I.

Introduction 
 Brief background on Jose Rizal and his role in Philippine history 
 Who was Jose Rizal and what was his significance in Philippine history? 
 What were some of the major events or movements that Rizal was involved in? 
 How did Rizal's life and works contribute to the development of Philippine?

 Initial activity  
Activity: Heroism in Pop Culture 
Divide the audience into small groups of 3-5 people. 
 Ask each group to brainstorm a list of fictional heroes from popular culture, such as
movies, TV shows, video games, or comics. They can write down the names on a piece of
paper or a digital document. 
 After 5-10 minutes, ask each group to share their list with the whole audience. You can
write down the names on a whiteboard or a presentation slide for everyone to see. 
 Discuss the following questions as a group: 
 What qualities or traits do these heroes possess that make them admirable or
inspiring? 
 How do these heroes reflect the values and beliefs? 
 Are these heroes perfect or flawed? What are some of their strengths and weaknesses? 
 How do these heroes compare with real-life heroes or historical figures? 

 Transition to the main topic of the presentation by introducing the book "The Hero of
the Filipinos. The story of Jose Rizal Poet, Patriot and Martyr" by Russell & Rodriguez (2018)
and asking the audience if they have heard of Jose Rizal before. This activity can help
establish a common understanding of heroism and set the stage for a deeper exploration of
the humanity of heroes, using the example of Jose Rizal. 

Explanation of the concept of heroism and what it means to be a hero 

 I. Explanation of the Concept of Heroism 
 Heroism refers to the qualities or actions that are deemed exceptional or praiseworthy
in the face of adversity, danger, or injustice. 
 Heroism can manifest in various forms, such as physical bravery, moral integrity, self-
sacrifice, or creativity. 
 Heroism is often associated with cultural or historical narratives, such as epic tales,
mythologies, or national legends, that celebrate heroic figures or deeds. 
 Heroism can also be a subjective or contested concept, as different individuals or groups
may have divergent views on what constitutes heroism, depending on their values, beliefs,
or interests. 
Our learning objective on this topic is we should be able to describe the characteristics of Jose Rizal.  
* Him as a man and as our National Hero. 
II. The Humanity of Jose Rizal 
 Discuss Rizal's upbringing and family background, highlighting how his experiences shaped his
worldview and personality. 
  Describe Rizal's education and intellectual pursuits, focusing on how his exposure to various
disciplines and cultures informed his values and beliefs. 
Rizal's Education and Intellectual Pursuits 
 Rizal received a multifaceted education from both formal and informal sources, starting with his
early childhood in Calamba, Laguna, where he learned from his mother, Teodora Alonso, who was a
well-educated woman and a role model for him. 
 Rizal pursued higher education in various institutions, both in the Philippines and abroad, where he
studied a wide range of subjects, such as languages, literature, history, philosophy, science, medicine,
and law. 
 Rizal's exposure to different disciplines and cultures broadened his horizons and enriched his
intellectual and artistic sensibilities. For instance, he learned to speak and write in several languages,
including Spanish, English, French, German, and Japanese, which enabled him to communicate and
engage with a global community of scholars and activists. 
 Rizal's travels and experiences in different countries, such as Spain, France, Germany, Italy,
England, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan, exposed him to diverse political, social, and religious
systems and ideas, which challenged and shaped his worldview and values. 
 Rizal's engagement with the cultural and artistic movements of his time, such as the European
Romanticism and Realism, the Philippine Propaganda Movement, and the Philippine Revolution,
inspired him to use his talents and knowledge for the betterment of his country and his people. 
How Rizal's Exposure to Various Disciplines and Cultures Informed His Values and Beliefs 
 Rizal's exposure to the European Enlightenment and liberal ideas influenced his advocacy for
social and political reforms in the Philippines, which he saw as necessary for the country's progress
and development. 
 Rizal's exposure to the Spanish colonial system and the discrimination and oppression
experienced by Filipinos under it fueled his nationalism and desire for Philippine independence. 
 Rizal's exposure to the indigenous cultures and traditions of the Philippines inspired his
appreciation for their richness and beauty, and his respect for the dignity and diversity of his fellow
Filipinos. 
 Rizal's exposure to the humanistic and universal values of art, literature, and science reinforced his
commitment to the pursuit of truth, beauty, and excellence, and his belief in the transformative power of
education and culture. 
 
 
 Examine Rizal's personal relationships, including his romantic entanglements and friendships, and
how they revealed his character and principles. 
Rizal's Personal Relationships and Their Significance 
 Rizal's romantic relationships, particularly with Leonor Rivera and Josephine Bracken, showcased
his capacity for love, loyalty, and sacrifice, as well as his struggle to reconcile his personal desires with
his patriotic duties.  
 Leonor Rivera was Rizal's childhood sweetheart and inspiration for his character of Maria Clara in
Noli Me Tangere,  
 Leonor Rivera: 
 Leonor Rivera was the childhood sweetheart of Jose Rizal. They met in their hometown
of Calamba, Laguna when they were still young, and they fell in love during their teenage
years. Leonor was described as a beautiful and intelligent woman, who shared Rizal's love
for literature and music. 
  However, their relationship faced several obstacles, including the disapproval of
Leonor's mother and the opposition of Rizal's mother, who preferred for him to marry a
woman of higher social status. Despite these challenges, Rizal remained faithful and
devoted to Leonor, and he dedicated his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to
her. 
 Unfortunately, their love story did not have a happy ending. Leonor's health
deteriorated due to tuberculosis, and she died at the age of 23, before Rizal could come
back to the Philippines to marry her. Rizal was devastated by her death, and he wrote
several poems and letters expressing his grief and love for Leonor. 
  
 while Josephine Bracken was a Irish woman who became Rizal's partner in his last days in
Dapitan. 
 Josephine Bracken was an Irish woman who met Rizal in Hong Kong, where he was
seeking support for his revolutionary plans. Josephine was the daughter of an Irish soldier
and a Filipino mother, and she was orphaned at a young age. She worked as a seamstress
and a piano teacher, and she was struggling with her own personal problems when she met
Rizal. 
 Rizal and Josephine fell in love and decided to get married, despite the objections of
Rizal's family and some of his friends. They faced several challenges, including Josephine's
lack of formal education and her ambiguous racial identity, which made her a target of
discrimination and prejudice. Nevertheless, Rizal remained committed to Josephine and
tried to protect her from harm. 
 Unfortunately, their marriage was cut short by Rizal's execution, which left Josephine
devastated and alone in a foreign land. She faced further hardships and criticisms from
some Filipinos who doubted her sincerity and loyalty to Rizal. Josephine eventually returned
to Hong Kong and later remarried, but she remained connected to Rizal's legacy and wrote
a memoir about their relationship. 
  
  Both women faced opposition and hardships due to their relationship with Rizal, but they also
found strength and inspiration in his ideals and character. 
 Rizal's friendships with various individuals, such as his fellow students, mentors, collaborators, and
supporters, revealed his generosity, empathy, and leadership. For instance, Rizal formed close bonds
with his friends and allies in the Propaganda Movement, such as Graciano Lopez Jaena, Marcelo H.
del Pilar, and Antonio Luna, who shared his vision for Philippine nationalism and social reform. Rizal
also befriended several foreigners, such as Ferdinand Blumentritt, a German scholar who became
Rizal's mentor and confidante, and Juan Luna, a Filipino painter who shared Rizal's passion for art and
culture. 
 Rizal's personal relationships demonstrated his human side, his vulnerability, and his humanity,
which made him more relatable and admirable to his fellow Filipinos. Despite his fame and
achievements, Rizal never lost his humility and compassion, and he always sought to connect with
people from all walks of life. 
 
 Analyze Rizal's writings and artistic works, emphasizing how they reflected his commitment to
social justice, nationalism, and humanism. 
  Rizal's novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are considered his most significant
literary works, as they exposed the social and political issues in the Philippines during the
Spanish colonial period. 
 Rizal's essays and speeches, such as "The Indolence of the Filipino" and "To the Filipino
Youth", emphasized his advocacy for social justice, education, and national identity. 
 Rizal's artistic works, including his sculptures and paintings, also conveyed his ideals and
principles, such as his depiction of the Filipino as a dignified and heroic figure. 
 Overall, Rizal's writings and artistic works reflect his commitment to social justice,
nationalism, and humanism, and continue to inspire and influence Filipinos today. 
  
III. The Significance of Rizal's Humanity 
 Emphasize that Rizal's humanity was integral to his heroism, as it allowed him to connect with the
masses and inspire them to fight for their rights and dignity. 
 Rizal's humanity was characterized by his empathy and compassion towards his fellow
Filipinos, especially those who were marginalized and oppressed during the Spanish colonial
period. 
 Despite his intellectual and social status, Rizal remained connected with the masses and
was attuned to their needs and struggles. 
 Rizal's concern for the common people is reflected in his works, such as his novels and
essays, which exposed the injustices and abuses committed by the colonial authorities and
the privileged elite. 
 Rizal's humanity allowed him to become a symbol of hope and inspiration for the
Filipino people, as he encouraged them to fight for their rights and dignity and to aspire for
a better future. 
 In recognizing Rizal's humanity, we acknowledge that heroism is not only about grand
acts of bravery or extraordinary achievements, but also about the daily struggles and
sacrifices made by ordinary individuals in pursuit of a just and humane society. 
o  
 Argue that Rizal's humanity makes him a relatable and aspirational figure for Filipinos and people
around the world who seek to effect positive change in their respective societies. 
 Rizal's emphasis on social justice, education, and national identity resonates with people
who are fighting for similar causes in their own societies. 
 Rizal's personal struggles, such as his experiences with discrimination and exile, make
him relatable to individuals who have faced similar challenges in their lives. 
 Rizal's commitment to non-violence and peaceful reform, as opposed to violent
revolution, makes him a model for those seeking to effect change through peaceful means. 
 Rizal's humanity, as reflected in his empathy and compassion towards others, makes
him a positive role model for those who aspire to serve their communities and make a
positive impact on society. 
 Rizal's enduring legacy as a national hero and a symbol of Philippine identity and pride,
as well as his global recognition as a leading figure in the fight for human rights and dignity,
makes him an aspirational figure for people all around the world who are striving to effect
positive change in their respective societies. 
  
  Compare Rizal's humanity with other heroes or historical figures, highlighting how their flaws and
virtues contribute to their legacies. 
Last activity 
 
Heroic Qualities Activity 
1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students. 
2. Give each group a list of heroic qualities such as courage, determination, empathy, and leadership,
Selflessness, Integrity, Perseverance, Humility, Sacrifice, Compassion, Creativity, Visionary,
Responsibility, Adaptability, Optimism, Sense of justice, Loyalty, and Faith. 
3. Ask each group to choose one or two qualities from the list and discuss why they are important in a
hero. 
4. After a few minutes, ask each group to share their chosen qualities and why they are important
with the class. 
5. Once all the groups have shared, ask students to think about which of these qualities they see in
Rizal based on the lecture and readings. 
6. Have students share their thoughts in pairs or small groups, and then bring the class together for a
larger discussion. 
This activity allows students to think about the qualities that make a hero and how they relate to Rizal
specifically. It can be a fun way to break up the lecture and engage students in active discussion. 
 
IV. Conclusion 
 Recap the key points of the presentation and reiterate the thesis statement. 
 Provide a call to action, encouraging the audience to reflect on their own humanity and how they
can cultivate the qualities that make heroes like Rizal admirable. 
 End with a memorable quote from Rizal or a related figure that encapsulates the theme of the
presentation. 
Note: The length of the presentation and design or layout can be customized based on your preferences
and requirements. Additionally, you may want to add specific images, quotes, or other multimedia elements
to enhance the presentation.