Life and Works of Rizal (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key people, works, places, and concepts from Rizal’s life and his major writings as described in the video notes.

Rizal

National hero of the Philippines; a polymath who mastered 22 languages and wrote Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo; born June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.

Noli Me Tangere

Rizal's 1887 satirical novel exposing the arrogance and despotism of the Spanish clergy; features Ibarra and Maria Clara; published in Berlin.

El Filibusterismo

Rizal's second novel and sequel to Noli Me Tangere; more revolutionary and tragic; printed in Ghent.

Ultimo Adios

Rizal’s untitled poem written in his Fort Santiago prison cell; regarded as a masterpiece expressing love of country.

Fort Santiago

Prison in Manila where Rizal was imprisoned (July 6–15, 1892) and where he wrote Ultimo Adios.

Bagumbayan

Site of Rizal’s execution on December 30, 1896.

Ibarra (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra)

Protagonist of Noli Me Tangere; returns to the Philippines; aims to educate and reform society.

Maria Clara

Daughter of Captain Tiago; Ibarra’s love interest and a central character in Noli Me Tangere.

Captain Tiago

Wealthy guardian of Maria Clara; hosts social events; friend to Ibarra’s circle.

Father Dámaso

Antagonistic former curate in Noli Me Tangere; slanders Don Rafael Ibarra and excommunications Ibarra.

Don Rafael Ibarra

Ibarra’s father; accused of heresy and rebellion; dies in prison; his burial is manipulated by Dámaso.

Dapitan

Rizal’s political exile in Mindanao; engaged in agriculture, education, hospital work, and research.

Simoun

Alias of Ibarra in El Filibusterismo; a wealthy jeweler who plans revolution against the Spanish regime.

Basilio

Medical student and later physician; central figure in El Filibusterismo; witness to major events.

Kabesang Tales

Former cabeza de barangay whose family suffers under friars; linked to Kabesang Tales’ daughter Juli and to revolutionary plots.

Elias

Mysterious ally who mentors Basilio and aids the rebel cause; dies after being wounded.

Ghent

Belgian city where El Filibusterismo was printed.

Sun Yat-sen

Often called the Father of the Chinese Revolution; pivotal in overthrow of the Manchu dynasty; acknowledged in Rizal-era discussions.

Mahatma Gandhi

Leader of Indian independence movement; promoted non-violence and truth; influenced by experiences in South Africa.

Mother Teresa

Beatified in 2003 by Pope John Paul II; renowned for charity to the poor; died in 1997.

Ateneo Municipal de Manila

Jesuit institution where Rizal earned his BA (16 years old) and studied surveying; notable early education site.

University of Santo Tomas

Philippine university where Rizal studied philosophy and letters and began medical studies; left due to discrimination against Filipino students.

Universidad Central de Madrid

University in Madrid where Rizal earned Licentiate in Medicine (1884) and completed Philosophy and Letters with excellent grades.