EL FILIBUSTERISMO (The Reign of Greed)

El Filibusterismo (Spanish for The Filibustering), also known by its English alternate title
The Reign of Greed, is the second novel written by Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal. It is
the sequel to Noli Me Tangere and like the first book, was written in Spanish. 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. The main message of El Filibusterismo is the
examination of themes of revolution, responsibility, and colonial suffering in the Philippines
during the late nineteenth century.
Chapter 1: On Deck
The novel opens with the steamship Tabo heading up the Pasig River on its way to La
Laguna one December morning. Take note of the possible parallelism between the ship and the
government ruling in the Philippines during Rizal’s time: full of hot air, tyrannical, pretentious.
We meet Doña Victorina, the only lady in the European group on the upper deck. She is depicted
as a foul-mouthed, extravagant, heavily made-up, disdainful, and insufferable Indio who tries to
pass herself off as a European through her wigs and clothes. She is accompanied by her niece,
the beautiful and rich Paulita Gomez. Doña Victorina is the wife of Don Tiburcio de Espadaña,
who left her after many years of marriage and who was now hiding in Laguna.
Among the other characters introduced are: Don Custodio, an official counsellor; Ben Zayb, an
exceedingly intelligent (in his own mind) writer whose pseudonym is an anagram of the surname
Ybañez; Father Irene, the canon; and the jeweller Simoun who sports long, white hair and a
sparse black beard and who wears a pair of huge blue-tinted sunglasses. Anyway, Simoun‘s great
influence over His Excellency, the Capitan-General was known in Manila. Thus, people held him
in high regard.
Discussing the issue of the lake and the slowness of ship travel were Ben Zayb, Padre Camorra,
and Padre Salvi, a Franciscan. Simoun cuts in and offers a rather radical solution: “dig a new
river channel and close the Pasig even if it means destroying villages and committing people to
forced and unpaid labor”.
What follows is a debate between Simoun and Don Custodio on whether the indios were going to
revolt or not. Padre Sibyla, a Dominican, was concerned that the people might rise up as before,
but Simoun dismissed the possibility with a "what are you friars for if the people can rise in
revolt?"
After Simoun left the fuming group, Don Custodio offers his own solution: Get people to raise
ducks. Since ducks feed on snails, the people will help deepen the river as they will remove or
dig up the sandbars which contain the snails. Doña Victorina wasn’t exactly fond of the idea
since she considers balut (duck) eggs disgusting.
Chapter 2: Lower Deck
Below deck, we find those belonging to the lower rungs of the social ladder. Unlike the airy
upper deck, the conditions below deck are far from comfortable because of the heat from the
boilers and the stifling stench of various nose crinkling scents.
We find Basilio, a student of medicine and Isagani, a poet from the Ateneo. They were
conversing with the rich Capitan Basilio. The main point of discussion is the establishment of an
academy for the teaching of Spanish. While Capitan Basilio is convinced that such a school will
never be set-up, Isagani expects to get the permit, courtesy of Father Irene. Father Sibyla is also
against this, which is why Father Irene is on his way to Los Baños to see the Governor General.
To support the funding of the project, every student was asked to contribute fifteen centavos.
Even the professors offered to help (half were Filipinos and half were Spaniards from Spain).
The building itself will be one of the houses of the wealthy Makaraig.
Isagani is in love with Paulita Gomez, but his uncle, Father Florentino is against it. Father
Florentino would rather not go on deck because he might bump into Doña Victorina who might
ask him about her husband, Don Tiburcio (who happens to be hiding in Father Florentino’s
house).
Coming from the upper deck, Simoun finds Basilio who then introduces Isagani to him. Isagani
takes offense when Simoun talks about the poverty in Basilio’s province. After Simoun leaves,
Basilio chastises Isagani for treating the jeweler that way. Basilio emphasizes Simoun’s position
in society be calling him the Brown Cardinal, or Black Eminence of the Governor-General. They
are interrupted when Isagani is informed by a servant that his uncle, Father Florentino, needed
him.
The legend-loving skipper of the vessel sees Fr. Florentino and asks him to go on deck just in
case the friars assume this Filipino priest did not want to mingle with them. Fr. Florentino then
instructs Isagani not to go near the lounge because that would be tantamount to abusing the
hospitality of the skipper who would surely invite Isagani.
Actually, Isagani felt it was his uncle’s way of preventing him from speaking with Doña
Victorina.
Chapter 3: Legend of Ilog Pasig
Padre Florentino sees the guests laughing above deck. The friars are complaining about the
increasing social awareness of the Filipinos and about the investigation on the finances of the
church. Simoun arrives and is told how unfortunate he is to have missed seeing the places the
ship had passed. Simoun replies that places are worthless, unless there are legends associated
with them.
Don Custodio then relates the Legend of the Wide Rock, a place considered sacred by the natives
of long ago; the abode of some spirits. During the time of bandits, the fear of spirits disappeared,
and criminals inhabited the place. The Kapitan also talks about the Legend of Doña Geronima.
Padre Florentino is asked to give the details: Doña Geronima had a lover in Spain, who later
became an archbishop in Manila. The woman goes to see him to ask that he fulfill his promise of
marrying her. Instead, he sends the woman to live in a cave near the Pasig River.
Ben Zayb liked the legend. Doña Victorina grew envious because she also wanted to live in a
cave. Simoun asks Padre Salvi if it wouldn’t have been better if the woman were placed in a
monastery such as Sta. Clara. Padre Salvi explained that he cannot judge the actions of an
archbishop. To change the topic, he narrates the legend of St. Nicholas (San Nicolas) who
rescued a Chinese from a crocodile. Legend has it that the crocodile turned to stone when the
Chinese prayed to the saint.
When the group reached the lake, Ben Zayb asked the Kapitan where in the lake a certain
Guevarra, Navarra or Ibarra was killed. (Refer to the Noli Me Tangere).
The Kapitan shows the spot, while Doña Victorina peers into the water, searching for any trace
of the killing. Padre Sibyla adds that the father is now with the corpse of the son (in the Noli Me
Tangere, the corpse of Ibarra’s father–Don Rafael was thrown in the lake). That’s the cheapest
burial, quips Ben Zayb. People laugh. Simoun pales and does not say anything. The Kapitan
thinks Simoun is just seasick.
Chapter 4: Kabesang Tales
Selo, who adopted Basilio in the forest, is now quite old. His son, Cabesang Tales, is the father
of Lucia. Cabesang Tales, the head of the barangay, grew rich through hard work and
perseverance. He started by partnering with an investor. After saving some money, Cabesang
Tales inquired about a place in the forest and, after verifying that there were no owners, planted
sugarcane there. He wanted to send Juli to college in order to match the educational attainment
of Basilio, her sweetheart.
After Cabesang Tales’ plot of land was developed, the friars wanted to grab it. The friars taxed
Cabesang Tales and kept raising the tax rate until Cabesang Tales could not pay anymore. He
brought the friars to court and asked them for proof of land ownership. No proof was presented,
but the courts still ruled in favor of the friars.
When his son, Tano, was drafted into the army, Tales did not ―ransom his son. Instead, he spent
the money on lawyers in hopes that he would win the land case. Besides, if Tales did not win the
case, then he felt that he won’t need his son anyway.
Tales built a fence around his property and patrolled it (he was armed with a rifle). No one could
get near because Tales was known for his skill in marksmanship — a formidable sharpshooter.
When rifles were outlawed, Tales carried a bolo. When that was banned, he then carried an axe.
Since he only carried an axe, the armed bandits kidnapped him and demanded ransom. Juli sold
all her jewelry to raise funds. All, that is, except for a locket given to her by Basilio. Not enough
funds were raised, though, so Juli borrowed money from Hermana Penchang. To secure the debt,
she agreed to work for the Hermana as a companion (aka: maid or slave).
Her first day of work was to commence on Christmas Day. No wonder Juli had bad dreams on
Christmas eve. hapless cochero, or horse rig driver.
No wonder Juli had bad dreams on Christmas eve. hapless cochero, or horse rig driver.
Chapter 5: A Cochero’s Christmas Eve
It was evening when the Christmas Eve (noche buena) procession commenced, when Basilio
arrived in San Diego. He got delayed along the way because the cochero or rig driver (the guy
who drives the karitela or horse-driven carriage) forgot his cedula (Residence Certificate). Why
the delay? The Guardia Civil had to beat up the cochero first.
The image of Methusalem (Methuselah, world’s oldest person) was paraded during the
procession, followed by the three magi (wise men). The cochero asked Basilio if Bernardo
Carpio was able to free his other leg from the mountains of San Mateo (nope, not in California).
Following the procession were sad-faced kids holding torches. They were followed by San Jose,
and then kids holding ―parol or Christmas lanterns. And the end of the procession was the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
The procession ended and the guardia civil noticed that there was no light in the cochero‘s
carriage. The guards again beat up poor old Sinong.
Basilio decided to just walk.
Among the houses Basilio passed, it seemed that only the house of Capitan Basilio appeared
lively. Chickens were being slaughtered and Basilio espied the Capitan speaking with the parish
priest, the alferes and with Simoun. Capitan Basilio agreed with Simoun that they will go to
Tiani to examine Simoun‘s jewelry. The alferez asked for a watch chain, while the parish priest
asked for a — get this — pair of earrings!
Basilio found Simoun unbearable because Simoun was able to do business in the Philippines
unlike other people. Basilio is well-respected in the home of Capitan Tiago, especially by the
elder household help who saw Basilio perform surgery with extreme calmness. The old man tried
to give Basilio some fresh news — an old man who took care of the forest died of old age and
the parish priest didn’t want to give him burial as a poor man. Basilio was disheartened to learn
that someone died because of old age; he wanted to perform autopsies on those who died of
sickness.
Then the old household help told Basilio about the kidnapping of Cabezang Tales. Basilio lost
his appetite.
Chapter 6: Basilio
It is almost time for Christmas Eve midnight mass when Basilio secretly makes his way to the
forest previously owned by the Ibarra family. He does not want anyone to see him.
Recall that thirteen years had passed since he buried his mother, Sisa, in that same forest.
Thirteen years ago, he was hunted as a fugitive along with his brother Crispin (now dead). In the
Noli Me Tangere, Padre Salvi was after these two sacristans. In the El Fili, Padre Salvi still
wields considerable power.
No wonder Basilio needs to keep his past a secret.
In the forest is a stream, near which is a small hill, beyond which was a space enclosed by
crumbling walls. In the center of this is a balete tree, and near it is a pile of stones –Sisa‘s
unmarked grave.
Basilio painfully remembers that night thirteen years ago when Sisa did not recognize him (she
was out of her mind at that time). She died in the forest and a stranger (Elias) came and ordered
Basilio to build a funeral pyre. When Basilio came back with the wood, he saw yet another
stranger (Ibarra); the first stranger had died.
This second stranger helped Basilio place the dead stranger on the pyre and also helped Basilio
bury his mother, Sisa. He also gave Basilio some money.
Basilio remembers leaving the forest for Manila, where he served in Capitan Tiago’s home.
Instead of being paid a salary, his tuition was paid for instead. Capitan Tiago took him in
because the old man was depressed — that was the day Maria Clara entered the nunnery.
Imagine Basilio, in his first year of Latin, wearing bakya (wooden clogs). Students avoided the
poorly-attired Basilio. Even his teachers didn’t ask him to participate in classroom discussions.
Of course, he felt terrible and alone, and often cried atop his mother’s grave. to the Ateneo.
Yet somehow Basilio passed school, through sheer memory work. It’s amazing how he managed
to motivate himself in a class size of about 400 students, only 40 of which were called to recite.
Those not called by the teacher felt relieved.
In Basilio’s third year, a Dominican teacher decided to make fun of him. Basilio, however, was
able to answer sensibly and the embarrassed teacher never called on Basilio again. (Basilio
understood Spanish and therefore could not be turned into a class stooge.)
One of the professors got into a fight with some cadets. Basilio, in defense of the professor,
participated in the duel of canes and sabers.
He survived and went on to graduate with good grades and medals. Nope, it wasn’t purely due to
his fencing skills; he was also a diligent student. Capitan Tiago convinced Basilio to transfer to
the Ateneo.
The different educational system amazed Basilio.
Anyway, Basilio took up medicine. While Capitan Tiago first wanted him to take up law (so that
Tiago can have legal services for free), he accepted Basilio’s choice. Tiago was interested in
getting the blood of some Chinese who died of venereal disease –perhaps medical students like
Basilio could get hold of it so that Tiago can smear the metal gaffs of his fighting cocks with
poisoned blood.
In Basilio’s third year at medical school, he started to cure people. This provided him with funds
for savings and for elegant clothes. Basilio healed a leper who gave him a locket in payment.
Recall that that locket was given by Maria Clara when she saw the leper begging in the streets.
That locket will be given by Basilio to Juliana.
(During this time, people believed that leprosy is contagious and could not be cured. Perhaps
Rizal believed otherwise.)
Enough of the flashback… So Basilio is in the forest. He is in his last year of studies and will be
a physician in a couple of months. He plans to retire in his hometown and to marry his
sweetheart, Juliana.
We see here a reversal of fortunes: the boy who used to wander the streets, dirty, unkempt and
disdained by society, is now about to become a respected physician. In fact, he had been selected
to deliver the valedictory address — a message, not about himself, but about the needy students
of the future.
What a way to make his first mark in the world, right?
Chapter 7: Simoun
Basilio is about to leave his mother’s grave when he notices someone approaching the balete
tree. Remember, it is deep in the night and Filipinos attribute supernatural things to balete trees
which are believed to house evil spirits and other creatures of middle earth.
The newcomer turns out to be Simoun, the jeweler. He has a spade and begins digging for the
treasure buried thirteen years ago. Basilio tries to figure out whether Simoun is Elias or Ibarra.
Basilio never did go for the treasure all these years because the stranger (Elias) told him that he
could get the treasure only if no one else came looking for it. On the night Elias died, Crisostomo
Ibarra (refer to the Noli Me Tangere) went to the forest and helped Basilio bury Sisa.
Without waiting to be discovered, Basilio announces his presence and acknowledges Simoun as
the person who helped Basilio bury his mother, Sisa more than a decade ago. Simoun points a
revolver at Basilio.
(Kids, never startle anyone working in the wee hours of the morning, near a silent and
foreboding balete tree.)
Fortunately for Basilio, Simoun does not pull the trigger even if he realizes that Basilio’s
newfound knowledge jeopardizes the plans of Simoun. He figures that Basilio will not squeal on
him because Basilio is still a fugitive while Simoun, the rich jeweler, is still in favor with the
government and the frailocracy.
Besides, Simoun reasons that since they are both victims of injustice, they should help one
another.
Simoun reminisces and waxes poetic about that ―great and noble soul‖ who wished to die for
him. He was most likely referring to Elias. Simoun narrates how he worked hard to save money
so that he could come back to the Philippines to hasten the destruction of the religio-political
system by inciting greed and corruption, among others.
But before Simoun succeeds in corrupting the government and thus turn the Filipinos against the
powers that be, he points out how frustrated he is with Basilio’s call for Hispanization and parity
rights.
I‘m particularly pierced by Simoun‘s: What will you be in the future? A people without
character, a nation without liberty. You are asking to be Hispanized and you do not blanch with
shame when it is denied you!
Basilio has good intentions, though. He believes that knowing Spanish can unite the people not
only with the Government, but with other peoples in other islands. Take note of Simoun‘s
reaction: Spanish will never be the common language in the country; the people will never speak
it because for the ideas of its mind and the sentiments of its heart there are no words in that
idiom.
(Take note that Rizal‘s Spanish-speaking Filipino characters –Doña Victorina and Doña
Consolacion –cannot speak Spanish well.)
Simoun allows Basilio to live hoping this message can be spread to other students pushing for
Hispanization. What follows is a discussion between science (or medicine) and Politics (or the
aspiration to be an independent nation). Recall that Basilio studied to become a doctor and feels
that he is powerless to do anything about the political situation.
Simoun fails to convince Basilio to change his mind so he instead tries to provoke Basilio by
asking about Sisa and Crispin (the dead younger brother). Basilio explains there is no way he can
obtain justice. Besides, even if Simoun were to provide support, revenge cannot bring back
Basilio’s mom and brother.
Before dawn, Simoun sends Basilio away but invites him to go to Simoun‘s house in Escolta in
case Basilio changes his mind and decides to seek help in avenging his mom‘s and brother‘s
deaths.
The chapter closes with Simoun asking the spirits of Don Rafael (his father) and Elias to have
patience. Simoun explains that while his means differ from that of Elias, the results will come
faster. There is some foreboding that Simoun will die in his attempt to help the Philippines gain
independence — note that line about him personally bringing news of freedom to the spirits of
his dad and friend.
(Elias was also for independence of the nation, but he did not support violent methods. Simoun is
Machiavellian in the sense that he believes that the end justifies the means. Remember that
Simoun uses his wealth to corrupt those in government and to tempt them to harm the Filipinos.
Simoun hopes that this will anger the Filipinos enough to make them rise up in revolt against the
Government. It is a tactic Elias would never have approved of.)
Soon, it will be Christmas.
Chapter 8: Merry Christmas
The miracle that Juli expected did not happen — there was no money at the foot of the statue of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. All that remained there were Juli’s prayers.
As a result, Juli resigned herself to serving as Hermana Penchang‘s maid.
Apparently, Juli’s mindset shows how the friars controlled the Philippine population. The friars
convinced the people that being a good Catholic means: religiously praying and putting complete
and total faith on saints (or their icons) and learning to just accept and bear whatever hardships
fate hands to them.
Hmmm… there are many things that make me feel like a modern-day Juli. Blame it on readings
about Zen (all life is suffering), those positive thinking gurus, and other non-Catholic sources. I
wonder, should Juli have done something else? Or do her actions pave the way for something
better in the future?
Afterall, if Judas did not betray Christ, would He have been crucified?
What do you think?
Remember, this was Christmas Day. Old Man Selo (Tandang Selo) didn’t have any gifts to give
to anyone. His granddaughter was going to become a maid and she didn’t even greet
him―Merry Christmas (probably out of respect since she knew Selo had nothing, not even a
centavo).
It seems that during Rizal’s time, people greet and expect you to hand them a Christmas gift.
Today in the Philippines, there are still people who cheerfully greet you ―Merry Christmas,
Ma’am and then pause, and then give you ―the expectant look.
Some Philippine government offices forbid their employees from greeting anyone ―Merry
Christmas‖ lest it be misconstrued as a request for money. But getting back to the story, either
Juli completely forgot to greet her grandpa, or (more likely) she was just being tactful, or she
was preoccupied with the thought of becoming a maid. If you recall, Juli is considered among the
prettiest women in the barrio — her delicate hands imply that she is not used to hard, manual
labor. Selo’s woes don’t end there. His son, Cabesang Tales, is still missing. With all these
misfortunes, it's no wonder that Selo discovers he can no longer speak. Probably a mild stroke?
Women passing by the house notice that Selo is mute. Of course, the bad news quickly spreads
through the chismis or gossip network. What a Christmas, right? Rizal understands a key point of
Philippine entertainment: Suffering sells.
Chapter 9: Pilates
The town is abuzz with talk about the misfortunes of Selo and his family, and already a number
of people are claiming they are not to blame.
Now take note of the following key points… [To recap: Cabesang Tales' land was being
unjustly taken away, so he decided to patrol his property. Although he was armed, eventually his
weapons were confiscated. Since he was no longer armed, some bandits kidnapped him. To raise
money for ransom, Juli decided to become the maid of Hermana Penchang in exchange for a
loan.]
Anyway, on to the Pilates of the chapter…
The alferez or lieutenant of the guardia civil said he was merely following orders when he
confiscated the weapons of Cabesang Tales. It was not his fault if Tales was subsequently
kidnapped.
The person grabbing Tales’ land said that if Tales remained at home (and not patrolled the land),
he would not have been kidnapped. And what about Hermana Penchang, Juli’s new
master/mistress? She does not feel responsible either for Juli’s circumstances. Instead, she
blames Old Man Selo because he does not know how to pray (and neither did he teach Juli how
to pray properly).
Hence, Hermana Penchang took it upon herself to teach Juli; she also asked Juli to read the book
Tandang Basiong Macunat, a late 1800s Tagalog narrative about how Indios should trust only in
the friars and shun learning (because it leads to sin).
It’s funny to read how Hermana Penchang appears scandalized when Juli does not pause at the
“proper” words in the Hail Mary, or when Juli stresses the wrong syllable in some Latin prayers
(i.e., Juli says menTibus instead of MENtibus).
Anyway, Cabesang Tales does show up in his house. He discovers that his dad no longer speaks,
that his land is being taken away, that he is being evicted from his home, and that Juli is great.
Can you blame him for just sitting down beside his dad and not saying anything the entire day?
Chapter 10: Wealth and Misery
Simoun visits the house of Cabesang Tales (located between the towns of San Diego and Tiani).
Tales is impoverished, but Simoun brings food and other necessities, along with cases of jewelry.
(Simoun did this because he wanted to get to know Tales better.)
So, what did Simoun do next…?
Simoun shows off his revolver or pistol to Tales. Soon, the jewelry buyers arrive: Capitan
Basilio (father of Sinang), Capitana Tika (mom of Sinang), Sinang (and her husband and child),
and Hermana Penchang (who wants to buy a diamond ring for the Blessed Virgin at Antipolo).
It’s some kind of status symbol for them ~ they can say that they bought jewelry from the adviser
of the Capitan Heneral. Ah, the travails of ―branded fashion… Simoun opens the two pieces of
luggage filled with jewelries of different types, shapes and histories.
Tales looks at the riches and feels that Simoun is using those to make Tales feel more miserable
about his situation. To think all this was happening on the eve of Tales’ eviction. All it would
take was but one tiny diamond to ransom Juli from her employer and to sustain Tales’ old father,
Selo, till the end of his days. Tales feels insulted, to say the least.
Some of the jewelry mentioned:
* Necklace of Cleopatra
* Rings found in the ruins of Carthage
* Some treasures brought back by Hannibal after the Battle of Cannae
* Ring of Sulla
* Earrings found in the villa of Annius Mucius Papilinus in Pompeii
* Sapphire from Ceylon, emeralds from Peru, ruby, turquoises from Persia, diamonds (black,
rosy, green)
* Ring of the Princess of Lamballe
* Pendants to a lady-in-waiting of Marie Antoinette
* Oriental mother-of-pearl
* Others from the Golconda mines
None of the buyers were interested in the old, historical jewels, so Simoun brought out the
modern ones. No appreciation for antiquity, it seems. How can you blame the buyers? There
weren’t even enough museums at that time.
Simoun also wanted to buy something, so he asked Cabesang Tales if he had any jewelry for
sale. Sinang reminds Tales about the locket given to Juli (recall that this locket was given by
Maria Clara to a leper, who gave it to Basilio, who then gifted it to his sweetheart Juli.).
Simoun immediately offered Five Hundred Pesos (afterall, that was the locket of his love, Maria
Clara, who had since become a nun). He alternatively offered any other jewel.
Hermana Penchang reminds Tales that Juli chose to become a maid/slave over selling that locket,
so Tales decides to consult first with Juli.
Tales goes out to meet his daughter, but along the way sees the friar and the new tenant of Tales’
land. Those insensitive two laugh at Tales when they see him. Tales felt as if some guy took his
wife to a private room and laughed at him before entering the room.
Tales does not go to see his daughter. Instead, he follows those two men.
The following day, Tales is missing. And so is Simoun’s revolver!
In the holster, Simoun finds a note from Tales (aka Telesforo Juan de Dios). Tales apologized for
taking the revolver and explained he needed it because he was joining the bandits. Aside from
the note, Tales also left –as payment –the locket Simoun wanted.
Simoun muses that he has finally found the man he’s been looking for: a man of action, a man of
integrity, a man who can keep his end of the bargain.
(When Tales swore that his land will be taken away over his dead body, his act of gun-stealing
shows that Tales doesn’t simply make threats; he keeps promises.)
Simoun orders his servants to proceed to Los Baños via the lake. He, on the other hand, decides
to travel on land (along with his precious gems) because he hopes to meet the bandits so that he
can invite them to his cause (revolution).
Simoun is delighted to discover that the guardia civil have arrested Old Man Selo. He realizes
that this will anger Tales even more.
It turns out that Tales murdered three people the previous evening: the friar, the new tenant, and
his wife. It was a gruesome murder: their mouths were filled with soil, the wife’s neck was
slashed, and the other two had been shot in the head. Beside the wife’s corpse was a note with
Tales’ name finger -traced in blood. equivalent of Tales… for they had suffered more than
Tales.
The chapter ends with a sarcastic assurance to the citizens of Calamba that they will not be
blamed for the crime committed by Tales. Rizal was hinting that these citizens were NOT the
equivalent of Tales… for they had suffered more than Tales.
But these citizens are like Tales in the sense that they still have not obtained justice. There is also
some reference to Mariano Herbosa, husband of Rizal’s sister Lucia. Mariano’s eldest daughter
was Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (1879 to 1900) who, at the age of 7, helped sew the first
Philippine flag!
(Mariano died from cholera, but was not buried in the town cemetery because he did not receive
the Last Sacraments. Yeah, right. How convenient that Rizal’s brod-in-law, because of some
timing issue, had to be buried out of town [on the hillock Lichiria].)
Chapter 11: Los Baños
The Capitan Heneral tried to hunt in Bosoboso. The accompanying band probably scared off the
prey. The local government officials wanted to suck up to the Capitan Heneral considered getting
someone to dress up as a deer.
After the unsuccessful hunt, the Capitan Heneral returns to Los Baños.
On the last day of December, the Governor-General and his advisers, together with some friars,
are taking a rest in Los Baños. After the game of cards, the Governor-General asks his advisers’
opinion about the students’ proposal to put up a self-sufficient Spanish academy. There is a
disagreement of opinions, so no decision is made. The Dominicans, who dominated the schools,
are against the plans to build a school. The youth are relying on Padre Irene to support their plan.
Afterwards, the Governor-General orders the release of Tata Selo, who has been arrested by the
Guardia Civil in place of his son, Cabesang Tales.
Chapter 12: Placido Penitente
 The University of Sto. Tomas (UST) during the Spanish period was in Intramuros, near the
College of San Juan de Letran. During the American period, UST transferred to España in
Manila. Practically all the schools then were in Intramuros — Letran and Ateneo.
Christmas Break was over, and the students were returning to their schools and dreading them.
Physics class. So, you might be wondering…
Why did Placido wish to stop his schooling? After four years of school, he was not known nor
noticed by his teachers. He was disillusioned because he was bright and wished to learn. In his
town, he was admired for his intellect.
What does his name mean? Placid or Peaceful. Penitent, or one who suffers…
Why did Pelaez hint that Padre Camorra has his way with women in Tiani? The friars threatened
the women, and told them that their brothers/parents would be jailed or banished if they did not
yield to the desires of the friars.
Why would Juli eventually fall into the hands of Padre Camorra? Pelaez was well-aware of what
Padre Camorra was capable of doing. What did Rizal say about the youth of that time? Most of
them learn nothing because (a) They didn’t bring books, (b) The classes were too big (too many
students), (c) Teachers held the students in low-esteem, and (d) There were too many ―No Class
days.
Chapter 13: Physics Class
What can we say about Padre Millon? Take note of the following characteristics…
 Finished Philosophy and Theology, dabbles in metaphysics (theory), teaches Chemistry
and Physics.
 Haphazardly skims through books on Chemistry and Physics. He does not believe in the
things he reads about science, and handles the course as if it were about Philosophy. He
is contemptuous of both subject matter and students.
 He asks questions but does not like to be asked. He takes pleasure in the failings of his
students, and gets peeved when they are able to answer correctly.
 He forces students to blindly memorize lessons which he does not even explain well.
 He curses at students.
 He probably reminds us of one or more teachers we’ve encountered in the past. Looks
like there really is such a thing as reincarnation, eh? Why does Padre Millon use broken
Spanish in class? That’s his way of disrespecting his students whom he considers
ignorant.
How can one tell that the students won’t learn much just by looking at the Physics classroom?
There are no pictures, equipment or lecture notes on the blackboard. The few equipment
available are locked up, never to be handled. The only thing written on the board is ―VIVA
(written on the first day of school and has not been erased nor written over since). Please note
that it is now January. And finally, the teaching method is purely lecture, which is suited to a
class in Philosophy, not Physics.
What can we say about the points Rizal raised regarding ―teaching? Rizal’s principles of
teaching still apply today:
 Class sizes should be small.
 Teachers should not humiliate students.
 A teacher should be technically competent about the subject matter being taught, and
he/she should teach with love.
 Too many vacation breaks can ruin the momentum of a student, and can make them seek
non-academic forms of recreation.
 No one should watch Cartoon Network, Myx, MTV, Darna or Pinoy Big Brother.
What can we say about Placido, based on his behavior in this chapter? He is like a typical
Filipino a pacifist who prefers to suffer in silence. Will sacrifice and keep quiet just to avoid
trouble, but when pushed too far, is capable of getting openly angry and taking action.

Chapter 14: A Student's Lodging House

The students want to learn Spanish in their first year of college so that they can easily learn their
lessons. Isagani is the epitome of the idealistic and honorable Filipino youth. He would rather get
the support of others (i.e., Señor Pasta) through legitimate means (i.e., face to face talk) rather
than by appealing to their baser nature (i.e., by using women).

Pelaez is opportunistic, Machiavellian, and easily switches sides when the going gets rough. He
voices his support for his fellow students, but when threatened with the possibility of being
called a subversive, he wavers.

Macaraig is rich and nationalistic. He allows students to live in his lodging house for free.

Pecson is ever the skeptical pessimist. He always thinks things through.

Sandoval is a Spaniard who supports the Filipinos. This is Rizal’s way of showing that in an
academic setting, political and racial barriers can come crashing down. In this chapter, Rizal
gives us a glimpse of life in a school dormitory. Clearly, things have not really changed in more
than a hundred years. Afterall, students will be students. Oh, there are a few differences…
Rizal did not mention anything about dormers bringing their Significant Others into their rooms.
He also did not show professors and students living in the same lodging house. Then again, that
was probably the culture at that time.

Chapter 15: Señor Pasta

Señor Pasta is a lawyer who also works as a consultant for the friars. He thinks only of himself,
and is willing to be nationalistic only after everyone else becomes patriotic first.

Since he earns money from the friars, he hesitates to accede to the students wish that the help
advise and convince Don Custodio to support the Spanish school.
He advises Isagani to just study well, earn a decent living, get married, and avoid getting into
trouble. You know, lead a ―safe life. Since Isagani is quite idealistic, he prefers to live a life
worth living. I wonder if Isagani will change if ever Rizal wrote a sequel to the El Fili.

I wonder when Isagani will come to grips with reality…

Chaper 16: Travails of a Chinaman

In this chapter, we meet Quiroga, a Chinese businessman who wants to open a Chinese consulate
in the Philippines and head it as consul.

Although he knows a number of people despise him and talk behind his back, he still invites
them to a dinner party above his bazaar in Escolta. Unlike Kapitan Tiago (dinner, Noli Me
Tangere), Quiroga smiles at his guests while secretly despising them deep inside.

Hmmm… I wonder why Rizal depicts the Chinese this way? He even mentions that Quiroga
keeps his indio of a wife locked in a room much like Chinese women. You can probably guess
what’s the main point of keeping a wife, right?

Among those who hate Quiroga’s guts are the columnist G. Gonzales (alias PITILI) who’s mad
at the incoming Chinese; a thin, brown-skinned guest who did not receive money from Quiroga;
and someone who was against Quiroga’s jueteng operations… because he was losing in the
jueteng game.

So why do these adversaries get together for dinner? Like I said earlier: Use and be used. Dinner
ends, and Simoun arrives.

Businessmen complain about the poor economic environment and hint that Simoun should ask
the Kapitan Heneral to do something about it.

Don Timoteo Pelaez complains about corruption in customs (adwana). Quiroga wanted to get
into the good graces of a woman because she had a government official wrapped around her
finger. So, he offers her three pieces of jewelry to choose from. Unfortunately, she chooses ALL
three. So now, Quiroga owes the jeweller Simoun P9,000 which was a princely sum back then.

Why do you suppose Simoun ―lent those three pieces of jewelry to Quiroga? Yep, use and be
used. Now Quiroga owes Simoun.

Instead of asking for the entire sum, Simoun just asks for P7,000. He also asks Quiroga to send
money-borrowing soldiers and government officials to him. He further instructs Quiroga to send
those owing Quiroga money to Simoun instead.

And lastly, Simoun asks Quiroga to store some rifles in Quiroga’s warehouse. All that for a
22.2% discount off the P9,000 price tag. Otherwise, Quiroga will have to pay Simoun the entire
amount right away. To sweeten the deal, Simoun promises that Quiroga will be allowed to bring
in contraband items through customs.
Don Custodio talks about a commission sent to India to study the Shoe Program for soldiers. No
shoes for indio soldiers. Spanish soldiers may wear shoes.

Ben Zayb and P. Camorra talk about magnetism and magic. Juanito Pelaez speaks about the
talking head in the fair/carnival of Mr. Leeds.

Simoun suggests that they all see the talking head of the famous Sphinx to settle once and for all
if it truly is the work of the devil, or just a trick with mirrors. Twelve people leave the house of
Quiroga to see the show of Mr. Leeds in the Quiapo fair.

Chapter 17: The Quiapo Fair

It is the month of January, and twelve people leave the house of Quiroga. They make their way
through the Quiapo fair, towards the tent of Mr. Leeds

Padre Camorra and Ben Zayb talk about a display called ―The Philippine Press‖, but they think
the word ―press refers to the flat iron held by a disheveled old woman.

They see a picture of someone who looks like Simoun, and that’s when they notice that he is no
longer with the group.

Chapter 18: Deceptions

Mr. Leeds meets the group of twelve, and allows them to inspect the tent and equipment used to
display the Sphinx. He makes fun of the skeptical Ben Zayb, because Ben Zayb was unable to
find the hidden mirrors. Mr. Leeds brings the ashes to life by shouting ―Deremof! which is
probably an anagram of the word…

Freedom.
  Both studied abroad.
 Both got into trouble with the religious orders.
 Both had a foe who was a priest, who was in love with their girlfriend.
 Both had a girlfriend who was the daughter of a priest.
 Both ―died‖ in a lake. Both their girlfriends were raped in a temple/convent by their
enemy priest. Both returned to their country to seek revenge/justice.
 Both returned under a different identity: Imuthis became ―The Sphinx while Ibarra
became ―Simoun.

Padre Salvi quickly saw the parallelism. He felt alluded to when the sphinx called him a
murderer.

Chapter 19: The Fuse

If the revolution is the bomb, then the fuse that will get things started is the rescue of Maria
Clara. Here you will see that Simoun‘s primary objective is revenge and the rescue of Maria
Clara. The country and the revolution are only secondary interests of Simoun.

The student Placido Penitente. He is the son of Cabesang Andang, an ignorant mother who sent
her son to school just so that she can proudly tell others that she has a schooled son.

There was only one university at that time: the University of Santo Tomas. Since he got sent
away from UST. He wanted to teach well, and thus became the target of the church and
government which wanted to keep the indios ignorant

He wanted to seek revenge on the frailes who sent him to jail so that they could have his
beautiful wife.

Simoun found out that Maria Clara was dying. All the preparation and planning went down the
drain because Simoun became emotional.

The phoenix is one of a kind, just as Maria Clara is the only woman for Simoun. Told you he as
getting emotional. No wonder the revolution went to heck.

Those two were not in favor of Simoun‘s methods. Don Rafael always went for doing what’s
good for the country; Simoun purposely helped corrupt the very government he was trying to
overthrow.

Elias was for revolution, but only if the motivation behind it involved nationalism and justice;
Simoun‘s motivation was revenge, dark and syrupy. Also, Simoun was feverish.
What accounts for Placide’s sudden change of heart after his mom spoke with him the following
day. He was aware of the coming revolution, and he wanted to quickly send his mother back to
the province. That’s why he acted as if he readily agreed with what she said; otherwise, there’ll
just be a long discussion and that will keep his mom in the city longer. Now let’s go meet Don
Custodio.