BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION/BACHELOR IN

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SUMMER A.Y. 2021-2022

GE9/GE12
LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

MODULE 2

___________________________________________________
NAME OF STUDENT

COURSE:_______________________________

YEAR:________ BLOCK:_______

RONNIE DANDIN, C.P.A.

Instructor

RUBELYN ESPERON, PhD

College Dean

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Good Day!

Let us seek the Lord’s

Guidance as we start our
lesson.

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord, we offer to you our

class today. We pray that
through your Divine
Guidance, we
will learn how to listen
attentively to the inputs of
our teacher. May we appreciate his
effort in imparting knowledge to us. May we participate actively in the discussions and
activities, so we can learn more while enjoying our tiny family - our class. May we value each
other’s contributions as building block towards harmony and peace. Grant that as we interact
with one another, we will recognize the fact that all our learning activities should be
accomplished for your greater glory.

Grant that we recognize YOU in each of our classmates and teacher. We pray that you keep us
safe from harm and illnesses. And we would be able to apply correctly what we have learned
from school. All these we ask in your most Holy Name. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Module Overview:
This module depicts our national hero – Dr. Jose Rizal’s higher education in Ateneo and UST.
Also, this module walks us through time as he travails overseas in pursuit of advanced education.
Corollary to his vast travels, he gained social consciousness and developed nationalistic
advocacies. Those salient milestones in Rizal’s life are detailed herein.

Learning Outcome:

Articulate on topics relating to milestones of Rizal’s higher education and life abroad.

Expectations
Through this module it is expected that you will:
a. Have a full picture of Rizal’s higher education, life abroad and romance
b. Prepare a matrix showing chronology of events regarding his travails in education, local
and overseas

Learning Resources
1. Computer, smartphone, tablet
2. Internet connectivity
3. Printed module
4. Ballpen

Good day young professional! Please note that I addressed you as “young professional”
because from today onwards, I encourage you to start your journey towards your dreamed
profession/career. Think and act like professionals do. Most importantly, in your case, LEARN
like professionals do. So… let’s get it on!

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Rizal’s Higher Education and Life Abroad

Dr. Jose Rizal’s journey in education brought him overseas to take up different fields of studies.
Let us view the following video to get insights on how he travails overseas in pursuit of higher
education and nationalistic advocacies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCvfOzw4emM

ASSESSMENT 1:
1. Who accompanied Rizal in Ateneo? ___________________
2. Prior to Ateneo, he took entrance examination in what school?_____________________
3. Why did Jose Rizal use “Rizal” in Ateneo instead of Mercado which Rizal customarily
used prior to his studies in Ateneo days?
4. Students in Ateneo at the time were divided into two – boarders and non-boarders. How
are those two groups called? A. _____________________ B. ____________________.
5. How much did Jose Rizal pay in Sta. Isabel College to study Spanish lesson? ________
6. During his second year term in Ateneo, he boarded with Dona Pepay. Complete address
was: _____________________________________________________.
7. In Ateneo, Rizal did some sculptural pieces. One of them was The Virgin Mary. It was
carved out of a piece of wood knows as: ______________________
8. Rizal wrote many poems. One of which is entitled “Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo” which,
in English translation means: ________________________________
9. Rizal first fell in love at the age of _________ with _____________________.
10. Who opposed Rizal’s taking of higher education in Manila? _____________________
Why? __________________________________________________________________
11. In 1878 when Rizal was first year in UST, he tasted brutality in the hands of Spaniard.
His back was slashed because ______________________________________________.
12. The first love of Rizal was _____________________.
13. Rizal studied in UST and finished the course ______________________.

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 14. Why was Rizal unhappy in UST?

15. The nickname of Jose Rizal was ____________________.

So what score did you get? Has the story of Rizal’s higher education in Ateneo and UST drawn
your interest? How do you relate yourself with Rizal as a student?

Now, let us follow our hero’s adventure abroad, just like the way many follow telenovelas. Let’s
watch the following video with focus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nks_4b1IEjo

Travails, Triumphs & Romance

A STUDENT AT THE ATENEO (1872-1877)

Jose was sent to Manila four months after the martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za and with Dona
Teodora still in prison. He studied in the Ateneo Municipal - a college under the supervision of
the Spanish Jesuits. Ateneo Municipal, a bitter rival of the Dominican-owned College of San
Juan de Letran formerly the Escuela Pia (Charity School)- for poor boys in Manila established in
1817, In 1859- name was changed to Ateneo Municipal by the Jesuits and later became the
Ateneo de Manila.

RIZAL ENTERS ATENEO • June 10, 1872- Jose, accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila to
take the entrance examinations on Christian Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at the College of
San Juan de Letran, and passed them. His father was the first one who wished him to study at

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Letran but he changed his mind and decided to send Jose at Ateneo instead. Father Margin
Fernando, college registrar of Ateneo Municipal, refused to admit Jose because: He was late for
registration and; He was sickly and undersized for his age (11 years old). Upon the intercession
of Manuel Xeres Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos, he was admitted at Ateneo. Jose adopted the
surname Rizal at the Ateneo because their family name Mercado had come under suspicion of
the Spanish authorities. Ateneo was located in Intramuros, within the walls of Manila. He
boarded in a house on Caraballo Street, 25 min walk from the college. The boarding house was
owned by Titay, who owed Rizal family P300. Jose boarded there to collect part of the debt.

JESUITS SYSTEM OF EDUCATION • Jesuits trained the character of the student by rigid
discipline, humanities and religious instruction. They heard Mass early in the morning before the
beginning of daily class. Classes were opened and closed with prayers. Students were divided
into two groups: Roman Empire- consisting of the internos (boarders) with red banners. Second
group, Carthaginian Empire- composed of the externos (non-boarders) with blue banners each of
these empires had its rank. Students fought for positions. With 3 mistakes, opponent‘s position
could lose his position. - 1st best: emperor - 2nd best: tribune - 3rd best: decurion - 4th best:
centurion - 5th best: standard-bearer. Ateneo student’s uniform was consisted of hemp-fabric
trousers´ and striped cotton coat. The coat was called Rayadillo and was adopted as the uniform
for Filipino troops during the days of the First Philippine Republic.

RIZAL’S FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873) • Rizal‘s first professor in Ateneo was Fr.
Jose Bech. Rizal was placed at the bottom of the class since he was a newcomer and knows little
Spanish. He was an externo (Carthaginians), occupying the end of the line. But at the end of the
month, he becomes emperor´ of his Empire. He was the brightest pupil in the whole class, and he
was awarded a prize, a religious prize. Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during
noon recesses to improve his Spanish language paying three pesos for those extra lessons. He
placed second at the end of the year, although all his grades were still marked Excellent´
SUMMER VACATION (1873) • Rizal didn‘t enjoy his summer because his mother was in
prison so Neneng (Saturnina) brought him to Tanawan. But without telling his father, he went to
Santa Cruz to visit her mother in prison. He told her of his brilliant grades. After summer, he
returned to Manila and now boarded inside Intramuros at No. 6 Magallanes Street. Dona Pepay,
who had a widowed daughter and 4 sons, was his landlady.

PROPHECY OF MOTHER’S RELEASE • Dona Teodora told her son of her dream the previous
night. Rizal, interpreting the dream, told her that she would be released from prison in 3 months‘
time. It became true. Dona Teodora likened his son to the youthful Joseph in the Bible in his
ability to interpret dreams. • Teenage Interest in Reading. The first favorite novel of Rizal was
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. His boyish imagination was stirred by the
sufferings of Edmond Dantes (the hero) in prison, his spectacular escape from the dungeon of
Chateau de If, his finding a buried treasure in the rocky island of Monte Cristo, and his dramatic
revenge on his enemies who had wronged him. Rizal also read non-fiction. He persuaded his
father to buy a costly set of Cesar Cantu‘s historical work entitled Universal History. He also
read Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor Jagor, a German scientist-traveler who visited Phil
in 1859-60.He was impressed by: Jagor‘s keen observations of the defects of Spanish
colonization; and his prophecy that someday Spain would lose the Philippines and that America
would come to succeed her as colonizer.

THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1875-76) • June 16, 1875- He became an interno in Ateneo. Fr.
Francisco de Paula Sanchez, one of his professors, inspired him to study harder and write poetry.
Rizal‘s best professor in Ateneo. Rizal described him as model of uprightness, earnestness, and
love for the advancement of his pupils. He returned to Calamba with 5 medals and excellent
ratings.

FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO • March 23, 1877- Rizal, 16 years old, received from his Alma
Mater, Ateneo Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors. Rizal was the
highest in all subjects and won five medals at the end of the school term. He excelled in all his
subjects and was the most brilliant Atenean, he was truly “the pride of the Jesuits”

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN ATENEO • He was an active member, later secretary,
of Marian Congregation - a religious society. He was accepted because of his academic brilliance
and devotion to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the college patroness. He is also a member
of the Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences. He studied painting
under Agustin Saez, a famous painter, and sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus. He continued his
physical training under hi sports-minded Tio Manuel.

SCULPTURAL WORKS IN ATENEO • He carved an image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of

batikuling (Philippine hardwood) with his pocketknife. The Jesuits fathers were amazed. Father
Lleonart requested him to carve for him an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He intended to
take the image with him in Spain but forgot to do so. So the Ateneo boarders placed it on the
door of their dormitory. It plays a significant part in Rizal‘s last hours at Fort Santiago.

POEMS WRITTEN IN ATENEO • Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) was the first
written poem of Rizal which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday. He wrote it when he
was 14 years old. El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes ( The Departure: Hymn to
Magellan‘s Fleet). Y Es Espanol: Elcano, el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo (And He is
Spanish: Elcano, the Fist to Circumnavigate the World). El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo
(The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo) In 1876, he wrote poems on religion, education
memories and war. (e.g. In Memory of my Town)

RIZAL’S POEM ON EDUCATION •Through Education Our Motherland Receives Light-

education plays in the progress and welfare of a nation. •The Intimate Alliance Between
Religion and Good Education- showed that Education without God is not true education

RIZAL’S RELIGIOUS POEM •Al Nino Jesus (To the Child Jesus)- written when he was 14
years old, expressing his Catholic faith devotion. •A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary)

MOTHER’S OPPOSITION TO HIGHER EDUCATION • Both Don Francisco and Paciano

wanted Jose to pursue higher learning in the university. But Dona Teodora who is a woman of
education and culture objects to Rizal desire for University education. She knew what happened
to the Gom-Bur-ZA, and told her husband “Don’t send him to Manila again, he knows enough. If
he gets to know more the Spaniards will cut off his head”.

THE UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS (1877- 1882)

RIZAL ENTERS THE UNIVERSITY • Rizal took the course on Philosophy and Letters. Two
reasons why Rizal enrolled in these courses: His father likes it; and he was still uncertain as to
what career to pursue. It was the following term (1878-1879)

RIZAL TOOK UP THE MEDICAL COURSE • Two reasons: He received the advice of Father
Pablo Ramon, Ateneo’s Rector to study medicine and to be able to cure his mother’s growing
blindness. • He excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in Ateneo. • He obtained gold
medals in agriculture and topography

FINISHES SURVEYING COURSE IN ATENEO • 1877-1878 Rizal took the vocational course
leading to the title of ―perito agrimensor” (expert surveyor). He passed the final examination in
the surveying course on November 25, 1881. He remained loyal to Ateneo.

LITERARY WORKS (1879) • Liceo-Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila, a

society of literary men and artists, held a literary contest. 1. A La Juventud Filipino (to the
Filipino youth)- a poem written by Rizal, it was the first prize winner. Two reasons why Rizal‘s
poem is a classic in the Philippine literature: 1. It was the first great poem in Spanish written by
the Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary authorities. 2. It expressed for the

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first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipino, and not the foreigners, was the ―fair hope of
the fatherland.

THE COUNCIL OF THE GODS (1880) An allegorical drama written by Rizal which he entered
in the literary contest of ArtisticLiterary Lyceum in 1880 to commemorate the fourth centennial
of the death of Cervantes. It was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics. The prize
was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was engraved the bust (figure) of Cervantes. 3. Junto
al Pasig (Beside the Pasig) a zarzuela, written by Rizal. It was staged by the Ateneans on
December 8, 1880,on the occasion of the annual celebration of the Feats Day of the Immaculate
Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo.

CHAMPION OF THE FILIPINO STUDENTS • Rizal was the champion of the Filipino
students. In 1880. Rizal founded a secret society of Filipino students. He became the chief of the
secrete students society.

UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST • Rizal found the atmosphere at the University of Santo Tomas
suffocating to his sensitive spirit. He was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher
learning because: (1) the Dominican professors were hostile to him (2) the Filipino students were
racially discriminated by the Spaniards (3) the method of instruction was obsolete and repressive

IN SPAIN 1882-1885

After finishing the 4th year of the medical course in the University of Santo Tomas, Rizal
decided to complete his studies in Spain.

SECRET MISSION IN SPAIN • to observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs,
industries and commerce, and governments and laws of the European nations. In order to prepare
himself in the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny.

RIZAL IN BARCELONA • May 3, 1882- Rizal departed on board the Spanish Steamer
Salvadora bound for Singapore. Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by
the Spanish authorities and the friars • June 16, 1882- Rizal finally reached his destination—
Barcelona.

ARTICLES WRITTEN BY RIZAL • Amor Patrio (Love Of Country) a nationalistic essay

written by Rizal under his pen name Laong Laan which urged his compatriots to love their
fatherland, the Philippines. Basilio Teodoro Moran- publisher of Diariong Tagalog. Other written
articles of Rizal: - Los Viajes (Travels)- second article - Revista de Madrid (Review of Madrid)-
returned to him because the Diariong Tagalog had ceased publication for lack of funds.

RIZAL IN MADRID • November 3, 1882- Rizal enrolled in Universidad Central de Madrid in

two courses- Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. Rizal led a Spartan life in Madrid. • He also
studied in Painting and Sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts and took lessons in French,
German and English.

CIRCULO HISPANO-FILIPINO (HISPANO-PHILIPPINE CIRCLE) • Shortly after his arrival,

Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino (HispanoPhilippine Circle), a society of Spaniards and
Filipinos. • “They Ask Me For Verses” (Me Piden Versos) - a poem written by Rizal in response
to the request of the members of the society. It is a sad poem in which Rizal poured out the cry of
his agonizing heart.

RIZAL AS LOVER OF BOOKS • Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Eugene Sue’s The
Wandering Jew aroused the sympathy of Rizal to his oppressed and unfortunate people.

RIZAL AS A MASON • March 1883- Rizal joined the Masonic Lodge Acacia in Madrid under
his Masonic name Dimasalang. Rizal‘s reasons of becoming a mason: 1. the bad friars in the
Philippines, by their abuses unworthy of their priestly habit or calling, drove Rizal to desperation

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and Masonry; 2. he needed the help of the Masons to fight the bad friars in the Philippines, for
Masonry, to Rizal, was a shield to use in his fight against the evil forces of tyranny.

RIZAL IN PARIS, CAPITAL CITY OF FRANCE • June 17 1883, Rizal sojourn in Paris. He
stayed at a cheaper hotel on 124 Rue de Rennes in the Latin Quarter. • Like all tourist, Rizal was
attracted by the beautiful sights of Paris. He visited important landmarks like the Place de la
Concorde, Arch of Triumph, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and others. Rizal improved his mind
by observing closely the French way of life. He spent his hours in museums, botanical garden
and art galleries. According to Rizal “Paris is the costliest capital in Europe.” Prices of food,
drinks, theatre, laundry, hotels and transportation were too high. • Two hospitals where Rizal
made some observations:

- Laennec Hospital- where Rizal observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients
- Lariboisiere Hospital- where Rizal observed the examination of different diseases of women. •

August 20, 1883 he returned to Madrid and continues with his studies.

RIZAL’S SALUTE TO LUNA AND HIDALGO. • In the evening of June 25, 1884, a banquet
was sponsored by the Filipino community to celebrate the double victory of the Filipino artist in
the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid - Luna’s Spoliarium winning the first prize and
Hidalgo’s Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace second prize. Rizal was the guest speaker.
It was a magnificent speech of Rizal, he saluted Luna and Hidalgo being the two glories of Spain
and the Philippines. He also assailed with refined sarcasm the bigotry and blindness of certain
unworthy Spaniards who could not comprehend the universality of Genius.

STUDIES COMPLETED IN SPAIN • June 21, 1884- conferred the degree of Licentiate in
Medicine. He was not awarded his Doctor‘s diploma due to the fact that he did not present the
thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees. June 19, 1885- Licentiate in
Philosophy and Letters with the rating of “Excellent”(Sobresaliente)

CONTINUED STAY IN EUROPE 1885-1887 • Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to
specialize in Ophthalmology. He travelled and observed European life and customs in Paris,
Heidelberg, Leipzig, and Berlin.

PARIS (1885-1886) • He was 24 years old and already a physician, he went to Paris to obtain
knowledge in Ophthalmology. In November 1885, he worked for four months as an assistant to
Dr. Louis de Weckert, a leading French ophthalmologist. • Outside of his working hours, he also
found time to relax and be with his good friends like the Pardo de Taveras, Juan Luna and Felix
Resurreccion Hidalgo. At the studio of Juan Luna, he improved his painting technique. He
became a model to Juan Luna’s several paintings. In the home of the Pardo de Tavera, Rizal
played the flute, he admitted that he had no natural aptitude for music.

GERMANY IN HEIDELBERG • In February 1886, Rizal left Paris and went to Germany. He
arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old university and romantic
surroundings. • He lived near the University of Heidelberg and worked as an assistant to Dr. Otto
Becker at the University Eye Hospital. Outside his apprenticing hours, he also listened to lectures
delivered by Dr. Becker and Prof. Wilhelm Kuchne. • Rizal devoted his free time visiting
Heidelberg Castle, Neckar River, the theatre and some old churches found in the city. The
Neckar River and the beautiful spring flowers blooling along its banks reminded him of how
dearly he missed Calamba.
• April 22, 1886, Rizal wrote a touching poem entitled To the Flowers of Heidelberg. IN

WILHELMSFELD • A mountainous village near Heidelberg where Rizal spent his summer
vacation.
• Rizal lived with the family of Pastor Karl Ullmer, a Protestant pastor who became his good
friend and admirer. The pleasant personality and talents in languages and sketching endeared him
to the Ullmer’s family. For three months he enjoyed the hospitality and kindness of the family.

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June 25, 1886, he returned to Heidelberg.

FIRST LETTER TO BLUMENTRITT • July 31, 1886 Rizal wrote his first letter in German to
Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria. Rizal wrote to
him after learning that this ethnologist was interested in the Tagalog language. He sent him a
book entitled Arithmetica. It was published in 2 languages- Spanish and Tagalog by UST Press
in 1868. Author was Rufino Baltazar Hernandez a native of Santa Cruz, Laguna. Ferdinand
reciprocated the thoughtful gesture of Rizal by sending him two books. The exchanged marked
the beginning of their long and beautiful friendship.

IN LEIPZIG • In August 1886, Rizal arrived in Leipzig. He stayed here for two months doing a
lot of writing and translating.
• He very much liked what he saw, the magnificent buildings, wide and clean streets and amiable
people.
• William Tell- written by Schiller, Rizal translated it from German into Tagalog so that Filipino
might know the story of the champion of Swiss independence.
• Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales - Rizal also translated this in Tagalog for his nephews and nieces.
• Because of his knowledge of German, Spanish, and other European languages, Rizal worked as
proof-reader in a publishing firm.
• He attended some lectures on history and psychology at the University of Leipzig and met
Professor Friedrich Ratzel- a famous German historian and Dr. Hans MeyerGerman
anthropologist. They had become his friends.

IN BERLIN • In November 1886, Rizal arrived in Berlin. He was enchanted by this city because
of its scientific atmosphere and the absence of racial prejudice.
• Dr. Feodor Jagor - Rizal met for the first time this celebrated German scientisttraveler and
author of Travels in the Philippines, a book which Rizal read and admired during his student
days in Manila.
• Dr. Rudolf Virchow- a famous German anthropologist. (Dr. Jagor, introduced Rizal to Dr.
Virchow)
• Dr. Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905)- famous German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked
• Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnological Society, and the
Geographical Society of Berlin, upon the recommendation of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer
• Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art)- Rizal wrote this scholarly paper in German which
he read before the society in April 1887. This paper was published by the society in the same
year, and elicited favorable comments from all scientific quarters

GERMAN WOMEN AND THEIR CUSTOMS • Rizal wrote a letters addressed to his sister,
Trinidad. He said that German woman is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not
gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome.
• Aside from women, Rizal admired the German customs. The Christmas custom of the German
delighted him most of his yuletide custom he wrote on Christmas eve. Another interesting
German custom observed by Rizal is self-introduction to strangers in a social gathering.

NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)

• March 21, 1887- the Noli Me Tangere came off the press. The title Noli Me Tangere is a Latin
phrase which means “Touch Me Not”. “Noli Me Tangere, are words taken from the Gospel of St.
John (Chapter 20 Verses 13 to 17). Rizal dedicated his Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines—“To
My Fatherland”. It contains 63 chapters and an epilogue. Maximo ViolaThe savior of Noli, he
gave him the needed funds to publish the novel.

GRAND TOUR FROM GERMANY TO ITALY • May 11, 1887- Rizal and Viola left Berlin by
train going to Dresden, one of the best cities in Germany
• May 13- 16, 1887- Rizal and Viola went to Leitmeritz, Bohemia to visit Professor Blumentritt.
A kind-hearted, old Austrian professor who became a dear friend of Rizal.
• With Prof. Blumentritt as their guide, Rizal and Viola visited the churches, the residence of the
Bishop and other important buildings of the city.

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• From May 20-30, 1887 -They visited other cities in Europe like, Prague, Viennathe "Queen of
Danube", Lintz, Rheinfall, Munich and Nuremberg. They visited museums, magnificent
buildings, cathedrals and beautiful sights.
• June 2 to 3, 1887- stayed at Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

GENEVA- This Swiss city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, visited by world tourists
every year.
• June 19, 1887- Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. It was his 26th birthday. Rizal and Viola spent
fifteen delightful days in Geneva.
• June 23, 1887- Viola and Rizal parted ways—Viola returned to Barcelona while Rizal
continued the tour to Italy
• June 27, 1887- Rizal reached Rome, the “Eternal City” and also called the “City of the Caesars.
After a week of wonderful sojourn in Rome, Rizal prepared to return to the Philippines.

FIRST RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES 1887-1888

TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES The stunning beauty of the European lands did not stop Rizal
from continuously adoring his native land. After the Noli Me Tangere was published, he decided
to return to Calamba despite the many warning he received from friends and relatives alike.
• He had four reasons for returning to the Philippines: a) To perform an operation on Dona
Teodora’s eyes; b) To defend his oppressed countrymen more effectively than doing so in a
foreign land; c) To find out how his Noli was received by the Filipinos and Spaniards; and d) To
know the reason for Leonor Rivera’s long silence.
• July 3, 1887, Rizal left Marseilles (France), it was his first return to the Philippines after
leaving it to study in Spain five years ago.
• August 6, 1887, he arrived in Manila and visited some friends.

AT HIS HOMETOWN • August 8, 1887, he reached Calamba. He opened a medical clinic and
restored his mother’s vision. Such “miraculous” news spread throughout the community like
wild fire, thus, his clinic was flocked by people aspiring for a better eyesight. Newly arrived
from Germany, he began to be known as “ Doctor Uliman” (from the word Aleman) and soon he
acquired a lucrative medical practice. He earned $900 from his services as physician.
• Rizal opened a gymnasium for young folks, where he introduced European sports to discourage
his town mates from idleness and gambling.
• He also took part in Calamba’s civic affairs and on his spare time made paintings of the towns
landscapes and translated the German poems of Von Wildernath into Tagalog.
• His happy days at Calamba was marred with the death of his older sister, Olimpia, and to see
Leonor Rivera. His family begged him not to see her at her hometown in Camiling because of
increasing concerns about his safety. Also Leonor’s mother objected to their relationship.

THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NOLI • Copies of the Noli Me Tangere had arrived at the
Philippines weeks before Rizal’s return to the Philippines. Some of copies of his book fell into
the hands of the Spaniards especially the friars. They found the novel “heretical, impious, and
scandalous in the religious order and anti-patriotic, subversive of public order, injurious to the
government of Spain and its function in the Philippine Islands in the political order”.
• The controversy over the novel had reached the office of Governor General Emilio Terrero. He
requested Rizal to come to Malacańang Palace. Rizal met Governor General Emilio Terrero who
informed him of the charges against him. As a defense, Rizal told Terrero that Noli only expose
reality. Not having read the book yet and out of curiosity, the governor general asked for a copy
of the controversial novel, which he later confessed that he enjoyed reading. He saw no problem
on the book, yet to protect Rizal’s life which was then in danger, he assigned Jose Taviel de
Andrade, a young Spanish lieutenant, as Rizal’s personal bodyguard. The friars asked Governor
General Terrero to deport him, but the latter refused because there was no valid charge against
Rizal in court.
• While still in Calamba, Rizal was seen as a troublemaker. There are groundless tales circulated
by his enemies that he was “a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, a Protestant, a Mason, a witch,
a soul beyond salvation, etc.” Realizing that his family’s and friend’s safety were risked; and that

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his fight against the Spaniards have better chance of winning if he’d stay abroad, Rizal, six
months after, finally decided to sail back to Europe. His plan was to return to Europe via Hong
Kong, Macao, Japan and the United States

TRAVELS IN ASIA (HONG KONG, MACAU AND JAPAN) AND THE U.S. FIRST TRIP TO
HONG KONG AND MACAU

• On February 3, 1888, with a heavy heart, Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong. His powerful
enemies refused to give him peace and quiet. Anonymous letters with threats on his life were
sent to his parents’ house in Calamba.
• On February 8, 1888- Rizal arrived in Hong Kong and he was welcomed by Filipino residents.
• Jose Sainz de Varranda, Terrero’s former secretary, followed Rizal in the said British colony,
and was believed to be commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on the hero.
• While in Hong Kong, Rizal engaged in cultural activities. Among the experiences while he
observed were: a) The Chinese way of celebrating their New Year, which included making noise
and exploding firecrackers to drive away evil spirits; b) Chinese lauriat parties, where they
served many different types of dishes; c) Chinese theatres which used symbolisms and noisy
music to entertain an equally noise audience; d) He also managed to visit different churches and
cemeteries that were owned by Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims.
• On February 18-21, 1888, Rizal also visited Macau, a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. He
was invited to stay at the residence of Don Juan Francisco Lecaros, who was a former Filipino
delegate to the Spanish Cortes. For two days, Rizal enjoyed being a tourist and visited different
cultural places which included churches, botanical gardens, theaters and the Macao Casino.
• February 22, 1888- Rizal left Hong Kong, his destination was Japan.

IN JAPAN • February 28, 1888- Rizal arrived in Yokohama, the next day he went to Tokyo and
stayed at Tokyo Hotel for six days.

• Shortly after his arrival, Juan Perez Caballero-secretary of the Spanish Legation, visited Rizal
at his hotel who latter invited him to live at the Spanish Legation. Rizal being an intelligent man,
realized that the Spanish diplomatic authorities were instructed from Manila to keep track of his
activities. Since it was economical to stay at the legation and he believed that he had nothing to
hide, he accepted it.
• March 7, 1888- Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish Legation
• Rizal was impressed by the scenic Japan and had keenly observed the life, customs, and culture
of the people. The things which favourably impressed Rizal in Japan were: the 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 very few thieves in Japan; beggars were
rarely seen in the city, streets, unlike in Manila and other cities.
• April 13, 1888, Rizal left Japan and boarded the Belgic, bound for the United States.

RIZAL’S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES (April- May 1888)

• April 28, 1888, Rizal arrived in San Francisco, California. The ship was held under quarantine
by the American health authorities, reasoning that there was a cholera epidemic in the Far East
where their ship come from. Rizal and other first class passenger of the ship were released from
quarantine and allowed to land after seven days.
• On May 4, 1888, Rizal arrived in San Francisco and registered at the Palace Hotel and stayed
for two days. May 6, 1888, he was in Oakland, he boarded the train for his grand transcontinental
trip to the American continent. He was able to see places such as Sacramento, Reno, (Nevada),
Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany and on May 13 he reached New York. He stayed in this
city for three days, he visited the scenic and historic places. RIZAL’S IMPRESSIONS OF
AMERICA
• Good impressions a) the material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge
farms, flourishing industries and busy factories; b) the drive and energy of the American People
c) the natural beauty of the land d) the high standard of living; e) the opportunities for better life
offered to poor immigrants.

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• Bad impression a) the lack of racial equality: “America is the land par excellence of freedom
but only for the whites”
• May 16, 1888- Rizal left New York for Liverpool, England.

REFORMIST WORKS IN EUROPE (1889-1981) IN LONDON • May 25, 1888 to mid-March

1889- Rizal decided to stay in London because he could improve his English, study and do an
annotation of Antonio Morga’s Sucecos de las Islas Filipinas and perceived it was a place for
him to carry on the reforms he wanted for the Philippines.

ANNOTATING MORGA’S BOOK • May 1888-March 1889- He spent ten months (10) in the
reading room of the British Museum deeply immersed in his historical studies in London. This
was the greatest achievement of Rizal in London, the annotating of Morga’s book, Sucesos de las
Islas Filipinas (Historical Events of the Philippine Islands), which was published in Mexico,
1609.

RIZAL AND THE LA SOLIDARIDAD • December 31, 1888- inauguration of Asociacion La

Solidaridad (Solidaridad Association), a patriotic society. They crusade for reforms in the
Philippine Government. By unanimous vote of all members, Rizal was chosen honorary
president. This was a recognition of his leadership among all Filipino patriots in Europe.
• February 15, 1889Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad
in Barcelona - A fortnightly periodical which served as the organ of the Propaganda Movement.
• Its aims were as follows: to work peacefully for political and social reforms; to portray the
deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may remedy them; to oppose the evil
forces of reaction and medievalism; to advocate liberal ideas and progress; to champion the
legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people to life, democracy and happiness. During his stay in
London, Rizal also made used of his time in writing essays and articles for La Solidaridad. He
also wrote La Vision del Fray Rodriguez (The Vision of Fray Rodriguez)-pamphlet which
published in Barcelona under his nom-de-plume Dimas Alang in order to defense his novel.
• In London, Rizal received both good news and bad news from news. The good news was that
Rev. Vicente Garcia was defending his Noli from the attacks of the friars. On the other hand, the
bad news were that the Filipino signatories of the “Petition of 1888” and the tenants of the
Calamba agrarian trouble were facing persecution; that his brothers-in-law Manuel T. HIdalgo
and Mariano Herbosa, were exiled to Bohol and was denied Christian burial, respectively; and
his friend, Laureno Viadoa, a UST medical student, was imprisoned for possessing some copies
of his Noli.

IN PARIS • It was mid-March 1899, Rizal decided to move to Paris. He noticed that Parisian life
was different from the life he experienced in London. It was a city bursting with merriment,
exciting events, and unending social gathering. The cost of living was also very high.
• Rizal never lost his focus although life in Paris was gay, he continued to spend long hours at
the National library in Paris. There, he went on reviewing and rewriting his historical annotations
on De Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. It was published on January 1890. He also wrote a
satirical booklet entitled Por Telefono, in answer to Fr. Salvation Fort, a Spanish friar who hurled
attacks on the Noli Me Tangere and caused its banning.
• He continued his study on various languages especially the French language, which he was able
to perfect during his 10 months stay at the French capital city.
• He organized a social club called Kidlat Club , a social club which brought together young
Filipinos residing in Paris. Soon, the members of the said club founded a new Filipino society -
the Indios Bravos, an organization which envisioned Filipinos being recognized by Spain for
being excellent in various fields of knowledge.
• In between his more serious activities, Rizal also had leisurely activities like socializing with
friends in their homes. Among those he frequently visited were the homes of the Pardo de
Taveras, the Venturas, the Lunas, the Bousteads and others.
• Although Rizal lived a frugal life, he prepared a sumptuous Christmas dinner for some of his
friends. Shortly after New Year, he visited London for the last time

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In BRUSSELS • January 28, 1890, left Paris for Brussels. He left the extravagant and gay social
life in Paris and stayed in a boarding house owned by the Jacoby sisters in Brussels.
• From 1889- 1890, Rizal continued contributing for La Solidaridad under the pseudonyms
Dimas Alang and Laong Laan. Among the 10 articles he had contributed below were some of the
most famous and important articles: a) The Philippines Within a Century-article written by Rizal
which he expressed his views on the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. b) The Indolence of
the Filipinos- It is an able defence of the alleged indolence of the Filipinos. c) the Sobre la Nueva
Ortografia de la Lengua Tagala (The New Orthography of the Tagalog Language) In this article,
he laid down the rules of the new Tagalog orthography
• From Calamba, Rizal received letters telling that the agrarian trouble in the province was
getting worse, and as such, he decided to go home. But instead of going home, a letter from
Paciano told him that they already lost the case against the Dominicans and they were in need of
a lawyer who would defend their family and the families in Calamba from Madrid.
• Rizal wrote a letter to Ponce, he announced that he was leaving Brussels and decided to go to
Madrid because this case must be presented to the Supreme Court and he needs to pay close
attention to the developments of the case.

MISFORTUNES IN MADRID (1890-1891) • August, 1890, Rizal arrived in Madrid. Upon

arrival in Madrid. Rizal immediately sought help of the Filipino colony, The Asociacion
Hispano-Filipina, and the liberal Spanish newspaper in securing justice for the oppressed
Calamba tenants. Nothing came out of this, several newspapers were sympathetic to the plight of
the Calamba tenants but this did not translate to any form of action. By this time, Francisco Rizal
and other tenants were already forcibly evicted from Calamba by Governor General Valeriano
Weyler. Their houses were burned and more people were exiled regardless of their gender.
• August 1890, Rizal attended a social reunion of the Filipinos in Madrid. After drinking so
many glasses the guests became more talkative. One of them, Antonio Luna became drunk. Rizal
challenged Antonio Luna, it was about the latter’s frustration with his unsuccessful “love affair”
with Nellie Boustead, and so gave negative remarks on the lady which Rizal did not tolerated.
The Filipinos tried to pacify them, pointing out that such a duel would damage their cause in
Spain. Fortunately, Luna, realized his mistakes he apologized and Rizal immediately accepted
his apology and became good friends again.
• Rizal challenged Wenceslao Retana in a duel. Retana had insulted Rizal and his family by
writing in La Epoca, an anti-Filipino newspaper, that the Rizal family in Calamba was ejected
from their lands because they did not pay their rents. Rizal was, by nature neither hot-tempered
but when the honor of his people, family, women or friends was besmirched, he never hesitated
to fight even if he were risking his own life. Retana at once published a retraction and an
apology, he knew that Rizal was superior in both pistol and sword.
• December 1890, Rizal received a letter from Leonor Rivera announcing her coming marriage to
Henry Kipping, an Englishman (the choice of her mother).This was a big blow for him and his
heart broke.
• Another marked event in Madrid was the Marcelo H. del Pilar-Jose Rizal rivalry for leadership
in the Asociacion Hispano Filipino. A fraction emerged from the Filipinos in Madrid, the
Rizalistas and Pilaristas. The group decided that the leader must be elected by two-thirds vote.
Rizal won the election, he was offered the appointment but he did not want to see the Filipinos in
Madrid divided so he thought it best to leave the city.
• Rizal took a vacation in the resort city of Biarritz on the fabulous French Riviera. He was a
guest of the rich Boustead family at its winter residence—Villa Eliada. The one month vacation
in this city worked wonders for Rizal. This is where he was able to finish his second novel El
Filibusterismo.
• March 30, 1891, Rizal bade farewell to the hospitable and friendly Bousteads and proceeded to
Paris by Train. He stayed at the home of his friend Valentin Ventura.

RETIREMENT FROM THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT • April 1891, Rizal was back to
Brussels where he became busy revising and polishing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo.
• Rizal retired from the Propaganda Movement. He notified the Propaganda authorities in Manila
to cancel his monthly allowance and devote the money to some better cause, such as the
education of a young Filipino student in Europe. He desired to publish his second novel, to

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practice his medical profession, and later when he became financially independent, he expected
to make a more vigorous campaign for his country’s redemption.
• Simultaneously with his retirement from the Propaganda Movement, Rizal ceased writing
articles for La Solidaridad. Many of his friends in Spain urged him to continue writing because
his articles always attracted considerable attention in European countries.
• M.H. Del Pilar himself realized the need for Rizal’s collaboration in both the Propaganda
Movement and in the La Solidaridad newspaper because the enthusiasm for the reform crusade
was declining. He wrote to Rizal begging for forgiveness for any resentment and requesting him
to resume writing for the La Solidaridad.
• Rizal replied to Del Pilar’s letter, he wrote denying any resentment and explaining why he
stopped writing. Below are reasons why Rizal stopped writing for La Solidaridad: a) Rizal need
to work on his book; b) He wanted other Filipinos to work also; c) Rizal considered it very
important to the party that there be unity in the work; d) Marcelo H. Del Pilar is already at the
top and Rizal also have his own ideas it is better to leave del Pilar alone to direct the policy.

THE PRINTING OF THE EL FILIBUSTERISMO • July 5, 1891- Rizal left Brussels for Ghent,
a famous university city in Belgium because the cost of printing in Ghent was cheaper than in
Brussels. F. Meyer-Van Loo Press-a printing shop that give Rizal the lowest quotation for the
publication of his novel.
• August 6, 1891-the printing of his book had to be suspended because Rizal could no longer
give the necessary funds to the printer. Valentin Ventura- the savior of the Fili, when he learned
of Rizal’s predicament he sent him the necessary funds.
• September 18, 1891- El Filibusterismo came off the press. Rizal gratefully donated the original
manuscript and an autographed printed copy to Valentin Ventura

BACK IN HONGKONG
• On October 18, 1891, after the Fili’ was published, Rizal left Europe. Aboard the S.S
Melbourne, he sailed to Hongkong where he lived for seven months. His reasons for venturing to
Hongkong were the following: a) To leave his rivalry with del PIlar b) To facilitate a Propaganda
Movement in Hongkong; and c) To be proximate to his family in the Philippines
• On November 20, 1891, Rizal arrived in Hongkong and was cordially welcomed by the
Filipino residents in the city, particularly, his friend Jose Ma. Basa.
• December 1, 1891- Rizal wrote his parents asking their permission to return home. Rizal had a
continued correspondence with his family in Calamba and had been aware of the unsettled
agrarian problem. On the same date, his brother-in-law, Manuel T. Hidalgo, sent him a letter
relating the sad news of the “deportation of twenty-five persons from Calamba, including father,
Neneng, Sisa, Lucia, Paciano and the rest of us.”

FAMILY REUNION IN HONG KONG • The Christmas of 1891 in Hong Kong was one of the
happiest Yuletide celebrations in Rizal’s life, he had a happy family reunion.
• While in Hongkong, Rizal practiced his medical career. With the help of his friend, Dr Lorenzo
P. Marquez, they built a large clientele and opened a medical clinic where he was recognized as
an excellent eye surgeon. He was equally supported and aided both morally and financially by
his family and friends with his chosen career.
• Another marked event during Rizal’s stay in Hongkong was his plan to move the landless
Filipino to Borneo and transform the said wilderness into a “New Calamba” through the so-
called Borneo Colonization Project.
• In April 1802, he visited Borneo and negotiated with the British authorities who are willing to
provide 100,000 acres of land for the Filipinos. Many Filipino patriots found this project
amusing, thus, promoted the said project. However, there were a number who objected it, one of
which was Rizal’s brother-in-law, Hidalgo.
• Twice did Rizal wrote a letter addressed to Governor General Eulogio Despujol informing his
Borneo colonization project, with whom he received no response. Instead, Despujol commanded
the Spanish consul-general in Hongkong to notify Rizal that such project was very unpatriotic,
and by immigrating Filipinos to Borneo, the Philippines will surely be lacking of laborers.
• Despite the many oppositions from friends and relatives, he decided to return to Manila on the
following reasons: a) To discuss with Governor General Despujol his Borneo colonization

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project; b) To form the La Liga Filipina in the Philippines; and c) To prove that Eduardo de
Lete’s allegations on him and his family in Calamba were wrong.
• Before his departure, he wrote three more letters- the first addressed to his parents and friends;
the second one, to Filipinos; and the last Governor General Eulogio Despujol.
• Instead of having the protection he desired, Rizal and his sister, Lucia fell into the Spanish trap
- a case was secretly filed against Rizal, and Despujol ordered his secretary, Luis de la Torre, to
verify whether the patriot had neutralized himself as German citizen or not. And so, the siblings
sailed across the China Sea without prior knowledge of what awaits then in the Philippines.

RIZAL’S GREAT LOVES

1) Second Love: Leonor Valenzuela (1878)
Leonor “Orang” Valenzuela, Rizal’s second object of affection, is literally the girl-next-door.
They met when Rizal was a sophomore medical student at the University of Santo Tomas, during
which time he also lived at Doña Concha Leyva’s boarding house in Intramuros, Manila. Orang,
who was then 14 years old, was his neighbour. During the courtship, Rizal was said to have sent
Leonor private and secret love letters, which he wrote using invisible ink made with water and
salt—he was adept in chemistry, too. To read the letters, Orang had to heat the letter over a
candle or a lamp. Rizal also frequented the Valenzuelas’ home, which was a hang out place of
the students in the area. There are, however, documents that may serve as proof that Rizal’s
efforts were not effective. Some accounts say he was courting Leonor Valenzuela and his second
cousin Leonor Rivera at the same time—thus the need for invisible letters. (Still, we need to
appreciate the effort that went with it.) Rivera apparently knew of this and gave way to Rivera’s
attraction for Rizal. When Rizal left for Spain in 1882, it was said that he did say goodbye to
Orang, but kept in touch with the help of Rizal’s close friend, Jose “Chenggoy” Cecilio.

2) Third Love: Leonor Rivera, Age 15, (1878-1890)

Jose Rizal was never the preferred choice of Leonor Rivera’s mother, who confiscated all the
correspondences between Leonor and Rizal till it frittered down to zero. Rizal was 18 going on
21 and was devoted to Leonor. But he was just then opening his eyes to Europe’s Enlightenment,
where the women were pleasing and the men were gallant. Rizal really was in love with Leonor
Rivera. He even invented a coded alphabet so that they could write sweet nothings to each other.
But soon, Leonor faded in memory. Why? Because in Europe, Rizal conveniently romanced
other girls and forgot he was engaged to her. Eventually the Leonor Rivera-Rizal engagement
did not survive the long-distance romance. In the end, it turned into an idealized one (reflected as
Maria Clara in Rizal’s novel, Noli me Tangere), a painful love match doomed to fail from the
very start. Yes, count this one as real love. As an engaged couple, they showed real affection for
each other while it lasted.

3) Fourth Love: Consuelo Ortiga Y Reyes, (1884)

In Madrid, Rizal courted Consuelo Ortiga, age 18, the daughter of Señor Pablo Ortiga y Rey,
who was once mayor of Manila and who owned the apartment where the Circulo Hispano
Filipino met regularly. Rizal, age 23, was then acquiring and developing his charming ways with
women. He treated them with special consideration and with gallant courteousness. All the
young Filipino expatriates courted Consuelo, and she in turn encouraged every one including
José Rizal, Eduardo Lete, the Paterno brothers (Pedro, Antonino, Maximiano), Julio Llorente,
Evangelista, Evaristo Esguerra, Fernando Canon and others. Rizal gave Consuelo gifts: sinamay
cloth, embroidered piña handkerchiefs, chinelas (slippers) -- all ordered through his sisters in
Calamba (see his letters). Consuelo accepted all the swains’ regalos but played Eduardo Lete
against Rizal. She finally rejected Rizal’s attention in favor of Eduardo’s, a Filipino Spanish
mestizo from Leyte who, a year later, dumped her. Two-timing Consuelo didn't really catch
Rizal's true fancy except that he impulsively joined the crowd.

4) Fifth Love: O Sei-San, Age 22, The Samurai’s Daughter (1888)

Rizal had fallen in love not only with the view of Japan but more to its women, particularly with
the 23year old Seiko Usui. Rizal affectionately called her OSei-San. Rizal was attracted by her
regal loveliness and charm. Rizal saw in her the qualities of his ideal womanhood—beauty,
charm, modesty and intelligence. Rizal was almost tempted to settle in Japan with O-SeiSan.

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Although, she was very dear to him, his love for his country and fellow Filipinos was greater.
Sacrificing his personal happiness, Rizal had to carry on his libertarian mission in Europe,
leaving behind the lovely O-Sei-San. “O Sei San, sayonara, sayonara! …. No woman like you
has ever loved me. … Like the flower of the chodji that falls from the stem whole and fresh
without stripping leaves or withering... you have not lost your purity nor have the delicate petals
of your innocence faded--sayonara, sayonara.” Rizal.

5) Sixth Love: Gertrude Beckett, Age 19, (1886)

In May 1888 Rizal visited London for a short time, boarding the house of the Beckett family:
Mr. & Mrs. Beckett, their two sons, and their four daughters. The eldest daughter was named
Gertrude.She was a buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair. She fell in love with Rizal
and gave him all of her attention during the family picnics and gatherings. When Rizal stayed
indoors during rainy days painting and sculpting, she helped him mix his colors and prepare his
clay. Rizal enjoyed her company. Eventually their flirtatious friendship drifted towards a
blossoming romance. He affectionately called her "Gettie," and in return she called him
"Pettie."Rizal withdrew before his relationship with Gettie could become more serious, realizing
that he had a greater mission to fulfill and that in order to accomplish it he could not yield to the
option of marrying her. He suppressed the yearnings of his heart and decided to leave so that the
lady may forget him. Before he did, however, he finished a number of sculptural works, one of
which was a carving of the heads of the Beckett sisters.

6) Seventh Love: Suzanne Jacoby (1890)

On January 28, 1890, Rizal left for Brussels, Belgium. He stayed for a considerable time, paying
for room and board. His landladies had a pretty niece named Petite Suzanne Jacoby. She was
taken by Rizal's charm and gallantry, and provided him good company. Rizal could have flirted
with the lady, considering that his beloved Leonor was far away and he was a lonely man in a
strange and foreign land, but he realized he could not deceive her. Suzanne fell in love with
Rizal, and wept when he left for Madrid in July 1890. She wrote to him in French: "Where are
you now? Do you think of me once in a while? I am reminded of our tender conversations,
reading your letter, although it is cold and indifferent. Here in your letter I have something which
makes up for your absence. How pleased I would be to follow you, to travel with you who are
always in my thoughts. You wish me all kinds of luck, but forget that in the absence of a beloved
one a tender heart cannot feel happy. A thousand things serve to distract your mind, my friend;
but in my case, I am sad, lonely, always alone with my thoughts -- nothing, absolutely nothing
relieves my sorrow. Are you coming back? That's what I want and desire most ardently -- you
cannot refuse me. I do not despair and I limit myself to murmuring against time which runs so
fast when it carries us toward a separation, but goes so slowly when it's bringing us together
again. I feel very unhappy thinking that perhaps I might never see you again. Goodbye! You
know with one word you can make me very happy. Aren't you going to write to me?"

7) Eight Love: Nellie Boustead (1891)

In 1891, Rizal took a vacation in Biarritz in order to find reprieve from his troubles in Madrid.
He was a guest of the Boustead family in their winter residence, Villa Eliada. Mr. and Mrs.
Boustead had two beautiful daughters, Adelina and Nellie. After having lamented his frustrated
romance with Leonor Rivera on account of the lady's engagement to another man, Rizal came to
develop considerable affection for Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of Mr. Eduardo
Boustead. He found her to be intelligent, morally upright, and full of life. Rizal wrote to his
closest friends about his intention to marry her. Rizal's friends were delighted to hear that he had
found a suitable girl whom he at last wished to settle down with. Even Antonio Luna, who had
previously loved Nellie, encouraged Rizal to court her and ask for her hand in marriage. With all
the encouragement from the friends he held dear, Rizal wooed Nellie (also called Nelly) who, in
turn, returned his affections. Rizal's marriage proposal failed for two reasons: first, Nellie
demanded that he give up his Catholic faith and convert to Protestantism, which was her religion.
Rizal did not like this idea. Second, Nelly's mother did not approve of Rizal, as she had no desire
to entrust her daughter to a man who was wanting in wealth and persecuted in his own country.
In spite of the circumstances, Rizal and Nellie parted as good friends.

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ASSESSMENT II:

STUDENT IN ATENEO (1872-1877)

1. How was Jose Rizal able to enroll in Ateneo Municipal de Manila?

2. Describe the physical characteristics of Rizal at that time?

3. What was the system of education given by the Jesuits?

4. Was Rizal already a perfect student when it comes to his studies? Explain your answer.

UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS (1877- 1882)

1. Why did Rizal’s mother opposes his desire to study for a higher education?

2. What prompted Rizal to study medicine? Did he take it seriously?

3. How did Rizal show his talent in literary works?

4. Why was Rizal unhappy at UST? Explain your answer.

IN SPAIN 1882-1885

1. What is the secret mission of Rizal in going to Spain? Is this mission important? Justify your
answer.

2. What organizations did Rizal join in Spain?

3. Identify the accomplishments of Rizal in Spain. How was he able to accomplish it? Explain
your answer?

CONTINUED STAY IN EUROPE 1885-1887

1. What are the places that he visited in Europe? What were his impressions about these cities
and what did he learn about their culture? What did he accomplish in visiting these cities?

2. How does Rizal spend his free time in Europe? Are these other activities important? Justify
your answer.

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3. Make a comparison of the customs of Filipino women and German women during the time of
Rizal. What have you learned? Explain your answer.

4. Was Rizal able to accomplish his secret mission in Europe? Justify your answer.

FIRST RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES 1887-1888

1. What were the reasons of Rizal returning to the Philippines? Did he accomplished his agenda?
Explain your answer?

2. What are the controversies about his novel Noli Me Tangere? Did these affect his stay in the
Philippines? Justify your answer.

3. Why did he fail to see Leonor Rivera? Explain your answer.

FIRST RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES 1887-1888

1. What were the reasons of Rizal returning to the Philippines? Did he accomplished his agenda?
Explain your answer?

2. What are the controversies about his novel Noli Me Tangere? Did these affect his stay in the
Philippines? Justify your answer.

3. Why did he fail to see Leonor Rivera? Explain your answer.

FIRST RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES 1887-1888

1. What were the reasons of Rizal returning to the Philippines? Did he accomplished his agenda?
Explain your answer?

2. What are the controversies about his novel Noli Me Tangere? Did these affect his stay in the
Philippines? Justify your answer.

3. Why did he fail to see Leonor Rivera? Explain your answer.

FIRST RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES 1887-1888

1. What were the reasons of Rizal returning to the Philippines? Did he accomplish his agenda?
Explain your answer?

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2. What are the controversies about his novel Noli Me Tangere? Did these affect his stay in the
Philippines? Justify your answer.

3. Why did he fail to see Leonor Rivera? Explain your answer.

TRAVEL IN ASIA (HONG KONG, MACAU AND JAPAN) AND THE U.S.)

1. What are the places that he visited in Asia? What were his impressions about these cities and
what did he learned about their culture?

2. What did he accomplish in visiting these cities?

REFORMIST WORKS IN EUROPE (1889-1891)

1. What are two the greatest achievement of Rizal when he went back to Europe? Explain its
importance to the lives of the Filipino people.

2. What are the goals of La Solidaridad? What are the contributions of Rizal to this organization?

3. What are the misfortunes of Rizal when he was in Madrid? How these did affected him?

4. What is the importance of the Propaganda Movement? What are the accomplishments of this
movement? Was it successful? Explain your answer.

5. Explain the Rizal- Del Pilar rivalry. Do you agree with the decision of Rizal not to accept the
appointment as president and retire from the propaganda movement? Explain your answer. F.

BACK IN HONGKONG

1. Explain the reasons why Rizal left Europe and went to Hong Kong?

2. What is the Borneo Colonization Project? What was the goal of this project?

3. Why did Rizal want to go back to the Philippines? Explain your answer.

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RIZAL’S ROMANCE
1. Describe the personality of the women that Rizal had relations with?

2. Among the women that Rizal had relations with, who do you think deserves his love? Why?

3. Explain the reasons why Rizal’s relationshipS with these women were not successful?

LEARNING SUMMARY:

Rizal’s education, needless to say, is every parent’s dream for their children. His vast travel
abroad at a young age is enviable. Through this module, I learned his superior educational
achievements and key events in his travels abroad.

Below, I will present in a tabular form his overseas travels with details of dates, places and
achievements in each.

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REFLECTION:

1. Rizal’s social awareness ignited his sense of nationalism. Now understanding the social
conditions in Rizal’s era and now, I show my sense of nationalism by:

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT:

Please choose 10 words from this module that struck you or you do not know. Define each of
them and use in a sentence.

Words Meaning and Sample Usage In A Sentence

Def.:
1. Usage:

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References:

1. https://pdfcoffee.com/topic-4-rizals-life-higher-education-and-life-abroad-pdf-free.html
2. A Course Module for The Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal by Crudo, Guiwa,
Pawilen
3. Jose Rizal Life, Works and Writings by Gregorio F. Zaide
4. https://rizalmuna.wordpress.com/ang-batas-rizal

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