Name THEA M.

PACILAN Score _____________

Course/Year and Section BS ARCHITECTURE 3A Date 11/20/24

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS SYNTHESIS #3

TaskА: Describe Rizal's eary life challenges and how they shaped his character.
Situation How Rizal Coped/Surpassed the Challenge

Family Name Controversy

Due to Governor-General Narciso Claveria’s
order for Filipinos to adopt Spanish surnames, Rizal’s By using “Rizal,” Jose avoided potential persecution
family switched from “Mercado” to “Rizal.” Rizal chose while maintaining his advocacy for the Filipino people.
"Rizal" to distance himself from the politically sensitive
Mercado surname, which was associated with his brother
Paciano’s ties to the executed priest Fr. Burgos.

False Accusation Against His Mother This injustice fueled Rizal’s resolve to study hard and
At a young age, Rizal witnessed his mother, Teodora fight against oppression through education and writing.
Alonso, falsely accused of poisoning her sister-in-law and
punished with a 50-kilometer walk in chains.
Rizal persevered through extra lessons at Santa Isabel
Discrimination at Ateneo College to improve his Spanish and worked diligently,
Rizal faced discrimination from Spanish professors and eventually excelling academically and earning the title of
classmates, especially in his early days at Ateneo, because class emperor.
of his provincial background.

Disapproval of His Romantic Interests Though heartbroken, Rizal channeled his feelings into
Rizal’s romances often ended due to parental disapproval poetry and writings, which deepened his creative
or cultural expectations, such as Segunda Katigbak’s expression and strengthened his character.
prearranged marriage and his father’s objection to Miss L.,
a professor.
Rizal chose to continue his medical studies in Europe,
Hostility at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) believing that Spain’s professors were more liberal. He
Rizal encountered racial discrimination, hostility from secretly left for Spain with the support of his siblings
Dominican professors, and outdated teaching methods at Paciano and Saturnina.
UST.

Adverse Childhood Conditions His uncle Manuel helped him improve his physical health
Rizal’s frail physique in childhood was a concern for his through sports, while his other uncles and mother nurtured
family, and his intellectual brilliance made him a target of his intellectual and artistic talents.
envy from older students.

Doubts About His Authorship of “Sa Aking mga Kabata” Rizal’s broader literary contributions, such as Noli Me
The authenticity of Rizal’s supposed first poem, "Sa Aking Tangere and El Filibusterismo, solidified his legacy as a
mga Kabata," has been questioned due to inconsistencies nationalist writer, rendering debates over this early poem
in language and evidence. less critical to his overall impact.

Injustice and Oppression Under Spanish Rule Rizal dedicated his life to the peaceful pursuit of reform
Throughout his life, Rizal witnessed and experienced through education, literature, and advocacy. His writings
systemic oppression and injustices under Spanish awakened Filipino nationalism, inspiring future
colonization. generations to fight for independence.
TaskB: ExamineRizal’seducationalexperienceandcompareitinyourown.
Rizal’sAchievement Your Achievement
Pre-Elementary (Home Education)
 Achievement: Learned the alphabet at age
three and could read and write by age five.  Achievement: Learned the
 Mentorship: His mother, Teodora Alonso, alphabet at age four and could
served as his first teacher, nurturing his early draw at the age of three.
Pre-elementary interest in poetry and storytelling.  Creative Output: Draw a lot
 Creative Output: Wrote his first of abstract sketches an had an
compositions and displayed an early affinity interest on painting at an early
for writing and learning. age.

Elementary (Private Tutoring and Biñan Elementary (Public School)

School)  Achievements:
 Tutors: Rizal was taught by private tutors, o Graduate as class
including Maestro Celestino, Maestro Lucas, Valedectorian and consistent for
and Maestro Leon Monroy (who taught him being First Honor from Grade 1-
Spanish and Latin). Grade 6.
 School in Biñan: Attended Maestro Justiniano o The SSG- President for
Elementary Aquino Cruz's school in Biñan, Laguna. the 3consecutive years.
 Achievements: o Graduate with awards
o Excelled in Spanish, Latin, and other from poster making and editorial
subjects. writing.
o Showed remarkable intelligence, o Won also some
earning recognition as the brightest student competitions such as Science and
despite envy from older classmates. Math Quiz Bee’s.

High School (Ateneo Municipal de High School (San Juan

Manila) National High School)
 Enrollment: Overcame initial challenges in Enrollment: Overcame initial

admission with the help of Manuel Jerez, challenges in admission in a
nephew of Fr. Burgos. Special Science Class offered by
 Achievements: school through examination.
o Improved his Spanish by taking private  Achievements:
lessons at Santa Isabel College. o Consistent With High
o Rose to the position of Class Emperor Honor from Grade 7- Senior High.
by the end of his first year. o Class president for the
High-School o Graduated at age 15 with sobresaliente whole years in Junior High School.
(excellent) grades in all subjects, including o Graduated as Class
Philosophy, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Salatarorian in Senior High.
Languages.  Notable Award: Municipal
 Notable Award: Earned a Bachelor of Arts Awardee for the Best Capstone
degree with the highest grades but did not Thesis.
graduate as valedictorian due to the competitive
environment.

College (University of Santo Tomas and College (EVSU-Main

Ateneo Municipal de Manila) Tacloban)
 University of Santo Tomas (UST):

Studied Philosophy and Letters, then shifted to

Medicine to specialize in ophthalmology, inspired by  Achievement: Dean Lister.
his mother’s deteriorating eyesight.  Creative Output: Group
Project exhibited at World
Won first prizes in two literary contests hosted by the Architecture Day Celebration.
College(Ongoing) Liceo Artistico-Literario de Manila for his poem "To
the Filipino Youth" and the allegorical drama "The
Council of the Gods."

Continued to write and participate in academic and

literary endeavors despite experiencing discrimination
and hostility.

 Ateneo Municipal de Manila:

o Completed a surveying course in one
year while pursuing his medical
studies at UST.
TaskC: Bycomparing your educationalsachievemnt with Rizal’s,what realizationdidyouhave?
Pre-Elementary
- Both my achievemnts and Rizal showcased early intellectual and creative inclinations, demonstrating
natural talent and curiosity in your respective fields.
Elementary
- While Rizal demonstrated exceptional linguistic and academic abilities, your achievements extend beyond
academics, reflecting strong leadership and versatility in multiple disciplines.
High School
- Both me and Rizal demonstrated resilience and excelled academically despite challenges. My recognition
as a Municipal Awardee highlights a blend of intellect and innovation, comparable to Rizal’s academic and
literary achievements.
College
- Rizal’s academic journey focused on versatility in medicine and humanities, while my accomplishments
emphasize creativity and practical contributions to architecture. Both demonstrate excellence in respective
fields.

My Realizations to Reflect Upon

1. Resilience and Passion Drive Success: Like Rizal, I have overcame challenges and consistently
excelled. This reflects my determination to pursue my goals despite obstacles.
2. Multifaceted Talents are Valuable: Both me and Rizal showed talent in multiple areas—academics,
leadership, creativity, and competitions—underscoring the importance of being well-rounded.
3. The Power of Early Foundations: My early interest in art and Rizal’s early exposure to literature
shaped your futures, proving the importance of nurturing childhood passions.
4. Every Achievement Has Impact: While Rizal’s achievements became a legacy for the nation, my
accomplishments set the foundation for future success in my chosen field.

Embrace my achievements and strive to use them, much like Rizal did, to inspire others and create
meaningful contributions to my community and beyond.

TaskD: Inanarticletitled"SCreiteratesFilipino,Panitikannotrequiredincollege,"writtenbyAikaRey,theSupremeCourtruledto
removetheFilipinoandPanitikansubjectsfromboththetertiaryandsecondarylevels,givingschoolstheoptiontooffertheKorean
subjectasanelectivecourse.Whatisyourstand,andhowwillyouexpressyourloveforourownlanguage?Writedownyouranswerin
thespaceprovidedbelow.

I find the removal of Filipino and Panitikan from the tertiary and secondary curricula concerning, as
these subjects are essential for preserving our cultural identity and understanding our roots. While
introducing foreign languages like Korean as electives is a step toward global engagement, it should not
replace the need to prioritize our own language and literature. Filipino and Panitikan provide the foundation
for appreciating our history and expressing our identity as Filipinos. To demonstrate my love for our
language, I will actively use Filipino in my daily conversations, creative works, and academic pursuits. I will
support and promote Filipino literature, music, films, and art that showcase our rich culture. Sharing the
beauty of the Filipino language with others, especially the younger generation, and participating in cultural
events like Buwan ng Wika are also ways I can help preserve our linguistic heritage. While embracing
foreign influences is important in today’s interconnected world, it is equally vital to safeguard and celebrate
our own language as a symbol of national pride and unity.
Name THEA M. PACILAN Score _____________
Course/Year and Section BS ARCHITECTURE 3A Date 11/20/24

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS SYNTHESIS #4

TaskА: Find out what challenges/issues Rizal faces in Europe during his studies, career, and personal life.

Place/ Situation Challenges/Issues How Rizal Resolved the

Challenges/Issues

Financial Difficulties in Madrid

While studying at the Universidad Rizal pursuing education at the Rizal practiced a frugal lifestyle,
Central de Madrid, Rizal struggled Universidad Central de Madrid, budgeting his money strictly. Despite
with limited financial resources, where he faced challenges related to hardships, he maintained academic
relying on remittances from his financial resources, a common issue excellence and earned his Licentiate
family, which were often delayed. for students studying abroad. His in Medicine in 1884. His dedication
frugality and determination led to his to education exemplified his
academic achievements, including resilience.
earning a Licentiate in Medicine.

Rizal joined the Freemasonry in Involvement in Controversial Rizal embraced Masonic principles
Spain, an organization that advocated Organizations while maintaining his faith in God.
for liberal ideals and opposed the He used the organization as a
injustices of Spanish authorities. Rizal’s membership in the platform to seek support for his
However, the Masonry was declared Freemasonry, described as an reformist agenda, demonstrating his
rebellious and blasphemous by the organization opposing the abuses of ability to navigate complex
Spanish government and clergy. Spanish authorities, highlights the ideological landscapes.
potential risks he faced. The text
mentions his strategic use of Masonry
for support while balancing his
personal faith.

The publication of Noli Me Tangere Censorship and Repression of His Rizal continued writing for La
in 1887 faced backlash from Spanish Work Solidaridad and other publications to
authorities and clergy in the propagate his reformist ideas. He also
Philippines, who banned and Noli Me Tangere was banned in the worked on his second novel, El
criticized the novel for its exposé of Philippines due to its criticism of Filibusterismo, in Brussels to further
social injustices. Spanish abuses, and how Rizal inspire Filipinos against oppression.
continued his efforts by writing
articles and El Filibusterismo to
further his advocacy.

In 1891, Rizal had a political Conflict with Fellow Reformists Rizal focused on other avenues of
disagreement with Marcelo H. del activism, including writing and
Pilar, leading to his withdrawal from The disagreement with Marcelo H. forming La Liga Filipina, an
the Propaganda Movement and La del Pilar, which led to Rizal’s association advocating for peaceful
Solidaridad. withdrawal from the Propaganda reforms in the Philippines. This shift
Movement and La Solidaridad, is allowed him to continue his work
explicitly mentioned. Rizal's independently.
subsequent formation of La Liga
Filipina is also cited as his means of
continuing his reformist efforts.
TaskB: Was Rizal's trip to Europe beneficial to our country? Explain your answer below.

Jose Rizal’s journey to Europe proved to be a pivotal moment for the Philippines, as it deeply
influenced his intellectual development and activism. In Europe, he not only pursued medical studies but
also became exposed to liberal ideologies, which helped him understand the importance of individual rights,
equality, and social justice. His involvement in the Masonic movement in Spain allowed him to align with
like-minded reformists who opposed the Spanish colonial regime, using the organization’s ideals of
fraternity and liberty to further his advocacy. Rizal’s writings, especially Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, became powerful tools for social change, revealing the exploitation and cruelty faced by
Filipinos under Spanish rule. These novels sparked a wave of awareness among Filipinos, urging them to
seek reform. Rizal’s participation in the Propaganda Movement and the founding of La Liga Filipina was a
strategic effort to unite Filipinos for peaceful reforms and raise awareness of the injustices in the Philippines.
Even in the face of political disagreements with fellow reformists, Rizal’s unwavering dedication to fighting
for the rights of Filipinos persisted. His experiences in Europe not only expanded his knowledge and ideas
but also equipped him with the tools to lead the charge for Philippine independence, making his European
trip an essential chapter in the country’s path to freedom.

TaskC: Identify the reasons why you are interested in visiting the places you identified during the warm-up
activity. In comparison, consider Rizal’s reasons for traveling Europe.

My reasons for wanting to visit these places align closely with the goals that Rizal had when he traveled to Europe,
especially in his pursuit of knowledge and inspiration. Rizal’s travels were driven by his desire to gain a deeper
understanding of various cultures, educational systems, and social structures. In the same way, my desire to explore
Saudi Arabia’s architectural innovations, Denmark’s sustainable design, and Italy’s historic masterpieces reflects a
thirst for architectural knowledge that Rizal similarly sought in European cities.

- Saudi Arabia (Architecture and Innovation): Like Rizal, who sought knowledge about different political and
social systems in Europe, I aim to explore Saudi Arabia’s blend of modern and traditional architecture. Rizal’s travels
were an opportunity to observe new ideas, and for me, Saudi Arabia offers a chance to witness the intersection of
history and innovation in architecture.

- Denmark (Sustainable and Humanistic Architecture): Rizal’s trip to Europe also involved immersing
himself in societies that were progressive in terms of their values, such as democratic principles. Similarly, Denmark’s
reputation for sustainable, humanistic architecture resonates with my desire to understand how democratic values
influence urban development and the design of spaces for the well-being of society.

- Canada (Natural Wonders and Historic Architecture): Rizal, particularly in his later travels, wanted to
understand how different societies maintained their traditions while developing modern infrastructure. Similarly,
Canada’s mixture of natural beauty and historical landmarks provides a unique opportunity for me to study how the
environment influences architecture and urban planning. My interest in Canada’s iconic landmarks mirrors Rizal’s
own desire to engage with the cultural richness of the places he visited.

- Korea (Fusion of Tradition and Modernity): Rizal was highly interested in how modernity and tradition
could coexist in a rapidly changing world. Similarly, Korea’s blend of traditional architecture and cutting-edge
modern designs, like those found in Seoul, would allow me to experience firsthand how these two aspects of culture
can thrive together—something Rizal would likely have appreciated.

- Italy (Foundations of Western Architecture and Culture): Just as Rizal’s European travels allowed him to
immerse himself in the heart of Western culture, Italy’s rich architectural history, particularly from the Renaissance,
provides an essential foundation for understanding Western design principles. Rizal sought knowledge of Europe’s
artistic and philosophical traditions, much like what I seek to understand the roots of modern architecture through
Italy’s timeless monuments.

Overall, both your travels and Rizal’s were/are motivated by a desire to deepen understanding—whether it’s through
learning about architectural principles, cultural values, or societal innovations that can influence your future as an
architect.
Name THEA M. PACILAN Score _____________
Course/Year and Section BS ARCHITECTURE 3A Date 11/20/24

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS SYNTHESIS #5

TaskА: Are you an advocate of agrarian reform? Show your advocacy by creating a slogan campaign. .

This slogan stresses the connection between land reform and national progress. By giving land to farmers, it not
only uplifts them but also helps secure a brighter future for the whole country. It reflects the Filipino value of
bayanihan (community spirit) and emphasizes that empowering the farmers will ultimately contribute to the prosperity
of the nation.

Yes, I am an advocate of agrarian reform. The issue of agrarian reform is not just a historical concern, as
evidenced in the Calamba hacienda during Rizal’s time, but remains a pressing issue in the Philippines today.
Historically, the exploitation of tenant farmers by powerful landowners and religious orders, such as the
Dominicans in Calamba, led to significant socio-economic inequality, widespread poverty, and even
uprisings. Farmers were often burdened by excessive rents, unjust confiscation of their properties, and an
overall lack of support, which reflected the imbalance of power in the agricultural sector.

Fast forward to the present, and while some reforms have been implemented, many Filipino farmers
continue to face similar struggles. The unequal distribution of land remains a major issue, with a large
portion of agricultural lands still concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy families or corporations.
Small-scale farmers, who work the land and produce the nation’s food, are often left with little or no access
to resources such as credit, irrigation, or technology. They still struggle with high rents, limited land security,
and lack of support from the government or large landowners.
In rural communities today, the cycle of poverty persists due to these inequities. Without access to land
ownership or fair rental systems, many farmers are trapped in a state of perpetual debt, relying on
exploitative middlemen or "pasasaka" systems, where they are forced to give up a significant portion of their
produce in exchange for the right to cultivate. Furthermore, land grabbing, displacement due to
infrastructure projects, and the increasing concentration of land among large corporations threaten the
livelihoods of thousands of Filipino farmers.

A fair agrarian system is vital to addressing these long-standing issues. It’s not just about distributing
land, but ensuring that farmers have access to resources, financial support, and a voice in the policies that
affect their lives. By empowering farmers, we uplift entire communities, improve food security, reduce rural
poverty, and promote social justice. Agrarian reform today is not just a matter of land ownership, but about
creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all Filipinos, fostering dignity, self-sufficiency, and
community solidarity.