Tayabas. He developed romantic feelings for the master's daughter. Upon discovering their relationship, the girl's infuriated father delved into his background and uncovered the truth. As a result, the unfortunate lover (Elias' father) was imprisoned, while the girl gave birth to twins - a boy (Elias) and a girl.

Their wealthy grandfather raised them and kept their scandalous heritage a secret. Elias attended the Jesuit College in Manila while his sister went to La

Concordia College. They enjoyed a happy life until a distant relative revealed their shameful background during a money dispute. This caused them to be disgraced. In court, an old male servant, who they had mistreated, was compelled to testify and it was revealed that he was their biological father. To escape the shame, Elias and his sister left Tayabas and sought refuge elsewhere.

One day, Elias's sister went missing and he searched for her in various locations. Later, he discovered that a girl matching his sister's description had been found dead on San Diego's beach. From that point on, Elias lived as a wanderer, moving from one province to another. However, his life took a different turn when he encountered Ibarra. Upon hearing about Ibarra's arrest, Elias destroyed any incriminating documents and set fire to Ibarra's house.

Then he went to prison and helped Ibarra escape. Together, they jumped into a banca that was loaded with sacate (grass). Ibarra made a stop at Capitan Tiago's house to bid farewell to Maria Clara. In their tearful final encounter, Ibarra pardoned Maria Clara for surrendering his letter to the Spanish authorities, who used it as evidence against him. Maria Clara, on her part, disclosed that those letters were swapped with a letter from her deceased mother, Pia Alba, which Padre Salvi had given her. From reading the letter, she discovered that her biological father was Padre Damaso.

After saying goodbye to Maria Clara, Ibarra went back to the banca and he and Elias started paddling up the Pasig River towards Laguna de Bay. As their banca reached the lake, a police boat carrying the Guardia Civil started chasing them. Elias

instructed Ibarra to hide under the zacate. While the police boat was catching up to the banca, Elias leaped into the water and swam rapidly towards the shore.

While diverting the attention of the soldiers towards himself, he provided an opportunity for Ibarra to escape. A soldier shot at Elias while he was swimming, causing him to be wounded and sink. The blood from his wound turned the water red. Believing they had successfully killed Ibarra, the soldiers returned to Manila, allowing Ibarra to make his escape. Despite being seriously wounded, Elias managed to reach the shore and stumbled into the forest.

During Christmas eve, he encountered Basilio, a sorrowful boy grieving beside his deceased mother. Instructing Basilio to construct a funeral pyre, they planned to cremate both his and Sisa's remains. The serene moon graciously illuminated the sky as Basilio diligently prepared the pyre.

As his life faded away, Elias gazed towards the east and whispered: "I pass away without witnessing the dawn illuminate my homeland. Let those who are fortunate enough to see it cherish it! And let us not forget those who perished during the night." The novel contains an epilogue that describes the fate of the remaining characters. Maria Clara, out of her unwavering devotion to the memory of Ibarra, the man she sincerely loved, joined the Santa Clara nunnery.

Padre Salvi left the San Diego parish and became a chaplain of the nunnery. However, the next morning, Padre Damaso, who had been transferred to a remote province, was found dead in his bedroom. Capitan Tiago, who was once a genial host and generous patron of the church, sadly became addicted to opium

and a pathetic wreck. Dona Victorina, who continued to criticize and dominate poor Don Tiburcio, now had to wear eye-glasses due to her weakening eyesight. Linares, who failed to win Maria Clara’s affection, tragically died from dysentery and was laid to rest in Paco cemetery. On a brighter note, the alferez, who successfully repelled the failed attack on the barracks, was promoted to major.

Returning to Spain, he left behind his shabby mistress Dona Consolacion, while Maria Clara, an unhappy nun in Santa Clara nunnery, remained forever lost to the world. The Synapsis of El Filibusterismo introduces the protagonist Simoun, a wealthy jeweler who was once known as Crisostomo Ibarra in the Noli. With the assistance of Elias, Simoun managed to escape from the soldiers at Laguna de Bay and recover his hidden treasure. Eventually, he fled to Cuba where he acquired wealth and established friendships with numerous Spanish officials.

After spending many years away, he returned to the Philippines and was able to freely move around. He held a position of power as a rich jeweler and was also a trusted friend and adviser to the governor general. While he appeared friendly towards Spain, deep down he harbored a desire for revenge against the Spanish authorities. He was driven by two main goals: to rescue Maria Clara from the Santa Clara nunnery and to incite a rebellion against the despised Spanish rulers. The story of El Filibusterismo begins aboard the poorly designed steamer Tabo, aptly named.

This text describes a steamer journey on the Pasig river from Manila to Laguna de Bay. The passengers on board include several notable individuals: Simoun, a wealthy jeweler; Dona Victorina,

a native woman who strongly supports the Spanish; Tiburcio de Espadana, Dona Victorina's husband who has abandoned her; Paulita Gomez, Dona Victorina's beautiful niece; Ben-Zayb, a Spanish journalist who mocks the Filipinos in his articles; Padre Sibyla, a vice-rector at the University of Santo Tomas; Padre Camorra, the parish priest of Tiani; Don Custodio, a pro-Spanish Filipino government official; Padre Salvi, a thin Franciscan friar and former cura of San Diego; Padre Irene, a friendly friar who supported Filipino students; Padre Florentino, a retired scholarly and patriotic Filipino priest; Isagani, Padre Florentino's poet-nephew and lover of Paulita; and Basilio, Sisa's son and aspiring medical student whose education is financed by Capitan Tiago. Simoun, a mysterious and wealthy individual, is a close confidante of the Spanish governor general. As the "Brown Cardinal" or "Black Eminence," he uses his wealth and political power to encourage corruption in the government, oppress the masses, and accelerate the moral decline of the country in hopes of provoking people to uprising.

Simoun, with the assistance of Quiroga, a wealthy Chinese merchant aspiring to be the Chinese consul of Manila, clandestinely brings weapons into the country. Unfortunately, his initial endeavor to initiate an armed revolt falls through when he learns that Maria Clara, whom he deeply mourns, has passed away in the convent. Consumed by grief, Simoun refrains from giving the signal to commence hostilities. However, after enduring an extended period of sickness caused by the crushing loss of Maria Clara, Simoun finally crafts a meticulous scheme aimed at toppling the current government.

During the wedding of Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez, a beautiful lamp is given to them as a wedding gift. What

only he and his trusted companions, including Basilio, who is Sisa's son and has joined the revolution, know is that the lamp contains nitroglycerine in a secret compartment. Once the lamp's wick burns lower, it will cause an explosion, destroying the house where the wedding feast is taking place and killing all the guests, including the governor general, friars, and government officials. At the same time, Simoun's followers plan to blow up all the government buildings in Manila. As the wedding feast begins, Isagani, a poet who has been rejected by Paulita due to his liberal ideas, stands outside the house sadly observing the festivities happening inside.

Basilio, Isagani's friend, warns him to leave because the lighted lamp will soon burst. Isagani becomes aware of the lamp's terrible secret and realizes that his beloved Paulita is in great danger. He quickly enters the house and seizes the lit lamp, throwing it into the river where it explodes. This revelation uncovers the revolutionary plot. Soldiers corner Simoun, but he manages to escape. Severely injured and carrying his treasure chest, he seeks shelter in Padre Florentino's seaside home.

The Spanish authorities discover that Simoun is hiding in Padre Florentino's house. Lieutenant Perez of the Guardia Civil informs the priest, via a letter, that he will come to arrest Simoun at eight o'clock that night. However, Simoun avoids arrest by consuming poison. While he is dying, he confesses to Padre Florentino, unveiling his true identity, his malicious scheme to seek revenge using his wealth, and his wicked intention to ruin both his friends and enemies.

The confession of the dying Simoun is lengthy and agonizing. By nightfall, Padre Florentino rises and

begins to reflect, wiping the sweat off his wrinkled forehead. He comforts the dying man, saying: "Senor Simoun, God will grant you forgiveness. He understands that we are prone to error. He has witnessed your suffering and, by allowing the punishment for your mistakes to come in the form of death from those you influenced to commit crimes, we can perceive His boundless mercy."

Despite frustrating your plans one by one – first, by the death of Maria Clara; then, by a lack of preparation; and finally, in some mysterious manner – let us bow to His will and express gratitude to Him," Padre Florentino watches as Simoun dies peacefully with a clear conscience and at peace with God. Falling to his knees, he prays for the deceased jeweler and subsequently takes the treasure chest, hurling it into the sea as the waves envelop the sinking chest.

"The Philippines a Century Hence" by Rizal presents a radical prophecy of how the country would evolve over the next hundred years. Rizal puts forth three possible scenarios: (1) the Philippines remaining a Spanish colony but with good relations with its captors, (2) the Philippines attempting to violently break free from Spanish rule, and (3) the Philippines being colonized by another country. Rizal's ideas are not just products of his imagination; he delves into the history of other nations to formulate his predictions about the future of the Philippines. He observes that uprisings in other countries began when their cries for freedom were repeatedly ignored by their oppressors, hinting that the same could happen in the Philippines. Rizal's essay exposes various issues plaguing the country, such as human rights

abuses, lack of press freedom, and lack of representation in the Spanish Cortes.

According to Rizal, the Filipinos should have the freedom of the press to express their grievances against the cruelty of the Spaniards. Furthermore, they should have a representative in the Spanish Cortes to communicate whether their decrees have been followed. Lastly, Filipinos are also fighting for justice and human rights. Rizal cautioned the Spanish that if they continue mistreating the natives, they will incite separatist movements and take matters of justice into their own hands.

The passage states that in order to understand the fate of a nation, one must delve into its history. The speaker suggests that this is especially true for the Philippines, and proceeds to discuss the importance of understanding the past in order to predict the future. The text also highlights Recto's speech, where he compares the current situation regarding SB 438 to Rizal's experiences with the Dominicans. Recto argues that the pastoral letter should enlighten people about the true enemies of Rizal and genuine nationalism, criticizing the Catholic Church for prioritizing profits over ideals. It is emphasized that Rizal did not intend to teach religion or theology through his books.

Senator Jose P. Laurel emphasized the importance of instilling civic consciousness, national dignity, personal pride, and patriotism among the Filipinos. He acknowledged that while discussing religious practices and the behavior of ministers in the Philippines during that time, he accurately depicted the overall situation. According to him, it is essential for all Filipinos to read "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo", as these books provide a reflection of ourselves - exposing both our flaws and strengths, virtues and vices. By

doing so, we can collectively become aware as a nation and consequently prepare ourselves for sacrifices that ultimately lead to self-reliance, self-respect, and freedom.

Leaders of the Philippine Revolutionary Members:

Andres Bonifacio y De Castro

Date of Birth: November 30, 1863

Date of Death: May 10, 1897

Place of Birth: Tondo, Manila

Contribution: On 7 July 1892, the day after Rizal's deportation was announced, Bonifacio and others founded the Katipunan, or in full, KataastaasangKagalanggalangang KatipunanngmgaAnakng Bayan ("Highest and Most Respected Society of the Children of the Country"). The secret society sought independence from Spain through armed revolt. It was influenced by Freemasonry through its rituals and organization, and several members aside from Bonifacio were also Freemasons. Within the society Bonifacio used the pseudonym May pag-asa ("There is Hope"). For a time, Bonifacio worked with both the Katipunan and La Liga Filipina.

The La Liga organization ultimately divided due to the loss of hope for peaceful reform by members like Bonifacio, who could no longer provide financial aid. However, wealthier and more conservative members who still had faith in peaceful reform formed the Cuerpo de Compromisarios, which promised ongoing support for the reformists in Spain. The radicals joined the Katipunan movement. The Katipunan then expanded from Manila into various provinces, including Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija. The majority of its members, known as Katipuneros, came from lower and middle-class backgrounds, and many local leaders held prominent positions within their municipalities.

The membership of the Katipunan initially consisted solely of males, but was later opened to include females, with Bonifacio's wife Gregoria de Jesus being a prominent member. Right from the start, Bonifacio held a high position within the Katipunan, although

he didn't become its Supreme Leader or Supreme President until 1895. Prior to this, he served as the society's comptroller and then its fiscal. Before Bonifacio, Deodato Arellano and Roman Basa held leadership positions in the Katipunan. The organization had its own set of laws, bureaucratic structure, and elected leaders.

The Katipunan Supreme Council coordinated provincial councils and local councils for each province it involved. These councils were responsible for public administration, military affairs, and district or barrio level affairs. Within the society, Bonifacio formed a close friendship with Emilio Jacinto, who acted as his adviser and confidant and also served on the Supreme Council. Instead of using his own Decalogue, Bonifacio decided to adopt Jacinto's Kartilya primer as the official teachings of the society, considering it superior. Bonifacio, Jacinto, and Pio Valenzuela collaborated on the society's publication Kalayaan (Freedom), which only had one printed issue.

Bonifacio penned multiple works for the paper, such as the poem Pag-ibigsaTinubuangLupa (approx. "Love for the Homeland") using the alias Agapito Bagumbayan. The release of Kalayaan in March 1896 resulted in a significant surge in membership. The Katipunan movement expanded across Luzon, reaching Panay in the Visayas and extending as far as Mindanao.

From fewer than 300 members in January 1896, the number of members in the Katipunan had grown to about 30,000 to 40,000 by August. This significant increase in Katipunan activity aroused suspicion from the Spanish authorities, who had knowledge of the existence of a subversive secret society thanks to Spanish intelligence. These suspicions led to surveillance of suspects and subsequent arrests. On 3 May, Bonifacio gathered the leaders of the Katipunan in Pasig for a general assembly

to discuss the timing of their rebellion. While Bonifacio wanted to start the revolt as soon as possible, Emilio Aguinaldo expressed caution due to a lack of firearms in Cavite. It was agreed upon that they would consult with Jose Rizal in Dapitan before initiating the revolt. Bonifacio then sent Pio Valenzuela to Rizal, who advised against a premature revolution and suggested better preparation beforehand.

Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy

Date of Birth: March 22, 1869

Date of Death: February 6, 1964

Place of Birth: El Viejo (Kawit) Cavite

Contribution: In 1894, Aguinaldo joined the Katipunan or the K. K. K., a secret organization led by Andres Bonifacio, dedicated to the expulsion of the Spanish and independence of the Philippines through armed force. Aguinaldo used the nom de guerre Magdalo, in honor of Mary Magdalene