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Noli Me Tángere #2
El Filibusterismo
El Filibusterismo (The Subversive) is the second novel by Jose Rizal (1861-1896), national hero of the Philippines. Like its predecessor, the better-known Noli Me Tangere, the Fili was written in Castilian while Rizal was traveling and studying in Europe. It was published in Ghent in 1891 and later translated into English, German, French, Japanese, Tagalog, Ilonggo, and other languages. A nationalist novel by an author who has been called the first Filipino, its nature as a social document of the late-nineteenth-century Philippines is often emphasized. For many years, copies of the Fili were smuggled into the Philippines after it was condemned as subversive by the Spanish authorities. Characters from the Noli (Basilio, Dona Victorina, Padre Salvi) return while new ones are introduced: Simoun, the transformed Ibarra; Cabesang Tales and his struggle for justice; the nationalist student Isagani; the Indio priest Padre Florentino. Through them the colonial milieu is expanded - its officialdom, education, legal system, power plays, social patterns - and seen anew as context for conflict and insight. editions of the original manuscripts. The result is the most authoritative and faithful English translation to date, one which attempts to preserve in English the cadence and color of the original.(Subversion)
360 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 1891
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8563 people want to read
About the author
José Rizal
325 books468 followersSpanish exiled Philippine reformer and writer José Rizal from 1892 to 1896 for his political novels, later arrested him, and executed him for sedition; his death helped to fuel an insurrection against rule from 1896 to 1898.
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, a polymath nationalist, most prominently advocated during the colonial era. Poeple consider him the national hero and commemorate the anniversary of his death as a holiday, called Rizal day. His military trial made him a martyr of the revolution.
The seventh of eleven children to a wealthy family in the town, Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts. He enrolled in medicine and philosophy and letters at the University of Santo Tomas and then traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning the licentiate in medicine. He attended the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. Rizal, a polyglot, conversed at least in ten languages. He was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels, Noli me Tangere and El filibusterismo. These are social commentaries on the Philippines that formed the nucleus of literature that inspired dissent among peaceful reformists and spurred the militancy of armed revolutionaries against the Spanish colonial authorities.
As a political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andrés Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. He was a proponent of institutional reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. The general consensus among Rizal scholars, however, attributed his martyred death as the catalyst that precipitated the Philippine Revolution.
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, a polymath nationalist, most prominently advocated during the colonial era. Poeple consider him the national hero and commemorate the anniversary of his death as a holiday, called Rizal day. His military trial made him a martyr of the revolution.
The seventh of eleven children to a wealthy family in the town, Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts. He enrolled in medicine and philosophy and letters at the University of Santo Tomas and then traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning the licentiate in medicine. He attended the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. Rizal, a polyglot, conversed at least in ten languages. He was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels, Noli me Tangere and El filibusterismo. These are social commentaries on the Philippines that formed the nucleus of literature that inspired dissent among peaceful reformists and spurred the militancy of armed revolutionaries against the Spanish colonial authorities.
As a political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andrés Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. He was a proponent of institutional reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. The general consensus among Rizal scholars, however, attributed his martyred death as the catalyst that precipitated the Philippine Revolution.
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August 11, 2012
El Filibusterismo (The Filibustering) is the sequel of Noli Me Tangere. These were the two published novels by Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of my country, the Philippines. Noli and Fili, along with his other writings, caused his death by firing squad on December 30, 1898 or around 2 years before Spain sold the country to the United States of America. They are required readings in most high schools in the country: Noli for juniors and Fili for seniors.
A filibuster is someone who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution. In the novel, this is Simoun who is actually the disguised Ibarra, the main protagonist in the previous Noli. Because he was duped by Padre Salvi for the friar to have a chance on Ibarra's girlfriend Maria Clara, the wicked friar implicated Ibarra in inciting rebellion against the government. So, Ibarra became the hunted and was only saved by Elias towards the end of Noli. After helping Basilio in burying Sisa and burning Elias on Christmas Eve, Ibarra went to Cuba, made himself rich, met and befriended the now Governor General assigned in the Philippines, he is now fully poised to get Maria Clara from the convent and stage his revenge against those who wronged him.
Noli was published in Germany in 1887 and was immediately banned by Spanish friars in the Philippines and from then on, the Spanish government started to monitor Rizal's activities. His parents told him not to return to the country and when he did, asked him to return back to Europe. He also lost his true love, Leonor Rivera. His uncle, Rivera's father, thought that his daughter would not have a peaceful married life with somebody as dangerous Rizal.
This threat from Spanish government did not stop Rizal from continuing his campaign overseas to expose the injustices being done to his fellowmen. So, he wrote Fili and expressed his thoughts on the possible solution to the country's situation. Yes, if you really analyze the messages in both novels, Noli's intention was to state the problem while Fili's was to present the possible solutions. I thought Rizal did not write Fili just to fan further the flame caused by Noli but to tell the Filipinos the different alternatives to their problems and what he thought was the best solution: non-violence.
You see, Rizal (1861-1896) shared this earth with Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948). But Rizal was first in pushing non-violence in achieving freedom. It's just that the Filipinos then were too brave, aggressive and impatient to wait for the right time so they fought tooth and nail against the Spanish government. In fairness, they achieved a bit of victory so they were able to declare our independence in 1898 and installed a revolutionary government but it was short-lived because Spain hurriedly sold the county to the Americans to the tune of twenty million dollars as agreed in the Treaty of Paris in that same year.
I thought of giving this book a 4-star rating. Not because of any flaw in Rizal's writing but Ongoco's translation is full of typographical errors. The publisher or printer seemed to have hurried everything and they did not do a good job of proofreading and giving time for Ongoco to substantiate the study guide that was one of the reasons why I loved the first book, Noli. Anyway, I am giving this still a full 5 because this was written by our national hero who bravely gave up his life for us so what the eff, anything less than that is for me, unpatriotic and a total disregard to Rizal's sacrifices and legacy.
Most of my GR Filipino friends, prefer Fili over Noli but most local and foreign critics say otherwise. What do I say? Which one do I prefer? Hmmm, let me see.
Using Thomas C. Foster's How to Read Novels Like a Professor, let me go over each of the 18 yardsticks in analyzing a novel and compare Noli and Fili:
Better to read them both. For my non-Filipino friends, both books have English translations released by Penguin, Inc.
Noli
Fili
Please read them and let me know if you have questions.
A filibuster is someone who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution. In the novel, this is Simoun who is actually the disguised Ibarra, the main protagonist in the previous Noli. Because he was duped by Padre Salvi for the friar to have a chance on Ibarra's girlfriend Maria Clara, the wicked friar implicated Ibarra in inciting rebellion against the government. So, Ibarra became the hunted and was only saved by Elias towards the end of Noli. After helping Basilio in burying Sisa and burning Elias on Christmas Eve, Ibarra went to Cuba, made himself rich, met and befriended the now Governor General assigned in the Philippines, he is now fully poised to get Maria Clara from the convent and stage his revenge against those who wronged him.
Noli was published in Germany in 1887 and was immediately banned by Spanish friars in the Philippines and from then on, the Spanish government started to monitor Rizal's activities. His parents told him not to return to the country and when he did, asked him to return back to Europe. He also lost his true love, Leonor Rivera. His uncle, Rivera's father, thought that his daughter would not have a peaceful married life with somebody as dangerous Rizal.
This threat from Spanish government did not stop Rizal from continuing his campaign overseas to expose the injustices being done to his fellowmen. So, he wrote Fili and expressed his thoughts on the possible solution to the country's situation. Yes, if you really analyze the messages in both novels, Noli's intention was to state the problem while Fili's was to present the possible solutions. I thought Rizal did not write Fili just to fan further the flame caused by Noli but to tell the Filipinos the different alternatives to their problems and what he thought was the best solution: non-violence.
You see, Rizal (1861-1896) shared this earth with Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948). But Rizal was first in pushing non-violence in achieving freedom. It's just that the Filipinos then were too brave, aggressive and impatient to wait for the right time so they fought tooth and nail against the Spanish government. In fairness, they achieved a bit of victory so they were able to declare our independence in 1898 and installed a revolutionary government but it was short-lived because Spain hurriedly sold the county to the Americans to the tune of twenty million dollars as agreed in the Treaty of Paris in that same year.
I thought of giving this book a 4-star rating. Not because of any flaw in Rizal's writing but Ongoco's translation is full of typographical errors. The publisher or printer seemed to have hurried everything and they did not do a good job of proofreading and giving time for Ongoco to substantiate the study guide that was one of the reasons why I loved the first book, Noli. Anyway, I am giving this still a full 5 because this was written by our national hero who bravely gave up his life for us so what the eff, anything less than that is for me, unpatriotic and a total disregard to Rizal's sacrifices and legacy.
Most of my GR Filipino friends, prefer Fili over Noli but most local and foreign critics say otherwise. What do I say? Which one do I prefer? Hmmm, let me see.
Using Thomas C. Foster's How to Read Novels Like a Professor, let me go over each of the 18 yardsticks in analyzing a novel and compare Noli and Fili:
1. Style. The opening scene in Noli, the grand welcome party in Capitan Tiago's house mirrors the condition of the country right away. On the other hand, the upper and lower decks in M/V Tabo shows the marked difference between the social strata in the country particularly the Spaniards (peninsulares, insulares, mestizos) and the lowly indios. As per as the manner of writing, i.e., long or short, simple or complex, sentences, rushed or leisurely pacing, they are the same.So, it is Noli over Fili by 1 point.
K.D. SAYS: Tie
SCORE: 0-0
2. Tone. Noli is social while Fili is political. Noli still has a heart because it has this passionate love story between Ibarra and Maria Clara. Fili is mostly about revenge and debates which mean it has more brain than heart. So, this depends in the reader's preference. I thought that I enjoyed Noli more.
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 1-0
3. Mood. Noli is confused yet still hopeful. Angst is still underneath. Fili is altogether hatred from page 1 until the last chapter except in the last scene. There are more scenes in Noli where I was mesmerized by Rizal's use of beautiful prose putting natural color on his settings. There are still some in Fili but they were overshadowed by the strong hatred emotions from the characters.
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 2-0
4. Diction. Rizal used his characters to express his thoughts. There are these debates or long conversations that while reading, you will get the feeling that Rizal is discussing his views with you. In Noli, there are only 2: Ibarra and Pilisopo Tasyo is one and the debate about the town fiesta as the other. Fili on the other hand, has a lot more: Isagani vs Ginoong Pasta, Macaraig vs Don Cammaro, the friars and government officials in Los Banos, Placido Penitente vs his professor, Isagani vs Padre Fernandez and even the last scene with Simon and Padre Florentino. Wonderful debates.
K.D. SAYS: Fili over Noli
SCORE: 2-1
5. Point of View. Both employ an omniscient narrator but there is a part in Fili when Rizal used stream-of-consciousness. This is the part when Simoun heard about the death of Maria Clara. What an effective way of expressing Rizal's sadness and I could not help but wonder if this was how he felt when Leonor Rivera got married to a foreigner.
K.D. SAYS: Fili over Noli
SCORE: 2-2
6. Narrative Presence. The attitude of the omniscient narrator is more accommodating and patient in Fili rather than in Noli. For example, in the Noche Buena scene in Noli, the narrator used the reader's sympathy over the limping Basilio chasing the crazy Sisa and he forgot to describe the setting. In Fili with Basilio after 13 years, I was in awe reading the beautiful description of the forest while Basilio was remembering the first Noche Buena.
K.D. SAYS: Fili over Noli
SCORE: 2-3
7. Narrative Attitude. Despite those beautiful descriptions of the settings in Fili, it is more direct and straightforward. Although the message is sometimes diluted by the many options presented, Rizal was able to tie the loose ends in the very last chapter during the whole-day conversation between Simoun and Padre Florentino. Also, the dialogues are more brutal like in the scene with the talking head or sphinx.
K.D. SAYS: Fili over Noli
SCORE: 2-4
8. Time Frame. Noli starts with Ibarra's homecoming after staying in Europe for 7 years. Fili starts with Simoun's appearance after disappearing as Ibarra after 13 years. Ibarra is hopeful that he will be able to bring change by putting up a school with his love for his country as the reason. He was able to learn this from his trips abroad including his stay in Spain. However, the 13 years in Cuba was, for me, not enough for Simoun to gather all those treasures that he claimed to have even come from Marie Antoinette and the pyramids in Egypt. It just sounded not too plausible.
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 3-4
9. Time Management. Noli starts at the end of October to December 24 (Christmas Eve). Fili on Christmas Eve to after Holy Week or after the school year. Less than 2 months for Rizal to tell the tale of a small town of San Diego but he needed more than that to tell the events in the city. I thought he used his time frames quite well in both.
K.D. SAYS: Tie
SCORE: Still at 3-4
10. Place. If Calamba were the basis for San Diego, the Binondo and San Diego locations in Noli seems to be more realistic. The Laguna de Bay-Manila-Pasig River-Tiyani-Binondo then finally to a provincial place with a plateau and the plateau is right in front of a deep sea is just a bit of a stretch. How could the weak and wounded Simoun travel to a far-flung provincial place of Padre Florentino? Some say that the basis of this place was Atimonan, Quezon and it is a 4-hour drive from Manila. But for a horse-drawn carriage during the Spanish times? And Simoun was still able to confess to the priest for 1 whole day!
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 4-4
11. Motif. The letters are the recurring images in Noli and there was not a single letter in Fili. Rather, in Fili the recurring images are the treasures and the lights. The letters in Noli denotes secrecy or inner ghosts. They signify the hidden emotional turmoil of Rizal and the Filipinos. The treasures in Fili means evil not all the glitters are gold and the lights, e.g., the stars that were in the sky guiding Basilio, the lights reflected on the surface of Laguna de Bay and the lamplight that could have killed all the rich and famous in Manila, signify hope. Rizal was really wonderful in using his motifs.
K.D. SAYS: Tie
SCORE: Still at 4-4
12. Theme. Overall, Noli is positive: hope, love, beautiful memories, parties, town fiesta, picnic by the riverbank, groundbreaking for a school, many books, knowledge, etc. On the other hand, again overall, Fili is negative: hate, revenge, death, rape in the open, persecution, students leaving the university, scary stage shows, protests, son killing his own kin, etc.
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 5-4
13. Irony. Since there is no prevailing emotion in Noli, the use of irony in that novel is more effective. Who would forget the Christmas Eve when Basilio was chasing Sisa, his lunatic mother? There were also scenes in Fili when this was nicely used like when Simoun went to the house of Kabesang Tales and lured him to commit rebellion by showing him the treasures. However, we already knew Simoun's intent even at the onset so it was not as effective as those last scene in Noli. The one of Carolino and Tandang Selo was anti-climatic in my opinion.
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 6-4
14. Rythmn. Narrative rhythm is greatly influence by the theme in these two books. I enjoyed the deployment of words better in Noli for example the old-fashioned but kilig dialogues between Ibarra and Maria Clara when they were in the azotea. The many long debates in Fili were at times so convoluted that they tend to go around in circles (not to mention non-sense characters mouthing nonsense statements) that there are parts when they were boring and pointless.
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 7-4
15. Pace. I thought that this was won by Fili by a mile. The novel is fast-paced and full of events. Noli is laid back and only peaked up in the last three chapters. No wonder some of my GR-Filipino friends who don't normally read classics find it too wordy if not boring.
K.D. SAYS: Fili over Noli
SCORE: 7-5
16. Expectations. Again, Fili by a mile. I first read Fili in school and I knew all along that the lamp would not explode. However, due to Rizal's buildup of the plot towards that despedida party, I still hoped that my memory was incorrect. I was hoping that the lamp would kill all those shenigans. As opposed to almost climax-less plot of Noli where there is nothing like that big event. When Ibarra and Elias are being chased in the lake, I felt I would like Elias to survive.
K.D. SAYS: Fili over Noli
SCORE: 7-6
17. Characters. Hands down, Noli rules. There are far more memorable characters there than the new ones introduced in Fili. Even the characters they shared like Ibarra/Simoun, Basilio, Padre Salvi, Donya Victorina and the teacher/firecracker worker are more memorable in Noli. For one, the young Basilio is more sympathetic than the nervous indecisive young man.
K.D. SAYS: Noli over Fili
SCORE: 8-6
18. Page 1. Even if the setting in the first page of Noli is more memorable because of the regalia and the detailed description of the house, I thought that the use of the upper deck-lower deck in Fili is more direct and more intense. Rizal seemed to be surer of what he would like to tell even on the very first page of the book. The transition from Noli to Fili was not even jarring because of the recurring characters even after 13 years have passed. I thought Rizal's use of his first page was more effective in Fili.
K.D. SAYS: Fili over Noli
SCORE: 8-7
Better to read them both. For my non-Filipino friends, both books have English translations released by Penguin, Inc.
Noli
FiliPlease read them and let me know if you have questions.
February 5, 2021
Rizal's a genius. El Fili had amazing parallelisms with Noli. The characters and their motivations were so well-built. And the work put on the narrative is outstanding.
The vivid, metaphorical imageries inside the pages were also a bonus!
The vivid, metaphorical imageries inside the pages were also a bonus!
October 17, 2012
"In the meantime, while the Filipino people may not have sufficient energy to proclaim, with head high and chest bared, their rights to social life, and to guarantee it with their sacrifice, with their own blood; while we see our own countrymen in private life feeling shame within themselves, to hear roaring the voice of conscience which rebels and protests, and in public life keep silent, to make a chorus with him who abuses to mock the abused; while we see them enclosed in their own selfishness, praising the most iniquitous deeds with forced smiles, begging with their eyes for a portion of the booty, why give them freedom? With Spain and without Spain they would always be the same, and perhaps, perhaps worse! Why independence if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow? And they would be, without doubt, because he loves tyranny who submits to it. Senor Simoun, while our people may not be prepared, while they may go to battle beguiled or forced, without a clear understanding of what they have to do, the wisest attempts will fail and it is better that they fail, because why commit the wife to the husband if he does not sufficiently love her, if he is not ready to die for her?"
When I see Filipinos not stepping up to their responsibilities; when I meet people taking their studies for granted; when I see some of our leaders pandering for votes and gullible people actually adulating them for it; when people engage in mindless barbarism; when I encounter people who do not have any regard for their surroundings, the environment, and their fellow Filipinos, I often think of Rizal's prescient words.
When I see Filipinos not stepping up to their responsibilities; when I meet people taking their studies for granted; when I see some of our leaders pandering for votes and gullible people actually adulating them for it; when people engage in mindless barbarism; when I encounter people who do not have any regard for their surroundings, the environment, and their fellow Filipinos, I often think of Rizal's prescient words.
February 27, 2013
El Filibusterismo, is the second novel written by Philippine national hero José Rizal. It also serves as the sequel to his novel Noli Me Tangere. El Fili as it is popularly called, is a darker and more evolved novel compared to Noli. It's a book about revenge, manipulation, deception and greed to name a few. It's taken a deeper turn and it shows Rizal's growth as a writer. This turned out to be a double-edged sword. In creating a more serious book, Rizal sacrificed something, he lost the pure Filipino culture that he successfully portrays at Noli. In creating a darker novel, he westernizes the story. The plot about the bombing, the manipulation of the officials, Simoun wearing shades and all, it all feels to foreign. Don't get me wrong, the book is still a master-piece. I'm just saying that it doesn't encapsulate our culture as strongly as Noli did. The story is still a tribute to our country, it still clearly depicts the oppression that we suffer. For all intents and purposes, this is still one of the greatest works of literature that ever came out of our country. So, why not a five-star? Aside from westernizing this novel, I have mixed feelings towards the ending. As I understand it, Rizal acknowledges that he thinks that fighting for freedom during his time is not for the greater good but for personal gain. He thinks that the people are not ready yet. But, he also ends it with hope. Though they might not be ready yet, he thinks that there will come a time when people need to fight for freedom, that it will be achieved someday. It was achieved sooner than he thought, though it would be lost again. I do think that when talking about liberty and fighting against oppression, one cannot afford to wait for the right time. But hey, it's just me, my opinion. I'm no Rizal. El Filibusterismo might not be a perfect, but it's still a great Filipino novel.
May 9, 2011
No reading is ever the same. When I first read this book as a requirement for high school, it was nothing to me as a lame, boring story of the past misfortunes by Dr. Rizal's brilliant mind. It was yet another Noli Me Tangere. But when I read it again before the start of last semester, there were far too many details that I had overseen before. And it speaks of old tales that are subtly happening in the present Filipino society. Really, I think this novel transcends time. Or maybe, it was intended to do so. Perhaps, Rizal didn't only intend to reveal what was present during the reign of the Spaniards but also to show what colonialism can bring to a society. And I don't think we are past this stage yet.
August 5, 2012
Maaaring may mga spoiler at kung anu-anu pang mga bagay na walang kinalaman sa libro o sayo.
Dati kung tatanungin ako, alin ang mas magandang akda ni Rizal, lagi kong sagot Noli, kahit hindi ko naman majustify ang sagot ko. Pero ngayon, ngayon nabasa ko na uli ang El Fili, El Fili na ako forever. Haha.
Poot-Paghihiganti-Hustisya-Pangaapi-Kalayaan-Edukasyon
Mga salitang hindi ko malilimutan mula sa libro. Ang daming magagandang pakikipagpalitan ng ideya. Sa umpisa palang babanatan ka na ni Simoun at Basilio.
Si Miss Trienta at ang El Filibusterismo ni Rizal
Ang naaalala ko noon, dalaga pa si Miss Trienta, maganda, maliit at balingkinitang babae, sya noon ang Filipino teacher namin nung f4th year high school, kaya sya rin magtuturo ng El Fili sa amin. Hindi ko pa nun natutuklasan ang mundo ng mga libro bagamat mahilig na akong magbasa ng komiks noon, hindi ko rin naman maaalala kung naging interesado ako sa librong ito o sa kahit na anung akda o may kinalaman sa ating pambansang bayani. Ang mga naaalala ko lang, laging may mga takdang aralin na kabanata, at kailangan sagutan ang libro, at tuwing lalagyan ang t.v. at VHS player ang room namin para panuorin ang Noli. Hindi ko maalala kung may mga naging engaging topics ba tungkol sa libro, wala rin akong maalalang kaeskwela na naging seryoso sa pagbabasa nito o naging masaya sa pagbabasa ng isang required book read. Wala pa akong naiintidihan nun, walang pake.
Ngayon, may asawa na si Miss Trienta-- ay Mrs. na nga pala, hindi ko alam kung Filipino sa 4th year pa rin ang tinuturo nya, kung makakasalubong ko sya ngayon tatanungin ko sya, bakit ganun na lang kaya ang pagsasawalang bahala ang mga estudyante sa isang magandang libro at pagkikibit balikat sa isang dakilang tao. Napaisip tuloy ako, si Miss-- ay Mrs Trienta kaya, naging masaya sa tinuturo nya? naging interesado kaya sya sa akda ni Rizal,bilib kaya sya na pambansang bayani? May naging estudyante na kaya sya na gandang-ganda sa libro at hindi naging pasakit ang pagbabasa ng kwento dahil gusto nya yung binabasa nya?
Wala naman akong pinagsisisihan kung ngayon ko lang naappriciate si Rizal, ngayon ko lang napagtanto na malaking bagay nga ang iniambag nya sa ating bayan pagiging Pilipino ko.
Dati kung tatanungin ako, alin ang mas magandang akda ni Rizal, lagi kong sagot Noli, kahit hindi ko naman majustify ang sagot ko. Pero ngayon, ngayon nabasa ko na uli ang El Fili, El Fili na ako forever. Haha.
Poot-Paghihiganti-Hustisya-Pangaapi-Kalayaan-Edukasyon
Mga salitang hindi ko malilimutan mula sa libro. Ang daming magagandang pakikipagpalitan ng ideya. Sa umpisa palang babanatan ka na ni Simoun at Basilio.
Si Miss Trienta at ang El Filibusterismo ni Rizal
Ang naaalala ko noon, dalaga pa si Miss Trienta, maganda, maliit at balingkinitang babae, sya noon ang Filipino teacher namin nung f4th year high school, kaya sya rin magtuturo ng El Fili sa amin. Hindi ko pa nun natutuklasan ang mundo ng mga libro bagamat mahilig na akong magbasa ng komiks noon, hindi ko rin naman maaalala kung naging interesado ako sa librong ito o sa kahit na anung akda o may kinalaman sa ating pambansang bayani. Ang mga naaalala ko lang, laging may mga takdang aralin na kabanata, at kailangan sagutan ang libro, at tuwing lalagyan ang t.v. at VHS player ang room namin para panuorin ang Noli. Hindi ko maalala kung may mga naging engaging topics ba tungkol sa libro, wala rin akong maalalang kaeskwela na naging seryoso sa pagbabasa nito o naging masaya sa pagbabasa ng isang required book read. Wala pa akong naiintidihan nun, walang pake.
Ngayon, may asawa na si Miss Trienta-- ay Mrs. na nga pala, hindi ko alam kung Filipino sa 4th year pa rin ang tinuturo nya, kung makakasalubong ko sya ngayon tatanungin ko sya, bakit ganun na lang kaya ang pagsasawalang bahala ang mga estudyante sa isang magandang libro at pagkikibit balikat sa isang dakilang tao. Napaisip tuloy ako, si Miss-- ay Mrs Trienta kaya, naging masaya sa tinuturo nya? naging interesado kaya sya sa akda ni Rizal,bilib kaya sya na pambansang bayani? May naging estudyante na kaya sya na gandang-ganda sa libro at hindi naging pasakit ang pagbabasa ng kwento dahil gusto nya yung binabasa nya?
Wala naman akong pinagsisisihan kung ngayon ko lang naappriciate si Rizal, ngayon ko lang napagtanto na malaking bagay nga ang iniambag nya sa ating bayan pagiging Pilipino ko.
August 31, 2017
Not for me to criticize a piece of work that is not just a national treasure, but contributed to the execution of a man. In addition to providing a wonderfully detailed snapshot of those times, El Filibusterismo is a vehicle for a myriad of ideas and solutions for the Filipino people during the Spanish occupation in the 1800s. It's interesting to note that while Rizal's death inspired the Philippine revolution, this book actually advocates non-violence. I might write a more detailed review once I have my thoughts in order.
August 28, 2012
The sequel to Rizal's masterpiece it stands as the most subversive work of them all!!!
November 17, 2012
El Fibusterismo (The Subversive) is the sequel to Noli Me Tangere (Touch me not). You have to give it to Rizal, he sure knew how to title his books! For me, book titles are as good as its cover. Aside from book cover, the title of the book is the very first thing that caught readers' attention. I have to admit, sometimes, I buy a book simply because its title is awesome. Not very advisable. But hey! I did have some great finds, you know? And by golly! Who can resist a book with such strong titles! Touch me not and The filibuster? Gimme that!
Fortunately, this book, as its prequel is required reading in High School. Whereas Noli is for Juniors, the Department of Education thought Fili is for more mature readers such as seniors. Great.
El Filibusterismo is darker, heavier and more heart breaking than its predecessor. It is a revenge story. It is Rizal's bolder attempt to stir the patriotism in the heart of the Filipinos. It is an amazing book. But what's more amazing is the story behind this book. If you ever watched Jose Rizal the movie, it showed there how much Rizal struggled to decide the ending of this book. In the end, he decided that the Filipinos are not yet ready for a bloody revolution, so there goes the lamp.
I rated this book 1 star less than Noli Me Tangere because this book is clearly a hate story. There is too much hate in the characters and it is just too heavy for my taste. Simon (Crisostomo Ibarra in the 1st book), became as cold hearted as his enemies and the borderline between goodness and evil became blurred as the main protagonist struggled to draw the line. But I guess that was the purpose of the whole story. It's still an epic book for me.
4 star. Because Jose Rizal is a bad ass.
Fortunately, this book, as its prequel is required reading in High School. Whereas Noli is for Juniors, the Department of Education thought Fili is for more mature readers such as seniors. Great.
El Filibusterismo is darker, heavier and more heart breaking than its predecessor. It is a revenge story. It is Rizal's bolder attempt to stir the patriotism in the heart of the Filipinos. It is an amazing book. But what's more amazing is the story behind this book. If you ever watched Jose Rizal the movie, it showed there how much Rizal struggled to decide the ending of this book. In the end, he decided that the Filipinos are not yet ready for a bloody revolution, so there goes the lamp.
I rated this book 1 star less than Noli Me Tangere because this book is clearly a hate story. There is too much hate in the characters and it is just too heavy for my taste. Simon (Crisostomo Ibarra in the 1st book), became as cold hearted as his enemies and the borderline between goodness and evil became blurred as the main protagonist struggled to draw the line. But I guess that was the purpose of the whole story. It's still an epic book for me.
4 star. Because Jose Rizal is a bad ass.
April 13, 2012
WAAHHH!!!! Simoun and Maria Clara died!!! TT ^ TT
I really missed Juan Crisostomo Ibarra here TT_TT
I really missed Juan Crisostomo Ibarra here TT_TT
May 14, 2023
Reading this for an assigned task in class
El Filibusterismo is a sequel to Noli Me Tangere. The novel is a critique of the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines, and it explores themes such as social injustice, corruption, and the struggle for freedom. Rizal portrays the exploitation and oppression of the Filipino people by the Spanish authorities and their collaborators, highlighting the plight of the poor and marginalized. The novel also shows the complex dynamics of colonial society, where some Filipinos are complicit in perpetuating the system of oppression while others resist it.
Another strength of the novel is Rizal's masterful use of symbolism and allegory to convey his message. The characters and events in the story are not only meant to be read literally, but also represent deeper social and political realities. For example, the character of Simoun, who seeks revenge against the colonial government, can be seen as a metaphor for the revolutionary movement that Rizal himself supported.
Though I find the story too dense and difficult to follow, especially since it includes a large cast of characters and multiple plotlines.
"Pinabayaan natin ang kasamaan kaya't katulong tayo sa paglikha nito. Ang kalayaan ay 'di natin dapat tuklasin sa tulong ng patalim. Tuklasin natin ito sa tulong ng nagpapataas ng uri ng katwiran at karangalan ng tao. Gumawa tayo ng mabuti, tapat at marangal hanggang mamatay tayo dahil sa kalayaan." - Padre Florentino
El Filibusterismo is a sequel to Noli Me Tangere. The novel is a critique of the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines, and it explores themes such as social injustice, corruption, and the struggle for freedom. Rizal portrays the exploitation and oppression of the Filipino people by the Spanish authorities and their collaborators, highlighting the plight of the poor and marginalized. The novel also shows the complex dynamics of colonial society, where some Filipinos are complicit in perpetuating the system of oppression while others resist it.
Another strength of the novel is Rizal's masterful use of symbolism and allegory to convey his message. The characters and events in the story are not only meant to be read literally, but also represent deeper social and political realities. For example, the character of Simoun, who seeks revenge against the colonial government, can be seen as a metaphor for the revolutionary movement that Rizal himself supported.
Though I find the story too dense and difficult to follow, especially since it includes a large cast of characters and multiple plotlines.
December 2, 2009
Jose Rizal did not fail the readers in making the sequel of Noli Me Tangere worth buying, worth reading and worth the praises and accolades. The venue for freedom was given importance with its dark plot and amusing characters.
The death of Ibarra and the birth of Simon was undeniably a strong ticket why it has been beautifully crafted. Great ideas plummeted and questions of morality, religion, romance and vengeance are boiling. I can never deny the fact that this is better than contemporary novels written by commercially successful ones.
I wouldn't exchange this for any Grisham's or Brown's or Rice's.
The death of Ibarra and the birth of Simon was undeniably a strong ticket why it has been beautifully crafted. Great ideas plummeted and questions of morality, religion, romance and vengeance are boiling. I can never deny the fact that this is better than contemporary novels written by commercially successful ones.
I wouldn't exchange this for any Grisham's or Brown's or Rice's.
December 28, 2007
December 2007 - Picking up where I left off (i.e. failed to finish), and I am in love with Basilio, Isagani, Macaraig, Simoun and the entire El Fili cast all over again.
And of course, JOSE RIZAL. <33 Ugh.
Ma. Soledad L. Locsin is the best. Translator. Ever. This is the richest, most cadent version I know.
[EDIT] As of the 28th of December, 2007, I HAVE FINALLY FINISHED EL FILI, even though it was last schoolyear's required reading. Lol.
And can I just say.
Simoun + Basilio = heartbreak.
I LOVE THESE MEN.
:(
And of course, JOSE RIZAL. <33 Ugh.
Ma. Soledad L. Locsin is the best. Translator. Ever. This is the richest, most cadent version I know.
[EDIT] As of the 28th of December, 2007, I HAVE FINALLY FINISHED EL FILI, even though it was last schoolyear's required reading. Lol.
And can I just say.
Simoun + Basilio = heartbreak.
I LOVE THESE MEN.
:(
June 20, 2011
Gawain ko ng basahin ang lahat ng libro ko noon bago pa man magsimula ang klase. Di katulad ng mga kaklase ko na bored na bored dito, ako talagang binasa ko sya. Na ka ka shock ang librong ito lalo na't noong mga panahing iyon eh pura mga Tagalog Romance ang binabasa ko.
Sa sobrang pagiging apektado ko, minsan nakakalimutan kong fiction nga pala ito at hindi totoo. Feeling ko nagtagumpay sana ang rebolusyon kung nanalo si Simoun. Hahaha. Sensya na nalito ang utak ko.
Mas maganda to kesa sa naunang Noli Me Tangere.
Sa sobrang pagiging apektado ko, minsan nakakalimutan kong fiction nga pala ito at hindi totoo. Feeling ko nagtagumpay sana ang rebolusyon kung nanalo si Simoun. Hahaha. Sensya na nalito ang utak ko.
Mas maganda to kesa sa naunang Noli Me Tangere.
June 20, 2009
a very sad novel.
sobra kong nagandahan sa noli kaya di ko pede palampasin to... hehehehe
nakakalungkot lang ang nangyari sa mga characters. naiintindihan ko namn kung bakit. medyo nabitin lang ako kasi di sinabi kung ano ang nangyari kay basilio. naasar nga ako kasi yung kaibigan nya na inlove kay paulita binigyan ng ending tapos siya na isa sa pinaka main cast mula pa doon sa noli hindi lamang nabangit kung ano ang nangyari matapos yung bigong plano ni simoun.
Read
January 8, 2011what i like about this book is the changes that happened to Ibara.
January 31, 2012
And again I hate.. It's good to learn the history of the Filipinos to the eyes or someone who experienced it first hand. Every Filipino should read this. ♥
August 8, 2025
A soul changing read
October 9, 2011
El Filibusterismo (The Subversive) is the sequel to Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) written by Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. Rizal dedicated this book to the three martyr priests Don Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, Don Jacinto Zamora who were executed by Spaniards on charges of subversion in 1872.
I first read this book (along with the first one Noli Me Tangere) as a requirement in my high school classes, of course the stories were written in Filipino. Fourteen years later, I was given another chance to read El Filibusterismo in English version (originally written in Spanish), provided by it's publisher, Penguin Classics. I realized it was a boring story then maybe because it was taught in school, never read it with much enthusiasm but now I found it an interesting story of revenge. I can only imagine Rizal's situation when this book circulated in the Philippines. I am not an expert of Rizal's work and the Philippines history but I think this was one of the many reasons why he was executed by the Spaniards. I enjoyed reading this book so much and would like to recommend this to readers of classic books.
I first read this book (along with the first one Noli Me Tangere) as a requirement in my high school classes, of course the stories were written in Filipino. Fourteen years later, I was given another chance to read El Filibusterismo in English version (originally written in Spanish), provided by it's publisher, Penguin Classics. I realized it was a boring story then maybe because it was taught in school, never read it with much enthusiasm but now I found it an interesting story of revenge. I can only imagine Rizal's situation when this book circulated in the Philippines. I am not an expert of Rizal's work and the Philippines history but I think this was one of the many reasons why he was executed by the Spaniards. I enjoyed reading this book so much and would like to recommend this to readers of classic books.
August 16, 2011
Fili is a political novel full of bitterness, sorrow, pain, violence and vengeance to awaken the Filipino people against the abusive masters. It bore an irresistible urge to revolution among the Filipinos to go against the government and the practices of the church which appeared realistic (Zulueta, RIZAL 154).
December 15, 2009
A darker novel than it's predecessor. Crisostomo Ibarra is disillusioned with what occurs in his motherland and decides to take matters into his own hands. Rizal rounds out his great novels with the tragedy and hope that remain the cornerstones of his country.
Want to read
June 8, 2012This particular edition (translated by Soledad Lacson-Locsin) won the 1996 NBDB National Book Award for Translation.
September 5, 2007
This book is a lot sadder than i thought... its like there's no happy ending for a single soul in this book...
March 13, 2008
A sequel to Noli... much darker and sinister that its predecessor, capturing the frustration and anger of the author and the emotional turmoil of a country wanting freedom.
October 8, 2014
Tragic and has a lot of action. I really felt bad about what happened to Maria Clara.
May 16, 2016
Everyone should read this! It is one of a two book set written by Rizal, a hero of the Philippines, who in effect, wrote the script for the revolution for the Philippine people to gain their independence from their oppressive Spanish regime. Rizal describes the tragedy and almost slave-like state of his people in such fine and loving detail, adding humor that makes your heart clench and adventures that entertain, shock, or devastate. The Spanish are equally loving detailed and lampooned, though they are undoubtedly more villainous. The very detailed characterizations could only have come from Rizal closely observing every facet of society, with a thorough knowledge of motivation, backstory, challenges, strange behaviors and evil tendencies. The older women in church are my favorites. One reminds me of my Hawaiian Grandmother.
The poor were slaves to the Catholic Church, who had them believing they had to use what little money they had to pay penances to the priests so their souls would go to Heaven, as would those of their loved ones. The nobles mimicked the Spanish in language, manners and dress; kissing up to Spa mish officials, hoping for good placements, good marriages and good business contracts that would make them richer and place them higher in Spanish society, never knowing that Madrid and Seville would not except them no matter how high they rose in their homeland.
But this is really a love story about a boy and a girl in an occupied land. They loved each other since they were kids. She is an angel. Her beauty and purity are well known by nobles of both races. The boy is sent to Madrid to law school. They promise to wait for each other. When the boy gets home, he is now an educated European man, without the knowledge of how the corrupt government works back home. How many people can he piss off his first day back? Quite a few, it seems. Things go from good to uncomfortable for the couple quite quickly, and there are so many small, vindictive people he has yet to meet. Can a good hearted man survive in such an evil atmosphere without drastically changing and losing his moral compass?
Rizal's story was so accurate, it was like he was a prophet. The revolution happened without him, as he was in prison when it occurred. The leaders offered to break him out so that he could lead them, but he refused. And yet, the Spanish, feeling he was entirely responsible for starting the revolution, even though he had no communication with the rebels, executed him for it anyway.
Shortly after that, the Spanish were booted out of the country after a rather bloody massacre.
The poor were slaves to the Catholic Church, who had them believing they had to use what little money they had to pay penances to the priests so their souls would go to Heaven, as would those of their loved ones. The nobles mimicked the Spanish in language, manners and dress; kissing up to Spa mish officials, hoping for good placements, good marriages and good business contracts that would make them richer and place them higher in Spanish society, never knowing that Madrid and Seville would not except them no matter how high they rose in their homeland.
But this is really a love story about a boy and a girl in an occupied land. They loved each other since they were kids. She is an angel. Her beauty and purity are well known by nobles of both races. The boy is sent to Madrid to law school. They promise to wait for each other. When the boy gets home, he is now an educated European man, without the knowledge of how the corrupt government works back home. How many people can he piss off his first day back? Quite a few, it seems. Things go from good to uncomfortable for the couple quite quickly, and there are so many small, vindictive people he has yet to meet. Can a good hearted man survive in such an evil atmosphere without drastically changing and losing his moral compass?
Rizal's story was so accurate, it was like he was a prophet. The revolution happened without him, as he was in prison when it occurred. The leaders offered to break him out so that he could lead them, but he refused. And yet, the Spanish, feeling he was entirely responsible for starting the revolution, even though he had no communication with the rebels, executed him for it anyway.
Shortly after that, the Spanish were booted out of the country after a rather bloody massacre.
January 7, 2013
El Filibusterismo is the sequel to Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. As with the Noli, Ma. Soledad Lacson-Locsin's intent was to translate to English while staying as close as possible to Rizal's style of writing in Spanish.
It's a shorter book. The dreaminess and idealism of the Noli Me Tangere gives way to the darker, grimmer, more cynical tone of the El Filibusterismo. So the language style also changes - instead of the longer, declamative dialogue of the Noli, you have the more direct, action-packed style of the Fili. The flow of this narrative is what made me give it 4 stars, over the Noli's 3 stars. (I recently read this for enjoyment, and not as a required academic text.)
It is best to read the Fili as soon as one has read the Noli, in order to appreciate the storyline. Reading this translation, I realized I did not know the Fili very well (I barely remembered it from when it was required in school). The characterization of Simoun the jeweler, the expression of his ideas, therefore shocked me. I won't give away spoilers, only to say that once one knows his back story, it becomes clear why he is filled with thoughts of vengeance.
The Noli, with its anti-friar commentary, still shows hopefulness in terms of a just civil colonial governance. In comparison, the Fili describes a deep-seated corruption in both civil government and church, creating a society seething with injustice, and setting the stage for possible revolution. I guess this definitely shows the changes in Rizal's state of mind as he was writing the two novels.
One thing I clearly enjoyed in both the Noli and the Fili was the description of Manila and the Southern Luzon towns mentioned, fictional and otherwise. Rizal's love of country can be read in his descriptions of the landscape.
Locsin thoughtfully provides chapter-by-chapter annotation at the end of both novels.
As I have bought this book secondhand from an online seller, I realize it is difficult to find it readily in Manila. Both the 1996 Locsin translations of the Noli and the Fili are available for sale directly from The Bookmark, Inc.'s The Filipino Bookstore at http://bookmarkthefilipinobookstore.com.
It's a shorter book. The dreaminess and idealism of the Noli Me Tangere gives way to the darker, grimmer, more cynical tone of the El Filibusterismo. So the language style also changes - instead of the longer, declamative dialogue of the Noli, you have the more direct, action-packed style of the Fili. The flow of this narrative is what made me give it 4 stars, over the Noli's 3 stars. (I recently read this for enjoyment, and not as a required academic text.)
It is best to read the Fili as soon as one has read the Noli, in order to appreciate the storyline. Reading this translation, I realized I did not know the Fili very well (I barely remembered it from when it was required in school). The characterization of Simoun the jeweler, the expression of his ideas, therefore shocked me. I won't give away spoilers, only to say that once one knows his back story, it becomes clear why he is filled with thoughts of vengeance.
The Noli, with its anti-friar commentary, still shows hopefulness in terms of a just civil colonial governance. In comparison, the Fili describes a deep-seated corruption in both civil government and church, creating a society seething with injustice, and setting the stage for possible revolution. I guess this definitely shows the changes in Rizal's state of mind as he was writing the two novels.
One thing I clearly enjoyed in both the Noli and the Fili was the description of Manila and the Southern Luzon towns mentioned, fictional and otherwise. Rizal's love of country can be read in his descriptions of the landscape.
Locsin thoughtfully provides chapter-by-chapter annotation at the end of both novels.
As I have bought this book secondhand from an online seller, I realize it is difficult to find it readily in Manila. Both the 1996 Locsin translations of the Noli and the Fili are available for sale directly from The Bookmark, Inc.'s The Filipino Bookstore at http://bookmarkthefilipinobookstore.com.
May 21, 2013
This is probably the most flawed novel that I've given a 5. Yet despite everything, it deserves its score.
It is, indeed, propagandist literature. In addition to that, however, it is also a decently-written novel - and is actually the second book from the Philippines that could actually be called a novel. The Noli and the Fili proved to the world, simply, that the indios were not merely monkeys: one was actually able to write a novel that was full of mordant wit that anathematized the misconducts that the frailocracy perpetrated. It was so blackly comic that I couldn't help but mutter 'puta' under my breath: that word certainly describes a majority of the characters in the novel.
While the story may have seemed disconnected at times, I loved how, in my re-reading of the novel in English, I realized that Isagani was the biggest hypocrite of them all.
Simoun, for all his anger and rage, was indeed a spectre of vengeance that despite his weakness after discovering that Maria Clara had died without him ever getting to see her again, went forward with his imaginative plot to create discord within the Spanish tyranny. He would have succeeded, too, if Isagani, the true villain of the novel, went beyond himself once in his life and actually thought toward the betterment of the people he purportedly represented.
Chapter 25, for example, was dedicated to Isagani dismantling Father Fernandez in a debate, suggesting positive changes to Philippine education and government. Beyond seeing Paulita Gomez's shallowness, however, he resolved to save her from the gunpowder plot of Simoun - fully knowing that it would have rid the Philippine society of all its biggest pythons.
In the end, Isagani remained to be all bluster, bilge, and bombast - and the worst snake of them all: a hypocrite - and I loved it. Basilio was much better: he never sold Simoun out, and even tried to save his friend despite their obvious contrasts in beliefs. Yet he remained hidden: like Padre Florentino's words, he 'suffered and worked.'
I wish Padre Camorra died, though.
It is, indeed, propagandist literature. In addition to that, however, it is also a decently-written novel - and is actually the second book from the Philippines that could actually be called a novel. The Noli and the Fili proved to the world, simply, that the indios were not merely monkeys: one was actually able to write a novel that was full of mordant wit that anathematized the misconducts that the frailocracy perpetrated. It was so blackly comic that I couldn't help but mutter 'puta' under my breath: that word certainly describes a majority of the characters in the novel.
While the story may have seemed disconnected at times, I loved how, in my re-reading of the novel in English, I realized that Isagani was the biggest hypocrite of them all.
Simoun, for all his anger and rage, was indeed a spectre of vengeance that despite his weakness after discovering that Maria Clara had died without him ever getting to see her again, went forward with his imaginative plot to create discord within the Spanish tyranny. He would have succeeded, too, if Isagani, the true villain of the novel, went beyond himself once in his life and actually thought toward the betterment of the people he purportedly represented.
Chapter 25, for example, was dedicated to Isagani dismantling Father Fernandez in a debate, suggesting positive changes to Philippine education and government. Beyond seeing Paulita Gomez's shallowness, however, he resolved to save her from the gunpowder plot of Simoun - fully knowing that it would have rid the Philippine society of all its biggest pythons.
In the end, Isagani remained to be all bluster, bilge, and bombast - and the worst snake of them all: a hypocrite - and I loved it. Basilio was much better: he never sold Simoun out, and even tried to save his friend despite their obvious contrasts in beliefs. Yet he remained hidden: like Padre Florentino's words, he 'suffered and worked.'
I wish Padre Camorra died, though.
July 19, 2012
I read this in high school. It was the final requirement for my Filipino class. Unlike my classmates, I couldnt wait to read the book so I read it when my parents bought it. I really enjoyed reading Noli Me Tangere. So it wasnt hard finding an inspiration to read the sequel.
I was really happy that there were new characters and it showed other events that werent mentioned in the first book. I read both books in Filipino. It wasnt easy reading both books in a deep Filipino language but I managed. I read both books the second time when I was required to recall the events that happened in both books when I was in college. This time in my Philippine literature class which was taught in English. I read both books in the English translated version, I must say it made it an easy read for me rather than the tagalog one. I do not degrade the Filipino language I just understood both books better when it was in English. The translator I had made the deep tagalog words in modern easy English so I didnt have the trouble of finding hard words to define in a Tagalog dictionary.
The ending of this books was like an ambush on me. It literally surprised me and I couldnt believe how events turned out. Also finding out that Crisostomo Ibarra was playing dead made the book extraordinary.
Jose Rizal is truly one of my writing idols. And its a bonus that he's pinoy! :)
I was really happy that there were new characters and it showed other events that werent mentioned in the first book. I read both books in Filipino. It wasnt easy reading both books in a deep Filipino language but I managed. I read both books the second time when I was required to recall the events that happened in both books when I was in college. This time in my Philippine literature class which was taught in English. I read both books in the English translated version, I must say it made it an easy read for me rather than the tagalog one. I do not degrade the Filipino language I just understood both books better when it was in English. The translator I had made the deep tagalog words in modern easy English so I didnt have the trouble of finding hard words to define in a Tagalog dictionary.
The ending of this books was like an ambush on me. It literally surprised me and I couldnt believe how events turned out. Also finding out that Crisostomo Ibarra was playing dead made the book extraordinary.
Jose Rizal is truly one of my writing idols. And its a bonus that he's pinoy! :)
September 15, 2012
For me, I liked El Filibusterismo way more than Noli Me Tangere. It's more... action-packed. In Noli Me Tangere, the rebellion is more low key. Here, it's more obvious and there are more suffering and death. It's so cool. I hated the ending though. I really hate the character who ruined the carefully laid out plans.
El Fili has Basilio, a minor character in the previous book, as the main character this time around. He's a med student hoping to do some good in his country. In the same boat he was riding in which was heading to a particular town, we meet Simon, a dark-skinned man who had garnered the Governor-General's favor. He plays a very important role and he encourages the cruel oppression of the Spaniards towards the Filipinos. He opens the door to something very big and that might change the country forever.
I recommend this for those who liked Noli Me Tangere and politics.
(Yeah, this review is shorter than the other one; I'm busy right now. I'm sorry.)
El Fili has Basilio, a minor character in the previous book, as the main character this time around. He's a med student hoping to do some good in his country. In the same boat he was riding in which was heading to a particular town, we meet Simon, a dark-skinned man who had garnered the Governor-General's favor. He plays a very important role and he encourages the cruel oppression of the Spaniards towards the Filipinos. He opens the door to something very big and that might change the country forever.
I recommend this for those who liked Noli Me Tangere and politics.
(Yeah, this review is shorter than the other one; I'm busy right now. I'm sorry.)
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