Book Review
by Maximo P. Fabella
RIZAL WITHOUT THE OVERCOAT
by Ambeth Ocampo.
Manila: Anvil Publishing, Inc.
1990. 160 pp.

Many Filipinos approach Rizal and his works worshipfully; this book is different. It could have been retitled "Rizal Without Tears". Why did always wore his heavy winter coat even in the tropics? "Ang init-init naka-overcoat", the author asks. He continues, the overcoat wraps Rizal in his statues and photographs, which in turn is obscured by countless and preconceived ideas.

It is unfortunate that Filipinos can no longer read Spanish. Thus, they are separated from Rizal and the Philippine Revolution of 1898. Filipino students who are made to memorize the "Mi Ultimo Adios" in school and are forced to read Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, complain that Rizal is irrelevant.

They cannot relate to him, so they clamor for other heroes.

This book had its origin in the columns of Manila-based newspaper, Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled "Looking Back" from 1987-1990. It is an attempt to "translate" Rizal
and our past to a new generation. It is an attempt to humanize Rizal. Then we can say: "This is what he really is like. He was human, like you and me."

The 55 short essays are grouped into seven categories for coherence.

Let us pick an essay at random. Rizal's trip to America -- the essays are easy reading. He was in U.S. in the months of April and May 1888. He landed in San Francisco; paid $4 for his room at the Palace Hotel. He visited Market Street, Chinatown and the Golden Gate.

The diary notes that supper costs 76 cents in Sacramento. He saw the Mormons spreading to Salt Lake City. In Colorado, he complained of the porter being a thief. He described Niagara Falls as "not as pretty and mysteriously beautiful as the waterfalls in Los Baños, but, it is much more gigantic and imposing."

He was impressed by New York City. He referred to it as a great city: "There, everything is new." Rizal noted the statutes of Native Americans outside tobacco shops in Chicago. The diary was spare, he seemed to be in a hurry to leave America for Europe. We find his impressions of the U.S. in a letter to Mariano Ponce, dated 27 July 1888.

Rizal was no ordinary Asian traveler. He wore Western clothes. He spoke English, French, Spanish and German. To top it all, he was probably the only Asian travelling first class. Author speculates that his impressions could have been worse had he been subject to more discrimination.

There is more to read in this short book. Just look at some of the catchy titles: Jose Rizal Ate tuyô for breakfast; Rizal on Domingo de Ramos; Rizal, Father of Philippine comics; Rizal and the two Suzannes' ; The Woman Who Could Have Been Mrs. Rizal and the Row over Rizal's Will. The chapters are no more than three pages.

Ambeth Ocampo succeeds in humanizing Rizal. For Filipino-Americans, this work could serve as an introduction to this great Malayan. It is so simply written for the hurried newspaper reader. There is a bibliography for those who want to read more on the Philippine's national hero. This is useful as there is a dearth of books on Rizal. Highly recommended beginners book, this one.

Max Fabella of Orange Park, Florida, USA obtained his bachelors and masters degree (in history) from the University of the Philippines. Before he left the Philippines many, many years ago, he taught at the University of the East. He was a book reviewer for AMERASIA journal of UCLA, and other newspapers. He is editor of PORTABLE RIZAL READER : Selected Essays and Poems.