RowenaRosseCDePlataExam

Untitled Part 2

CHAPTER 1: A Gathering

On the last day of October, Captain Tiago prepared a sumptuous dinner. It was attended by many guests from different parts of Manila and its surrounding areas, although most of those who attended were not invited. Even before the banquet began, the guests had a conversation with each other.

CHAPTER 2: Crisostomo Ibarra

Soon, a young man came in mourning. Captain Tiago introduced them. They were Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returned from seven years of study in Europe. Crisostomo politely and happily greeted Padre Damaso who was present at the banquet. The young person claimed to be a close friend of their father, Don Rafael, the priest but Padre Damaso denied it. After this, Lieutenant Guevarra approached Crisostomo and greeted them on their arrival. They said that they hoped the young person would be more fortunate than their father.

CHAPTER 3: The Supper

After this introduction, the guests headed to the dining room table. Padre Damaso and Padre Sibyla competed for the chair. Meanwhile, Chrysostom noticed that the captain who offered dinner was not present, but someone was already sitting in all the seats. So, the young man stood up to offer the seat to Captain Tiago but he refused. According to him, that dinner was prepared in gratitude to the Blessed Virgin for the arrival of Chrysostom. During dinner, there was a story, news, and ask where the young man was a feature. When he shared his studies in Europe, Padre Damaso mocked him. Chrysostom declared that the priest was only joking. After that, the young man apologized and said goodbye. Captain Tiago stops him by saying that Maria Clara is coming but Crisostomo does not stop him. Lieutenant Guevarra followed him.

CHAPTER 4: Heretic and Pilibuster

As Crisostomo walked, he noticed almost no change in Manila during his seven-year stay in Europe. As he pondered this, Lieutenant Guevarra approached. It reminded him to be careful. From the old lieutenant's statement, Chrysostom learned the cause of his father's death. According to the lieutenant, Don Rafael defended a child against being harmed by the Spanish tax collector. The Spaniard was about to step on the boy but Chrysostom's father rebuffed him, causing the collector to fall. Its head hit a rock causing its death. Because of this incident, Don Rafael was imprisoned. Those who were jealous and angry with Crisostomo's father took advantage of this and Padre Damaso was one of them. The priest accused Don Rafael of heresy for not confessing. The lieutenant expressed his efforts to free the young man's father but it became difficult. Despite the trials, Lieutenant Guevarra did not give up in defending and caring for Don Rafael, but when the latter was about to be released, he died in prison. At that point, the lieutenant said goodbye and drove the passing carriage.

CHAPTER 5: A Note in the Dark Night

Crisostomo delivered to Fonda de Lala, one of the most popular hotels in Manila. Meanwhile, the festivities continued at Captain Tiyago's home. The young man's hotel could hear the happy and melodious music from there. He thought of Maria Clara perhaps, the maiden had just returned from the convent but in spite of this, he was still disturbed by what Lieutenant Guevarra had presented and the picture of her father's suffering in prison that caused her death.

CHAPTER 6: Captain Tiago

Captain Tiago can be considered the richest in Binondo. From his wealth to his lands in Pampanga and Laguna de Bay, as well as in San Diego. He was considered blessed by many, powerful in government, and well-liked by the people. He sympathizes with those who criticize and insult the Filipinos, which is why those who are not his allies consider him ruthless, cruel, and exploitative. He married Pia Alba of Santa Cruz. She is described as a beautiful woman, slender, and with an attractive posture. The couple had been married for a long time but they could not have children so Padre Damaso, the parish priest of San Diego at the time, advised them to dance in Obando. Soon, Donya Pia became pregnant but she also started to feel sad. She died after giving birth to a baby girl so Aunt Isabel raised the child. Padre Damaso gave birth to her at baptism. Crisostomo and Maria Clara can be considered young. When Don Rafael and Captain Tiago noticed that the two had an understanding, they reconciled their children to the delight of the couple.