The Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal Revised Edition2

THE LIFE AND WORKS OF
DR. JOSE P. RIZAL
MANUEL F. DELIGENTE, MAED

ESMERALDO G. GUILLERMO, MAED
i|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

COPYRIGHT PAGE
Manuel F. Deligente, MAED
Esmeraldo G. Guillermo, MAED
Disclaimer: All written works that appear in this manual are copyrighted by the respective authors and/or
publishers. The authors of this manual claim no credit for said works unless otherwise specified. Those who
own the rights to any of the used works and may not wish them to appear in this manual, kindly notify or
contact the authors and said works will be promptly removed in its succeeding edition. Any copy of this
manual without the signatures of the authors on this page proceeds from an unauthorized source thus has
no authority to hold or dispose the same.
ii | T H E L I F E A N D W O R K S O F D R . J O S E R I Z A L
PREFACE
As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life and works of the
country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Among the topics covered are Rizal’s
biography and writings, particularly the novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, some of his essays and various correspondences.
At the end of the course, the students are expected to be able to:
1. Discuss Jose Rizal’s life within the context of 19th century Philippines;
2. Analyze Rizal’s various works, particularly the novels Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo
3. Organize Rizal’s ideas into various themes
4. Demonstrate a critical reading of primary sources
5. Interpret the values that can be derived from studying Rizal’s life and
works
6. Display an appreciation for education and love of country
7. Watch closely a movie of the heroic martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal
8. Write a critical review of the movie about Dr. Jose Rizal.
The workbook is a product of a collaborative endeavor of the authors in

compliance with the mandate of the University/administration, in coordination
with the University Book Committee, and under the supervision of the
Department of Social Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The authors are also indebted to the writers/authors of the books and articles
used and therefore express their sincerest appreciation and gratitude.
THE AUTHORS
iii | T H E L I F E A N D W O R K S O F D R . J O S E R I Z A L
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
TITLE PAGE i
COPYRIGHT PAGE ii
PREFACE iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iv
Introduction 1
Course Syllabus 2
UNIT 1: Introduction to the Rizal Course 4
Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law) 4
UNIT 2: The Philippines in the 19th Century as Rizal’s Context
Conditions of the Country before the Birth of Jose Rizal 11
Events Leading To the Change of System of Government 12
UNIT 3: Rizal’s Family, Childhood and Early Education 22
UNIT 4: Injustice, Liberalism and Gomburza Martyrdom 27
Studies in Ateneo and Studies in UST 31
UNIT 5: Madrid Studies 45
The Propaganda Movement 46
Medical Practice and Studies 50
Tour of Europe 53
UNIT 6: Rizal’s First Homecoming 58
2nd Travel Abroad 62
Japan Interlude 63
Side Trip to the USA 65
UNIT 7: Studies In London 69
Paris Exposition 70
iv | T H E L I F E A N D W O R K S O F D R . J O S E R I Z A L
Life in Brussels, Belgium 72
UNIT 8: Sad Experiences in Europe 75
Rizal’s 2nd Homecoming 79
Hong Kong Medical Practice 80
Borneo Colonization Project 81
UNIT 9: Founding of the La Liga Filipina 83
Dapitan Exile 85
UNIT 10: Annotations of “Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas” 91
UNIT 11: Noli Me Tangere 107
El Filibusterismo 118
UNIT 12: The 1896 Revolution 126
End of Dapitan Exile 127
Arrest, Trial and Martyrdom 128
UNIT 13: Rizal’s Other Significant Writings:
The Philippines a Century Hence 136
The Indolence of the Filipinos 139
Por La Educacion (Recibe Lustre La Patria) 141
UNIT 14: Bayani and Kabayanihan 148
UNIT 15: Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism: Bayani & Kabayanihan 152
GLOSSARY 156
REFERENCES 161
v|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

vi | T H E L I F E A N D W O R K S O F D R . J O S E R I Z A L
INTRODUCTION
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE P. RIZAL
We are living in a modern society where people live in a highly civilized and
industrialized culture dominated by computers and technological advancements.
People no longer farm or produce products at the subsistence level. Instead,
they make products to sell locally or internationally. Modern societies show a
cultural, liberal growth as well. These societies put an increasing emphasis on
equality and education for everyone as seen in the ever increasing number of
educational institutions, both from the public and private sectors.
In the Philippines, the impact of successive colonizations and increasing political

dynamisms apparently are key aspects of the country’s modernization or
otherwise. What used to be tribal or traditionalist societies were transformed into
sprawling and growing communities with varying standards of living. Some
sectors live in affluence and comfort, others in utter deprivation and poverty,
while the majority, the members of the middle class struggles to find their niche
in this highly competitive world. We are affected by the prevailing socio-politico
economic system that puts an emphasis on politics and distinct economic
systems, i.e. capitalism.
This course will provide the students the opportunity to take a closer look into the
life and works of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, imbibe the virtues he
exemplified, and be inspired to emulate his sense of nationalism, patriotism and
courage to face the challenges that he went through.
In this course, students are guided with the Course Syllabus, as follows:
1|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
CAS-146-18-00
COURSE SYLLABUS
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL
COLLEGE ARTS AND SCIENCES COURSE DESCRIPTION
As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life

DEPARTMENT SOCIAL SCIENCES and works of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. Among
AND the topics covered are Rizal’s biography and writings,
PHILOSOPHY particularly the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
some of his essays and various correspondences
COURSE OUTCOMES (CO)

COURSE CODE RIZL111/211
At the end of the course, the students are expected to be able
to:
DESCRIPTIVE TITLE THE LIFE AND 1. Dis c us s J os e R i z al’s l if e wit hi n th e c on t ext
WORKS OF DR. JOSE th
of 1 9 c ent ur y Ph il i pp in es ;
RIZAL 2. Analyze Rizal’s various works, particularly the novels
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
3. Organize Rizal’s ideas into various themes
PREREQUISITE (S) NONE 4. Demonstrate a critical reading of primary sources
5. Interpret the values that can be derived from studying
Rizal’s life and works
6. Display an appreciation for education and love of
CREDIT UNIT (S) 3 units country
7. Watch a movie on the heroic martyrdom of Dr. Jose
Rizal
CONTACT HOURS LECTURE: 8. Write a critical Movie Review on the movie of Dr. Jose
PER SESSION 3 HRS Rizal
COURSE COVERAGE – PRELIM

WEEK UNIT OUTCOMES (UO) COURSE CONTENT
 E xpl ai n t h e h is t or y of t h e Ri z al L aw an d i ts
im p ort an t pr o vis i ons  Introduction to the course RIZL 111/211
1
 Critically assess the effectiveness of the Rizal  Republic Act 1425
Course
 Appraise the link between the individual and society  The Philippines in the 1900 as Rizal’s context
 Analyze the various social, political, economic, and a. Economic: End of Galleon Trade
2 th
cultural changes that occurred in the 19 century b. Social: Education
 Understand Jose Rizal in the context of his times c. Political: Liberalism
 Analyze Rizal’s family, childhood and early
 Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early
education
3 Education
 Evaluate the people and events and their influence
 Biñan Education
on Rizal’s early life
 Analyze the impressions of Rizal on his mother’s  Injustice, Liberalism And Gomburza Martyrdom
arrest, the liberal policies of Governor-General Carlos  Studies In Ateneo: Success Stories
4
Ma. Dela Torre, and the martyrdom of the Gomburza  Studies in UST: Performances and Conflicts
 Distinguish Rizal’s academic performances and
social involvements during his studies in Ateneo
Municipal with his studies at UST

 Explain the principle of assimilation advocated by
the Propaganda Movement  Rizal’s Life: Madrid Studies & The Propaganda
 Appraise Rizal’s relationship with other Movement
5
Propagandists  Medical Practice and Studies
 Analyze Rizal’s growth as a Propagandist and  Tour of Europe
disavowal of assimilation
6 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
COURSE COVERAGE – MIDTERM
st
 Evaluate the reasons of Rizal’s decision to come  1 Homecoming
nd
home and his abrupt departure of the country  2 Travel Abroad; Japan Interlude;
 Derive insights and inspiration from the encounters  Side trip to the USA; Studies in London
7-8 of Rizal with personalities that contributed to the  Parisian Life
development of the Filipino culture
 Trace Rizal’s itineraries and describe the significant
observations he had in those places he went
nd
 Analyze the moving forces that left with no option  2 Homecoming
nd
but to return to the country for the 2 time  Hongkong Medical Practice
9
 Figure out what Rizal trued to do in order to help his  Borneo Colonization Project
family and townmates
 Analyze the rationale of the founding of the La Liga
Filipina  Founding of La Liga Filipina
10
 Scrutinize Rizal’s life in exile and his great  Dapitan Exile
contributions to the local populace
 Annotations of Morga’s Sucesos delas Islas
 Compare and contrast the characters, plot, and Filipinas
theme of the Noli and the Fili  Noli Me Tangere
11
 Appraise important characters in the novel and what  El Filibusterismo
they represent
12 MIDTERM EXAMINATION
COURSE COVERAGE – FINALS
 Trace the events that led to the founding of the KKK
 The 1896 Revolution & End of Dapitan Exile
13  Analyze the effects of Rizal’s execution on Spanish
 Arrest, Trial and Martyrdom
colonial rule and the Philippine Revolution
 Assess Rizal’s writings
14  Appreciate the value of understanding the past
 The Indolence of the Filipinos
 Frame arguments based on evidences
 The Philippines a Century Hence
 Interpret bayani and kabayanihan in the context of  Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria
Philippine history and society
 Assess the concepts of bayani and kabayanihan in  Bayani and Kabayanihan
15 the context of Philippine society  Dr. Jose Rizal in the Context of Philippine
 Examine the values highlighted by the various Nationalism
representations of Rizal as a national symbol
 Advocate the values Rizal’s life encapsulates
 Watch a movie on the heroic martyrdom of Dr. Jose
Rizal  Movie: Dr. Jose Rizal
16-17
 Write a critical movie review of the movie of Dr.  Movie Review
Jose Rizal
18 FINAL EXAMINATION
GRADING SYSTEM
The final grade of the student is interpreted as shown on the table below:
Prelim (20%) Midterm (20%) Finals (20%) Performance Tasks (35%) Term Paper (5%)
PREPARED BY: ENDORSED BY: APPROVED BY:
DSSP FACULTY Manuel F. Deligente, MAEd Ernesto R. Leuterio, Jr., MAEd

Members Coordinator, DSSP Dean, CAS

UNIT I
INTRODUCTION TO THE RIZAL COURSE

REPUBLIC ACT 1425 (RIZAL LAW)
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The learners are expected to:
 Explain the history of the Rizal Law and its important provisions
 Critically assess the effectiveness of the Rizal Course
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. 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.
The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt

forthwith measures to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section,
including the writing and printing of appropriate primers, readers and textbooks.
The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate
rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out and
enforce the provisions of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and
regulations providing for the exemption of students for reasons of religious belief
stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision
contained in the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from
taking the course provided for in the first part of said paragraph. Said rules and
regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their publication in the Official
Gazette.
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.
The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of
books, depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university.
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.
Approved: June 12, 1956

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956.
B. THE STORY OF THE RIZAL LAW
In 1956, Sen. Claro M. Recto filed a measure which became the original Rizal
Bill. Under the bill it shall be obligatory for college and university students to
study the life and works of Rizal.
Senator Claro M. Recto was the main proponent of the Rizal Bill. He sought to
sponsor the bill at Congress. However, this was met with stiff opposition from the
Catholic Church.
During the 1955 Senate election, the church charged Recto with being a
communist and an anti-Catholic. After Recto's election, the Church continued to
oppose the bill mandating the reading of Rizal's novels Noli Me Tángere and El
Filibusterismo, claiming it would violate freedom of conscience and religion.
On May 12, 1956, a compromise inserted by Committee on Education Chairman

Laurel that accommodated the objections of the Catholic Church was approved
unanimously.
The bill specified that only college (university) students would have the option of
reading unexpurgated versions of clerically-contested reading material, such as
Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo.

On June 12, 1956, the bill was approved by the Philippine Legislature as
Republic Act 1425; otherwise known as Rizal Law. Incidentally, June 12 was
declared as Flag Day.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIZAL LAW
EFFECTS OF THE RIZAL LAW
a) Positive Effects:
According to Hernan Abaya, 1984, the nationalist reawakening began on the UP

campus, sparked by the teaching of Rizal’s life and his writings made
compulsory by the Noli-Fili law, co-authored by Recto and Laurel. This is a
statement from a person who was able to witness the condition of the country
before and after the Rizal law was implemented. He saw the change and the
positive effect of the law to our country back then.
The youth was made aware of the contributions and the principled life of Jose
Rizal who was an emblem of substantial nationalism and unconditional love for
the country. He embodies brilliance coupled with humility and prestige that goes
along with service. This Republic Act has pushed for Rizal to be a role model for
the youth of this country.
Through this republic act the essence of freedom and independence was
emphasized to the youth. Also, it has been implied through this act that national
identity is a very important legacy that our heroes have achieved through
sacrificing their own lives. They have passed it on to us, and it is our role to
nurture and protect it.
b) Negative Effects:
The R. A. 1425 just caused havoc within educational institutions. Take the case
of UP a couple of years after this law’s implementation. The UP Student Catholic
Action and numerous publications and students were pushed to go against their
President, Dr. Singco because they feel that the University is starting to become
godless. It has just caused a mass confusion between faith and nationalism.

The faith of the people is being compromised. This law is endangering the
Christian growth of the students who are still in their formative years. This can
drive the youth to question the credibility of the church and its teachings and
traditions.
According to a survey that we have conducted in our university, the Rizal course
is not actually significant for the students. It has just been a laborious subject that
adds unnecessary work load to students, and it sometimes drives the students to
lose focus on their majors.
D. THE RELEVANCE OF RIZAL COURSE

by: Maribeth Q. Galindo, August 7, 2008
Most often, students feel that Rizal course is an additional burden to their studies
because it is a minor subject. The person had been studied was already dead.
Students further said that what’s the use of Rizal course where in fact they could
not use the name Rizal as one of their references when they apply for a job nor
Rizal could back up them if they need help…
Well of course! A dead person cannot do anything about the life of the living but
the thoughts, ideals, dreams, principles or convictions that he left might be very
influential to people’s life as a basis of getting strength in their day to day
existence. And that’s where the relevance of Rizal subject came in.
Indeed, Republic Act 1425 otherwise known as Rizal law was approved in June
of 1956 made it clear that Rizal subject is a compulsory to all students who are
enrolled in different colleges and universities. Obviously, a student cannot
graduate in his course without taking and passing Rizal subject. Therefore, Rizal
subject is equally important to all other subjects.
Moreover, Rizal subject would have meaning if the teacher who taught the
subject would not just focus her/his discussion to life of Rizal per see but rather
made the life of Rizal as a springboard of discussing the culture of the Filipinos,
its political, economic and social affairs in the past and relate it at present
situation of the people. In that way, students’ critical thinking would be developed
more. As a result, students would take an active part not only in the classroom

setting but also participating in outside activities for the betterment of the
Philippine society in general.
More importantly, the value of being a religious person, a loving and obedient
son to his parents/family, a responsible student, a strong willed individual who
stands for his convictions, the one who loves and serves the country are some of
the virtues of Rizal that must and should be emphasized in the whole duration of
the coarse. And that’s where the relevance of Rizal subject lies.
thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com
WHY STUDY RIZAL?
It is of great importance that students understand the rationale behind having to

take up a Rizal course in college. For high school students, the Noli Me Tangere
and the El Filibusterismo are injected into the Filipino subject as part of the
overall curriculum. In tertiary education, however, Rizal is a subject required of
any course, in any college or university in the Philippines.
Usually, during the first day of the course, the professor asks the well-overused
questions:
a) Why study Rizal?

b) What is the importance of studying Rizal?
c) Why is Rizal one of the minor subjects taken up in college?
d) Why is Rizal included in the course outline?
e) What relevance does Rizal have in college education?
The answer to such questions can be summed up in two points:
1. Because it is mandated by law

2. Because of the lessons contained within the course
WHY STUDY RIZAL? BECAUSE IT IS MANDATED BY LAW
The teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings is mandated by Republic
Act 1425, otherwise known as the Rizal Law. Senator Jose P. Laurel, the person
who sponsored the said law, said that since Rizal was the founder of Philippine
nationalism and has contributed much to the current standing of this nation, it is

only right that the youth as well as all the people in the country know about and
learn to imbibe the great ideals for which he died.
The Rizal Law, enacted in 1956, seeks to accomplish the following goals:
a. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism,

for which our heroes lived and died
b. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in
shaping the Filipino character
c. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life,
works, and writings.
WHY STUDY RIZAL? BECAUSE OF THE LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN

THE COURSE
Aside from those mentioned above, there are other reasons for teaching the
Rizal course in Philippine schools:
a. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to

present conditions and situations in the society.
b. To encourage the application of such ideals in current social and personal
problems and issues.
c. To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of all that Rizal
fought and died for.
d. To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship.
Retrieved from:
http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/p/references.html
UNIT 2
10 | T H E L I F E A N D W O R K S O F D R . J O S E R I Z A L
THE PHILIPPINES IN THE 19TH CENTURY AS RIZAL’S CONTEXT
THE PHILIPPINES IN THE 19TH CENTURY
 Appraise the link between the individual and society

 Analyze the various social, political, economic, and cultural changes that
occurred in the 19th century
 Understand Jose Rizal in the context of his times
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. CONDITIONS OF THE COUNTRY BEFORE THE BIRTH OF JOSE RIZAL:

a. More than 300 years of Spanish suppressive colonial rule
b. Several attempts, through revolts or uprisings, by the natives to drive
the foreign rulers away were all futile
c. The lack of unity and nationalism seemed to be the culprit
Policies Imposed By the Colonizers
1. Polo y servicio- the enforced or compulsory manual labor required for

every male native between 16 to 60 years of age.
2. Tribute- tax imposed on every individual or family to pay to the colonial
government as a symbol of vassalage to Spain
3. Encomienda – a system of landholding wherein individuals loyal to Spain
were granted land as trustees
4. Isolation Policy – the natives were banned from engaging in any form of
intercourse with their Asian neighbors.
5. Divide and Rule – the colonizers provoked the natives to fight among
themselves thus, strengthening their hold of power
6. Frailocracy – the rule of the friars or the clergy
B. EVENTS LEADING TO THE CHANGE OF SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

a) Intellectual Revolution (Enlightenment)
b) Industrial Revolution
c) Age of Explorations and Discoveries
d) The Opening of the Philippines to World Trade
 AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Enlightenment, French (literally “century of the Enlightened”), a European

intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries in which ideas concerning
God, reason, nature, and humanity were synthesized into a worldview that
gained wide assent in the West and that instigated revolutionary developments in
art, philosophy, and politics.
Central to Enlightenment thought were the use and celebration of reason, the
power by which humans understand the universe and improve their own
condition. The goals of rational humanity were considered to be knowledge,
freedom, and happiness.
The Enlightenment was both a movement and a state of mind. The term
represents a phase in the intellectual history of Europe, but it also serves to
define programs of reform in which influential literati, inspired by a common faith
in the possibility of a better world, outlined specific targets for criticism and
proposals for action.
The powers and uses of reason had first been explored by the philosophers of
ancient Greece. The Romans adopted and preserved much of Greek culture,
notably including the ideas of a rational natural order and natural law. Amid the
turmoil of empire, however, a new concern arose for personal salvation, and the
way was paved for the triumph of the Christian religion. Christian thinkers
gradually found uses for their Greco-Roman heritage. The system of thought
known as Scholasticism, culminating in the work of Thomas Aquinas, resurrected
reason as a tool of understanding but subordinated it to spiritual revelation and
the revealed truths of Christianity.
The intellectual and political edifice of Christianity, seemingly impregnable in the

Middle Ages, fell in turn to the assaults made on it by humanism, the
Renaissance, and the Protestant Reformation. Humanism bred the experimental
science of Francis Bacon, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Galileo and the
mathematical investigations of René Descartes, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and
Sir Isaac Newton. The Renaissance rediscovered much of Classical culture and
revived the notion of humans as creative beings, and the Reformation, more
directly but in the long run no less effectively, challenged the monolithic authority
of the Roman Catholic Church. For Martin Luther as for Bacon or Descartes, the
way to truth lay in the application of human reason. Received authority, whether
of Ptolemy in the sciences or of the church in matters of the spirit, was to be
subject to the probing of unfettered minds.
The successful application of reason to any question depended on its correct

application—on the development of a methodology of reasoning that would serve
as its own guarantee of validity. Such a methodology was most spectacularly
achieved in the sciences and mathematics, where the logics of induction and
deduction made possible the creation of a sweeping new cosmology. The
success of Newton, in particular, in capturing in a few mathematical equations
the laws that govern the motions of the planets, gave great impetus to a growing
faith in the human capacity to attain knowledge. At the same time, the idea of the
universe as a mechanism governed by a few simple—and discoverable—laws
had a subversive effect on the concepts of a personal God and individual
salvation that were central to Christianity.
Inevitably, the method of reason was applied to religion itself. The product of a
search for a natural—rational—religion was Deism, which, although never an
organized cult or movement, conflicted with Christianity for two centuries,
especially in England and France. For the Deist, a very few religious truths
sufficed, and they were truths felt to be manifest to all rational beings: the
existence of one God, often conceived of as architect or mechanical, the
existence of a system of rewards and punishments administered by that God,
and the obligation of humans to virtue and piety. Beyond the natural religion of
the Deists lay the more radical products of the application of reason to religion:
skepticism, atheism, and materialism.
The Enlightenment produced the first modern secularized theories of psychology

and ethics. John Locke conceived of the human mind as being at birth a tabula
rasa, a blank slate on which experience wrote freely and boldly, creating the
individual character according to the individual experience of the world.
Supposed innate qualities, such as goodness or original sin, had no reality. In a
darker vein, Thomas Hobbes portrayed humans as moved solely by
considerations of their own pleasure and pain. The notion of humans as neither
good nor bad but interested principally in survival and the maximization of their
own pleasure led to radical political theories. Where the state had once been
viewed as an earthly approximation of an eternal order, with the City of Man
modelled on the City of God, now it came to be seen as a mutually beneficial
arrangement among humans aimed at protecting the natural rights and self-
interest of each citizen.
 INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
The Industrial Revolution was a period of major industrialization that took place
during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The Industrial Revolution began in Great
Britain and quickly spread throughout the world; the American Industrial
Revolution, commonly referred to as the second Industrial Revolution, started
sometime between 1820 and 1870. This time period saw the mechanization of
agriculture and textile manufacturing and a revolution in power, including steam
ships and railroads, that effected social, cultural and economic conditions.
Breaking down Industrial Revolution
Although the Industrial Revolution occurred approximately 200 years ago, it is a

period in time that left a profound impact on how people lived and the way
businesses operated. Arguably, factory systems developed during the Industrial
Revolution are responsible for the creation of capitalism and the modern cities of
today. Production efficiency improved during the Industrial Revolution with
inventions such as the steam engine, which dramatically reduced the time it took
to manufacture products. More efficient production subsequently reduced prices
for products, primarily due to lower labor costs. Cheaper steel prices encouraged
the development of infrastructure such as railroads and bridges during the
American Industrial Revolution.
Increased Employment and Innovation
The Industrial Revolution created an increase in employment opportunities. As

factories became more prolific, managers and employees were required to
operate them; this had a flow-on effect of new and innovative products emerging.
Increased innovation led to higher levels of motivation and education that
resulted in several ground-breaking inventions that are still used today such as
the telephone, X-ray, light bulb, calculator and anaesthesia. The Industrial
Revolution improved people’s lives. Due to Industrial Revolution advancements,
there were improvements in nutrition, health care and education.
Pitfalls of the Industrial Revolution
Several major pitfalls developed as the Industrial Revolution progressed. There

was a reduction in agriculture as people were abandoning their farms to work in
city factories where they could earn a higher income. This led to a shortage a
food produced on farms. Increased pollution was a pitfall of the Industrial
Revolution. Before the sharp increase in factory numbers, there was a limited
amount of pollution generated in the world as production was predominantly
manual. The Industrial Revolution provided an incentive to increase profits, and
as a result, working conditions in factories deteriorated. Long hours, inadequate
remuneration and minimal breaks became the norm. This subsequently led to
health issues for many factory workers. Labor movements in the United States
developed momentum from the late 19th century in response to poor working
conditions that developed during the Industrial Revolution.
Retrieved from:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/industrial-revolution.asp
 AGE OF EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERIES
What Was the Age of Exploration or the Age of Discovery?
The Age of Exploration is an informally defined period of European history when

overseas exploration became a major part of European culture.
The Age of Exploration, also known as the Age of Discovery, is the period in
European history when overseas exploration began to grow in popularity. This
era began in the late 1400’s and lasted through the 1700’s. It is responsible for
influencing European culture, initiating globalization, and introducing colonialism
around the world. For many Europeans, the Age of Exploration signifies a time
when new lands were discovered. However, for many others, the Age of
Exploration is remembered as a time their lands were invaded and settled by
newcomers.
Overseas travel, exploration, and discovery paved the way for trade between
Europe, Asia, and Africa (the Old World) and Australia and the Americas (the
New World). This trade brought about the exchange of new foods, animals, and
plants. Additionally, it saw the introduction of new human populations, including
an increase in the trade and sale of slaves and the use of slavery. The Age of
Exploration facilitated the exchange of ideas and religions between the
hemispheres, but also resulted in the spread of communicable diseases, which
severely reduced and, in some cases, wiped out some populations.
Because of this historical period, world maps are now available. Although, this
arguably led to increased military conquest and resource exploitation, Christian
missionaries were also able to spread around the world during the Age of
Exploration, helping Christianity become one of the most widely practiced
religions in the world.
Events Leading Up to the Age of Exploration
Before the Age of Exploration really took off, several seafaring expeditions
occurred, leaving behind some information that prompted the Age of Exploration.
In the 12th century, Muhammad al-Idrisi, an Arab geographer, created a world
map for the King of Sicily. Al-Idrisi collected information from Norman explorers
and Islamic merchants, creating the most complex and thorough world map of its
time. However, little was known about the southern reaches of the African
continent, so it was excluded. This map, the Tabula Rogeriana, provided
inspiration to a number of curious explorers.
From the late 13th to early 15th century (the Middle Ages), some explorers
travelled by land from to Eurasia and beyond, using pre-existing trade routes
from Eurasia to the Middle East to China. These trips were carried out by Italian
traders, Christian missionaries, and Russian royalty. In the mid-14th century, a
Moroccan scholar set out to several regions, including: North Africa, West Africa,
the Sahara Desert, the Horn of Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe, and China.
During the early 15th century, Arab and Chinese traders travelled along the
Indian Ocean and to present-day India, Thailand, East Africa, Arabia, and
Southeast Asia. When the Young Emperor of China died, however, the new
Emperor advocated isolationism and abolished international exploration and
trade. Several books were published about travel accounts, feeding the greater
of the world and its undiscovered places.
The First Discoveries of the Age of Exploration
The Portuguese are often credited with making the first discoveries of the Age of
Exploration. These exploration parties traveled down the west coast of Africa and
eventually to the Cape of Good Hope and into the Indian Ocean by 1488. A
decade later, Vasco de Gama discovered the way around the Cape of Good
Hope and to India, which established the first sea route between Portugal and
India. Portuguese exploration continued to Japan in 1542 and to Brazil in 1500.
Late in the 15th century, Spain became involved in sea exploration as well in
order to overcome the monopoly that Portugal held over the west African trade
route. In 1492, Christopher Columbus left Spain, manning 3 ships, and crossed
the Atlantic Ocean. His exploration crew first landed in the already inhabited
Canary Islands before proceeding to the Bahamas. He erroneously believed that
he had landed in the West Indies.
By the beginning of the 1500’s, the governments of other countries

commissioned explorers to search for a shorter route to the “West Indies”. This
resulted in the North Atlantic route to present-day Newfoundland in North
America. Doubts began to raise that this new Atlantic path was actually leading
to Asia. Explorers began to learn significantly more about these new lands and
by 1513, the Pacific Ocean was reached by crossing the Isthmus of Panama.
Exploring the Pacific Ocean and Beyond
The discovery of the Pacific Ocean to be located on the other side of the New
World led to a renewed desire to explore. Between 1515 and 1516, Spanish
crews sailed the west coast of South America, while the Portuguese were
exploring off the coast of Southeast Asia. This exploration resulted in the first
circumnavigation of the world in 1519. Magellan took off from Seville with a fleet
of 5 ships, sailing south toward South America and navigating around the
southern tip known as Tierra del Fuego. The crew continued across the Pacific
Ocean, landed in the Spice Islands in 1521, and returned to Spain in September
of 1522.
Exploration increasingly left the water and entered the land, resulting in invasions
and colonizations throughout the Americas. Northern European countries and
Russia became involved in world exploration in the latter part of the 16th century
further exploring North America, Siberia, New Zealand, and Australia.
Legacy of the Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration has had perhaps one of the greatest impacts on global
relations of any other historic period or event. Because of this widespread
discovery and exploration movement, New World and Old World products were
exchanged. This brought horses, cows, and sheep from Europe to the New
World and tobacco, cotton, potatoes, and corn to the Old World.
European forces came to dominate large tracts of land and inhabitants around
the world, taking advantage of their perceived discoveries to colonize, settle, and
exploit the new areas. This gave rise to the Age of Imperialism, which was
pushed by increasing demand for slaves, commodities, and trade. Many existing
communities and kingdoms were abolished and taken over by European
interests. With these political aggressions came language, cultural, and religious
conversions as well as genocides and removal of indigenous peoples from their
original lands and homes.
During the Age of Exploration, the slave trade grew significantly which had a
profound impact on the economy and on society as a whole. The introduction of
agricultural practices and crops was so successful that some areas now rely on
introduced foods as major dietary staples (this includes potatoes in Europe and
manioc and corn in Africa). Many of these new staples helped to increase the
population sizes in their new countries. Goods and commodities were not the
only things traded during the Age of Exploration. Additionally, technology and
cultures were also shared. This was a time when countries everywhere began to
understand that the world was much bigger than previously believed. The
economies, cultures, and politics of many countries around the world were
drastically influenced by this period in history.
Retrieved from: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-was-the-age-of-

exploration-or-the-age-of-discovery.html
 OPENING OF THE PHILIPPINE PORT TO WORLD TRADE
It means that the goods from the Philippines could be shipped out to any of the
countries abroad. And goods from other country could enter the Philippines
directly. Before, Spanish banned the other foreigners from living in the provinces
or having businesses in the Philippines. They did not apply to Chinese settlers,
but it covered other white men.
History of Opening of Port to World Trade
The world turns its eyes on the Philippines when, the Royal Company of the
Philippines, or in Spanish, the Real Compaña de Filipinas Governor-General
Félix Berenguer de Marquina recommended that the King of Spain to open
Manila to world commerce. Furthermore, the bankruptcy of the Real Compaña
de Filipinas (Royal Company of the Philippines) catapulted the Spanish king to
open Manila to world trade. In a royal decree issued on September 6, 1834, the
privileges of the company were revoked and the port of Manila was opened to
trade.
On September 6, 1834, the Philippines opened to world trade- by a royal decree,

Your Majesty the King declared the Royal Company of the Philippines abolished
and opened Manila’s ports to world trade. Because Manila was a great harbor
(the shape of the bay protected trade boats from rough waters) it became one of
the best cities to trade with, luring American, British and other European and
Asian merchants to its shores. As a result, Spain’s economic supremacy lost its
footing in the region.
Modern methods of production and transportation, notably sugar mills and

steamships, opened the Philippines for economic development. British, French,
Dutch, and North American traders began to demand Philippine agricultural
products, including sugar, cigars, and abaca (Manila hemp). Sugar became the
leading export crop. In 1834 Spain lifted restrictions on trade between foreign
nations and the Philippines.
People involved in Opening the Port to World Trade
The good and quite modern King Charles III of Spain was the one who created
the company, and his goal was to make trade to Spain from the Philippines more
efficient. Governor-General Félix Berenguer de Marquina recommended that the
King of Spain open Manila to world commerce. Your Majesty the King declared
the Royal Company of the Philippines abolished and opened Manila’s ports to
world trade. Governor-General Basco had opened the Philippines to this trade.
Other persons who joined in the opening of the Philippines to world trade were:
Sebir (1787) a Frenchman conducted a profitable business in Manila; Tomas de
Comyn (1798), a Spanish writer, in his book published in Madrid 1820,
mentioned an unnamed English merchant who left the Philippines in 1798 after
living in Manila for 20 years during which he became rich; George W. Hubbell
(1821), an American businessman, and his younger brother Henry, arrived in
Manila, engaged in business, and founded the Hubbell Company.
What Is the Impact of Opening the Port to World Trade to All Filipinos?
The Impact of Opening the Port to World Trade to All Filipinos 19th Century:
a) When world trades open to the Philippines, it has caused for the
Spaniards to sell more product to other countries. Since the materials
came from the Philippines. They use our resources and do not repay us
as they sell more things we grow to have less resources. But the positive
is that our economy increases.
b) The economy of the Philippines rose rapidly and its local industries
developed to satisfy the rising demands of an industrializing Europe.
c) Manila and the Philippines garnered great economic growth around this
time. Many shops opened in the Binondo and the rest of the “Extramuros”
area (the areas outside of Intramuros). The best part of this was that
some were also owned by Filipino businessmen who were knowledgeable
in finance and consumer retail. Manila itself expanded – more people
came to settle in the city and grew rich through profit from trade.
d) In short, by 19th and 20th century, the opening of the port and the other
parts of the Philippine to foreign trade brought not only economic
prosperity to the country but also remarkable transformation in the life of
the Filipinos. As the people, prospered, their standard of living improved.
Retrieved from: https://www.slideshare.net/DhiiAnne/opening-of-the-port-
to-world-trade-114224981
UNIT 3
FAMILY, CHILDHOOD AND EARLY EDUCATION

THE RIZAL FAMILY, ANCESTRY AND EARLY EDUCATION
 Analyze Rizal’s family, childhood and early education

 Evaluate the people and events and their influence on Rizal’s early life
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. RIZAL’S BIRTH, FAMILY AND ANCESTRY
On June 19, 1861, Wednesday, Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
was born in Calamba, Laguna. He was seventh of the eleven children, and
second son to Francisco (Kikoy) Mercado and Teodora (Lolay) Alonso. Days
later, he was baptized in the parish church of Calamba by Fr. Rufino Collantes.
His godfather was Fr. Pedro Casaňas.
His father, Francisco Mercado was a businessman from Biňan, Laguna who
settled in Calamba after being able to establish his sugar farm through a lease
with the Dominicans. His mother, Teodora Alonso, although born in Manila,
became a resident also of Biňan and was educated also in Laguna. The eleven
children they had are as follows:
1. Saturnina or “Neneng” (1850-1913) the eldest and who became wife to

Manuel Hidalgo.
2. Paciano (1851-1930) the farm caretaker, had a common-law wife named
Severina Decena
3. Narcisa or “Sisa” (1852-1939) who was married to Antonino Lopez.
4. Olimpia or “Ipiang” (1855-1887) who became the wife of Silvestre Ubaldo
5. Lucia (1857-1919) who espoused Mariano Herbosa.
6. Maria or “Biang” (1859-1945) who became the wife of Daniel Faustino Cruz.
7. Jose Protacio or “Pepe” (1861-1896) the great Filipino, was the most
educated. He married Josephine Bracken, an Irish.
8. Concepcion or “Concha” (1862-1865) who died at the age of three due to
illness.
9. Josefa or “Panggoy” (1865-1945) who lived as a spinster. She was an
epileptic.
10. Trinidad or “Trining” (1868-1951) was never married and also died as a
spinster. She was put in-charge of Rizal’s property in Dapitan.
11. Soledad or “Loleng” (1870-1929) the youngest, became the wife of
Pantaleon Quintero. She will marry another later, Luis Beliso, a Spanish
soldier.
The Ancestry
On the father side, Rizal’s great great grandfather was the Chinese immigrant
Domingo Lamco, who married a Filipina named Ines dela Rosa. Their children
were Francisco and Clemente. Francisco married Bernarda Monica. They had a
son named Juan Mercado who then married Cirila Alejandra. Juan and Cyrila
were blessed with thirteen children. One of them was Francisco Mercado who
married Teodora Alonso. Francisco Mercado established himself in Calamba
with his two sisters after acquiring a tenancy assignment in the Dominican
Hacienda in Calamba, Laguna. In 1849, when Gov. Narciso Claveria issued the
decree on the Hispanization of Filipino names, he was given the new surname
Rizal, from the Latin ‘ricial’ meaning ‘rice fields.’
From the side of Rizal’s mother, Gregorio Alonso I was Rizal’s great-great
grandfather. Cipriano Alonso was his son who became gobernadorcillo of Biňan
in 1797. He was the father of Lorenzo Alberto Alonso who had an earlier
marriage to a girl named Paula Florentino but was separated. He took later
Brigida de Quintos for his wife, but were not married. Don Lorenzo became, in
1824, gobernadorcillo of Biňan. He was, at one time, became a representative of
the colonial government to the Spanish Cortes and, also a recipient of a Spanish
knighthood during the reign of Queen Isabel II. Lorenzo and Brigida had five
children namely: Narcisa, Teodora, Gregorio, Manuel and Jose Alberto (who is
rumored to have come from Paula).
When Governor General Narciso Claveria issued the decree for the revision and
adoption of new names, the children of Lorenzo Alberto Alonso adopted the
name Realonda. Thus, the name Teodora Alonso became Teodora Alonso
Realonda. Dona Teodora was educated in Colegio de Sta. Rosa. In 1848, she
married Francisco Mercado.
Childhood Days
Calamba, Laguna was a special place for Jose Rizal. It is where he was born,
grew up and spent his early childhood. Even when Rizal was already in Europe
he would remember this town as the place where he spent some of the most
joyous times of his life.
The Rizal home, which is preserved to this day, is huge and is built of stones
(granite) and tiles. It has many rooms, for the girls, the boys, another for the
couple and quarters for servants. The house has a large dining table with a big
fan on the ceiling. It also has a huge kitchen, a rest room and a well inside. They
also had more than a thousand volumes of Latin and Spanish books in the
library. In the backyard is a nipa hut wherein the children played. Many fruit trees
surrounded the house.
Rizal’s family was one of the richest families in Calamba. Indeed, they belonged
to the principalia class. The main source of livelihood was the sugarcane
plantation of which the land was leased from the Dominicans who possessed the
town of Calamba. The farm also had coconuts (copra), some rice fields, fruit
trees and a large turkey farm. Added to these, the family milled their sugar and
had a ham press operated by Teodora. They were also the first family in
Calamba to own a horse-drawn carriage, the carruaje. With Dona Lolay coming
from a family was rather popular not only in Calamba but also in Biňan, and was
well respected by the townfolks.
B. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
At an early age Moy (Jose) proved to be truly gifted. His mother was his first
teacher. At three he was already taught how to read Latin and Spanish alphabet.
He was instructed to work fast and efficiently, be honest at all times, and always
pray to God for help and everlasting mercy.
Among the stories Jose would never forget was that of ‘The Moth and the Flame’
from the book, El Amigo de los Niňos. The story was about a young moth who
was told by his mother not to go near to the light. However, the little moth did not
listen. It flew near the flame which caught its wings and caused its death. Jose
came to a lesson that what parents tell and give their children is all for their good
and not to listen to them may cause them harm.
 A Sad Memory
The first sad memory Jose could recall as a child is when his younger sister,
playmate and best friend, Concha died of sickness at the age of three. Jose was
four at the time. Josefa, the next sister, should have taken the place of Concha,
but with her health condition, being an epileptic, Jose was probably more of a
caretaker to her rather than a playmate. Trining, the next one to Josefa, became
much even closer to Jose. Trining was Rizal’s protégé. As a result, she became
strong in character.
Rizal’s Uncles
Some of those who became very influential to Pepe when he was young were
the three brothers of his mother. They were uncles Gregorio, Manuel and Jose
Alberto. Of these uncles, Jose Alberto was only a half-brother of Dona Lolay.
Nevertheless, all of them were close to the Mercado-Rizal family and frequently
visited their house. Pepe would always be brought along by these uncles to
teach him things that would become some of his interests in the later years.
Jose, an artist and an engineer, would teach Pepe skills in sketching and
drawing. Manuel, being an athlete, would teach him fencing and wrestling.
Lastly, his uncle Gregorio who was a writer would instill in him the passion for
writing, and an appreciation to poetry and literature,
The First Out Of Town Travel
When Dona Lolay gave birth to Soledad, their eleventh child, she became so
weak right after that she could not fulfill her promise that time for a pilgrimage to
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage of Antipolo. The fulfill this devotion, Don
Francisco together with Jose went to Antipolo for the pilgrimage.
Jose was then seven years old. They proceeded afterwards to Manila where
they visited Saturnina who was then a boarding student at La Concordia College
in Sta. Ana.
First Writing
When he reached the age of eight, he wrote an untitled poem about a love, one
that is for the native tongue or language. Here, he expressed the Tagalog
language as one of that is in equal footing with Latin and Spanish, and how sad
it is that natives would have study and use the foreign ones when they have their
own to be proud of. A young critic, he added that a man who does not love his
own language is worse than any beast or evil-smelling fish. Rizal scholars later
entitled this early masterpiece as ‘Sa Aking Mga Kababata.’
However, some contested that the title should have been ‘Sa Aking Katutubong
Wika’ since the poem is about language, and not youth.
C. BIÑAN STUDIES
In 1870, at the age of nine, Jose was sent by his parents to Biňan to study under
the instruction of Maestro Aquino Cruz. Maestro Justiniano was well known for
his knowledge of Latin and Spanish grammar and was also a former teacher of
Paciano. Pepe remembered how strict he was that he would hit the palms of his
pupils whenever they fail to recite well.
Jose lived with his aunt Tomasa, Don Kikoy’s sister, in Biňan. Here, he
befriended Leandro, his cousin’s son. His best friend in the class was Jose
Guevarra who was also his painting partner under the instruction of Mang
Juancho, the old father-in-law of Maestro Justiniano. Jose also received
instruction under Maestro Lucas Padua. He was likewise given a Latin tutor in
the person of Leon Monroy.
Being frail and thin, Jose was initially bullied by his classmates. One of them was
the boy Pedro, the maestro’s son, whom he remembered as the first one he had
brawl with. Another one was Andres Salandanan who almost broke his arm
during an arm-wrestling contest. While in his studies, during the first weeks, he
received ruler blows on his palms for his mistakes and mischief. The pain of
Maestro Justiniano’s punishment brought him to take studies seriously. Later on,
he was able to catch up quickly and win the many prizes in competitions. He had
beaten all the Biňan boys. In 1971, his Biňan studies ended.
UNIT 4
INJUSTICE, LIBERALISM AND GOMBURZA MARTYRDOM

STUDIES IN ATENEO AND STUDIES IN UST
 Analyze the impressions of Rizal on his mother’s arrest, the liberal policies of
Governor-General Carlos Ma. Dela Torre, and the martyrdom of the
Gomburza
 Distinguish Rizal’s academic performances and social involvements during
his studies in Ateneo Municipal with his studies at the University of Santo
Tomas.
A. INJUSTICE, LIBERALISM AND MARTYRDOM
The Imprisonment of Rizal’s Mother
Before the end of 1871 and just right after the Christmas celebration, Dona
Teodora was arrested on malicious charge that she had conspired with her
brother, Jose Alberto, in the attempt to murder the latter’s wife, Teodora
Formosa, by poisoning. Ordinarily, she should have been sent to the Calamba
jail. However, it was payback time, for the arresting officials were Spaniards who
had some grudge with Don Kikoy. These people, according to Rizal, have even
frequented their house before as visitors in celebrating various occasions. She
was instead tied at the back of a wagon and was dragged to travel by foot from
Calamba to Santa Cruz (capital of Laguna). This was equivalent to a day’s walk.
She was then imprisoned in Santa Cruz city jail.
The imprisonment would go on for two years and a half, and Francisco would
use all his resources just to see his wife free from jail. The case could have
ended before 1873 and Lolay could have been freed, but because of the
intervention of Mayor Antonino Vivencio del Rosario the case was reopened in
the Royal Audiencia. Don Francisco had to hire two of some of the best lawyers
from Manila for the case.
The 1868 Spanish Revolution
In 1868, a revolution broke out in Spain in defiance against the oppressive reign
of Queen Isabel II. This was staged and led by two of her generals, Marshals
Francisco Serrano and Juan Prim. The Spanish people called it as ‘Revolucion
de Disgusto’ or ‘Revolution of Disgust’. At the end of the event, Queen Isabel II
was ousted and took refuge in France. Francisco Serrano became the Marshal
Regent of Spain.
Eventually, with the will of the people, Serrano created a republican form of
government and ended absolute monarchy in Spain. This move started to pave
the way for liberal forms to be introduced not only to Spain but also in the
colonies. A new Governor General was named for the Philippines, Carlos Ma.
dela Torre.
Governor Dela Torre and Liberalism
Probably the best administrator the Philippines ever had during the Spanish rule,
dela Torre and his liberalism was highly favored in Manila and the rest of the
territory. Censorship was abolished and government criticisms were accepted as
reforms recommended by various sectors were welcomed. Some of the reforms
that were being considered or already introduced by the new administration
were:
1. The Filipinization of Parishes: the handing over of parishes to Filipino secular

priests as successors to the Spanish missionaries from the religious orders.
2. The abolition of polo in Cavite which affected the agricultural economy of the
province and the people themselves.
3. The lifting of heavy taxes to native military servicemen and other reforms that
became beneficial to the locals in the royal army.
4. The Education Decree of 1869 which placed all schools under government
supervision. This gave way for many natives to have children go to college
and university: and
5. The creation of the Guardia Civil which was truly intended for the protection
of civilians from bandits, pirates and ordinary criminals.
The Secularization Movement
The Secularization of the Parishes was pioneered by Fr. Pedro Pelaez. It was a
move to give opportunities for the secular Filipino priests to occupy parishes, the
occupation of which they were really trained to do. Since the beginning of the
colonial period parishes have been traditionally awarded to missionaries, the
regular Spanish friars. This was due to the Spanish government’s distrust among
natives. The colonial government continued to be in control of the Church during
the entire Spanish period in the Philippines.
The only time the native priests were given the opportunity to take care of
parishes was during the expulsion of the Jesuits in the Philippines. However, this
only served as an interlude for it was cut right after the Jesuits were returned by
the Church to service.
After the untimely death of P. Pedro Pelaez, a casualty of an earthquake that

destroyed parts of the Manila Cathedral, his follower P. Jose Burgos took his
place to champion the secular priests. The ageing P. Mariano Gomez and the
young P. Jacinto Zamora partnered him in the movement.
A Reversal of Fortune
The founding of the republic in Spain created issues that would take the
Philippines back to the old ways. One of these issues is that Spain cannot be
Spain without a traditional monarch, and so, they crowned a new one in the
person of Amadeo of Savoy, a new king under the new Spanish Constitution.
Another issue is that the liberalism that was achieved by Spain must only be
confined in Spain and the colonies must have, still, a separate set of laws that
would not endanger Spanish interest.
Liberalism in the Philippines, as introduced by dela Torre, had already starting to

encourage many Filipino patriots to petition the government for more political
reforms. But with Serrano ousted from power, the Spanish Cortes, the
parliament, adopted a new administrative policy that was implemented for the
colonies, a policy of terror.
The Restoration of Terror
Military rule was restored to the Philippines as a new administrator arrived to

replace dela Torre. With a vow to erase from the minds of the Filipinos the joys
of the liberalism and a dream for a future independence, military action was
executed by Gov. Gen. Rafael Izquierdo. He immediately reversed all the
reforms of the former governor and used the Guardia Civil to protect the interest
of the government from the civilian population. As a consequence, he attracted
many enemies from various sectors who were affected.
The Cavite Mutiny
On the night of January 20, 1872 about 200 Filipino soldiers and workmen of the
Cavite Arsenal at Fort San Felipe rose in a violent mutiny under the leadership of
Sgt. La Madrid. Unfortunately, this Cavite Mutiny was suppressed two days later
by troop reinforcement from Manila. La Madrid and the mutineers were defeated
by Lt. Felipe Ginoves. The Spanish authorities magnified Jose Burgos as the
mastermind of the incident together with Jacinto Zamora and Mariano Gomez.
The case was rebellion.
Evidence coming from the Intramuros investigation included testimonies of those

who were captured in the Cavite Mutiny which included Francisco Zaldua.
According to the prosecution, Jose Burgos did not only plan a mutiny but a
rebellion of which the aim was the assassination of Izquierdo and an attack on
Intramuros. He allegedly financed and mastermind this move and was supported
by native soldiers and citizens, not only from Cavite but also from Manila and
other provinces.
The Cavite Mutiny was mere error that failed the whole grand plan. On February
17, 1872, Gomburza were executed upon the order of the Gov. Gen. Rafael
Izquierdo. Paciano, Jose’s brother saw the execution. The search for those
others involved, likewise, commenced. As a result, many of those accused of
direct or indirect involvement were either exiled or executed.
Paciano who was then a student of Colegio de San Jose and was boarding with
Father Burgos was gravely affected by the event for he was a trusted assistant of
Burgos in the fight for the Filipinization of the parishes. His close association with
Burgos was so crucial that after the execution of the three priests, evading arrest
or suspicion, he quit studies in Colegio de San Jose, where Burgos became his
professor, and returned to Calamba. Here, he told the heroic story of Burgos to
his family and revealed his kept secrets to his father. Don Francisco on his part,
made a specific instruction to all his children that no one must talk anymore
about Burgos (even though a family relative), the Cavite mutiny, nor the word
“filibustero’ (anti-government). This was for Paciano’s protection.
The martyrdom of Gomburza and the injustice to his mother made Rizal to
become truly aware of the evils of Spanish tyranny, and that even priests can get
executed as long as you are not one of them, a Spaniard.
B. THE TEENAGE ATENEAN
On June 10, 1872, Jose was accompanied by Paciano to take the entrance
examination for the secondary course in the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The
Examinations were on Christian Doctrine, Arithmetic and Reading. Rizal passed
the examinations and returned to Calamba to stay a few days with his family and
perhaps to attend the town fiesta.
Upon his return to Manila, accompanied again by Paciano, instead of coming

back to Letran, Paciano enrolled Jose at the Ateneo Municipal instead. At first,
the college registrar Father Magin Ferrando refused to admit Rizal for he was too
small for his age, physically weak and was already too late. However, through
the aid of Manuel Xeres Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos, and who was
working in Ateneo, Rizal was allowed to enroll.
Jose used the surname Rizal; when he registered at the Ateneo. This was the
decision of Paciano because their family name Mercado had already come under
the suspicion of the Spanish authorities and was the surname used by Paciano
at the College of San Jose where he was known as Father Burgos’ favorite
student, helper and friend. Though Jose was confused of why would he ever
need a different surname, Paciano did not explain further and just told him that it
would be better for him that way,
The Ateneo Municipal
At that time, Ateneo was located in Intramuros, within the walls of Manila. It was
formerly called Escuela Pia. When it was administered by the Jesuits it assumed
its new name. Being more liberal than the Dominican who supervised Letran,
Paciano was more confident of his and his brother’s safety.
First Year
Rizal first boarded in a house outside Intramuros, at Caraballo Street, a few

minutes’ walk from the college. This was owned by Dona Titay, a spinster who
owed the Mercado family 300 pesos.
Because he was boarding outside Ateneo, he was referred to as an ‘externo’.

Those who stayed-in were called ‘interno’. His course was Bachelor of Arts and
his first professor was P. Jose Bech. At first, he was placed at the bottom of the
class because he was a new comer. There were two sections, the Roman and
the Carthaginian. He was assigned to the Carthaginian occupying the end of the
line.
After the first week, he progressed rapidly and became an emperor at the end of
the month. He was the brightest pupil in the class and received prizes for his
triumph.
Rizal also took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during vacant periods to
improve his Spanish. He paid three pesos for these lessons.
In the second half of his first year, he resented some remarks of his professor
which had greatly affected his academic standing. At the end of the year, he was
in second place but still having all his grades excellent or ‘sobresaliente’.
Rizal returned to Calamba at the end of the school year. He did not enjoy his
vacation because his mother was still in prison. To cheer him up, his sister
Saturnina brought him to Tanawan, Batangas. However, while on vacation he
continued to insist to his sister that he wanted to see their mother. Along with
Neneng, Pepe then went to Santa Cruz to visit his mother. Rizal told her of his
brilliant grades and embraced her. Dona Teodora advised him to be strong, help
his father and not to worry much about her.
The summer vacation ended and Rizal returned to Manila for his second year
term in Ateneo.
Second Year
At this time, he boarded at a house in Magallanes Street which was owned by an

old widow named Dona Pepay who had a widowed daughter and four sons. He
continued to be an externo.
Unlike before, he studied harder to regain his lost class leadership. Once more
he became emperor. At the end of the year, he received a gold medal and an
excellent grade in all his subjects. He returned to Calamba for his summer
vacation.
Jose visited again his mother in jail. He told her about his scholastic triumphs
and funny stories about his professors and classmates. His mother was happy
for his splendid progress in Ateneo. It was during this visit that his mother told
him about a dream she had. Rizal, interpreting the dream, said that she would be
released prison in three months in time.
A Magical Wish
Pepe’s prophecy was about to come true. After Pepe had left to come back to
Manila, a fiesta was held in Calamba. Incidentally, at that time, Gov. Izquierdo
was on a provincial visit to Laguna. Learning of the occasion, he proceeded to
Calamba. A warm welcome was made by the town folks. One of the dances
presented to him was that of the little children. While watching, Izquierdo got
fond of one of the little girls. He called for her and asked her to dance again.
When she refused, Izquierdo, refusing to be turned down, offered the girl a deal.
If only she would dance once more, then he would grant her any wish.
The girl was instructed by her sister to dance. After the dance was through,
Izquierdo with overwhelming gladness, asked the girl for her wish. The girl with a
sad tone, wished to have her mother come home for she had been in prison for a
long time. Izquierdo told her that she may go home and her mother will be there
soon. Dona Teodora was released that day. The girl was Soledad.
Third Year
After his vacation, Jose returned to Ateneo for his junior year. Shortly after the
opening of the classes, he was surprised by his mother’s visit. He was very
happy for his mother’s release.
At the end of the year, although all his grades remained excellent, he was
dissatisfied because he failed to earn the medal in Spanish. The reason for this
was because he was not able to speak Spanish in its accent fluently as
compared with his Spanish classmates. He only received one medal in Latin.
He returned to Calamba for his summer vacation not impressed with his
scholastic work.
Fourth Year
After Rizal’s summer vacation, he went back to Ateneo to continue studies. One
of his professors was Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, a literature teacher.
He inspired Rizal to study harder and to write poetry. He was the one who
discovered Rizal’s God-given genius in writing and became Rizal’s most favorite
and beloved teacher.
Another professor of Rizal who became very influential to him, and who have
watched closely his abilities, was Padre Jose Vilaclara. He was Jose’s professor
in Science and Philosophy. Even though Vilaclara invited him to major on the
more practical Science and Philosophy, he still preferred Literature for it was
under Fr. Sanchez’s supervision.
Through the fatherly guidance of Padre Sanchez, Jose was inspired to resume
his studies with vigor and zest. He topped in all his subjects and achieved five
medals. At the end of the school term, Rizal returned to Calamba happily.
A Crush
It was summer, and Jose was once again in Calamba. At a picnic with family and
friends in Los Baños, Jose met by the river a girl whose name was Julia. She
was from Pila, Laguna and around 14, was beautiful, sweet and kind. They spent
the whole day together just merely knowing each other. Jose met girls before but
none seemed to interest him, at least, not in the way he was with this girl. After
the picnic Jose planned to visit her. However, he never had an opportunity. It
would take him sometime to forget this girl who had seem to turn him from a boy
into a man.
The Graduate
Rizal returned to Manila for his last year in the course. He continued his studies
with fire in order to maintain his standing. At the end of the school year he was at
the blaze of glory as he excelled in all subjects. He became the most brilliant
Atenean in his time.
He finished his last year in Ateneo being the pride of the Jesuits. Although there
were only a few who graduated, he had left out the rest of the class in terms of
grades and achievements. All his grades in Ateneo were sobresaliente. He
graduated on March 23, 1877 at the age of 16 and received the degree of
Bachelor of Arts with highest honors. His family was very proud of him.
Academic and Religious Affiliations
Rizal was very active in school. He was always curious of joining extra-curricular
activities in Ateneo. He became an active member, later a secretary, of the
Marian Congregation, a religious society because of his devotion to Our Lady if
the Immaculate Concepcion, the college patroness. Later, he likewise joined the
Academy of Natural Sciences and became President of the Academy of Spanish
Literature.
Artistic Works
Rizal devoted some of his spare time to fine arts. Part of it, he studied painting
under Agustin Saez, a famous Spanish painter, and sculpture under Romualdo
de Jesus, a Filipino sculptor.
Many Jesuit professors were impressed by Rizal’s artistic skills. One of his most
loved works in Ateneo was an image of the Virgin Mary which he carved from a
“batikuling” wood with a pocket-knife. Father Leonart was amazed at the beauty
and grace of the image that he requested to Rizal to carve him an image of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rizal made it and gave it to P. Leonart who thanked him
for the wonderful work. The priest wanted to take the image to Spain but when
he left he forgot to bring it. The Ateneans later decided to better display the
image by the door of their dormitory where it stayed there for several years.
Atenean Readings
Some of the favorite readings of Rizal while in Ateneo were Cesar Cantu’s
‘Historia Universal’, which was bought for him by his father. ‘The Count of Monte
Cristo’ by Alexander Dumas was his favorite novel. Another one that interested
him was the documentary ‘Travels in the Philippines’ by Feodor Jagor, a German
anthropologist.
The Poet
By 1874, Rizal began to become an ardent lover of poetry. By the time he

graduated, he had already written so many. Many of such works were made out
of passion and inspiration, although some may have been only required from him
since his major was literature. Nevertheless, grace and refinement may be seen
in most of his works which were truly amazing for a teenager to accomplish.
Rizal’s first poem in the Ateneo was ‘Mi Primera Inspiracion’ (My First
Inspiration), 1874. It was solemnly dedicated to his mother on her birthday.
On the occasion of Christmas on that same year, he wrote ‘A la Virgen Maria’

and ‘Al Nino Jesus’. The others that he wrote in the following years were as
follows:
1875
 “Felicitacion: dedicated to his brother in law Antonio Lopez
 “El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes”, a tribute to Magellan
 “Y Es Español: Elcano, el Primero en dar la Vuelta el Mundo”, a tribute to
Sebastian El Cano, the first circumnavigator of the world.
 “El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo”, a historical account on Gov.
General Antonio de Urbiztondo
1876
 “La Tragedia de San Eustaquio”, which recounts the tragic story of St.
Eustace, a Spanish martyr of the church.
 “Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo”, a description of his town as he saw it in his
childhood days
 “La Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Educacion”, on the
importance of good education and religion to the salvation of man
 “Por La Educacion Recibe Lustre La Patria”, on the benefits that mankind
derives from education.
 “El Cautiverio y El Triunto: Batalla de Lucena y La Prison de Boabdil”, an
account on a 16th century Spanish event
 “La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes Catolicos en Granada”, which accounts
a Spanish triumph over the Moors.
1877
 “El Heroismo de Colon”, a tribute to Columbus
 “Colon y Juan II”, another Columbian tribute
 “Gran Consuelo en La Mayor Desdicha”, on the discovery of America
 “Un Dialogo Alusivo a La Despedida de los Colegiales”, a farewell poem
for his Atenean colleagues.
C. THE THOMASIAN
The First Affair
Rizal experienced his real romance at the age of sixteen with a fourteen-year old
Batangueňa from Lipa named Segunda Katigbak. He met the girl for the first time
during a vacation in 1877 at a time he paid a visit to his maternal grandmother
Brigida in Trozo, Manila. She, together with her brother Mariano, was house
guests at that time. Having a vacation at the same house Jose came to know her
more intimately. After that vacation, and while Jose was already in UST he
continued to visit her weekly at the dormitory of Colegio dela Concordia where
her sister Olimpia was also boarding.
Prioritizing Studies
Jose and Segunda grew to love each other as time passed by. He would visit her
in the dormitory every Sunday and since the rules were strict, he was able to talk
to her through the help of sister Ipiang. Rizal would even bring her flowers at
times.
However, later on, it seemed to become hopeless anyway since Segunda was
already arranged to be married to another man, Manuel Luz. It was not that Jose
was so shy and such a timid lover that he was not able to propose marriage to
Segunda. He never proposed because he had dreams and plans which he did
not desire to abandon. His education was special to him that he was afraid to
give it up if he ever gets married early. He also had the full support of his brother
when it comes to his education.
A University Education
After graduation, Paciano and their father planned to send Jose to the university.
His mother was not in favor of him studying any further saying that many who
have known too much ended up killed later. Nevertheless, Francisco was able
persuade her on the condition that if he were to study at all, she wanted him to
take agriculture. After all, the family’s livelihood is in farming.
Rizal was uncertain on what course to take. He had written to Padre Pablo
Ramon, Rector of Ateneo, asking for his advice on what choice of career he
must pursue. Unfortunately, the priest was in Mindanao and Jose’s letter took a
long time to reach him. When he received P. Ramon’s response he was already
enrolled at UST taking the course Philosophy and Letters as suggested by his
father. He studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy and History of Philosophy.
Simultaneous with Philosophy, Rizal also studied in Ateneo, as an externo, the

vocational one year course Perito Agrimensura (Land Surveying) to also follow
his mother. Here, he excelled in all his subjects obtaining gold medals in
agriculture and topography. At the age of 17 he passed the final examination but
the title as “surveyor” was issued to him only on November 25, 1881 when he
was already 20.
In Padre Ramon’s response, he advised Rizal to take Medicine. He believed that

it would be best for him since he was intelligent enough to take it. He also said
that it would be safer since it would derail him from politics and also was a
lucrative career. Most importantly, it would benefit his family and would be helpful
to other unfortunate people.
While a student at the University, Rizal continues to take an active part in many
of the activities at the Ateneo. He kept on writing poems and plays for his friends
in the Jesuit College. He continued to be loyal to Ateneo. He loved the Jesuit
professors because they inspired him to ascend to greater heights in knowledge.
A Crave For Writing
In 1879, Rizal wrote a poem entitled “A La Juventud Filipina” or “To the Filipino
Youth”. He submitted it to the Liceo Artistico Literario de Manila, a society of
literary men and artists which held a literary contest that was also open to
natives or mestizos. The judges, who were all pure blooded Spaniards, gave it
the first prize. The prize was a silver pen, feather shaped and decorated with a
gold ribbon. The poem “A La Juventud Filipina” was directed to the Filipino youth
who should try their best to contribute to the arts of mankind, to use their genius
and wisdom and become great singers, poets, painters and most of all, who
must also thank God for the great gifts that they possess. Here, he mentioned
the most memorable words, “Oh youth, fair hope of the Fatherland…”
In 1880, the Artistic Literary Lyceum opened another contest to celebrate the fifth
centennial of Cervantes’ death. Miguel Cervantes, who was the author of Don
Quixote de la Mancha, is regarded as the one of the greatest Spanish writers.
The contest was opened to both Filipinos and Spaniards. The prize was a gold
ring bearing the engraved bust of Cervantes. Rizal won the first prize with his
allegory in prose “El Consejo de los Dioses” but his certificate showed he was a
second prize winner. The first place was awarded to a Spaniard. The one thing
he would never forget was on how the predominantly Spanish audience reacted
during the awarding when they found out that the winner of the Cervantes award
was a native. The applauses paused to a deep silence. He never joined again in
the society’s competition.
The allegory describes the gathering of the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus.
They discuss the comparative merits of Homer, Virgil and Cervantes. They have
three prizes ready. They decide to give the trumpet to Homer, the Lyre to Virgil
and the Laurel to Cervantes. The story concluded with Cervantes as the greatest
writer among men.
In Ateneo, he also produced a stage drama “Junto al Pasig” on December 8,
1880 on the occasion of the annual celebration of the Feast day of poem, Abd-el
Azis y Mahoma” for the same occasion. It was presented to stage by his friend
Manuel Fernandez. He also wrote a sonnet entitled “To the Filipino Artist” which
encourages Filipino artists to glorify the Philippines in every work they do.
New Inspirations
Shortly, after his last meeting with Segunda Katigbak, Rizal found a new interest.
Her name was Ms. L. He described her as ‘a very attractive girl with seductive
eyes’. She probably have melted him when they first met the Rizal was at their
home on a daily basis for a straight two weeks. He discontinued seeing the girl
because of the warning of his mother. Whatever L. means in Ms. L., be it Ligaya,
Liwayway, Lakamabini or Lagundi or probably another Leonor, only Rizal would
ever know.
When Rizal started to take up Medicine he figured out that it would be better to
move to stay somewhere near the school. And so, he boarded in the house of
Dona Concha Leyva, an aunt. Here, he met his neighbor Leonor Valenzuela,
daughter of Juan and Capitana Sarday Valenzuela. He courted her and the two
became steady.
While having a relationship with Leonor Valenzuela, the next year, Rizal moved
to Casa Tomasina, a dormitory for males which was just beside the school. It
was owned by an uncle, Antonio Rivera. Here he met his lovely cousin (not in the
first degree) Leonor Rivera. The two became friends until they found out that
they have fallen in love. In this case, the word ‘again’ may be added to Rizal’s
account.
The two would keep their secret well-hidden not wishing the wrath of aunt
Silvestra, Leonor’s mother, to fall upon them and the ‘forbidden’ relationship.
Rizal would name Leonor as Taimis in his coded letters to her. This affair would
last for 11 years.
A Victim of Spanish Abuse
An incident occurred one night during Jose’s summer vacation in 1880 at

Calamba. After visiting some friends and on his way home, a shadow in the
darkness passed him by. Not knowing that it was a Spanish lieutenant that
passed him, he went on walking. But it was not over for the Spaniard who, with
all anger, turned to him and, with all force, brutally slashed Rizal at his back with
his whip. Allegedly, the soldier was enfuriated with Rizal’s lack of courtesy that
he did not even say, “buenas noches senor”. The victim lingered the wound and
pain for more than a week. He reported the incident to the office of the Gov.
General in Malacañang. No action was taken.
A Champion of the Natives
In UST the gap between the natives and the creoles was easily recognizable.
Antagonism was in the air since the native started to pour in. Rizal, who could
not stand being ridiculed himself, became the champion of the Filipino students
in the frequent confrontations with the arrogant Spanish students who insulted
the Filipinos as “Indios, Chonggo”. In return, the Filipino students would shout
“Kastila, Bangus”. Such encounters would inevitably result to brawls which were
truly bloody at times. There was a time when Rizal went home to Casa Tomasina
wounded and was bleeding all over his face. The pain went away once Leonor
Rivera started to nurse him. To protect further his comrades, Rizal formed a
fraternal society of Filipino students called Compañerismo. Its complete name
was Compaňa de Jose. Galicano Apacible was right hand man and secretary of
the society.
Leaving UST Behind
Rizal started to grow unhappy at UST. In the five years of his stay at the
university he had seen the most disappointing times in his life. His aggressive
attitude towards Spanish students who discriminated and ridiculed him and his
friends did not escape the eyes of the Dominican as they began to become
hostile to him. Stories of students from abroad brought him to a realization that
teachings in UST were not any more up-to-date. Rizal has lost his scholastic
honors. Although his grades in the philosophy course during his first year were
all excellent, his 4 years in the medical course were not that impressive.
Even though the problems Rizal had with the Dominicans may take credit for his
frustration, Rizal himself had his own faults. His academic standing in UST did
not go well because he was so preoccupied also with other activities. Medicine is
a serious course and yet he kept on going, still, to Ateneo to participate in many
of its programs. There was still his spending of precious time writing and joining
contests. But probably, what stole most of his time were his girls and goons. Of
course, there were the two Leonors whom he had to see and spend time with at
the same time. And lastly, the Compaňerismo, which was a ‘barkada’ of men
whose minds were always set on the girls and trouble. Perhaps what really drove
Rizal to leave UST behind was not really because of his disappointment with it,
anyway he had already stayed in the school for five years. What could have
prompted him to really leave was because he just started to dream of studying
abroad. It was a dream which Paciano supported.
THE GRADES OF RIZAL IN UST (1877-1882)
I.
Preparatory Course of Theology and Law (Philosophy and Letters)
(1877-1878)
 Cosmology—Sobresaliente [Excellent; equivalent grade: 1.0]
 Metaphysics—Sobresaliente [Excellent: 1.0]
 Theodicy—Sobresaliente [Excellent: 1.0]
 History of Philosophy—Sobresaliente [Excellent: 1.0]
II. Preparatory Course of Medicine (1878-1879)
 Advanced Physics—Aprovechado [Very Good: 1.5]
 Advanced Chemistry—Sobresaliente [Excellent: 1.0]
 Advanced Natural History—Aprovechado [Very Good: 1.5]
1st Year of Medicine (1878-1879)
Note: According to records, Rizal was one of the four out of the 28 who was
allowed to take the first year Medicine simultaneously with the Preparatory, and
that this was unusual. It is claimed that this shows that the Dominicans recognize
the intellectual preparation of their students.
 General Anatomy and Histology—Bueno [Good: 2.0]

 Descriptive Anatomy—Bueno [Good: 2.0]
 Exercises of Osteology and Dissection—Bueno [Good: 2.0]
2nd Year of Medicine (1879-1880)
 General Anatomy and Histology II—Bueno [Good: 2.0]

 Descriptive Anatomy II—Bueno [Good: 2.0]
 Exercises of Dissection—Bueno [Good: 2.0]
 Physiology, Private and Public Hygiene—Bueno [Good: 2.0]
3rd Year of Medicine (1880-1881)
 General Pathology, Its Clinic, and Pathologic Histology—Aprobado [Passed:

3.0]
 Therapeutics, Medical Matter and Art of Prescribing—Sobresaliente
[Excellent: 1.0]
 Surgical Anatomy, Operations, External Medical Applications and
Bandages—Bueno [Good: 2.0]
4th Year of Medicine (1881-1882)
 Medical Pathology—Notable [Very Good: 1.5]

 Surgical Pathology—Notable [Very Good: 1.5]
 Obstetrics, Sicknesses of Women and Children—Notable [Very Good: 1.5]
 Siphilography—Notable [Very Good: 1.5]
To sum it up, In the 21 subjects he took, Rizal achieved:
 6 = Sobresaliente or Excellent grades,

 6 = Notable or Aprovechado or Very Good,
 8 = Bueno or Good, and
 1 = Aprobado or Passing Grade.
Looking at his grades, it may be viewed that Rizal was, indeed, an above
average student, even excellent, but not all the time. According to records none
of his classmates were neither excellent also. Rizal was truly better in the Arts
and Letters than in Medicine. It was just natural that, in the course of one’s
studies that one would meet certain difficulties. Rizal probably truly had a
difficulty in General Pathology. In Madrid, according to their records, his medical
grades were even a little lower. If there is a view that Rizal was, at a certain
degree, was discriminated against in UST, this is denied by some and claim that
Rizal was also favored with some privileges few students received.
Despite the common mindset that there was racial discrimination that went on in
the school and that the authorities favored more the Spanish boys, this is denied
by others saying that this did not exist in his class, and that, as a matter of fact,
all his Spanish classmates failed more the course of four years.
It is noted, according to records, that in the last two years of Rizal in the
university, only seven students remained from the original batch of 24, and Rizal
was one of them. He even ended as second place in his last year there.
UNIT 5
MADRID STUDIES
THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT
MEDICAL PRACTICE AND STUDIES
TOUR OF EUROPE
 Reflect on Rizal’s life as a medical student in a strange country

 Evaluate the ideals advocated by the Propaganda Movement
 Describe his experiences as a fresh medical practitioner
 Discover the beautiful places visited by Rizal
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. MADRID STUDIES
On November 3, 1882, Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid in two

courses, Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. Aside from his university studies,
he studied painting and sculpture, took language lessons on French, German
and English in the Academy of San Carlos, and honed his fencing and shooting
skills in the Hall of Arms Sanz y Carbonell.
Rizal led a Spartan life in Madrid. He lived frugally, managed his time wisely for
studying, attending lectures and going to the operas and religious fiestas.
Contrary to other claims, Rizal drank occasionally but lightly, especially when he
was in the company of friends. His only way of gambling was the lottery which
really became habitual.
Madrid Inspiration
It was during this time that he visited the home of Don Pablo Ortega y Rey. He
was a former civil governor of Manila. Rizal and other Filipino Students played
parlor games with his two charming daughters, Pilar and Consuelo. It was
Consuelo who awakened Rizal’s heart. As time passed by, Rizal and Consuelo
became intimately close. And although Eduardo de Lete was also courting her,
Consuelo came to love Rizal.
However, with great will power, Rizal did not allow the romance to grow for
reasons that first, he still loved Leonor and, second, he was planning to leave
Madrid right after his studies. In the end, Consuelo chose Lete over Rizal, not
because she came short of her love for the latter, but because he was just being
inconsistent with her.
B. THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT
Between 1872 and 1892, a national consciousness was growing among the
Filipino émigrés who had settled in Europe. In the freer atmosphere of Europe,
these émigrés--liberals exiled in 1872 and students attending European
universities--formed the Propaganda Movement. It was organized for literary and
cultural purposes more than for political ends, the Propagandists, who included
upper-class Filipinos from all the lowland Christian areas, strove to "awaken the
sleeping intellect of the Spaniard to the needs of our country" and to create a
closer, more equal association of the islands and the motherland. Among their
specific goals were representation of the Philippines in the Cortes, or Spanish
parliament; secularization of the clergy; legalization of Spanish and Filipino
equality; creation of a public school system independent of the friars; abolition of
the polo (labor service) and vandala (forced sale of local products to the
government); guarantee of basic freedoms of speech and association; and equal
opportunity for Filipinos and Spanish to enter government service.
Jose Rizal, the Propagandist
The most outstanding Propagandist was José Rizal, a physician, scholar,

scientist, and writer. Born in 1861 into a prosperous Chinese mestizo family in
Laguna Province, he displayed great intelligence at an early age. After several
years of medical study at the University of Santo Tomás, he went to Spain in
1882 to finish his studies at the University of Madrid.
In 1882, shortly after his arrival in Madrid, Rizal joined the Circulo-Hispano-
Filipina. This circle was composed of Filipinos and Spaniards who believed that
reforms be introduced in the Philippines. Its founder was Juan Atayde. Upon the
request of the members of the society, he wrote a poem entitled Mi Piden Versos
(They Asked Me For Verses).
His love for books encouraged him to economize his living expenses and soon,
with great diligence, he was able to build a fair-sized private library, consisting
mostly of second-hand books bought from a bookstore owned by a certain Señor
Roses. His collections of numerous books were on medicine, philosophy,
languages, geography and the arts among others. Rizal was deeply affected by
Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Eugene Sue’s The Wandering Jew.
These books aroused his sympathy for his oppressed people.
During the decade that followed, Rizal's career spanned two worlds: Among
small communities of Filipino students in Madrid and other European cities, he
became a leader and eloquent spokesman, and in the wider world of European
science and scholarship--particularly in Germany--he formed close relationships
with prominent natural and social scientists. The new discipline of anthropology
was of special interest to him; he was committed to refuting the friars'
stereotypes of Filipino racial inferiority with scientific arguments. His greatest
impact on the development of a Filipino national consciousness, however, was
his publication of two novels--Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) in 1886 and El
Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) in 1891. Rizal drew on his personal
experiences and depicted the conditions of Spanish rule in the islands,
particularly the abuses of the friars. Although the friars had Rizal's books
banned, they were smuggled into the Philippines and rapidly gained a wide
readership.
Other important Propagandists included Graciano Lopez-Jaena, a noted orator

and pamphleteer who had left the islands for Spain in 1880 after the publication
of his satirical short novel, Fray Botod (Brother Fatso), an unflattering portrait of
a provincial friar. In 1889 he established a biweekly newspaper in Barcelona, La
Solidaridad (Solidarity), which became the principal organ of the Propaganda
Movement, having audiences both in Spain and in the islands. Its contributors
included Rizal; Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt, an Austrian geographer and
ethnologist whom Rizal had met in Germany; and Marcelo del Pilar, a reform-
minded lawyer. Del Pilar was active in the anti-friar movement in the islands until
obliged to flee to Spain in 1888, where he became editor of La Solidaridad and
assumed leadership of the Filipino community in Spain.
In 1887 Rizal returned briefly to the islands, but because of the furor surrounding
the appearance of Noli Me Tangere the previous year, he was advised by the
governor to leave. He returned to Europe by way of Japan and North America to
complete his second novel and an edition of Antonio de Morga's seventeenth-
century work, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (History of the Philippine Islands).
The latter project stemmed from an ethnological interest in the cultural
connections between the peoples of the pre-Spanish Philippines and those of
the larger Malay region (including modern Malaysia and Indonesia) and the
closely related political objective of encouraging national pride. De Morga
provided positive information about the islands' early inhabitants, and reliable
accounts of pre-Christian religion and social customs.
Jose Rizal, the Mason
Rizal then came into contact with the liberal and republican elements, majority of
them were Masons. He was easily impressed by the way prominent Spanish
Masons attack the government. In time, his friends, who were Masons,
persuaded him into Masonry. Thus in 1883, he joined the Masonry, Rizal
naturally ceases going to church and led a life as a “free thinker”. His first
Masonic lodge was “Acacia”.
Things in the Philippines turned bad to worse. The harvest was down. The rent
on the lands cultivated by his family was raised to exorbitant rate by the manager
of the Dominican Estate. Due to the lean situation, his regular allowance
decreased and at time ceased to arrive. Rizal's prime encounter with
Freemasonry occurred when he was in Spain, where he made the acquaintance
of some liberal and republican Spaniards who were mostly Masons. He admired
the way these Masons scrutinized and criticized the methods of the government
and criticized the haughty friars, a freedom which could not be practiced in the
Philippines. Eventually, in 1883, Rizal joined the Masonic lodge in Madrid which
was called Acacia. His central motive in joining the society was to secure the aid
of the Freemasons in his battle against the abusive friars in the Philippines.
Since the friars used the might of Catholicism to oppress and persecute the
country's patriots, Rizal intended to fight them with Freemasonry.
On November 15, 1890, Rizal became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad in
Madrid. Two years later he was awarded Master Mason in Paris by Le Grand
Orient de France.
Some of his comrades including Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Mariano Ponce, and

Marcelo H. del Pilar, were also active Masons. Rizal, on the other hand, was
more placid. His only Masonic writing was entitled "Science, Virtue and Labor,"
which he delivered in 1889.
A portion of his lecture reads:
The duty of modern man, to my way of thinking, is to work for the redemption of
humanity, because once man is dignified there would be less unfortunate and
more happy men that is possible in this life. Humanity cannot be redeemed so
long as there are oppressed peoples, so long as there are some men who live on
the tears of many, so long as there are emasculated minds and blinded eyes that
enable others to live like sultans who alone may enjoy beauty. Humanity cannot
be redeemed while reason is not free, while faith would want to impose itself on
facts, while whims are laws, and while there are nations who subjugate others.
For humanity to be able to attain the lofty destiny toward which God guides it, it
is necessary that within its fold there should be no dissensions nor tyranny, that
plagues do not decimate it and no groans and curses be heard in its march. It is
necessary that its triumphant career march to the tune of the hymns of glory and
liberty with a bright face and serene forehead.
Masters of the Arts
It was during this period when two Filipino masters of the brush won honors at
the National Exposition of the Fine Arts in Madrid Juan Luna’s canvas
“Spoliarium” won a gold medal (3 won) while Felix Hidalgo’s “Christian Virgins
Exposed to the Populace” took home a silver medal (12 won). Rizal, in banquet
in honor of the two gave an eloquent speech that highlighted his poetic genius
and refined sarcasm about the bigotry and blindness of many Spaniards who
could not comprehend the university genius. Rizal declared in the speech called
“Brindis” that talent is not a monopoly of any race or country because it can be
found in anyone and anywhere around the world.
A Doctor and a Philosopher
He then completed his medicine studies for that year at the Universidad Central
de Madrid on June 21, 1884. The next academic year (1884-1885) he studied
and passed all the subjects leading to degree of Doctor of Medicine. Due to the
fact, however, that he did not present the thesis required for graduation, nor paid
the corresponding fees. He was not awarded his doctor’s diploma. Nevertheless,
he was given his Licentiate in Medicine and was entitled to practice. The only
thing he was disqualified from doing was to teach Medicine in the university,
which was, anyway, not part his plans.
On his 24th birthday he was awarded by the university the degree in Licentiate in
Philosophy and Letters with the rating of excellent. Upon completing his studies,
he became more eager to see more of Europe to practice medicine and to
discover more things that would be beneficial to his people and his native land.
C. PARISIAN LIFE AND TOUR OF EUROPE
After graduation, Rizal prepared for a journey to Paris. He dropped by Barcelona

to see his friend Maximo Viola, a wealthy medical student who hails from San
Miguel, Bulacan. He was introduced to Señor Eusebio Corominas, editor of La
Publicidad. Corominas introduced him to the owner Don Miguel Morayta. He
submitted the article Carolines Questions for publication.
By October 1885, Rizal was living in Paris. He practiced ophthalmology under

Dr. Luis de Weckert at Crugen Clinic, 55 Rue Du Cherche-Midi.
He paid visits to the Pardo de Tavera Family. He would frequently stay at the
studio of his Ilocano friend Juan Luna. In the “Death of Cleopatra”, Rizal posed
as an Egyptian priest while Juan Luna posed as Cleopatra himself.
He became friend to Nelly Boustead, a French-English lady with whom he will fall
in love later.
Rizal had natural talent in creating music even though he admitted that his voice
was really bad. He liked music though it never liked him. Nevertheless, he got
inclined to music and participated in many presentations. With constant practice
he came to play the flute fairly well.
He wrote musical pieces like:
 Leonor
 El Canto del Prisionero
 Alin Mang Lahi (a patriotic hymn)
 El Canto de Maria Clara (in Noli Me Tangere)
 Himno A Talisay
 El Canto del Viajero (during his Dapitan Exile)
Rizal left Paris for Germany on February 8, 1886.
IN LOVE WITH GERMANY
Rizal arrived in Heidelberg, a historic German City famous for its old University
and other medieval structures. He stayed in a boarding house with some
German law students. They encourage him to join the Chess Players Club.
He worked as an assistant ophthalmologist in the clinic of Dr. Javier Galezowski.

He also attended lectures of Dr. Otto Becker.
Wrote “A Las Flores de Heidelberg”, which is about flowers in Neckar River on

April 22, 1886. His favorite flower was the bluish “forget-me-not.” He loved to
stroll beside the Neckar River.
Rizal went to Wilhelmsfeld on April 26, 1886 to board with Lutheran Pastor Dr.
Karl Ullmer and his Family. At present, Wilhelmsfeld pays tribute to Rizal through
a museum that was built in his honor. Outside the museum, a life-size statue of
Rizal stands in the middle of the garden in front of a small pond.
Return to Heidelberg. On July 31, 1886, He wrote a letter to Prof. Ferdinand

Blumentritt, Director of Ateneo of Leitmeritz in Austria. He also gave him a book
entitled “Arithmetica” by Rufino Baltazar Hernandez.
On August 6, he witnessed the celebration of the 500 th founding anniversary of

University of Heidelberg. He visited some cities and towns in Germany like
Mannheim, Rudesheim and Eisenach.
He befriended Prof. Friedrich Ratzel, a German historian and psychologist at the
University of Leipzig. He also attended some lectures while in University
He also translated into Tagalog the legend of “William Tell” and the Fairy tales of
Hans Christian Andersen that included “The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and the
Ugly Duckling.
Rizal was in Dresden from October 29 to November 1, 1886. He met Dr. Adolph
Meyer, naturalist from Dresden University.
Rizal admired Berlin due to its scientific atmosphere and the absence of racial
prejudice. He personally met Dr. Feodor Jagor, author of “Travels in the
Philippines”, Dr. Rudolf Virchow and Dr. Hans Virchow.
To earn some income, he worked also in the clinic of Dr. R. Schulzer, a German
Ophthalmologist. Dr. R. Virchow was generous enough to invite him to give a
lecture on the Tagalog language. He also wrote the scholarly paper entitled
“Tagalinsche Verskunst”.
Rizal lived in Berlin for certain reasons.
 To finish writing and later publish his first novel “Noli Me Tangere”
 To promote the existence of the Filipinos and to share their political
conditions to the Germans.
 To expose the plight of the Filipinos under Spanish rule and their desire for
independence
The winter months of 1886 became the worst time for Rizal in Berlin. For a long
period there was no money that arrived from Calamba. With no money at all,
Rizal felt his novel would not be published at all. He threw the Noli to the
fireplace believing that it would have more use as firewood. Immediately, coming
to his senses in a snap, he withdrew it. In the midst of hunger and cold, Rizal’s
desperation and discouragement started to grow.
A Gift from Above
In the midst of his agonizing moment an “angel” arrived. His friend Maximo Viola
arrived. He paid all his financial obligations and needs. He also financed the
initial printing of the Noli amounting to P300. Truly, Viola was Rizal’s “savior”
Viola came to fulfill his promise that he and Rizal would tour Europe.
Before they proceeded on the tour, Rizal had the novel be printed first. After the
Noli came off the press, the two embarked for the tour. Before the tour, Rizal
received his long-delayed allowance of P1,000 from his brother Paciano through
Juan Luna from Paris. Rizal paid Viola immediately. The rest, he spent for the
tour expenses.
D. TOUR OF EUROPE
The first stop Rizal and Viola was Potsdam, a city near Berlin, which was made
famous by Frederick the Great.
Their next destination was the German City Dresden. Here they paid a quick visit
to Dr. Adolph B. Meyer and the Museum of Art Dresden.
By May 3, Rizal and Viola were in Leitmeritz. They were picked up at the station
by Blumentritt himself. Blumentritt gave them accommodations to the Hotel
Krebs during the length of their stay.
Rizal also remembered when Blumentritt treated them to a drink in a “beer

hausen”. Rizal could not forget the taste of Bohemia which was considered as
the best in Europe.
Rizal and Viola in another occasion attended a meeting of the Tourist Club of
Leitmeritz where Blumentritt serve as secretary. Rizal also got to meet a few
scientists in Leitmeritz like Dr. Czepelak and Prof. Klutschak.
On the 17th of May, the duo boarded a train going to Prague, a historic Czech
City. They were introduced themselves to a certain Dr. Wilkomm, a natural
history professor.
They also visited some sights in Prague like The Tomb of Copernicus, the
Museum of Natural History and the Cave of San Juan Nepomuceno, a catholic
Martyr.
On May 20, they were in Vienna, capital of Austria-Hungary and referred to as
“Queen of the Danube”. They stayed in the Hotel Metropole. Rizal met
Norfenfals, one of the greatest novelists in Europe.
After touring around Vienna, the two decided to leave on a cruise to the Danube
River. They also met and got acquainted with a very lovely lady whom Viola
referred to as, “the Viennese Temptress”.
Other Tourist Attractions in Europe
Munich is called the “City of Beers” because beer was found anytime and
anywhere in the entire city.
Nuremburg was the site of the infamous Catholic Holy Inquisition for Catholic
heretics.
NOTES:
Inquisition Procedure
The Inquisition was an ecclesiastical court and process of the Roman Catholic
Church setup for the purpose towards the discovery and punishment of heresy
which wielded immense power and brutality in medieval and early modern times.
The Inquisitions function was principally assembled to repress all heretics of
rights, depriving them of their estate and assets which became subject to the
ownership of the Catholic treasury, with each relentlessly sought to destroy
anyone who spoke, or even thought differently to the Catholic Church. This
system for close to over six centuries became the legal framework throughout
most of Europe that orchestrated one of the most confound religious orders in
the course of mankind.
Methods of Punishments to Heretics:
1. The Pulley
The pulley is known as the strappado or the garrucha this was the first method of
torture the Inquisition usually applied. Executioners would hoist the victim up to
the ceiling using a rope with their hands tied securely behind their back. They
were then suspended about six feet from the floor. In this position, heavy iron
weights, usually amounting to about 45 kg, were attached to their feet. The
executioners would then pull on the rope, then suddenly allowing it to slack
causing the victim to fall.
2. The Rack
The rack is a favorite of the Inquisition. A rectangular frame, with a roller at one
or both ends. The victim's ankles are fastened to one roller and the wrists are
chained to the other handle and ratchet mechanism attached to the top roller are
used to very gradually increase the tension on the chains, inducing excruciating
pain, straining the ropes until the sufferer's joints were dislocated and eventually
separated. Additionally, if muscle fibres are stretched excessively they lose their
ability to contract, rendering them ineffective.
3. ‘The Pear of Anguish’
‘The Pear of Anguish’ is quite possibly one of the most gruesome and painful
methods. This device would be inserted into an appropriate orifice – those
accused of Blasphemy the mouth, those accused of sodomy into the anus, and
women accused of adultery, incest or of ‘sexual union with Satan or his familiars’
in the vagina. There was no set mode of use for generic Heretics, with freedom
bestowed upon the Torturer. The instrument would then be progressively
expanded, and I’m sure not much is left to the imagination………
4. ‘The Turtle’
‘The Turtle’ is a method wherein the accused Heretic would be placed under a
wooden board, and large stones placed on top, causing crushing pain and slow
suffocation.
5. ‘The Iron Boot’
‘The Iron Boot’ affectionately known as bootikens is designed to crush the foot
and legs. These were boots that went from the person's ankles to knees.
Wedges were hammered up the length of the boot into the person's leg, breaking
and crushing bones as it went.
6. ‘The Breast Ripper’
‘The Breast Ripper’ or the ‘Spanish Spider’ the name of this device speaks for
itself. Women condemned of heresy, blasphemy, adultery, and witchcraft often
felt the wrath of this device as it violently tore a breast from their torso.
7. The ‘Judas Cradle’
The ‘Judas Cradle’ is another particularly painful and humiliating torture. The
victim was stripped, hoisted and hung over this pointed pyramid with iron belts.
Their legs were stretched out frontwards, or their ankles pulled down by weights.
The tormentor would then drop the accused onto the pyramid penetrating both
orifices. With their muscles contracted, they were usually unable to relax and fall
asleep.
8. The ‘Head crusher’
The ‘Head crusher’ is a brutal torture device commonly used only by the Spanish
Inquisition. The person’s chin was placed over a bottom bar and the head under
an upper metal cap. The executioner then slowly turned the screw, gradually
compressing the head between the bar and cap. Teeth and the jaw would often
break first, with the eyes slightly later – it was such an effective method as the
pain could be extended for as long as the torturer wished, or as long as it took for
a confession.
9. ‘The Heretics fork’
‘The Heretics fork’ is a metal rod with two prongs at both ends attached to a
leather strap worn around the neck. The top fork was placed on the fleshy part
under the chin, while the other end dug into the bone of the sternum, keeping the
neck stretched and the head erect at all times. Ensuring optimal agony was
simple. A person wearing the heretic’s fork was kept from lying down by either
being hung from the ceiling or suspended in some manner that proved
distressing. Those wearing the device were only able to murmur to their
torturers; any movement of the jaw would force the sharp prongs to further
penetrate their skin. It was effective for long use because victims usually died of
sleep deprivation and fatigue.
10. ‘Toca’
‘Toca’ or Waterboarding is a method of torture wherein the victim’s face is

covered with a cloth, and water is poured onto the cloth, so that they had the
impression of drowning.
Ulm is a German city famous for its largest and tallest cathedral in the country
Rheinfall is the last German stop. It is also famous for its waterfalls.
Tour of Switzerland
In Schaffhausen, they stayed there for two days. In Basel and Bern, nothing
significant took place there. Lausanne is the Swiss winter capital. On June 19th,
Rizal celebrated his 26th Birthday with Viola in Geneva. After 15 days of stay in
the city, the two parted ways on the 23th, for Viola had to return to Barcelona.
Rizal Tours Italy
Rizal visited the cities of Turin, Milan, Venice, and Florence, birthplaces of the
Renaissance. Rome, the capital city of Italy, also called the “City of the Caesars.”
Vatican City, The capital of the Roman Catholic Church, also called the “City of
Popes.”
UNITS 6
RIZAL’S FIRST HOMECOMING

2ND TRAVEL ABROAD
JAPAN INTERLUDE
SIDE TRIP TO THE USA
 Evaluate the reasons of Rizal’s decision to come home

 Derive insights and inspiration from the encounters of Rizal with personalities
that contributed to the development of the Filipino culture
 Trace Rizal’s itineraries and describe the significant observations he had in
those places he went.
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. THE 1st HOMECOMING
August 1886, Rizal decided to return to the Philippines. He left Rome by train for
Marseilles, boarded the Djemnah bound to Saigon.
On July 30, 1886, Rizal arrived in Saigon, where he transferred to the steamer
Haifong.
On August 6, 1886, Rizal arrived in Manila. He noticed that Manila has not
changed that much.
On August 7, 1886, he reached Calamba, where there was a dramatic meeting.

After a few days, Rizal turned the ground floor of their house into a medical
clinic. His first patient was his mother who could hardly see. He successfully
restored the eyesight of his mother which had double cataracts.
The good news spread like wildfire as many sick people flock to seek medical
help. His professional fee was very simple: If the patient is poor, a simple “thank
you” is enough. Some patients gave him vegetables, fruits, chickens, etc. If the
patient is rich, he would charge in the European way. The people called him Dr.
Uleman having arrived from Germany.
Rizal shared his blessings to his townmates. He built a gymnasium for the youth
to discourage them from engaging in different forms of gambling. He wanted
them to spend time on productive activities.
Unfortunately, Rizal failed to see Leonor in his six months’ vacation due to the
conflicts of his parents and Leonor’s.
Noli Me Tangere Controversy
Rizal received an invitation, a summons, a writ commanding the sheriff, or other

authorized officer, to notify a party to appear in court to answer a complaint
made against him and in the said writ specified, on a day therein mentioned from
Governor-General Emilio Terrero regarding the novel which has become a hot
issue. He went to Malacañang to answer any question surrounding his novel. He
denied that he was a spy from Germany. He explained that he was only
expressing the truth of what is going on in the society in his novel. The Governor
was satisfied with his answer and asked for a copy of the novel, since he had not
read the novel himself.
Rizal’s enemies kept doing everything to persecute him. They accused the novel
to have subversive ideas against the church and the Spanish government.
The kind Governor assigned a bodyguard for Rizal, to protect him from danger.
His bodyguard was a young Spanish Lieutenant, Don Jose Taviel de Andrade.
The two became true friends in no time at all because they have common
interests.
The powerful friars put the novel under strict scrutiny headed by Manila
Archbishop Msgr. Pedro Payo. He sent a copy to the UST Fr. Rector Gregorio
Echevarria for examination. The latter found the novel heretical, impious, and
scandalous.
The Governor sent the novel for further assessment to the Permanent
Commission on Censorship composed of priests and laymen headed by Fr.
Salvador Font, Tondo parish priest. The body found the novel with subversive
ideas against the Church and the Spanish government. The Commission
recommended that the book be banned and have its circulation in the islands be
totally stopped. The move boomeranged because it only made the Filipinos more
curious in reading the novel. Thus, the novel’s price was exorbitantly priced. No
arrests were made, thanks to the liberal-minded governor.
Rizal’s Enemies from the Church
Among Rizal’s enemies were Manila Archbishop Msgr. Pedro Payo, UST Rector
Fr. Gregorio Echevarria, Fr. Salvador Font- head of the Permanent Commission
on Censorship.
Fr. Jose Rodriguez published an anti-Noli pamphlet entitled “Caiingat Cayo.” The
pamphlet stated that “whoever reads the novel commits a mortal sin.”
Another attacker of the Noli was Vicente Barrantes, a Spanish writer who openly
criticized the novel in the Spanish newspaper La Esperanza Moderna.
Allies of Dr. Jose Rizal
Meanwhile, Rizal also had allies like Marcelo H. Del Pilar- using the pen name
Dolores Manapat, who published a pamphlet entitled “Caiigat Cayo” that refuted
and ridiculed Fr. Rodriguez’ “Caiingat Cayo.”
The other one was Fr. Francisco Sanchez, Rizal’s beloved Ateneo teacher.
Calamba Agrarian Problem
On 6 September 1890, general Weyler began enforcing the will of the

Dominicans by sending artillery and military forces to Calamba which started to
demolish the house of Rizal’s parents. Rizal’s brother, brothers in law were
arrested and exiled to different places of the archipelago. On the first day 60
families were thrown out of their houses and the sugar mills and all other
buildings they had erected were destroyed. The Dominicans forbade the rest of
the townspeople to give the unfortunates lodging and hospitality. By the end of
September 400 tenants had been evicted.
The liberal governor-general Terrerro was at that time replaced by the

conservative general Valeriano Weyler in 1888. He was completely on the side
of the Dominicans. One of his first acts was to enforce the court ruling for the
eviction of the tenants. The first to be evicted was the Rizal family.
The Dominicans put pressure on Malacañang to eliminate Rizal. Governor-
general Terrero advised Rizal to leave the Philippines for his own good.
The friars were furious because they were attacked on their most sensitive point:
money! The report never reached the desk of the governor-general. The
Dominicans responded by filing an action for eviction against the Calamba
tenants. However, when the justice of the Peace of Calamba ruled in favor of the
tenants, the Dominicans immediately brought the case to the Supreme Court in
Manila, which immediately decided in the Dominican’s favor. The tenants and the
Rizal family had no recourse but to appeal their case to the Supreme Court in
Madrid.
Rizal advised his family to stop paying the rent. The rest of the Calamba tenants
followed suit and with Rizal’s encouragement, petitioned the government to
intervene by authorizing and supervising the drawing up of a new contract
between the people of Calamba and the Dominican landowners.
Dominican Corruption and Financial Deceit on a Massive Scale
The original hacienda owned by the Jesuits consisted of only a small part of land
and included only a part of the town, but the Dominicans had claimed a much
more extensive area, no less than the whole town and its surrounding fields. The
Dominicans were paying the government only the income tax due on the original
smaller hacienda.
Rizal wrote down his findings, which were signed by the tenants in January
1888, and he submitted the report to the government.
The friars wanted to withhold the tenants to tell the truth. The Rizal family as well
as the other Calamba tenants wanted to tell the truth. The tenants asked Rizal to
draft a report for the town council. Rizal asked his town mates to supply him with
all the relevant facts about the estate from the very beginning. Rizal had not
anticipated but he soon became the center of the tenant’s struggle against the
Dominicans.
It started innocently. On 30th December 1887, when the government, wondering

why the revenue paid by the Dominicans Order had remained constant despite
the ever-increasing size of cultivated lands, formally asked the Calamba town
council to determine whether there had been any increase in the products and
the size of the Dominican estate over the past three years.
What came out was a horror story of Dominican corruption and financial deceit
on a massive scale. The original hacienda owned by the Jesuits consisted of
only a small part of land and included only a part of the town, but the Dominicans
had claimed a much more extensive area, no less than the whole town and its
surrounding fields. The Dominicans were paying the government only the income
tax due on the original smaller hacienda.
Ownership of the Calamba hacienda passed on to the Dominicans after the

Jesuits, who originally owned it, were expelled in 1768. The Dominicans owned
practically all the lands around Calamba. The tenants suffered since many years
due to the unjustified taxes they had to pay. Even if there was an economic crisis
or the harvest was bad, the rent and taxes still went up. The tenants suffered
under the friars.
B. RIZAL’S 2ND TRAVEL ABROAD
Hounded by powerful enemies, Rizal was forced to leave his country for the
second time in 1888. He was 27 years old, a practicing physician, and a
recognized man of letters.
Rizal in Hong Kong and Macau
Amoy, in Hong Kong was the first stop over of the ship. After six months of
staying in the Philippines Rizal left via the steamer Zafiro bound for Hong Kong.
Rizal did not get off the ship for the following reasons: (a) He was not feeling
well. (b) It was raining hard. (c) He heard that the city is dirty.
Hong Kong is a British colony by that time. Rizal stayed in the Victoria Hotel.
There he met Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriarte (son of the
alcalde mayor in Calamba)
Jose Sainz de Varanda, a Spaniard and 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.
According to Rizal in his letter to Blumentritt, Hong Kong is a small, but very
clean city. Many Portuguese, Hindus, English, Chinese and Jews live here.
There are some Filipinos exiled in Marianas Islands since 1872. They were
former financiers and rich but now are poor, gentle and timid.
Rizal also Visited Macau, a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. Rizal together
with Basa boarded a ferry named Kiu-Kiang going to Macau. Curiously, Jose
Sainz de Varanda is among the passengers. Rizal and Basa visited Don Juan
Francisco Lecaros, a Filipino gentleman who is married to a Portuguese lady.
Rizal and Basa stayed in his house for two days while they were in Macau.
During Rizal’s two week vacation in Hong Kong, he studied Chinese life,
language, drama and customs and found out the following which he wrote in his
diary:
 The celebration of the Chinese New Year was quite very noisy due to the
continuous explosion of firecrackers on the streets.
 The Lauriat party, wherein the guests were served a variety of dishes,
shows lavishness and hospitality among the Chinese.
 The Dominican Order, the richest religious order in Hong Kong, had
millions of dollars deposited in various banks earning very high interests.
 The graveyards for Catholics, Protestants and Muslims were well
maintained.
C. RIZAL in JAPAN, the Land of the Cherry Blossoms
Rizal left Hong Kong on board of the Oceanic, an American steamer on his way
to Japan. He arrived in Yokohama, Japan and stayed for one day in the Grand
Hotel.
After spending a day in Yokohama, Rizal went to Tokyo and stayed in Tokyo
Hotel for five days. Juan Perez Caballero – secretary of the Spanish legation
visited him in the hotel inviting him to stay in the Spanish legation. Knowing that
it is a plot to monitor him, Rizal accepted the offer for the following reasons:
 He could economize his living expenses

 He had nothing to hide from the prying eyes of the Spanish authorities.
 He and Caballero became good friends.
In Japan, Rizal was embarrassed because he did not know how to speak
Nihonggo (Japanese Language) He was mistakenly considered as a
Europeanized Japanese because he looks like a Japanese and yet speaks in
different tongues.
Rizal’s Impression of Japan
 The scenic beauty of the country

 The cleanliness, politeness and industry of the Japanese people.
 The picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese women.
 There were few thieves in Japan.
 Beggars are rarely seen in the city streets.
 Rickshaw, a popular mode of transportation which he did not like in
Japan.
Rizal and O-Sei-San
Seiko Usui, or more fondly called O-Sei-San, is a former samurai’s daughter of

23 years old who had never experienced true love. She is a woman of beauty,
charm, modesty and intelligence. She speaks French and English fluently.
When Rizal first introduced himself to her, he took off his hat as a sign of respect
(A German custom).
O-Sei-San was more than Rizal’s girlfriend, for she was his guide, interpreter and
tutor. She improved his knowledge of the Japanese language. She eases the
pain left by Leonor Rivera.
Rizal fell greatly in-love with O-Sei-San that he was tempted to leave the
Philippines and settle down in Japan. He was offered a job in the Spanish
Legation but his brother Paciano wrote to him reminding him of his duty and why
he left the Philippines in the first place.
Rizal left Japan via the ship Belgic, an English steamer in Yokohama bound for
United States. It ended 45 days of his unforgettable stay in Japan and his
relationship with O-Sei-San.
O-Sei-San after Rizal’s Departure
Alfred Charlton became the husband of O-Sei-San in 1897, one year after Rizal
was executed. He was a British teacher of chemistry in Peers’ School in Tokyo.
They had a daughter named Yuriko, who married a son of a Japanese senator.
Seiko-Usui died in 1947 at age 80 and was buried beside her husband.
D. RIZAL in the UNITED STATES
Rizal in steamer Belgic met a semi-Filipino family, Mr. Reinaldo Turner and his
wife Emma Jackson, their children and maid from Pangasinan. He also met
Tetcho Suehiro, a fighting Japanese journalist, novelist, champion of human
rights, who was forced by the government to leave Japan.
Tetcho Suehiro became a member of the Japanese Imperial Diet (Parliament).

He wrote to novels: Nankai-no-Daiharan (Storm over the South Sea) in 1891
resembling Noli Me Tangere and O-unabara (The Big Ocean) in 1894,
resembling El Filibusterismo. He died in 1896 at age 49 due to heart attack.
Via the steamer Belgic, Rizal arrived in San Francisco, USA on April 28, 1888.
According to the Americans, Cholera was an epidemic raging in the Far East.
Thus, all passengers are quarantined for safety. But, Rizal was surprised
because there is no outbreak of the disease in the Far East, thus he joined other
passengers in protest. In actuality, there were 643 Chinese coolies who boarded
the ship from China who came as illegal migrants wanting to displace the White
laborers in railroad construction camp. But Rizal was questioning how come 700
bolts of silk were unloaded without fumigation.
After a week Rizal together with other first class passengers were permitted to
land. But the Japanese and the Chinese and passengers belonging to the
second and thirds class remained aboard.
Rizal stayed in the Palace Hotel (then a first class hotel) in San Francisco. He
stayed there for two days. Grover Cleveland was the president when Rizal
visited the United States. There he met Leland Stanford, the founder and
benefactor of the Stanford University who was then a senator representing
California.
Rizal Toured the United States
 Oakland, California was the first stop via ferryboat.

 Via train Sacramento, where he ate his supper 75cents and slept at his
couch.
 Reno, Nevada, where he had his breakfast
 Utah, where he saw Mormons, thickly populated
 Colorado, a lot of snow and pine trees
 Nebraska, Omaha City, as big as San Francisco
 Missouri River, twice as big as Pasig River
 Chicago, a lot of Indians in cigar stores
 Albany, where he saw the Hudson River
 New York, which he considers a big city, where he stayed for three days.
He left the United States for Liverpool, London on board the City of Rome, and
the second largest ship in the world. Great Eastern was the largest ship in the
world during his time.
RIZAL’S IMPRESSIONS OF AMERICA
 Material progress of the country as shown in its cities, farms, and

industries
 The drive and energy of the Americans
 The natural beauty of the land
 The high standard of living
 The opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants.
 America for Rizal was the land par excellence of freedom but only for the
Whites.
 Non-existence of true civil liberty, as Negro cannot marry an American
and vice versa.
 The existence of racial prejudice as shown in their hatred of the Chinese,
Japanese and Negroes.
 The valuing of money over human life
UNITS 7
STUDIES IN LONDON
PARIS EXPOSITION
LIFE IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
 Analyze Rizal’s significant studies in London

 Learn from the experiences he had in Paris.
 Recollect memories of Rizal’s stay in Belgium
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. STUDIES IN LONDON (1888-1889)
Trip across the Atlantic
After visiting the United States, Rizal boarded the S.S. City Of Rome en route to
London. While on board, he entertained the American and European passengers
with his skill of the yoyo.
He was to stay in London from May 1888 to March 1889
Why did he choose to stay in London?
 To improve his knowledge of the English language

 To study and annotate Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de Las Islas Filipinas
 London was a safe place for him to carry out his fight against Spanish
tyranny
He reached Queenstown in Ireland on May 24, 1888. From there, he embarked

on a ferry boat going to Liverpool, England and stayed at Adelphi Hotel.
By train he arrived at London on May 25, 1888. Upon his arrival, he stopped at
Grand Hotel Midland.
He stayed, as a guest, at the home of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor an 1872 exile and
a practicing lawyer. He transferred to a private home in No. 37 Chalcot Crescent,
Primrose Hill. This is owned by the Beckett Family.
Mr. Beckett, an organist of St. Paul’s Church and Mrs. Beckett had 4 daughters
(Gertrude, Blanche, Flory and Grace) and 2 sons.
Rizal came to know Dr. Reinhold Rost through a letter from Dr. Ferdinand
Blumentritt. He was the Librarian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Rost was
an Authority on Malayan language and customs. He called Rizal “a pearl of a
man” as he was impressed by his learning and character
Bad News from Home
After Rizal left the country, the persecution of the Filipino patriots who signed the
Anti-Friar Petition 1888 escalated. The Calamba Agrarian Conflict of 1888 in
which the tenants, including Rizal’s family, were being persecuted by the
Dominicans.
Manuel T. Hidalgo (husband of Saturnina) was exiled to Bohol while Mariano

Herbosa (husband of Lucia) was denied of Christian burial because of the
malicious rumor that he had not confessed since marriage.
Laureano Viado, a medical student at UST and a friend of Rizal, was imprisoned
because of owning a copy of Noli Me Tangere.
Good News from Home
Rev. Vicente Garcia defended the Noli Me Tangere against the attack of the
friars. He heard this news from Mariano Ponce. On January 7, 1891, Rizal wrote
to Father Garcia expressing his personal gratitude.
Short Visit to Paris and Spain
Early in September 1888, Rizal visited Paris for a week in order to search for
more historical materials in the Bibliotheque Nationale. On December 11, 1888,
Rizal went to Madrid and Barcelona in Spain to meet with Marcelo H. Del Pilar
and Mariano Ponce
Christmas in London
Rizal returned to London on December 24, 1888 and spent Christmas and New
Year’s Eve with the Becketts. He was extremely delighted to experience the
holiday season. He reflected on the meaning of the holiday as it reminded him of
memorable days not just from his childhood but also from history. “How it shocks
me to see some people misuse His name to commit many crimes.”
Rizal sent to Blumentritt as a Christmas gift a bust of Emperor Augustus which

he had made. As another present, he sent to Dr. Carlos Czepelak a bust of
Julius Caesar. Mrs. Beckett, knowing of his interest in magic, gave Rizal a book
entitled “The Life and Adventures of Valentine Vox, the Ventriloquist.”
Annotating Morga’s Book
Annotating and studying the Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (1609) was the main
goal of Rizal in the English capital. Antonio De Morga. Annotate means to
supply with critical or explanatory notes; comment upon in notes.
 Antonio Pigafetta Chronicler of the Magellan expedition

 Gaspar De San Agustin Conquista de Las islas Filipinas
 Other Historical Accounts. All three mentioned about early Filipino Life
and Industry
o Early Filipinos already engaged in trade with other Asian nations
o The dominant religion of Manila and Visayan town was Islam.
o There was already a government
Aims of La Solidaridad
1. To establish reform for our country

2. To show the unfortunate conditions in the Philippines committed by the
Spaniards
3. To promote free and progressive ideas
4. To implement the patriotic vision of the Filipinos
Rizal published his work Los Agricultores Filipinos (The Filipino Farmers) on
March 25, 1889, 6 days after he left London for Paris. This was his first article in
La Solidaridad.
Rizal received news on Fray Rodriguez’s attack on his novel Noli Me Tangere.
He wrote a pamphlet entitled La Vision del Fray Rodriguez which was published
in Barcelona under his pen name Dimas-Alang.
Letter to the Young Women of Malolos
In this article, Rizal addressed Filipino women to work for their education and not
to merely be influenced by the friars.
Dr. Rost, editor of Trubners’ Record, a journal devoted to Asian studies,

requested Rizal to contribute some articles. Rizal submitted (1) Specimen of
Tagala Folklore and (2) Two Eastern Fables.
By unanimous vote of all the members, Rizal was chosen to be the president of
society called Asociacion La Solidaridad.
Goodbye, London
Rizal was forced to leave London because Gertrude’s love for him has become
serious. He could not take advantage of her affection and she would not be
happy because Rizal was still in love with Leonor Rivera. He decided to move to
Paris so she would forget about her.
Before leaving London, Rizal finished four sculptural works:
 Prometheus Bond
 The Triumph of Death over Life
 A composite carving of the heads of the Beckett sisters (gave as farewell
gift to the Beckett sisters)
 The Triumph of Science over Death
On March 19, 1889, Rizal departed for Paris. He was sad as he crossed the
English Channel for he had many beautiful memories of London.
B. THE PARIS UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION (1889)
The Exposition Universale Held in Paris, France from May 6 to October 31,
1889. The fair attracted exhibits from Europe, South America, United States, and
French colonies, yet it really was a celebration of French achievements on the
centennial of French Revolution. Because of the thousands of tourists, almost all
hotel accommodations were taken.
But he finally lived together with other Filipinos, Justo Trinidad and Jose Albert.
In the exposition, there was this International Art Competition where Felix
Hidalgo won the 3rd prize, Pardo de Tavera and Juan Luna won the 2nd prize,
and, unfortunately, Rizal got nothing.
He spent his time in Bibliotheque Nationale, reading and checking with his
historical annotations of Morga’s book. He visited his friends like the Boustead’s,
Luna’s, Tavera’s, etc. He also organized societies with his fellow Filipinos.
Kidlat Club
The Kidlat Club was founded on March 19, 1889. The purpose was to enjoy their
journey in the exposition.
It was called Kidlat because this was only a temporary group. The members
include Antonio and Juan Luna, Gregorio Aguilera, Fernando Canon, Lauro
Dimayuga, Julio Llorente, Guillermo Puatu, and Baldomero Roxas. Later, the
group’s name was changed to Indios Bravos which purpose was to stand and
not be ashamed of being called Indios.
William Frederick Cody a.k.a. Buffalo Bill, founder and performer of Wild West
shows Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in 1890 which presented the skills and life of
American Indians became the inspiration of Rizal in naming his one societal club
as Indios Bravos.
Another group known only as R.D.L.M. which stands for Redencion de Los
Malayos was also formed. Its purposes were: (a) to propagate useful knowledge,
in any forms, in the Philippines; and (2) to promote the redemption of Malayan
race. This group’s members don’t know each other, and Rizal doesn’t know them
as well. It’s still a mystery. * Mentioned in the letters of Rizal to Jose Maria Basa
on Sept. 21, 1889, and to Marcelo H. del Pilar on November 4, 1889
Annotated Edition of Morga’s book
Although this was an outstanding achievement of Rizal, there were still some
errors:
1. Commits the error in appraising the history of the past in the light of the
present standard
2. Rizal’s attacks of the church were unfair and unjustified because the
abuses should not be construed to mean the Catholic is bad.
Plan to Establish Filipino College in Hong Kong
Rizal planned to establish a Filipino College in Hong Kong. The purpose was to
educate men of good family and financial means.
Mariano Cunanan promised to raise P40, 000 as initial payment for this college.
Its curriculum consists of: Ethics, Study of Religion, Natural Law, Civil law,
Deportment, Hygiene, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, Natural History,
Geography, Political Economy, Universal History, Philippine History, Logic,
Rhetoric, Poetics Spanish, English, French, German, Chinese, Tagalog
Gymnastics, Equitation, Fencing, Swimming, Music, Drawing and Dancing.
Rizal had been coming back and forth from Paris to London, then Paris at last,
with his aim to check up or compare on his annotation of Morga’s book to its
original copy found in British museum. (January 1890)
C. LIFE IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
On January 28, 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, 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, especially the
writing of his second novel El Filibusterismo.
While in Brussels, he lived in Rue Philippe run by 2 Jacoby sisters (Suzanne and
Marie). He was busy writing El Fili and articles for the La Solidaridad. Despite of
his European education and his knowledge of foreign languages, Rizal loved his
own native language. He was the 1st to advocate to the Filipinization of our
letters c and o and use instead K and w.
Rizal received news from Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura, that there are some
Filipinos who were destroying the reputation of Filipinos by gambling too much.
Thus, he wrote a letter address to Del Pilar, to remind the Filipinos in Madrid that
they did not come to Europe to gamble, but to work for their Fatherland’s
freedom. The gambling Filipinos were angry when they learned or Rizal’s
moralizing. They called him “PAPA” instead of Pepe.
Rizal received bad news from home as follows:
 Paciano and his brother-in-law were deported to Mindoro

 M. Hidalgo were vanished for the 2nd time to Bohol
In his moment of despair Rizal had bad dreams. And although he was not
superstitious, he feared that he would not live long. But he wanted to finish his
2nd novel El Fili before he went to his grave.
In his letter to MH Del Pilar he said: In my childhood I had a strange belief that I
would not reach 30 years of age In the face of sufferings, Rizal planned to go
home. All his friends objected to his plan and warned him of the danger that
awaited him at home. Something happened that changed his decision and he
informed MH Del Pilar that he was going to Madrid to supervise the handling of
the case of his family in Calamba.
While in Brussels, he wrote a poem entitled “A Mi Musa” (to My Muse) a pathetic

poem, lack of exquisiteness. While he was preparing for his trip to Madrid, two
things brought some measure of cheers. The summertime festival of Belgium,
which was celebrated in carnival style, with colourful costumes, fantastic floats.
His romance with Petite Jacoby, the pretty niece of his landladies Rizal was so
charming and dignified gentleman that Suzanne was attracted to him. He was
lonely in a strange country and Leonor Rivera was so far away. He found certain
bliss in the company of a pretty Belgian girl.
Like all the other girls in Rizal's life, Suzanne fell in love with Rizal. And she cried
when he left for Madrid.
Articles Published in La Solidaridad:
1. La Defensa
2. La Verdad Para Todos
3. Vicente Barrantes
4. Profanacion
5. Verdades
6. Nuevas
7. Crueldad
8. Diferencias
9. Inconsequencias
10. Llanto y Risas
11. Ingratitudes
UNIT 8
SAD EXPERIENCES IN EUROPE

RIZAL’S 2ND HOMECOMING
HONGKONG MEDICAL PRACTICE
BORNEO COLONIZATION PROJECT
LESSON OUTCOMES: The learners are expected to:
 Describe the various misfortunes and pains Rizal suffered in Europe prior
to his return to the country
 Analyze the moving forces that left with no option but to return to the
country for the 2nd time
 Figure out what Rizal tried to do in order to help his family and townmates.
LESSON CONTENT:
A. SAD EXPERIENCES IN EUROPE

Misfortunes in Madrid
August, 1890, Rizal arrived in Madrid. He immediately secured the help of the
Filipino colony and the association of the Hispano-Filipino and the liberal
Spanish newspaper. In securing justice for the oppressed Calamba tenants
including his family. Together with MH Del Pilar (acted as his lawyer) and Dr.
Dominador Gomez (secretary of the association) called on the Minister of
Colonies to protest the injustices committed against the Calamba tenants.
Nothing came out of Rizal's interview. More terrible news reached Rizal as he
was waging a futile war for justice. He learned that there was already an
ejectment order against Rizal's family and the other Calamba tenants. He further
learned that their parents were forcibly ejected from their homes and were then
living in the house of Narcisa. He even sought the help of liberal Spanish
statesmen but he was again disappointed. They just gave him honeyed words of
sympathy and nothing else.
Blumentritt urged him to talk with Queen Regent Maria Cristina (the ruler of
Spain). But he could not because he had neither powerful friends to bring him to
the queen nor gold to grease the palms of influential courtiers. Another
disappointment happened when his friend Jose Ma. Panganiban died in
Barcelona after lingering illness.
Towards the end of August, Rizal attended a social reunion. At that time Antonio
Luna was bitter because of his frustrated romance with Nellie Boustead. He was
blaming Rizal for his failure to win her. In a fit of jealousy, caused by his alcohol
be-fogged mind, he uttered unsavoury remarks about Nellie.
Rizal overheard him and due to his high regards to women. Angrily he
challenged Luna to a duel. The Filipinos was shocked and tried to pacify Rizal
and Luna pointing that it could damage their cause in Spain. Luna when he
became sober realized that he made afoul of himself and apologized to Rizal.
On another occasion, he challenged another man to a duel -Wenceslao Retaña,

his bitter enemy of the pen. He wrote in his article that the friends of Rizal had
not paid their rents so that they were ejected from their lands in Calamba. Such
insult stirred Rizal to action, he challenged Retaña to a duel and he said that
Retaña's blood or his apology could vindicate the good blame of Rizal's family
and friends.
Retaña to save his own skin, he published a retraction and an apology in the
newspaper after being warned of Rizal's superior skills in both pistol and sword.
End of 11-Year Engagement
Amidst Rizal’s frustrations in Madrid, he received a letter from Leonor Rivera, his
girlfriend for 11 years informing him that she was getting married. It pained his
heart greatly. He still loved Leonor despite having courted girls before. He grew
pale and sickly having been jilted by Leonor.
In his letter to Blumentritt, he accused Leonor of infidelity. His love turned to

hatred.
Galicano Apacible, a UST friend, consoled him by saying there are many girls in
the world. He informed Rizal that the daughter of Pi y Margall, was deeply in love
with him, ready to marry him.
On Leonor’s side, she was mad at Rizal having been very quiet. She said that
she still loved Rizal, that her decision to marry was not because she no longer
loved him. She did it because she thought Rizal no longer loved her. 11 years of
waiting was too long. Leonor wasn’t getting younger and lamented the fact that
Rizal didn’t bother to see her. Rizal could have misunderstood her. Leonor
married Henry Kipping, an Englishman in Manila.
The Leader of All Filipinos (Responsible)
In a banquet at Calle de Atocha some Filipinos proposed for the creation of a

movement to bind the colony together. A leader called “Responsible” would be
the official representative of all Filipinos abroad. Rizal felt he would be the rightful
person.
Others thought otherwise. They endorsed MH del Pilar’s candidacy. In the 1st
meeting, Eduardo de Lete presided. Rizal was in favor of the creation of a new
movement. Del Pilar objected because to him they already have the La
Solidaridad and the AHP to take care of the said objectives. His argument lost
was overruled. A committee was formed to draw the statutes.
Rizal and Del Pilar became the two candidates. They both wanted to withdraw.
The rule of the election: the winner must garner 2/3 majority vote.
1st Balloting- Rizal was ahead but not enough. 2nd and 3rd Balloting gave the
same results. The meeting adjourned
The next day, del Pilar was absent. The results didn’t change. Rizal grew
impatient. He announced his withdrawal from the race. He bade farewell. But
Ponce quickly asked Lete, Sandiko, Luna and others to shift their votes to Rizal.
Dominador Gomez spoke in behalf of the Pilaristas saying they changed their
votes for the sake of unity. Thus, Rizal was voted unanimously.
Rizal gave his admonitions to the group in his acceptance speech. Rizal blamed
Eduardo de Lete for the election fiasco. Expressed disappointment with del Pilar
He said it would have been a disappointing news to the nationalist movement in
Manila to know that Rizal was defeated because he was the acknowledged
leader back home.
A Biarritz Interlude
Rizal went to see Nelly in Biarritz. He finally decided to marry Nelly Boustead.
Conditions made by Nelly’s father:
1. Abort all travels abroad and stay with Nelly

2. Practice medicine and stay away from politics
3. Become a Protestant before marriage
Rizal, however, decided to back down from his proposal thinking he wasn’t ready
yet to answer the given conditions set by Nelly’s father.
Printing of the El Filibusterismo
In February 1891, Rizal went back to Brussels to edit and revise the novel. By
end of May 1891, the novel was ready for printing. He brought the novel to Ghent
because printing was cheaper there. There was no financial aid sent by the
Centro de Propaganda. He had spent all his money for the printing cost.
He only received P100 from his countrymen as part of his allowance. He was
abandoned by the society after just a month. He was consoled by the financial
help given by Valentin Ventura.
The novel was printed at F. Meyer van Loo Press. Rizal gave the original
manuscripts to Ventura.
Rizal Resigns
Before leaving for Manila, He sent a letter of resignation as a contributor of the

La Solidaridad. He also sent a message to his compatriots his decision to give
up his political leadership and fight in his own. This news saddened many
Propaganda members.
He quickly visited Nelly to bid goodbye. He will go back to the Philippines to take
care of his family’s problems. He boarded the SS Melbourne, a ship from
Marseilles bound to Hong Kong. He was with the company of many friars
including Fr. Volunteri, less like Fr. Damaso.
B. DR. JOSE RIZALMEDICAL PRACTICE IN HONG KONG
Rizal and the German Ladies
Rizal was alone, having dinner; he overheard the German ladies which were
gossiping loudly about him, being lonely. The door in the dining room was blown
open when the steamer encountered a heavy squall (a gust of wind). One of the
ladies said “if this man in front of us were a gentleman, he would close the door”.
Rizal heard this, and, without saying a word, closed the door. This incident made
the ladies embarrassed and treated Rizal with respect and admiration.
Arrival in Hong Kong
On Nov. 20, 1891, Dr. Jose Rizal was welcomed by old friends, especially Jose
Ma. Basa. He established his residence in No.5 D’ Aguilar St., No.2 Rednaxela
Terrace where he also opened his medical clinic.
On Dec. 1, 1891, Rizal wrote to his parents to ask their permission for him to
come home.
His brother-in-law (Manuel T. Hidalgo) wrote him a letter regarding: “deportation

of 25 persons from Calamba including his father, Neneng, Sisa, Lucia, Paciano
and the rest of us.” He also stated in his letter that he’s preparing a letter to the
Queen Regent of Spain explaining the Calamba situation in order to secure
justice. “If the Queen will not listen, we will write to Queen Victoria of England to
appeal for protection in the name of humanity.”
Family Reunion in Hong Kong
Before Christmas of 1891, Rizal’s father, brother and Silvestre Ubaldo (brother-
in-law) arrived in Hong Kong. Not long afterwards his mother (who was then 65
years old and almost blind) and sisters, Lucia, Josefa and Trinidad arrived. The
Christmas of 1891 in Hong Kong was one of the happiest Yuletide celebrations
in Rizal’s life. He even wrote to Blumentritt on Jan. 31, 1892 about the pleasant
life they’re living in Hong Kong.
Ophthalmic Surgeon in Hong Kong
Rizal practiced medicine in order to earn a living for his family. Dr. Lorenzo P.
Marques, his friend and admirer, turned over to him many of his patients with eye
diseases; truly, he helped Rizal to build a wide clientele (customers/clients).
Rizal successfully operated on his mother’s left eye so that she was able to read
and write again. Some of his friends gave him moral and substantial aid in his
medical practice, from Biarritz, Mr. Boustead, Nellie’s father, wrote to him in
March 21, 1892, praising him for practising his medical profession.
Dr. Ariston Baustista Lin, from Paris, sent him a congratulatory letter and a book,
on Diagnostic Pathology by Dr. H. Virchow and another book, Traite
Diagnostique by Mesnichock. Don Antonio Vergel de Dios, also from Paris,
offered his services for the purchase of medical books and instruments which he
might need in his profession.
C. BORNEO COLONIZATION PROJECT
Rizal conceived the establishment of a Filipino colony in North Borneo (Sabah.

He planned to move the landless Filipino families to that rich British-owned
island. He also planned to carve out of its virgin wildness a “New Calamba”•
March 7, 1892. He went to Sandakan on board the ship Menon to negotiate with
the British authorities for the establishment of a Filipino colony
On May 26, 1892, Lopez-Jaena wrote to Rizal expressing his support and great
desire in the project along with their other friends: Juan and Antonio Luna,
Blumentritt, Dr. Bautista Lin, etc.
Manuel Hidalgo, the brave Batangueño, one of Rizal’s brothers-in-law, objected

to his project
Letter to Governor Eulogio Despujol
In hope of the Governor-General’s sincerity in his promises of a better

government, Rizal wrote to him offering him his cooperation. But governor-
general did not acknowledge Rizal’s letter, violating the simple rule of Spanish
courtesy.
On March 21, 1892 , after waiting for 3 months for a reply for his first letter, Rizal
wrote another letter which asked for permission for the landless Filipinos to
establish themselves in Borneo.
Borneo Colonization Project
Instead of performing the simple “courtesy of a reply”, Despujol notified the

Spanish consul general in Hong Kong. He did not approve the Filipino
immigration to Borneo, alleging that: “the Philippines lacked laborers” and “it was
not very patriotic to go off and cultivate foreign soil.”
Writings in Hong Kong
o Ang Mga Karapatan Nang Tao. The translation of “The Rights of Man”
which was proclaimed in the French Revolution 1789.
o A la Nacion Española (To the Spanish Nation) An appeal to Spain to right
the wrongs done to the Calamba tenants.
o Sa Mga Kababayan was written on December 1891, explaining the
Calamba agrarian situation.
In The Hong Kong Telegraph Rizal contributed articles to this British daily
newspaper. The editor was Mr. Frazier Smith, who was his friend.
On March 2, 1892 Rizal wrote “Una Visita a la Victoria Gaol” A Visit to Victoria
Gaol, an account of his visit to the colonial prison of Hong Kong.
To elucidate his pet Borneo colonization project he wrote:

 “Colonisation du British North Borneo, par de Familles de Iles Philippines”
 “Proyecto de Colonization del Vritish North Borneo por los Filipinos
 June 1892, He wrote “La Mano Roja” (The Red Hand)
D. DECISION TO RETURN TO MANILA
In May 1892, Rizal made up his mind to return to Manila. This decision was
spurred by the following:
1. To confer with Governor Despujol regarding his Borneo colonization
project
2. To establish the Liga Filipina in Manila
3. To prove that Eduardo de Lete was wrong in attacking him in Madrid
Last Hong Kong Letters
Relatives and friends of Rizal opposed his decision to return home because it
was like bearding the lions in their den.
On June 19, 1892, he spent his birthday in Hong Kong. Evidently, he had a
premonition of his death, for the following day, June 20, he wrote two letters
which he sealed, inscribed on each envelop “to be opened after my death” and
gave them to his friend Dr. Marquez for safekeeping. His first letter addressed To
My Parents, Brethren and Friends. The second letter addressed to The Filipinos.
On June 21, 1892, Rizal penned another letter in Hong Kong for General
Despujol. He informed the governor-general of his coming to Manila and placed
himself under the protection of the Spanish government.
On June 21, 1892, Rizal and his sister Lucia, widow of Herbosa, left Hong Kong
for Manila. They carried a special passport or “safe-conduct” issued by the
Spanish consul-general in Hong Kong.
Rizal Fell into Spanish Trap
Immediately after Rizal’s departure from Hong Kong: the Spanish consul-
general, who issued the government guarantee of safety, sent a cablegram to
Gov. Despujol that the victim “is in the trap” On the same day, a secret case was
filed in Manila against Rizal and his followers “for anti-religious and anti-patriotic
agitation”
Arrival in Manila with Sister
On June 26, 1892, Sunday at 12:00 noon, Rizal and his widowed sister Lucia
arrived in Manila. At 4:00PM, he went to Malacañang Palace to seek audience
with the Spanish governor-general. On June 27, 1892, at 6:00pm, Rizal boarded
a train in Tutuban Station and visited his friends in Malolos, San Fernando,
Tarlac, and Bacolor.
UNIT 9
FOUNDING OF THE LA LIGA FILIPINA

DAPITAN EXILE
 Analyze the rationale of the founding of the La Liga Filipina

 Assess the factors that led to Rizal’s exile in Dapitan; and
 Examine the significance of Rizal’s exile to the local populace.
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. FOUNDING OF THE LIGA FILIPINA
On July 3, 1892, on the evening of Sunday, following his morning interview with
Governor General Despujol, Rizal attended a meeting with patriots at the home
of the Chinese-Filipino mestizo, Doroteo Ongjunco, on Ylaya Street, Tondo,
Manila.
Rizal explained the objectives of the Liga Filipina, a civic league of Filipinos,
which he desired to establish and its role in the socio-economic life of the people.
The officers of the new league were elected, as follows:
o Ambrosio Salvador (President)

o Deodato Arellano (Secretary)
o Bonifacio Arevalo (Treasurer)
o Agustin de la Rosa (Fiscal)
The motto of the Liga Filipina: Onus Instar Omnium (One Like All)
The governing body of the league was the Supreme Council which had
jurisdiction over the whole country. It was composed of a president, a secretary,
a treasurer, and a fiscal. There was a Provincial Council in every province and a
Popular Council in every town.
The duties of the Liga members are as follows (1) obey the orders of the
Supreme Council (2) to help in recruiting new members (3) to keep in strictest
secrecy the decisions of the Liga authorities (4) to have symbolic name which he
cannot change until he becomes president of his council (5) to report to the fiscal
anything that he may hear which affect the Liga (6) to behave well as befits a
good Filipino (7) to help fellow members in all ways.
Rizal Arrested and Jailed in Fort Santiago
On July 6, 1892, Wednesday, Rizal went to Malacañang Palace to resume his

series of interviews with the governor-general. He was asked about the Pobres
Frailes (Poor Friars) incriminatory leaflets which allegedly found in Lucia’s pillow
cases. it is under the authorship of Fr. Jacinto and printed by the Imprenta de
los Amigos del Pais, Manila.
Rizal was placed under arrest and escorted to Fort Santiago by Ramon
Despujol, nephew and aide of Governor General Despujol
On July 7, 1892, the Gaceta de Manila published the story of Rizal’s arrest which
produced indignant commotion among the Filipino people, particularly the
members of the newly organized Liga Filipina. The same issue of the Gaceta
(july 7, 1892) contained Governor General Despujol’s decree deporting Rizal to
“one of the islands in the South.”
On July 14, 1892, shortly after midnight (that is 12:30AM of July 15, 1892), Rizal
was brought under heavy guard to the steamer Cebu which was sailing for
Dapitan. This steamer under Captain Delgras departed at 1:00AM, July 15,
sailing south, passing Mindoro and Panay and reaching Dapitan on Sunday, the
17th of July at 7:00PM. Captain Delgras handed Rizal to Captain Ricardo
Carnicero, Spanish commandant of Dapitan. So, July 17, 1892, Rizal began his
exile in lonely Dapitan, until July 31, 2896, for a period of four years.
B. JOSE RIZAL’S PERSECUTION AND EXILE IN DAPITAN
Jose Rizal's arrival in Manila on June 26, 1892 had become very sensational
among the Filipinos. His popularity feared the Spaniards, and as such, paid
careful attention to his every move – all houses where he had been searched
and the Filipinos seen in his company were suspected. As he had planned, on
July 3, 1892 he founded the La Liga Filipina in the house of Doroteo Ongjunco in
Tondo, Manila.
Four days after the civic organization's foundation, Jose Rizal was arrested by
the Spanish authorities on four grounds:
1. for publishing anti-Catholic and anti-friar books and articles;

2. for having in possession a bundle of handbills, the Pobres Frailes, in which
advocacies were in violation of the Spanish orders;
3. for dedicating his novel, El Filibusterismo to the three “traitors” (Gomez,
Burgos and Zamora) and for emphasizing on the novel's title page that “the
only salvation for the Philippines was separation from the mother country
(referring to Spain)”; and
4. for simply criticizing the religion and aiming for its exclusion from the Filipino
culture.
Aboard the steamer Cebu and under heavy guard, Rizal left Manila, sailing to
Mindoro and Panay, until he reached Dapitan at seven o'clock in the evening of
July 17.
From that day until July 31, 1896, Dapitan became the bear witness to one of the
most fruitful periods in Rizal's life. His stay in the province was more than “he”
living in exile – it was the period when Rizal had been more focused on serving
the people and the society through his civic works, medical practices, land
development and promotion of education.
In Dapitan, Rizal had a scholarly debate with Father Pablo Pastells regarding
religion. This exchange of heated arguments revealed the anti-Christian Rizal –
his bitterness on the abuses performed by friars, doing such under the name of
the sacred religion. Father Pastells tried his best to win Rizal back to the faith but
fortunately or unfortunately, in vain. These series of debate ended inconclusively
in which neither of them convinced the other of his judgments/arguments.
Rizal had maximized his stay in Dapitan by devoting much of his time in
improving his artistic and literary skills; doing agricultural and civic projects;
engaging in business activities, and writing letters to his friends in Europe,
particularly to Ferdinand Blumentritt and Reinhold Rost. His careers and
achievements in different fields were as follows:
As a Physician
Rizal provided free medicine to his patients, most of them were underprivileged.
However, he also had wealthy patients who paid him well enough for his
excellent surgical skill. Among them were Don Ignacio Tumarong who gave Rizal
3000 pesos for restoring his sight, an Englishman who gave him 500 pesos, and
Aklanon haciendero, Don Francisco Azcarraga, who paid him a cargo of sugar.
His skill was put into test in August 1893 when his mother, Doña Teodora
Alonzo, was placed under ophthalmic surgery for the third time. The operation
was a success, however, Alonzo, ignored her son's instructions and removed the
bandages in her eyes which lead to irritation and infection.
As an Engineer
Rizal applied his knowledge through the waterworks system he constructed in

Dapitan. Going back to his academic life, Rizal obtained the title of expert
surveyor (perito agrimensor) from the Ateneo Municipal. From his practical
knowledge as agrimensor, he widened his knowledge by reading engineering-
related books. As a result, despite the inadequacy of tools at hand, he
successfully provided a good water system in the province.
As an Educator
Rizal established a school in Dapitan which was attended by 16 young boys from
prominent families. Instead of charging them for the matriculation, he made the
students do community projects for him like maintaining his garden and field. He
taught them reading, writing in English and Spanish, geography, history,
mathematics, industrial work, nature study, morals and gymnastics. He
encouraged his students to engage in sports activities to strengthen their bodies
as well. There was no formal room, like the typical classroom nowadays. Classes
were conducted from 2 pm to 4 p.m. with the teacher sitting on a hammock while
the students sat on a long bamboo bench.
As an Agriculturist
Rizal devoted time in planting important crops and fruit-bearing trees in his 16-
hectare land (later, reaching as large as 70 hectares). He planted cacao, coffee,
sugarcane, and coconuts, among many others. He even invested part of his
earnings from being a medical practitioner and his 6000-peso winnings from a
lottery on lands. From the United States, he imported agricultural machinery and
introduced to the native farmers of Dapitan the modern agricultural methods.
Rizal also visualized of having an agricultural colony in Sitio Ponot, within the
Sindañgan Bay. He believed that the area was suitable for cattle-raising and for
cash-crops as the area had abundant water. Unfortunately, this plan did not
materialize.
As a Businessman
The adventurous Rizal, with his partner, Ramon Carreon, tried his luck in the
fishing, hemp and copra industries. In a letter to his brother-in-law, Manuel T.
Hidalgo, he pointed out the potential of the fishing industry in the province (as the
area was abundant with fish and good beach). He also requested that two good
Calamba fishermen be sent to Dapitan to teach the fisher folks of the new fishing
methods, using a big net called pukutan. But the industry in which Rizal became
more successful was in hemp, shipping the said product to a foreign firm in
Manila.
As An Inventor
Little was known of Rizal as an inventor. In 1887, during his medical practice in
Calamba, he invented a special type of lighter called sulpukan which he sent to
Blumentritt as a gift. According to Rizal, the wooden lighter's mechanism was
based on the principle of compressed air. Another of his inventions was the
wooden brick-maker can manufacture about 6,000 bricks a day.
As An Artist
Rizal had contributed his talent in the Sisters of Charity who were preparing for
the arrival of the image of the Holy Virgin. Rizal was actually the person who
modeled the image's right foot and other details. He also conceptualized its
curtain, which was oil-painted by a Sister under his instruction. He also made
sketches of anything which attracted him in Dapitan. Among his collections were
the three rare fauna species that he discovered (dragon/lizard, frog and beetle)
and the fishes he caught. He also sculptured the statuette called “The Mother's
Revenge” which represented his dog, Syria, avenging her puppy to a crocodile
which killed it.
As A Linguist
Rizal was interested in the languages used in Dapitan, thus, studied and made
comparisons of the Bisayan and Malayan languages existing in the region. In
fact, Rizal had knowledge in 22 languages: Tagalog, Ilocano, Bisayan, Subanun,
Spanish, Latin, Greek, English, French, German, Arabic, Malayan, Hebrew,
Sanskrit, Dutch, Catalan, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Swedish and
Russian.
As A Scientist
Rizal shared his interest with nature to his students. With his boys, they explored
the jungles and searched for specimens which he sent to museums in Europe,
particularly in Dressed Museum. In return, scientific books and surgical
instruments were delivered to him from the European scientists. He also made a
bulk of other researches and studies in the fields of ethnography, archaeology,
geology, anthropology and geography. However, Rizal's most significant
contribution in the scientific world was his discovery of three species:
1. Draco rizali – flying dragon

2. Apogonia rizali – small beetle
3. Rhacophorus rizali – rare frog
Rizal also partakes in civic works in Dapitan. Upon arriving in the province, he
noticed its poor condition. He drained the marshes of Dapitan to get rid of
malaria-carrying mosquitoes. He also provided lighting system – coconut oil
lamps posted in dark streets – in the province out of what he earned from being
a physician. He beautified Dapitan by remodeling the town plaza, with the aid of
his Jesuit teacher, Fr. Francisco Sanchez, and created a relief map of Mindanao
(footnote: using stones, soil and grass) right in front the church.
Rizal had always been missing his family and their happy moments together in
Calamba and his despair doubled upon the announcement of Leonor Rivera's
death. Not soon, to his surprise, an Irish girl enlightened his rather gloomy heart.
This girl was the 18-year old Josephine Bracken who, to Wenceslao Retaña’s
words, was “slender, a chestnut blond, with blue eyes, dressed with elegant
simplicity, with an atmosphere of light (gaiety).”
From Hong Kong, she arrived in Dapitan in February, 1895 with his blind foster
father, George Taufer, and a Filipina named Manuela Orlac. Rizal's fame as an
ophthalmic surgeon reached overseas, and one of Rizal's friends, Julio Llorente
referred the group to Rizal. Rizal and Bracken instantly fell in love with each and
in just one month, they agreed to marry which appalled and disturbed Taufer.
However, the parish priest of Dapitan, Father Pedro Obach, refused to do so
unless they be permitted by the Bishop of Cebu.
On the other hand, Taufer returned to Hong Kong uncured. Because no priest
was willing to marry the two, the couple exchanged their vows before God in
their own way, which scandalized Fr. Obach. In 1896, their love bears its fruit –
Josephine was pregnant. Unfortunately, Bracken gave birth to a one-month
premature baby boy who lived only for three hours. The child was buried in
Dapitan, bearing the name Francisco, after Rizal's father.
Prior to the outbreak of the revolution, the Katipunan leader, Andres Bonifacio,
seek the advice of Jose Rizal. In a secret meeting on May 2, 1896 at Bitukang
Manok near Pasig River, the group agreed to send Dr. Pio Valenzuela as a
representative to Dapitan who will inform Rizal of their plan to launch a revolution
against the Spaniards. On board the steamer Venus, Valenzuala left Manila on
June 15, 1892 and in 6 days, arrived at Dapitan with a blind companion,
Raymundo Mata. At night, Rizal and Valenzuela had a talk in the former's
garden. There, Valenzuela told him of the Katipunan's plan. Regarding this, Rizal
outspokenly objected Bonifacio's “premature” idea for two reasons:
1. The Filipinos were still unready for such bloody revolution; and
2. The Katipunan lacked machinery – before plotting a revolution, there must
be sufficient arms and funds collected.
Valenzuela also told Rizal of their plan to rescue him in Dapitan. Again, the
exiled hero disagreed because he had no plan of breaking his word of honor to
the Spanish authorities.
During the peak of the Cuban revolution, Rizal offered his services as a military
doctor to compromise with the shortage of physicians in the said country. It was
his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt who informed him of the situation in Cuba and
suggested that he volunteer himself as army doctor. On December 17, 1895,
Rizal sent a letter to Governor General Ramon Blanco rendering his service for
Cuba. But for months Rizal waited in vain for the governor's reply, and loss hope
that his request will be granted. It was only on July 30, 1896 when Rizal received
a letter from Governor Blanco, dated July 2, 1896, accepting his offer. The letter
also stated that Rizal will be given a pass so that he can go to Manila, then to
Spain where its Minister of War will assign him to the Army of Operations in
Cuba.
At midnight of July 31, 1896, Jose Rizal left Dapitan on board the steamer
España, together with Narcisa, Josephine, Angelica (Narcisa's daughter), three
nephews and six of his students. Many were saddened as the adopted son of
Dapitan left.
In Cebu, on their way to Manila, Rizal successfully performed an ophthalmic

operation to a merchant who paid him fifty silver p esos. After almost a week, on
August 6, 1896, España arrived in Manila. Rizal was supposedly to board the
Isla de Luzon for Spain, but unfortunately, left ahead of time. Instead, he was
transferred to the Spanish cruiser Castilla to stay and wait for the next sail boat
that would sail for Spain next month. He was prohibited from leaving the vicinity
but was allowed to accept visitors so long as they were his immediate family. Of
course, all these delays were part of the drama – Rizal has now fallen to the
critical/deadly Spanish trap.
UNIT10
ANNOTATIONS OF MORGA’S “SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS”
 Analyze Rizal’s ideas on how to rewrite Philippine history

 Compare and contrast Rizal and Morga’s different views about Filipinos and
Philippine culture
LEARNING CONTENT:
RIZAL’S ANNOTATIONS TO MORGA’S SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS
To The Filipinos: In Noli Me Tangere I started to sketch the present state of our
native land. But the effect which my effort produced made me realize that, before
attempting to unroll before your eyes the other pictures which were to follow, it
was necessary first to post you on the past. So only can you fairly judge the
present and estimate how much progress has been made during the three
centuries of Spanish rule.
Like almost all of you, I was born and brought up in ignorance of our country's
past and so, without knowledge or authority to speak of what I neither saw nor
have studied, I deem it necessary to quote the testimony of an illustrious
Spaniard who in the beginning of the new era controlled the destinies of the
Philippines and had personal knowledge of our ancient nationality in its last days.
It is then the shade of our ancestor's civilization which the author will call before
you... If the work serves to awaken in you a consciousness of our past, and to
blot from your memory or to rectify what has been falsified or is calumny, then I
shall not have labored in vain. With this preparation, slight though it be, we can
all pass to the study of the future.
Governor Antonio de Morga was not only the first to write but also the first to
publish a Philippine history. This statement has regard to the concise and
concrete form in which our author has treated the matter. Father Chirino's work,
printed at Rome in 1604, is rather a chronicle of the Missions than a history of
the Philippines; still it contains a great deal of valuable material on usages and
customs. The worthy Jesuit in fact admits that he abandoned writing a political
history because Morga had already done so, so one must infer that he had seen
the work in manuscript before leaving the Islands.
By the Christian religion, Doctor Morga appears to mean the Roman Catholic
which by fire and sword he would preserve in its purity in the Philippines.
Nevertheless, in other lands, notably in Flanders, these means were ineffective
to keep the church unchanged, or to maintain its supremacy, or even to hold its
subjects.
Great kingdoms were indeed discovered and conquered in the remote and
unknown parts of the world by Spanish ships but to the Spaniards who sailed in
them we may add Portuguese, Italians, French, Greeks, and even Africans and
Polynesians. The expeditions captained by Columbus and Magellan, one a
Genoese Italian and the other a Portuguese, as well as those that came after
them, although Spanish fleets, still were manned by many nationalities and in
them went negroes, Moluccans, and even men from the Philippines and the
Marianas Islands.
Three centuries ago it was the custom to write as intolerantly as Morga does, but
nowadays it would be called a bit presumptuous. No one has a monopoly of the
true God nor is there any nation or religion that can claim, or at any rate prove,
that to it has been given the exclusive right to the Creator of all things or sole
knowledge of His real being.
The conversions by the Spaniards were not as general as their historians claim.
The missionaries only succeeded in converting a part of the people of the
Philippines. Still there are Mohamedans, the Moros, in the southern islands, and
negritos, igorots and other heathens yet occupy the greater part territorially of the
archipelago. Then the islands which the Spaniards early held but soon lost are
non-Christian-Formosa, Borneo, and the Moluccas. And if there are Christians in
the Carolines, that is due to Protestants, whom neither the Roman Catholics of
Morga's day nor many Catholics in our own day consider Christians.
It is not the fact that the Filipinos were unprotected before the coming of the
Spaniards. Morga himself says, further on in telling of the pirate raids from the
south, that previous to the Spanish domination the islands had arms and
defended themselves. But after the natives were disarmed the pirates pillaged
them with impunity, coming at times when they were unprotected by the
government, which was the reason for many of the insurrections.
The civilization of the Pre-Spanish Filipinos in regard to the duties of life for that
age was well advanced, as the Morga history shows in its eighth chapter.
The islands came under Spanish sovereignty and control through compacts,
treaties of friendship and alliances for reciprocity. By virtue of the last
arrangement, according to some historians, Magellan lost his life on Mactan and
the soldiers of Legaspi fought under the banner of King Tupas of Cebu.
The term "conquest" is admissible but for a part of the islands and then only in its
broadest sense. Cebu, Panay, Luzon Mindoro and some others cannot be said
to have been conquered.
The discovery, conquest and conversion cost Spanish blood but still more
Filipino blood. It will be seen later on in Morga that with the Spaniards and on
behalf of Spain there were always more Filipinos fighting than Spaniards.
Morga shows that the ancient Filipinos had army and navy with artillery and other
implements of warfare. Their prized krises and kampilans for their magnificent
temper are worthy of admiration and some of them are richly damascened. Their
coats of mail and helmets, of which there are specimens in various European
museums, attest their great advancement in this industry.
Morga's expression that the Spaniards "brought war to the gates of the Filipinos"
is in marked contrast with the word used by subsequent historians whenever
recording Spain possesses herself of a province, that she pacified it. Perhaps "to
make peace" then meant the same as "to stir up war."
Magellan's transferring from the service of his own king to employment under the
King of Spain, according to historic documents, was because the Portuguese
King had refused to grant him the raise in salary which he asked.
Now it is known that Magellan was mistaken when he represented to the King of
Spain that the Moluccas Islands were within the limits assigned by the Pope to
the Spaniards. But through this error and the inaccuracy of the nautical
instruments of that time, the Philippines did not fall into the hands of the
Portuguese.
Cebu, which Morga calls "The City of the Most Holy Name of Jesus," was at first
called "The village of San Miguel."
The image of the Holy Child of Cebu, which many religious writers believed was
brought to Cebu by the angels, was in fact given by the worthy Italian chronicler
of Magellan's expedition, the Chevalier Pigafetta, to the Cebuano queen.
The expedition of Villalobos, intermediate between Magellan's and Legaspi's,

gave the name "Philipina" to one of the southern islands, Tendaya, now perhaps
Leyte, and this name later was extended to the whole archipelago.
Of the native Manila rulers at the coming of the Spaniards, Raja Soliman was
called "Rahang mura", or young king, in distinction from the old king, "Rahang
matanda". Historians have confused these personages. The native fort at the
mouth of the Pasig river, which Morga speaks of as equipped with brass lantakas
and artillery of larger caliber, had its ramparts reinforced with thick hardwood
posts such as the Tagalogs used for their houses and called "harigues", or
"haligui".
Morga has evidently confused the pacific coming of Legaspi with the attack of
Goiti and Salcedo, as to date. According to other historians it was in 1570 that
Manila was burned, and with it a great plant for manufacturing artillery. Goiti did
not take possession of the city but withdrew to Cavite and afterwards to Panay,
which makes one suspicious of his alleged victory. As to the day of the date, the
Spaniards then, having come following the course of the sun, were some sixteen
hours later than Europe. This condition continued till the end of the year 1844,
when the 31st of December was by special arrangement among the authorities
dropped from the calendar for that year. Accordingly, Legaspi did not arrive in
Manila on the 19th but on the 20th of May and consequently it was not on the
festival of Santa Potenciana but on San Baudelio's day. The same mistake was
made with reference to the other early events still wrongly commemorated, like
San Andres' day for the repulse of the Chinese corsair Li Ma-hong.
Though not mentioned by Morga, the Cebuans aided the Spaniards in their
expedition against Manila, for which reason they were long exempted from
tribute.
The southern islands, the Bisayas, were also called "The land of the Painted
People" (or Pintados, in Spanish) because the natives had their bodies
decorated with tracings made with fire, somewhat like tattooing.
The Spaniards retained the native name for the new capital of the archipelago, a
little changed, however, for the Tagalogs had called their city "Maynila."
When Morga says that the lands were "entrusted" (given as encomiendas) to
those who had "pacified" them, he means "divided up among." The word "en
trust," like "pacify," later came to have a sort of ironical signification. To entrust a
province was then as if it were said that it was turned over to sack, abandoned to
the cruelty and covetousness of the encomendero, to judge from the way this
gentry misbehaved.
Legaspi's grandson, Salcedo, called the Hernando Cortez of the Philippines, was
the "conqueror's" intelligent right arm and the hero of the "conquest." His honesty
and fine qualities, talent and personal bravery, all won the admiration of the
Filipinos. Because of him they yielded to their enemies, making peace and
friendship with the Spaniards. He it was who saved Manila from Li Ma-hong. He
died at the early age of twenty-seven and is the only encomendero recorded to
have left the great part of his possessions to the Indians of his encomienda.
Vigan was his encomienda and the Ilokanos there were his heirs.
The expedition which followed the Chinese corsair Li Ma-Hong, after his
unsuccessful attack upon Manila, to Pangasinan province, with the Spaniards of
whom Morga tells, had in it 1,500 friendly Indians from Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and
Panay, besides the many others serving as laborers and crews of the ships.
Former Raja Lakandula, of Tondo, with his sons and his kinsmen went, too, with
200 more Bisayans and they were joined by other Filipinos in Pangasinan.
If discovery and occupation justify annexation, then Borneo ought to belong to

Spain. In the Spanish expedition to replace on its throne a Sirela or Malaela, as
he is variously called, who had been driven out by his brother, more than fifteen
hundred Filipino bowmen from the provinces of Pangasinan, Cagayan, and the
Bisayas participated.
It is notable how strictly the earlier Spanish governors were held to account.
Some stayed in Manila as prisoners, one, Governor Corcuera, passing five years
with Fort Santiago as his prison.
In the fruitless expedition against the Portuguese in the island of Ternate, in the
Molucca group, which was abandoned because of the prevalence of beriberi
among the troops, there went 1,500 Filipino soldiers from the more warlike
provinces, principally Cagayan and Pampanga.
The "pacification" of Cagayan was accomplished by taking advantage of the

jealousies among its people, particularly the rivalry between two brothers who
were chiefs. An early historian asserts that without this fortunate circumstance,
for the Spaniards, it would have been impossible to subjugate them.
Captain Gabriel de Rivera, a Spanish commander who had gained fame in a raid
on Borneo and the Malacca coast, was the first envoy from the Philippines to
take up with the King of Spain the needs of the archipelago.
The early conspiracy of the Manila and Pampanga former chiefs was revealed to
the Spaniards by a Filipina, the wife of a soldier, and many concerned lost their
lives.
The artillery cast for the new stone fort in Manila, says Morga, was by the hand
of an ancient Filipino. That is, he knew how to cast cannon even before the
coming of the Spaniards; hence he was distinguished as 4"ancient." In this
difficult art of ironworking, as in so many others, the modern or present-day
Filipinos are not so far advanced as were their ancestors.
When the English freebooter Cavendish captured the Mexican galleon Santa
Ana, with 122,000 gold pesos, a great quantity of rich textiles-silks, satins and
damask, musk perfume, and stores of provisions, he took 150 prisoners. All
these because of their brave defense were put ashore with ample supplies,
except two Japanese lads, three Filipinos, a Portuguese and a skilled Spanish
pilot whom he kept as guides in his further voyaging.
From the earliest Spanish days, ships were built in the islands, which might be
considered evidence of native culture. Nowadays this industry is reduced to
small craft, scows and coasters.
The Jesuit, Father Alonso Sanchez, who visited the papal court at Rome and the
Spanish King at Madrid, had a mission much like that of deputies now, but of
even greater importance since he came to be a sort of counsellor or
representative to the absolute monarch of that epoch. One wonders why the
Philippines could have a representative then but may not have one now.
In the time of Governor Gomez Perez Dasmariňas, Manila was guarded against
further damage such as was suffered from Li Ma-Hong by the construction of a
massive stone wall around it. This was accomplished "without expense to the
royal treasury." The same governor, in like manner, also fortified the point at the
entrance to the river where had been the ancient native fort of wood, and he
gave it the name Fort Santiago.
The early cathedral of wood which was burned through carelessness at the time
of the funeral of Governor Dasmariňas' predecessor, Governor Ronquillo, was
made, according to the Jesuit historian Chirino, with hardwood pillars around
which two men could not reach, and in harmony with this massiveness was all
the woodwork above and below. It may be surmised from these how hard
workers were the Filipinos of that time.
A stone house for the bishop was built before starting on the governor-general's
residence. This precedence is interesting for those who uphold the civil power.
Morga's mention of the scant output of large artillery from the Manila cannon
works because of lack of master foundrymen shows that after the death of the
Filipino Panday Pira there were not Spaniards skilled enough to take his place,
nor were his sons as expert as he.
It is worthy of note that China, Japan and Cambodia at this time maintained
relations with the Philippines. But in our day it has been more than a century
since the natives of the latter two countries have come here. The causes which
ended the relationship may be found in the interference by the religious orders
with the institutions of those lands.
For Governor Dasmariňas' expedition to conquer Ternate, in the Moluccan
group, two Jesuits there gave secret information. In his 200 ships, besides 900
Spaniards, there must have been Filipinos for one chronicler speaks of Indians,
as the Spaniards called the natives of the Philippines, who lost their lives and
others who were made captives when the Chinese rowers mutinied. It was the
custom then always to have a thousand or more native bowmen and besides the
crew were almost all Filipinos, for the most part Bisayans.
The historian Argensola, in telling of four special galleys for Dasmariňas'

expedition, says that they were manned by an expedient which was generally
considered rather harsh. It was ordered that there be bought enough of the
Indians who were slaves of the former Indian chiefs, or principales, to form these
crews, and the price, that which had been customary in pre-Spanish times, was
to be advanced by the encomenderos who later would be reimbursed from the
royal treasury. In spite of this promised compensation, the measures still seemed
severe since those Filipinos were not correct in calling their dependents slaves.
The masters treated these, and loved them, like sons rather, for they seated
them at their own tables an gave them their own daughters in marriage.
Morga says that the 250 Chinese oarsmen who manned Governor Dasmariňas’
swift galley were under pay and had the special favor of not being chained to
their benches. According to him it was covetousness of the wealth aboard that
led them to revolt and kill the governor. But the historian Gaspar de San Agustin
states that the reason for the revolt was the governor's abusive language and his
threatening the rowers. Both these authors' allegations may have contributed,
but more important was the fact that there was no law to compel these
Chinamen to row in the galleys. They had come to Manila to engage in
commerce or to work in trades or to follow professions. Still the incident
contradicts the reputation for enduring everything which they have had. The
Filipinos have been much more long-suffering than the Chinese since, in spite of
having been obliged to row on more than one occasion, they never mutinied.
It is difficult to excuse the missionaries' disregard of the laws of nations and the
usages of honorable politics in their interference in Cambodia on the ground that
it was to spread the Faith. Religion had a broad field awaiting it then in the
Philippines where more than nine-tenths of the natives were infidels. That even
now, there are to be found here so many tribes and settlements of non-
Christians takes away much of the prestige of that religious zeal which in the
easy life in towns of wealth, liberal and fond of display grows lethargic. Truth is
that the ancient activity was scarcely for the Faith alone, because the
missionaries had to go to islands rich in spices and gold though there were at
hand Mohamedans and Jews in Spain and Africa, Indians by the million in the
Americas, and more millions of protestants, schismatic and heretics peopled,
and still people, over six-sevenths of Europe. All of these doubtless would have
accepted the Light and the true religion if the friars, under pretext of preaching to
them, had not abused their hospitality and if behind the name Religion had not
lurked the unnamed Domination.
In the attempt made by Rodriguez de Figueroa to conquer Mindanao according

to his contract with the King of Spain, there was fighting along the Rio Grande
with the people called the Buhahayenes. Their general, according to Argensola,
was the celebrated Silonga, later distinguished for many deeds in raids on the
Bisayas and adjacent islands. Chirino relates an anecdote of his coolness under
fire once during a truce for a marriage among Mindanao "principalia." Young
Spaniards out of bravado fired at his feet but he passed on as if unconscious of
the bullets.
Argensola has preserved the name of the Filipino who killed Rodriguez de
Figueroa. It was Ubal. Two days previously he had given a banquet, slaying for it
a beef animal of his own, and then made the promise which he kept, to do away
with the leader of the Spanish invaders. A Jesuit writer calls him a traitor though
the justification for that term of reproach is not apparent. The Buhahayen people
were in their own country, and had neither offended nor declared war upon the
Spaniards. They had to defend their homes against a powerful invader, with
superior forces, many of whom were, by reason of their armor, invulnerable so
far as rude Indians were concerned. Yet these same Indians were defenseless
against the balls from their muskets. By the Jesuit's line of reasoning, the heroic
Spanish peasantry in their war for independence would have been a people
even more treacherous. It was not Ubal's fault that he was not seen and, as it
was wartime, it would have been the height of folly, in view of the immense
disparity of arms, to have first called out to this preoccupied opponent, and then
been killed himself.
The muskets used by the Buhahayens were probably some that had belonged to
Figueroa's soldiers who had died in battle. Though the Philippines had lantakas
and other artillery, muskets were unknown till the Spaniards came.
That the Spaniards used the word "discover" very carelessly may be seen from
an admiral's turning in a report of his "discovery" of the Solomon Islands though
he noted that the islands had been discovered before.
Death has always been the first sign of European civilization on its introduction in
the Pacific Ocean. God grant that it may not be the last, though to judge by
statistics the civilized islands are losing their populations at a terrible rate.
Magellan himself inaugurated his arrival in the Marianas islands by burning more
than forty houses, many small craft and seven people because one of his boats
had been stolen. Yet to the simple savages the act had nothing wrong in it but
was done with the same naturalness that civilized people hunt, fish, and
subjugate people that are weak or ill-armed.
The Spanish historians of the Philippines never overlook any opportunity, be it

suspicion or accident, which may be twisted into something unfavorable to the
Filipinos. They seem to forget that in almost every case the reason for the
rupture has been some act of those who were pretending to civilize helpless
peoples by force of arms and at the cost of their native land. What would these
same writers have said if the crimes committed by the Spaniards, the
Portuguese and the Dutch in their colonies had been committed by the
islanders?
The Japanese were not in error when they suspected the Spanish and
Portuguese religious propaganda to have political motives back of the missionary
activities. Witness the Moluccas where Spanish missionaries served as spies;
Cambodia, which it was sought to conquer under cloak of converting; and many
other nations, among them the Filipinos, where the sacrament of baptism made
of the inhabitants not only subjects of the King of Spain but also slaves of the
encomenderos, and as well slaves of the churches and convents. What would
Japan have been now had not its emperors uprooted Catholicism? A missionary
record of 1625 sets forth that the King of Spain had arranged with certain
members of Philippine religious orders that, under guise of preaching the faith
and making Christians, they should win over the Japanese and oblige them to
make themselves of the Spanish party, and finally it told of a plan whereby the
King of Spain should become also King of Japan. In corroboration of this may be
cited the claims that Japan fell within the Pope's demarcation lines for Spanish
expansion and so there was complaint of missionaries other than Spanish there.
Therefore, it was not for religion that they were converting the infidels!
The raid by Datus Sali and Silonga of Mindanao, in 1599 with 50 sailing vessels
and 3,000 warriors, against the capital of Panay, is the first act of piracy by the
inhabitants of the South which is recorded in Philippine history. I say "by the
inhabitants of the South" because earlier there had been other acts of piracy, the
earliest being that of Magellan's expedition when it seized the shipping of friendly
islands and even of those whom they did not know, extorting for them heavy
ransoms. It will be remembered that these Moro piracies continued for more than
two centuries, during which the indomitable sons of the South made captives and
carried fire and sword not only in neighboring islands but into Manila Bay to
Malate, to the very gates of the capital, and not once a year merely but at times
repeating their raids five and six times in a single season. Yet the government
was unable to repel them or to defend the people whom it had disarmed and left
without protection. Estimating that the cost to the islands was but 800 victims a
year, still the total would be more than 200,000 persons sold into slavery or
killed, all sacrificed together with so many other things to the prestige of that
empty title, Spanish sovereignty.
Still the Spaniards say that the Filipinos have contributed nothing to Mother
Spain, and that it is the islands which owe everything. It may be so, but what
about the enormous sum of gold which was taken from the islands in the early
years of Spanish rule, of the tributes collected by the encomenderos, of the nine
million dollars yearly collected to pay the military, expenses of the employees,
diplomatic agents, corporations and the like, charged to the Philippines, with
salaries paid out of the Philippine treasury not only for those who come to the
Philippines but also for those who leave, to some who never have been and
never will be in the islands, as well as to others who have nothing to do with
them. Yet all of this is as nothing in comparison with so many captives gone,
such a great number of soldiers killed in expeditions, islands depopulated, their
inhabitants sold as slaves by the Spaniards themselves, the death of industry,
the demoralization of the Filipinos, and so forth, and so forth. Enormous indeed
would the benefits which that sacred civilization brought to the archipelago have
to be in order to counterbalance so heavy a-cost.
While Japan was preparing to invade the Philippines, these islands were sending
expeditions to Tonquin and Cambodia, leaving the homeland helpless even
against the undisciplined hordes from the South, so obsessed were the
Spaniards with the idea of making conquests.
In the alleged victory of Morga over the Dutch ships, the latter found upon the
bodies of five Spaniards, who lost their lives in that combat, little silver boxes
filled with prayers and invocations to the saints. Here would seem to be the origin
of the anting-anting of the modern tulisanes, which are also of a religious
character.
In Morga's time, the Philippines exported silk to Japan whence now comes the
best quality of that merchandise.
Morga's views upon the failure of Governor Pedro de Acuna’s ambitious

expedition against the Moros unhappily still apply for the same conditions yet
exist. For fear of uprisings and loss of Spain's sovereignty over the islands, the
inhabitants were disarmed, leaving them exposed to the harassing of a powerful
and dreaded enemy. Even now, though the use of steam vessels has put an end
to piracy from outside, the same fatal system still is followed. The peaceful
countryfolk are deprived of arms and thus made unable to defend themselves
against the bandits, or tulisanes, which the government cannot restrain. It is an
encouragement to banditry thus to make easy its getting booty.
Hernando de los Rios blames these Moluccan wars for the fact that at first the
Philippines were a source of expense to Spain instead of profitable in spite of the
tremendous sacrifices of the Filipinos, their practically gratuitous labor in building
and equipping the galleons, and despite, too, the tribute, tariffs and other imposts
and monopolies. These wars to gain the Moluccas, which soon were lost forever
with the little that had been so laboriously obtained, were a heavy drain upon the
Philippines. They depopulated the country and bankrupted the treasury, with not
the slightest compensating benefit. True also is it that it was to gain the Moluccas
that Spain kept the Philippines, the desire for the rich spice islands being one of
the most powerful arguments when, because of their expense to him, the King
thought of withdrawing and abandoning them.
Among the Filipinos who aided the government when the Manila Chinese
revolted, Argensola says there were 4,000 Pampangans "armed after the way of
their land, with bows and arrows, short lances, shields, and broad and long
daggers." Some Spanish writers say that the Japanese volunteers and the
Filipinos showed themselves cruel in slaughtering the Chinese refugees. This
may very well have been so, considering the hatred and rancor then existing, but
those in command set the example.
The loss of two Mexican galleons in 1603 called forth no comment from the
religious chroniclers who were accustomed to see the avenging hand of God in
the misfortunes and accidents of their enemies. Yet there were repeated
shipwrecks of the vessels that carried from the Philippines wealth which
encomenderos had extorted from the Filipinos, using force, or making their own
laws, and, when not using these open means, cheating by the weights and
measures.
The Filipino chiefs who at their own expense went with the Spanish expedition
against Ternate, in the Moluccas, in 1605, were Don Guillermo Palaot, maestro
de campo, and Captains Francisco Palaot, Juan Lit, Luis Lont, and Agustin Lont.
They had with them 400 Tagalogs and Kapampangans. The leaders bore
themselves bravely for Argensola writes that in the assault on Ternate, "No
officer, Spaniard or Indian, went unscathed."
The Cebuanos drew a pattern on the skin before starting in to tattoo. The
Bisayan usage then was the same procedure that the Japanese today follow.
Ancient traditions ascribe the origin of the Malay Filipinos to the island of
Sumatra. These traditions were almost completely lost as well as the mythology
and the genealogies of which the early historians tell, thanks to the zeal of the
missionaries in eradicating all national remembrances as heathen or idolatrous.
The study of ethnology is restoring this somewhat.
The chiefs used to wear upper garments, usually of Indian fine gauze according
to Colin, of red color, a shade for which they had the same fondness that the
Romans had. The barbarous tribes in Mindanao still have the same taste.
The "easy virtue" of the native women that historians note is not solely
attributable to the simplicity with which they obeyed their natural instincts but
much more due to a religious belief of which Father Chirino tells. It was that in
the journey after death to "Kalualhatian," the abode of the spirit, there was a
dangerous river to cross that had no bridge other than a very narrow strip of
wood over which a woman could not pass unless she had a husband or lover to
extend a hand to assist her. Furthermore, the religious annals of the early
missions are filled with countless instances where native maidens chose death
rather than sacrifice their chastity to the threats and violence of encomenderos
and Spanish soldiers. As to the mercenary social evil, that is worldwide and there
is no nation that can 'throw the first stone' at any other. For the rest, today the
Philippines has no reason to blush in comparing its womankind with the women
of the most chaste nation in the world.
Morga's remark that the Filipinos like fish better when it is commencing to turn
bad is another of those prejudices which Spaniards like all other nations, have. In
matters of food, each is nauseated with what he is unaccustomed to or doesn't
know is eatable. The English, for example, find their gorge rising when they see
a Spaniard eating snails, while in turn the Spanish find roast beef English-style
repugnant and can't understand the relish of other Europeans for beefsteak a la
Tartar which to them is simply raw meat. The Chinaman, who likes shark's meat,
cannot bear Roquefort cheese, and these examples might be indefinitely
extended. The Filipinos' favorite fish dish is the bagoong and whoever has tried
to eat it knows that it is not considered improved when tainted.
Colin says the ancient Filipinos had minstrels who had memorized songs telling
their genealogies and of the deeds ascribed to their deities. These were chanted
on voyages in cadence with the rowing, or at festivals, or funerals, or wherever
there happened to be any considerable gatherings. It is regrettable that these
chants have not been preserved as from them it would have been possible to
learn much of the Filipinos' past and possibly of the history of neighboring
islands.
The cannon foundry mentioned by Morga as in the walled city was probably on
the site of the Tagalog one which was destroyed by fire on the first coming of the
Spaniards. That established in 1584 was in Lamayan, that is, Santa Ana now,
and was transferred to the old site in 1590. It continued to work until 1805.
According to Gaspar San Agustin, the cannon which the pre-Spanish Filipinos
cast were "as great as those of Malaga," Spain's foundry. The Filipino plant was
burned with all that was in it save a dozen large cannons and some smaller
pieces which the Spanish invaders took back with them to Panay. The rest of
their artillery equipment had been thrown by the Manilans, then Moros, into the
sea when they recognized their defeat.
Malate, better Maalat, was where the Tagalog aristocracy lived after they were
dispossessed by the Spaniards of their old homes in what is now the walled city
of Manila. Among the Malate residents were the families of Raja Matanda and
Raja Soliman. The men had various positions in Manila and some were
employed in government work nearby. "They were very courteous and well-
mannered," says San Agustin. "The women were very expert in lacemaking, so
much so that they were not at all behind the women of Flanders."
Morga's statement that there was not a province or town of the Filipinos that
resisted conversion or did not want it may have been true of the civilized natives.
But the contrary was the fact among the mountain tribes. We have the testimony
of several Dominican and Augustinian missionaries that it was impossible to go
anywhere to make conversions without other Filipinos along and a guard of
soldiers. "Otherwise, says Gaspar de San Agustin, there would have been no
fruit of the Evangelic Doctrine gathered, for the infidels wanted to kill the Friars
who came to preach to them." An example of this method of conversion given by
the same writer was a trip to the mountains by two Friars who had a numerous
escort of Pampangans. The escort's leader was Don Agustin Sonson who had a
reputation for daring and carried fire and sword into the country, killing many,
including the chief, Kabadi.
"The Spaniards, says Morga, were accustomed to hold as slaves such natives
as they bought and others that they took in the forays in the conquest or
pacification of the islands." Consequently, in this respect the "pacifiers"
introduced no moral improvement. We even do not know if in their wars the
Filipinos used to make slaves of each other, though that would not have been
strange, for the chroniclers tell of captives returned to their own people. The
practice of the Southern pirates almost proves this, although in these piratical
wars the Spaniards were the first aggressors and gave them their character.
Source: Rizal's Life and Minor Writings, pp. 310-331, Austin Craig, 1929,
Translations were made by Mr. Chas. E. Derbyshire for the author.
UNIT 11
NOLI ME TANGERE
EL FILIBUSTERISMO
 Appraise important characters in the novel and what they represent

 Examine the present Philippine situation through the examples mentioned in
the Noli
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. NOLI ME TANGERE
Noli Me Tangere is a novel by Filipino polymath and national hero José Rizal
first published in 1887 in Berlin. Early English translations used titles like An
Eagle Flight (1900) and The Social Cancer (1912), but more recent translations
have been published using the original Latin title.
Though originally written in Spanish, it is more commonly published and read in

the Philippines in either Filipino or English. Together with its sequel, El
Filibusterismo, the reading of Noli is obligatory for junior high school students
throughout the archipelago.
PLOT SUMMARY
Having completed his studies in Europe, young Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y

Magsalin comes back to the Philippines after a 7-year absence. In his honor,
Don Santiago de los Santos, a family friend commonly known as Captain Tiago,
threw a get-together party, which was attended by friars and other prominent
figures. One of the guests, former San Diego curate Fray Dámaso Vardolagas
belittled and slandered Ibarra. Ibarra brushed off the insults and took no offense;
he instead politely excused himself and left the party because of an allegedly
important task.
The next day, Ibarra visits María Clara, his betrothed, the beautiful daughter of
Captain Tiago and affluent resident of Binondo. Their long-standing love was
clearly manifested in this meeting, and María Clara cannot help but reread the
letters her sweetheart had written her before he went to Europe. Before Ibarra
left for San Diego, Lieutenant Guevara, a Civil Guard, reveals to him the
incidents preceding the death of his father, Don Rafael Ibarra, a rich hacendero
of the town.
According to Guevara, Don Rafael was unjustly accused of being a heretic, in

addition to being a subservient — an allegation brought forth by Dámaso
because of Don Rafael's non-participation in the Sacraments, such as
Confession and Mass. Dámaso's animosity against Ibarra's father is aggravated
by another incident when Don Rafael helped out on a fight between a tax
collector and a child fighting, and the former's death was blamed on him,
although it was not deliberate. Suddenly, all of those who thought ill of him
surfaced with additional complaints. He was imprisoned, and just when the
matter was almost settled, he died of sickness in jail. Still not content with what
he had done, Dámaso arranged for Don Rafael's corpse to be dug up from the
Catholic Church and brought to a Chinese cemetery, because he thought it
inappropriate to allow a heretic a Catholic burial ground. Unfortunately, it was
raining and because of the bothersome weight of the body, the undertakers
decide to throw the corpse into a nearby lake.
Revenge was not in Ibarra's plans, instead he carried through his father's plan of
putting up a school, since he believed that education would pave the way to his
country's progress (all over the novel the author refers to both Spain and the
Philippines as two different countries as part of a same nation or family, with
Spain seen as the mother and the Philippines as the daughter). During the
inauguration of the school, Ibarra would have been killed in a sabotage had Elías
— a mysterious man who had warned Ibarra earlier of a plot to assassinate him
— not saved him. Instead the hired killer met an unfortunate incident and died.
The sequence of events proved to be too traumatic for María Clara who got
seriously ill but was luckily cured by the medicine Ibarra sent.
After the inauguration, Ibarra hosted a luncheon during which Dámaso, gate-
crashing the luncheon, again insulted him. Ibarra ignored the priest's insolence,
but when the latter slandered the memory of his dead father, he was no longer
able to restrain himself and lunged at Dámaso, prepared to stab him for his
impudence. As a consequence, Dámaso excommunicated Ibarra, taking this
opportunity to persuade the already-hesitant Tiago to forbid his daughter from
marrying Ibarra. The friar wished María Clara to marry Linares, a Peninsular who
had just arrived from Spain.
With the help of the Governor-General, Ibarra's excommunication was nullified

and the Archbishop decided to accept him as a member of the Church once
again. But, as fate would have it, some incident of which Ibarra had known
nothing about was blamed on him, and he is wrongly arrested and imprisoned.
The accusation against him was then overruled because during the litigation that
followed, nobody could testify that he was indeed involved. Unfortunately, his
letter to María Clara somehow got into the hands of the jury and is manipulated
such that it then became evidence against him by the parish priest, Fray Salví.
With Machiavellian precision, Salví framed Ibarra and ruined his life just so he
could stop him from marrying María Clara and making the latter his concubine.
Meanwhile, in Capitan Tiago's residence, a party was being held to announce

the upcoming wedding of María Clara and Linares. Ibarra, with the help of Elías,
took this opportunity to escape from prison. Before leaving, Ibarra spoke to María
Clara and accused her of betraying him, thinking that she gave the letter he
wrote her to the jury. María Clara explained that she would never conspire
against him, but that she was forced to surrender Ibarra's letter to Father Salvi, in
exchange for the letters written by her mother even before she, María Clara, was
born. The letters were from her mother, Pía Alba, to Dámaso alluding to their
unborn child; and that María Clara was therefore not Captain Tiago's biological
daughter, but Dámaso's.
Afterwards, Ibarra and Elías fled by boat. Elías instructed Ibarra to lie down,
covering him with grass to conceal his presence. As luck would have it, they
were spotted by their enemies. Elías, thinking he could outsmart them, jumped
into the water. The guards rained shots on him, all the while not knowing that
they were aiming at the wrong man.
María Clara, thinking that Ibarra had been killed in the shooting incident, was
greatly overcome with grief. Robbed of hope and severely disillusioned, she
asked Dámaso to confine her into a nunnery. Dámaso reluctantly agreed when
she threatened to take her own life, demanding, "The nunnery or death!"
Unbeknownst to her, Ibarra was still alive and able to escape. It was Elías who
had taken the shots.
It was Christmas Eve when Elías woke up in the forest fatally wounded, as it is
here where he instructed Ibarra to meet him. Instead, Elías found the altar boy
Basilio cradling his already-dead mother, Sisa. The latter lost her mind when she
learned that her two sons, Crispín and Basilio, were chased out of the convent
by the sacristan mayor on suspicions of stealing sacred objects. (The truth is
that, it was the sacristan mayor who stole the objects and only pinned the blame
on the two boys. The said sacristan mayor actually killed Crispín while
interrogating him on the supposed location of the sacred objects. It was implied
that the body was never found and the incident was covered-up by Salví).
Elías, convinced that he would die soon, instructs Basilio to build a funeral pyre
and burn his and Sisa's bodies to ashes. He tells Basilio that, if nobody reaches
the place, he come back later on and dig for he will find gold. He also tells him
(Basilio) to take the gold he finds and go to school. In his dying breath, he
instructed Basilio to continue dreaming about freedom for his motherland with
the words:
“ I shall die without seeing the dawn break upon my homeland. You, who
shall see it, salute it! Do not forget those who have fallen during the night. ”
Elías died thereafter.
In the epilogue, it was explained that Tiago became addicted to opium and was
seen to frequent the opium house in Binondo to satiate his addiction. María Clara
became a nun where Salví, who has lusted after her from the beginning of the
novel, regularly used her to fulfill his lust. One stormy evening, a beautiful crazy
woman was seen at the top of the convent crying and cursing the heavens for
the fate it has handed her. While the woman was never identified, it is suggested
that the said woman was María Clara.
Publication of the Noli
Rizal finished the novel on December 1886. At first, according to one of Rizal's
biographers, Rizal feared the novel might not be printed, and that it would remain
unread. He was struggling with financial constraints at the time and thought it
would be hard to pursue printing the novel. A financial aid came from a friend
named Máximo Viola which helped him print his book at a fine print media in
Berlin named Berliner Buchdruckerei-Actiengesellschaft. Rizal at first, however,
hesitated but Viola insisted and ended up lending Rizal P300 for 2,000 copies;
Noli was eventually printed in Berlin, Germany. The printing was finished earlier
than the estimated five months. Viola arrived in Berlin in December 1886, and by
March 21, 1887, Rizal had sent a copy of the novel to his friend Blumentritt.
On August 21, 2007, a 480-page then-latest English version of Noli Me Tangere

was released to major Australian book stores. The Australian edition of the novel
was published by Penguin Books Classics, to represent the publication's
"commitment to publish the major literary classics of the world”. American writer
Harold Augenbraum, who first read the Noli in 1992, translated the novel. A
writer well-acquainted with translating other Hispanophone literary works,
Augenbraum proposed to translate the novel after being asked for his next
assignment in the publishing company. Intrigued by the novel and knowing more
about it, Penguin nixed their plan of adapting existing English versions and
instead translated it on their own.
This novel and its sequel, El Filibusterismo (nicknamed El Fili), were banned in
some parts of the Philippines because of their portrayal of corruption and abuse
by the country's Spanish government and clergy. Copies of the book were
smuggled in nevertheless, and when Rizal returned to the Philippines after
completing medical studies, he quickly ran afoul of the local government. A few
days after his arrival, Governor-General Emilio Terrero summoned Rizal to the
Malacañang Palace and told him of the charge that Noli Me Tangere contained
subversive statements. After a discussion, the Governor General was appeased
but still unable to offer resistance against the pressure of the Church against the
book. The persecution can be discerned from Rizal's letter to Leitmeritz:
“My book made a lot of noise; everywhere, I am asked about it. They wanted to
anathematize me ('to excommunicate me') because of it... I am considered a
German spy, an agent of Bismarck, they say I am a Protestant, a freemason, a
sorcerer, a damned soul and evil. It is whispered that I want to draw plans, that I
have a foreign passport and that I wander through the streets by night...”
Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, and then later arrested for "inciting rebellion" based
largely on his writings. Rizal was executed in Manila on December 30, 1896 at
the age of thirty-five.
Rizal depicted nationality by emphasizing the qualities of Filipinos: the devotion

of a Filipina and her influence on a man's life, the deep sense of gratitude, and
the solid common sense of the Filipinos under the Spanish regime.
The work was instrumental in creating a unified Filipino national identity and
consciousness, as many natives previously identified with their respective
regions. It lampooned, caricatured and exposed various elements in colonial
society. Two characters in particular have become classics in Filipino culture:
Maria Clara, who has become a personification of the ideal Filipina woman,
loving and unwavering in her loyalty to her spouse; and the priest Father
Dámaso, who reflects the covert fathering of illegitimate children by members of
the Spanish clergy.
The book indirectly influenced a revolution, even though the author actually
advocated direct representation to the Spanish government and a larger role for
the Philippines within Spain's political affairs. In 1956, the Congress of the
Philippines passed the Republic Act 1425, more popularly known as the Rizal
Law, which requires all levels of Philippine schools to teach the novel as part of
their curriculum. Noli Me Tangere is being taught to third year secondary school
students, while its sequel El Filibusterismo is being taught for fourth year
secondary school students. The novels are incorporated to their study and
survey of Philippine literature.
Major Characters
Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin, commonly referred to the novel as Ibarra

or Crisóstomo, is the protagonist in the story. Son of a Filipino businessman, Don
Rafael Ibarra, he studied in Europe for seven years. Ibarra is also María Clara's
fiancé. Several sources claim that Ibarra is also Rizal's reflection: both studied in
Europe and both persons believe in the same ideas. Upon his return, Ibarra
requested the local government of San Diego to construct a public school to
promote education in the town.
In the sequel of Noli, El Filibusterismo, Ibarra returned with different character
and name: he called himself as Simoun, the English mestizo.
María Clara de los Santos y Alba, commonly referred to as María Clara, is

Ibarra's fiancée. She was raised by Capitán Tiago, San Diego's cabeza de
barangay and is the most beautiful and widely celebrated girl in San Diego. In
the later parts of the novel, María Clara's identity was revealed as an illegitimate
daughter of Father Dámaso, former parish curate of the town, and Doña Pía
Alba, wife of Capitán Tiago. In the end she entered local covenant for nuns
Beaterio de Santa Clara. In the epilogue dealing with the fate of the characters,
Rizal stated that it is unknown if María Clara is still living within the walls of the
covenant or she is already dead.
The character of María Clara was patterned after Leonor Rivera, Rizal's first
cousin and childhood sweetheart.
Don Santiago de los Santos, known by his nickname Tiago and political title
Capitán Tiago is a Filipino businessman and the cabeza de barangay or head of
barangay of the town of San Diego. He is also the known father of María Clara.
In the novel, it is said that Capitán Tiago is the richest man in the region of
Binondo and he possessed real properties in Pampanga and Laguna de Bay. He
is also said to be a good Catholic, friend of the Spanish government and was
considered as a Spanish by colonialists. Capitán Tiago never attended school,
so he became a domestic helper of a Dominican friar who taught him informal
education. He married Pía Alba from Santa Cruz.
Dámaso Verdolagas, or Padre Dámaso is a Franciscan friar and the former

parish curate of San Diego. He is best known as a notorious character that
speaks with harsh words and has been a cruel priest during his stay in the town.
He is the real father of María Clara and an enemy of Crisóstomo's father, Rafael
Ibarra. Later, he and María Clara had bitter arguments whether she would marry
Alfonso Linares or go to a convent. At the end of the novel, he is again re-
assigned to a distant town and is found dead one day.
In popular culture, when a priest was said to be like Padre Dámaso, it means
that he is a cruel but respectable individual. When one says a child is "Anak ni
Padre Damaso" (child of Padre Dámaso), it means that the child's father's
identity is unknown.
Elías is Ibarra's mysterious friend and ally. Elías made his first appearance as a
pilot during a picnic of Ibarra and María Clara and her friends. He wants to
revolutionize the country and to be freed from Spanish oppression.
Filosofo Tacio, known by his Filipinized name Pilosopo Tasyo is another major
character in the story. Seeking for reforms from the government, he expresses
his ideals in paper written in a cryptographic alphabet similar from hieroglyphs
and Coptic figures hoping "that the future generations may be able to decipher it"
and realized the abuse and oppression done by the conquerors.
His full name is only known as Don Anastacio. The educated inhabitants of San
Diego labeled him as Filosofo Tacio (Tacio the Sage) while others called him as
Tacio el Loco (Insane Tacio) due to his exceptional talent for reasoning.
Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña, commonly known as Doña

Victorina, is an ambitious Filipina who classifies herself as Spanish and mimics
Spanish ladies by putting on heavy make-up. The novel narrates Doña
Victorina's younger days: she had lots of admirers, but she did not choose any of
them because nobody was a Spaniard. Later on, she met and married Don
Tiburcio de Espadaña, an official of the customs bureau who is about ten years
her junior. However, their marriage is childless.
Her husband assumes the title of medical doctor even though he never attended
medical school; using fake documents and certificates, Tiburcio practices illegal
medicine. Tiburcio's usage of the title Dr. consequently makes Victorina assume
the title Dra. (doctora, female doctor). Apparently, she uses the whole name
Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña, with double de to emphasize her
marriage surname. She seems to feel that this awkward titling makes her more
"sophisticated."
Sisa, Crispín, and Basilio represent a Filipino family persecuted by the Spanish
authorities. Narcisa or Sisa is the deranged mother of Basilio and Crispín.
Described as beautiful and young, although she loves her children very much,
she cannot protect them from the beatings of her husband, Pedro.
Crispín is Sisa's 7-year-old son. An altar boy, he was unjustly accused of
stealing money from the church. After failing to force Crispín to return the money
he allegedly stole, Father Salví and the head sacristan killed him. It is not directly
stated that he was killed, but the dream of Basilio suggests that Crispín died
during his encounter with Padre Salvi and his minion.
Basilio is Sisa's 10-year-old son. An acolyte tasked to ring the church bells for
the Angelus, he faced the dread of losing his younger brother and the descent of
his mother into insanity. At the end of the novel, Elías wished Basilio to bury him
by burning in exchange of chest of gold located on his death ground. He will later
play a major role in El Filibusterismo.
Due to their tragic but endearing story, these characters are often parodied in
modern Filipino popular culture.
There are a number of secondary and minor characters in Noli Me Tangere.

Items indicated inside the parenthesis are the standard Filipinization of the
Spanish names in the novel.
Padre Hernando de la Sibyla is a Dominican friar. He is described as short and

has fair skin. He is instructed by an old priest in his order to watch Crisóstomo
Ibarra.
Padre Bernardo Salví is the Franciscan curate of San Diego, secretly harboring
lust for María Clara. He is described to be very thin and sickly. It is also hinted
that his last name, "Salvi" is the shorter form of "Salvi" meaning Salvation, or
"Salvi" is short for "Salvaje" meaning bad hinting to the fact that he is willing to
kill an innocent child, Crispin, just to get his money back, though there was not
enough evidence that it was Crispin who has stolen his 2 onzas.
El Alférez or Alperes is the chief of the Guardia Civil; mortal enemy of the
priests for power in San Diego and husband of Doña Consolacion.
Doña Consolacíon is the wife of the Alférez, nicknamed as la musa de los

guardias civiles (The muse of the Civil Guards) or la Alféreza, was a former
laundrywoman who passes herself as a Peninsular; best remembered for her
abusive treatment of Sisa.
Don Tiburcio de Espadaña is a Spanish Quack Doctor who is limp and
submissive to his wife, Doña Victorina.
Teniente Guevara is a close friend of Don Rafael Ibarra. He reveals to

Crisóstomo how Don Rafael Ibarra's death came about.
Alfonso Linares is a distant nephew of Tiburcio de Espanada, the would-be

fiancé of María Clara. Although he presented himself as a practitioner of law, it
was later revealed that he, just like Don Tiburcio, is a fraud. He later died due to
given medications of Don Tiburcio.
Tía Isabel is Capitán Tiago's cousin, who raised Maria Clara.
Governor General (Gobernador Heneral) is the Unnamed person in the novel,

he is the most powerful official in the Philippines. He has great disdain for the
friars and corrupt officials, and sympathizes with Ibarra.
Don Filipo Lino is the vice mayor of the town of San Diego, leader of the
liberals.
Padre Manuel Martín is the linguist curate of a nearby town who delivers the
sermon during San Diego's fiesta.
Don Rafael Ibarra is the father of Crisóstomo Ibarra. Though he is the richest
man in San Diego, he is also the most virtuous and generous.
Doña Pía Alba is the wife of Capitan Tiago and mother of María Clara, she died
giving birth to her daughter. In reality, she was raped by Dámaso so she could
bear a child.
These characters were mentioned in the novel, appeared once, mentioned many
times or have no major contribution to the storyline.
Don Pedro Y Barramendia is the great-grandfather of Crisóstomo Ibarra who

came from the Basque area of Spain. He started the misfortunes of Elias' family.
His descendants abbreviated their surname to Ibarra. He died of unknown
reasons, but was seen as a decaying corpse on a Balite Tree.
Don Saturnino Ibarra is the son of Don Pedro, father of Don Rafael and
grandfather of Crisóstomo Ibarra. He was the one who developed the town of
San Diego. He was described as a cruel man but was very clever.
Sinang is Maria Clara's friend. Because Crisóstomo Ibarra offered half of the
school he was building to Sinang, he gained Capitan Basilio's support.
Iday, Neneng and Victoria are Maria Clara's other friends.
Capitán Basilio is Sinang's father, leader of the conservatives.
Pedro is the abusive husband of Sisa who loves cockfighting.
Tandáng Pablo is the leader of the tulisanes (bandits), whose family was
destroyed because of the Spaniards.
El hombre amarillo (apparently means "yellowish person", named as Taong

Madilaw) is one of Crisostomo Ibarra's would-be assassins. He is not named in
the novel, and only described as such. In the novel, he carved the cornerstone
for Ibarra's school. Instead of killing Ibarra, he was killed by his cornerstone.
Lucas is the brother of the taong madilaw. He planned a revolution against the
government with Ibarra as the leader after he was turned down by Ibarra. He
was said to have a scar on his left cheek. He would later be killed by the
Sakristan Mayor.
Bruno and Tarsilo are a pair of brothers whose father was killed by the
Spaniards.
Ñor Juan (Ñol Juan) is the appointed as foreman of the school to be built by
Ibarra
Capitana Tika is Sinang's mother and wife of Capitan Basilio.
Albino - a former seminarian who joined the picnic with Ibarra and María Clara.
He was later captured during the revolution.
Capitana María Elena is a nationalist woman who defends Ibarra of the memory
of his father.
Capitán Tinong and Capitán Valentín are other known people from the town of
San Diego.
Sacristán Mayor is the one who governs the altar boys and killed Crispín for his
accusation.
B. EL FILIBUSTERISMO
El Filibusterismo (lit. Spanish for "The Filibustering"), also known by its English
alternate title The Reign of Greed, is the second novel written by Philippine
national hero José Rizal. It is the sequel to Noli Me Tangere and like the first
book was written in Spanish. It was first published in 1891 in Ghent, Belgium.
Throughout the Philippines, the novel is read in senior high schools.
Plot Summary
Thirteen years after leaving the Philippines, Crisostomo Ibarra returns as

Simoun, a rich jeweler sporting a beard and blue-tinted glasses, and a confidant
of the Captain-General. Abandoning his idealism, he becomes a cynical
saboteur, seeking revenge against the Spanish Philippine system responsible for
his misfortunes by plotting a revolution. Simoun insinuates himself into Manila
high society and influences every decision of the Captain-General to mismanage
the country’s affairs so that a revolution will break out. He cynically sides with the
upper classes, encouraging them to commit abuses against the masses to
encourage the latter to revolt against the oppressive Spanish colonial regime.
This time, he does not attempt to fight the authorities through legal means, but
through violent revolution using the masses. Simoun has reasons for instigating
a revolution. First is to rescue María Clara from the convent and second, to get
rid of ills and evils of Philippine society. His true identity is discovered by a now
grown-up Basilio while visiting the grave of his mother, Sisa, as Simoun was
digging near the grave site for his buried treasures. Simoun spares Basilio’s life
and asks him to join in his planned revolution against the government, egging
him on by bringing up the tragic misfortunes of the latter's family. Basilio declines
the offer as he still hopes that the country’s condition will improve.
Basilio, at this point, is a graduating student of medicine at the Ateneo Municipal

de Manila. After the death of his mother, Sisa, and the disappearance of his
younger brother, Crispín, Basilio heeded the advice of the dying boatman, Elías,
and traveled to Manila to study. Basilio was adopted by Captain Tiago after
María Clara entered the convent. With Captain Tiago’s help, Basilio was able to
go to Colegio de San Juan de Letrán where, at first, he is frowned upon by his
peers and teachers not only because of the color of his skin but also because of
his shabby appearance. Captain Tiago’s confessor, Father Irene is making
Captain Tiago’s health worse by giving him opium even as Basilio tries hard to
prevent Captain Tiago from smoking it. He and other students want to establish a
Spanish language academy so that they can learn to speak and write Spanish
despite the opposition from the Dominican friars of the Universidad de Santo
Tomás. With the help of a reluctant Father Irene as their mediator and Don
Custodio’s decision, the academy is established; however, they will only serve as
caretakers of the school not as the teachers. Dejected and defeated, they hold a
mock celebration at a pancitería while a spy for the friars witnesses the
proceedings.
Simoun, for his part, keeps in close contact with the bandit group of Kabesang
Tales, a former cabeza de barangay who suffered misfortunes at the hands of
the friars. Once a farmer owning a prosperous sugarcane plantation and a
cabeza de barangay (barangay head), he was forced to give everything to the
greedy and unscrupulous Spanish friars. His son, Tano, who became a civil
guard, was captured by bandits; his daughter Hulî had to work as a maid to get
enough ransom money for his freedom; and his father, Tandang Selo, suffered a
stroke and became mute. Before joining the bandits, Tales took Simoun’s
revolver while Simoun was staying at his house for the night. As payment, Tales
leaves a locket that once belonged to María Clara. To further strengthen the
revolution, Simoun has Quiroga, a Chinese man hoping to be appointed consul
to the Philippines, smuggle weapons into the country using Quiroga’s bazaar as
a front. Simoun wishes to attack during a stage play with all of his enemies in
attendance. He, however, abruptly aborts the attack when he learns from Basilio
that María Clara had died earlier that day in the convent.
A few days after the mock celebration by the students, the people are agitated
when disturbing posters are found displayed around the city. The authorities
accuse the students present at the pancitería of agitation and disturbing peace
and have them arrested. Basilio, although not present at the mock celebration, is
also arrested. Captain Tiago dies after learning of the incident and as stated in
his will—forged by Irene, all his possessions are given to the Church, leaving
nothing for Basilio. Basilio is left in prison as the other students are released. A
high official tries to intervene for the release of Basilio but the Captain-General,
bearing grudges against the high official, coerces him to tender his resignation.
Julî, Basilio’s girlfriend and the daughter of Kabesang Tales, tries to ask Father
Camorra’s help upon the advice of an elder woman. Instead of helping Julî,
however, the priest tries to rape her as he has long-hidden desires for Julî. Julî,
rather than submit to the will of the friar, jumps over the balcony to her death.
Basilio is soon released with the help of Simoun. Basilio, now a changed man,
after hearing about Julî's suicide, finally joins Simoun’s revolution. Simoun then
tells Basilio his plan at the wedding of Paulita Gómez and Juanito, Basilio’s
hunch-backed classmate. His plan was to conceal an explosive inside a
pomegranate-styled Kerosene lamp that Simoun will give to the newlyweds as a
gift during the wedding reception. The reception will take place at the former
home of the late Captain Tiago, which was now filled with explosives planted by
Simoun. According to Simoun, the lamp will stay lighted for only 20 minutes
before it flickers; if someone attempts to turn the wick, it will explode and kill
everyone—important members of civil society and the Church hierarchy—inside
the house. Basilio has a change of heart and attempts to warn Isagani, his friend
and the former boyfriend of Paulita. Simoun leaves the reception early as
planned and leaves a note behind:
“Mene Thecel Phares.”- Juan Crisostomo Ibarra
Initially thinking that it was simply a bad joke, Father Salví recognizes the
handwriting and confirms that it was indeed Ibarra’s. As people begin to panic,
the lamp flickers. Father Irene tries to turn the wick up when Isagani, due to his
undying love for Paulita, bursts in the room and throws the lamp into the river,
sabotaging Simoun's plans. He escapes by diving into the river as the guards
chase after him. He later regrets his impulsive action because he had
contradicted his own belief that he loved his nation more than Paulita and that
the explosion and revolution could have fulfilled his ideals for Filipino society.
Simoun, now unmasked as the perpetrator of the attempted arson and failed
revolution, becomes a fugitive. Wounded and exhausted after he was shot by the
pursuing Guardia Civil, he seeks shelter at the home of Father Florentino,
Isagani’s uncle, and comes under the care of Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña,
Doña Victorina's husband, who was also hiding at the house. Simoun takes
poison in order for him not to be captured alive. Before he dies, he reveals his
real identity to Florentino while they exchange thoughts about the failure of his
revolution and why God forsook him. Florentino opines that God did not forsake
him and that his plans were not for the greater good but for personal gain.
Simoun, finally accepting Florentino’s explanation, squeezes his hand and dies.
Florentino then takes Simoun’s remaining jewels and throws them into the
Pacific Ocean with the corals hoping that they would not be used by the greedy,
and that when the time came that it would be used for the greater good, when
the nation would be finally deserving liberty for themselves, the sea would reveal
the treasures.
Major and Minor Characters:
Simoun - A powerful man who has a great influence over the Kapitan Heneral.
Using this, he plans to destroy the Spaniards as his vendetta for the sufferings of
Crisostomo Ibarra.
Basilio - The eldest of Sisa's two sons, now an aspiring doctor whose medical
education and being financed by Capitan Tiago. He is now at the point of
graduation during the events in the novel.
Isagani - Poet and Basilio's best friend; portrayed as emotional and reactive;
Paulita Gómez' boyfriend before being dumped for fellow student Juanito Peláez
Kabesang Tales - Cabeza Telesforo Juan de Dios, a former cabeza de

barangay (barangay head) of Sagpang, a barangay in San Diego's neighboring
town Tiani, who resurfaced as the feared Luzón bandit Matanglawin (Tagalog for
"Hawkeye");
Don Custodio - Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monteredondo, a famous

"journalist" who was asked by the students about his decision for the Academia
de Castellano. In reality, he is quite an ordinary fellow who married a rich woman
in order to be a member of Manila's high society.
Paulita Gomez - The girlfriend of Isagani and the niece of Doña Victorina, the
old Indio who passes herself off as a Peninsular, who is the wife of the quack
doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña. In the end, she and Juanito Peláez are wed, and
she dumps Isagani, believing that she will have no future if she marries him.
Macaraig - One of Isagani's classmates at the University of Santo Tomas. He is

a rich student and serves as the leader of the students yearning to build the
Academia de Castellano.
Father Florentino - Isagani's godfather, and a secular priest; was engaged to be

married, but chose to be a priest after being pressured by his mother, the story
hinting at the ambivalence of his decision as he chooses an assignment to a
remote place, living in solitude near the sea.
Juli - Juliana de Dios, the girlfriend of Basilio, and the youngest daughter of
Kabesang Tales. To claim her father from the bandits, she had to work as a maid
under the supervision of Hermana Penchang. Eventually, she was freed but
committed suicide after Father Camorra attempted to rape her.
Juanito Pelaez - The son of Don Timoteo Pelaez, a Spanish businessman, he is

also one of the members of Macaraig's gang who wish to have the Academia de
Castellano built. He is considered by Isagani as his rival to Paulita Gomez, the
woman whom he fell in love and wed in the end. Placido Penitente considers him
as a "good for nothing" classmate.
Doña Victorina - Victorina delos Reyes de Espadaña, known in Noli Me

Tangere as Tiburcio de Espadaña's cruel wife. She is the aunt of Paulita Gomez,
and favors Juanito Pelaez than Isagani. Although of Indio ideology, she
considers herself as one of the Peninsular.
Father Camorra - The parish priest of Tiani, San Diego's adjacent town. He has
been desiring young women ever since. He nearly raped Juli causing the latter to
commit suicide.
Ben-Zayb - The pseudonym of Abraham Ibañez, a journalist who believes he is

the "only" one thinking in the Philippines. Ben-Zayb is an anagram of Ybanez, an
alternate spelling of his name.
Placido Penitente - A student of the University of Santo Tomas who was very
intelligent and wise but did not want, if not only by his mother's plea, to pursue
his studies. He also controls his temper against Padre Millon, his physics
teacher.
Hermana Penchang - Sagpang's rich pusakal (gambler). She offers Huli to be

her maid so the latter can obtain money to free Kabesang Tales. Disbelieving of
Huli and her close friends, she considers herself as an ally of the friars.
Tiburcio de Espadaña - Don Tiburcio is Victorina de Espadaña's lame husband.

He is currently on hiding with Father Florentino.
Father Írene - Captain Tiago's spiritual adviser. Although reluctant, he helped

the students to establish the Academia de Castellano after being convinced by
giving him a chestnut. The only witness to Captain Tiago's death, he forged the
last will and testament of the latter so Basilio will obtain nothing from the
inheritance.
Quiroga – He is Chinese businessman who dreamed of becoming a consul for

his country in the Philippines. He hid Simoun's weapons inside his house.
Don Timoteo Pelaez - Juanito's father. He is a rich businessmen and arranges

a wedding for his son and Paulita. He and Simoun became business partners.
Tandang Selo - Father of Kabesang Tales. He raised the sick and young Basilio
after he left their house in Noli me Tangere. He died in an encounter on the
mountains with his son Tales.
Father Fernández - The priest-friend of Isagani. He promised to Isagani that he

and the other priests will give in to the students' demands.
Sandoval - The vice-leader of Macaraig's gang. A Spanish classmate of Isagani,

he coerces his fellow classmates to lead alongside him the opening of the
Spanish language academy.
Hermana Báli - Another gambler in Tiani. She became Huli's mother-figure and
counselor; helped to release Kabesang Tales from the hands of bandits.
Pasta - One of the great lawyers of mid-Hispanic Manila, opposed the students'
demands for a Spanish language academy
Father Millon - The Physics teacher of the University of Santo Tomas. He

always becomes vindictive with Placido and always taunts him during class.
Tadeo - Macaraig's classmate. He, along with the other three members of their
gang, supposedly posted the posters that "thanked" Don Custodio and Father
Irene for the opening of the Academia de Castellano.
Leeds - An American who holds stage plays starring decapitated heads; he is

good friends with Simoun.
Tano - Kabesang Tales's elder son after his older sister, Lucia died in childhood.
He is currently one of the Guardia Civil. He then returned under the name
Carolino after his exile in Caroline Islands.
Pepay - Don Custodio's supposed "girlfriend". A dancer, she is always agitated

of her boyfriend’s plans. She seems to be a close friend of Macaraig.
Gobernador General - The highest-ranking official in the Philippines during the

Spanish colonial period, this unnamed character pretends that what he is doing
is for the good of the Indios, the local citizens of the country, but in reality, he
prioritizes the needs of his fellow Spaniards living in the country.
Pecson - Basilio's classmate who had no idea on the happenings occurring

around him. He suggested that they held the mock celebration at the panciteria.
Father Hernando de la Sibyla- A Dominican friar introduced in Noli Me

Tangere, now the vice-rector of the University of Santo Tomas.
Father Bernardo Salvi- the Former parish priest of San Diego now the director
and chaplain of the Santa Clara convent.
Captain Tiago - Santiago delos Santos, although making a cameo appearance,

Captain Tiago is Maria Clara's stepfather and the foster-father to Basilio. His
health disintegrates gradually because of the opium he was forced to smoke
given to him by Father Irene.
Maria Clara - Introduced in Dr. Rizal's first novel "Noli Me Tangere". She was
once the girlfriend of Crisostomo Ibarra but chose to become a nun despite
Father Damaso's (her real father) arguments. She eventually suicide, as
witnessed by Basilio when he visited the convent of Santa Clara; this propelled
Simoun to expedite his plans for revolution. Her character has been received
negative verbose from critics because of her much-weak personality and martyr
ism and condoning others that can be proved that in the circumstance that she
was being raped by Padre Camorra.
UNIT 12
THE 1896 REVOLUTION

END OF DAPITAN EXILE
ARREST, TRIAL AND MARTYRDOM
 Analyze the factors that led to Rizal’s execution

 Analyze the effects of Rizal’s execution on Spanish colonial rule and the
Philippine Revolution
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. THE 1896 REVOLUTION
In 1895, the Cubans revolted against the Spaniards.In 1896, the Filipinos also
staged their revolt against Spain. The Filipinos thought that it would be
advantageous for them because Spain would have divided attention and
strength.
NOTE: Prior to the execution of Jose P. Rizal on Dec. 30, 1896, there was the
so-called "First Cry of Philippine Independence" on April 10, 1895, in Montalban,
Rizal. The more famous Cry of Balintawak was on Aug. 26, 1896. The Filipino
rebels fired the first shots of the revolution on the same day.
May 2, 1896 – Dr. Pio Valenzuela was sent by the KKK Supreme Council to
convince Rizal in Dapitan to join and lead the Katipunan, he being the
recognized leader and savior of the Filipinos.
Rizal did not adhere to the idea of the KKK. He believed the KKK would fail to
defeat the powerful Spanish army because of several reasons…
Reasons why Filipinos would fail according to Dr. Jose Rizal:
 The KKK does not have enough weapons to fight against the fully
equipped Spaniards
 The KKK members do not have enough skills and training to fight a
professional army tested in war
 The KKK hierarchy lacks credibility which would result to confusion in the
chain of command
 The enemy has allies which necessitates that the revolutionaries must
have foreign aid to ensure sufficient funds
 Naval ships are needed, especially in an archipelago like the Philippines
for communication purposes
Rizal believed that it was not yet time for a revolution. It must not be held solely
on the basis of sentiment and burning passion. It must be launched on the
context of the ability to succeed in the end. If the revolution is the last resort, it
must be prepared for another five to ten years to ensure victory.
He advised Valenzuela to seek the leadership of Antonio Luna, a man of military

expertise. The KKK must also seek the financial support of the Japanese
B. END OF RIZAL’S EXILE
Rizal applied as a volunteer war physician to the Cuban revolution hoping to end
his Dapitan exile. His letter was finally approved after months of waiting.
On July 31, 1896, he left Dapitan together with Josephine, Narcisa, three
nephews and a niece on board the steamer España. This ended his Dapitan
exile.
The Arrival of España in Manila was delayed. The Isla de Luzon had left. Rizal
was told to wait for the Isla de Panay which will arrive in 28 days. Rizal was
transferred to the Castilla, manned by Enrique Santalo, where he would wait for
another 26 days.
Aboard a launch Caridad, some KKK members sneaked in and made a last ditch
attempt to rescue Rizal. Jacinto introduced himself and told Rizal he would be
rescued. Rizal politely refused the offer saying he knew what he was doing.
Inside the Castilla, while waiting for the arrival of the Isla de Panay, the
Katipunan was discovered.
On the 26 of August, Bonifacio and the rest of the KKK raised the “Cry of
Pugadlawin,” which marked the start of the Philippine Revolution.
Rizal expected this to happen.
On August 30, 1896, Rizal finally received the letter of Gov. Blanco, expressing
his congratulations and recommendation.
On September 3, aboard the Isla de Panay, he left for Spain. The ship
proceeded to Singapore. His co-passengers Pedro and Periquin Roxas escaped
and he was encouraged to do the same. Rizal refused because he didn’t want to
become a fugitive.
The discovery of the KKK led to the uncovering of its secrets. Bulks of
documents were uncovered. Many of these documents implicated Rizal to the
KKK. Pictures, copies of the Noli and Fili were also found. Documents declaring
Rizal as the KKK honorary president were likewise discovered.
Spanish authorities learned that Rizal was used as a rally cry of the members.
He was regarded as their true leader and hero. These documents, together with
many letters and testimonies from those arrested led to the conclusion that Rizal
was part of the revolutionary group.
C. DR. JOSE RIZAL ORDERED TO BE ARRESTED
As per instruction of Gov. Blanco and the prodding of Manila Archbishop

Bernardino Nozaleda, Rizal was ordered to be arrested and detained inside the
ship
On September 30, 1896, Capt. A. Alemany followed the order and kept Rizal in
his cabin during the remainder of the trip
On October 6, the ship reached Barcelona. Rizal was imprisoned at the

Montjuich detention cell. Eulogio Despujol, the former Philippine governor who
banished him to Dapitan visited later that day.
On October 7, Rizal was transferred to a new ship the SS Colon bound for
Manila. Rizal kept records of the Philippines since he left for Barcelona
He was implicated by the Madrid newspapers to the bloody revolution. He

thought of coming home to confront his accusers and vindicate his name.
Few friends from Europe and Singapore tried to help Rizal escape his present
predicament. Ma. Regidor and Lopez sent a telegram to Atty. Hugh Fort asking
him to file a writ of habeas corpus in Rizal’s behalf. Chief Justice Lionel Cox,
however, denied the writ for lack of jurisdiction by the Singaporean government.
On November 20, 1896, the preliminary investigation (arraignment) on Rizal

began. During the five-day investigation, Rizal was informed of the charges
against him before Judge Advocate Colonel Francisco Olive. He was put under
interrogation without the benefit of knowing who testified against him. Presented
before him were two kinds of evidences – documentary and testimonial.
There were a total of fifteen exhibits for the documentary evidence. Testimonial
evidences, on the other hand, were comprised of oral proofs provided by:
 Martin Constantino  Deodato Arellano

 Aguedo del Rosario  Pio Valenzuela
 Jose Reyes  Antonio Salazar
 Moises Salvador  Francisco Quison
 Jose Dizon  Timoteo Paez
 Domingo Franco
These evidences were endorsed by Colonel Olive to Governor Ramon Blanco.

Blanco designated Capt. Rafael Dominguez as the Judge Advocate assigned
with the task of deciding what corresponding action should be done. Dominguez,
after a brief review, transmitted the records to Don Nicolas de la Peña, the Judge
Advocate General. Judge Advocate General Peña's recommendations were as
follows:
 Rizal must be immediately sent to trial

 He must be held in prison under necessary security
 His properties must be issued with order of attachment, and as indemnity,
Rizal had to pay one million pesos
 Instead of a civilian lawyer, only an army officer is allowed to defend Rizal
Rizal chose Lt. Don Luis Taviel de Andrade, 1st Lt. of the Spanish Artillery to be
his defense lawyer. Rizal discovered that the said lieutenant was the brother of
Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade who worked as Rizal's personal body guard
in Calamba in 1887.
On the 11th of December 1896, in the presence of his Spanish counsel, charges
against Rizal were read:
 Rebellion – punishable by death

 Sedition – also punishable with death
 Illegal Association – punishable with reclusion perpetua or lower
He was accused of being the principal organizer and the living soul of Filipino
insurrection. The founder of societies, periodicals and books dedicated to
fomenting and propagating ideas of rebellion.
When asked regarding his sentiments or reaction on the charges, Rizal replied
that:
 He does not question the jurisdiction of the court

 He has nothing to amend except that during his exile in Dapitan in 1892,
he had not dealt in political matters;
 He has nothing to admit on the charges against him
 He had nothing to admit on the declarations of the witnesses, he had not
met nor knew, against him.
Two days after, Rizal's case was endorsed to Blanco's successor,

Governor Camilo de Polavieja, who had the authority to command that the case
be court martialed.
On December 15, inside his cell at Fort Santiago, Rizal wrote a controversial
letter, The Manifesto addressed to his countrymen. The Manifesto was a letter
denouncing bloody struggle, and promoting education and industry as the best
means to acquire independence.
Judge Advocate General Nicolas de la Peña requested to Gov. Polavieja that the
publication of the manifesto be prohibited.
D. THE TRIAL OF DR. JOSE RIZAL
The Spanish colonial government accused Rizal of three crimes:
a. The founding of La Liga Filipina, an “illegal organization,” whose single

aim was to “Perpetrate the crime of rebellion”.
b. Rebellion which he promoted through his previous activities.
c. Illegal association. The penalty for those accusations is life imprisonment
to death.
The prosecution drew information from the dossier on Rizal which detailed his
“subversive activities” some of which are the following:
 The writing and publication of “Noli me Tangere”, the Annotations to Morga’s

History of the Philippines, “El Filibusterismo”, and the various articles which
criticized the friars and suggested their expulsion in order to win
independence. The El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the three martyr
priests who were executed as traitors to the Fatherland in 1872 because they
were the moving spirit of the uprising of that year.
 The establishment of masonic lodges which became the propaganda and
fund raising center to support subversive activities and the establishment of
centers in Madrid, Hong Kong and Manila to propagate his ideas.
After finishing as much evidence as possible on November 20, 1896 the

preliminary on Rizal began. During the five-day investigation, Rizal was informed
of the charges against him before Judge advocate Colonel Francisco Olive.
Two kinds of evidences were endorsed by Colonel Olive to Governor Ramon

Blanco:
 Documentary evidences-fifteen exhibits

 Testimonial evidences-provided by Martin Constantino, Aguedo del
Rosario, Jose Reyes, Moises Salvador, Jose Dizon, Domingo Franco,
Deodato Arellano, Pio Valenzuela, Antonio Salazar, Francisco Quison,
and Timoteo Paez.
The Judge Advocate Rafael Dominguez was assigned with the task of deciding
what corresponding action should be done. After a brief review, he transmitted
the records to Don Nicolas de la Pena.
Pena’s recommendations were as follows:
 Rizal must be immediately sent to trial

 He must be held in prison under necessary security
 His properties must be issued with order of attachment
 And as indemnity, Rizal had to pay one million pesos
 Instead of a civilian lawyer, only an army officer is allowed to defend Rizal.
E. THE EXECUTION OF DR. JOSE RIZAL
Despite all valid pleadings, the military court, vindictive as it was, unanimously
voted for the sentence of death. Governor Polavieja affirmed the decision of the
court martial and ordered Rizal to be shot at 7:00 in the morning of December
30, 1896 at Bagumbayan field.
A Jesuit priest now came running and asked Rizal to kiss the crucifix that he
held. Rizal turned his back on the crucifix and thus, against the firing squad. He
was ready for the execution.
Dr. Jose Rizal’s Last Hours
Rizal spent his 24 hours in his death cell where he received members of his
family and writes his letter, the first one to his “second brother” Ferdinand
Blumentritt. He gave his sister Trinidad and old petroleum lamp and whispered to
her in English that there is something inside the lamp. Thus is Rizal’s famous
Farewell poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios”, (“My Last Farewell”) was found.
On December 29, 1896, 6 AM: Capt. Rafael Rodriguez was assigned by Gov.
Gen. Camilo Polavieja to read Rizal’s death sentence, - to be shot at
Bagumbayan by a firing squad at 7am the next day.
At 7AM: Rizal moved to the prison chapel, where he spent his last moments
At 7:15AM: Rizal reminded Fr. Luis Viza the statuette of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus whom he carved as a student in Ateneo.
By 9AM: Fr. Federico Faura arrived. Rizal reminded him that he said that (Rizal)
would someday lose his head for writing the Noli. “Father, you are indeed a
prophet.”
At 10AM: Fr. Jose Villaclara and Fr. Vicente Balaguer visited Rizal then
discussed with him his retraction letter. Santiago Mataix, a Spanish journalist,
followed for the newspaper, El Heraldo de Madrid.
From 11AM- 3PM: Rizal stayed in his cell. He was busy writing poems and
letters. He hid his farewell poem in an alcohol cooking stove. He also wrote his
last letter to Professor Blumentritt.
At 4PM: Teodora Alonzo visited him. They had a very emotional encounter. Rizal
gave the alcohol cooking stove to Trinidad which contains his farewell poem.
Several priests have visited him afterwards.
At 6PM: Don Silvino Tuňon, the Dean of the Manila Cathedral visited Rizal.
At 8PM: Rizal had his last supper. He told Captain Dominguez that he forgave
his enemies including the military judges.
At 9:30PM: Rizal was visited by Don Gaspar Cestaňo, fiscal of the Royal
Audience de Manila.
At 10PM: The draft of the retraction letter sent by the anti- Filipino Archbishop
Bernardo Nozaleda was given by Fr. Balaguer to Rizal for his signature. He had
rejected It.
Upon Rizal’s death, his supposedly Retraction Letter became of one of the most
controversial documents in our history. This Retraction Letter allegedly contains
his renunciation of the Masonry and his ‘anti-Catholic Religious Ideas’
Depending on whose side you are on, some Rizalists claim that it is fake while
some believe it to be genuine. There had been some evidences but so far these
had only heated up the debate between two factions.
On December 30, 1896, 3AM: Rizal heard Mass, confessed his sins and took
Holy Communion.
By 5:30AM: He took his last breakfast. After which he wrote his last letters for his
family and his brother, Paciano.
Rizal said, “Now I am about to die, and it is to you I dedicate my last lines, to tell
you how sad I am to leave you alone in life, burdened with the weight of the
family and our old parents.”
At 5:30AM: Josephine Bracken arrived together with Rizal’s sisters, Josefa, with
tears in her eyes, bade him farewell. Rizal embraced her for the last time, and
before she left, Rizal gave her a last gift, a religious book, “Imitation of Christ” by
Father Thomas Kempis.
By 6AM: As the soldiers were getting ready for the death march to Bagumbayan,
Rizal wrote his last letter to his beloved parents.
“My beloved Father, pardon me for the pain with which I repay you, for sorrows
and sacrifices for my education. I did not want it nor did I prefer it. Goodbye,
Father, goodbye!”
At 6:30 AM: a trumpet sounded at Fort Santiago to signal the death march to
Bagumbayan. Rizal walked calmly with his defense counsel and two Jesuit priest
at his sides. He was dressed elegantly in a black suit, black derby hat, black
shoes, white shirt and black tie. His arms were tied behind from elbow to elbow.
There’s a lot of spectators lining the street from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan.
As he was going through the narrow Postigo Gate, Rizal looked at the sky and
said to one of the priests: “How beautiful it is today, Father. What morning could
be more serene! How clear is Corregidor and the mountains of Cavite! On
mornings like this, I used to take a walk with my sweetheart.”
While he was passing in front of Ateneo, he saw the college towers above the
walls. He asked: “Is that Ateneo, Father?” Yes”, replied the priest.
Rizal bade farewell to his Fathers March and Villaclara and to his defender, Lt.
Luis Taviel de Andrade. Although his arms were tied, he had firmly clasped their
hands in parting.
One of the priests blessed him and offered him a crucifix to kiss.
He requested the commander of firing squad that he be shot facing them. His
request was denied for the captain had implicit orders to shoot him at his back.
A Spanish military physician, Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo, asked his permission to
feel his pulse. He was amazed to find it normal, showing that Jose Rizal was not
afraid to die.
The death ruffles of the drums filled the air. Above the drum beats, the sharp
command “fire” was heard, and the guns of the firing squad barked. Rizal, with
supreme effort, turned his bullet- riddled body to the right, and fell on the ground
dead, with face upward facing the morning sun. At exactly 7:03 am, Rizal
shouted “consummatum es” before the shot rang out. The hero’s life ended. In
the background could be heard, “Viva Espaňa!”; “Morir es traidores!” On that
fateful day, Rizal was 35 years, 5 months and 11 days old.
“I die just when I see the dawn break, through the gloom of night, the herald the
day; and if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take, poured out at need for thy
sake, to dye with its crimson the waking ray…”
It is interesting to note that 14 years before his execution, Rizal predicted that he
would die on December 30th. He was then a medical student in Madrid, Spain.
Martyrs are rare stars in the vast firmament of humanity. Every instance of
martyrdom is distinct in magnitude and direction. Indeed, martyrs are the
meteors of history, they flash across the sky and light the world and in the
process consume themselves.
They are the person who is put to death or made suffer greatly or other beliefs
because of religion. Other elements of martyrdom are usefulness of life and
dedication to a high purpose. Rizal’s death was an emotional event in our history
as it produced
A “martyr” and resulted in some form of social change or transformation in our
lives as a people. Rizal was put to death for “subversion” by the dominant
political forces. He presented a sector of society which had begun to trouble and
therefore constituted a real threat to the existing social order.
Source: https://www.slideshare.net/yazmin9457/martyrdom-at-
bagumbayan-jose-rizals-life
UNIT 13
THE PHILIPPINES A CENTURY HENCE

THE INDOLENCE OF THE FILIPINOS
POR LA EDUCACION RECIBE LUSTRE LA PATRIA
 Assess Rizal’s writings;

 Appreciate the value of understanding the past; and
 Frame arguments based on evidences
LEARNING CONTENT:
A. THE PHILIPPINES A CENTURY HENCE (Ang Pilipinas Sa Loob Ng

Sandaang Taon)
“The Philippines a Century Hence” is an essay written by Philippine national hero

Jose Rizal to forecast the future of the country within a hundred years. Rizal felt
that it was time to remind Spain that the circumstances that ushered in the
French Revolution could have a telling effect for her in the Philippines.
This essay, published in La Solidaridad starts by analyzing the various causes of

the miseries suffered by the Filipino people:
Spain’s implementation of her military policies – because of such laws, the

Philippine population decreased dramatically. Poverty became more rampant
than ever, and farmlands were left to wither. The family as a unit of society was
neglected, and overall, every aspect of the life of the Filipino was retarded.
Deterioration and disappearance of Filipino indigenous culture – when Spain

came with the sword and the cross, it began the gradual destruction of the native
Philippine culture. Because of this, the Filipinos started losing confidence in their
past and their heritage, became doubtful of their present lifestyle, and eventually
lost hope in the future and the preservation of their race.
Passivity and submissiveness to the Spanish colonizers – one of the most

powerful forces that influenced a culture of silence among the natives were the
Spanish friars. Because of the use of force, the Filipinos learned to submit
themselves to the will of the foreigners.
The question then arises as to what had awakened the hearts and opened the
minds of the Filipino people with regards to their plight. Eventually, the natives
realized that such oppression in their society by foreign colonizers must no
longer be tolerated. One question Rizal raises in this essay is whether or not
Spain can indeed prevent the progress of the Philippines:
Keeping the people uneducated and ignorant had failed. National

consciousness had still awakened, and great Filipino minds still emerged from
the rubble.
Keeping the people impoverished also came to no avail. On the contrary, living
a life of eternal destitution had allowed the Filipinos to act on the desire for a
change in their way of life. They began to explore other horizons through which
they could move towards progress.
Exterminating the people as an alternative to hindering progress did not work

either. The Filipino race was able to survive amidst wars and famine, and
became even more numerous after such catastrophes. To wipe out the nation
altogether would require the sacrifice of thousands of Spanish soldiers, and this
is something Spain would not allow.
Spain, therefore, had no means to stop the progress of the country. What she
needs to do is to change her colonial policies so that they are in keeping with the
needs of the Philippine society and to the rising nationalism of the people.
What Rizal had envisioned in his essay came true. In 1898, the Americans
wrestled with Spain to win the Philippines, and eventually took over the country.
Theirs was a reign of democracy and liberty. Five decades after Rizal’s death,
the Philippines gained her long-awaited independence. This was in fulfillment of
what he had written in his essay: “History does not record in its annals any
lasting domination by one people over another, of different races, of diverse
usages and customs, of opposite and divergent ideas. One of the two had to
yield and succumb.”
Source: http://hanbadilles.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-philippines-century-
hence.html
B. THE INDOLENCE OF THE FILIPINOS (Ang Katamaran ng mga Filipino)
La Indolencia de los Filipinos, more popularly known in its English version, "The
Indolence of the Filipinos," is an exploratory essay written by Philippine national
hero Dr. Jose Rizal, to explain the alleged idleness of his people during the
Spanish colonization.
Summary
The Indolence of the Filipinos is a study of the causes why the people did not, as
was said, work hard during the Spanish regime. Rizal pointed out that long
before the coming of the Spaniards, the Filipinos were industrious and
hardworking. The Spanish reign brought about a decline in economic activities
because of certain causes:
The establishment of the Galleon Trade cut off all previous associations of the
Philippines with other countries in Asia and the Middle East. As a result,
business was only conducted with Spain through Mexico. Because of this, the
small businesses and handicraft industries that flourished during the pre-Spanish
period gradually disappeared.
Spain also extinguished the natives’ love of work because of the implementation
of forced labor (polo y servicios). Because of the wars between Spain and other
countries in Europe as well as the Muslims in Mindanao, the Filipinos were
compelled to work in shipyards, roads, and other public works, abandoning
agriculture, industry, and commerce.
Spain did not protect the people against foreign invaders and pirates. With no
arms to defend themselves, the natives were killed, their houses burned, and
their lands destroyed. As a result of this, the Filipinos were forced to become
nomads, lost interest in cultivating their lands or in rebuilding the industries that
were shut down, and simply became submissive to the mercy of God.
There was a crooked system of education, if it was to be considered an

education. What was being taught in the schools were repetitive prayers and
other things that could not be used by the students to lead the country to
progress. There were no courses in Agriculture, Industry, etc., which were badly
needed by the Philippines during those times.
The Spanish rulers were a bad example to despise manual labor. The officials
reported to work at noon and left early, all the while doing nothing in line with
their duties. The women were seen constantly followed by servants who
dressed them and fanned them – personal things which they ought to have done
for themselves.
Gambling was established and widely propagated during those times. Almost
every day there were cockfights, and during feast days, the government officials
and friars were the first to engage in all sorts of bets and gambles.
There was a crooked system of religion. The friars taught the naïve Filipinos that
it was easier for a poor man to enter heaven, and so they preferred not to work
and remain poor so that they could easily enter heaven after they died.
The taxes were extremely high, so much so that a huge portion of earned went
to the government or to the friars. When the object of their labor was removed
and they were exploited, they were reduced to inaction.
Rizal admitted that the Filipinos did not work so hard because they were wise
enough to adjust themselves to the warm, tropical climate. “An hour’s work
under that burning sun, in the midst of pernicious influences springing from
nature in activity, is equal to a day’s labor in a temperate climate.”
Analysis
It is important to note that indolence in the Philippines is a chronic malady, but

not a hereditary one. Truth is, before the Spaniards arrived on these lands, the
natives were industriously conducting business with China, Japan, Arabia,
Malaysia, and other countries in the Middle East. The reasons for this said
indolence were clearly stated in the essay, and were not based only on
presumptions, but were grounded on fact taken from history.
Another thing that we might add that had caused this indolence, is the lack of
unity among the Filipino people. In the absence of unity and oneness, the
people did not have the power to fight the hostile attacks of the government and
of the other forces of society. There would also be no voice, no leader, to sow
progress and to cultivate it, so that it may be reaped in due time. In such a
condition, the Philippines remained a country that was lifeless, dead, simply
existing and not living. As Rizal stated in conclusion, “a man in the Philippines is
an individual; he is not merely a citizen of a country.”
It can clearly be deduced from the writing that the cause of the indolence
attributed to our race is Spain: When the Filipinos wanted to study and learn,
there were no schools, and if there were any, they lacked sufficient resources
and did not present more useful knowledge; when the Filipinos wanted to
establish their businesses, there wasn’t enough capital nor protection from the
government; when the Filipinos tried to cultivate their lands and establish various
industries, they were made to pay enormous taxes and were exploited by the
foreign rulers.
Source: http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/08/indolence-of-
filipinos-summary-and.html
C. POR LA EDUCACION (Recibe Lustre La Patria)
POR LA EDUCACION (Recibe Lustre La Patria)
By Dr. Jose Rizal
La sabia educación, vital aliento

Infunde una virtud encantadora;
Ella eleva la Patria al alto asiento
De la gloria inmortal, deslumbradora,
Y cual de fresca brisa al soplo lento
Reverdece el matíz de flor ocra:
Tal la educación al ser humano
Buenhechora engrandece con larga mano.
Por ella sacrifica su existencia

El mortal y el plácido reposo;
Por ella nacer vense el arte y la ciencia
Que ciñen al humano lauro hermoso:
Y cual del alto monte en la eminencia
Brota el puro raudal de arroyo undoso;
Así la educación da sin mesura
A la patria do mora paz segura.
Do sabia educación trono levanta

Lozana juventud robusta crece
Que subyuga el error con firme planta
Y con nobles ideas se engrandece:
Del vicio la cerviz ella quebranta;
Negro crimen ante ella palidence:
Ella domina bárbaras naciones,
Y de salvajes hace campeones.
Y cual el manantial que alimentando

Las plantas, los arbustos de la vega,
Su plácido caudal va derramando,
Y con bondoso afan constante riega
Las riberas do vase deslizando,
Y a la bella natura nada niega:
Tal al que sabia educación procura
Del honor se levanta hasta la lectura.
De sus labios la aguas cristalinas

De célica virtud sin cesar brotan,
Y de su fe las providas doctrinas
Del mal las fuerzas débiles agotan,
Que se estrellan cual olas blanquecinas
Que la playas inmóviles azotan:
Y apreden con su ejemplo loas mortales
A trepar por las sendas celestiales.
En el pecho de miserios humanos

Ella enciende del bien la viva llama;
Al fiero criminal ata las manos,
Y el consuelo en los pechos fiel derrama.
Que buscan sus benéficos arcanos;
Y en el amor de bien su pecho inflama:
Y es la educacion noble y cumplida
El bálsamo seguro de la vida.
Y cual peñón que elevase altanero

En medio da las ondas borrascosas
Al bramar del huracán y noto fiero,
Desprecia su furor y olas furiosas,
Que fatigadas del horror primero
Se retiran en calma temerosas;
Tal es el que sabia educación dirige
Las riendas de la patria invicto rige.
En zafiros estállense los hechos;

Tribútele la patria mil honores;
Pues de sus hijos en las nobles pechos
Transplantó la virtud lozanas flores;
Y en el amor del bien siempre deshechos
Verán las gobernantes y señores
Al noble pueblo que con fiel ventura
Cristiana educación siempre procura.
Y cual de rubio sol de la manaña

Vierten oro los rayos esplendentes,
Y cual la bella aurora de oro y grana
Esparce sus colores refulgentes;
Tal noche instrucción, ofrece ufana
De virtud el placer a los vivientes,
Y ella a nuestra cara patria ilustre
Inmortal esplendor y ilustre.
Through Education (Our Motherland Receives Light)

By Dr. Jose Rizal
The vital breath of prudent Education she lives.

Instills a virtue of enchanting power;
She lifts the motherland to highest station
And endless dazzling glories on her shower.
Where Education reigns on lofty seat
And as the zephyrs gentle exhalation
Youth blossoms forth with vigor and
Revive the matrix of the fragrant agility flower.
Her error subjugates with solid feet,

So education multiplies her gifts of
And is exalted by conceptions of grace; nobility.
With prudent hand imparts them to
She breaks the neck of vice and it’s the human race deceit;
Black crime turns pale at her hostility;
For her a mortal-man will gladly part
The barbarous nations she knows.
With all he has; will give his calm how to tame, repose;
From savages creates heroic fame.
For her are born all science and all art,
Those brows of men with laurel fair enclose.
As from the towering mountains lofty heart
The purest current of the stream let flows,
So education without stint or measure gives
Security and peace to lands in which endure.
And as the spring doth sustenance

But perish on the shore at every bestow blow;
On all the plants, on bushes in the
And from his good example other mead, men shall learn
Its placid plenty goes to overflow
Their upward steps toward the
And endlessly, with lavish love to feed heavenly paths to turn
The banks by which it wanders, gliding slow.
Within the breast of wretched

Supplying beauteous natures every human kind need;
She lights the living flame of
So he who prudent Education doth goodness bright; procure
The hands of fiercest criminal doth
The towering heights of honor will bind; secure.
And in those breasts will surely pour delight
From out his lips the water, crystal.
Which seek her mystic benefits to pure, find,

Of perfect virtue shall not cease to those souls
She sets aflame with go. love of right.
With careful doctrines of his faith
It is a noble fully-rounded Education made sure,
That gives to life its surest
The powers of evil he will overthrow; consolation.
Like foaming waves that never long.
And as the mighty rock aloft may tower

The lords and governors will see
Above the center of the stormy deep implanted
In scorn of storm, or fierce Southwesters
To endless days, the Christian power, Education,
Or fury of the waves that raging seep,
Within their noble, faith-enrapture nation.
Until, their first mad hatred spent, they cower,
And as in early morning we behold.
And, tired at last, subside and fall asleep,

The ruby sun pour forth resplendent-- rays;
So he that takes wise Education by the
And lovely dawn her scarlet and her hand, gold,
Invincible shall guide the reigns of
Her brilliant colors all about her sprays motherland
So skillful noble Teaching doth unfold
To living minds the joy of virtuous ways.
On sapphires shall his service be
She offers our dear motherland the lighten graved,
That leads us to immortal glory’s height.
A thousand honors to him by his land be granted:
For in their bosoms will his noble sons have saved
Luxuriant flowers his virtue had transplanted:
And by the love of goodness, ever lived
Rizal wrote this poem Por la Educacion (Recibe Lustre la Patria) in 1876 at the
age of fifteen. It was written in Ateneo de Municipal in Manila. The poem was
written during the Spanish Colonial Government.
He recounts the demand for sacrifices to obtain an education, and the rewards-a
pleasure in living, the avenue to truth, goodness and honor. it showed the
importance of religion in education, encouraging his people to acquire virtue and
enlightenment.
He resolutely opposed the pathway of violence and clung to education not only in
theory but by his example he stressed the noble benefits of an enlightened
citizenry: an aura of peace, youthful usefulness, the antidote to crime and vice,
determination in government, humanized men..
The focus of the poem is about “education.” He indicates here how he values
education, that out of his fervent love for our Motherland, education seems for
him a way for us to extend our deep and warm gratitude to every wonder that we
receive from her every day.
And like the golden sun of the morn, whose rays resplendent shedding gold, and
like fair aurora of gold and red she overspreads her colors bold; such true
education proudly gives; the pleasure of virtue to young and old as she
enlightens out Motherland dear as she offers endless glow and luster.
The poem tells us how education is important to every human, because without
education we cannot reach our goals in life. Aside from that it is also one of the
most effective ways to make our country proud and no one can steal it from us.
Education is the most precious gift and treasure that the Motherland can give to
us. “Education is the key to success.”
A nation where educated people outnumber uncivilized ones excavates

treasures more cherished than any stones of the earth. The weight of our desires
to stand firm on the ground where our beloved country lies, marks the turning
point that leads our hope for a brighter east. Education is the one that trains
people how to become productive and civilized citizens to our motherland.
UNIT 14
BAYANI AND KABAYANIHAN
 Interpret bayani and kabayanihan in the context of Philippine history and

society
 Assess the concepts of bayani and kabayanihan in the context of
Philippine society
LEARNING CONTENT:
BAYANI IN THE CONTEXT OF PHILIPPINE SOCIETY AND HISTORY
A bayani or a hero is a person who possesses kabayanihan or heroism, that is

related to being courageous or brave.
In Greek mythology or folktale, a hero is originally a demigod, and is one of the

distinguishing characteristics of ancient Greek religion. A demigod is the son or
daughter of an immortal and a mortal parent, an example is Heracles (equivalent
to Hercules in Roman mythology), who was the son of Zeus (Roman equivalent
Jupiter) and the mortal Alcmene.
In the long run, a hero or heroine is a real person or a main fictional character of
a literary work who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of
ingenuity, bravery or strength; have shown the will to sacrifice himself, which is
called heroism for the sake of glory and honor.
This meaning originally refers to a warrior’s chivalrous or virtuous act in a more

pervasive moral goodness.
Tales of heroism may serve as examples of morality. During the classical period
of history, the cults revered the heroes like Herkules, Perseus, and Achilles who
had a significant role in religion in Ancient Greece. This hero-worship was used
by ancient and modern rulers for the so called apotheosis (personality cult).
A hero is a person who is admired and acknowledged for his courage,

outstanding achievements, and noble qualities. A National Hero is someone who
beyond that has made significant positive contributions to the growth and
development of society, and represents all of us.
THE GATES TO HEROISM: DEFINING A FILIPINO HERO
By Diana A. Galang
It is common for Filipinos to look for someone to idolize –saints, politicians,

artists, models, etc., somebody they will glorify and imitate. Since the time of the
declaration of Philippine independence, 122 years ago, many were
acknowledged as Filipino heroes, more so today, that every individual who
become so popular or the main character in any particular event is given the title
“hero”.
The essence of the word “hero” is past declining; today one need not to die or do
such gallant act to be given the noble title or that some just won a boxing match.
Time has really evolved and so does our standard in defining a Filipino hero. Will
our forefathers who gave their lives for freedom feel insulted for this? Are these
the Filipinos we’ll look up to for guidance through the times, aren’t our children
losing the true meaning of heroism by our doings? All these things we should ask
ourselves before giving the title “hero” to anyone.
But what does being a hero mean? Dr. Esteban de Ocampo, a known historian,
stated in his book about Rizal that a hero means a prominent or central
personage taking an admirable part in any remarkable action or event; a person
of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; and a man
honored after death by public worship because of exceptional service to
mankind.
The true heroes of Philippine history deserve to be called so for they didn’t have
any idea that one day they will be measured up, they just acted upon their
principles. The concept of honoring heroes came only to the Philippines in 1900,
when the Philippine Commission (Pardo de Tavera, Legarda, Luzurriaga (Filipino
members) and headed by William Howard Taft) approved Act No. 137 combining
the districts of Morong and Manila to be named as “Province of Rizal,” in honor
of the most illustrious Filipino. Actually, this Act was disputed by many but the
basis of the Commission was so strong that it has surpassed the public’s
questions.
Since then, heroes were celebrated here and there, citing their names in every
politician’s speeches, declaring holidays, naming streets, constructing
monuments, etc. in their honor. Until one day, realizing that so many names
were acknowledged as heroes, the need to evaluate the situation was proposed.
During Marcos’ presidency, he tasked the National Heroes Commission to come

up with the criteria for national hero. On March 28, 1993, through the President’s
Executive Order No. 75, the National Heroes Committee was created,
commissioned to study, evaluate and recommend historical figures to be
declared as national heroes. The Committee composed of worthy members, with
a series of discussions came up with the new criteria.
THE CRITERIA CONSISTED OF 10 STANDARDS:
1. The extent of a person’s sacrifices for the welfare of the country

2. The motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (was his
ideal purely for the welfare of the country and without any taint of self-
interested motives, most of all the method of attainment should be morally
valid).
3. The moral character of the person concerned (the person should not have
any immorality issue that affected his ideal).
4. The influence of the person concerned on his age and or the succeeding age.
5. Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and
struggle for the nation’s freedom.
6. Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system of life of freedom
and order for a nation (one who helps in the orderliness and betterment of the
country).
7. Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.
8. A hero is part of the people’s expression (the citizen must have recognized
and acknowledged the person as a hero).
9. A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations, his concern for
the future generations must be seen in his decisions and ideals).
10. The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events
in history, but of the entire process that made this particular person a hero.
Filipinos’ expectations of public figures are different now than it was more than a
hundred years ago, maybe because of the realization that no one is perfect. This
is the reason why today so many were acknowledged as heroes and many were
voted in important government positions with flaws and questionable characters.
Lucky are those who aspire one day to be called a hero because the criteria
were already set to pattern their decisions with. I hope that the criteria for
national heroes will not only be checked against the historical figures but also
with the politicians to whom we will entrust the power to govern our country.
Source: http://nhcp.gov.ph/the-gates-to-heroism-defining-a-filipino-hero/
ACCORDING TO THE 1993 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE, THE NATIONAL

HERO SHALL BE:
1. One who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the
nation's freedom.
2. One who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a
nation. Heroes are those who make the nation's constitution and laws.
3. One who has contributed to the quality of life and destiny of a nation
Three more criteria were added in 1995:
1. A hero is part of the people's expression. But the process of a people's

internalization of a hero's life and works takes time, with the youth forming a
part of the internalization.
2. A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations.
3. The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events
in history, but of the entire process that made this particular person a hero.
UNIT 15
JOSE RIZAL AND THE PHILIPPINE NATIONALISM – BAYANI AND

KABAYANIHAN
 Examine the values highlighted by the various representations of Rizal as a

national symbol
 Advocate the values Rizal’s life encapsulates
LEARNING CONTENT:
A NATIONAL HERO
A national hero of the Philippines is a Filipino who has been recognized as a

national hero for his or her role in the history of the Philippines. Loosely, the term
may refer to all Filipino historical figures recognized as heroes, but the term more
strictly refers to those officially designated as such. In 1995 the Philippine
National Heroes Committee officially recommended several people for the
designation, but this was not acted upon. As of 2007, no one had ever been
officially recognized as a Philippine national hero.
The reformist writer José Rizal, today generally considered the greatest Filipino
hero and often given as the Philippine national hero, has never been explicitly
proclaimed as the (or even a) national hero by the Philippine government.
Besides Rizal, the only other Filipinos currently given implied recognition as
national hero such as revolutionary Andrés Bonifacio. While other historical
figures are commemorated in public municipal or provincial holidays, Rizal and
Bonifacio are commemorated in public nationwide (national) holidays and thus
are implied to be national heroes.
DR. JOSE P. RIZAL, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO
Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is not only admired for
possessing intellectual brilliance but also for taking a stand and resisting the
Spanish colonial government.
While his death sparked a revolution to overthrow the tyranny, Rizal will always
be remembered for his compassion towards the Filipino people and the country.
Rizal had been very vocal against the Spanish government, but in a peaceful
and progressive manner. For him, “the pen was mightier than the sword.” And
through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government
officials as well as the Spanish friars.
While in Barcelona, Rizal contributed essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to

the Spanish newspaper, La Solidaridad. Most of his writings- both in his essays
and editorials are centered on individual rights and freedom, specifically for the
Filipino people. As part of his reforms, he even called for the inclusion of the
Philippines to become a province of Spain.
But, among his best works, two novels stood out from the rest – Noli Me Tángere
(Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed).
In both novels, Rizal harshly criticized the Spanish colonial rule in the country
and exposed the ills of Philippine society at the time. And because he wrote
about the injustices and brutalities of the Spaniards in the country, the authorities
banned Filipinos from reading the controversial books. Yet they were not able to
ban it completely. As more Filipinos read the books, their eyes opened to the
truth that they were suffering unspeakable abuses at the hands of the friars.
These two novels by Rizal, now considered his literary masterpieces, are said to
have indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.
Upon his return to the Philippines, Rizal formed a progressive organization called
the La Liga Filipina. This civic movement advocated social reforms through legal
means. Now Rizal was considered even more of a threat by the Spanish
authorities (alongside his novels and essays), which ultimately led to his exile in
Dapitan in northern Mindanao.
This however did not stop him from continuing his plans for reform. While in
Dapitan, Rizal built a school, hospital, and water system. He also taught farming
and worked on agricultural projects such as using abaca to make ropes.
In 1896, Rizal was granted leave by then Governor-General Blanco, after

volunteering to travel to Cuba to serve as doctor to yellow fever victims. But at
that time, the Katipunan had a full-blown revolution and Rizal was accused of
being associated with the secret militant society. On his way to Cuba, he was
arrested in Barcelona and sent back to Manila to stand for trial before the court
martial. Rizal was charged with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion – and
therefore, sentenced to death by firing squad.
Days before his execution, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen
through one of his final letters, entitled Mi Último Adiós or My Last Farewell. Dr.
José Rizal was executed on the morning of December 30, 1896, in what was
then called Bagumbayan (now referred to as Luneta). Upon hearing the
command to shoot him, he faced the squad and uttered in his final breath:
“Consummatum est” (It is finished). According to historical accounts, only one
bullet ended the life of the Filipino martyr and hero.
After his death, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. And with the
assistance of the United States, the Philippines declared its independence from
Spain on June 12, 1898. This was the time that the Philippine flag was waved at
General Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite.
Today, Dr. Rizal’s brilliance, compassion, courage, and patriotism are greatly
remembered and recognized by the Filipino people. His two novels are
continuously being analyzed by students and professionals.
Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require their students to take a
subject which centers on the life and works of Rizal. Every year, the Filipinos
celebrate Rizal Day – December 30 each year – to commemorate his life and
works. Filipinos look back at how his founding of La Liga Filipina and his two
novels had an effect on the early beginnings of the Philippine Revolution. The
people also recognize his advocacy to achieve liberty through peaceful means
rather than violent revolution.
In honor of Rizal, memorials and statues of the national hero can be found not
only within the Philippines, but in selected cities around the world. The José
Rizal Bridge and Rizal Park in the city of Seattle are also dedicated to the late
hero.
Within the Philippines, streets, towns/cities, a university (Rizal University), and a
province named after him. To commemorate what he did for the country, the
Philippines built a memorial park for him- Rizal Park, found in Manila. There lies
a monument which contains a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal, an obelisk, and
a stone base said to contain his remains. The monument stands near the place
where he fell during his execution in Luneta.
Source: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-life-and-
legacy-of-jose-rizal-the-philippines-national-hero/
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Annotation - A critical or explanatory note or body of notes added to a text.
Apotheosis - Elevation to the status of a god. It implies a polytheistic conception

of gods while it recognizes that some individuals cross the dividing line between
gods and men.
Arraignment - A criminal proceeding at which the defendant is officially called

before a court of competent jurisdiction, informed of the offense charged in the
complaint, information, indictment, or other charging document, and asked to
enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or as otherwise
Assimilation - The process whereby individuals or groups of differing ethnic

heritage are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society.
Bill - A first draft and proposed law or statute which has been formally tabled
before a legislative assembly for consideration.
Controversy - An actual dispute between individuals who seek judicial

resolution of their grievances that have arisen from a conflict of their alleged
legal rights.
Cosmology - A branch of astronomy concerned with the studies of the origin

and evolution of the universe, from the Big Bang to today and on into the future.
It is the scientific study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe.
Court Martial - A court consisting of commissioned officers and in some

instances enlisted personnel for the trial of members of the armed forces or
others within its jurisdiction
Curricula – It refers to the lessons and academic content taught in a school or in

a specific course or program.
Demigod - In mythology, a demigod is a less important god, especially one who

is half god and half human.
Estate - A term commonly used to denote the sum total of all types of property
owned by a person at a particular time, usually upon his death.
Eviction - The removal of a tenant from possession of premises in which he or
she resides or has a property interest done by a landlord either by re-entry upon
the premises or through a court action.
Excommunication - An institutional act of religious censure used to end or at

least regulate the communion of a member of a congregation with other
members of the religious institution who are in normal communion with each
other.
Exile - The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political
or punitive reasons.
Filibuster - An action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a

legislative assembly while not technically contravening the required procedures.
Freemasonry – also Masonry; consists of fraternal organisations that trace their

origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons that from the end of the fourteenth
century regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with
authorities and clients.
Freeze - A court order which restrains someone from removing or dealing with
their assets.
Genealogy - An account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an

ancestor or from older forms.
Habeas corpus - A writ (court order) which directs the law enforcement officials
(prison administrators, police or sheriff), who have custody of a prisoner to
appear in court with the prisoner to help the judge determine whether the
prisoner is lawfully in prison or jail.
Heresy - Any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs
or customs, in particular the accepted beliefs of a church or religious
organization.
Heretic – A person adhering to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma or

beliefs.
Heretical - of or relating to adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church
dogma; characterized by heresy.
Impious - Not showing respect or reverence, especially for a god.
Incriminate - To charge with a crime; to expose to an accusation or a charge of

crime; to involve oneself or another in a criminal prosecution or the danger
thereof; as in the rule that a witness is not bound to give testimony that would
tend to incriminate him or her.
Indemnity - Contract with a third-party to perform another's obligations if called

upon to do so by the third-party, whether the other has defaulted or not.
Indictment - A written accusation charging that an individual named therein has

committed an act or omitted to do something that is punishable by law.
Indolence - A disinclination to activity or exertion despite having the ability to act

or to exert oneself; laziness.
Jurisdiction - Any authority over a certain area or certain persons. In the law,
jurisdiction sometimes refers to a particular geographic area containing a defined
legal authority.
Mandate - A judicial command or precept issued by a court or magistrates,

directing the proper officer to enforce a judgment, sentence or decree.
Manifesto - A statement published by a person or group of people, especially a

political party, or a government, in which they say what their aims and policies
are.
Metaphysics - The branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature

of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, between
substance and attribute, and between potentiality and actuality.
Nationalism - An idea and movement that promotes the interests of a particular

nation especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty
over its homeland.
Pacification - An attempt to create or maintain peace. That can mean appeasing
a hostile country through diplomacy or even just by settling an argument.
Persecute - The act of officially accusing someone of committing an illegal act,

esp. by bringing a case against that person in a court of law.
Presumptuous - Going beyond what is right or proper; excessively forward.
Propaganda - Information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or

harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.
Prosecute - To bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or

violation of law.
Prosecution – It refers to the government attorneys who initiate and maintain a

criminal action against an accused defendant.
Republic Act - A piece of legislation used to create policy in order to carry out
the principles of the Constitution. It is crafted and passed by the Congress of the
Philippines and approved by the President of Philippines. It can only be repealed
by a similar act of Congress.
Retraction - The act of taking back or withdrawing (a statement, a plea, an

accusation, or a condition of a contract); the withdrawing or taking back of a
renunciation.
Safe-conduct - A passport or permission from a neutral state to persons who

are thus authorized to go and return in safety, and, sometimes, to carry away
certain things, in safety.
Scandalous - causing general public outrage by a perceived offense against

morality or law.
Sedition- A serious felony punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison and it

refers to the act of inciting revolt or violence against a lawful authority with the
goal of destroying or overthrowing it.
Skepticism - in Western philosophy, it is the attitude of doubting knowledge

claims set forth in various areas.
Subjugate - To bring people or persons under complete control or subjection; to
make submissive or subservient; to enslave.
Theodicy - A vindication of the divine attributes particularly holiness and justice,

in establishing or allowing the existence of physical and moral evil.
REFERENCES
A. BOOKS
Bantug, Asuncion Lopez (1982). Lolo Jose: An intimate portrait of Rizal. Manila:
Instramuros Administration.
Capino, Diosdado C., Gonzales, Ma. Minerva A. and Pineda, Filipinas. (1977).
Rizal: Life, Works and Writings. Quezon City. JMC Press.
Del Carmen, Vicente F. (1982). An Encyclopedic Collection (vol. 1). Quezon City:
New Day Publications.
Dela Cruz, Virsely M. and Zulueta, Francisco. (1995). Rizal: Buhay at mga
Kaisipan. Manila: National Book Store.
Guerrero, Leon Ma. (1998). The First Filipino. Philippines: Guerrero Publishing.
Montemayor, Teofilo M. (1996). Rizal Pictorial Calendar. Manila: National

Historical Institute.
National Historical Institute (1992). Quotation from Rizal’s Writings. Manila:

National Historical Institute.
National Historical Institute. (1995). Pictorial Album on Rizal. Manila: National

Historical Institute.
Ocampo, Ambeth. 1995. Rizal Sired Hitler. Philippine Daily Inquirer, June.
Ocampo, Ambeth R. (2000). Rizal: Without the Overcoat. Pasig City: Anvil
Publishing, Inc.
Palma, Rafael (1948). The Pride of the Malay Race. New York: Prentice-Hall.
Quezon, Manuel III. (1994). Adolf Rizal (And His Half Brother, Rizal Zedong).
Today, September.
Quibuyen, Alonzo C. (1999). A Nation Aborted. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila

University Press.
Vaño, Manolo O. (1985). Light in Rizal's Death Cell. Quezon City: New Day
Publishers
Yabes, Leopoldo. (1963). Jose Rizal on His Centenary. Quezon City: Office of
Research Coordination, U.P.
Zaide, Gregorio and Zaide, Sonia. (1997). Jose Rizal: Buhay, mga Ginawa at
mga Sinulat. Quezon City. All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc.
Zaide, Gregorio and Zaide, Sonia. (1999). Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings.
Manila: All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc.
B. WEBSITES
www.britannica.com/event/Enlightenment-European-history
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-was-the-age-of-exploration-or-the-age-
of-discovery.html
https://www.slideshare.net/yazmin9457/martyrdom-at-bagumbayan-jose-rizals-
life
https://www.slideshare.net/DhiiAnne/opening-of-the-port-to-world-trade-
114224981
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1956/06/12/republic-act-no-1425/
https://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/articles/rizals-education/
https://www.facebook.com/notes/frandy-cabayao/the-masonic-life-of-jose-rizal-
philippines-national-hero/1661207705108/
https://www.britannica.com/event/Revolution-of-1868
https://www.amazon.com/Jose-Rizal-writings-scientist-national/dp/9710805207
https://www.academia.edu/31898505/HISTORICAL_BACKGROUND_OF_RIZAL
S_FAMILY
https://www.academia.edu/28335510/Achievements_of_jose_rizal
https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabayanihan
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-life-and-legacy-of-jose-rizal-
the-philippines-national-hero/
https://teamcrisostomo.wordpress.com/effects-of-the-rizal-law/
https://nanopdf.com/download/chapter-10-wordpresscom_pdf
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/3292/the-truth-about-rizalpoor-grades-in-ust/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_hero_of_the_Philippines
https://angbuhaynijprizal.wordpress.com/rizals-second-trip/
http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/p/references.html
http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/08/indolence-of-filipinos-
summary-and.html
http://nhcp.gov.ph/historical-context-and-legal-basis-of-rizal-day-and-other-
memorials-in-honor-of-jose-rizal/

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THE LIFE AND WORKS OF

DR. JOSE P. RIZAL

MANUEL F. DELIGENTE, MAED

i|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

Manuel F. Deligente, MAED

Esmeraldo G. Guillermo, MAED

The workbook is a product of a collaborative endeavor of the authors in

v|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE P. RIZAL

In the Philippines, the impact of successive colonizations and increasing political

1|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

COLLEGE ARTS AND SCIENCES COURSE DESCRIPTION

As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life

COURSE OUTCOMES (CO)

COURSE COVERAGE – PRELIM

2|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

PREPARED BY: ENDORSED BY: APPROVED BY:

DSSP FACULTY Manuel F. Deligente, MAEd Ernesto R. Leuterio, Jr., MAEd

3|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

INTRODUCTION TO THE RIZAL COURSE

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The learners are expected to:

A. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425

AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

4|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt

SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to

SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 12, 1956

B. THE STORY OF THE RIZAL LAW

On May 12, 1956, a compromise inserted by Committee on Education Chairman

6|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIZAL LAW

EFFECTS OF THE RIZAL LAW

According to Hernan Abaya, 1984, the nationalist reawakening began on the UP

7|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

D. THE RELEVANCE OF RIZAL COURSE

8|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

WHY STUDY RIZAL?

It is of great importance that students understand the rationale behind having to

a) Why study Rizal?

The answer to such questions can be summed up in two points:

1. Because it is mandated by law

WHY STUDY RIZAL? BECAUSE IT IS MANDATED BY LAW

9|THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

a. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism,

WHY STUDY RIZAL? BECAUSE OF THE LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN

a. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The learners are expected to:

 Appraise the link between the individual and society

A. CONDITIONS OF THE COUNTRY BEFORE THE BIRTH OF JOSE RIZAL:

Policies Imposed By the Colonizers

1. Polo y servicio- the enforced or compulsory manual labor required for

B. EVENTS LEADING TO THE CHANGE OF SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

Enlightenment, French (literally “century of the Enlightened”), a European

The intellectual and political edifice of Christianity, seemingly impregnable in the

The successful application of reason to any question depended on its correct

The Enlightenment produced the first modern secularized theories of psychology

Breaking down Industrial Revolution

Although the Industrial Revolution occurred approximately 200 years ago, it is a

Increased Employment and Innovation

The Industrial Revolution created an increase in employment opportunities. As

Pitfalls of the Industrial Revolution

Several major pitfalls developed as the Industrial Revolution progressed. There