Rizal lived a pretty simple life during his banishment in Dapitan. Rizal had built an informal school where he taught several children. He also had patients who went looking for him to get healed. He is also fond of doing agricultural pursuits. Rizal even fell in love and formed his intimate relationship with Josephine Bracken. Rizal’s life in Dapitan was simple, yet worthwhile.
Even if Rizal was an exile in Dapitan, he was still able to make his situation productive. This may remind us that whatever lifestyle we may have, we are still capable of doing anything; we can make a difference even in the littlest and simplest ways. Just like Rizal, we should not lock ourselves in a box. Our hero managed to do good things even if he was an exile. He didn’t limit himself, he embraced his surroundings.
It was the people who went looking for Rizal during that time. It was the parents who sent their children, and it was the people who travelled to have their eyes checked. Rizal may be an exile, but he did not live like a prisoner. He did not let himself be confined by the threats of the Spaniards, this even urged him to strive more and stand up against them. It seems that Rizal is a free prisoner.
Source: National Historical Commission of the Philippines
It is not a surprise that the people in Dapitan cared very much for Rizal when he left. Our hero helped and inspired the people in Dapitan. Rizal reminds us that no matter who or what we are, we can still make good differences despite obstacles. We should not be scared because we are all capable of helping. We should not limit ourselves with the things around us.
Photos: Nico Alconaba/Inquirer Mindanao, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, http://homeworks-edsci.blogspot.in/2012/09/dr-jose-rizal.html
