GECLIF: ENDTERM EXAM had never been reprinted in full until Rizal published

Annotation of Antonio de Morga’s Socesos de las Islas his annotations in 1889.

Filipinas; The Philippines: A Century Hence; and Sobre 2. Unlike other early Spanish Chronicles written by
la Indolencia de los Filipinos ecclesiastics, Morga was a civil administrator and
 OVERVIEW therefore provided a secular view of historical
 During the Spanish colonization, Philippine history events during the early Spanish colonial period.
was written in the Spanish language. 3. This second reason relates to Rizal’s belief that a
 Early Spanish historians took note of the native’s secular account was more credible than those
physical appearance and way of life. written by religious missionaries, which is the third
 Many of these early histories portrayed the reason for his choice.
colonized people in negative terms and often 4. It was more sympathetic towards the natives on
contained biases against them. contrast to the biased accounts written by the
 Rizal’s annotations of Antonio de Morga’s work friars.
attempted to write Philippine history from the point 5. Morga’s work was a fitting choice because he was
of view of a Filipino. an eyewitness to historical events that occurred in
 The annotations explored on the possibilities of the Philippines during the period of early Spanish
creating a Filipino identity anchored clearly on the colonization.
pre-Spanish past.
Who is ANTONIO DE MORGA? -With the publication of his annotations to
 Spanish administrator who served in the Philippines Sucesos, Rizal presented an outline of a linear
in the late 16th century conception of history the annotations of Sucesos tackled
 born in Seville in 1559, and began working for the the past.
government in 1580 Noli Me Tangere dealt with the 19th century or Rizal’s
 served as the Lieutenant Governor—the second present
most powerful position in the colony—of the El Filibusterismo and “The Philippines a Century Hence”
Philippines in 1593 and then as a judge of the covered the future, the annotations of Sucesos tackled
Audiencia in 1598 the past.
 1615- moved to Mexico and served as the president  More than an attempt to write the country’s
of the Audiencia. history, however, Rizal’s annotation of Morga’s
 was later investigated for corruption and was found Sucesos must also be seen within the context of the
guilty Propaganda Movement.
 before being sent to the gallows, however, he died  At a time when Filipino propagandists were
in 1636. clamoring for reforms in Spain, presenting a critical
MORGA’S SUCECOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS narrative of the country’s history might be
 published in 1609 in Mexico and consisted of eight considered as an endeavor to create a sense of
chapters national consciousness or identity that was
 FIRST SEVEN CHAPTERS -terms of the governor anchored on a glorious past.
generals who had served in the Philippines from  Whereas early Spanish chroniclers ridiculed the
the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565 to early Filipinos for being barbarians, Rizal’s copious
Pedro de Acuña notes of Sucesos revealed early Filipino culture as
in 1606. rich and flourishing.
 LAST CHAPTER- “An account of the Philippine  Thus, Rizal’s annotations may be considered an
Islands,”-provided ample descriptions of early effort to assert Filipino identity within an oppressive
Filipinos upon the arrival of the Spaniards in the colonial framework.
16th century Excerpt 1
 British Museum in late 1889- Rizal found a copy of Morga
the first edition of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Their regular daily food is rice… together with boiled
Islas Filipinas and began copying the text by hand. fish of which there is an abundance, and pork or
 Rizal annotated the work along the way with the venison, likewise meat of wild buffalo or carabao. They
intention of creating a critical work on the history of prefer meat and fish, saltfish which begin to decompose
the Philippines. and smell.
 Despite hopes of getting the work published with Rizal’s annotation
the help of Antonio Regidor, Rizal ended up with no This is another preoccupation of the Spaniards who, like
publisher when his annotations were done. any other nation, in the matter of food, loathe that to
 By September 1889, Rizal decided to publish the which they are not accustomed or is unknown to them.
annotations himself in Garnier Hermanos, a printing The English, for example, is horrified on seeing a
press based in Paris. Spaniard eating snails; to the Spaniard beefsteak is
 Rizal’s choice of annotating Morga’s work among repugnant and he can’t understand how raw beefsteak
other early chronicles written by Spaniards is not can be eaten; the Chinese who eat tahuri and shark
coincidental. cannot stand Roquefort cheese, etc. The fish that Morga
mentions does not taste better when it is beginning to
5 REASONS BEHIND RIZAL’S CHOICE (Ambet Ocampo) rot; all on the contrary: it is bagoong and all those who
1. The fact that Morga’s work in its original Spanish have eaten it and tasted it know that it is not or ought
edition was rare. In fact, the original Spanish text not to be rotten.
 of this, the Filipinos started losing confidence in
their past and their heritage, became doubtful of
Excerpt 2 their present lifestyle, and eventually lost hope in
Morga the future and the preservation of their race.
In the rivers and streams there are very large and small 4. Passivity and submissiveness to the Spanish
scorpions and a great number of very fierce and cruel colonizers – one of the most powerful forces that
crocodiles which frequently get the natives from their influenced a culture of silence among the natives
bancas on which they ride… However much the people was the Spanish friars. Because of the use of force,
may trap, catch and kill them, these reptiles hardly the Filipinos learned to submit themselves to the
seem to diminish in number. For this reason, the natives will of the foreigners.
build on the border of their rivers and streams in their  Eventually, the natives realized that such
settlements where they bathe, traps and fences with oppression in their society by foreign colonizers
thick enclosures and bars of bamboo and timber within must no longer be tolerated. Keeping the people
which they do their bathing and washing, secure from uneducated and ignorant had failed. National
these monsters which they fear and respect to the consciousness had still awakened, and great Filipino
degree of veneration, as if they were somehow superior minds still emerged from the rubble.
to them.  Keeping the people impoverished also came to no
Rizal’s annotation avail. On the contrary, living a life of eternal
Perhaps for the same reason, other nations destitution had allowed the Filipinos to act on the
have great esteem for the lion and bear, putting them desire for a change in their way of life. They began
on their shields and giving them honorable epithets. The to explore other horizons through which they could
mysterious life of the crocodile, the enormous size that move towards progress.
it sometimes reaches, its feticidal aspect, without Exterminating the people as an alternative to hindering
counting any more it’s voraciousness, must have progress did not work either.
influenced greatly the imagination of the Malayan  The Filipino race was able to survive amidst wars
Filipinos. and famine, and became even more numerous after
such catastrophes.
The Philippines: A Century Hence  To wipe out the nation altogether would require the
by Dr. Jose P. Rizal sacrifice of thousands of Spanish soldiers, and this is
something Spain would not allow.
 Filipinas dentro de cien años- an essay written by
Philippine national hero Jose Rizal to forecast the Key points in the essay or several issues that concern
future of the country within a hundred years. Rizal our country:
felt that it was time to remind Spain that the  Abuse of human rights.
circumstances that ushered in the French  Lack of freedom of speech
Revolution could have a telling effect on her in the  Lack of representation in the Spanish Cortes
Philippines.
 presents a radical prophecy of Rizal of how the Sobre la Indolencia de los Filipinos (Indolence of
Philippines would be through the century. Rizal Filipinos)-An Essay by Dr. Jose Rizal
presented a clear idea of how our Motherland will Overview
end up centuries later,  Rizal analyzes several historical factors that have led
 proposing that our country will end up in either of to the perceived "indolence" of Filipinos, including
three ways: frequent wars and revolts that disrupted
1. that the Philippines will remain a colony of Spain communities, the decline of trade under restrictive
but will be in good terms with its captors Spanish policies, abuse under the encomienda
2. that the Philippines will try to cut the ties of our system that caused people to abandon farms, lack
Motherland from its captors through violent means of opportunities and segregated education for
3. that we will be colonized by another country. Filipinos that taught them to be inferior, and the
absence of a united national sentiment among
 published in La Solidaridad in Madrid between ethnic groups.
September 30, 1889, and February 1, 1890, starts by  He argues that the indolence often attributed to
analyzing the various causes of the miseries Filipinos has deep socioeconomic and political
suffered by the Filipino people: causes rather than being a trait inherent to their
1. Spain’s implementation of its military policies, due nature.
to such laws, caused the Philippine population to
decrease dramatically. Poverty became more "Sobre la indolencia de los filipinos" (On the Indolence
rampant than ever, and farmlands were left to of the Filipinos)
wither. The family as a unit of society was  An essay in 1889 by José Rizal, published in La
neglected, and overall, every aspect of the life of Solidaridad
the Filipino was retarded.  Madrid, Spain (July 15, 1890 – September 15, 1890)
2. Deterioration and disappearance of Filipino  written to defend the Filipinos from the charge that
indigenous culture – when Spain came with the they were born indolent.
sword and the cross, it began the gradual  Indolence- laziness, idleness, little love for work,
destruction of the native Philippine culture. Because sloth
 argues that Filipinos are not inherently lazy, but • Gave their contribution to large number of fiestas,
their perceived indolence is a consequence of lengthy masses, novena, processions, rosaries
Spanish colonial rule • Filipinos were much less lazy before the word
 Rizal identifies factors like forced labor, lack of miracle was introduced into their language
economic opportunities, and limited education as 8. Curtailment of individual liberty
contributing to the issue.  Curtail(to cut off, to cut short, doubtful)
 He believes that addressing these underlying  Individual liberty is being cut off
problems is crucial to addressing the perceived  accused of being a filibustero (rebel) or a suspect
indolence.  Lack of confidence in the future
 Rizal's essay directly challenges the prevailing  Uncertainty of reaping the fruits of their labor
narrative of Filipino indolence, which was used to 9. Apathy of the Government
justify Spanish colonial rule. • No encouragement, aid pertaining to commerce or
 He acknowledges that indolence exists among agriculture
Filipinos, but argues that it is not a natural trait. • The products coming from the Philippines were
 Instead, he attributes it to a complex interplay of burdened with imposts and duties and have no free
factors related to Spanish colonialism. entry in the ports of the mother country and the
REASONS: consumption of the products are not encouraged
1. Wars • Due to the fraudulent (dishonest, deceitful)
 The inhabitants of the Philippines were dragged to manipulations of the Chinese, the Filipino industries
maintain the honor of Spain (thousands and were dying.
thousands of Filipinos were sent, but nothing was 10. Ownership of the big estates by the friars
said if they ever returned to their homes.) • The best estates, the best tracts of land in some
• A great diminution(reduction)of the natives because provinces were in the hands of the religious
the governors got them as crews for the vessels corporations
they sent out. • The friars have deceived many by making them
2. Piratical Attacks believe that those estates were prospering
• The devastation of the terrible pirates because those were under their supervision
• Reduced more and more the number of inhabitants 11. Lack of moral support
of the Philippines • Absence of moral support
• burned down the towns, captured and enslaved • Absence of help from the government
men • Chemist (competitive examination)
• disarmed and subjected to tributes so that they • A young man won a prize in a literary contest
were left without the means to defend themselves • Education of the Filipino
3. Attitude of the Friars 12. Deprivation of human dignity
• At that time, the friars advised their poor • the students have to contend with the daily
parishioners: preaching that lowers human dignity, gradually or
• to stop work in the mines, brutally killing their self-respect
• to abandon their industries, • Priests who boldly declared that it is evil for the
• to destroy their looms and point out to them that Filipinos to know Castilian, that the Filipinos should
heaven is their sole hope not be separated from his carabao, and that he
• The friars told them that it is easier for a poor man should not have any further ambition.
to enter heaven than for a rich man. 13. Feeling of inferiority
[Link] encouragement to Labor • Constant plucking (pulling, removing) of the soul
• Trade contact or relations between the Borneans, • Deadens the energy
Siamese, Cambodians and Japanese nations were • Paralyzes alltendenciesy towards advancement
being cut off 14. Vicious dressing of the intelligence and will
• The coast wide trade which was flourishing before • “You can’t do more than old So and So!- Don’t
disappeared aspire to be greater than the curate! You belong to
5. Miserly return for one’s Labor an inferior race! You haven’t any energy.”
• (selfish, greedy, mean) • They say this to the child; and as it is repeated so
• Encomenderos reduced many to slavery often, it has inevitably engraved in his mind and
• compelled Filipinos to work for their benefit thence it seals and shapes all his actions.
• Made them sell their products at an insignificant • Ridicules with cruel sarcasm
price or for nothing or cheated them with false 15. Lack of an ideal for a good worker
measures • the Filipinos’ spirits were transformed according to
• Treated them like slaves the taste of the nation that imposed upon them its
6. Gambling God and its laws
• The sugal (from the Spanish word jugar, to gamble) INSTEAD:
indicates that gambling was unknown in the • Ideal and prototype tanned and muscular laborer
Philippines before the Spaniards (who should have brought along with him the useful
• Balasa – from the Spanish word barajar, the iron implements and the hoes to till the fields)
introduction of playing cards BUT IT WAS AN:
7. Fiestas • Aristocratic lord who brought along with him
stamped papers, crucifixes, bulls and prayer books
16. Lack of national sentiment
• (expression of emotional ideas, feelings, etc.) CHARACTERS OF NOLI ME TANGERE
• Scarcity of any opposition to the measures that are 1. Crisostomo Ibarra- a Filipino; 7 years studied in
prejudicial to the people and the absence of any Europe; son of Don Rafael Ibarra; Maria Clara’s
initiative that will redound to their welfare sweetheart and love interest
• Deprived of the right of association, therefore, they 2. Elias-Ibarra’s mysterious friend; master boater;
were weak and inert (inactive, unmotivated, helps Ibarra to escape; a fugitive
passive) 3. Maria Clara- Ibarra’s sweetheart; daughter of
• AS A RESULT the imitative people became clerks, Capitan Tiago; illegitimate daughter of Padre
devout, prayer-loving, acquired ideas of luxurious Damaso and Pia Alba
and ostentatious living without improving 4. Father Damaso- Damaso Verdogalas; Franciscan
correspondingly their means of subsistence. friar; Maria Clara’s biological father
5. Don Filipo- Close relative of Ibarra; a filibuster
JOSE RIZAL’S NOLI ME TANGERE 6. Linares-Nephew of Don Tiburcio de Espadana;
The Publication of Noli Me Tangere would-be fiancée of Maria Clara
 Noli Me Tangere is a novel by Jose Rizal published in 7. Captain General- most powerful official in the
1887. Philippines; hater of secular priests and corrupt
 a societal novel dedicated to his Inang Bayan, the officials; a friend of Ibarra
Philippines 8. Capitan Pablo- rebel leader; family destroyed by the
 a Latin phrase that literally translates to “Do not Spaniards
touch me” or “Touch me not” from the words of 9. Tarcilo and Bruno- brothers; father killed by the
Jesus to Mary Magdalene (John 20:17) Spaniards
 Written to raise consciousness in relation to the 10. Sisa- mother of Basilio and Crispin; became insane
state of affairs in the Philippines after losing her sons
*injustices and corruption of the Spanish colonial rule in 11. Basilio-elder son of Sisa
the Philippines; 12. Crispin-younger son of Sisa; died after punished by
*Discriminatory practices against native Filipinos; the soldiers; falsely accused of stealing an amount
*social problems and sufferings of the Filipino people of money
 The title symbolizes the country’s desire for 13. Padre Sibyla-Hernando de la Sibyla; Filipino friar
liberation "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) by described as short and fair skinned
Jose Rizal is divided into 64 chapters. 14. Capitan Tiago-Don Santiago de los Santos; Maria
 Each chapter explores different aspects of the Clara’s adoptive father
novel's plot, characters, and themes, offering a 15. Padre Salvi-Bernardo Salvi; in love with Maria Clara
nuanced portrayal of 19th-century Philippine 16. Pilosopo Tasyo-Don Anastacio; older man whom
society and its struggles. Ibarra seeks advice; people thinks he is mad, but
 The chapters cover a wide range of events, from just quite wise
social gatherings and personal relationships to 17. The Alferez- chief of the guardia sibil; mortal enemy
political unrest and moral dilemmas. of the priestfor the power in San Diego
CHAPTERS: 18. Don Tiburcio- Spanish hsband of Dona Victorina;
Chapters 1-5-Introduce the main characters, including limp and submissive; pretends to be a doctor
Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, and the influential 19. Dona Victorina- Victorina de los Reyes de De
Captain Tiyago and Padre Damaso, and set the stage for Espadana; passes herself off as Peninsular
the story. 20. Dona Consolacion- wife of the Alferes; passes
Chapters 6-10-Focus on the events leading up to herself as Peninslar; abusive of Sisa
Ibarra's return and his initial interactions with his 21. Pedro-abusive husband of Sisa; loves cockfighting
hometown and the people he loves.
Chapters 11-20-Explore the growing tensions and EL FILIBUSTERISMO
conflicts, including the trial and imprisonment of The Publication of El Filibusterismo
Ibarra's father. Noli Me Tangere- first published in Berlin, Germany in
Chapters 21-30-Delve into the social injustices and 1887
corrupt practices within the colonial system, particularly El Filibusterismo -(the sequel) came out in Ghent,
the role of the church and the Spanish authorities. Belgium in 1891.
Chapters 31-40-Showcase Ibarra's attempts to reform Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) is a love story, while
the town and his struggles against the opposition, its sequel,
including his eventual departure. El Filibusterismo (The Filibuster or simply The Reign of
Chapters 41-50-Focus on the events surrounding Greed), represents the reign of greed and corruption in
Ibarra's return and his confrontation with the Spanish the Philippines under Spanish rule.
authorities, culminating in his death. o El Filibusterismo exposes the real situation of
Chapters 51-60-Explore the aftermath of Ibarra's death Filipino society under oppressive Spanish rule. It
and the continuing struggles of the Filipino people addresses the same socio-political issues as Noli Me
under Spanish rule. Tangere, such as abuse by Spanish clergy and
Chapters 61-64-The concluding chapters, where Maria exploitation by corrupt officials.
Clara's fate is revealed and the novel's themes are o El Filibusterismo was written in dedication to the
brought to a close. three martyred priests Mariano Gomez, Jose
 Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, whose deaths left an success, which he then translated into political
indelible mark in his mind. capital. Custodio sits on numerous committees,
o For Rizal and his generation, the 1872 Cavite despite his near-total lack of policy expertise, and
Mutiny, in which three native priests were accused the captain-general relies upon his counsel to make
of treason and publicly executed, provided both difficult decisions. Custodio’s loyalty to the colonial
inspiration and a cautionary tale. power structure and paternalistic racism towards
o The book explores the injustices of Spanish colonial the indios severely limits his liberal inclinations,
rule and the oppression faced by Filipinos on a daily however.
basis. It was written over several years from 1887 to 5. Ben Zayb is a prolific Manila hack journalist. His pen
1891 and published in 1891 with the goals of name, an anagram of his real last name Ibáñez,
defending Filipinos, exposing corruption, and indicates his flair for the dramatic and a writerly
discussing the impacts of religion on people's lives. style that often runs afoul of the colonial censors.
o Like Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo aims at Despite this, Ben Zayb is careful never to explicitly
enlightening the society, at bringing the Filipinos criticize the authorities, instead writing lengthy
closer to the truth. tributes to the moral characters of leaders like the
o Both Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El captain-general.
Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed ) explore themes 6. Father Irene is a Spanish priest and prominent
of oppression, resistance, and social injustice within leader in the colonial power structure. A close
the context of Spanish colonial rule in the confidante of Captain Tiago’s, Irene enables his
Philippines. opium addiction, frustrating Basilio. Politically risk-
o Noli Me Tangere primarily focuses on the abuse of averse, Irene refuses to take a side on the issue of
power by the Spanish colonial government and the the Spanish-language academy. Like Father
Catholic Church, while El Filibusterismo delves into Camorra, Irene also displays an unseemly amount of
the dangers of greed and corruption, highlighting sexual interest for a priest, embarrassing himself at
the desperate tactics of those seeking change. Both the operetta by fawning over the dancers. In a small
novels ultimately aim to spark reform and act of kindness, however, Irene reinserts Basilio into
revolution by exposing the suffering of the Filipino Captain Tiago’s will after the latter’s death.
people. 7. Doña Victorina is a wealthy mestiza socialite, the
wife of Don Tiburcio and aunt of Paulita Gómez.
THE CHARACTERS OF EL FILIBUSTERISMO Victorina is obsessed with Europeanizing herself and
1. Simoun is a mysterious jeweler. Though no one denying her indio heritage, and she treats Filipino
knows his exact origins, Simoun is fabulously culture and society with scorn. Victorina’s marriage
wealthy and is the closest advisor to the captain- to the Spanish Tiburcio is unhappy and volatile, and
general, who he has known since they both lived in their eventual coming to blows prompted Tiburcio
Cuba. Simoun is widely despised for his cruelty and to flee Manila and hide out in the countryside.
greed, but the colonial and Filipino elite Though this initially enrages her, Victorina soon sees
nevertheless clamor to buy his jewels, hoping to the benefits of life without him and attempts to
curry favor with him. maneuver her way into marrying Juanito Peláez,
2. Isagani is a Filipino student, poet, and leader of the though this falls through when Pelàez becomes
movement for the Spanish-language academy. The engaged to Paulita.
nephew of Father Florentino, Isagani is deeply 8. Paulita Gómez is a beautiful young socialite and the
proud of his country and people and optimistic niece of Doña Victorina. Though she is engaged to
about their future. Isagani advocates for the Isagani, Paulita rejects his romantic vision of Filipino
students to be transparent and proud of their nationalism, instead opting for the European
demands, even when more surreptitious methods outlook shared by the rest of the Manila elite.
would perhaps bring them faster results. Isagani is Paulita is quick to drop Isagani after his arrest,
engaged to Paulita Gómez, whom he attempts to instead marrying Juanito Peláez, largely for his
entice to join him in the countryside despite her fortune.
Europeanized tastes and preferences. 9. Father Camorra is a young priest in charge of the
3. Basilio is a Filipino medical student. A native of San area around San Diego. Camorra is distinguished by
Diego, Basilio’s mother died when he was a young his tactlessness and lechery, as he frequently
boy as part of the events surrounding Ibarra’s engages in sexual escapades despite his position.
downfall. The orphaned Basilio then traveled to Camorra is especially interested in Julí and makes
Manila and, with Captain Tiago’s support, educated frequent passes at her. When she approaches him
himself and joined the university. Basilio repays on Basilio’s behalf, Camorra assaults her, leading to
Tiago with the thankless task of treating his opium her death attempting to escape or by suicide.
addiction. Though Basilio is well aware of and Camorra is then demoted and transferred, both as
saddened by colonial repression, he sees becoming punishment and as a cover-up.
a doctor as the best way he can help his people. He 10. Father Salví is an elderly Spanish priest and
hopes to marry Julí and settle in the countryside prominent leader in the colonial power structure.
where he can treat the neediest. An important figure in Ibarra’s demise, Salví’s
4. Don Custodio is an influential Manila politician of suppressed guilt is painfully brought to the surface
Spanish descent. Traveling to the Philippines as a by Mister Leeds’s talking head, whose allegedly
young man, Custodio quickly found business ancient-Egyptian story of priestly conspiracy and
 betrayal sends Salví into a panic. Salví is also deeply Simoun then recruits Tales and his bandits into his
shaken by the message from Ibarra circulated at the plot for revolution, though the promised attack on
wedding, which he recognizes as being written in Manila never happens.
Ibarra’s own handwriting. 17. Julí is the daughter of Cabesang Tales and the
11. Father Sibyla is a Spanish priest and prominent fiancée of Basilio. Unable to raise enough money to
leader in the colonial power structure. The most pay her father’s ransom otherwise, Julí sells herself
conservative even of the priests, Sibyla strongly into servitude for Sister Penchang. When she hears
opposes the students’ plan for an independent of Basilio’s arrest, Julí tries to help him by
Spanish-language academy, and he successfully petitioning Father Camorra, despite the priest’s
delegates the question to Don Custodio’s relentless sexual harassment of her. During her visit,
committee to prevent the chief of staff and Father Camorra assaults her, and Julí dies by falling out of
Fernández’s support for the plan from swaying the his window, either attempting to escape or dying by
captain-general. suicide.
12. Captain Tiago is wealthy landowner with a severe 18. Tandang Selo is Cabesang Tales’s father and Tanó
opium addiction. Tiago, who purchased the land and Julí’s grandfather. After Julí sells herself into
formerly belonging to Ibarra, took Basilio under his servitude, Tandang Selo loses his ability to speak.
wing, offering him work as a servant and supporting Later, when Julí is killed visiting Father Camorra,
him through school. Basilio attempts to treat Tiago’s Tandang Selo leaves San Diego to join his son and
addiction, which keeps him bedridden. The news of the other bandits in the forest before being killed by
Basilio’s arrest finally kills Tiago, though not before his own grandson in a firefight with the army.
he removes Basilio from his will in anger. Don 19. Father Fernández is a Spanish priest distinguished
Timoteo later purchases his Manila mansion. by his sympathy for his Filipino students and
13. The captain-general is the Spanish colonial engaged, active teaching style. Fernández
commander of the Philippines. Previously stationed unsuccessfully advocates on behalf of the Spanish-
in Cuba, the captain-general grew close with language academy. Before Isagani’s arrest,
Simoun, who is now his most trusted advisor. The however, Fernández’s confrontation with the
captain-general is a capricious and arbitrary leader student forces him to confront his own
who does not bother to hide his disinterest in most entanglement with oppression when the students’
of the matters of state under his authority. Though arguments prompt him to defend the very system
he departs the Philippines in disgrace, having failed he criticizes.
to uncover Simoun’s massive conspiracy, he wields 20. Don Tiburcio is a Spanish gentleman and the
state censorship effectively to protect his reputation husband of Doña Victorina. After hitting her during
in the colony even as he is sent back to Spain. an argument, Tiburcio flees their unhappy marriage,
14. The chief of staff is a Spanish colonial officer and the hiding in the country as a guest of Father
captain-general’s deputy in the Philippines. A Florentino’s until he misreads a telegram about the
dedicated civil servant, the chief of staff advocates hunt for the exposed Simoun as being about him,
on behalf of reformist proposals as common sense, leading him to depart in a rush to escape his wife’s
seeing an overhaul of colonial rule in the Philippines pursuit.
as essential for Spain to maintain its influence. He is 21. Juanito Peláez is a mestizo student and the son of
constantly frustrated in this by the captain-general’s Don Timoteo. A ruthless opportunist, Juanito joins
capriciousness and corruption, however, and the student movement only to quit as soon as the
eventually resigns in protest when the captain- state crackdown begins. He successfully avoids
general arbitrarily decides to keep Basilio in prison punishment by leaving school to work for his father.
despite his obvious innocence. Juanito’s attempts to woo Doña Victorina for her
15. Father Florentino is an indio priest and Isagani’s fortune don’t succeed, but he is able to marry
uncle. Florentino resides in the provinces, and he is Paulita Gómez after Isagani’s arrest. Unbeknownst
a kindhearted man and firm believer in nonviolence to him, however, their wedding becomes the next
and self-improvement. Florentino harbors both Don target of Simoun’s plot.
Tiburcio and, later, Simoun. Florentino comforts 22. Father Millón is a Dominican friar and Plácido
Simoun and urges him to keep believing in a free Penitente’s physics instructor. A cruel and vindictive
and just future for the Philippines, even as he teacher, Millón enjoys embarrassing his students
condemns the methods Simoun used to try to bring with difficult questions he has not taught them how
that future about. After Simoun’s death, Florentino to answer. Millón’s sense of intellectual superiority
throws his jewels into the ocean, having decided is highly ironic, as he does not even entirely believe
that they only bring about greed and evil. in what he is teaching, as he still harbors doubts
16. Cabesang Tales is a farmer and the father of Julí and about heliocentrism and other basic theories of
Tanó. Tales’s land is expropriated by the church, modern physics.
which demands rent since Tales cannot produce a 23. Makaraig is a wealthy Filipino student and one of
title deed. His legal battle to reclaim his land the leaders of the movement for a Spanish-
becomes an obsession that drains his family’s language academy. Makaraig’s house is used as a
fortunes, a situation made worse by Tales’s meeting place, and he generously supports the
kidnapping and ransoming by bandits. Once he is other students with loans when needed. After the
freed, Tales steals Simoun’s gun to get revenge students’ petitions are denied and their moment is
before returning to the forest to join the bandits. suppressed, however, Makaraig chooses to leave
 for Europe rather than reenroll in university in 4. National Flower- Sampaguita or known as the
Manila. Arabian Jasmine is a white, star-shaped blossom
24. Quiroga is a successful Chinese merchant with which has a sweet fragrance. It is also best known
significant influence in Manilan business and for its medicinal properties. Sampaguita is used as
society. Despite his power and wealth, Quiroga corsages or garlands.
remains marginalized due to his Chinese 5. National Bird- The Philippine Eagle that can be
background, and he strives to establish a Chinese found in rainforests in the Davao region is
consulate in the city. Quiroga’s riches don’t prevent considered to be the largest, strongest and most
his own falling into debt in his attempts to please powerful eagle in the world.
Pepay. Simoun ruthlessly exploits this relationship 6. National Gem- It is known as the South Sea Pearl
to force Quiroga to stockpile weapons for him— and is considered as the oldest valued gem in the
which, unbeknownst to Quiroga, are to be used in Philippines. The Philippines is symbolically known as
the planned revolution the "Pearl of the Orient Seas".
25. Don Timoteo Peláez, a prominent Manilan 7. National Sport- It is considered as one of the oldest
businessman, is the father of Juanito Peláez. forms of martial arts in the Philippines, Arnis or
Timoteo is a ruthless operator who uses his Arnis de Mano. Arnis has multiple names across the
influence to mandate the demolition of houses so Philippines such as Eskrima, Kali, and Garrote. It's a
that he can sell their now-homeless former tenants Filipino martial art that usually involves one or two
building materials. He is also remarkably culturally sticks used to strike, thrust, and parry for defense
ignorant, however. For example, he decorates the and offense. (Philippine Congress, H.B No. 3926,
mansion he buys from Captain Tiago’s estate in a 2014).
completely tasteless manner.
26. Mister Leeds is the mysterious American owner of The House of Congress had pushed for other national
an exhibit at the Kiapo Fair, which he claims is a symbols to be recognized. Other symbols are noted as
talking head retrieved from Egypt. After the head unofficial or "colorums', or symbols that have no legal
and its tale of revenge—strikingly similar to Ibarra’s basis. These are the following symbols that are
story—sends Father Salví into a panic, Mister Leeds unofficial yet traditionally accepted by many as symbols
disappears for Hong Kong before the government of our identity as Filipinos:
can ban his show. Whether Mister Leeds’s head is a
coincidence or part of Simoun’s plot, however, is 1. National Leaf- The Anahaw leaf is a large type of
left unclear. leaf with a round fan-shaped that is glossy and in
27. Sister Penchang is a deeply religious widow living in green color. It is considered a strong leaf
San Diego who agrees to loan Julí the ransom weathering high heat from the sun as well as brutal
money for Cabesang Tales on the condition that Julí rain and wind. It is commonly used as fan, roof for
works for her as a live-in servant until her debt is the nipa huts, and wrappings for food.
paid off. For Penchang this is also an opportunity to 2. National Fruit- An aromatic, delicious, and nutritious
propagandize Julí, who she sees as lacking in fruit, the Mango is considered to be the national
religious education and in need of instruction. fruit of the Philippines. It has a lot of varieties like
 María Clara was the former fiancée of Ibarra. She the mango kalabaw, mango piko, mango Indian,
was forcibly sent to a convent after his demise. Her mangi paho, and mango supsupin.
father, Captain Tiago, gave her locket to Basilio, 3. National House- The known bahay-kubo or nipa hut
who then then gifted it to Julí as an engagement shall be recognized as the national house. It is best
present. María Clara dies the very day Simoun’s known for Filipinos as a cozy house or a shelter that
revolution—and her rescue—is set to begin. is made from bamboo and palm leaves or even with
anahaw leaves as roof.
(BOOK)-gin send ni miss- 4. National Animal- The Carabao or Water Buffalo or
best known as kalabaw is a gentle but hard-working
The following are the recognized official national type of a mammal. These animals are largely used
symbols in the country according to the National by farmers to pull plows in the rice fields or
Commission for the Culture and the Arts: transportation carts for others. It represents the
strength and laboriousness of the Filipino people.
1. National Flag- The flag of the Philippines shall be 5. National Fish- The Milk fish or bangus is widely
blue, white, and red with an eight-rayed golden popular in the Philippines and in Asia. It is a type of
yellow sun and three five-pointed stars. fish that is flexible and capable of adapting to where
2. National Anthem- Lupang Hinirang is the official title they are raised. It is a popular table fare among
of the national anthem. This anthem will always be Filipinos and is prepared and cooked in various
sung in the national language within or without the ways.
country. 6. National Food- The Filipinos' fondness of Adobo had
3. National Tree- The Narra tree is identified as the earned the title as the unofficial national food of the
national tree of the Philippines. This tree represents Philippines. Although the name was taken from the
resilience. The wood of the tree is the favorite Spanish, the cooking method is as old in the
timber for manufacture of fine furniture, cabinet archipelago.
and other instruments. Thus, its parts also can be 7. National Dance- According to House Bill No. 3926,
used for medicinal and aesthetic purposes. carinosa is a Philippine folk dance with Hispanic
 origins. The term is adopted from the Spanish
language which means affectionate, a characteristic
of most Filipina women. It is a courtship dance that
portrays acts of flirtation between a man and a
woman.
House Bill No. 3926 also promotes other symbols like
the City of Manila (as the National Capital), the
Malacanan Palace (as the National Seat of the
Government), Filipino (as the National Language of the
Philippines), Bayan Ko (as the National Song), "Maka-
Diyos, Maka-tao, Maka-kalikasan, at Maka-bansa (For
God, People, Nature and Country" (as the National
Motto), the National Coat-of-Arms and the National