Mi Ultimo Adios: Rizal's Unwavering Love For His Country

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Mi Ultimo Adios is a poem written by Philippine national hero Jose Rizal on the eve of his execution. Jose Rizal offered his life to show his love for the country. He is not resentful, instead, he challenged each of the Filipinos to succeed and to love our country. Rizal hoped that his death would serve as an inspiration to all. In this poem, Rizal recalled the events that led him to dedicate his life and work to his country and his dreams of freedom in the Philippines.

In this study, the researchers used qualitative research in finding valid evidences to obtain the given research problem. Based from the results, Mi Ultimo Adios had several themes that could be considered, such as adoration of the country, nationalism, patriotism, freedom of speech, dedication and empathy for others, all of which can be interpreted as love for the country. Thus, this concludes that Rizal had shown his gratitude and sacrifices for the benefit and freedom of the good of society.

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Keywords: Execution, Freedom, Mi Ultimo Adios, nationalism, patriotism, and sacrifices.

Introduction

Mi Ultimo Adios is one of the few last works that Rizal has written. This poem explains the life and legacy of Rizal. It consists of 14 five-line stanzas and has been written in Spanish. Ocampo (2019) told that the original manuscript measures 9.5x 15 cm, with fading writing in Rizal's tidy hand on both hands. No erasures, errors or hesitations. The manuscript seems to have been folded into four sections and concealed inside an alcohol stove or burner, a gift from Trinidad H.

Pardo de Tavera, that Rizal used from travel abroad until his last days at Fort Santiago. His spinster sister Trinidad was left with the words, "There's something inside." Rizal's sisters according to family tradition, covered the manuscript from hiding with their hairpins. Then the sisters created handwritten copies that were circulated and later printed and published by Mariano Ponce in Hong Kong and gave it the name "Mi Ultimo Pensamiento." Father Mariano Dacanay, a Filipino priest, gave the poem the title of "Ultimo Adios." So, the poem became known as "Mi Ultimo Adios" or "My Last Farewell." This poem has been translated several times into different languages. The English version of Charles E. Derbyshire is one of the most popular translations.

In Mi Ultimo Adios, Rizal recalls the events that inspired him to dedicate his life and work to his country and his early dreams of freedom in the Philippines. Rizal's eyes have been drawn to his fellow countrymen, who are fighting a losing battle against the revolution he has condemned. For his country and his people, Rizal wants no monument but a simple remembrance, a prayer for his rest. Other than that, Rizal remembers how he worked to arouse among his people a desire to improve themselves, how he urged them to act, to organize and to prepare among themselves so that they could work effectively for reforms. Rizal has given his sense of faith to his country and people. His conviction that someday freedom and progress would be theirs. And, wants this message to be passed down from generation to generation.

The significance of this research is to recognize the real nature of this poem. Bernard (2002) explained that the poem is much more than a farewell poem in which a man who is about to die says goodbye to his loved ones. It is much more than a love poem, a love song, in this case, the Beloved is the native land represented as a woman.

Furthermore, this research analyzed on the different themes of Mi Ultimo Adios, specifically the unwavering love of Rizal for his country. The poem asks the Filipinos to pray for those that have also died and suffered for the country. It pleaded the Filipino people never to lose hope and faith in the Lord God. Strong words were used to inspire them not to be discouraged by the oppression of the Spaniards. In the last part of the poem, Jose Rizal referred to his "sweet stranger" as his friend and joy. It meant his good-bye to his beloved 'dulce estranjera' Josephine. Rizal's love for our nation is depicted in mi ultimo adios in a way that he voluntarily offered his life to our country. He has laid down the essence of one's love for the country that despite chaos and uncertainty, he is willing to embrace his home-our country. He gave his life as seen by everyone through his pen to show his gratitude and to sacrifice for the benefit and freedom of the good of society.

All throughout, Rizal's understanding and reflection on the writing of his last poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" are expressed in many facets of the present. Patriotism and nationalism rely on him. His passion for the nation and to fight for the sovereignty of the country and freedom for individual rights still exist today. He is blamed and condemned by the Spaniards, but he continues to stand up for the rights of every Filipinos and open the eyes of the them and to see the truth that they should not be content that they are slaves, that they also have rights, and that they should be treated with respect.

For the scope of this research, it is done by focusing to Rizal's love for his own country. The love for democracy in him and his willingness to give his life for the nation and the Philippines for rights and freedom. On the other hand, this study is limited to the imagery and symbols of the poem, which are not covered by this research. The results of this research will hopefully help the readers to understand the past and to realize Rizal's pure intention for his beloved country. Lastly, the significance of Rizal's leadership and characteristics can lead to further studies. Using the researcher's gathered data, the objective of this paper is to answer the following questions:

1. What are the themes of Rizal's poem 'De Ultimo Adios'?
2. How is unwavering love of Rizal for his country expressed in the poem?