some people tell me that my writing skills are exceptionally good. well, i don’t really know. but what i do know is that i write from my heart. i never thought my writing skills are good or improving because one thing, i never really stood out in class regarding this and another is that, i never really am interested in writing (except that one time i stood out because of my book analysis). but anyway, i just write for the sake of killing boredom and not something i’m interested in making a career from or anything of that sort.

so right now, i just want to look back at the times i loved Rizal Course above all. Sadly, that was the monthly’s and my love for this subject just exhibited in 20% of my grade. also, the time came i found out that there are people called the “Rizalistas” and they kind of are worshipping Rizal. with this, i decreased my interest in Rizal because i found myself wanting to know more about Rizal than Jesus Christ. i admit that i came to a point where i’m crying while reading our Rizal book because Rizal was this great man and all of that and how he valued family and the Philippines. those kinds of things. but don’t get me wrong, i still love Rizal as a national hero and i think that what he did woke up the Filipinos to fight for freedom, which is a good thing. and because of that, i want to share 2 essays i wrote last year during our exam in Rizal and i wrote both of these in a duration of one hour. hope you’ll like it :)

i encoded it so you won’t have a hard time reading my uniquely awesome penmanship. hehe.. ^_^

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A. What is RA 1425? Discuss its importance.

               Republic Act 1425 is commonly known as the Rizal Law. In this law, there contains 5 essential characteristics. First, all the universities/colleges are required to study the life & works of Rizal. Second, the works of Rizal shall be provided in the libraries of the schools offering tertiary level. Third, there should be a provision of different translations of the books about Rizal in English and other dialects. Fourth, there should be a stipulation on the discussion of Rizal’s idea that is in regard with religious beliefs and should not contradict the state’s prohibition on this aspect. Lastly, a sum of Php 300,000.00 should be used for the production of different cheap editions in relation with Rizal’s works & his life.

              This law was originally written by Claro M. Recto. He had the initiative to pass a bill that focuses the life of Rizal because during their time, the country was in a stage of confusion and the nationalism of the Filipinos (on their own country) was falling apart. There was a time when foreign products were imported in the country and the Filipinos would opt to buy those imported products [than the local ones]. Clearly, Recto was alarmed. Thus, the bill was passed.

              However, the bill was not instantly welcomed by authorities. Some religious groups disagreed to this because in Rizal’s works, there contain anti-Catholic contents and the religious leaders did not want it to be exposed to students. Despite this, Recto was firm in his stand. Later on, it was revised and approved now with the concerns of the church. That day was June 12, 1956 with the efforts of Jose P. Laurel.

              Definitely, this law played a great role in developing the nationalism of our fellow countrymen. Political freedom was one thing our heroes fought for and we should be reminded by their selfless efforts that costed their lives. Because of Rizal, we were reminded that we are today slowly colonized by different countries without us noticing. Indeed, our nationalism & love for our country is a responsibility we owe to our heroes. Thanks to Rizal Law, we never lost our spirit of nationalism.

B. What were the important events that took place in the life of Rizal at UST?

           As a Thomasian student, Rizal experienced a lot of important things that greatly affected his life. First, he took up Philosophy & Letters because he was unsure now what course to choose and Fr. Ramon has not yet replied [to] his letter. Then, when he received a reply from Fr. Ramon later on, he shifted to Medicine. Rizal was more inclined to the arts than the sciences - this reason then explains his not-all-sobresaliente grades.

          Also, Rizal competed in a competition called Liceo Artistico-Literato (?) de Manila where he won. It was the first time an Indio won the highest award and this clearly showed that Filipinos also have the same opportunity to excel. Rizal also wrote A La Juventud Filipina which was pertained to the Filipino Youth as the hope of the motherland.

          In addition, Rizal continued his journey in looking for true love. Some of his loved ones were Miss L, Leonor Valenzuela, Leonor Rivera, and Vicenta Ybardoloza. Sadly, in the end, his relationships with these ladies were not meant to be. Although Leonor Rivera was Rizal’s “one true love.”

          There are a lot of other things that occurred to Rizal while in UST. What I have written here does not sum up his wide Thomasian journey.

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and…. TIME’S UP.

LOL XD apologies for the incorrect grammar if there is any.