OVERVIEW
This literary folio is dedicated to the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal—his story; his legacy; and his undying love for the Filipino people. In light of Rizal’s passion for literature, poet Franczine, a 4th year Marketing student, and artist Kerschtine, a 4th year Computer Science student, in the University of St. La Salle, make use of their individual talents to collaborate and shine a light on these legendary tales through the beauty of poetry and digital art.
THE POET’S NOTE
“Which is more powerful: a pen or a sword?” This question had haunted me as a teenager, unknowing of the correct answer. Literally speaking, the latter was the way to go. But, was it really?
Rizal is one of the writers who gave another meaning to that question; giving it so much more depth that one would not easily answer it now. His words had truly been more powerful than a sword, and it has inspired writers like me to write beyond the sake of reading, but also feeling—the weight of the work, and what hides between the lines, unseen by the naked eye.
And so, I hope that through this lit folio, I will be able to write something that people could feel. About Rizal and his legacy. And the stories of those who had lifted this country from the ground.
THE ARTIST’S NOTE
As an artist, I believe visuals hold a profound power to tell stories and breathe life into history. In creating the artwork for this folio, I aimed to honor Dr. Jose Rizal’s courage and creativity by capturing the essence of his journey—from the cries of the martyrs to the flames of revolution his words ignited. Each illustration serves as a reflection of his enduring hope for the Filipino people.
Through this digital art, I hope to connect Rizal’s legacy with today’s generation, reminding us that art and literature remain powerful forces for change. May these visuals, alongside Franczine’s crafted words, inspire us to continue Rizal’s fight for freedom and truth.
Part I: The Beginning Execution
of the Martyr Priests
The Cry of the Martyrs
With the weight of the chains foreign tyrants held, Three men stood, with their courage burning deep. Their truths untold, even beyond fervent pleas. A treacherous lie, and their fates were sealed.
On Bagumbayan’s mournful ground—a blood-stained soil,
The martyrs turned pale as the garrote turned. Their bodies fell; their breaths grew thin, Dying from the wrath of cruel power’s fear.
But amidst the mourning crowd and painful cries, Stood a child with his own burning dreams His hope endured from where despair had been, Their sacrifice, a spark to his flame.
So. with minds awakened, we fight. With hearts ablaze, we remember The unfortunate fates, the oppression ignored, And most especially, the cry of the martyrs.
Rizal’s Education and Love for
Literature
The Quill of Freedom
In the land of Calamba was a young boy, Whose books were the stars and ink was the seas. With a quill, he carved his existence and mind Through literature did he carve out mine.
From the halls of Ateneo to UST, And from Latin’s form to German’s prose, He sought out the truth of the nation’s tale And in pursuit of freedom, he had found his voice.
Noli Me Tangere cried for the silenced tongue.
El Filibusterismo carried the nation’s plight.
“To the Filipino Youth,” a hymn of hope; His words had struck, in every line.
Each word a seed, each thought a flame, He had awakened those in fear.
Singing the story of the land that had been unsung, This poet’s letters, addressed to everyone.
Part II: The Spark of the Revolution
Noli Me Tangere
Dearest Noli
It wasn’t just a book, they said, for it unraveled even the most silent of the silenced cries. It exposed the cruel truth and harsh reality through faith and power the tyrants had masked.
Beneath the surface of Ibarra’s love and sacrifice lies the real stories of the people —the ones where their dreams were stifled, and their hopes buried with the corpses of injustice.
Beyond literature, it was a weapon; a reminder of what there is behind the facades. Though banned, condemned, and feared by the enemy, A pen continued to shine a light no violence could put off.
It had opened the eyes of those who couldn’t see, And gave hope to those who had forgotten how to dream. And so, a revolution had sparked among the oppressed Through Noli’s pages, even the voiceless had spoken.
EL FILIBUSTERISMO
Dearest El Fili
It did not simply speak of revolt, It spoke of the growing quiet resistance, and the seeds of change finally planted in awakened minds beneath the surface.
The corruption, the betrayal, the apathy —they all existed in between the lines of every sentence.
With rage, with sorrow, and with defiance, the Filipinos’ wounds had laid bare.
Through El Fili’s blood-stained pages, anger simmered. igniting a vision of what was possible, of what should be. Its message woven into the very fabric of resistance, even with no promise of victory.
And as the flames of revolution spread, the words of Rizal had lingered in every soul. And the silence that once bounded the nation finally… had shattered.
Part III: The Exile
Rizal’s Arrest
His Arrest
In the quiet of dawn; and in the stillness of the morning, they arrested the man, whose only weapon was the truth, and whose crime was only dreaming of freedom.
Captured and sent away to a land of exile; in the solitude of his confinement, hands chained amidst the dark, the author of the books they feared continued on.
His resolve unshaken; his mind remained sharp. His pen became his sword, and he wrote and wrote —not for himself alone, but for the people yearning to breathe the freedom once had.
And so, even in his final letter, he fought for the truth to be exposed. And, even in his final days did he become the man we ought to be.
Facing the Sky
The echo of footsteps, the march of fate; And the slow rising of the mourning sun —the day finally came, and the nation held its breath.
He stood tall before the firing squad whose guns were unloaded except for one. Though death was awaiting him, His eyes did not shake nor did he ever falter
So, when the shots rang out, and the silence fell, the truth spilled along with his blood.
Even in his final breath, his martyrdom showed, facing the sky before the lights went out.
His death was the nation’s call; the spark that would ascend; and the flame of freedom that would burn and burn
‘til the fire can no longer be extinguished… and the world would be on fire.
From Pages to Revolt is more than a literary folio—it is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal. Through the heartfelt poetry of Franczine Danielle Angelique Cordova and the evocative digital art of Kerschtine B. Billones, this work reimagines Rizal’s life, sacrifices, and the revolutionary spark ignited by his words.
This folio invites readers to reflect on the power of creativity in shaping history and envisioning a better future. May it serve as a reminder of Rizal’s unwavering love for the Filipino people and inspire generations to continue his fight for freedom, truth, and justice.
— The Creators