JOSE RIZAL UNIVERSITY

80 Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City

S.Y 2021 - 2022

A Performance Task and Project Performance Report presented to the

College of Liberal Arts, Criminology, and Education

Faculty of History and Social Science

In Partial fulfillment of the Requirement

for the subject Life and Works of Rizal

Degree Bachelor of Hospitality Management - Major in Cruise Management

Submitted to:

RUFINO U. VIERNES

Professorial Lecturer

Submitted by:

MARY GABRIELA C. LIBANG

BSHM-CMGT 201S

Date: March 29, 2022

Knowing that the Rizal monument was being spruced up for Independence Day
(June 12) and Rizal’s 160th birthday (June 19), I requested the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines’ permission to examine the monument up close.
Attached to a safety line, I was assisted up a scaffolding to stand next to Rizal’s figure; I
was able to see the two signatures of the Swiss sculptor, Richard Kissling, which are not
normally visible from the ground. To check on the figure’s supposed 1:5 scale, I set my
hand close to Rizal’s while studying the applied patina, wondering how much of it had
changed from its original sheen in 1913 due to age, pollution, and repeated deep
cleaning to the image we are familiar with today.
If Rizal could speak, he would have enumerated all the holes in the granite base
and obelisk as well as each pockmark that has scarred the bronze figures, separating
those inflicted on the monument during the 1945 Battle for Manila from those arising
from the installation, in 1961, of a stainless steel (some accounts say aluminum) pylon
designed by Juan Nakpil. The pylon sought to update and “modernize” the staid-looking
monument for the advent of the 21st century.
Sitting on the base to admire Rizal’s view of the iconic Manila Bay sunset, his
view of the sea partially obscured by the Quirino Grandstand and the H2O Hotel, I was
happy to note that Rizal does not see the controversial Torre de Manila behind him,
hashtagged as the #national photobomber. The construction of the condominium, which
was suspended by a temporary restraining order issued in June 2015, was lifted by the
Supreme Court in April 2017. Six justices expressed their dissent in a court of 15
justices, which ruled that the condominium was not a nuisance and that its construction
broke no existing laws against sightlines or backgrounds for selfies. The most
compelling argument of all was that Rizal himself supposedly did not want a monument.
Not many people know that the present monument, “Motto Stella” (Guiding Star), by the
Swiss Richard Kissling was the second prize winner in an international design
competition for the Rizal monument that ran from 1905-1907. It is unclear why the first
prize winning entry, “Al Mártir de Bagumbayan” (To the Martyr of Bagumbayan) by the
Italian Carlo Nicoli, was not awarded and executed. From photographs, the Nicoli
monument is best described as a wedding cake fantasy so different in approach and
style to the simplicity and clean lines of the Kissling monument. As with most public
monuments, people either like or hate the Rizal landmark. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera,
eminent Philippine historian and friend of Rizal, said of the monument:
“To me it appears devoid of any artistic value. You have a kind of pylon weighed
down by the statue of a man wearing an overcoat which more nearly represents a
German or a Pole, than it does a Filipino. It is neither Rizal, nor is it worthy of
representing his name. On one side is a big figure of a woman, who is absolutely of a
foreign type and could never be called a Filipino woman. That is what I think of a work
which had no excuse at all for being erected to commemorate the name of Rizal.”
Spanish poet Salvador Rueda likewise did not mince words: “That is the ugliest
monument I have seen in all my travels.” Austin Craig, eminent historian and biographer
of Rizal added to the fray: “I know it for a fact that the original contract for the monument
called for an obelisk in only one piece. However, when it arrived here the pillar was
found to have been cut in four parts. I really do not know why the committee in charge
chose this design, which is inartistic and unsuitable for this country. Perhaps it was
because the committee had an idea that the Philippines might enjoy some fame if it
chose this design, as it is the work of the same man who designed the Swiss National
Monument. I also know for a fact that Governor-general Forbes spent a considerable
sum out of his private funds for the steps around the platform, as provision for this
construction was omitted in the contract. He was responsible for the erection of the
monument on the present site. The site was chosen, not because it was the spot where
Rizal died, but because it was considered most suitable for the purpose.” The Rizal
monument has since become part of Filipino life, the backdrop for Independence Day
and the geographic navel of the Philippines, being close to the reference point from
which all distances in the archipelago are reckoned.
 I. INTRODUCTION
This output is an article analysis, eventually about one of the Inquirer Newspaper
Archives entitled, "The Rizal monument up close." Thoroughly which then reveals the
critiques for the author, criticizes for the article languages, and reviews the article
approach. Assuredly, there will be unbiased synthesis and impartial analysis from
addressing the content of the article. Along with this, an in-depth insight will uncover the
advantages and disadvantages of publishing the article as well.
From the numerous articles under the Inquirer Newspaper Archives, the editorial
piece entitled "The Rizal monument up close" exhibits the historical background and
figures of Dr. Jose Rizal's monument. Inscribed by the Inquirer Newspaper editorial
commentator, Ambeth R. Ocampo's article is one of his various definitive writings
dedicated to the Philippines' acclaimed national hero Dr. José Rizal. Aside from the
mentioned article, Ocampo is a well-recognized journalist and columnist in the
Philippines who exhibits Filipino histories. One of his principal editorial platforms is from
the Inquirer Newspaper named Looking Back. Generally, Ocampo incorporates writing
pieces about Philippine culture and compositions for Dr. Jose Rizal. As for the article,
"The Rizal monument up close," Ocampo highly regarded the subject of Dr. Jose Rizal's
monument. All of which is for Dr. Jose Rizal's 160th birthday and commemoration of
Independence day this year.
Published on the 2nd of July, 2021, it is an article under the Inquirer Newspaper
editorial column which examines the physical properties of the Rizal monument since
the year of establishment. Accordingly, Ambeth R. Ocampo did have the opportunity to
examine the one statue located in Luneta Park. And as the article addressed an
observation and inspection of Dr. Jose Rizal monument state, there are relevant issues
that the author has reviewed as well. Through the author's published work, the readers
can tackle the present status of the monument and the past concerns and arguments of
the sculpture. It is an article that examines how such a monument of the acclaimed
national hero, essayist, and nationalist is significant to Filipino history, values, and
culture. There are more than Dr. Jose Rizal sacrifices and attempts in the past to be
remembered. With this, the monument is one of the humble tributes from his offerings
and works.
II. SYNTHESIS OF THE ARTICLE
The article entitled, the "The Rizal monument up close." is an article formed for
the commemoration of the Independence Day on the 12th of June and the 160th
birthday of Jose Rizal on the 19th of June this year. Ambeth Ocampo was able to
inspire his article from being able to take a closer look at the Rizal monument. Filipinos
cherish Dr. Jose Rizal's character and reputation in the country. Out of all the identified
heroes, Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the subject of the article as he is a well-known patriot who
loved his nation, worked to free the Filipinos from the long-term occupation of
Spaniards. Dr. Jose P. Rizal plays one of the most crucial roles to free the Philippines
from Spanish colonialism. Along with this, he represents the current independence of
the country, and the government wants to portray it by establishing the monument. Jose
Rizal employs his long-time passion for writing and creating various literary works. He
works on many articles, poems, and books; together with his penned El Filibuterismo
and Noli Me Tangere novels.

The Relevance of the article relates to the Filipinos to grasp our self-identity
through the Dr. Jose Rizal monument. The discussed topics contribute to Filipino history
and let us see other perspectives. Conclusively, remembering the early works and
nationalism of the past generations will not only be proof that these people existed and
contributed to the present time, but it will also be the factor for improving, adapting, and
learning. It later makes us realize the importance of applying not just in the present time
but also for the sooner generations.

Gradually, the author intends to compose an article that will let Filipinos realize
their culture, heritage, and values in a disguised manner. The article highly anticipates
for readers to give attention to things we mostly don’t notice, like the monument we
commonly pass by. Without any awareness, these particular places are what link to
nationalism. Initially, we must not waste the freedom and sacrifices of the past Filipinos.
Without nationalism, the Filipinos will not obtain the independence and liberation
experienced today. Accordingly, nationalism is significant for preserving the
breakthroughs and achievements of past Filipinos. It is such a disappointment that the
histories of the ancient Filipinos are getting ignored. It is the reason why inculcating the
idea of nationalism is important. In this way, the later generations will have sufficient
knowledge about the past.
III. ANALYSIS OF THE ARTICLE
In the article entitled, The Rizal monument up close, Ambeth R. Ocampo (2021)
explores and examines the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Luneta Park. Gradually, the
author has been able to discuss the historical backgrounds and fundamental features of
the monument.

From the opening segment of the article, Ambeth Ocampo directly insists on
investigating the Dr. Jose Rizal monument in Rizal Park. As the statue will soon be
enhanced for the upcoming occasions of Independence Day on the 12th of June and
the 160th birthday of Jose Rizal on the 19th of June, Ocampo wants this opportunity to
examine the raw, bare, and unpolished statue. A state in which the monument is not yet
filtered at all. Without any hesitations, Ocampo requests close-contact permission from
the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Eventually, the venture of
Ocampo is approved as he is a respected communist and journalist in the country.
Attached to a safety line, Ocampo stands up scaffolding to stand next to the Rizal’s
figure. The willingness of the author to tour, investigate, and examine the Dr. The Jose
Rizal statue in a close-up manner is a reliable foundation for the whole article.

Closely investigating the existing monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, Ocampo has
mentioned several features and defects in the article. Starting with the imprints of
signatures of Richard Kissling, there is an emphasis on the sculptor’s name of the
monument. Along with this, Ocampo wondered how far the monument's color changed
from its original sheen in 1913 due to age, pollution, and repeated deep cleaning to the
image we are familiar with today. There are such holes in the granite base and obelisk
as well as each pockmark that has scarred the bronze figures, separating those inflicted
on the monument.

Aside from observing the features of the monument, Ocampo observes the
perspectives of the sculpture in different directions. In the front viewpoint, the Rizal
sculpture views Manila Bay. Somehow, the view is blocked by the Quirino Grandstand
and the H2O Hotel. The article discusses the national photobomber, Torre de Manila.
The condominium's development was halted by a temporary restraining order granted in
June 2015, but the Supreme Court released it in April 2017. In a court of 15 judges, six
justices dissented, ruling that the condominium was not a nuisance and that its
architecture did not violate any existing regulations prohibiting sightlines or selfie
backdrops.

Furthermore, the article mentions the historical figure of the monument as well.
The latest monument, "Motto Stella" (Guiding Star), was the second prize winner in an
international design competition for the Rizal monument, which took place from 1905 to
1907. It's unknown why the first-place winning submission, Carlo Nicoli's "Al Mártir de
Bagumbayan" (To the Martyr of Bagumbayan), was not awarded and completed. The
Nicoli monument is best described as a wedding cake dream, so distinct in approach
and design from the Kissling monument's simplicity and clear lines.

People either appreciate or dislike the Rizal landmark, as they do other public
monuments. "That is the worst monument I have seen in all my travels," Spanish poet
Salvador Rueda said emphatically. The monument, according to Trinidad H. Pardo de
Tavera, prominent Philippine historian, and friend of Rizal: "It looks to me to be devoid of
any aesthetic merit. You have a sort of pylon held down by a statue of a man wearing an
overcoat who seems more like a German or Pole than a Filipino. It's not Rizal, and it's
certainly not deserving of his name. On one side, there is a large depiction of a woman
who is unmistakably foreign and could never be described as a Filipino woman. That is
how I feel about a work that had no justification for being constructed in Rizal's honor."

In some ways, the establishment of the Rizal monument aspires to ensure that
Dr. Jose P. Rizal is not only a name to retain in history books and academic works.
There are more than his sacrifices and attempts in the past to be remembered. Overall,
Dr. Jose Rizal is the one who embodies the Filipinos and bestows the vitality the country
becomes. With this, the government considers that the one who represents our stories,
histories, and cultures is Dr. Rizal, which is then a reason for the monument to be
established. From publishing the editorial article "The Rizal monument up close," there
are such advantages, influences, and opportunities to anticipate from it. The Rizal
monument has subsequently become a part of Filipino culture, serving as a background
for Independence Day and serving as the archipelago's geographic navel, as it is near
to the reference point from which all distances in the archipelago are measured.
IV. PROS / ADVANTAGE OF THE ARTICLE PUBLISHED
Expectedly, the published work would benefit none other than the Dr. Jose Rizal
monument. If ever the article is spread thoroughly on multiple platforms and
acknowledged by various readers, the figures of the author, communities, and other
involved parties would gain as well. Individually, the ones involved would be Ambeth R.
Ocampo and the Inquirer Newspaper, the typical characters like students, adults, and
even the Philippine government.

First of all, the Filipinos can recapture the essence of the statue by taking a
closer and detailed perspective of it. As the author did have the chance to look closely
at the Dr. Jose Rizal figure, Ocampo addresses the experience to stand next to it. Not
commonly visible from afar, Dr. Jose Rizal's sculpture does have two signatures of the
sculptor, Richard Kissling. Article readers will identify that the monument is not very dull
and plain, as everyone observes in a media picture and faraway perceptive. Along with
this, there are holes in the granite base and obelisk as well as each pockmark that has
scarred the bronze figures, separating those inflicted on the monument. With these
details, the communities would have an interpretive concept of the monument. Many
would realize that the monument has shifted through the decades of the establishment.
Seeing how much the statue has changed from age, pollution, and repeated deep
cleaning. With this, it is anticipated for the government to take any action about this
issue as well. Not only the government but the Filipino community will be able to give
much more attention to the monument.

From establishing the article, such values, approaches, and schemes of Filipino
cultural advocacy were encouraged. Provided with the article about Dr. Jose Rizal
monument, the author of the article will be recognized from his work. Along with this the
achievements of the sculptor will be seen as well. The article has been able to nurture
the Filipinos creativity and acknowledge instrumental, global Filipinos. Overall, it doesn't
contribute to the advocacy of Philippine history and values to international aspects only.
However, the article inculcates a sense of nationalism in all Filipinos in which is a way to
build a healthy and resilient country.
V. CONS / DISADVANTAGE OF THE ARTICLE
From publishing the editorial article "The Rizal monument up close," there are
such disadvantages, bad influences, and opportunities to anticipate from it. Such figures
of the article author, monument sculptor, and other individuals might be put in the wrong
side of the article.

The approach and language of the article is direct to the point. As an editorial
writer, the author must know when to limit this aspect. As the article addressed an
observation and inspection of Dr. Jose Rizal monument state, there are relevant issues
that the author has reviewed as well. First, the issue about the Torre de Manila as a
national photobomber has been brought up again for a long time. Supported by a law,
the Torre de Manila is no longer considered a nuisance to the monument. With the
article, the high-rise residential building might suffer on operating later business. And if
this ever happens, the article author and the Inquirer Newspaper might be sued for
bringing up the past issues of Torre Manila.

In the lower part of the article, there is a mentioned hate and discrimination about
the monument from a known poet. Specifically, the Spanish poet is Salvador Rueda
who said "that is the worst monument I have seen in all my travels." Thoroughly, it might
affect the author of the article, the Inquirer Newspaper, and even the sculptor of the
monument's capability. Even from the fact that it's an editorial article, it is unexpected
how readers will react to it. Ocampo might be shunned for bringing up the article, which
can affect his career as a journalist. He might bring down his firm, Inquirer Newspaper.
At the same time, the sculptor of the monument might be discriminated against in the
future. The capability of the monument as a national representation of Dr. Rizal might be
judged as well.

Conclusively, the issues of the monument are enlightened that can cause
arguments. Some readers might react differently to the phrase. It then can cause
arguments among sculptors, government, and communities. On the other hand, the
author should add more details about the significance of the monument to Filipinos.
Instead of indicating overflowing negative points in the article.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
"The Rizal Monument Up Close" depicts the historical context and figures of the
monument to Dr. Jose Rizal. Ambeth R. Ocampo's piece is one of his many
authoritative writings dedicated to the Philippines' recognized national hero Dr. José
Rizal, as inscribed by the Inquirer Newspaper editorial commentator. The Rizal
Monument is an important national legacy for Filipinos, commemorating Jose Rizal's
valiant sacrifice for his country. This work, as a scientific paper, assesses the extracted
article's portions and conversations.

The Rizal Monument, like other sculptures and memorials, is unable to escape
the inquisitive and inciting gaze of the weirdly curious. They are always attempting to
decipher the significance of several of the monument's features that were not explained
before its debut. Closely investigating the existing monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, Ocampo
has mentioned several features and defects in the article. Aside from observing the
features of the monument, Ocampo observes the perspectives of the sculpture in
different directions. People either appreciate or dislike the Rizal landmark, as they do
other public monuments. Furthermore, the article mentions the historical figure of the
monument as well. The latest monument, "Motto Stella" (Guiding Star), was the second
prize winner in an international design competition for the Rizal monument, which took
place from 1905 to 1907.

From publishing the editorial article "The Rizal monument up close," there are
such advantages, influences, and opportunities to anticipate from it. It is an article that
examines how such a monument of the acclaimed national hero, essayist, and
nationalist is significant to Filipino history, values, and culture. There are more than Dr.
Jose Rizal sacrifices and attempts in the past to be remembered. Rizal Park's Rizal
Monument, symbol and phenomenon, survives because its tales provide meaning to
people's lives and enhance the country. People come in droves, driven not just by
Rizal's spectacular death, but also by his great legacy to the nation and our positions in
it, which has left an incredible mark on our memory.