Divine Word College of San Jose

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

College Department

Module 3
 Lesson 6

1. Title: The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

2. Scope: Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education

3. Overview:
✓ This lesson introduces the Rizal’s life specifically his context.
4. Objectives:
✓ Analyze Rizal’s family, childhood and early education
✓ Evaluate the people and events and their influence on Rizal’s early life
5. Discussion of the Topics

Rizal’s Childhood Years

A. Happiest Days of Rizal in Calamba could be summarized as follows:

1. He loved to climb the fruit trees in their background where he spent his leisure time.
2. From his nipa cottage built by his father, he loved to watch the fowls. Birds and the plants
in the garden.
3. From his azotea, he watched the moon in the sky after the right rosary.
4. At nightfall, he joined his sisters and parents to pray the daily angelus.
5. He used to take a walk during moonlight night in the town plaza by the river and lakes
accomplished by his aya(maid) Ina Munda.
6. He loved to listen to his aya telling stories about fairies, imaginary tales, legends and
folklores
7. At the age of three, he goes with his mother to the church to take part in novena and join
the religious procession.
8. Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town) – a poem about Rizal‘s beloved
town written by Rizal in 1876 when he was 15 years old and was student in the Ateneo de
Manila
9. At age of three he began to take part in the family prayers.
10. At 5, he was able to read haltingly the Spanish family bible, and make sketches with this
pencil and to mould in clay and wax on objects which attracted his fancy.
11. The Story of the Moth – made the profoundest impression of Rizal.
12. Sa Aking Mga Kabata- the first poem written in the native language at age of 8, he also
wrote his first dramatic work (Tagalog comedy).

B. Sorrows and Tragedies in Rizal’s life

1. The ultimately death of her younger sister Concepcion(Concha) at the age of three, was
Rizal’s first sorrow. Rizal was very fond of her sister.
 2. The malicious charge that caused a tremendous impact in the life of Rizal.
Doña Teodora was suddenly charged that she and her brother Jose Alberto, a rich Biñan
illustrdo had just returned from a business trip in Europe and during his absence his wife
abandoned their home and children and was found living with another man,

June 1872 – Doña Teodora was suddenly arrested on a malicious charge that she and her
brother Jose Alberto, tried to poison the latter‘s perfidious wife. - Antonio Vivencio del
Rosario – Calamba‘s gobernadorcillo, who helped to arrest Doña Teodora. - After arresting
Doña Teodora, the sadistic Spanish lieutenant forced her to walk from Calamba to Santa
Cruz, Laguna (50km.). - Doña Teodora was incarcerated at the provincial prison, where
she languished for two years. - Francisco de Marcaida and Manuel Marzan – the most
famous lawyers of Manila that defend Doña Teodora.

3. The Cavite Uprising in 1872 – a protest among the laborers at the Cavite Arsenal against
the withdrawal of their privilege of exemption from tribute and personal services. Father
Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were executed at sunrise on February 17,1872 by order of
Governor General Izquierdo despite the plea of clemency by the Archbishop.
They were accused as instigators and leaders of the uprising/revolt.

4. The harsh treatment Rizal’s townmates had to endure at the hamds of Spanish
Guardia civil. They were struck by bayonets by the Guardia civil for failure to bow to
them properly and for passing by them without doffing off their hats.

5. The rude treatment to children and women. These sorrows, injustices and atrocities
committed by the Spanish authorities through isolated served as eye opener that influenced
Rizal in setting the direction and goal of his life.

Education at Calamba

• He learned at the age of three the alphabet, and prayers from his patient, conscientious and
understanding mother. The first teacher of Rizal was his mother, who was remarkable
woman of good character and fine culture.
• He learned how to read and write from his first tutor, Maestro Celestino and second tutor
Maestro Lucas Padua (Science tutor). The third tutor was Leon Monroy, an old man who
was a classmate of Rizal’s father. Monroy lived at the Rizal’s house and taught Rizal
Spanish and Latin but died five(5) months later.
• Rizal used to visit Father Leoncio Lopez, the town parish priest, to listen to the stimulating
opinions of the priest on current events and sound philosophy of life.
• Of the many stories told by Doña Teodoro to Jose, the tragic fate of the young moth left a
deep impression/impact on Rizal’s mind that to sacrifice one’s life is worthwhile.
• Rizal’s three (3) uncles played a great part in the early education of Rizal. Gregorio, who
was a lover of books taught the love for books, to work hard, to think for himself, and to
observe life keenly.
Rizal’s Life and Education in Biñan

• Rizal left Calamba for Biñan in June 1869 on a Sunday afternoon, accompanied by his
brother Paciano. They rod in a carromata for a one and half hour drive to the house of their
aunt where Rizal had to lodge.
• On that same night, Jose and cousin Leandro went sightseeing in the town but Jose did not
enjoy well because of home sickness.
• The next morning (Monday), he was brought by Paciano to Maestro Justiano Aquino Cruz,
the former teacher of Paciano. Maestro Cruz was a tall, thin, long necked, with a sharp
nose, he used to wear sinamay shirt, but was a disciplinarian and a tough teacher.
• Rizal learned Spanish, Latin, and other subjects from Maestro Cruz.
• At Biñan, Rizal was involved in several fights. First, Rizal and Pedro, the son of Maestro
Cruz who was much bigger than Rizal. They wrestled furiously in the classroom. Rizal,
though smaller and with frail-body, defeated Pedro because Rizal learned the art of
wrestling from his uncle Manuel, an athlete. The second brawl was with Andress
Salandaan who challenged Rizal to an arm-wrestling match or “bunong braso”. At the
sidewalk of a house, they wrestled with their arms but Rizal lost because he had a weaker
arm. He nearly cracked his head on the sidewalk. He had other fights with his classmates
at Biñan.
• Rizal also learned drawing and painting from Juancho, Maestro Cruz’s father-in-law.
• In academic studies, Rizal beat all Biñan boys in Spanish, Latin and other subjects.
• Rizal left Biñan for Calamba on a Saturday afternoon on December 17, 1870 after one and
one-half year of schooling. He boarded the steamer Talim with a Frenchman Arturo Camps,
a friend of his Father.

6. Self- Assessment and Evaluation of the Activities

Answer these questions in two to three sentences.

1. Why are students required to study life of Jose Rizal?

2. Describe briefly Rizal’s childhood days in-
a. Calamba
b. Biñan
3. What was the injustice done by the Spanish government to Rizal’s mother?
4. It was said that Rizal had a mixed ancestry. Briefly describe Rizal’s ancestry.

Grading System

Output =50%
Mid-Term/Final Examination =25%
 Quizzes =15%
Attendance =10%
100%

*Final Rating = Midterm (50%) + Final Term (50%)

7. References
Ariola, M. M. (2013). Life, Works and Writings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Manila: Purely
Books Trading and Publishing Corp
Crudo, E. R. P, et (2019). The Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal. Manila: Rex
Book store

LORENA P. FLORITA
College Instructor

Noted:

MRS. ELVIE D. ARAGONES, PhD (cand.)

Program Chairperson

Approved by:

LUIS I. GANTE JR., PhD

Dean of College
 Lesson 7

1. Title: The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

2. Scope: Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad

3. Overview:
✓ This lesson introduces students to the different individuals who were crucial to the
formation of Rizal’s ideas and his character starting with his family, the Propaganda
Movement, academic organizations in Europe, as well as the people of Calamba.

4. Objectives:

▪ Identify individuals relevant to the formation of Rizal’s consciousness as a student in the

Philippines and in Europe;

▪ Define the different disciplines and ideas encountered by Rizal through his exposure to
different academic circles in Europe
5. Discussion of the Topics

Scholastic Triumph at Ateneo de Manila

Ateneo Municipal, a college under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits.

▪ Escuela Pia (Charity School) – formerly name of Ateneo, a school for poor boys in Manila
which was established by the city government 1817.
▪ In 1872, Rizal was sent by his parents to Manila for further schooling.
▪ He passed the entrance examination on Christian doctrine, Arithmetic and Reading at the
College of San Juan de Letran, a Dominican-owned school.
▪ Don Francisco, who first wanted Rizal to study at Letran changed his mind and decided to
send him to Ateneo instead.

▪ June 10, 1872 – Rizal was accompanied by Paciano on his way to Manila.
▪ Father Magin Ferrano – he was the college registrar, who refused to admit Rizal in Ateneo
for two reason:
o he was late or registration
o he was sickly and undersized for his age of 11 years.
▪ Manuel Xerez Burgos – because of his intercession, nephew of Father Burgos, Rizal was
reluctantly admitted Ateneo.
▪ He registered Rizal as his surname since Mercado was suspected by the Spanish authorities.
▪ Rizal was first board in a house outside in Caraballo Street. This was owned by a spinster
named Titay who owed the family the amount of 300 pesos.
 Jesuits System of Education

- It trained the character of the students by rigid discipline and religious instructions.
- Students were divided into two groups:
a. Roman Empire – consisting of internos (boarders); red banner.
b. Carthaginian Empire – composed of the externos (non-boarders); blue banner.
- Intelligence distribution:
o Emperor – 1st –
o Tribune – 2nd
o Decurion - 3rd
o Centurion – 4th
o Stand – 5th

The Ateneo students wore a uniform consisted of ―hemp-fabric trousers‖ and ―striped cotton
coat‖. The coat material was called ravadillo.

First Year in Ateneo (1872-1973)

- Father Jose Bech – Rizal‘s first professor in Ateneo who he described as ―tall thin man, with
a body slightly bend forward, a harried walk, an ascetic face, severe and inspired, smell deep-
sunken eyes, a sharp nose that was almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose fell toward
the chin‖.
- Awarded Religious picture – a Rizal‘s first prize for being brightest pupil in the whole class.
- To improve his Spanish, he took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during noon recesses.
He paid three pesos for those extra Spanish lessons.

- During the second term at Ateneo, he only placed second in rank because he resented some of
the remarks of his professor-although all his grades were still marked “excellent”.

- At the end of the school year in March, 1873, he returned to Calamba for summer vacation. -
When the summer vacation ended, Rizal returned to Manila for his second year term in Ateneo.
This time he boarded inside Intramuros at No. 6, Magallanes Street. His landlady was an old widow
name Doña Pepay.

Second Year in Ateneo (1873-1874)

- During his second year, some of his classmates were new at Biñan, under Maestro Cruz.
- At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal.
- The Count of Monte Cristo –(Alexander Dumas) – the first favourite novel of Rizal which
made a deep impression on him.
- Universal History (Cesar Cantu) – Rizal persuaded his father to buy him this set of historical
work that was a great aid in his studies.
- Dr. Feodor Jagor – a German scientist-traveller who visited the Philippines 1859-1860 who wrote
Travels in the Philippines. He was impressed in this book because;
1) Jagor’s keen observation of the defects of Spanish colonization, and,
 2) his prophecy that someday Spain would lose the Philippines and that America would
come to succeed her as colonizer.

Third and Fourth Year in Ateneo (1874- 1876)

- Rizal's grades remained excellent in all subjects but e won only one medal – Latin.
- At the end of the school year, Rizal‘s returned to Calamba for the vacation. He himself was not
impressed by his scholastic work.
- June 16, 1875 – Rizal became an interno of the Ateneo.
- Padre Francisco de Paula Sanchez – a great educator and scholar, one of Rizal‘s professors who
inspired him to study harder and to write poetry. Rizal described this Jesuit professor as ―model
of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils‖.
- Rizal‘s topped all his classmates ain all subjects and on five medals at the end of the school term.

Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877)

- Rizal‘s studies continued to fare well. As a matter-of-fact, the excelled in all subjects. The most
brilliant Atenean of his time, he was truly the pride of the Jesuits.
- March 23, 1877 – Commencement Day, Rizal who was 15 years old, received from his Alma
Mater; the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honour.
- Marian Congregation – a religious society wherein Rizal was an active member and later became
the secretary.
- Rizal cultivated his literary talent under the guidance of Father Sanchez.
- Father Jose Vilaclara – advised Rizal to stop communing with the muse and pay more attention
to more practical studies.
- Rizal studies painting under the famous Spanish painter, Agusti Saez, and sculpture under
omualdo de Jesus; a noted Filipino sculptor.
- Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling with his pocket-knife.
- Father Lieonart – impressed by Rizal‘s sculptural talent, requested him to carve for him an image
of Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Poems in Ateneo

- It was Doña Teodora who was first discovered the poetic genius of her son, and it also she who
first encourage him to write poems. However, it was Father Sanchez who inspired Rizal to take
full of his God-given gift in poetry.
- Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration), 1874, the Rizal probably wrote during days in
Ateneo which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday; Rizal wrote he was 14 years old. 1875
(inspired by Father Sanchez)
1. Felicitacion
2. El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes
3. Y Es Español:Elcano el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo
4. El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo
5. Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus) – brief ode.
Poems in Ateneo 1876 (religion, education, childhood and memories of war)

1. Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town) – honour for his hometown Calamba.
2. Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Education (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and
Good Education) – shows the importance of religion and education.
3. Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria (Through Education the Country Receives Light) –
education plays in the progress and welfare a nation.
4. El Cautiverio y el Triunfo: Batalla de Lucenas y Prison Boabdil (The Captivity and the
Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boadbil) – the defeat and capture of Boabdil,
the last Sultan of Granada.
5. La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes Catolices en Granada (The Triumphal Entry of the Catholic
Monarchs into Granada) – victorious entry of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel of Spain to
Granada.
6. San Eustacio, Martir (St. Eustace, The Martyr) – prose story of St. Eustace.

Poems in Ateneo 1877

1. El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of Columbus) – poem praises Columbus.

2. Colon y Juan II (Columbus and John II) – relates how King John II of Spain missed fame and
riches by his failure to finance the projected expedition of Columbus to the New World.
3. Gran Cunsuelo en la Mayor Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune) – a legend relates to
the tragic life of Columbus.
4. Un Dialogo Aluviso a la Despedida de los Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students) –
farewell to his classmates in Ateneo.
5. A la Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary) – another religious poem which doesn‘t have exact date
when it was written.

Education at University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)

▪ The Bachelor of Arts course during Spanish time was only equivalent to a high school
diploma or junior college course today.
▪ In April 1877, when Rizal was nearly 16 years old, he enrolled at UST. He took up
Philosophy and Letters because:;
1) his father like it
2) he was uncertain as to what course would pursue.
▪ After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters (1877-1878). He
transferred to the medical course.
▪ Father Pablo Ramon – Rector of Ateneo, who had been good to him his students days in
that college, asking for advice on the choice of a career .
▪ During Rizal‘s first school term in the UST, Rizal also studied in Ateneo. He took the
vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor (expect surveyor).

Life in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)

▪ Rizal excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in Ateneo, obtaining gold medals in
agriculture and topography. He passed all the subject but the title was no issued to him
 because he was only 17 years- old, underage. The title was issued to him on November 25,
1881
▪ the title was issued to Rizal for passing the final examination in the surveying course.
▪ Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literay Lyceum of Manila) – society of literary men and
artists held a literary contest in the year 1879.
▪ He also served as the President of the Spanish Literature in Ateneo.

▪ While at UST, he fell in love with three women. During his first year, he fell in love with
a woman simply called “Miss L”, a woman with a fair, seductive and attractive eyes. The
romance dead a natural death because of two reasons:
(1) the sweet memory of Segunda Katigbak was still fresh to in his memory a and,
(2) Rizal‘s father did not like the family of Miss L. - During his sophomore year, he courted
Leonor Valenzuela, a tall girl with regal bearing. Rizal sent her love notes in invisible ink.
But just like Segunda he also stopped visiting her.

▪ During his junior year, Rizal had romance with Leonor Rivera, of Camiling, Tarlac.
Leonor was a pretty girl and a students of La Concordia Colllege. Both Rizal and Leonor
were engaged, he used the sign name ―Taimis to cover their relationship from their
parents.

▪ Rizal studied in UST from 1878-1882. his grade in Medicine consists of 2 Excellent, 3
Very Good, 8 Good, and 2 Fair (physics and general pathology). His grades in UST
College of Medicine were not as impressive as what he got at Ateneo Philosophy and
Letters due to the hostility of the Dominican professors. Accordingly, laboratory
equipment's are just for display and racial discrimination against the Filipino students.

Education in University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)

- A La Juventud (To the Filipino Youth) – at 18, submitted tis poem, it is inspiring poem of
flawless form. This poem won as a classic Filipino literature for two reasons:
a) it was a great poem in Spanish written by the Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish
literary authorities,
b) expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipino, and not the foreigners,
were the “fair hope of the Fatherland”. The Board of Judges, composed of Spaniards was
impressed by Rizal‘s poem and gave it gave it the first prize which consisted of a silver pen,
feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon.

- A Filipinas – a sonnet written by Rizal for the album of the Society of Sculptors; in this sonnet,
he urged all Filipino artists to glorify the Philippines.

- Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma – poem honouring the Ateneo Patroness.

- Al M.R.P Pablo Ramon – poem dedication to Father Pablo Ramon (Atenean Rector), who had
been so kind and helpful to him.
- Vicenta Ybardolaza – a pretty girl colegiala who skillfully played a harp at the Regalado home,
whom Rizal was infatuated.
- Compañerismo (Comradeship) – Rizal founded a secret society of Filipino students in UST 1880.
- Galicano Apacible – Rizal‘s cousin from Batangas who is the secretary of the society.
 Unhappy Days in UST - Rizal found the atmosphere at the UST suffocating to his sensitive spirit.
He was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher learning because
1) the Dominican professors were hostile to him
2) the Filipino students were racially discriminated by the Spaniards
3) the method of instruction was obsolete and repressive.

Rizal’s Travel and Life Abroad

Dr. Jose P. Rizal was considered as the Most Travelled Filipino Hero. He travelled to almost 20
countries and about 40 island cities.

Rizal’s Departure for Spain(1882)

- After finishing his 4th year of medical course in UST, Rizal decided to complete his studies in
Spain.
- Aside from his studies in Spain, Rizal has his ―secret mission‖ a). To observe keenly the life
and culture, languages and customs, industries and commerce, and the government laws of the
European nations in order to prepare himself in the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people
from Spanish tyranny.

- Before the secret departure of Rizal, he wrote a farewell letter to his parents and sweetheart
Leonor Rivera which was delivered to them – after he sailed away

May 3, 1882 – the Spanish Steamer (Salvadora), Rizal departed for Spain using Jose Mercado, on
his travel documents. His main reason in leaving the Philippines was to transfer at the Universidad
Central De Madrid in Spain to finish his medicine course.

May 8, 1882 – they have two-day stopover in Singapore. He reached the island considered by him
as ―Talim Isand with the Susong Dalaga‖. The following day, May 9, Rizal registered at Hotel de
la Paz and spent two-day sightseeing sorties of the city. He saw the Botanical Garden, the Famous
Buddhist Temple and the founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles. 46. Rizal’s
Departure for Spain(1882)

May 11, 1882 – he was board on the steamer Djemnah, a French steamer, much larger and cleaner
than the Salvadora. On board the vessel were British, French, Dutch, Spaniards, Malays, Siamese
and Filipinos. French was mostly spoken on the board.

May 17,1882 – he arrived at the Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon. The town is
lovely, quiet and sad at the sometime according to him.

May 18, 1882 – he had a stopover at Colombo. It is more beautiful, smart, elegant than Singapore,
Point Galle and Manila.
May 28, 1882 – the Djemnah continued its voyage and crossed the Indian Ocean until he reached
the Cape of Guardafin, Africa. Rizal called it as inhospitable land but famous. Then, he reached
Aden, according to him it was a city hotter than in Manila –for the first time he saw camels.

June 2, 1882 – he proceeded to Suez Canal. It took 5 days to travel Suez. He disembarked for
sightseeing and he was fascinated to hear a the multiracial inhabitants speaking a babel of tongues
– Arabic, Egyptians, Greek, Italian and Spanish.

June 11, 1882 – the steamer proceeded to Europe and reached Naple City, Italy. Rizal was
fascinated by Mount of Vesuvius, the Castle of St. Telno, and the historic sights of the city. The
city was busy because of its business activity, lively people and panoramic beauty.

June 12, 1882 – the steamer docked at the French harbour of Marseilles. Rizal disembarked to
visit the famous Chateau d‘ef where Dantes, the hero of The Count of Monte Cristo was jailed. He
stayed at Maseilles for two and a half days at Hotel Noailles for 3 days.

June 15, 1882 – the steamer left Mersailles by on its last trip Spain. The steamer reached Pyrenees
and stopped for a day at Port Bou. In this place, Rizal saw the indifference accorded to tourists in
comparison to the courtesy accorded by the French immigration officers.

June 16, 1883 - from Port Bou, Rizal continued his trip for the last lap by train for Spain and
finally reaching his destination – Barcelona, Spain. Rizal stayed in Hotel de España and in Sitges
Street with Tomas Cabangis and boarded a house in San Severo Street.

He visited Ronda de la Universidad of Barcelona – ugly, dirty little inns, inhospitable people –
because he happened to stay upon his arrival in a stingy inn. Later, he changed his mind and came
to like the city – as a great city with an atmosphere of freedom and liberalism and the people were
open- hearted, hospitable and courageous. He enjoyed promenading along Las Rambles, the
famous Barcelona Street.

Life in Barcelona, Spain (1882) - Rizal was welcome by the Filipinos by the in Barcelona, some
of who were his classmates in Ateneo. They gave him a party at their favourite café – Plaza de
Catalina. They exchanged toast and they Rizal of the attractions and customs of the people in
Barcelona. Rizal, in turn, gave news and gossips in the Philippines. While in Barcelona, Rizal
received two bad news;
1. the cholera outbreak that ravaged Manila and the provinces, and
2. the chatty letter of Chengoy recounting the unhappiness of Leonor Rivera, who was getting
thinner due to the absence of a loved one. –

November 3, 1882 – upon the advice of Paciano to Rizal to finish the medical course in Madrid,
Rizal left Barcelona in the fall of 1882 and went to Madrid. - He enrolled in the Universidad
Central de Madrid, in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. - In Madrid, he lodged at Visitacion
Street, No. 3, 3rd floor (Room 4) in 1883. - On October 1884, he transferred to Pizarro Street, No.
13 and later on at Ventura de la Vega Street.
- He also studied painting and sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, took
tutoring lessons in French, German and English and practiced fencing and sharpshooting in the
Hall of Arms of Sanz y Carbonell.

Life in Madrid

- Rizal lived frugally, rigidly budgeting his money wisely. Although he used to buy ticket in every
draw of the Madrid Lottery, he never wasted his money for gambling, wine and women. Rizal
spent his leisure time by reading books, fencing, and shooting. - He also visited his Filipino friends
at the house of Paterno brothers. He also fraternized with other students at the Antigua Café d
Cevantes. Every Saturday evenings he visited the home of Don Pablo Ortega y Rey.

- During his stay in Barcelona and Madrid, hard times occurred in Calamba such as harvest of rice
and sugarcane failed due to drought and locust, increasing of land leased to the hacienda cultivated
by the Rizal, and, Paciano was forced to sell Rizal’s pony to send him money.

June 21, 1884 – Rizal was conferred the Licentiate in Medicine with a rating of “Fair” by the
Universidad Central de Madrid after completing 5th and 6th year term. Legal Medicine
(excellent)  Obstetrical Clinic (fair)  Other subjects (good and very good) - 1884-1885, he passed
all the subjects leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In his three subjects he got ―fair in
History of Medical Science, ―good‖ in Surgical Analysis and ―excellent‖ in Normal Histology.
However, he didn‘t conferred Doctor of Medicine because of the failure to present a thesis required
for graduation and pay for the corresponding fee.

▪ Obtaining the degree of Licentiate in Medicine, the became a full-fledged physician and
qualified to practice medicine. He was not interested in taking the post-degree of Degree of
Medicine because such a degree is good only for teaching purposes, and he knew that no friar-
owned university in the Philippines would accept him for a position because of his brown
complexion.

June 24, 1884 – Rizal was broke. With empty stomach, he attended his classes at the University,
participated in the contest in Greek language and won the gold medal.

November 20, 1884 – student demonstrations started to explode at the Universidad Central de
Madrid due to the expulsion of Dr. Miguel Morayta (history). Dr. Morayta was also
excommunicated by the Catholic church because of his liberal idealism. All the professor fought
for his side was forced to resign from the university.

June 19, 1885 – on his 24th birthday, Rizal received his degree on Licentiate in Philosophy and
Letters (sobresaliente). He was also qualified to be a professor of humanities in any Spanish
University.

June 15, 1885 – Rizal was invited to speak in an banquet to celebrate the double victory of two
artists; Juan Luna (Spolarium) for winning the 1st prize, and Felix Hidalgo (Virgenes Christianas
Expuestas el Populacio) for 2nd prize, in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid. He
saluted Luna and Hidalgo for their artistic achievements.
October 1885 – Rizal decided to went to Paris. Rizal had stopover in Barcelona on his way to
Paris. He visited his friend MaximoViola, at lodge in Vergara No. 1, 3rd floor Room 2. he also
befriended Eusebio Corominas, editor of the newspaper La Publisidad.

November 1885 – Rizal went to Paris and lived their there for 4 mos., where he worked as assistant
to Dr. Louis de Wecket (a leading French ophthalmologist). He rapidly improved his knowledge
of ophthalmology. Outside of his working hours, he relaxed by visiting his friends. He also went
to Luna‘s studio. He helped Luna by posing as a model in several artworks. Rizal posed as
Egyptian priest in Luna‘s canvass ―The Death of Cleopatra‖ and Sikatuna in ―The Blood
Compact‖. - After 4 months of staying in Paris, he left Paris for Heidelberg, Germany

Life in Heidelberg, Germany (1886)

- He lived for a short time in with a German law students in a boarding house but later on, he
transferred to a boarding house near the University of Heidelberg. He became a member of the
Chess Player‘s Club. He became a popular friend to the German so that the German students joined
him in beer drinking, saber duel, and chess games.
- He worked at the University Eye Hospital under Dr. Otto Becker (ophthalmologist). He also
attended the lectures of Dr. Becker and Prof. Wilhelm Kuehne at the university. During weekends,
he had sights seeing at the scenic spots at Heidelberg (Heidelberg Castle, romantic Neckar River,
and old church).

- He also spent a 3-month summer vacation at Wilhelmsfeld. Here he became a good friend of Dr.
Karl Ullmer (Protestant pastor).

June 25, 1886- he left Wilhelmsfeld, and returned to Heidelberg carrying with him the memories
of the Ullmer friendship and hospitality.

July 3, 1886 – Rizal wrote his first letter in Germany to Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt (Austrian
ethnologist)- he became the best friend of Rizal.

August 6, 1886 – 5th centenary celebration of Heidelberg.

August 9, 1886 – Rizal left Heidelberg and boarded a train, visited other cities of Germany and
arrived at Leipzig.

Tour in Germany (1886) - August 14, 1886 – he arrived at Leipzig. He attended some lectures at
the University of Leipzig in history and psychology. He met Prof. Friedrich Ratzel (historian) and
Dr. Hans Meyer anthropologist.

- He translated Scheller’s “William Tell” and Hans Christian Anderson “Fairy Tale” in Tagalog.
He found Leipzig as the cheapest in Europe and so he stayed for two and half months.

October 29, 1886 – he arrived as Dresden, Germany and met Dr. Adolf B. Meyer, Director of the
Anthropological and Ethnological Museum. He stayed two days in this city.
Life in Berlin, Germany (1886)

November 1, 1886 – he left Dresden by train and reached Berlin in the evening. Rizal met for the
first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, a German scientist. He also met famous personalities Dr. Hans
Virchow, Dr. Rudolf Virchow, Dr. W. Joest, and Dr. Ernest Schweigger.

- He also worked in the clinic of Dr. Schweigger and upon the recommendation of Dr. Jagor and
Dr. Meyer he became a member of the Anthropological Society, Ethnological Society and
Geographical Society.

- He was impressed with Berlin because of its scientific atmosphere and absence of racial race. He
lived in Berlin in a frugal life. At night he attended the lecture in the University of Berlin.

- He took private lessons under French professor Madame Lucie Cerdale. He observed keenly the
customs, dresses, homes and occupations of the peasants. He made sketches of the things he saw.
- During the winter, he lived in poverty because he was flat broke. Because was unable to pay his
landlord and because he didn‘t had a money arrived from Calamba, he pawned the diamond ring
that was given to him by his sister Saturnina. He had to eat only one meal a day, and a daily meal
consisted of bread and water or cheap vegetable soup. He washed his clothes because he could not
afford to pay the laundry. Paciano was delayed in raising the necessary funds, Rizal‘s health broke
down. He began to cough and feared that he was going to be sick with tuberculosis.

After several months, Rizal received Paciano‘s remittance of P1000, which was forwarded by Juan
Luna form Paris. Rizal paid the sum of P300 for the loan granted to Rizal for the printing of Noli
Me Tangere.

- He went to Berlin for the following reasons:

1.To increase his knowledge in ophthalmology
2.To broaden his studies of sciences and languages
3.To observe political and economic conditions of Germany
4.To associate with famous German scientist and scholars
5.To publish his novel

Grand Tour in Europe - May 11, 1887 – Rizal and Viola left Berlin for Dresden. They visited
Dr. Adolf B. Meyer. While strolling at the scene of the Floral Exposition, they met Dr. Jagor, and
suggested them to meet Blumentritt.

May 13, 1887 –Rizal and Viola reached Leitmeritz, Bohemia. They met Ferdinand Blumentritt.
The two enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Blumentritt family. - They also met famous scientist
Dr. Carlos Czepelah and another eminent naturalist Robert Klutschak.
May 17, 1887 – they left Leitmeritz by train on their way to the city of Prague. They carried
recommendation letters of Prof. Blumentritt Dr. Wilhomm, a professor of Natural History in the
University of Prague.

May 19, 1887 – they reached the city of Brunn.

May 20, 1887 – they arrived at the city of Vienna, Austria. They visited famous interesting scenic
places like churches, museums, art galleries, theatres, public parks, beautiful buildings, and
religious images. They also met Mr. Norfenfoe (European novelist) and Masner and Nordmenn
(Austrian scholars).

May 24, 1887 – they left Vienna, via river boat to see the beautiful sights of the Danube river. The
river voyage ended in Lintz, afterwards they travelled on land to Salzburg and from there Munich.
In Munich, they had a short time savouring the famous Munich beer (best beer in Germany).

▪ From Munich, they went to Nuremberg (oldest city in Germany), were their impressed by
the manufacturer of dolls which was the biggest industry in the city. Afterwards, they went
to Ulm particularly he city cathedral, they enjoyed they view upon reaching the top, even
though Viola felt dizzy and tried.
▪ All they visit Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden and Rheinfall.

June 2-3, 1887 – they continued their trip on a boat and reached Basel, Bern, Laussenne, and they
cross to the lake of Geneva. - June 6, 1887- they reached Geneve, Switzerland. While in Geneva,
Rizal received sad news from his friends in Madrid about the conditions of Igorots, who were
exhibited in the 1887 Madrid Exposition, some of the natives died.

June 19, 1887 – it was 26th birthday, he treated Viola to a blow- out with a sumptuous meal. He
also wrote a letter to Blumentritt regarding Industrial exhibition.

June 23, 1887 – Rizal and Viola parted ways. They both spent 15 days in Geneva. Viola returned
to Barcelona and Rizal continued his tour to Italy.

June 24, 1887 – Rizal went to Italy, and visited Turin, Milan, Venice and Florence.

June 27, 1887 – he reached Rome and visited famous architectural buildings.

June 29, 1887 – he visited the Vatican City. He has sightseeing and was impressed by the
magnificent edifice like St. Peter‘s Church, the rare works of the art, the vast St. Peter‘s Square,
and the colourful Papal Guard. After a week travel in Rome, he decided to return to the Philippines.

6. Self- Assessment and Evaluation of the Activities

Answer these questions in two to three sentences.

1. Why do you think Rizal took up medicine?

2. Why do you think Rizal enrolled at UST and took up Philosophy and Letters
 3. Why did Rizal leave the Philippines and go to Spain in 1882? Give two reasons.
4. Describe briefly Rizal’s life in Madrid.
5. Describe briefly Rizal’s life in Berlin.

Quiz # 2

The Quiz # 2 will be answered in Google Form, Quizzes or in LOGOS (LMS). Wait for
my instructions.

Grading System

Output =50%
Mid-Term/Final Examination =25%
Quizzes =15%
Attendance =10%
100%

*Final Rating = Midterm (50%) + Final Term (50%)

7. References
Ariola, M. M. (2013). Life, Works and Writings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Manila: Purely
Books Trading and Publishing Corp
Crudo, E. R. P, et (2019). The Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal. Manila: Rex
Book store

LORENA P. FLORITA
College Instructor

Noted:

MRS. ELVIE D. ARAGONES, PhD (cand.)

Program Chairperson

Approved by:

LUIS I. GANTE JR., PhD

Dean of College