A second life for a hero: reimagining José Rizal in a New Era

Abstract

This text tried to reflect upon the single presentation of Round Table #3 at the 'What If'23 International Conference of 'What If?...'. The theme was "A Visionary Unveiled: The Unforeseen Journey of José Rizal" by Maria Minerva P. Calimag, revolving around the wellknown medic, writer, and polymath from late colonial Spanish rule in the Philippines. By hypothesising a Rizal awakened in another dimension or parallel universe, Calimag imagines him linked to medical achievements such as establishing institutions (hospitals, medicine schools) and policies (universal health care, preventive and promotive health).