Rizal’s toast to Luna and Hidalgo

Rizal delivers a magnificent speech at Restaurant Ingles, Madrid that attended by prominent Spanish artist, newspapermen, and men-of-letters, statesmen and Filipino as well. The speech was Rizal’s toast to the triumph of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. This magnificent speech was greeted with wild ovations, for seldom the Spaniards hear such an oration from the lips of a brown Filipino. And it seems to me that the whole monologue was said in great mediation that in my opinion has commanded the attention of those who came for the dinner.
In the first few parts of the speech, Rizal described the surroundings with much romanticism like he is circled by “men of heart” and ” where noble emotions dwell” and “the air is full of empathetic good feeling.” At the time said, Philippines were under much oppression by the Spanish friars that is impossible to talk about it in public unless you would want to be branded as a filibuster.
But in his speech, Rizal fearlessly exclaims the reason why they are gathered and that is to signify an achievement that had shed light into what has turned out to be a dark society as the painting itself portrays. He also gives praise to Hidalgo for illuminating the different ends of the globe and how high a respect he has for them.
He claims change is coming as he used the metaphors such as the “illustrious achievements of (Philippines’) children are no longer consummated within the home.” This is a clear nod to the Filipino community in Madrid who organized the event.
But most of all you will notice that he gives praise to the youth that fires much enthusiasm and how their actions have made a great difference and contributed to glory that is the Philippines.
When he starts to talk about the Spolarium itself, Rizal takes us deep on the reality that the canvass “is not mute, can be heard the tumult of the multitude, the shouting of the slaves, the metallic creaking of the armor of the corpses” despite all the darkness and shadow laid the mystery and horror of the slaves, orphans and the sobs of the oppressed. And apparently the friars at the time persecute anyone who threatens them with legal action.
He also acknowledges that the Philippines owes Spain in some way saying “Spain as a mother also teaches her language to Filipinos” but then frowns bitter on the “midgets who secure their position.”
Apparently he is making a jab at the elite who does everything they can in their power to stop the education of Filipinos in fears that they may learn to defend themselves. This attitude backfired against them big time.
In conclusion, the innuendos in between lines spoke so deep that you are taken into a roller coaster ride of emotions starting from joy, anger, grief and all ending up with inspired.