Editor's Note Volume 7, Number 2

Abstract

Today is the 128th anniversary of Jose Rizal’s execution, a decision made by Spanish authorities to kill the Rizalian idea of using reason to form the indio identity. From the national identity springs nationalism and for Rizal, nationalism transcends sentiment–it was ideological. Therefore nationalism, rooted in national identity that was derived through reason, is the bedrock of democratic and political ideology that ultimately leads to a solid political stance. The five articles and three book reviews of this issue commemorate the Rizalian ideal of national identity while honoring our historical past.