Commissioned by the National Centennial Commission in 1996, Rizal in Saga by Nick Joaquin illuminates these lessons. Joaquins narrative style is compelling: there is no stilted chronological rote like other history textbooks. Instead, the reader is drawn into the life of Rizal his experiences and his probable thoughts. One is able to discern the humanity of this "deified" hero, and to reconnect with the countrys historic struggle.
I am also able to empathize with the fear and injustice felt by many Filipinos at that time, particularly the Mercados. They lost their house and land holdings. Doña Teodora was humiliated with her arrest. In this novel, the struggles seem so real that it spurs us to think about what we are doing with this country which was born from pain and loss, and how much things may have changed or remained the same.
Undoubtedly, many things have changed. Life may not be as "slow" as the 1800s because of technology: wire transfers obviate the need to wait for snail mail as Rizal had done; travel is faster but we miss out on the more scenic route that Rizal took going to and from Spain.
But while the Philippines has won its freedom from foreign overseers, it is now struggling to be free from poverty, illiteracy, corruption, greed and fear. Ironically, these are some of the very problems that plagued the Philippines in the 1800s. The country seems to belie what Rizal was supposed to have believed, that "Filipinos were...awakening at last to the sun, to civilization, to progress."
But all does not seem lost for there are still positive Filipino values which could be the foundation in reviving the nation. The importance given to family is seen in the life of the Mercados. Rizals parents strive to provide a home and education for their children, and to set an example of hard work and faith. The children are equally devoted, especially Paciano who gave up the fight for independence in order to help his parents, and urged Rizal to study abroad to realize his potentials.
One of the parts of the novel with which I most identified was the story of Rizal as a foreign student. Being a student abroad is both exciting and daunting. Everything is new and stimulating; but at the same time, one is away from ones family and the familiar. One is confronted not only by a new culture, but also by the divisiveness of some Filipino communities (although sometimes there is help from other Filipinos who do not expect you to repay utang na loob). Nevertheless, as may have happened with Rizal, ones nationalism is awakened. I do not consider myself ultra-nationalistic, but I found that I didnt want anyone belittling Filipinos or the Philippines.
In sum, there are three important lessons from the life of Rizal for me. The first is that heroism means having the courage to live. Rizals tenacity and diligence allowed him to overcome challenges and any misgivings others may have of him.
The second lesson is that we have choices even if life has dealt us a lousy hand. Joaquin says that "the peculiarity of our history is that a born anti-hero the small, weak, timid Rizal chose to play hero... That he made it as hero is the glory of our history." When we wonder about the bad things that happen to us, we just need to turn to Rizal who gave meaning to these struggles by giving them literary form. Once we have made our choices we will have grace and courage when most needed.
In this time when people search for fortune beyond the countrys borders, one realizes that one never truly leaves the homeland. It is in our hearts and it is part of our identity. That is the third lesson from Rizals life.
Rizal has achieved mythic proportions. While well-meaning, myth-making obscures the fact that though Rizal was exceptional, he had his own foibles and charms much like the rest of us. Myths cheat us out of a much-needed inspiration. For who can aspire to be a demigod? And who wants to? By making Rizal more reachable, Joaquins novel gives hope that we too can make a difference as we fulfill our responsibilities to our family and our country. Let the lessons from the lives of our heroes become masterpieces etched in our hearts, rather than on mere canvas.