TLDR;
This lecture aims to reintroduce Jose Rizal beyond his iconic image, revealing his humanity and relevance through historical context and lesser-known facts. It challenges the audience to question established perceptions and engage with Rizal's writings to understand his true significance.
- Rizal's monument with an overcoat is due to its creation in Switzerland.
- Rizal's personal items, like a "salakot," offer intimate connections to his life.
- Monuments, while intended to commemorate, often lead to forgetting.
- Rizal's writings and actions reveal a man of humor, intellect, and humanity.
- Reading Rizal is essential to understanding his greatness and relevance today.
Introduction: Rediscovering Rizal [0:45]
The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his father questioning why Rizal is depicted wearing a heavy winter coat in the tropics, which sparked a lifelong journey of research and discovery about the national hero. This question led to the book "Rizal Without the Overcoat," encouraging a fresh perspective on Rizal. The speaker emphasizes the importance of asking "why" to open up deeper understanding and challenges the audience to look beyond the conventional image of Rizal.
Rizal's Wardrobe: Beyond the Overcoat [2:50]
The lecture addresses the question of whether Rizal wore Filipino clothing, noting that while photographs typically show him in a coat, there's evidence he wore a "barong Tagalog." A reference to Rizal wearing his "barongasa" at a carnival in Madrid is mentioned. The speaker recalls finding a packing list from Rizal to the Berlin Ethnographic Museum, which included Filipino clothing items and a "salakot" (a traditional hat made of carabao horn and silver). This "salakot" is significant because Rizal wrote "this is mine" in German, highlighting a personal connection to the artifact.
Monuments: Remembering or Forgetting? [5:17]
The discussion shifts to Rizal's monuments around the world, most of which depict him in his overcoat. The speaker notes the first Rizal monument, a simple obelisk, was erected in Daet, Camarines Norte, before American influence. While monuments are intended to help people remember, they often become so common that they are overlooked, leading to the fossilization of heroes. Examples of unusual Rizal monuments are shown, including one resembling a wedding cake and another with Rizal flanked by unidentified figures. The speaker also mentions a controversial monument in Catbalogan, Samar, depicting Rizal being carried by naked men representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Humanizing the Hero: Personal Artifacts and Anecdotes [9:13]
The speaker shares personal experiences, such as seeing Rizal's rosary in high school, which humanized Rizal. He also recounts interviewing descendants of Rizal's family, who referred to him as "Lolo Jose." The speaker shares insights from examining Rizal's handwritten letters at the Lopez Museum, noting details like lip marks and fingerprints that bring a sense of closeness to Rizal. He also mentions a drawing by Rizal depicting a farting man, showcasing his sense of humor.
Rizal's Social Life: Photos from the Past [12:12]
The lecture presents newly discovered photographs of Rizal, including one of a picnic in Paris with fellow Filipinos like Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo. These images show Rizal in a more casual and human light. Other photos depict Rizal and his peers reenacting Luna's painting "The Death of Cleopatra" and enjoying meals together. These images challenge the serious, heroic image of Rizal, revealing him as an ordinary young man who enjoyed life and camaraderie.
Rizal as a Brand: Commercialization and Recognition [14:49]
The lecture explores how Rizal's image has been used commercially, appearing on cigarettes, matches, cement, and even as the name of a bank and a theater. Survey data from 2011 reveals that while Rizal is widely recognized as the national hero, other figures like Manny Pacquiao are also mentioned. The speaker laments that Rizal's writings are often unread or read in poor translations, distancing Filipinos from their past.
The Importance of Reading Rizal [17:35]
The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading Rizal's original works to truly understand him. He points out the irony of celebrating Rizal's anniversaries despite his request not to. The lecture concludes by encouraging the audience to see Rizal as a human being with imperfections, making him more relatable and inspiring. The speaker suggests that Rizal's greatness lies in his humanity and his ability to overcome challenges, making him a relevant figure today.