INTRODUCTION OF LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL

The Rizal Law In 1956, Senator Claro M. Recto filed a measure, which became the
original Rizal Bill, recognizing the need to instill heroism among the youth at the time
when the country was experiencing social turmoil. It was a time when the country was
being ravaged by the Hukbalahap insurgency. The imperialist presence in the form of
American influence was strong in the country's economy and political policies. The
communist insurgency was fought through American guidance and material aid. The
1950s was indeed confusing times (De Viana, A., et al, 2018).

This was the period when Recto submitted his bill, calling for a return to patriotic
values enunciated by Filipino heroes like Jose Rizal Under the bill, it shall be obligatory
for college and university students to study the life and works of Jose Rizal. The issuance
of the bill was not welcomed by various quarters The Catholic Church assailed the Rizal
Bill as ant Church because it forces the students to read Rizal's works like the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo which contain passages that were anti-Church.

They presented fears that the religious beliefs of the young students would be harmed
by reading Rizal’s works while they were at their formative years. Forcing the students
to read Rizal’s works which have religious overtones would be a violation of the
constitutional freedom of religion and of conscience. The Church made use of lobbyists
as well as priests in opposing the Rizal Bill Among them were Catholic organizations
such as the Accion Catolico which was formerly headed by Senator Francisco "Soc"
Rodrigo. Priests attended and actively participated in the hearings of the Senate.

Many of these priests were foreigners who sought audience with senators to convince
them to oppose the bill. This was a clear interference of the Church on the making of
policies by the State.
Seminars were held across the countryside to oppose the bill. In one seminar, one of
the oppositors,

• Fr. Jesus Cavanna, commented that Rizal's novels belonged to the past and it would be
harmful to read them because they presented a false picture of the conditions of the
country at that time. He also said that out of the 333 pages of the Noli Me Tangere, there
were only 25 patriotic statements compared to 120 anti-Catholic statements.
• One commentator, Jesus Paredes, said that the novels contain objectionable matters and
Catholics had the right to refuse to read them, so as not to endanger their faith.
• Another commentator, Narciso Pimentel, offered the speculation that Recto introduced
his Rizal Bill to get back at the Catholic voters, who, together with President Magsaysay,
were responsible for his poor showing in the 1955 elections.
• Lawmakers such as Representative Miguel Cuento and Senator Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo
voiced the opposition of the Church in Congress. Senator Rodrigo commented that he
would not let his teenage son read the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo lest he
endangers his Catholic faith. He proposed that the footnoted or annotated versions of the
novels be used instead of the unexpurgated versions required in the Recto Bill

The Church continued its opposition of the bill by calling all Catholic voters to reject
lawmakers who supported Recto's Rizal Bill. Pastoral letters were read in masses voicing
opposition Bishops threatened to close down Catholic schools if the bill was approved.
Recto, however, stood his ground and dared the Catholic Church to shut down their
schools, knowing that this was only an idle threat since the Catholic learning institutions
were its major source of income. He also rejected Senator Rodrigo's suggestion that the
annotated or edited versions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo should be used
 After a month-long standoff, a compromise bill was filed. It was authored by Senator
Jose Laurel and it was based on the proposals of Senators Roseller Lim and Emmanuel
Pelaez. On June 12, 1956, Republic Act No. 1425, better known as the Rizal Law, came
into effect. The law accommodated the objections of the Catholic Church. This could be
seen in the second paragraph of Section 1, allowing students to seek exemption from
reading Rizal's works for religious reasons. To the authors of the original bill, it was a
complete victory but its oppositors felt satisfied that at least they achieved something.
The law, however, still requires the reading of the unexpurgated versions of Rizal's
novels. It also provided the funding of publication of Rizal's works and their distribution
to the countryside (De Viana, A., et al, 2018).

• Rizal Law Summary (Republic Act 1425)

- The Jose Rizal Law, also known as Republic Act 1425, was approved on June
12, 1956, and published in the Official Gazette of the Philippines in the same
month.
- Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines, and his legacy is vital
in the history of the Philippines. On this page, we share the complete Rizal law
article with sections.

• What is Rizal Law and its purpose?

- Rizal Law is 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.

• What is the importance of Rizal law?

- The Rizal law is very important in our lives as Filipinos because Dr. Jose P.
Rizal plays a significant role in the heritage and history of the Philippines.
Rizal’s literary novels immortalize life in the Philippines during the Spanish
era and the strong desire for freedom and independence.

Jose Rizal Law – Republic Act 1425

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 met 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;
 PHILIPPINES IN THE 19TH CENTURY
Social Structure
The Filipinos in the 19th century had suffered from feudalistic and master slave
relationship by the Spaniards. Their social structure is ranked into three groups:
A. Highest class – the people that belong in this class include the Spaniards, peninsulares
and the friars. They have the power and authority to rule over the Filipinos. They enjoyed
their positions and do what they want.
•The Spanish officials
• The Peninsulares (Spaniards who were born in Spain). They held the most important
government jobs, and made up the smallest number of the population.
• The Friars are members of any of certain religious orders of men, especially the four
mendicant orders (Augustinians, Carmelites, Dominicans, and Franciscans).
B. Middle Class – the people that belongs into this class includes the natives, mestizos
and the criollos.
• Natives – the pure Filipinos
• The Mestizos are the Filipinos of mixed indigenous Filipino or European or Chinese
ancestry.
C. Lowest Class - this class includes the Filipinos only.
• The Indios are the poor people having pure blood Filipino which ruled by the
Spaniards.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Why was there economic growth in the 19th Century?
• From Mercantilism (unify and increase the power and monetary wealth of a
country by strict government regulation of trade) to Free Trade/Laissez Faire.

OPENING OF THE PORTS TO WORLD TRADE

RISE OF EXPORT ECONOMY

RISE OF THE FILIPINO MIDDLE-UPPER CLASS

EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
Political Situation in Spain during the 19th Century:
• There was a struggle between Liberals and Conservatives
• Political instability
How did it affect the Philippines?
• Constant practice of replacing Governor Generals (41 in a span of 45 years, from
1853 to 1898)
• Dumping ground for inept bureaucrats
• Failure to make or achieve consistent policies
• There was political instability
By and large, there was rampant graft and corruption typified by:
• Failure to provide for the basic needs like public works, schools, and peace and
order.
• Taxes were never fully utilized.
• Limited participation of Filipinos in government.

RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT

• Friars vs Illustrados
• Frailocracy – “friar rule”
• The friar was used as political instruments to maintain Filipino loyalty to Spain.
• Patronato Real – church-state relationship

GOMBURZA
Father Jose Burgos
• Secularization Controversy
• Fought for equality between regulars and seculars
• Transformed an ecclesiastical conflict to a larger issue of Filipino equality with
the Spaniards.
• He became a threat to the friars and Spaniards.

CAVITE MUTINY
• GOMBURZA was accused of starting the Cavite Mutiny.
• They were arrested, convicted, and later on executed via the garrote.

RIZAL’S LIFE: FAMILY, CHILDHOOD AND EARLY

EDUCATION
The wisdom and sacrifices of Jose Rizal for the country earned him the title of the greatest
Malayan who ever lived. It was an honor he rightfully deserves. Up to this day, no Asian has
surpassed Rizal’s ingenuity and extreme intelligence. The fact that he is the national hero of the
Philippines is just one side of him. The life and times of Rizal though short is an endeavor that
scholars and scientists alike find worthy study and analyze (Pangilinan, M.C., 2016).

Jose Rizal’s Family

The Rizal family belonged to the ―principalia- an aristocratic town of distinguished

families. By frugal living, hard and honest work, Rizal’s parents were able to live well. From the
farms, which were rented from the Dominican Order, they harvested rice, corn and sugarcane.
They raised pigs, chickens and turkeys in their backyard. In addition, Doña Teodora managed a
grocery store and operated a small flour mill.
Rizal’s parents were able to build a large stone house which was situated near the town
church. They owned a carriage which was a status symbol of the ilustrados in the Philippines and
a private library consisting of 1,000 volumes.
Their children were studying in colleges in Manila. They participated in all social and
religious affairs in the community. They were gracious and hospitable to all visitors and guests
during the town fiesta and other holidays.
The Rizal family had a simple, contented and happy life and was intimately close. Don
Francisco and Doña Teodora loved their children but they never spoiled them. They were strict
parents and they trained their children to love God, to behave well, to be obedient and to respect
people especially the old folks.
 When the children got into mischief, they were given a good spanking because they
believed in the saying ―Spare the rod and spoil the child.

The Hero’s Father

Jose Rizal’s Father, Don Francisco Mercado Rizal (1818- 1898) was born in Biñan, Laguna.
He studied Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila. After their parent’s
death, Francisco and two of his sisters moved to Calamba. He became a tenant farmer of
the Dominican-owned hacienda. He was hardworking, and independent-minded who
talked less but worked more and valiant in spirit.

The Hero’s Mother

Doña Teodora Alonso Y Realonda (1826-1911) was born in Meisik , Sta. Cruz Manila. She
studied at Colegio de Sta. Rosa in Manila. She was a woman of refined culture and
character, with exemplary literary talents, the fortitude of a Spartan woman and with
business ability, she managed their store.

Both parents greatly influenced Rizal as shown in his character. ―From his father he
inherited a profound sense of dignity and self-respect, seriousness and from his mother
the dreamer and bravery for sacrifices and her literary prowess.

Don Francisco Mercado Rizal and Doña Teodora Alonso Y Realonda were blessed with
eleven (11) children: two (2) boys and nine (9) girls. They were as follows in the order of
their birth (Pangilinan, M.C., 2016).

1. Saturnina (1859-1913)
- The eldest child of the Rizal children, nicknamed ―Neneng‖ who was married to
Manuel T. Hidalgo of Tanauan, Batangas. Hidalgo and Rizal sent frequent
correspondence while the latter was in Europe.
2. Paciano (1851-1930)
-He was the second child and oldest brother of Rizal. He was Rizal’s confidant, and
he was the one who convinced Rizal to study in Europe without their parent’s
permission. Paciano constantly advised his brother Jose Rizal through letters while in
Europe. After Rizal’s execution in December 1896 at Bagumbayan, he joined the
Philippine Revolution and became a combat general. He returned to his farm in Los
Baños, where he lived as a gentleman farmer and died at the age of 79.
3. Narcisa (1852-1939)
-The third child and whose nickname is ―Sisa and was married to Antonio Lopez
(nephew of Father Leoncio Lopez) a school teacher in Morong, Bataan.
4. Olympia (1855-1887)
-The fourth child with a nickname ―Ypia, who was married to Silvestre Ubaldo, a
telegraph operator from Manila and was blessed with five children. She died while
giving birth in 1887.
5. Lucia (1857-1919)
-Who married Mariano Herbosa (nephew of Father Casañas). Herbosa died of Cholera
and was denied of Christian burial being the brother-in-law of Jose Rizal.

6. Maria (1859-1945)
-Her nickname was ―Biang and was married to Daniel Faustino Cruz of Biñan
Laguna. The couple was blessed with five (5) children.
7. Jose (1861-1896)
-His nickname was ―Pepe the greatest Filipino hero, and peerless genius. He became
the National Hero of the Philippines. He had a common law relationship with
Josephine Bracken, an Irish girl from Hong Kong. He had a son but died a few hours
after birth. Rizal named him Francisco after his father.
 8. Concepcion (1862-1865)
-Her nickname was ―Concha who died at the age of three. Her death was Rizal’s first
sorrow in life.
9. Josefa (1865-1945)
-Her nickname was ―Panggoy. She was epileptic and died spinster at the age of 80.
10. Trinidad (1868-1951)
-Her nickname was ―Trining.‖ She was the last of the Rizal children to survive and
died as spinster too and died at the age of 83.
11. Soledad Rizal (1870-1929)
-The youngest whose nickname is ―Choleng‖ married to Pantaleon Quintero of
Calamba and was blessed with five children.

The Birth of Rizal

Jose Rizal, the 7th child of the Rizal family, was born on June 19, 1861 Wednesday
between 11:00 and 12:00 night in the town of Calamba, province of Laguna, Philippines.
His mother almost died during her delivery because Jose’s head was big. As he recounted
in his student memoirs:
“My coming out in this vale of tears would have cost my mother her life, had she not vowed to the
Virgin of Antipolo to take me to her sanctuary by way of pilgrimage.”

He was baptized in the Catholic Church in Calamba on June 22, 1861 by the parish priest,
Father Rufino Collantes. His godfather was Father Pedro Casañas, a close friend of the Rizal
family. Father Collantes was impressed by the big head of baby Jose. He told them ―Take good
care of this child, for someday he will become a great man.‖ The name ―Jose‖ was chosen by his
mother in honor of San Jose (St. Joseph) whose feast was March 19.
His complete name was Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal Alonzo Y Realonda. The name
Protacio was taken from the Catholic calendar which was a practice during the Spanish time, that
when a child is born, he/she is named after the saint of the day. The surname Mercado which
means market in English was adopted in 1731 by his paternal great-grandfather, Domingo Lamco
a full-blooded Chinese merchant.
Added surname Rizal was given by Don Francisco which is closer to the Spanish word
Racial which means ―luntiang bukirin‖ related to his work as hacienda owner/farmer. Alonzo
was the surname of Rizal’s mother and Realonda was used by Doña Teodora which is the
surname of her godmother.

Jose Rizal’s Childhood Years

Jose Rizal, as a young boy has beautiful, fruitful and pleasant memories as well as
sorrow. He grew up in a happy home. He could remember the tenderest care of his
parents because he was frail, sickly and undersized boy. His father built a nipa hut in the
garden for him to play in the daytime. At the age of three (3), he enjoyed watching in the
garden the insects, the maya, culiawan, maria capra, pipit, the martin and other birds. He
listened ―with excitement and wonder‖ to their twilight songs and sounds.
Another childhood memory was the daily praying of Angelus every 6:00 pm in
their altar as all of them gathered for prayers. At the ―azotea” on a moonlit night, the aya
(nursemaid) would tell stories about fairies, legends, tales of buried treasures, and other
fabulous stories. Sometimes if he did not like to eat his supper, the Aya would threaten
him that asuwang, tikbalang, nuno or the turbaned Bombay will come to take him away.
He is brought for a walk for the relief-giving breeze, to see the fruit bearing trees, flowers,
birds. The scenic beauty of his hometown Calamba, the legendary Mt. Makiling and the
distant Antipolo with the shrine of the miraculous Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. At
the age of three (3) he began to join religious processions, novena in the church and at the
age of five (5) he was able to read the Spanish Bible with the help of his mother .
The early education of Rizal reminded him about the ―a jar that contains the odor
of the body that it first held‖. The significance from this insight of Rizal has shown the
importance of education that must start at the early age. At home provided him a habit
to listen, read and learn by the education given by his mother that made him understand
the basic knowledge of artistic appreciation about human compassion and love of nature
The social stature of Rizal’s family had provided him the basic comfort of life when he
had a nanny and nurse at home. He appreciated in the way they cared him. Rizal
described his father as a ―model of fathers‖.
While Rizal showed his love with his mother Teodora Alonso y Quintos as he
described ―my coming out in this vale of tears would have cost my mother her life had
she not vowed to the Virgin of Antipolo to take me to her sanctuary by way of pilgrimage.
Rizal inherited his genius from his mother. Dona Teodora Alonzo Realonda provided all
the support in intellectual endeavor and polishing the true value of education of Rizal.
She made him the best gladiator in the arena of human intellectual struggle of his
time. The gentle love and compassion of Rizal that bounded by intellect that translated
from his literary and political masterpieces that later on shape the destiny of the Filipino
nation. The poetical genius of Rizal was aligned to the education that he received from
his mother became the potent tool to stimulate his artistic literary learning in poem and
drama. At early age he learned to read the bible. He began writing poems at the early
age. Before the age of eight years old he had composed a drama.
The Rizal children were bound together by the ties of love and care. Jose loved
most his little sister Concha (Concepcion) who was next to him. Unfortunately, Concha
died at the age of three and for the first time he shed tears for love and grief, which is said
to be his first sorrow.

Jose Rizal’s Early Education

Of all the stories told by Doña Teodora to Jose, the story of the moth made the
profoundest imprint on him which he recalled after some years (Pangilinan, M.C., 2016).

The story of the moth affect Rizal's life by means of he values and love his mother
even before his death. Rizal is close to his mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda. The moth
story is about a young and mother moth who are both flying near a candle lamp. The
mother moth advised her child not to fly too close to the lamp as it would burn his wings.
The young moth did not listen, causing his wings to caught on fire and he was burned.
Rizal's mother influenced him in his life. She was his inspiration and he valued
everything she had taught him in life. He obey her lessons by being obedient and
remembering her life's lessons.

THE STORY OF THE MOTH

One night, all the family, except my mother and myself, went to bed early. Why,
I do not know, but we two remained sitting alone. The candles had already been put out.
They had been blown out in their globes by means of a curved tube of tin. That tube
seemed to me the finest and most wonderful plaything in the world. The room was dimly
lighted by a single light of coconut oil. In all Filipino homes such a light burns through
the night. It goes out just at day-break to awaken people by its spluttering.

My mother was teaching me to read in a Spanish reader called "The Children's

Friend" (El Amigo de los Ninos). This was quite a rare book and an old copy. It had lost
its cover and my sister had cleverly made a new one. She had fastened a sheet of thick
blue paper over the back and then covered it with a piece of cloth.

This night my mother became impatient with hearing me read so poorly. I did not
understand Spanish and so I could not read with expression. She took the book from me.
First she scolded me for drawing funny pictures on its pages. Then she told me to listen
and she began to read. When her sight was good, she read very well. She could recite
well, and she understood verse-making, too. Many times during Christmas vacations, my
mother corrected my poetical compositions, and she always made valuable criticisms.

I listened to her, full of childish enthusiasm. I marvelled at the nice-sounding

phrases which she read from those same pages. The phrases she read so easily stopped
me at every breath. Perhaps I grew tired of listening to sounds that had no meaning for
me. Perhaps I lacked self-control. Anyway, I paid little attention to the reading. I was
watching the cheerful flame. About it, some little moths were circling in playful flights.
By chance, too, I yawned. My mother soon noticed that I was not interested. She stopped
reading. Then she said to me: "I am going to read you a very pretty story. Now pay
attention."

On hearing the word 'story' I at once opened my eyes wide. The word 'story'
promised something new and wonderful. I watched my mother while she turned the
leaves of the book, as if she were looking for something. Then I settled down to listen. I
was full of curiosity and wonder. I had never even dreamed that there were stories in
the old book which I read without understanding. My mother began to read me the fable
of the young moth and the old one. She translated it into Tagalog a little at a time.

My attention increased from the first sentence. I looked toward the light and fixed
my gaze on the moths which were circling around it. The story could not have been better
timed. My mother repeated the warning of the old moth. She dwelt upon it and directed
it to me. I heard her, but it is a curious thing that the light seemed to me each time more
beautiful, the flame more attractive. I really envied the fortune of the insects. They
frolicked so joyously in its enchanting splendor that the ones which had fallen and been
drowned in the oil did not cause me any dread.

My mother kept on reading and I listened breathlessly. The fate of the two insects
interested me greatly. The flame rolled its golden tongue to one side and a moth which
this movement had singed fell into the oil, fluttered for a time and then became quiet.
That became for me a great event. A curious change came over me which I have always
noticed in myself whenever anything has stirred my feelings. The flame and the moth
seemed to go further away and my mother's words sounded strange and uncanny. I did
not notice when she ended the fable. All my attention was fixed on the face of the insect.
I watched it with my whole soul... It had died a martyr to its illusions.

As she put me to bed, my mother said: "See that you do not behave like the young
moth. Don't be disobedient, or you may get burnt as it did." I do not know whether I
answered or not... The story revealed to me things until then unknown. Moths no longer
were, for me, insignificant insects. Moths talked; they know how to warn. They advised
just like my mother. The light seemed to me more beautiful. It had grown more dazzling
and more attractive. I knew why the moths circled the flame.

Since childhood, Rizal showed an unusual talent in art and literature. He scribbled
verses on loose sheets of paper and on the textbooks of his sisters. His mother, who was
a lover of literature, noticed his son’s inclination and gift for writing poetry.

At the age of eight years old, Rizal wrote his first poem in the native language
entitled, ―Sa Aking Mga Kabata—To My fellow children.‖ This poem reveals Rizal’s
earliest nationalist sentiment. In poetic verses, he proudly proclaimed that a people who
truly love their native language will surely strive for liberty like ―the bird which soars to
freer space above‖ and that Tagalog is the equal of Latin, English, Spanish, and any other
language.

Father Leoncio Lopez, the old and learned parish priest of Calamba fostered
Rizal’s love for scholarship and intellectual honesty. At an early age, Rizal was already
exposed to the injustices and brutalities of Spanish authority in the Philippines
particularly the Guardia Civil who were supposed to protect the people from harm. Rizal
wondered why these abuses were happening especially to the poor.

Sa Aking Mga Kabata

Kapagka ang baya’y sadyang umiibig
Sa kanyang salitang kaloob ng langit,
Sanlang kalayaan nasa ring masapit
Katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawid.
Pagka’t ang salita’y isang kahatulan
Sa bayan, sa nayo’t mga kaharian,
At ang isang tao’y katulad, kabagay
Ng alin mang likha noong kalayaan.

Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita

Mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda,
Kaya ang marapat pagyamaning kusa
Na tulad sa inang tunay na nagpala.

Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin

Sa Ingles, Kastila at salitang anghel,
Sapagka’t ang Poong maalam tumingin
Ang siyang naggawad, nagbigay sa atin.

Ang salita nati’y huwad din sa iba

Na may alfabeto at sariling letra,
Na kaya nawala’y dinatnan ng sigwa
Ang lunday sa lawa noong dakong una.

WOMEN OF RIZAL
All the girls Rizal loved before
Bam Abellon | Dec 30 2018

1 Segunda Katigbak
First love never dies they say—unless your first love is already engaged to be married
when you meet. Then you have to let it go really fast. Such was the case of Jose Rizal and
Segunda Katigbak, a Batangueña, whom Rizal met when he was only a 16-year-old boy.
They met when the young hero visited his grandmother with his friend, Mariano
Katigbak, Segunda’s brother. The Katigbaks were close to Rizal’s grandmother, and
coincidentally, Segunda was at the grandma’s house when Rizal and Mariano arrived. It
was attraction at first sight. Segunda was also a close friend of Rizal’s sister, Olympia,
whom he visited every week at the La Concordia College. The two became very close.
However, Segunda was already engaged to be married to a man who lived in her town,
and Rizal had to stop pursuing her.
Rizal wrote about the incident years later, “Ended, at an early house, my first love! My
virgin heart will always mourn the reckless step it took on the flower-decked abyss. My
illusions will return, yes, but indifferent, uncertain, ready for the first betrayal on the path
of love.”
Our heartache-filled, hugot-induced breakup films would be put to shame.
2 Leonor Valenzuela
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 neighbor.
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. (How did
we get from this intricate, labored way of courting someone to pressing that heart icon
on Instagram? Just wondering.) 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 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.
Chenggoy was the ultimate teaser—and maybe wingman?—who was amused with the
“rivalry” of the namesakes. On one of Chenggoy’s letters to Rizal, he wrote, “…nagpipilit
ang munting kasera (Leonor Rivera) na makita si Orang, pero dahil natatakpan ng isang
belong puti, hindi naming nakilala nang dumaan ang prusisyon sa tapat ng bahay. Sinabi
sa akin ni O(rang) na sabihin ko raw sa munting kasera na hindi siya kumakaribal sa pag-
iibigan ninyo. Que gulay, tukayo, anong gulo itong idinudulot natin sa mga dalagang
ito!” (Manebog 2013)

Lest it be forgotten, while he was pursuing the two Leonors, Rizal was in Europe taking
courses in medicine at Universidad Central de Madrid and painting at Real Academia de
Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Calle Alcala. Maybe he still had time on his hands?

3 Leonor Rivera
Leanor Rivera and Jose Rizal lived the tragedies of Shakespeare’s poems.
They met when Rizal was 18 and Leonor was 13, at the boarding house of Rizal’s uncle
in Intramuros, Manila. Leonor was Rizal’s second cousin.
It was a perfect love story in the beginning: he, the intelligent charmer, and she, the
beautiful student who had a beautiful singing voice and was a talented piano player.
Soon, they fell in love. But as tragic love stories go, they were besieged by obstacles.
Leonor’s parents highly disapproved of their relationship as they were wary of Rizal
being a “filibuster.” In his letters, Rizal called Leonor “Taimis” to hide her identity.

Before leaving for Europe in 1882, Rizal said that he had found the woman he wanted to
marry. But even his brother, Paciano Rizal, disagreed with the idea, saying that it would
be unfair to Leonor if he were to leave her behind after getting married.
But their love—as young loves are—wanted to go against all that stood in the way.
Although they did not get married, they tried to continue sending each other love letters,
a lot of which were intercepted and kept hidden by Leonor’s mother. In 1890, Leonor
wrote a letter to Rizal saying that she was engaged to be married to a British engineer
named Henry Kipping. That same year, the wedding pushed through.

Upon the coercion of her mother, Leonor burned Rizal’s letters to her—but it was said
she kept the ashes of those letters. A story goes that she hid some of these ashes in the
hem of her wedding gown.

But their dark romance didn’t end there.

In 1893, Leonor died during second childbirth. Documents show that when Rizal heard
of the news through his sister, Narcisa, he didn’t speak for a few days. It is believed that
Rizal immortalized Leonor through the character Maria Clara in Noli Me Tangere. Like
we said, it’s a Shakespearean kind of dark—and no love story is more intense than the
one that lost the battle with circumstances.
4 Consuelo Ortega Y Rey
Consuelo Ortega Y Rey was the daughter of Don Pablo Ortiga Y Rey, who was Mayor of
Manila when Maria dela Torre was the governor. While Rizal was in Madrid, he would
hang out at Don Pablo’s house, which became a place where Filipino students would
often get together. Through one of these gatherings, Rizal met Consuelo.

He showed affection towards Consuelo but was not serious in his pursuit as he was still
engaged to Leonor Rivera at the time. Yes, he loved the company of women, but during
that brief period, he too was lonely and yearning for the physical void left by Leonor.

Although most accounts say the dalliance didn’t turn serious, Rizal wrote a poem for her,
entitled, “A La Señorita C.O.y.P.” Of course, these days, when you write a poem for
someone, that’s like a marriage proposal. In the end, Consuelo got engaged to Rizal’s
friend, Eduardo de Lete. It is said that Eduardo’s love for Consuelo was also the reason
Rizal didn’t pursue the mestiza. Or maybe, in modern parlance, theirs was a classic case
of a rebound fling.

5 Seiko Usui
In many of his diary entries, Rizal wrote about how he was charmed by Japan’s beauty,
cleanliness, and peace and order. But if there was one thing that almost kept him in the
country where cherry blossoms bloom most beautiful, it was a woman named Seiko Usui,
affectionately called O-Sei-San.
It was in 1888. Rizal had just arrived in Japan from Hongkong upon an invitation to take
a job offer at the Spanish Legation. One day, while he was in the office grounds, he saw
O-Sei-San walk past the legation’s gate and was immediately enthralled by her beauty.
With the help of a Japanese gardener, he asked to be introduced to the woman who
captured his eyes—and the gardener acquiesced. Rizal spoke little Japanese at the time,
so the gardener had to serve as a translator. However, a few minutes into the
conversation, they both found O-Sei-San spoke English and French, which was a relief as
Rizal spoke both languages. When the language barrier broke, they started to build a
relationship.

As days went by, O-Sei-San taught Rizal the ways of the Japanese. They went
gallivanting, visiting museums, galleries, and universities. They talked about the arts and
culture, switching their language from French to English and back as they pleased. Their
love was childlike and spirited. According to many accounts, Rizal was ready to move to
Japan, stay with O-Sei-San, and live a peaceful life with his love.
Unfortunately for this relationship, country-saving duties would call and he had to leave
Japan for San Francisco. He never saw O-Sei-San again. Their affair lasted for around two
months. It’s shorter than an average season of a Netflix series, but you know Rizal and
his intensity.

6 Gertrude Beckett
In the same year he began and ended his relations with O-Sei-San, our JR, then 27, went
to London and met a woman named Gertrude Beckett, the eldest daughter of his
landlord. Gertrude showered Rizal with all the love and attention of a girl who is
hopelessly in love. She even assisted Rizal as he finished some of his popular sculptures,
“Prometheus Bound,” “The Triumph of Death over Life,” and “The Triumph of Science
over Death.” He called her Gettie, she called him Pettie. But all documents lead to say
one thing: the feelings weren’t mutually shared.
In 1889, Rizal left London, and left Gettie a composite carving of the heads of the Beckett
sisters. Marcelo del Pilar, Rizal’s friend, said Rizal left London to move away from
Gertrude, whose idea of their relationship was more than what it really was—the most
tormenting kind: an unrequited love.

7 Suzanne Jacoby
Maybe Rizal was repulsed with the idea of having an idle mind. With all the loneliness
and anxiety from the turmoil of his country and family, he was even able to fill his resting
moments learning new things—like flirting with women. When he arrived in Belgium in
1890, he lived at a boarding house that was run by two sisters whose last name was
Jacoby. The sisters had a niece named Suzanne. You probably can guess now what
happens with Rizal and his caretaker’s kin. If it’s not a neighbor, it’s a caretaker’s kin. Are
we seeing a trend here? Obviously the guy is too busy to explore beyond a one-kilometer
radius.

The relationship was probably a fling, too, as Rizal made no mention of Suzanne when
he wrote letters to his friends about his stay in Belgium. Rizal left the country in August
that year. Suzanne was heartbroken. Rizal continued writing El Filibusterismo, writing
for La Solidaridad, and worrying about his family back home. It was said that Suzanne
wrote Rizal letters. Rizal may have replied once. In 1891, Rizal went back to Belgium—
not for Suzanne—but to finish writing El Filibusterismo. He stayed for a few months, left,
and never returned. Maybe she got the point after that.

8 Nellie Boustead
Remember that famous time when Antonio Luna and Jose Rizal almost got into a duel
because of a girl? The girl in the middle of that madness was Nellie Boustead. Rizal and
Nellie met in Biarritz, where Nellie’s wealthy family hosted Rizal’s stay at their residence
on the French Riviera. Before Biarritz, Rizal already made friends with the Boustead
family a few years back, and even played fencing with Nellie and her sister.
During his stay at the beautiful Biarritz vacation home, Rizal learned of Leonor Rivera’s
engagement and thought of pursuing a romantic relationship with Nellie, who was
classy, educated, cheerful, and athletic. After strengthening their relationship, Rizal
wrote letters to his friends, telling them about his intention to marry her. They were all
supportive, including Antonio Luna.

Although they seemed like the ideal couple, marriage for Rizal was still not meant to be.
First, Nellie’s mother did not think Rizal had the resources to be a good provider for her
daughter. Second, Nellie wanted Rizal to convert to Protestantism. Rizal refused. But
their friendship must have been strong enough because they ended up being friends after
all the drama.
Before Rizal left Paris in 1891, Nellie wrote him a letter: “Now that you are leaving I wish
you a happy trip and may you triumph in your undertakings, and above all, may the
Lord look down on you with favor and guide your way giving you much blessings, and
may your learn to enjoy! My remembrance will accompany you as also my prayers.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you become friends with your ex.

9 Josephine Bracken
Josephine Bracken was the woman who stayed with Rizal until his execution in 1896. She
was also, allegedly, the woman whom Rizal married. However, accounts of their
marriage have been much-debated over the years.

Josephine was the adopted daughter of one George Taufer, whom she lived with in
Hongkong for years before she needed to seek help from an ophthalmologist due to
George’s blindness. They then sought the help of Jose Rizal, who was already exiled in
Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte at the time. Rizal and Josephine fell in love and in a month
made the announcement that they wanted to get married. But just like the other Rizal
great loves, this one was once again complicated. No priest would marry the two, for
reasons that are still unclear—but perhaps it was because of Rizal’s status in politics.
Without a legal paper, Rizal and Josephine lived together, and had a son, who died a few
hours after birth. Rizal named his son after his father, Francisco.
Up to this day, there is no legal proof that Josephine and Rizal ever got married.
 JOSE RIZAL’S TRAVELS AND STUDIES ABROAD
First Travel Abroad (1882 – 1887)
• After finishing his medical course in University of Santo Tomas, Jose Rizal then
decided to go to Spain mainly for two reasons:
• To finish his medical specialization.
• To do his “secret mission” in preparation for his fight in the Philippines.
• His travel was kept secret to avoid detection and suspicion from Spanish
government and friars.
• He then used the name Jose Mercado and was also assisted by hisuncle, Antonio
Rivera.

Philippines to Singapore (May 3-11, 1882)

• He boarded the ship Salvadora bound for Singapore.
• Donato Lecha, captain of the ship defined Jose as a refined man.
• He arrived in Singapore on May 9, 1882.
• He stayed in Hotel de la Paz.
• He then left Singapore on May 11, 1882 boarded the ship Djemnah.
Singapore to Ceylon (May 11 – 17, 1882)
• Djemnah reached Point Galle, a seaport town in southern Ceylon.
• He defined Point Galle as a picturesque but lonely town.
• He then went to Colombo to get references in learning the French language.
• He defined Colombo as an elegant town compared to Manila.

Ceylon to Italy ( May 17 – June 11, 1882)

• He was amused when the first time he saw camels in Aden.
• They travelled in Suez Canal, a route from Asia to Europe then docked in Port
Said.
• Jose then arrived in Naples, Italy, which according to Jose as a panoramic beauty.

Italy to France ( June 11 – June 12, 1882)

• Djemnah then docked at the port in the city of Marseilles.
• Jose visited Chateau D’if, a famous landmark in Count of Monte Cristo.
• First Travel Abroad (1882 – 1887)
• France to Spain
• In the afternoon of May 5, 1882, Jose left Marseilles by train and travelled going to
Barcelona.
• He arrived in Barcelona on June 16, 1882.
• His first impression of the city was that it was unfavorable.
• He then created articles for the Diariong Tagalog which were Amor Patria and Los
Viajes using the pen name Laong Laan.
• During this time , Manila was ravaged by cholera according to his brother Paciano.
• Jose was disheartened also because of the letter sent by LeonorRivera.
• Fall of 1882, Jose left Barcelona for Madrid.

Experiences in Madrid
• Jose pursued his medical course and finished also the course which was decided
by his father.
• Jose’s only vice was lottery in every lottery in Madrid.
 • Jose spends his leisure time reading and attending reunion of illustrados in
Madrid.
• He also practiced shooting and fencing in a communal gymnasium.
• He was then acquainted in the fraternal group of illustrados in Madrid, Circulo
Hispano – Filipino.
• He then declaimed the poem, Mi Piden Versus in a gathering of the group in New
Year’s Eve of 1882.
• He then saved some of his money to purchase books like Uncle Tom’s Cabin (
Beecher Stowe) and The Wandering Jew (EugeneSue).

First Visit in Paris (1883)

• He visited Paris during their summer vacation in Madrid.
• According to Rizal, everything in Paris was so expensive that he called Paris as the
“costliest city in the world.”
• He then visited Laennec Hospital where he observed Dr. Nicaise treating patients.
• Jose was impressed and saddened on how the Masons were observed and
recognized by the government, which could not be done in the Philippines.
• He then joined a masonic lodge, Acacia in which he later became a master mason
in 1890.
• He joined the masonic lodge to secure their aid against his fightwith the Spanish.
• During this time, Calamba was infested with pests, hacienderos increased their
taxes and parasites killed a lot of poultry in Calamba.

The Return of Rizal in Madrid

• June 24, 1884 – A saddening event happened to Rizal where he was broke that he
cannot afford to buy breakfast.
• Rizal then attended class and won a gold medal in a Greek language contest.
• June 25, 1884 – a banquet was called for the illustrados for the double victory
Filipinos achieved in Madrid: Luna’s Spoliarium (1st place) and Hidalgo’s Virgenes
Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho(2nd place)
• November 20 – 22, 1884 – A bloody riot in Madrid exploded by thestudents of
Universidad Central.
• November 26, 1884 – Jose send a letter about the riot that happened in Madrid
explaining it detail by detail.
• June 21, 1884 – He earned the Licentiate in Medicine.
• June 19, 1885 – He finished his Philosophy and Letters as a Sobresaliente.
• He was not happy earning his license as a Doctor because he knew he will not be
accepted in University of Santo Tomas.

France to Germany (1885 -1887)

• After graduating in Madrid, he went to Paris to practiceophthalmology.
• He then met Maximo Viola, who would later be his best friend in Europe.
• Rizal stayed in Paris for four months, where he became an assistant
ophthalmologist for Dr. Louis de Weckert.
• He then met Juan Luna and his girlfriend, Paz Pardo de Tavera.
• In Luna’s painting The Death of Cleopatra, Jose posed as an Egyptian and posed a
sandugo depicting Sikatuna – Legazpi pact.
• During this time he learned also to read the solfeggio and play thepiano and flute.
• Alin mang Lahi – a patriotic song written by Rizal which asserts freedom.
• February 3, 1886 – Jose arrived in Heidelberg, where he was considered a an
excellent chess player.
 • He also worked for Dr. Otto Becker, an ophthalmologist.
• He was also amazed with flowers growing in Heidelberg, where he dedicated his
fine poem , A Flores de Heidelberg.
Germany
• Karl Ullmer – A Protestant Pastor who was the friend of Jose and let Jose stay in
his home.
• July 31, 1886 – Jose wrote his first German letter to Professor Blumentritt, director
of Ateneo of Leitmeritz in Austria.
• August 9, 1886 – Jose left Heidelberg and arrived in Leipzig in August 16, 1886.
• He then became friends with Friedrich Ratzel and Hans Meyer who were
historians.
• He then translated different German and Swiss literary works and was send to the
Philippines.
• He even translated fairy tales in Tagalog for the nephew of the historians.
• Knowing his translation skills, he then worked as a proof reader in a publishing
firm in Germany.
• He then met one of the authors he admired, Dr. Feodor Jagor.
• Jose then became a recognized member of Anthropological Society, Ethnological
Society and Geographical Society of Berlin.
• He wrote Tagalische Verkunst, an article about the Tagalog languagewritten in
German (Icelandic) which was praised and commended by the German community.
• Jose stayed in Berlin to enhance his knowledge about ophthalmology, to observe
Germany and to publish his novel, Noli me Tangere.
• Madame Lucie Cerdole – A professor in French language who enhanced the
knowledge of Jose about French language and culture.
• Unter den Linden – a famous street in Berlin where Jose like to hang out.
• In his letter to Trinidad, he discussed about the personality ofGerman women:
diligent, serious, educated, friendly, not gossipy and not quarrelsome.

The Creation of Noli me Tangere

• Winter of 1886 – Jose was flat broke and he had to pawn thediamond ring her
sister, Saturnina gave to him.
• This was memorable for two reasons: the pain of hunger and sickness he
experienced and the creation of Noli me Tangere.
• Uncle Tom’s Cabin – A novel used by Jose as a reference for Noli me Tangere.
• January 1884 – Jose suggested that the novel should be done by a group of patriotic
Filipinos, but at the end he was the only one to finish it.
• Half of the novel was written in Paris, he continued a quarter of his novel in
Madrid and the last part in Germany.
• In Berlin, He finalized the revisions in February 1886.
• Because Jose was flat broke, his friend, Maximo Viola funded the publication of the
novel where 2000 copies were printed for 300 pesos.
• As a sign of gratitude, Jose gave Maximo one of the original copiesof the novel and
a complimentary copy.
• Jose admitted that the title, Noli me Tangere was not originally came from him but
from a Bible verse. ( John 20 : 13-17)
• He dedicated the novel to his fatherland- the Philippines.

The Travels of Rizal and Viola

• May 11, 1887 – The two left Berlin in an express train.
• They visited different places in Europe like:
• Dresden (Germany)
• Teschen ( Czechoslovakia)
• Leitmeritz ( Bohemia)
• Vienna (Austria)
• Munich (Germany)
• Nuremberg (Germany)
• Geneva (Switzerland)
• June 23, 1887 – Jose and Maximo parted ways, Jose went to Italy and Maximo
returned in Spain.
• June 27, 1887 – he arrived in Rome, where he called “The City ofCaesar.”
• After a week, Jose prepared to return to the Philippines.