ABC’s Of Rizal

A – rchaeologist

Rizal was an archaeologist. During his exile in Dapitan, Rizal explored the caves, inlets, and mountains near the town and excavated several relics of the past. Also, he studied monuments and antique currency everywhere he went. He drew most of the monuments he saw.

B – ibliophile

Rizal loved books. Some of these books are the “Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexander Dumas and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe. We must not forget that the Bible is the first book where Rizal learned to read and know the prayers.

C – onchologist

Conchology is the study of shells and mollusks. As a conchologist, Rizal had collected a total of 346 shells representing 203 species during his exile in Dapitan.

D – ramatist

Even if he’s still eight years old, Rizal already had the knowledge in drama. He created a Tagalog comedy and it was staged in Calamba festival. The gobernadorcillo from Paete had witnessed the drama and he bought the manuscript for two pesos.

E – ngineer

In Dapitan, Rizal applied his knowledge in Engineering by constructing a system of waterworks in order to furnish clean water to the townspeople.

F – armer

Much of Rizal’s time in Dapitan is allocated to Agriculture. He bought 16 hectares of land in Talisay, where he built his home, school and hospital and planted cacao, coffee, sugarcane, coconuts and fruit trees.

G – eographer

Rizal had a very large knowledge in Geography. In fact, it is of the subjects he taught to his students in Dapitan during his exile. Also his geographical studies in Dapitan are contributed to the field of Science as revealed by his correspondence with his scientist friends in Europe.

H – ero

We regard Rizal as our National Hero. It is because of his great contribution to the Philippine Independence.

I – nventor

Rizal showed his inventive ability when he made the “Sulpukan”, s cigarette lighter he gave to Blumentritt as a gift.

J – ourneyer

Rizal’s life was full of journeys and sojourns. He had traveled Europe with Viola. In his second departure from Philippines, he passed Hong Kong, Japan, United States and up to Europe again.

K – eeper (diary and letters)

Along with Rizal’s journey, he kept with him a diary. It is where he kept every detail of his observations to every place he visited. This diary is where he put all his sentiments in life. Also, he kept with him letters from friends, compatriots and family.

L – inguist

A born linguist, Rizal could rank with the world’s great linguist. He knew a total of 22 languages – Tagalog, Ilokano, Bisayan, Subanin, Spanish, Latin, and many more.

M – agician

Since early manhood, Rizal had been interested in magic. He learned different tricks like making a coin appear and disappear in his fingers and making handkerchief vanish in thin air. The concept of magic is also portrayed in the chapter XVII and XVIII in his novel El Filibusterismo.

N – ationalist

Rizal showed the spirit of Nationalism. He loved Philippines next to God. He even sacrificed his own happiness for the sake of the country.

O – phthalmic Surgeon

Rizal is an eye specialist. He had a clientele in Hong Kong with the help of Dr. Lorenzo P. Marques. He had cured many patients including his mother.

P – hilosopher

Rizal loved wisdom. He studied abroad to gain more knowledge. He even conducted his own studies. Some of his teachings are what we are following today. Say for example, the story about the turtle and the monkey, in which we learned that it is bad to be greedy.

Q – uester

Rizal is considered to be a seeker. He ventured to other countries in search of knowledge that he can use in his profession and also to alleviate his people in his country. Not just knowledge, he also searched for truth and reality and we regard him as "seeker after truth”.

R – eformer

Rizal is a member of the Propaganda Movement which is a peaceful reform campaign in Spain. His fellow reformers were M. H. Del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Graciano Lopez Jaena and many more.

S – urveyor

Rizal held the title of expert surveyor (perito agrimensor), which he obtained from Ateneo. Together with his knowledge in engineering, he was able to build the first water system in Dapitan.

T – ranslator

Since Rizal is a great linguist, he became an interpreter to fellow passengers in his travel abroad. He translated words in order that his fellow could communicate to each other.

U – niversalist

Rizal was part of the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1889. He had created associations and clubs during the said event. These are the Kidlat Club, Indios Bravos and the R.D.L.M. Society.

V – acationist

As part of his travels, Rizal took vacations. One these vacations is his stay in the resort city of Biarritz on the fabulous French Riviera, where he was a guest of the rich Boustead family at its winter residence, Villa Eliada.

W – riter

Rizal is a great writer. He wrote novels, poems, essays and many more writings. His two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo stand as proofs to his great writing ability.

X – ylographer

Rizal had made many woodcarvings. In Dapitan alone, he had made a woodcarving of Josephine Braken which he called “The Dapitan Girl”, a bust of Father Geurrico (one if his Ateneo professors) and a bust of St. Paul which he gave to Father Pastells.

Y – outh’s model

Being an upright man, Rizal should be the model of the youth today. His steps should be followed. His bravery must be the spirit of the Filipinos nowadays in showing love to the country, Philippines.

Z – oologist

Rizal had contributed to the Science of Animals. He discovered some rare specimens which were named after him. These are: Draco rizali (a flying dragon), Apogonia rizali (a small beetle), and Rhacophorus rizali (a rare frog).