Life and Studies at Ateneo
Life and Studies at Ateneo
RIZAL’S LIFE
HIGHER EDUCATION
LIFE ABROAD
EXILE,TRIAL AND DEATH
Life and Studies at Ateneo
To enter the Ateneo a candidate was
subjected to an entrance examination on
Christian doctrine, reading, writing,
grammar, and elementary arithmetic. Jose
did not take his entrance examinations Jose
did not remain in Manila but returned first to
his town to celebrate the fiesta of its patron
saint; it was then that his father changed his
mind and decided to send him to the Ateneo
instead.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
These dignities were won by means of individual
competitions in which it was necessary to catch one’s
adversary in error three times. The empires considered
themselves in perpetual warfare, and when an individual of
one empire was caught in error by one belonging to the
enemy empire, a point was counted in favor of the latter. At
the end of each week or two, the points in favor of each
were added and the empire, which obtained more point,
was declared winner.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
The Jesuitical system of instruction was considered more advanced
than that of other colleges in that epoch. Its discipline was rigid and its
methods less mechanical. It introduced physical culture as part of its
program as well as the cultivation of the arts, such as music, drawing,
and painting. It also establishes vocational courses in agriculture,
commerce, and mechanics as a religious institute, its principal
purpose was to mold the character and the will of the boys to comply
more easily with the percepts of the Church. The students heard
mass before the beginning of the class, which was opened and
closed with prayers.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
There was a fraternity of Mary and Saint Louis Gonzaga, to
which only those who distinguished themselves in the class
for their piety and diligence could belong. This fraternity met
on Sundays and after mass held public programs in which
poems were recited or debates were held. With all these
inducements it was only natural that should be a spirit of
emulation, a striving to surpass one’s colleagues found in
the Ateneo.
The Jesuits were considered the best educators
of Spain, and perhaps of Europe, and so, when
they were permitted to return to the Philippines,
although their power to administer parishes was
restricted except in the remote regions of
Mindanao, the privilege of founding colleges,
they had to apply to the City of Manila for
subsidies. That is why the college which began
to function in the year 1865, was called the
Ateneo Municipal.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
In the first two terms the classes were divided into groups of
interns and externs:
the first constituted the
Roman Empire and Carthaginian Empire.
In each empire there were five dignitaries:
Emperor,
Tribune,
Decurion,
Centurion, and
Standard-Bearer.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
Among Jose’s classmates were Peninsulares and sons
of Peninsulares; Francisco G. Oliva, very talented but
not very studious; Joaquin Garrido, endowed with a
poor memory but with much talent and industry; and
Gonzalo Marzano, who occupied the throne of Emperor.
 Life and Studies at Ateneo
As a newcomer, Jose was at first put at the tail of the class,
but he was soon promoted and kept on being promoted so
that at the end of one month he had attained to the rank of
Emperor. At the end of the term he obtained marks of
excellent in all the subjects and in the examinations.
He had reason to feel proud of his advancement; and so
when he went home on vacation that year, he ran alone to
see his mother in the prison and tell her the happy news.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
About that time, he devoted himself to reading novels, and one
of those he enjoyed most was Dumas’ (father) The Count of
Monte Cristo. The sufferings of the hero of the twelve years. He
also asked his father to buy him a copy of The Universal History
by Cesar Cantanu, and according to himself he profited much
from its perusal.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
In the fifth years Jose had other professors: Frs. Vilaclara and
Mineves. He studied philosophy, physics, chemistry, and natural
history, but his devotion to poetry was such that his professor in
philosophy advised him once to leave it, which made him cry. But
in his rest hours he continued cultivating the Muses under the
direction of his old professor, Father Sanchez. Jose had then
written a short story (leyenda), which was only slightly corrected
by his professor, and a dialogue, which was enacted at the end of
the course, alluding to the collegians’ farewell.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
The judge, who was a blind partisan of the friars having
been a domestic of theirs, told her that if she confessed
her culpability he would release her at once. With the
desire to see her children again, she pleaded guilty; but
the judge, instead of releasing her, convicted her. In a few
months the judge asked her forgiveness for what he had
done because according to him his conscience hurt him,
but the case had no remedy because it was already on
appeal.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
The family, who saw in Jose great aptitude for study,
decided to place him as intern or boarding student in the
college the following year. In the corner of the dormitory
facing the sea and the pier Jose passed his two years of
internship.
First Year in Ateneo (1872-1973)
∙ Father Jose Bech – Rizal ‘s first professor in Ateneo who he described as ―tall thin man,
with a body slightly bend forward, a harried walk, an ascetic face, severe and inspired, smell
deep-sunken eyes, a sharp nose that was almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose
fell toward the chinǁ.
∙ - A Religious picture – a Rizal‘s first prize for being brightest pupil in the whole class. - To
improve his Spanish, he took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during noon recesses.
He paid three pesos for those extra Spanish lessons.
∙ - At the end of the school year in March, 1873, he returned to Calamba for summer
vacation.
∙ - When the summer vacation ended, Rizal returned to Manila for his second year term in
Ateneo. This time he boarded inside Intramuros at No. 6 Magallanes Street. His landlady
was an old widow name Doña Pepay.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
The second year, Jose had the same professor as in the previous
year; but instead of lodging outside the City, he resided at No. 6
Calle Magallanes. At the end of the term he obtained a medal, and
upon returning to his town, he again visited his mother in jail alone.
This was three months before her release.
The rejoicing that her release produced in his spirit had much
influence on the result of his studies in the third year, for he began
to win prizes in the quarterly examinations.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
In the fourth year of his course he had Fr. Francisco Sanchez as
professor. Jose describes him as a model of rectitude, a solicitude,
and love for the student, and his studied mathematics, rhetoric,
and Greek, and he must have progressed much, for at the end of
the year he-obtained five medals, which pleased him immensely
because with them I could repay my father somewhat for his
sacrifices. His aptitude for poetry revealed itself early, and from
that time on he did not cease to cultivate it.
Second Year in Ateneo (1873-1874)
∙ At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent grades in all subjects
and a gold medal.
∙ The Count of Monte Cristo – (Alexander Dumas) – the first favourite novel of
Rizal which made a deep impression on him.
∙ Universal History (Cesar Cantu) – Rizal persuaded his father to buy him this
set of historical work that was a great aid in his studies.
∙ Dr. Feodor Jagor – a German scientist-traveler who visited the Philippines
1859-1860 who wrote Travels in the Philippines. He was impressed in this
book because; 1) Jagor’s keen observation of the defects of Spanish
colonization, and, 2) his prophecy that someday Spain would lose the
Philippines and that America would come to succeed her as colonizer
 Third and Fourth Year in Ateneo (1874- 1876)
∙ Rizal's grades remained excellent in all subjects but he won only one
medal – Latin.
∙ At the end of the school year, Rizal ‘s returned to Columba for the
vacation. He himself was not impressed by his scholastic work.
∙ June 16, 1875 – Rizal became an interno of the Ateneo.
∙ Padre Francisco de Paula Sanchez – a great educator and scholar, one of
Rizal ‘s professors who inspired him to study harder and to write poetry.
Rizal described this Jesuit professor as ―model of uprightness,
earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupilsǁ.
∙ Rizal ‘s topped all his classmates aim all subjects and on five medals at the
end of the school term.
Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877)
Rizal ‘s studies continued to fare well. As a matter-of-fact, the
excelled in all subjects. The most brilliant Atenean of his time, he
was truly the pride of the Jesuits.
∙ March 23, 1877 – Commencement Day, Rizal who was 15 years
old, received from his Alma Mater; the Degree of Bachelor of
Arts, with highest honor.
∙ Marian Congregation – a religious society wherein Rizal was an
active member and later became the secretary.
∙ Rizal cultivated his literary talent under the guidance of Father
Sanchez.
Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877)
∙ Father Jose Vilaclara – advised Rizal to stop communing with
the muse and pay more attention to more practical studies.
∙ Rizal studies painting under the famous Spanish painter, Agusti
Saez, and sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus; a noted Filipino
sculptor.
∙ Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling
with his pocket-knife.
∙ Father Lieonart – impressed by Rizal ‘s sculptural talent,
requested him to carve for him an image of Sacred Heart of
Jesus.

Poems in Ateneo
Poems in Ateneo 1. Felicitacion
2. El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes
∙ It was Doña Teodora who was first discovered the poetic genius 3. Y Es Español: Elcano el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo

of her son, and it also she who first encourage him to write
poems. However, it was Father Sanchez who inspired Rizal to
take full of his God-given gift in poetry.
∙ Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration), 1874, the Rizal
probably wrote during days in Ateneo which was dedicated to
his mother on her birthday; Rizal wrote he was 14 years old.
1875 (inspired by Father Sanchez)
4. El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo 5. Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus) – brief ode.
5. Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town) – honour for his hometown Calamba.
Life in the University
6. Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Education (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and
Good Education) – shows the importance of religion and education. of Santo Tomas
7. Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria (Through Education the Country Receives Light) –
education plays in the progress and welfare a nation. (1877-1882)
8. El Cautiverio y el Triunfo: Batalla de Lucenas y Prison Boabdil (The Captivity and the Triumph:
Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boadbil) – the defeat and capture of Boabdil, the last
Sultan of Granada.

Life in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)
∙ After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters
(1877-1878). He transferred to the medical course.
∙ April 1877 – he enrolled in the UST taking Philosophy and Letters because;
1) his father like it, 2) he was “still uncertain as to what career to pursue”.
∙ Father Pablo Ramon – Rector of Ateneo, who had been good to him his
student’s days in that college, asking for advice on the choice of a career but
unfortunately he was in Mindanao.
∙ During Rizal‘s first school term in the UST, Rizal also studied in Ateneo. He
took the vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor (expect
surveyor).
Life in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882) Life in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)
∙ Rizal excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in Ateneo, obtaining
gold medals in agriculture and topography. He passed all the subject but ∙ Rizal studied in UST from 1878-1882. his grade in Medicine
the title was no issued to him because he was only 17 years- old, consists of 2 excellent, 3 very good, 8 good, and 2 fair (physics
underage. The title was issued to him on November 25, 1881- the title was and general pathology). His grades in UST College of Medicine
issued to Rizal for passing the final examination in the surveying course.
were not as impressive as what he got at Ateneo Philosophy and
∙ During his sophomore year, he courted Leonor Valenzuela, a tall girl with
regal bearing. Rizal sent her love notes in invisible ink. But just like
Letters due to the hostility of the Dominican professors.
Segunda he also stopped visiting her. During his junior year, Rizal had Accordingly, laboratory equipment's are just for display and racial
romance with Leonor Rivera, of Camiling, Tarlac. Leonor was a pretty girl discrimination against the Filipino student’s.
and a student of La Concordia Colllege. Both Rizal and Leonor were
engaged, he used the sign name ―Taimisǁ to cover their relationship from
their parents.
 Life in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)
∙ A La Juventud (To the Filipino Youth) – at 18, submitted tis poem, it is
inspiring poem of flawless form. This poem won as a classic Filipino
literature for two reasons: a) it was a great poem in Spanish written by the
Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary authorities, 2)
expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipino, and
not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of the Fatherland”. The Board of
Judges, composed of Spaniards was impressed by Rizal ‘s poem and
gave it gave it the first prize which consisted of a silver pen,
feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon.
∙ A Filipinas – a sonnet written by Rizal for the album of the Society of
Sculptors; in this sonnet, he urged all Filipino artists to glorify the
Philippines.
LIFE ABROAD
First Travel
∙ He tried his skills in music and studied solfeggio, piano and voice culture for a month and a
half.
∙ Secret Mission of Jose Rizal Rizal conceived the secret mission, with the blessing of his
brother Paciano was to do the following: 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 for the task of liberating his people from Spanish Tyranny.
∙ He worked as an assistant to the renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Louis de Weckert, and left
for Heidelberg after a year. He settled in the house of a Lutheran, Karl Ullmer and worked in
the clinics of famous Polish and German ophthalmologists, Dr. Javier Galezowsky and Dr.
Otto Becker, respectively.
First Travel
∙ May 18, 1882 – he had a stopover at Colombo, Ceylon, which describe by
him as smart, elegant than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila.
∙ May 28, 1882 – from Colombo, Djemnah continued it voyage and crossed
the Indian Ocean until he reached Cape of Guardafin, Africa to Aden, Africa
where he was able to see camels for the first time.
∙ June 2, 1882 – he proceeded to Suez Canal. It took 5days to travel in the
said canal, then they reached the Port Said.
∙ June 11, 1882 – from Port Said, the steamer proceeded it travel to Europe
and reached the Naple City, Italy. The city was busy because of its business
activity, lively people and panoramic beauty.
Life in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)
∙ Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma – poem honoring the Ateneo Patroness.
∙ Al M.R.P Pablo Ramon – poem dedication to Father Pablo Ramon
(Atenean Rector), who had been so kind and helpful to him.
∙ Vicenta Ybardolaza – a pretty girl colegiala who skillfully played a harp
at the Regalado home, whom Rizal was infatuated.
∙ Compañerismo (Comradeship) – Rizal founded a secret society of
Filipino students in UST 1880.
∙ Galicano Apacible – Rizal ‘s cousin from Batangas who is the secretary
of the society.
LIFE ABROAD
First Travel
∙ In Heidelberg, he was astounding with the flowers along the Neckar River,
especially the forget-me-nots, which made him compose the poem, A Las
Flores de Heidelberg (To the Flowers of Heidelberg), on April 22, 1886.
∙ It was also in this German city where the long-distance friendship between
Jose Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt began.
∙ Rizal traveled to Leipzig and attended some lectures at its local university.
∙ After which he went to Berlin to further study ophthalmology and other
languages, to get familiar with the scenic Germany, to be part of the scientific
community, and to finish his novel, Noli Me Tangere.
LIFE ABROAD
First Travel
∙ June 12, 1882 – the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles,
France. Rizal disembarked and visited the Chateau d’ef where Dantes (The
Count of Monte Cristo) was in jailed. He stayed in Marseilles for 3 days.
∙ June 16, 1882 – by a train he continued his trip to Barcelona, Spain. He
stayed in Hotel de España. He visited Ronda de la Universidad de
Barcelona. At first, he had a bad impresions to Barcelona – because he
happened to stay in a stingy people inn. But later on, he realized the
atmosphere of freedom and liberalism around the place, the people were
open-hearted, hospitable and courageous.
Life in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)
Unhappy Days in UST
∙ Rizal found the atmosphere at the UST suffocating to his sensitive spirit. He
was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher learning because
1) the Dominican professors were hostile to him
2) the Filipino students were racially discriminated by the Spaniards
3) the method of instruction was obsolete and repressive.
∙ In Rizal novel, El Filibusterismo, he described how the Filipino students were
humiliated and insulted by their Dominican professors and how backward the
method of instruction was, especially in the teaching of the natural sciences.
He related in Chapter XIII (The Class in Physics).
LIFE ABROAD
First Travel
∙ However, he was struck by financial problem in Berlin as he was short of
allowance from Calamba.
∙ May 3, 1882 – he left Manila through the steamer Salvadora, with 16
passenger including him.
∙ May 8, 1882 – the Salvadora reached Singapore (an English Colony), he
stayed in Singapore for two days spending his time sightseeing the sorties of
the city.
∙ May 11, 1882 – he was board Djemnah, accordingly it is larger and cleaner
than Salvadora. During the travel he was ale to learn French language and
observation, because the steamer’s speaking language is French.
∙ May 17, 1882 – he steamer arrived at the Point Galle, Ceylon. The town was
quiet, lovely and sad at the same time.
LIFE ABROAD
Life in Barcelona:
1. He was welcomed by his former classmates in Ateneo.
2. He was treated and guided by his friend in European
way.
3. He received the bad news about the cholera outbreak in
Manila.
4. Leonor Rivera’s recounting happiness who getting
thinner and thinner due to the absence of her love-one.
 LIFE ABROAD
Life in Paris, France
∙ June 15, 1882 – Rizal was invited to speak for the celebration for the double
victory for the two artist namely: Juan Luna (Spoliarium) and Felix R. Hidalgo
(Virgenes Christianas Expuestas El Populacio), for winning the 1st and 2nd
prizes in the Paris Exposition for the Arts.
∙ He lived in Paris, France for 4 months and became an assistant to the clinic of
Dr. Louis de Wecket.
∙ He also became a model for the artworks of Juan Luna (“The Death of
Cleopatra” and “The Blood Compact”).
∙ After his stay in Paris, he left for Heidelberg, Germany.
LIFE ABROAD
Berlin, Germany
∙ Rizal was enchanted by Berlin because of its scientific atmosphere
and the absence of race prejudice.
∙ Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German
scientist-traveler and author of Travels in the Philippines, a book
which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila.
∙ Dr. Rudolf Virchow- introduced to Rizal by Dr. Jagor; famous
German anthropologist.
∙ Dr. Hans Virchow- son of Dr. Rudolf Virchow, professor of
Descriptive Anatomy.
Grand Tour in Europe
∙ May 24, 1887 – they left Vienna, via river boat to see the beautiful
sights of the Danube river. The river voyage ended in Lintz,
afterwards they travelled on land to Salzburg and from there
Munich. In Munich, they had a short time savoring the famous
Munich beer (best beer in Germany).
∙ From Munich, they went to Nuremberg (oldest city in Germany),
were their impressed by the manufacturer of dolls which was the
biggest industry in the city. Afterwards, they went to Ulm
particularly he city cathedral, they enjoyed they view upon reaching
the top, even though Viola felt dizzy and tried.
LIFE ABROAD
Heidelberg, Germany
1. He work in the University Eye Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Otto
Becker.
2. He also attended some lectures of Dr. Becker and Dr. Wilhelm Kuehne.
3. He visited some scenic places in Heidelberg, such as castles, rivers and old
churches.
4. He was also befriended with Dr. Karl Ullmer, during summer vacation where he
stayed in Wilhelmsfeld.
5. He wrote his first letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt. - During the 5 th centenary
celebration of Heidelberg, he decides to leave and went to Leipzig, Germany via
train.
LIFE ABROAD
Grand Tour in Europe
∙ May 11, 1887 – Rizal and Viola left Berlin for Dresden. They visited
Dr. Adolf B. Meyer. While strolling at the scene of the Floral
Exposition, they met Dr. Jagor, and suggested them to meet
Blumentritt.
∙ May 13, 1887 –Rizal and Viola reached Leitmeritz, Bohemia. They
met Ferdinand Blumentritt. The two enjoyed the warm hospitality of
the Blumentritt family.
∙ They also met famous scientist Dr. Carlos Czepelah and another
eminent naturalist Robert Klutschak.
Grand Tour in Europe
∙ All they visit Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden and Rheinfall.
∙ June 2-3, 1887 – they continued their trip on a boat and reached
Basel, Bern, Laussenne, and they cross to the lake of Geneva.
∙ June 6, 1887- they reached Geneve, Switzerland. While in Geneva,
Rizal received sad news from his friends in Madrid about the
conditions of Igorots, who were exhibited in the 1887 Madrid
Exposition, some of the natives died.
LIFE ABROAD
Leipzig, Germany
∙ August 14, 1886 - He attended the lectures at the University of
Leipzig in history and psychology.
∙ He met Dr. Hans Meyer and Prof. Friedrich Ratzel.
∙ He translated Scheller’s William Tell and Hans Christian
Andersons’s Fairy Tale. Dresden, Germany: October 29, 1886
∙ He met Dr. Adolf Meyer - After two days of stay he left Dresden
and went to Berlin, Germany in the evening of November 1, 1886.
Grand Tour in Europe
∙ May 17, 1887 – they left Leitmeritz by train on their way to the
city of Prague. They carried recommendation letters of Prof.
Blumentritt Dr. Wilhomm, a professor of Natural History in the
University of Prague.
∙ May 19, 1887 – they reached the city of Brunn.
∙ May 20, 1887 – they arrived at the city of Vienna, Austria. They
visited famous interesting scenic places like churches,
museums, art galleries, theatres, public parks, beautiful
buildings, and religious images. They also met Mr. Norfenfoe
(European novelist) and Masner and Nordmenn (Austrian
scholars).
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
Rizal’s Plans of Homecoming
∙ As early as 1884, Rizal wanted to go back to the Philippines for
the following reasons:
– Financial difficulties in Calamba
– Dissatisfaction with his studies in Madrid
– Desire to prove that there is no reason to fear going home.
– His belief that the Spanish regime will not punish the innocent.
 Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
∙ He returns to Calamba despite the many warnings also, he
received from friends and relatives alike. He had four reasons for
returning to the Philippines, first is to perform an operation on
Doña Teodora's eyes; second is to defend his oppressed
countrymen more effectively than doing so in a foreign land; third
is to find out how his Noli was received by the Filipinos and
Spaniards; and the is to know the reason for Leonor Rivera's
long silence.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
Sad moments while Rizal was in Calamba
∙ Leonor Rivera – Rizal tried to visit her in Tarlac but his
parents forbade him to go because Leonor’s mother did
not like him for a son-in- law.
∙ Olimpia Mercado-Ubaldo – died because of child birth.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
Jose Taviel de Andrade
∙ A young Spanish lieutenant who came from a noble
family
∙ He was cultured and knew painting
∙ He could speak French, English and Spanish.
∙ They became good friends.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
∙ Rizal left Rome by train to Marseilles, a French port and boarded
Djemnah, the same steamer that brought him to Europe five years
ago.
∙ There were 50 passengers: 4 Englishmen, 2 Germans, 3 Chinese,
2 Japanese, 40 Frenchmen, and 1 Filipino (Rizal)
∙ When the ship reached Aden, the weather became rough and
some of Rizal’s book got wet.
In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam – he transferred to another
steamer, Haiphong, that brought him to Manila
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
Storm over the Noli Me Tangere
∙ As Rizal was peacefully living in Calamba, his enemies plotted his doom.
∙ Governor General Emilio Terrero
– wrote to Rizal requesting to come to Malacañang Palace.
– Somebody had whispered to his ear that the Noli contains subversive ideas.
– Rizal explained to him that he merely exposed the truth, but did not advocate
subversive ideas.
– He was pleased by Rizal’s explanation and curious about the book, he asked
for a copy of the novel.
– Rizal had no copy that time but promised to send one for him.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
Attackers of the Noli
∙ Archbishop Pedro Payo – a Dominican
∙ Archbishop of Manila
∙ Sent a copy of the Noli to Fr. Gregorio Echevarria, Rector
of the University of Santo Tomas to examine the novel.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
In Calamba
∙ Rizal established a medical clinic.
∙ Doña Teodora – was Rizal’s first patient
∙ Rizal treated her eyes but could not perform any surgical operation because
her cataracts were not yet ripe.
∙ He painted several beautiful landscapes in Calamba.
∙ He translated German poems of Von Wildernath in Tagalog.
∙ Doctor Uliman
– Rizal was called this name because he came from Germany.
– He earned P900 in a few months and P5,000 before he left the Philippines.
∙ Gymnasium – was opened by Rizal for the young people
∙ He introduced European sports fencing and shooting to discourage them from
cockfighting and gambling.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
Rizal visited the Jesuits
∙ Rizal visited the Jesuit fathers to ask for their feedback on the
novel.
∙ He was gladly welcomed by the following friars:
∙ Governor-General Emilio Terrero – a liberal minded Spaniard who
knew that Rizal’s life was in jeopardy because the friars were
powerful.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
UST and Rizal
∙ The committee that examined the Noli Me Tangere were composed of
Dominican professors.
∙ The report of the faculty members from UST about the Noli states that the
novel was: – Heretical, impious and scandalous in the religious orders, and
anti-patriotic, subversive of public order, injurious to the government of Spain
and its function in the Philippine Islands in the political order.
∙ Governor-General Terrero – was not satisfied with the report so he sent the
novel to the Permanent Commission of Censorship which was composed of
priests and lawyers.
 Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
UST and Rizal
∙ Fr. Salvador Font
– Augustinian friar curate of Tondo was the head of the commission.
– The group found that the novel contain subversive ideas against the Church and
Spain and recommended that the importation, reproduction and circulation of the
pernicious book in the islands be absolutely prohibited. Mylene Gado Almario
The newspaper published Font’s written report. The banning of the Noli Me
Tangere served to make it popular and the masses supported the book.
Rizal’s reasons for leaving the Philippines
His presence in Calamba was jeopardizing the safety and happiness of his
family and friends. He could not fight better his enemies and serve his
country’s cause with greater efficacy by writing in foreign countries.
∙ A Poem for Lipa – shortly before Rizal left in 1888, he was asked by a friend
to write a poem in commemoration of the town’s cityhood.
∙ Himno Al Trabajo (Hymn to Labor) – title of the poem dedicated to the
industrious people of Lipa.
∙ Aboard the steamer Djemnah, Rizal sailed to the East via the Suez Canal
on June 3, 1887 and reached Saigon on the 30th of July.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
A glance of East Asia
On February 3, 1888, for the second time, Rizal sailed to Hongkong
as a frustrated being who wanted the utmost reform in his native
land. Terrero’s former secretary, Jose Sainz de Varranda, followed
Rizal in the said British colony, and was believed to be
commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on the hero. After
almost three weeks, on board the American steamer, Oceanic, he
left Hongkong and sailed to Japan where he was invited by
Secretary Juan Perez Caballero to live at the Spanish Legation.
Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888)
UST and Rizal
∙ Fr. Jose Rodriguez
– Augustinian Prior of Guadalupe
– Published a series of eight pamphlets under the heading Questions of
Supreme Interest to blast the Noli and other anti-Spanish writing.
– Copies of anti-Rizal pamphlets were sold after mass
– Many Filipinos were forced to buy them in order not to displease the friars.
Rizal’s leaving the Philippines
Newly arrived from Germany, he began to be known as “Doctor Uliman” (from
the word Aleman). Regarding his novel Noli Me Tangere, Rizal met Governor
General Emilio Terrero who informed him of the charges against him. As a
defense, Rizal told Terrero that the Noli only exposes the 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. Soon enough, the attackers and defenders of the
novel resurfaced. On February 3, 1888 Rizal left his country with a heavy
heart. • But this is for his own good and the safety of his family and friends.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
A glance of East Asia
His instinct told him that it was a bait – a way for the Spanish
officials to keep track of his activities. And since it was economical to
stay at the legation and he believed that he had nothing to hide, he
accepted it. Rizal was impressed by the scenic Japan and had keenly
observed the life, customs and culture of the people. He had fallen in
love not only with the view but more to its women, particularly with the
23-year old O-Sei-San (a.k.a. Usui Seiko).
Defenders of the Noli Me Tangere
∙ Propagandists such as Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano
Lopez-Jaena, Antonio Ma. Regidor, Mariano Ponce rushed to
uphold the truths of the Noli.
∙ Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez – Rizal’s favorite teacher in
Ateneo defended and praised the novel in public.
∙ Don Segismundo Moret – former Minister of the Crown.
∙ Prof. Miguel Morayta- historian and stateman
∙ Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt – Rizal’s best friend
∙ Rev. Fr. Vicente Garcia
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Realizing that his family's and friends' safety were at risked; and
that 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. Before his departure, a friend from Lipa City, Batangas asked
of him a poem dedicated to the industrious workers in their town.
Privileged, Rizal wrote the Himno Al Trabajo (Hymn to Labor).
Second Travel (1888-1892)
On February 3, 1888 – after a short stay of six months in Calamba, Rizal
was forced to leave his country for a second time. Rizal left Manila for
Hongkong on board the Zafiro. He was sick and sad to leave Calamba.
∙ February 7, 1888 – the steamer made a brief stopover at Amoy. But he got
off the ship he was not feeling well and that the city was dirty.
∙ February 8, 1888 – he arrived in Hongkong. He stayed at Victoria Hotel.
Accordingly, it was a small but very clean city. He was welcomed by Filipino
residents like Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio and Manuel Yriarte. There
were other Filipinos in Hongkong but they were generally poor, gentle and
timid. He observed the noisy celebration of the Chinese New Year due to
the continuous explosions of firecrackers, the noisy audience and music in a
Chinese theatre.

Second Travel (1888-1892)
∙ February 18, 1888 – Rizal and Basa visited Macao. They boarded the ferry
steamer, Ku-Kiang. The city was small, low and gloomy. There were many junks,
sampans, but few steamers. The city looked sad and dead. They stayed at the
house of Don Juan Francisco Lecaros. They also visited the theatre, casino,
cathedral, churches, pagodas, botanical gardens and bazaars.
∙ February 20, 1888 – after their two-day sojourn in Macao, Rizal and Basa
returned to Hongkong on board again on the steamer Ku-Kiang.
∙ February 21, 1888 – Rizal and Basa went back to Hongkong. Rizal stayed in
Hongkong for almost two weeks. While in Hongkong, Jose Sainz de Varonda, a
Spaniard, was commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on Rizal.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Sail to the West
∙ February 29, 1888 – he proceeded to Tokyo and took a room at Tokyo Hotel
where he stayed for 6 days. Japan was to him the “Land of the Cherry
Blossoms” because of its natural beauty and the charming manners of the
Japanese people.
∙ He visited by Juan Perez Caballero, secretary of the Spanish legation. He
wrote a letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt, sharing his observation in Japan.
∙ During his first day in Tokyo, Japan, Rizal was embarrassed because he didn’t
know the Japanese language. To avoid further embarrassment, he decided to
study the Japanese language and a few days, he was able to speak the
language.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Across the Atlantic - USA
∙ April 28, 1888 – Rizal and Techo arrived in San Francisco Port on Saturday
morning of April 28. All passengers were not allowed to land because the ship
was placed on a quarantine on the ground that it came form the Far East
where cholera epidemic was alleged to be raging.
∙ He soon discovered that placing the ship under quarantine was prompted by
politics.
∙ After a week of quarantine, all first class passengers, including Rizal were
permitted to land but the Chinese and Japanese passengers of the second and
third class accommodations was remained on board.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Sail to the West
∙ Rizal was almost tempted to settle in Japan with O-Sei-San, but on April 13,
1888, Rizal boarded the English steamer, Belgic bound for the United States,
reaching the land on April 28. He visited San Francisco, left it on the second
day for Oklahoma, then to Sacramento, then to Reno, and finally to New
York. On May 16, 1888 the ship, City of Rome sailed for Liverpool and where
he decided to stay in London until March 1899. Rizal chose to stay in London
so that he could improve his English skills, study and do an annotation of
Antonio Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas and because he believed that
the said English city was a safe place for him to carry on the reforms he
wanted for the Philippines. He stayed at Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor's home and
boarded at the Beckett family where he fell in love with
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Sail to the West
∙ He also studied Kabuki, visited museum, libraries, art galleries and shrines,
and villages. He was impressed by the beauty of Tokyo, but he was not
impressed with the mode of transportation because the rickshaws were drawn
by men, which made Rizal disgusted because human were working like
horses.
∙ He also met Seiko Usui but Rizal called her as O-Sei-San. They also met daily
as they visited interesting spots of the city, like the Imperial Art Gallery, the
Imperial Library, the city parks and picturesque shrines. She served as his
guide, interpreter and tutor.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Across the Atlantic - USA
∙ May 4, 1888 – it was the day when Rizal and other passengers
were permitted to land. Rizal registered at the Palace Hotel.
∙ May 6, 1888 – Rizal left San Francisco to Oakland by ferry boat. In
Oakland, he took his supper at Sacramento for 75 cents and slept
in his coach.
∙ May 7, 1888 – Rizal boarded a train for a trip across the continent.
∙ Reno, Nevada (May 7); Utah, Ogden, Denver (May 8);
∙ Colorado (May 9); Nebraska (May 10);
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Sail to the West
∙ February 22, 1888 – Rizal left Hongkong alone on board the Oceanic,
American steamer to Japan his next destination. Rizal liked the ship because
it was clean and efficiently managed but did not like the meals on board.
Other passengers of the ship were two Portuguese, two Chinese, several
British and an American Woman Protestant missionary. His cabin mate was a
British Protestant missionary who lived in China for 27 years.
∙ February 28, 1888 – Rizal arrived in Yokohama, Japan and registered at the
Grand Hotel.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Sail to the West
∙ April 13, 1888 – Rizal boarded the Belgic, an English steamer bound for the
United States. He left Japan very sad because he would never see again
the beautiful land and his beloved O-Sei-San. His sojourn in Japan for
45days was one of the happiest interludes in Rizal’s life.
∙ On board the Belgic, he met a passenger, Techo Suchero, a Japanese
newspaperman who was jailed in his country for his articles and principles
and was exiled. The ship carried 643 Chinese people and other nationalities.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Across the Atlantic - USA
∙ Chicago (May 11); Canada (May 12);
∙ Albany (May 13) and travel to New York City. Mylene
∙ May 13, 1888 – Rizal reached New York and stayed for 3 days. Rizal called it as
“The Big Town”. He visited the memorial George Washington, and other scenic
and historic places.
∙ May 16, 1888 – he left New York for Liverpool and board the City of Rome. He
also visited the Colossal Statue of Liberty on Bedloe Island.
∙ Rizal’s Impressions of America:
 Second Travel (1888-1892)
Across the Atlantic - USA
∙ Rizal’s Impressions of America:
1. Progressive nation
2. People were energetic and hard-working
3. Better opportunities for immigrants
4. Racial prejudice
5. Freedom and democracy were only in words, not practiced
6. No true liberty
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In France
∙ In Paris, Rizal continued his study on various languages and practiced his
artistic skills, and finished two statues - “The Beggar” and “The Maid with A
Basket.” He organized a social club called Kidlat Club which brought together
young Filipinos residing in France. 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.
∙ September, 1888 – Rizal visited Paris for a week and visited his Juan Luna and
his wife Paz Pardo de Tavera with their son Andres.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In Belgium
∙ 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 traveled to Madrid
to seek justice but in vain – he could not find the right person and he heard
that his family was already evicted from their land in Calamba and other family
members were banished to Mindoro and Manila.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In Great Britain
∙ In London, Rizal received both good news and bad news from home. 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 was 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, Laureano Viado, a UST medical
student, was imprisoned for possessing a copy of his Noli. During his stay in this
country, Rizal also made used of his time in writing essays and articles for the La
Solidaridad. On June 12, 1889, with Filipino and Spanish friends, they founded the
Asociacion Hispano-Filipino which aimed for union and reforms. After ten months, Rizal
left London and departed for Paris.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In France
∙ December 11, 1888 – he went again to Spain and visited Madrid and
Barcelona. He went to visit his compatriots Marcelo H. Del Pilar and
Marciano Ponce. They exchanged ideas and promised to cooperate in the
fight for reforms.
∙ December 24, 1888 – he returned to London and spent Christmas and New
Year with the Becket family.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In Spain
∙ Rizal had many misadventures in Madrid. For one, he challenged Antonio Luna
and Wenceslao Retana in a duel. With 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 other encounter was
with Retana who 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. It is also from this city where Rizal
heard the news of Leonor Rivera's marriage with Henry Kipping, an
Englishman, which terrible broke his heart.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In Great Britain
∙ May 25, 1888 – he went to London and stayed there for a short time as a
guest at the home of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor (lawyer).
∙ He boarded at Becket family, and being close to Gertrude Becket.
• He spent Sundays in the house of Dr. Reinhold Rost, and played crickets
with Dr. Rost son.
• Arrest and jailing of Rizal’s friend – Lauriano Viado, for the copies of Noli
found in his house.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In Belgium
With his roommate, Jose Albert, Rizal celebrated Christmas in Paris.
Shortly after New Year, he visited London for the last time and on
January 28, 1890, left Paris for Brussels. With Albert, they left the
extravagant and gay social life in Paris and stayed in a boarding
house owned by the Jacoby sisters in Brussels. Rizal continued
contributing for La Solidaridad under the pseudonyms Dimas Alang
and Laong Laan.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
In Spain
Another marked event in Madrid was the Marcelo H. del Pilar-Jose
Rizal rivalry for leadership in the Asociacion Hispano Filipino. A
faction emerged from the Filipinos in Madrid, the Rizalistas and
Pilaristas, Rizal and del Pilar's compatriots, respectively, during the
organization's election. Losing the election, Rizal decided to go back
home, fearing that his presence may result to bigger and stronger
faction among the Filipinos in Madrid. But instead of going straight to
Hongkong, he went back to Brussels to finish his second novel, the
El Filibusterismo.
 Second Travel (1888-1892)
Back in Hongkong
∙ After the El 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:
to leave behind his rivalry with del Pilar; to facilitate a Propaganda
Movement in Hongkong; and to be proximate to his family in the
Philippines.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Back in Hongkong
∙ Before his departure, he wrote three more letters – the first addressed to his
parents and friends; the second one, to the Filipinos; and the last to 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 naturalized himself as German citizen or not. And so
the siblings sailed across the China Sea without prior knowledge of what awaits
them in the Philippines.
RIZAL'S LOVE LIFE
Consuelo Ortiga
∙ Consuelo Ortiga y Rey, the prettier of Don Pablo Ortiga’s daughters, fell in
love with him. He dedicated to her A la Senorita C.O. y R., which became
one of his best poems. The Ortiga's residence in Madrid was frequented by
Rizal and his compatriots.
O Sei San
∙ O Sei San, a Japanese samurai’s daughter taught Rizal the Japanese art of
painting known as su-mie. She also helped Rizal improve his knowledge of
Japanese language.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Back in Hongkong
∙ 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. He
resided at No. 5 D' Aguilar Street, No. 2 Rednaxela Terrace and opened a
medical clinic there. Rizal had a continued correspondence with his family in
Calamba and had been aware of the unsettled agrarian problem. Through a
letter from his brother-in-law, Manuel T. Hidalgo, he had been informed of the
deportation of twenty-five persons in Calamba, including the Rizal family. This
news made Rizal even more desperate to return to Manila, but his sorrow was
replaced by surprise when his family visited him in Hongkong and celebrated
the 1891 Christmas with him.
RIZAL'S LOVE LIFE
There were at least nine women linked with Rizal; namely
Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Valenzuela, Leonor Rivera, Consuelo
Ortiga, O-Sei San, Gertrude Beckette, Nelly Boustead, Suzanne
Jacoby and Josephine Bracken. These women might have been
beguiled by his intelligence, charm and wit.
RIZAL'S LOVE LIFE
Gertrude Beckett
∙ While Rizal was in London annotating the Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas,
he boarded in the house of the Beckett family, within walking distance of
the British Museum. Gertrude, a blue-eyed and buxom girl was the oldest
of the three Beckett daughters. She fell in love with Rizal.
Nellie Boustead
∙ Rizal having lost Leonor Rivera, entertained the thought of courting other
ladies. While a guest of the Boustead family at their residence in the resort
city of Biarritz, he had befriended the two pretty daughters of his host,
Eduardo Boustead. Rizal used to fence with the sisters at the studio of
Juan Luna.
Second Travel (1888-1892)
Back in Hongkong
∙ 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.
RIZAL'S LOVE LIFE
Segunda Katigbak and Leonor Valenzuela
∙ Segunda Katigbak was her puppy love. Unfortunately, his first love was
engaged to be married to a town mate- Manuel Luz. After his admiration for a
short girl in the person of Segunda, then came Leonor Valenzuela, a tall girl
from Pagsanjan.
Leonor Rivera
∙ Leonor Rivera, his sweetheart for 11 years played the greatest influence in
keeping him from falling in love with other women during his travel.
Unfortunately, Leonor’s mother disapproved of her daughter’s relationship with
Rizal, who was then a known filibustero.
RIZAL'S LOVE LIFE
Suzanne Jacoby
∙ In 1890, Rizal moved to Brussels because of the high cost of living in Paris. In Brussels, he
lived in the boarding house of the two Jacoby sisters.
Josephine Bracken
∙ In the last days of February 1895, while still in Dapitan, Rizal met an 18-year old petite Irish
girl, with bold blue eyes, brown hair and a happy disposition. She was Josephine Bracken, the
adopted daughter of George Taufer from Hong Kong, who came to Dapitan to seek Rizal for
eye treatment. Rizal was physically attracted to her. His loneliness and boredom must have
taken the measure of him and what could be a better diversion that to fall in love again. But
the Rizal sisters suspected Josephine as an agent of the friars and they considered her as a
threat to Rizal’s security.
Arrest and trial
By 1896, the rebellion fomented by the Katipunan, a militant secret society,
had become a full-blown revolution, proving to be a nationwide uprising. Rizal
had earlier volunteered his services as a doctor in Cuba and was given leave
by Governor-General Ramón Blanco to serve in Cuba to minister to victims of
yellow fever. Rizal and Josephine left Dapitan on August 1, 1896, with letter of
recommendation from Blanco.
Rizal was arrested en route to Cuba via Spain and was imprisoned in
Barcelona on October 6, 1896. He was sent back the same day to Manila to
stand trial as he was implicated in the revolution through his association with
members of the Katipunan. During the entire passage, he was unchained, no
Spaniard laid a hand on him, and had many opportunities to escape but
refused to do so.
Arrest and trial
While imprisoned in Fort Santiago, he issued a manifesto disavowing the
current revolution in its present state and declaring that the education of
Filipinos and their achievement of a national identity were prerequisites to
freedom.
Rizal was tried before a court-martial for rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy,
was convicted on all three charges, and sentenced to death. Blanco, who was
sympathetic to Rizal, had been forced out of office. The friars, led by then
Archbishop of Manila Bernardino Nozaleda, had 'intercalated' Camilo de
Polavieja in his stead, as the new Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines
after pressuring Queen-Regent Maria Cristina of Spain, thus sealing Rizal's
fate.
Jose Rizal's Execution
In November 1886, Rizal was arrested for his alleged
involvement in 1896 Uprising. After the uprising Rizal’s enemies
lost no time in pressing him down. Witnesses that linked him with
the revolt were rounded up but these witnessed were not cross
examined nor did they face Rizal directly. Rizal was imprisoned in
Fort Santiago. In his prison cell, he wrote an untitled poem, now
known as "Ultimo Adios" which is considered a masterpiece and a
living document expressing not only the hero’s great love of
country but also that of all Filipinos.

Jose Rizal's Execution Jose Rizal's Execution

Under a new governor, who apparently had been sponsored as
a hard-line candidate by the religious orders, Rizal was brought
before a military court on fabricated charges of involvement with
the Katipunan. The events of 1872 repeated themselves. A brief
trial was held on December 26 and--with little chance to defend
himself--Rizal was found guilty of rebellion, sedition and of forming
illegal association and sentenced to death. On December 30, 1896,
he was brought out to the Luneta and executed by a firing squad at
Bagumbayan Field. [Source: Library of Congress
Dec. 30, 1986. 4:00 – 5:00 a.m.: Rizal picks up Imitation of Christ,
reads, meditates and then writes in Kempis’ book a dictation to his
wife Josephine and by this very act in itself he gives to her their only
certificate of marriage. — 5:00 – 6:15: Rizal washes up, takes
breakfast, attends to his personal needs. Writes a letter to his
parents. Reads Bible and meditates. Josephine is prohibited by the
Spanish officers from seeing Rizal, according to Josephine’s
testimony to R. Wildman in 1899. — 6:15 – 7:00: