Makamisa: The Third Novel of Jose Rizal
Makamisa, or "After Mass," is the completion of the unfinished novel of José Rizal, which was written in Tagalog and set in the late 19th-century Spanish colonial Philippines. The story explores societal transformation amidst ignorance, oppression, rebellion, and the interplay of power.
The narrative centers on the fictional town of Tulig, where the Church, the Guardia Civil, and the principalia exploit and dominate the lives of the common people. Padre Agaton, a corrupt friar hiding dark secrets, wields immense influence over the town, manipulating both spiritual and material aspects of life. Capitan Nicasio, the brutal military commander, enforces obedience through fear and violence, while opportunistic figures like Kapitan Tibo and Don Roman perpetuate the oppressive colonial structure.
Francisco, the son of Crisostomo Ibarra and raised under the guidance of Padre Florentino, emerges as the story's reluctant revolutionary. Instilled with the values of a true caballero, he grapples with balancing religious piety and civic duty while leading a movement for change. Francisco finds an ally in Marcela, a cultured intellectual from Manila, whose engagement with the brewing revolution in Tulig strengthens the resolve for liberation. Superstition, falsehoods, and defamation plague the town, highlighting the tools used to subjugate the people.
The revolution culminates in fierce battles, the symbolic downfall of the Guardia Civil, and the exile of the corrupt Spaniards. Yet, victory remains bittersweet as Tulig confronts the cost of rebellion and the challenges of building a just society. Rizal's Makamisa combines satire, drama, and social critique, questioning religious hypocrisy, political oppression, social elitism, and cultural mediocrity. It reflects on whether true freedom and equality can be achieved in a society entrenched in colonial structures, offering a poignant exploration of national identity and the enduring struggle for justice.
