The only way to know Rizal is to read Rizal

Ambeth Ocampo emphasized in this article that Rizal was able to write many poems or
stories as he travel, but the nation that he is known as a national hero does not read
his works nor even read articles to get to know him, and Ocampo concluded stating
that in order for one to know Rizal, he must read about Rizal.

Jose Rizal or Jose Rizal Mercado?

This article explained that our national hero used Jose Rizal and Jose Rizal Mercado
interchangeably or even together when he was still in school but he signed and
identified himself as "Jose Rizal" in his later years.

Rizal on 'walang forever'

The author wrote about Rizal's courtship of his first love, Segunda Katigbak whom he
gets broken hearted since in the first place, Segunda, at that time, was already
engaged.

Rizal at Christmas

When Rizal was exiled in Dapitan, he sent letters, money and Christmas goodies to his
family in Manila since his communication to his family was not totally cut off.

Rizal: 'Ang Pangit ng Sisiu ng Pato'

This article of A. Ocampo states where was the birthplace of Jose Rizal, Calamba,
Laguna was originated where today, it is represented by a monument of the national
hero standing 22 meters tall symbolizing the 22 languages that Rizal knew.

Rizal and Del Pilar's 'childish' tiff

This scenario happened in a New Year's Eve dinner in Madrid where Rizal and Del Pilar
had a petty quarrel regarding coffee and champagne that was served that night.