Rizal Quiz: Why He Was Chosen as National Hero

Study Notes

American Sponsorship of Rizal

Two primary forms of sponsorship by Americans: promoting Rizal as a national hero while minimizing or vilifying other Filipino heroes.
Rizal became a martyr against oppression, bigotry, and obscurantism, capturing the people's imagination through his sacrifice.

Rizal's Designation as National Hero

American officials, including William Howard Taft, advocated for Rizal's formal designation as a national hero.
Members of the Philippine Commission, such as Pardo de Tavera and Legarda, viewed Rizal as an "illustrado," justifying their support for his national hero status.
Other historical figures, such as Aguinaldo and Bonifacio, were seen as too radical or militant for the American agenda.

Legislative Acts Supporting Rizal

Act No. 137 established the province of Rizal, named in honor of the prominent Tagalog hero.
Act No. 243 facilitated the fundraising for a Rizal monument at Luneta.
Act No. 345 declared the anniversary of Rizal's death a day of observance.

American Involvement in Filipino Education

The government emphasized Rizal's significance by featuring his image on postage stamps and currency, nurturing reverence among young Filipinos.
The Rizal Law, Republic Act 1425, enacted on June 12, 1956, mandated inclusion of Rizal's life and works in educational curricula for all public and private institutions.

American Favorability Towards Rizal

Rizal's lack of advocacy for independence or armed resistance aligned with American colonial interests, bolstering their support for him as a hero.
Rizal passed away prior to American colonial rule, minimizing potential opposition to American policies.

Physical and Personal Characteristics of Rizal

Height recorded at 5’3” with a small frame and disproportionately large head.
Measurements included a waist of 25-26 inches and a cuff size of 7¾ inches; he often wore padded coats to mask physical defects.
Displayed confidence in intellectual pursuits but struggled with a massive inferiority complex due to his height (5'2") and social dynamics, often using pranks defensively.

Rizal's Monument Design Contest of 1907

The design competition for Rizal’s monument attracted forty entries, showcasing diverse artistic interpretations.
The winning design, "Al Martir de Bagumbayan" by Carlos Nicoli from Carrara, Italy, was a neoclassical work worth PhP5,000.
Richard Kissling's design, "Motto Stella," presented a more understated monument concept, contrasting with Nicoli's ornate style, emphasizing allegorical figures around an obelisk with Rizal facing the sea.

Description

Quiz about the life and significance of José Rizal, considered the national hero of the Philippines. Learn about his qualities, death, and the American influence on his legacy. Discover how he was promoted as a national hero and how his image was shaped.