OLIVA, Jan Marini LIT1N-EDU / Summer 2019

SSANTOS, Judy Ann Professor. R. CABANERO

URBANA AND FELIZA

Two Letters

MODESTO DE CASTRO
Biography
- was born in Binan, Laguna in the first half of the Nineteenth (19th) Century and was educated at
the Real Colegio de San Jose. Some years later he became a Catholic priest, orator, and writer that
was said to be one of the most honored and respected members of the clergy during his generation.
- was known for his work Cartas de Urbana Y Feliza or Pagsusulatan ng Daluang Binibini: Na si
Urbana at Feliza or simply Urbana and Feliza which was all about observance of good manners
and right conduct in almost every occasion (gatherings, church, school, etc.) that was published in
1864.
- by writing in Filipino, he made the belief in God and the Christian religion more understandable
and meaningful to the people - directly or indirectly he greatly helped his people in developing
morals and values. For this invaluable literary service, the critics of Philippine Literature conferred
upon him the title, "King of Prose".

CHARACTERS

Urbana – eldest of the siblings, symbolizes urbanization which was expressed through her
civilized and sophisticated nature
Feliza – middle child, her name in Spanish feliz means joy which was shown in the story as
happiness in being obedient and kind
Honesto - youngest of the siblings, derived from the word Honesty which was highly valued in
the story alongside grace and power

SETTING
Manila and Paumbong, Bulacan
PLOT
The narrative was about two sisters Urbana and Feliza who exchanged letters based upon
the happenings in their lives. It further talks about etiquette and proper conduct in different
situations.
In the letters, Feliza asks advice from Urbana because she was studying in Manila and
knows that her older sister would share her knowledge about life and would guide her through.
Urbana however reprimands their youngest brother Honesto, who was in Paumbong with Feliza,
to not engage in vices, fights, and hangout with terrible people.
Most of the exchange were about normal events from their day to day lives - that is until
the younger one asks her sister on what she should do about her suitor Amadeo. Feliza seem to
have second thoughts but eventually marries him after Urbana settled her doubts and fears.
The last part of Feliza's letter was about their father's death: stating that their father
wanted Urbana to know the news about his passing after his burial for he doesn't want to make
Urbana sad. And in the final letter, the eldest said that she will pursue on becoming a nun.

APPENDIX

URBANA
On Public Office
Manila
When Honesto has completed his studies, he is likely to be appointed as an official of the
town so I decided to write you about host he should act if he is given such a responsibility.
Positions of honor in a community are like a crown which is given only to those who have the
right do it and not if one cannot do the credit. Honor comes usually with great responsibility. Yet
this must not forcibly obtain, but must be accepted with the agreement of the community and God
for the desire for high office is usually an unworthy one and the motive a false one too.
Those who are greedy for the position are incapable of fulfilling their responsibilities
because it is the position itself that they lust for as well as their own interests - befriending the
rich and neglecting the poor. Therefore Feliza, watch over Honesto; when the time comes, throw
good advice his way so he that he will not be like the rest of them who think of nothing but
exaltation and veneration. Honesto must not forget that worldy honor too end; that man's fate is
like a wheel that turns - whoever is at the top will later be at the bottom. Do not be proud, for
though leader and led are not of the same class, they share the same beginnings, follow the same
path, and have the same end. For God is the beginning of all and all will also end in God. Do not
be cruel in the desire to gain respect: it is not wickedness but the righteousness and generosity
that people esteem and love - A man's virtue is found in his graciousness and right conduct.
 Bear in mind that a gentleman or noble man who knows how to fulfill his duty is faithful
to his friend, protective of the lowly, and compassionate towards the poor. In short, true nobility
is in doing good. Little by little, Feliza, show Honesto the importance of honorable conduct and
kind heart. Make him realize that crown, scepter, and throne are of no value if they are not
adorned by these jewels. Extend my courtesies to father and mother. Goodbye.
Until the next letter,
Urbana

FELIZA
Paumbong
Honesto and I am grateful to you, and in the high judgments you have in your letters. If
you were to see this boy, you will be pleased that he has lived upon the meaning of his name. He
is obedient to our parents, patient with other children, and does not get out of strife nor unfair
sentences. He never forgets to study nor pray - in the morning he goes down to the garden, peel
the flowers, arranges them, and put them in front of the picture of the Virgin Mary and recites
three Hail Mary. If I am able to confess and express my thoughts, I would say that his love and
the words that come out of his innocent lips would please God himself. Keep on writing to us
Urbana, that we may continue to learn from you.
Adios sister,
Feliza

URBANA
At a Banquet
Manila
If you and Honesto are invited to a banquet, have great care. Greet your host when you
arrive, as well as the others facing you - do not proceed to a room unless invited and do not take
a seat unless told. Watch carefully your every move, glance, and word, for it would be
embarrassing to see unseemly behaviors that are contrary to cleanliness, goodness, and
honorable conduct.
You may meet different people with equally different personalities: a gentleman who
behaves arrogant and discourteous because he is deemed important or also observe another man
who still wears his hat on his head and cannot seem to let go of his cane and speaks with
deafening voice but only to the educated, humorist, and exceptionally rich - all these must be
avoided.
 Tell Honesto that he should not sit among older people unless bidden and pressed to do
so. While eating he should avoid, coughing, blowing his nose, or sneezing - but if not possible;
he should get up from the table or turn away covering his mouth with a handkerchief. He must
not proceed before the elders do nor must speak unless the questions addressed to him. And eat
slowly, in moderate spoonfuls, with his eyes cast down rather than observing the others at the
table - these are all signs of good breeding add refinement.
When picking up a glass of water, make sure that your fingers are clean and when
drinking, use both hands if possible. Upon standing up or before leaving the dining table, give
thanks to God; but let the host led the prayer and thank him/her as well. It would be proper for
the parent, or the teacher at school, to teach the children prayers asking for God's blessing at
table and giving thanks to God, along with the good counsel I have written to you, Feliza.
I would gain so much happiness if I were to see Honesto getting along well with others
and keeping his conduct within proper bounds when in the presence of town officials, priests,
elders, gentlemen, and his peers. I would consider it a debt to father, mother and you if at a
banquet, he was to show greed and foolishness - for this would be the credit of the parents, and
you too Feliza, because you are helping to look after him. Goodbye.
Until the next letter,
Urbana