Chapter 1 (INTRODUCTION)

Senate bill 438 known as Rizal Bill which was first authored by Senator Claro M. Recto
– requiring the inclusion in the curricula of all private and public schools, colleges and
universities the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal particularly his novels Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo – is considered as one of the most controversial bills in
the Philippines. Normally, before the bill was approved and implemented in all schools
and was signed into a law known as Republic Act 1425, it had been brought to the
Upper and Lower House of the Congress for deliberations. But what made it
controversial is that the bill was not just fiercely opposed by people from Legislative Arm
but also by the Catholic Church due to the inclusion of compulsory reading of Rizal’s
novels in which according to them, catholic dogmas are humiliated.

Senator Recto brought the bill to the senate and Senator Jose B. Laurel Sr. who was
then the chairman of the committee on Education sponsored the bill that consequently
led to exchange of arguments from the congress.

The bill was headedly opposed by three senators:

 Senator Francisco Rodrigo who was a former Catholic action president
 Senator Mariano Cuenco
 Senator Decoroso Rosales who was the brother of

Other oppositors from the lower house:

 Ramon Durano
 Marciano Lim
 Jose Nuguid
 Manuel Soza
 Godofredo Ramos
 Miguel Cuenco
 Lucas Paredes
 Carmen Consing
 Tecia San Andres Ziga
The Catholic church was indirectly included in the debates and played a major
role for the intervention of signing of the bill into a law. Allied with the church in
battle against Rizal Bill were the Holy Name Society of the Philippines, Catholic
action of the Philippines, Legion of Mary, Knights of Columbus and Daughters of
Isabela.
 Oppositions argued that the bill would go against freedom of conscience and
religion
 The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) submitted a pastoral
letter to which according, Rizal violated Canon Law 1399 which forbids or bans
books that attack or ridicule the catholic doctrine and practices.
 Oppositors argued that among the 333 pages of Noli Me Tangere, only 25
passages are nationalistic while 120 passages are anti-catholic. While upon
scrutiny of the two novels by some members of catholic hierarchical, 170
passages in Noli Me Tangere and 50 in El Filibusterismo are against catholic
faith.
 oppositors pointed out that Rizal admitted that he did not only attack the friars
who acted deceptively on the Filipinos but also the catholic faith itself.
 They suggested a reading material for students as to what they called Rizalian
Anthology, a collection of Rizal’s literary works that contain the patriotic
philosophy excluding the two novels.
 Recto and Laurel defended the bill and argued that the only objective of the bill is
to keep the memory of the national hero alive in every Filipino’s mind, to emanate
Rizal as he peacefully fought for freedom, and not to go against religion.
 Senators LorensoTanada, Quintin Paredes and Domocao Alonto of Mindanao
also defended Rizal Bill which was also favored by Representatives from the
House namely Congressmen Jacobo Gonzales, Emilio Cortez, Mario Bengson,
Joaquin Roxas, Lancap Lagumbay and Pedro Lopez.
 Other supporters of the bill were Mayor Arsenio Lacson call antiRizal bill “bigoted
and intolerant” and walked out of a mass when the priest read a pastoral letter
from the archbishop denouncing the Rizal Bill aqnd General Emilio Aguinaldo
with groups like the Knights of Rizal, Women Writers of the Vernacular,
Philippine Veterans Legion, Colleges Editors’ Guild and Philippine School
Teachers’ Association.
 Excitement and intense scenes were eventually arisen in settling the Rizal Bill.
 One of which was the debate of Cebu Representative Ramon Durano and
Pampanga Representative Emilio Cortes that ended with a fistfight in Congress.
 Bacolod City Bishop Manuel Yap threatened to campaign against pro-Rizal bill
legislators and to punish them in future elections.
 Catholic Schools Representatives threatened to close down their schools if the
Rizal Bill was passed. Recto told them that if they did, the State could nationalize
the catholic schools.
 There was a proposal to use the expurgated novels as textbooks and put the
original copies under lock and key in the school libraries
 Recto rejected the amendment and expressed: “The people who would eliminate
the books of Rizal from the schools…would bow out from our minds the memory
of the national hero…this is not a fight against Recto but a fight against Rizal…
 now that Rizal is dead and they can no longer attempt at his life, they are
attempting to blot out his memory.”

Due to apparently never-ending debate on the Rizal Bill, approved amendments

were formulated through ideas of three senators. Senator Laurel’ created an
amendment to the original bill in which, other that Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, works written by Rizal and works written by others about Rizal would
be included and reading of the unexpurgated revision of the two novels would no
longer be compulsory to elementary and secondary levels but would be strictly
observed to college level.
Senator Lim suggested the exemption to those students who feel that reading
Rizal’s novels would negatively affect his or her faith. Senator Primicias created an
additional amendment that promulgates the rules and regulations in getting an
exemption only from reading the two novels through written statement or affidavit
and not from taking the Rizal Course. According to historian Ambeth Ocampo, no
student has ever availed of this exemption. After the revised amendments, the bill
was finally passed on May 17, 1956 and was signed into law as Republic Act 1425
by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12 of the same year.

Republic Act no. 1425

AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES COURSES ON THE LIFE, WORKS
AND WRITINGS OF JOSE RIZAL, PARTICULARLY HIS NOVELS NOLI ME
TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO, AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING AND
DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-
dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died;

WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot,
Jose Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that
have shaped the national character;

WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with
which the minds of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in
school, should be suffused;
WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to
regulation by the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character,
personal discipline, civic conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship; Now,
therefore,

Section 1
Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges
and universities, public or private: Provided, that in the collegiate courses, the original or
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English
translation shall be used as basic texts.

Section 2
It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries an
adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography. The
said unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their
translations in English as well as other writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of
approved books for required reading in all public or private schools, colleges and
universities.

Section 3
The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the
principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and
cause them to be distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through
the Purok organizations and Barrio Councils throughout the country.

Section 4
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine hundred
twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious
doctrines by public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school.
Section 5
The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out
of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the
purposes of this Act.

Section 6
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

CHAPTER 2: THE PHILIPPINES IN THE

NINETEENTH CENTURY AS RIZAL'S
CONTEXT

SOCIAL STRUCTURE - The Filipinos in the 19th century had suffered from feudalistic
and master slave relationship by the Spaniards. Their social structure is ranked into
three groups:
01 Highest class, 02 Middle Class, 03 Lowest class

1. HIGHEST CLASS - the people that belong in this class include the Spaniards the
peninsulares and the friars. They have the power and authority to rule over the
Filipinos. They enjoyed their positions and do what they want.

Spanish officials

PENINSULARES (Spaniards who were born in Spain)

 They held the most important government jobs, and made up the smallest
number of the population.
FRIARS
 Are members of any of certain religious orders of men, especially the four
mendicant orders (Augustinians, Carmelites, Dominicans, and Franciscans).

2. MIDDLE CLASS - the people that belongs into this class includes the natives,
mestizos and the criollos.
NATIVES
 the pure Filipinos.
MESTIZOS
 Are the Filipinos of mixed indigenous Filipino or European or Chinese ancestry.

3. LOWEST CLASS - his class includes the Filipinos only.

INDIOS
 are the poor people having pure blood Filipino which rule by the Spaniards.

POLITICAL SYSTEM AND THE SOURCES OF ABUSES IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE

SYSTEM

The Spaniards ruled the Filipinos in the 19 th century. The Filipinos became the
Spaniard’s slave. The Spaniards claimed their taxes and they worked under the power
of the Spaniards.

SOURCES OF ABUSES IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM:

1. There was an appointment of officials with inferior qualifications, without

dedication of duty and moral strength to resist corruption for material
advancement. Through the power and authority, the Spaniards possess, they
collected and wasted the money of the Filipinos.

2. There were too complicated functions to the unions of the church and the state.
SOURCES OF ABUSES IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM:

3. Manner of obtaining the position.

Through the power that the Spaniards possess, they had the right to appoint the
different positions. The appointment of positions is obtained by the highest bidder
which is the Governor-general of the country.

4. Term of office
Term of office or term in office is the length of time a person (usually a politician)
serves.

SOURCES OF ABUSES IN THE DMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM:

5. Distance of the colony

The Spanish officials traveled to various places and the needs of the Philippines were
ignored. They did not put too much attention to the needs of the other people. There
were inadequate administrative supervisions, they were unable to face and solve the
problems regarding to the Philippines. There were also overlapping of powers and
privileges of officials which made them competitive.

6. Personal interest over the welfare of the State

SOURCES OF ABUSES IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM:

7. They were corrupt during the 19th century and the Alcaldias/Alcalde is
considered as the most corrupt over the other corrupts. The Alcaldias/Alcalde
includes the administrators, judges and military commandants. They usually have
P25/mo liberal allowances and privileges to take a certain percentage of money
from the total amount of taxes. There were also monopoly trades or business
practices known as indulto para comerciar.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

There are lots of criticisms received in the educational system of the Philippines
in the late 19th century. Below are the following:

1. Overemphasis on religious matters the power of religious orders remained one of

the great constants, over the centuries, of Spanish colonial rule. The friars of the
Augustinian, Dominican, and Franciscan orders conducted many of the executive
and control functions of government on the local level. They were responsible for
education and health measures. These missionaries emphasized the teachings
of the Catholic religion starting from the primary level to the tertiary level of
education.

There are lots of criticisms received in the educational system of the Philippines
in the late 19th century. Below are the following:

2. Obsolete teaching methods Their methods are outdated.

3. Limited curriculum
The students in the primary level were taught the Christian Doctrines, the reading
of Spanish books and a little of the natives’ language. Science and Mathematics
were not very much taught to the students even in the universities. Aside from
the Christian Doctrines taught, Latin was also taught to the students instead of
Spanish.

There are lots of criticisms received in the educational system of the Philippines
in the late 19th century. Below are the following:

4. Poor classroom facilities

5. Absence of teaching materials
6. Primary education was neglected
There are lots of criticisms received in the educational system of the Philippines
in the late 19th century. Below are the following7
7. Absence of academic freedom
The absence of academic freedom in Spain’s educational system was extended to the
schools that Spaniards established in the Philippines. Learning in every level was
largely by rote. Students memorized and repeated the contents of book which they did
not understand. In most cases knowledge was measured in the ability of the students to
memorize, largely hampering intellectual progress.

There are lots of criticisms received in the educational system of the Philippines
in the late 19th century. Below are the following:

8. Prejudice against Filipinos in the schools of higher learning

In entirety, education during the Spanish regime was privileged only to Spanish
students. The supposed Philippine education was only a means to remain in the
Philippines as colonizers. For this reason, the Filipinos became followers to the
Spaniards in their own country. Even auspicious Filipinos became cronies, to the extent
that even their life styles were patterned from the Spaniards.

There are lots of criticisms received in the educational system of the Philippines
in the late 19th century. Below are the following:

9. Friar control over the system

The friars controlled the educational system during the Spanish times. They owned
different schools, ranging from the primary level to the tertiary levels of education. The
missionaries took charge in teaching, controlling and maintaining the rules and
regulations imposed to the students.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE RISE OF FILIPINO NATIONALISM

The country was opened to foreign trade at the end of the 18th century which resulted in
the rapid rise of foreign firms in Manila. This stimulated agricultural production and
export of sugar, rice hemp and tobacco. The number of families which prospered from
foreign commerce and trade were able to send their sons for an education in Europe.
Filipinos who were educated abroad were able to absorb the intellectual development in
Europe.

Factors Contributed to the Development of Filipino Nationalism:

 Opening of the Philippines to International Trade and

the Rise of the Middle Class Manila was opened to foreign trade which brought
prosperity to the Filipinos and Chinese mestizo resulting to the existence of middle
class.
 Influx of European Liberalism
Ideas of the enlightened philosophers like John Locke and Jean Jacques Rosseau,
masonry and the French Revolution reached the Philippines.
Liberty, religious freedom, democracy, human rights such as suffrage, freedom of
speech, press and form associations and assemblies.

Factors Contributed to the Development of Filipino Nationalism:

 Opening of the Suez Canal on November 17, 1869

Connects Mediterranean and red sea; shortened distance between Europe and
Orient Results: (a) Philippines became closer to Europe and Spain (b)
encouraged European travelers to come to our country (c) exodus of literal ideas
from Europe to the Philippines (d) more educated and young Filipinos were able
to study abroad

Factors Contributed to the Development of Filipino Nationalism:

 Spanish Revolution of 1868 and the Liberal Regime of Carlos Maria Dela
Torre (1869-1871)

Glorious September Revolution of 1868: Queen Isabela II was overthrown

resulting to the rise of liberalism in Spain. Generals Juan Prim and Francisco
Serrano appointed dela Torre as the governor-general in the Philippines (true
democrat). Most liberal governor-general walked the streets in civilian clothes
 and 14 dismissed his alabaderos (halberdiers) – the governor’s security guards –
and went unescorted.

Factors Contributed to the Development of Filipino Nationalism:

 Accomplishments:
(1) abolished censorship of the press and allowed unlimited discussions of political
problems and proclaimed freedom of speech
(2) abolished flogging as a punishment
(3) curtailed abuses particularly the tribute and the polo
(4) allowed secular priests to be assigned to vacant parishes or seminaries and
created an office which would prevent abuses by members of the regular
religious orders
(5) reformed the Royal Audiencia to bring about speedier administration of justice
(6) decreed educational reforms, ordered the setting up of medical, pharmacy, and
vocational schools
(7) created the Council of the Philippines on December 4, 1870 which was a
consultative body to study Philippine problems and propose solutions to them.

Factors Contributed to the Development of Filipino Nationalism:

 Rafael de Izquierdo (1871-1873), the Cavite Mutiny of1872 and the

Execution of GomBurZa (February 17,1872)

Monarchy was restored in Spain (Prince Amadeo of Savoy, son of Victor Emmanuel I)
ascended the throne in 1870. April 4, 1871: Isquierdo became the governor-general;
―with crucifix in one hand and a sword in the other‖ restored press censorship (b)
prohibited all talk on political matters and secularization of the parishes (c) disapproved
the establishment of arts and trades in Manila (d) dismissed natives and mestizos in the
civil and military service.
Cavite Munity (January 20, 1872)
About 200 Filipino soldiers and workers in Fort San Felipe mutinied, under the
leadership of Sgt La Madrid; caused by Izquierdo’s abolition of the exemption of the
Filipino workers from polo and paying tributes; mutineers were able to kill the fort
commander and some soldiers; mutiny leaders and participants were arrested and shot
to death.

GomBurZa (fought for the Filipinization of parishes and champions of libraalismm

and humanitarianism) - They were charged of sedition and rebellion due to the false
testimony of Francisco Zaldua (former Bicolano soldier and was bribed by the Spanish
prosecutors to implicate them as the masterminds of the mutiny). Military Court: three
priests guilty and sentenced them to die by garrote.

Factors Contributed to the Development of Filipino Nationalism:

 Originally, Rizal’s plan was to take up priesthood and become a Jesuit father.
When he heard of the martyrdom of GomBurZa, he changed his mind and swore
to dedicate his life to vindicate the victims of Spanish oppression.

CHAPTER 3 (RIZAL’S LIFE: FAMILY,

CHILDHOOD AND EARLY EDUCATION OF
RIZAL)

ANCESTRY - Rizal’s Parents (Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda married on
June 28, 1848, after which they settled down in Calamba)
Rizal’s Father’s Side
Domingo Lamco – (a Chinese immigrant from the Fukien city arrived in manila about
1690) ------- Ines dela Rosa (Chinese Christian girl of Chane chow)
Francisco mercado ------ cirila bernacha

Juan mercado (Rizal’s grandfather) ------- cirila Alejandro

Had thirteen children, the youngest being Francisco mercado (Rizal’s father)

Rizal’s Mother’s Side

Lakandula (the last native king of tondo)

Eugenio ursua (Rizal’s maternal great grandfather of Japanese ancestry) --------- Benigma
(a Filipina)

Regina --------- Manuel de Quinto’s (a filipinnno from Pangasinan)

Brigida --------- Lorenzo Alberto alonso ( a prominent Spanish filipino mestizo of binan)

Narcisa, Teodora ( rizal’s mother) , Gregorio, manuel and jose

DON FRANCISCO MERCADO (1818-1898)

 born in Biñan, Laguna on May 11, 1818

• studied Latin and Philosophy at the College of San
Jose in Manila
• became a tenant-farmer of the Dominican-owned
hacienda
• a hardy and independent-minded man, who talked
less and worked more, and was strong in body
and valiant in spirit
• died in Manila on January 5, 1898 at the age of 80
• Rizal affectionately called him ―a model of
Fathers.

DOÑA TEODORA ALONSO REALONDA (1826-1911)

 born in Manila on November 8, 1826

• educated at the College of Santa Rosa, a well-
known college for girls in the city
• a remarkable woman, possessing refined
culture, literary talent, business ability, and
the fortitude of Spartan women
• is a woman of more than ordinary culture: she
knows literature and speaks Spanish
(According to Rizal)
• died in Manila on August 16, 1911 at the age
of 85.

• The real surname of the Rizal family was Mercado,

which was adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lamco (the
paternal great-great grandfather of Jose Rizal),
who was a full blooded Chinese?

• Rizal’s family acquired a second surname—Rizal—

which was given by a Spanish alcalde mayor
(Provincial governor) of Laguna, who was a family
friend.
THE RIZAL CHILDREN
• Eleven children—two boys and nine girls
• Rizal always called her sisters Doña or Señora
(if married) and Señorita (if single)

1. Saturnina (1850-1913)
2. Paciano (1851-1930)
3. Narcisa (1852-1939)
4. Olimpia (1855-1887)
5. Lucia (1857-1919)
6. Maria (1859-1945)
7. Jose (1861-1896)
8. Concepcion (1862-1865)
9. Josefa (1865-1945)
10. Trinidad (1868-1951)
11. Soledad (1870-1929)

DR. JOSE PROTACIO MERCADO RIZAL ALONZO Y REALONDA

THE BIRTH OF A HERO- Jose Rizal was born on the moonlit night of Wednesday,
June 19, 1861, in the lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna
Province, Philippines. His mother almost died during the
delivery because of his big head. He was baptized in the
Catholic church of his town on June 22, aged three days old by
the parish priest Father Rufino Collantes, who was a
Batangueño. His godfather (ninong) was Father Pedro Casanas,
native of Calamba and close friend of the Rizal family. His name
―Jose‖ was chosen by his mother who was a devotee of the
Christian saint San Jose (St. Joseph).
RIZAL HOME

The house of the Rizal family, were the

hero was born, was one of the distinguished stone
houses in Calamba during Spanish times. It was a
two-story building, rectangular in shape, built of
adobe stones and hard-woods, and roofed with red
tiles. Behind the house were the poultry yard full of
turkeys and chicken and a big garden of tropical fruit
trees – atis, balimbing, chico, macopa, papaya,
santol, tampoy, etc.

RIZAL HOME

It was a happy home where parental affection and

children’s laughter reigned. By day, it hummed with the noises of
children at play and the songs of the birds in the garden. By night, it
echoed with the dulcet notes of family prayers. Such a wholesome
home, naturally, bred a wholesome family was the Rizal family.

A GOOD AND MIDDLE CLASS FAMILY

The Rizal family belonged to the

Principalia, a town aristocracy in Spanish
Philippines. It was one of the distinguished
families in Calamba. By dint of honest and
hard work and frugal living, Rizal’s parents
were able to live well. From the farms,
which were rented from the Dominican
Order, they harvested rice, corn, and
sugarcane. They raised pigs, chickens, and
turkeys in their backyard. In addition to
farming, Doña Teodora managed a general
goods store and operated a small flour-mill
and a home-made ham press.

HOME LIFE OF THE RIZALS

The Rizal family had a simple, contented and happy life. In consonance with
Filipino custom, family ties among the Rizal’s were intimately close. Don Francisco and
Doña Teodora loved their children, but they never spoiled them. They were strict
parents and the trained their children to love God, to behave well, to be obedient, and
to respect people, especially the old folks. Whenever the children, including Jose Rizal,
got into mischief, they were given a sound spanking. Evidently, they believed in the
maxim: ―Spare the rod and spoil the child. ‖
Every day the Rizal’s (parents and children) heard Mass in the town Church,
particularly during Sundays and Christian holidays. They prayed together at home –
the Angelus at sunset and the Rosary before retiring to bed at night. After the family
prayers, all the children kissed the hands of their parents.
Life was not, however, all prayers and church services for the Rizal
children. They were given ample time and freedom to play by their strict and religious
parents. They played merrily in the azotea or in the garden by themselves. The older
ones were allowed to play with the children of other families.
HOME LIFE OF THE RIZALS

Childhood Days in Calamba

CALAMBA
 was named after a big native jar
 was a hacienda town which belonged to the Dominican)
Order, which also owned all the lands around it
 a picturesque town nestling on a verdant plain covered
with irrigated rice fields and sugar-lands

Jose Rizal loved Calamba with all his heart and soul. In 1876, when
he was 15 years old and was a student in Ateneo de Manila, he remembered
his beloved town. Accordingly, he wrote a poem Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In
Memory of my Town).

INFLUENCES ON THE HERO’S BOYHOOD

1. hereditary influence
2. environmental influence
3. aid of Divine Providence
• TIO JOSE ALBERTO – studied for eleven years in British school in
Calcutta, India and had traveled in Europe inspired Rizal to
develop his artistic ability
• TIO MANUEL – a husky and athletic man, encouraged Rizal to
develop his frail body by means of physical exercises
• TIO GREGORIO – a book lover, intensified Rizal’s voracious reading
of good book
• FATHER LEONCIO LOPEZ – the old and learned parish priest of
Calamba, fostered Rizal’s love for scholarship and intellectual
honesty

Childhood Memories of Jose Rizal

• The first memory of him in his infancy, was his happy days
in the family garden when he was three years old

• He was a frail, sickly, and undersized child; and was given

the tenderest care by his parents. A kind old woman was
employed as an aya (nurse maid) to look after his comfort

• Another memory of his infancy was the nocturnal walk in

the town, especially when there was a moon

• Another childhood memory was the daily Angelus prayer.

By nightfall, his mother gathered all the children at the
house to pray the Angelus

• The Rizal children were all close, but of all his sisters he
loved most the little Concha (Concepcion). Unfortunately,
Concha died of sickness in 1865 which brought him his
first sorrow
• He was a devoted son of church, at the age of three, he
began to take a part in the family prayers

• When he was five years old, he was able to read haltingly

the Spanish family bible

• On June 6, 1868, he and his father left Calamba to go on a

pilgrimage to Antipolo, to fulfill his mother’s vow which
was made when he was born.

• Doña Teodora told to his favorite son, Jose, the story of

―The young moth‖ which made a profound impression on
him – ―died a martyr to its illusions

• At the same age of five, he began to make sketches with

his pencil and to mold in clay and wax objects which
attracted his fancy

• At the age of eight, he wrote his first poem in native

language Sa Aking Mga Kabata (To My Fellow Children)
which reveals his earliest nationalist sentiment

• At the same age, he wrote his first dramatic work which

was a Tagalog comedy. It was staged in a Calamba
festival and was delightfully applauded by the audience.

• Since early manhood he had been interested in magic and

learned tricks
• His first teacher was his mother, who was remarkable
woman of good character and fine culture

• As he grew older, his parents employed private tutors to

give him lessons at home.

• At the same age, he wrote his first dramatic work which

was a Tagalog comedy. It was staged in a Calamba
festival and was delightfully applauded by the audience.

• Since early manhood he had been interested in magic and

learned tricks

• His first teacher was his mother, who was remarkable

woman of good character and fine culture

• As he grew older, his parents employed private tutors to

give him lessons at home.

• Maestro Celestino was his first private tutor and Maestro

Lucas Padua was his second tutor, Leon Monroy on the
other hand was a former classmate of Rizal’s father who
became his tutor that instructed him in Spanish and Latin

• His parents sent him in a private school in Biñan for

formal study. Sunday afternoon in June, 1869 he left
Calamba for Biñan accompanied by his brother Paciano
• Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz was his teacher in a
private school in Biñan. He described his teacher as
follows: He was thin, long-necked, with a sharp nose and a
body slightly bent forward.

• An old painter near his school, Juancho, who was the

father-in-law of the school teacher freely, gave him
lessons in drawing and painting. He and his classmate
Jose Guevara who also loved painting, became
apprentices of the old painter

• In academic studies, he beat all the Biñan boys. He

surpassed them all in Spanish, Latin, and other subjects.

• Christmas of 1870, he received a letter from his sister

Saturnina, informing him of the arrival of the steamer
Talim which would take him from Biñan to Calamba.

• On Saturday afternoon, December 17, 1870 he left Biñan after one

year and a half of schooling. On board, Arturo Camps a Frenchman
friend of his father took care of him

• Before June, 1872, a tragedy struck the Rizal family, 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 help arrest
Doña Teodora. After arresting Doña Teodora, the sadistic Spanish
lieutenant forced her to walk from Calamba to Santa Cruz (capital of
Laguna province), a distance of 50 kilometers. Doña Teodora was
incarcerated at the provincial prison, where she languished for two
years and a half until the Manila Royal Audiencia (Supreme Court)
acquitted her of the alleged crime. Messrs. Francisco de Marcaida
and Manuel Marzan were the two most famous lawyers of Manila
that defend Doña Teodora.

Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo De Manila (1872-1877)

• 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 in 1817

• Escuela Pia >Ateneo Municipal>Ateneo de Manila

• June 10, 1872- Rizal accompanied by Paciano went to Manila

• FATHER MAGIN FERRANDO – was the college registrar,

refused to admit Rizal in Ateneo for two reasons: (1) he was
late for registration (2) he was sickly and undersized for his
age.

FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873)

• FATHER JOSE BECH – Rizal’s first professor in Ateneo
whom he described as a ―tall thin man, with a body slightly
bent forward, a harried walk, an ascetic face, severe and
inspired, small deep-sunken eyes, a sharp nose that was
almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose ends fell
toward the chin

• A Religious picture – Rizal’s first prize for being the

brightest pupil in the whole class.

FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873)

• To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel

College during the noon recesses. He paid three pesos for those
extra Spanish lessons
• At the end of the school year in March, 1873, Rizal 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 named Dona Pepay.

SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873-1874)

At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent grades in all

subjects and a gold medal.

• THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO BY ALEXANDER DUMAS – the first favorite
novel of Rizal which made a deep impression on him
• UNIVERSAL HISTORY BY 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-traveler who visited the Philippines in 1859- 1860 who
wroteTravels in the Philippines
 Rizal was impressed in this book because of (1) Jagor’s keen observations of the
defects of Spanish colonization (2) his prophecy that someday Spain would lose the
Philippines and that America would come to succeed her as colonizer.

THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1874-1875)

Rizal grades remained excellent in all subjects but he won only one medal—in Latin. At
the end of the school year (March 1875), Rizal returned to Calamba for the summer
vacation. He himself was not impressed by his scholastic work.

FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO

• June 16, 1875 – Rizal became an interno in 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 Jesuiot professor as “model of uprightness,
earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils”

• Rizal topped all his classmates in all subjects and won 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, he 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 16

years old, received from his Alma Mater, Ateneo Municipal,
the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors

• 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 studied painting under the famous Spanish painter,

AGUSTIN SAEZ, and sculpture under ROMUALDO DE
JESUS, noted Filipino sculptor

LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-1877)

● Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of

batikuling (Philippine hardwood) with his pocketknife

● FATHER LLEONART – impressed by Rizal’s sculptural

talent, requested him to carve for him an image of Sacred
Heart of Jesus

Medical Studies at The University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)

After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and

Letters (1877-1878), Rizal transferred to the medical course.
“Don’t send him to Manila again; he knows enough. If he gets to
know more, the Spaniards will cut off his head.” Dona Teodora,
vigorously opposed the idea that Rizal pursue higher learning in
the university.

• April 1877 – Rizal who was then nearly 16 years old,

matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas, taking the
course on Philosophy and Letters because (1) his father like it
(2) he was “still uncertain as to what career to pursue”

FATHER PABLO RAMON – Rector of Ateneo, who had been good

to him during his student days in that college, asking for
advice on the choice of a career but unfortunately, he was in
Mindanao

• It was during the following term (1878-1879) that Rizal, having

received the Ateneo Rector’s advice to study medicine

• During Rizal’s first school term in the University of Santo

Tomas (1877-1878), Rizal also studied in Ateneo. He took the
vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor
(expert surveyor)

• Rizal excelled in all subjects in the surveying course

in Ateneo, obtaining gold medals in agriculture and
topography

• November 25, 1881 – the title was issued to Rizal

for passing the final examination in the surveying
course

• Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum)

of Manila – a society of literary men and artists,
held a literary contest in the year 1879

• A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA (To the Filipino Youth)

 Rizal, who was then 18 years old, submitted this poem
 is an inspiring poem of flawless form. Rizal beseeched the Filipino
youth to rise from lethargy, to let genius fly swifter than the wind
and descend with art and science to break the chains that have
long bound the spirit of the people
 this winning poem of Rizal is a classic in Philippine literature for
two reasons: (1) it was the great poem in Spanish written by a
Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary
authorities (2) it expressed for the first time the nationalistic
concept that the Filipinos, 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 the first prize which consisted of a
silver pen, feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon

• EL CONSEJO DE LOS DIOSES (The Councils of the Gods)

 an allegorical drama written by Rizal which he entered in the
literary contest of Artistic- Literary Lyceum in 1880 to
commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of Cervantes.
 was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics

• The prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was

engraved the bust of Cervantes

• D.N. DEL PUZO- a Spanish writer, who won the second prize

• JUNTO AL PASIG (Beside the Pasig)

 a zarzuela which was staged by the Ateneans on December 8,
1880, on the occasion of the annual celebration of the Feats Day
of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo.
 Rizal wrote it as President of the Academy of Spanish Literature
in Ateneo

• 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 – Rizal composed a poem in 1879

which was declaimed by an Atenean, Manuel Fernandez, on
the night of December 8, 1879, in honor of the Ateneo’s
Patroness

• AL M.R.P. PABLO RAMON – Rizal composed a poem in 1881, as

an expression of affection to Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo
rector, who had been so kind and helpful to him

• VICENTA YBARDOLAZA – a pretty girl colegiala who skillfully

played the harp at the Regalado home, whom Rizal was
infatuated in Pakil

• Rizal mentioned Turumba (wherein the people dancing in the

streets during the procession in honor of the miraculous
Birhen Maria de los Dolores) in Chapter VI of Noli Me Tangere
and Pagsanjan Falls in his travel diary (united States—
Saturday, May 12, 1888), where he said that Niagara Falls
was the “greatest cascades I ever saw” but “not so beautiful
nor fine as the falls at Los Banos, Pagsanjan”

• COMPANERISMO (Comradeship) – Rizal founded a secret

society of Filipino students in University of Santo Tomas in
1880

• COMPANIONS OF JEHU – members of the society whose after

the valiant Hebrew general

• GALICANO APACIBLE – Rizal’s cousin from Batangas who is

the secretary of the society.
UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST
Rizal found the atmosphere at the University of Santo
Tomas 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 against by the Spaniards (3) the method of instruction
was obsolete and repressive.

In Rizal’s novel, El Filibusterismo, he described how the

Filipino students were humiliated and insulted by their Dominican
professors and how backward the method of instruction was,
especially in the teaching of the natural sciences. He related in
Chapter XIII, ―The Class in Physics.

CHAPTER 4 RIZAL’S LIFE: higher Education

and Life Abroad

After finishing the 4th year of the medical course in UST, Jose
Rizal decided to complete his studies in Spain. He decided to study in
Spain for the following reasons: a) He was disgusted with the method of
instruction of the Dominican-owned University and the racial prejudice of
the Dominican Professors against Filipino students, and b) Rizal’s secret
mission was to observe keenly the life and culture, languages, and
customs, industries and commerce, and governments, and laws of the
European nations in order to prepare himself in the mighty task of
liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny. Rizal’s departure
for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by the Spanish authorities
and the friars.
● He used the name Jose Mercado, a cousin from Binan.
● May 3, 1882: Rizal departed on board the Spanish steamer Salvadora
bound for Singapore

SINGAPORE
During the voyage to Singapore, he carefully observed the people and
things on board the steamer. There were sixteen passengers including himself.
● Donato Lecha – the ship captain from Asturias, Spain befriended Rizal
● Rizal played chess with his fellow passengers who were much older than him
● May 8, 1882: while the steamer was approaching Singapore, Rizal saw a
beautiful island, fascinated by its scenic
beauty, he remembered ―Talim Island with the
Susong Dalaga”
● May 9, 1882 : the Salvadora docked at Singapore
● In Singapore, Rizal transferred to another ship
Djemnah, a French steamer, which left
Singapore for Europe on May 11, 1882.

Colombo
● May 17, 1882: Djemnah reached Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon
(now Sri Lanka) and he found this place lonely and Quiet.
● The following day, the Djemnah reached Colombo, and he found this place
“Beautiful, Smart, and Elegant”
● Rizal was enamored by Colombo
because of its scenic beauty and
elegant buildings “Colombo is
more beautiful, smart and elegant
than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila”
● From Colombo, it continued the voyage
crossing the Indian Ocean to the cape
of Guardafui, Africa. Rizal sighted the
barren coast of Africa and called it
“Inhospitable land but famous”.

Rizal had a stopover at Aden wherein he found the city hotter than Manila.
Rizal was amused to see the camels, for the first time.
● From Aden, the Djemnah proceeded to the city of Suez, the red sea terminal
of the Suez Canal. Rizal was impressed in the beautiful moonlight which
reminded him of Calamba and his family.
● Suez Canal – canal which built by Ferdinand
de Lesseps (French diplomat-engineer)
which was inaugurated on November 17,
1869
● Port Said – the Mediterranean terminal of
the Suez Canal.

NAPLES AND MARSEILLES

From the port, the Djemnah proceeded on its way to Europe.

● On June 11, 1882: Rizal reached Naples which really pleased him because of its
business activity, its lively people, and its panoramic beauty.
● June 12, 1882: The steamer docked at the French Harbor of Marseilles.
● Rizal visited the famous Chateau d’If, where Dantes, hero of the Count of Monte
Cristo, was imprisoned
● Rizal stayed two and a half days in Marseilles

Barcelona, SPAIN
● Rizal reached Barcelona on June 16, 1882.
● He thought of the city as ugly, with dirty little inns and inhospitable
residents, because he happened to stay upon his arrival at the “town’s most
ugly side”.
● Later on, he changed his bad impression and found the city a great city, with
an atmosphere of freedom and liberalism, its people were open-hearted,
hospitable, and courageous.
● In here, Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay
entitled “Amor Patrio” (Love of Country),
his first article written on Spain’s soil.
● He sent this article to his friend in Manila, Basilio Teodoro Moran, publisher of
Diariong Tagalog, the first Manila bilingual newspaper.
● Rizal’s “Amor Patrio” under his pen-name Laong Laan, appeared in print in
Diariong Tagalog.
● Aside from “Amor Patrio”, Rizal wrote his second article for Diariong Tagalog
entitled “Los Viajes” (Travels) and his third article was entitled “Revista de
Madrid” (Review of Madrid) which he wrote in Madrid on November 29, 1882.
● While he was at Barcelona, Rizal received
a sad news about the cholera that was
ravaging Manila and the provinces which
caused a lot of people’s deaths.
● Another sad news from the Philippines
was the chatty letter of Chengoy
recounting the unhappiness of Leonor
Rivera
● And so, in one of his letters
(Dated May 26, 1882), Paciano advised
Rizal to finish his medical course in Madrid.
● Rizal left Barcelona in the fall of 1882 and
established himself in Madrid, the capital
of Spain.

Madrid, SPAIN
● Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid in two courses- Medicine and
Philosophy and Letters.
● He also studied painting and sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
and took lessons in French, German, and English under private instructors.
● His thirst for knowledge of music, he
visited the art galleries and museums
and read books on all subjects in order
to broaden his cultural background.
● He spent his leisure time reading
and writing at his boarding house,
attending the reunions of Filipino
students at the house of the Paterno
brothers (Antonio, Maximo and Pedro)
practicing fencing, shooting at the
gymnasium.
● Antigua Cafe de Levante – during the summer twilights, this is where Rizal
sipped coffee and fraternized with the students from Cuba, Mexico,
Argentina, etc
● On Saturday evenings, Rizal visited the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey who
lived with his son (Rafael) and daughter (Consuelo)
Rizal was not a handsome man.
In physique we were neither dashing nor
imposing, for he was a shy small man –
a few inches above five feet in height.
But he possessed an aura of charisma due
to his many-splendored talents and noble
character.
● Don Pablo’s daughter (Consuelo)
fell in love with him.

● August 22, 1883: Rizal composed a lovely poem for Consuelo titled “A La Señorita
C. O. y P.” (To Miss C. O. y P.) and expressed admiration for her.
● Rizal backed out before his romance with Consuelo could blossom into
serious affair for two reasons: (1) he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera and (2) his
friend and co-worker in the Propaganda Movement, Eduardo de Lete, was madly in love
with Counsuelo and he had no wish to break their friendship because of a pretty girl
● Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino
(Hispano-Philippine Circle) and wrote a
poem entitled “Me Piden Versos” (They
ask me for Verses)

Paris, FRANCE
During his first summer vacation in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris, gay
capital of France. The prices of food, drinks, theatre, tickets, laundry, hotel
accommodations, and transportation were too high for Rizal’s slender purse so
that he commented in a letter to his family: “Paris is the costliest capital in Europe.”
● During Rizal’s first summer vacation in
Madrid, he went to Paris from June 17
to August 20, 1883.
● Like all tourists, he enjoyed the
attractive sights, the historical places,
etc. but unlike ordinary tourists,
Rizal spent many hours in Museum,
Botanical gardens, Libraries, Art
galleries, and Hospitals.

● Hotel de Paris – located on 37 Rue de Maubange wherein Rizal billeted but

later, he moved to a cheaper hotel on 124 Rue de Rennes in the Latin Quarter
● Laennec Hospital – where Rizal observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients
● Lariboisiere Hospital – where Rizal observed the examination of different
diseases of women

In Spain, Rizal came in close contact with Spanish liberal and

republican Spaniards who were mostly masons. March 1883, Rizal joined the
Masonic lodge called Acacia in Madrid. He became a mason so that he could
secure Freemasonry’s aid in his fight against the friars in the Philippines. Later
on, he transferred to Lodge Solidaridad where he became a Master Mason in
November 15, 1890. February 15, 1892, he was awarded the diploma as Master
Mason by Le Grand Orient de France in Paris.
● Science, Virtue and Labor – Rizal’s only Masonic writing; a lecture which he
delivered in 1889 at Lodge Solidaridad, Madrid

After Rizal’s departure for Spain,

things turned from bad to worse in
Calamba: (1) harvests of rice and sugarcane
failed on account of drought and locusts (2) the
manager of the Dominican-owned hacienda
increased the rentals of the lands (3) a dreadful
pest killed most of the turkeys.

Due to hard times in Calamba,

the monthly allowances of Rizal in Madrid
were late in arrival and there were times
when they never arrived.

● June 24, 1884: a touching incident in Rizal’s life in Madrid wherein he was
broke and was unable to take breakfast
● Rizal attended his class at the university, participated in the contest in Greek
language and won the gold medal
● Evening of June 25, 1884: a banquet was sponsored by the Filipino community
to celebrate the double victory
of the Filipino artist in the
National Exposition of Fine Arts in
Madrid—Luna’s Spoliarium winning
the first prize and Hidalgo’s
Christian Virgins Exposed to the
Populace (Virgenes Cristianas
Expuestas al Populacho), second
prize.

● June 21, 1884: Rizal completed his medical course in Spain; he was conferred
the degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid
● The next academic year (1884-1885), Rizal studied and passed all subjects
leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine but he did not present the thesis
required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees, he was not awarded
his doctor’s diploma.
● June 19, 1885: on his 24th birthday,
Rizal was awarded the degree of
Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters by
the Universidad Central de Madrid
with the rating of “Excellent”:
(Sobresaliente).

● November 26, 1884: a letter to Rizal’s

family written in Madrid wherein he
said ―” My doctorate is not of very
much value to me... because although
it is useful to a university professor,
yet, I believe they (Dominican friars—Z)
will never appoint me as such in the
College of Santo Tomas. I say the same
thing of philosophy and letters which
may serve also for a professorship, but
I doubt if the Dominican fathers will
grant it to me. “
In Gay Paris (1885-1886)

Rizal, who was the 24 years

old and already a physician, went to
Paris. On his way to Paris, he stopped
at Barcelona to visit his friend and
stayed there for a week.

● Rizal, who was the 24 years old and already a physician, went to Paris. On his
way to Paris, he stopped at Barcelona to visit his friend and stayed there for
a week.
● Maximo Viola – a medical student and a member of a rich family of San Miguel,
Bulacan, Rizal’s friend
● November, 1885: Rizal was living in Paris where he sojourned for about four
months
● Rizal rapidly improved his knowledge of ophthalmology, revealed to his
parents by a letter on January 1, 1886 stating ― “With respect to the study of
the ailments of the eyes, I am doing well. I know now how to perform all the
operations; I only need to know what is going on inside the eye, which
requires much practice”.

● Paz Pardo de Tavera – was a pretty girl, who was engaged to Juan Luna
● At the studio of Luna, Rizal spent many happy hours. Rizal helped Luna by
posing as model in several paintings
● February 1, 1886: Rizal reluctantly left gay Paris from Germany.

Germany
• February 3, 1886: Rizal arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in
Germany famous for its old university and romantic surroundings
• Chess Player’s Club – a club wherein the students made Rizal as a
member because of being a good chess player
• Dr. Otto Becker – distinguished German ophthalmologist where Rizal
worked—University Eye Hospital
• April 22, 1886: Rizal wrote a fine
poem “A Las Flores de Heidelberg”
(To the Flowers of Heidelberg)

• In the spring of 1886, Rizal was fascinated by the blooming flowers

along the cool banks of the Neckar River. Among them was his
favorite flower—the light blue “forget-me-not”
• Wilhelmsfeld – a mountainous village near Heidelberg where Rizal
spent a three-month summer vacation
• Dr. Karl Ullmer – a kind Protestant pastor where Rizal stayed, who
became his good friend and admirer
• June 25, 1886: Rizal ended his sojourn at Pastor Ullmer’s home
• July 31, 1886: Rizal wrote his first letter in German (which he had
improved after his stay with the Ullmers) to Professor Blumentritt,
Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria.

• Aritmetica (Arithmetic) – Rizal sent this book he mentioned in the letter

for Blumentritt and was published in two languages— Spanish and
Tagalog—by the University of Santo Tomas Press in 1868. The author
was Rufino Baltazar Hernandez, a native of Santa Cruz, Laguna

Rizal’s letter impressed Blumentritt; who reciprocated by

sending Rizal, a gift of two books. It marked the beginning of their long
and frequent correspondence, also of their friendship that lasted all
their lives. Blumentritt, the Austrian, became the best friend of Rizal,
the Filipino.
• August 9, 1886: Rizal left Heidelberg
• August 14, 1886: boarded by a train, Rizal arrived in Leipzig

• In Leipzig, Rizal translated Schiller’s William Tell from German into

Tagalog so that Filipino might know the story of that champion of
Swiss independence
• Rizal also translated into Tagalog for his nephews and niece Hans
Andersen’s Fairy Tales

Rizal found out that the cost of living in Leipzig was cheapest

in Europe so that he stayed two months

and a half. Because of his knowledge of
German, Spanish, and other European
languages, Rizal worked as proofreader in
a publisher’s firm.

• October 29, 1886: Rizal left Leipzig for Dresden where he met Dr.
Adolph B. Meyer, Director of the Anthropological and Ethnological
Museum

• Rizal heard Mass in a Catholic church; evidently, this Mass

impressed him very much, for he wrote on his diary: “Truly I have
never in my life heard a Mass whose music had greater sublimity
and intonation.”

• Morning of November 1, 1886: Rizal

left Dresden by train reaching Berlin
in the evening.

Rizal was enchanted by Berlin because of its scientific

atmosphere and the absence of race prejudice.

• Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German
scientist-traveler and author of Travels in the Philippines, a book
which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila
• Dr. Rudolf Virchow – introduced to
Rizal by Dr. Jagor; famous German
anthropologist. Dr. Hans Virchow
was son of Dr. Rudolf Virchow,
professor of Descriptive Anatomy.

• Dr. Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905) – famous German ophthalmologist

where Rizal worked

• Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnological

Society, and the Geographical Society of Berlin, upon the
recommendation of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer
• Rizal lived in Berlin, famous capital of unified Germany for five
reasons: (1) to gain further knowledge of ophthalmology (2) to further his
studies of sciences and languages (3) to observe the economic and political
conditions of the German nation (4) to associate with famous German
scientists and scholars (5) to publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere.

• 13 May 1887: Rizal and Viola arrived at Leitmeritz (now Czech

Republic) at 1:30 in the afternoon. They were met at the station by
Prof. Blumentritt who conducted them to the Krebs Hotel, Room No.
12.

• 14 May 1887: Rizal and Viola attended the session of the Board of
Directors of the Tourist Club in
Leitmeritz thru the invitation of
Prof. Blumentritt who was the club
secretary. They were cordially
received by the President of the Club,
Jose Krombholz. Rizal delivered an
extemporaneous speech in German,
which was very much applauded by
the audience for his fluency.

• 15 May 1887: With Prof. Blumentritt as their guide, Rizal and Viola
visited the churches, the residence of the bishop and other
important buildings of the city. They also visited the special friend of
Prof. Blumentritt, Dr. Carlos Czepelak, who wanted very much to see
Rizal personally.
• 16 May 1887: Professor Roberto Klutschak invited Rizal, Viola, and
Prof Blumentritt to dine in his house, and in the evening in return,
Rizal and Viola invited them in Krebs Hotel. At 9:45 that same
evening Rizal And Viola , accompanied by the whole family of Prof.
Blumentritt and Prof. Kluschk, left Leitmeritz for Prague.
• In Prague, Rizal carried letters of recommendation from Dr.
Willkomm

• Visited the tomb of Copernicus, museum of Natural History and the

famous cave of San Juan Nepomuceno.
• Rizal then traveled to Vienna and was fascinated by its beautiful
buildings, religious images, haunting waltzes and majestic charm.
• May 26-31, 1887: In Munich, Nuremberg, Ulm and Stuttgart. Rizal and
Viola stayed at Rheinischer Hof (Rhine Hotel) in Munich for 5 days.
On Mey 29, they drank beer in the business establishment. They left
for Stuggart the following day.

• June 1, 1887: Rizal travelled to Basel, Schaffhausen, Bern, and

Lausanne, Switzerland by train then on to Geneva.
• June 6, 1887: arrived at Geneva
• June 19, 1887: Rizal treated Viola to a blowout on his 26th birthday
• June 23, Viola and Rizal parted ways

*Viola-Barcelona
*Rizal-Italy

*Exposition of the Philippines in

Madrid, Spain- Rizal was outraged
by this degradation of his fellow
countrymen the Igorots of Northern
Luzon.
• Rizal wen to Italy – he went to Turin, Milan, Venice and Florence, June 27,
1887: Rome
• June 29, 1887: Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul (visited the Vatican City)
• Every night, after sightseeing the whole day, Rizal returned to his hotel, very
tired. “I am tired as a dog,”
he wrote to Blumentritt, “but I will sleep
as a God”
• Rizal prepared to return to the Philippines.
He had already written to his father that he was
coming home. Rizal wrote to his father,
announcing his homecoming, “on the 15th of
July, I shall embark for our country, so that
from the 15th to the 30th of August, we shall see
each other”

On August 3, 1887, the calm

sea, illuminated by the silvery
moonlight, was a magnificent
sight to him. The moon was
full and Rizal slept soundly the
whole night. Near midnight of
August 5, 1887, the Haiphong
arrived in Manila.

Hounded by powerful enemies,

Rizal was forced to leave his
country for a second time in
February 1888. He was then a full-
grown man of 27 years of age, a
practicing physician, and a
recognized man-of-letters.
Hongkong and Macao
• February 3, 1888: Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong on board the Zafiro
• February 7, 1888: Zafiro made a brief stopover at Amony
• Rizal did not get off his ship at Amoy for three reasons: (1) he was not
feeling well (2) it was raining hard (3) he heard that the city was dirty
• February 8, 1888: Rizal arrived in Hong Kong
• Victoria Hotel – Rizal stayed while in Hong
Kong. He was welcomed by Filipino
residents, including Jose Maria Basa,
Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriarte
(son of Francisco Yriarte, alcalde mayor
of Laguna)

• Jose Sainz de Varanda – a Spaniard, who was a former secretary of

Governor General Terrero, shadowed Rizal’s movement in Hong
Kong

– it is believed that he was commissioned by

the Spanish authorities to spy on Rizal.

• “Hong Kong”, wrote Rizal to Blumentritt on February 16, 1888, “is a

small, but very clean city.”

Macao is a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. According to Rizal, the

city of Macao is small, low, and gloomy. There are many junks, sampans, but
few steamers. It looks sad and is almost dead.
• February 18, 1888: Rizal, accompanied by Jose Maria Basa, boarded the ferry
steamer, Kiu-Kiang for Macao
• Don Juan Francisco Lecaros – A filipino gentleman married to a Portuguese lady.
Rizal and Basa stayed at
his home while in Macao
• February 18, 1888: Rizal witnessed Catholic
possession, in which the devotees were
dressed in blue and purple dresses and were
carrying unlighted candles
• February 20, 1888: Rizal and Basa returned to
Hong Kong, again on board the ferry steamer Kiu Kiang

• February 22, 1888: Rizal left Hong Kong on board the Oceanic, an American
steamer, his destination was Japan. Rizal’s cabin mate was a British
Protestant missionary who called Rizal “a good man”

Japan

One of the happiest interludes in the life of Rizal was his

sojourn in the Land of the Cherry Blossoms for one month and a half
(February 28-April 13, 1888).
• February 28, 1888: early in the morning of Tuesday, Rizal arrived in
Yokohama. He registered at the Grand Hotel
• Tokyo Hotel – Rizal stayed here from
March 2 to March 7
• Rizal wrote to Professor Blumentritt:
“Tokyo is more expensive then Paris.
The walls are built in cyclopean
manner. The streets are large and
wide.”

• Rizal accepted the invitation for two reasons: (1) he could economize
his living expenses by staying at the legation (2) he had nothing to hide from
the prying eyes of the Spanish authorities
• March 7, 1888: Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the
Spanish Legation
• Rizal was favorably impressed by Japan. The things which favorably
impressed Rizal in Japan were:
(1) the beauty of the country—its flowers, mountains, streams and scenic
panoramas,
(2) the cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese people
(3) the picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese women
(4) there were very few thieves in Japan so that the houses remained open day
and night, and in hotel room one could safely leave money on the table
(5) beggars were rarely seen in the city, streets, unlike in Manila and other cities

• Rickshaws – popular mode of transportation drawn by men that Rizal

did not like in Japan
• Seiko-san/O-Sei-san – a pretty Japanese
girl that Rizal saw and loved in Japan.
A lonely samurai’s daughter of 23
years old, who’s qualities tempted
Rizal to settle down in Japan.
• April 13, 1888: Rizal left Japan and boarded the Belgic, an English
steamer, at Yokohama, bound for the United States
• Tetcho Suehiro – a fighting Japanese journalist, novelist and champion
of human rights, who was forced by the Japanese government to
leave the country

– passenger which Rizal befriended on board the Blegic

• April 13 to December 1, 1888: eight months

of intimate acquaintanceship of Rizal
and Tetcho

• December 1, 1888: after a last warm

handshake and bidding each other
“goodbye”, Rizal and Tetcho parted
ways—never to meet again

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

• April 28, 1888: the steamer Belgic, with Rizal on board, docked at San
Francisco on Saturday morning
• May 4, 1888: Friday afternoon, the day Rizal was permitted to go ashore
• Palace Hotel – Rizal registered here which was then considered a first-class
hotel in the city
• Rizal stayed in San Francisco for two days—May 4 to 6, 1888
• May 6, 1888: Sunday, 4:30PM, Rizal left San Francisco for Oakland
• May 7, 1888: early in the morning, Rizal woke and had a good breakfast at
Reno, Nevada, now glamourized by American high-pressured propaganda as
“The Biggest Little City in the World.”
• May 13, 1888: Sunday morning, Rizal reached New York, thus ending
his trip across the American continent
• Rizal stayed three days in this city, which he called the “big town.”
• May 16, 1888: Rizal left New York for Liverpool on board the City of
Rome. According to Rizal, this steamer was “the second largest ship
in the world, the largest being the Great
Eastern”

• Rizal had good and bad impressions of the United States. The good
impressions were
(1) the material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms,
flourishing industries and busy factories
(2) the drive and energy of the American people
(3) the natural beauty of the land
(4) the high standard of living
(5) the opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants
• One bad impression Rizal had of America was the lack of racial
equality: “America is the land par excellence of freedom but only for the
whites”

ENGLAND/UNITED KINGDOM

Reasons why he chose this English city:

*To improve his knowledge of English language

*To study Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (only available
at the British Museum)

• London was a safe place to continue his fight against Spanish

tyranny
• Continued to write for La Solidaridad
in defense of his people against Spain.

Good and Bad news reached Rizal from home:

→Persecution of Filipinos who signed the Anti-Friar petition

→Persecution of the Calamba tenants including Rizal’s family and

relatives
→Furious attacks on Rizal by Spanish senators
→Rizal’s brother in law was exiled to Bohol
→A friend of Rizal was arrested and jailed in Bilibid prison for keeping
a copy of Noli.
→The good news that reached Rizal was the defense of Noli by
Rev. Vicente Garcia against the friars.
• Annotating Morga’s book was considered his greatest achievement
during his stay in London
• Rizal was entertained by Juan Luna and his wife during his stay in
London

• December 1888: Rizal visited Barcelona and Madrid

• This was where Rizal first met Marcelo H Del Pilar and Mariano
Ponce (two titans of the propaganda movement)
• December 31, 1888: Asociacion La Solidaridad was inaugurated. Rizal
was chosen honorary president
• February 15, 1889: La Solidaridad
in Barcelona was founded by
Graciano Lopez Jaena

• March 25,1889: Rizal’s first article in the La Solidaridad was entitles

Los Agricultores Filipinos was published.
• Wrote the Tagalog version of The Women of Malolos on Feb 22 1889.
This letter was about the Filipino woman and their rights
• Before he left London Rizal finished four sculptural works:

*Prometheus bound
*The triumph of death over life
*The triumph of science over death
*A carving of the heads of the Beckett sisters

• March 19, 1889: left London for Paris.

RIZAL’S SECOND SOJOURN IN PARIS AND THE UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION OF

1889

For a short time, Rizal lived in the house of his friend Valentin
Ventura. This was where he polished the annotated edition of Morga’s book.
He was able to find a room and lived with two other Filipinos, Captain
Justo Trinidad and Jose Albert. In spite of a joyous lifestyle in Paris, Rizal
kept himself busy. Continue researching. Spent most of his time at the
National Library.
• May 6, 1889: Rizal was fascinated in opening of Exposition of Paris.
• March 19, 1889: Kidlat club was formed by Rizal. The kidlat club was
then replaced by Indios Bravos. Another secret society the Rizal
formed was the R.D.L.M.

• Paris 1890: annotated edition of Morga’s Sucesos was published. Rizal

wrote the “Philippines within a colony” and the essay” Indolence of
the Filipinos”

On January 28, 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, capital of

Belgium.
Two reasons why Rizal left Paris:
→The cost of living in Paris was very high because of the Universal
Exposition.
→The gay social life of the city hampered his literary works.

BELGIUM

BRUSSELS

• Rizal was accompanied by Jose Albert when he moved to Brussels.

They lived in a modest boarding house on 38 Rue Philippe
Champagne. Later Albert left the city, and was replaced by Jose
Alejandro, an engineering student.
• Rizal was busy writing his second novel, El Filibusterismo which is a
continuation of the Noli.
• Aside from writing its chapters, he wrote articles for La Solidaridad
which were:

“A La Defensa” (To La Defensa), April 90, 1889

“La Verdad Para Todos” (The Truth For All), May 31, 1889
“Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo” June 15 ,1889
“Una Profanacion” (A Profanation), July 31,1889
“Verdades Nuevas” (New Truths), July 31, 1889
“Crueldad” (Cruelty), August 15, 1889
“Diferencias” (Differences), September 15, 1889
“Inconsequencias” (Inconsequences), November 30, 1889
“Llanto y Risas” (Tears and laughter), November 30, 1889
“Ingratitudes” (Ingratitude), January 15, 1890

In here, Rizal received news from Juan Luna and Valentin

Ventura that the Filipinos in Spain were destroying the good name of
their nation by gambling too much. This urged Rizal to do something
about it. Rizal wrote to M.H. Del Pilar on May 28, 1890 to remind the
Filipinos in Madrid that they did not come to Europe to gamble, but to
work for their Fatherland’s freedom.

Bad news from home and preparation to go home:

Letters from home which Rizal received in Brussels worried him.
The Calamba agrarian trouble was getting worse. The management of Dominican
hacienda continually raised the land rents until such time that Rizal’s father refused
to pay his rent.
The Domincan Order filed a suit in court to dispossess the Rizal family of their
lands in Calamba.
In the face of sufferings which afflicted his family, Rizal planned to go home. He could
not stay in Brussels writing a book while his parents, relatives, and friends in the
Philippines were persecuted

• July 18, 1890: Rizal wrote a letter to Ponce where he expressed his
determination to go home.
All his friends were horrified by Rizal’s plan to return to the
Philippines. They warned him of the danger that awaited him at home.
But Rizal ignored the dire warning of his friends. Something, however,
happened that suddenly made him change his mind. It was a letter
from Paciano which related that they lost the case against the
Dominicans in Manila, but they appealed it to the Supreme Court in
Spain, hence a lawyer was needed to handle it in Madrid. Rizal wrote to
M.H. del Pilar on June 20, 1890 retaining the latter’s services as lawyer.
He further informed M.H. del Pilar that he was going to Madrid, in
order to supervise the handling of the case. In another letter to Ponce,
written at Brussels, July 29, 1890, Rizal announced that he was leaving
Brussels at the beginning of the following month and would arrive in
Madrid about the 3rd or 4th August.

MADRID
• On August, 1890, Rizal arrived in Madrid, Spain
• Rizal failed to seek justice for his family and the Calamba tenants.
• Dissapointment piled on Rizal from the two fought duels with
Antonio Luna and Wencenslao Retana.

• Asociacion Hispano-Filipina, and the liberal Spanish newspapers help fight

securing justice for the Calamba tenants and Rizal’s family.
• Terrible news reached Rizal in Madrid as he was fighting for justice. Rizals
brother in law, Silvestre Ubaldo received a copy of ejecment order by the
Dominicans against Franciso Rizal and other Calamba tenants. In
desperation, Rizal sought the aid of the liberal Spanish statesmen, who were
former members of the ministry. Unfortunately they just gave honeyed
words of sympathy, and nothing else.

• August 19, 1890: death Jose Ma. Panganiban — a friend of Rizal who
died because of a lingering illness.
• After the death of Jose Ma. Panganiban, Rizal wrote a great Eulogy to
Panganiban
• August, 1890, Rizal attended a social reunion of the Filipinos in Madrid
and had with a fight with Atonio Luna and also challenged Retana, a
talented Spanish scholar and Rizal’s bitter enemy of the pen, to a
duel.

• Late 1890 there arose an unfortunate rivalry between Rizal and M.H.
del Pilar for supremacy.
• An election took place Rizal won but declined the coveted position
and left Madrid.

BIARRITZ

• Rizal arrived in Biarritz at the beggining of February, 1891 and was

welcomed by the Bousteads family. -The one month vacation made
Rizal forget the bitter memories in Madrid and had an affection for
Nelly Boustead
• March 29, 1891: his departure from Blumentritt he finished the
manuscript of El Filibusterismo

• Rizal fell in love with Nellie Boustead, a Filipina whose father (Filipino-
Anglo French) Edward Boustead owned a villa in Biarritz. Rizal was

on the rebound at the time, because he received news that Leonor

Rivera, his arranged fiancé, had married Charles Kipping, a British
engineer working on the Dagupan railway. Rizal (now free from a
romantic engagement) did propose marriage to Nellie.

TO PARIS AND BACK TO BRUSSELS

On March 30, 1891 Rizal went back to Paris and stayed at the home of
his friend, Valentin Ventura.
• By mid of April, 1891 Rizal went back to Brussels and was welcomed
by the Jacoby sisters.
• From Brussels on May 1, 1891, he notified the Propaganda authorities
of his retirement. Rizal also immediately stopped writing for the La
Solidaridad after his retirement.

• May 30, 1891: the revision of the El Fili was completed and was ready
for Published.

• July 5, 1891: Rizal left Brussels for Ghent because, 1) The cost of
printing there was cheaper than Brussels, and 2) to escape from the
enticing attraction of Petite Suzanne.

OPHTHALMIC SURGEON IN HONG KONG

• Rizal went to Hong Kong after the novel published from Europe.
He left Europe because of the ff.: a) Life was unbearable in
Europe because of his political diff. with MH del and other Filipino in
Spain and b) To be near his idolized Philippines and family.
• Ophthalmic Surgeon: he studied in Hongkong and had a friend Dr.
named Lorenzo P. Marques who helped him build a wide clientele
and the Dr. always turned over of eye cases.
• November 20 1891: he arrived in Hong Kong welcoming him with
Filipino relatives.
• December 1, 1891: Rizal is asking a permission to go back to
Philippines
• May 1892: Rizal made up his mind to return in Manila