Recall the past, Live in the present

Last April 6, 2009, me and my RIZLIFE groupmates decided to have a little quest to the ruins of past and find anything which is somewhat related to our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal (JPR).



As the first itinerary of our quest, UST was significant to JPR because this is where he had his college life. If you can see the old buildings and old statues inside the campus, you may start to wonder what was Rizal thinked of its architecture and design, was he also amazed with it like me or we have different tastes in appreciating such art works.




Architectural design of UST’s main building


I have been always passing through UST every time I go to school and go back home without feeling any sentiments for Rizal until we had our trip their and had some good contemplation on its part in our nation’s history (maybe the spirit of Valor Day was also around us during that day which put more bursts on the burning nationalism we felt).





Cool stuff we found at UST’s arc in the entrance. Wow Rizal was here!



Then we proceed to Intramuros, to go explore the past in Fort Santiago. Fort Santiago is where Rizal was imprisoned before he was executed in Bagumbayan. What’s somewhat tiring with our mini-trip was that we only walk from the entrance of Intramuros (near SM Manila and Manila City Hall) up to Fort Santiago just to save 10 pesos per head fare in riding a pedicab despite of the heat of the sun. Though it was also exciting because we happened to take pictures of old house, old churches, old pavements and kalesas.










Then we reached Fort Santiago. As shocking as it may seem, it was only my first time in Fort Santiago. So I was like a little boy excited to see what is bound to see by my naked eyes. So there, we saw the elegant entrance and “estimated footsteps” of Rizal as he walked to Bagumbayan before his execution. Then we also have seen dungeons and cells where Filipino prisoners were thrown. Poor fellow countrymen. Anyway, as I walked there, I tried to imagine the past in that place and I felt and imagined the darkness, sorrow and agony experienced by the prisoners and their families. And as we enter the prison house of Rizal, I’ve imagined him roaming around his room and sometimes writing something, probably a letter or an unfinished novel again.









All in all, it was a very enjoying mini-trip. It felt like I went back to my high school days in our tours to different educational places. It was refreshing to recall our nation’s history and past. Now, after reminiscing the past, we should move on and learn from it and continue living in the present as what Rizal told us “I die without seeing the sun rise on my country. You, who are to see the dawn, welcome it and do not forget those who fell during the night.”