What Rizal Day Really Means

By: Elaine Lehman

 

Yesterday, Filipinos around the globe commemorated the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, one of the most revered figures in Philippine history. A multi-talented man with a brilliant mind, he was a physician who trained in ophthalmology under two prominent European ophthalmologists, Louis de Wecker and Otto Becker. As a political activist, he gave vision to the peoples of the Philippine islands who had endured the cruelties of Spanish colonial rule for more than 300 years. He was acclaimed as the father of “Filipino nationalism” for his intellectual support, principles, and convictions for Philippine independence. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and philosophies, Dr. Rizal spoke out for injustice and against complacency. He helped conceptualize a national identity for the Philippines, which was a novel idea in Asia, then under colonial rule.

For diasporic communities, the blessed memory of Dr. Rizal exemplified the Filipino heart. Here in Chicago, he was also the embodiment of Filipino civic engagement in their new home, America. Since 2017, we FACC have honored Rizal Day with a community gathering. This year due to the pandemic we quietly memorialized the day with a reading of Nick Joaquin’s English translation of Dr. Jose Rizal’s last poem, “Mi último adiós,” originally composed in Spanish in neat Castilian handwriting just days before his execution on December 30, 1896, by a firing squad comprising native soldiers Behind them stood eight Spanish soldiers with Mauser rifles, ready to shoot the native soldiers if they refused to carry out their order.

Congressman Henry Allen Cooper of Wisconsin, who was author of the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, read an English translation by Charles Derbyshire of the poem on the floor of the U.S. Congress, as part of his arguments to successfully persuade his fellow congressmen to vote for the act that would create the first Philippine assembly of locally elected representatives while under American rule. This law contained two important provisions that strengthened both the civil and human rights of the Filipino people, and bestowed on them the privilege of legislation.

Until the end of his life at the age of 35, Jose Rizal dreamed of seeing his Philippines free, esteemed and with dignity. Although Dr. Rizal repeatedly said that he advocated peaceful reforms in the Philippines, he was arrested and faced charges of rebellion due to his reported association with the revolutionary movement. The Spanish court found him guilty and sentenced him to death. Dr. Rizal argued against being shot in the back in an undignified manner, saying he had not been a traitor to the country or to Spain, but reluctantly agreed. He understood the moral dilemma the native soldiers faced. And in a noble gesture, he calmed their fears by instructing them to aim in such a way that he would land on his back on the ground, his face to the sky.

The blessed memory of Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, former FACC Board chair and immediate past chair, was also with us yesterday. He was a lifelong student and distant relative of Jose Rizal, and he dedicated his life to the ideals of the Philippine national hero. Dr. Crisostomo shared his love and vision of countries and communities. He shared the sentiment that Dr. Rizal often stated during his life: “the gem of mind that adorns us, let it shine…” As he gave me last instructions for my work here, Dr. Crisostomo looked at me and said, “You are Filipino. You can do this.”

Like Dr. Rizal, Dr. Crisostomo had an international background, which informed his vision of community as a conciliatory practice of listening, learning, and collaborating cooperatively between constituencies. He understood the intrinsic value of unity in diversity. He is remembered for his great intellect, sense of wonder, thoughtful stewardship, and dedication to community service and philanthropic leadership.

Drs. Jose Rizal and Rufino Crisostomo have left us a legacy to build upon, a vision to continually pursue and restore the good for our Filipino American and broader communities. Their influence is reflected every day through the endeavors of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago – in its passion to celebrate our cultures, to care for the environment, to give voice to the voiceless, and to serve the vulnerable – in the Filipino tradition of bayanihan “community” that has become the hallmark of the FACC.

Let us continue each day to be inspired by their examples and their calls to foster cross-cultural dialogue, appreciation, and understanding – and make the Rizal Community Center a welcoming place for all.

Jose Rizal (middle) with Juan Luna (left) and Valentin Ventura

Rufino F. Crisostomo, M.D. (September 5, 1936 – September 4, 2018)