MARU, INA ANGELA B.

MTWTHF │7am-9am
BSA 2-2A GE19

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

1. WHY DID RIZAL LEAVE THE PHILIPPINES AND GO TO SPAIN IN 1882? GIVE
TWO REASONS.

Primarily, Dr. Jose Rizal finished his 4th Year of medical course in the University
of Santo Tomas whereas he was disgusted with the antiquated method of instruction
in this Dominican-owned university and the racial prejudice of Dominican professors
against the Filipino students. For this reason, Rizal decided to complete his studies in
Spain. Another reason on why did Rizal leave the Philippines and go to Spain was his
“secret mission.” This mission which Rizal came up with the approval of his older
brother Paciano was to observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs,
industries and commerce, and governments and laws of the European nations. He
came up with this secret mission in order to prepare himself in the mighty task of
liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny.

2. WHY WAS RIZAL'S DEPARTURE TO SPAIN KEPT SECRET?

Moreover, as Rizal decided to leave Philippines and go to Spain then this was
kept secret especially from his own parents. Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept
secret to avoid detection by the Spanish authorities and friars. Another reason, both of
his parents did not know his departure because he knew that they, especially his
mother, would not allow him to go.

3. IN BARCELONA, RIZAL WAS VERY MUCH IMPRESSED BECAUSE –

Rizal arrived on Barcelona on June 16, 1882. At first, Rizal thought that
Barcelona was ugly, with dirty little inns and inhospitable residents. Later, he
changed his bad impression and came to like the city. Rizal found it to be a really
great city, with an atmosphere of freedom and liberalism, and its people were open-
hearted, hospitable and courageous. He really enjoyed promenading along Las
Ramblas which was the most famous street in Barcelona.

4. DESCRIBE BRIEFLY RIZAL'S LIFE IN MADRID AND IN BERLIN.

RIZAL’S LIFE IN MADRID

Rizal’s Life in Madrid was full of scholastic approach. On November 03, 1882 he
enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid in two courses – Medicine and
Philosophy and Letters. He also studied painting and sculpture. He also took private
tutors of lessons in French, German and English. As such, he also practiced fencing
and shooting. His passion for music was also pursued as he visited art galleries and
museums. He lived in Madrid very simple with no luxuries as he knew that he came to
Spain to study and prepare himself for service to his fatherland. He rigidly budgeted
his money and time as he only spent few pesetas for lottery. Also, he spent his leisure
MARU, INA ANGELA B. MTWTHF │7am-9am
BSA 2-2A GE19
time reading and writing, attending reunions of the Paterno brothers, practicing
fencing and shooting at the gymnasium.

RIZAL’S LIFE IN BERLIN

After completing his studies in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris and Germany to
specialize in ophthalmology for the reason to cure his mother’s blindness. In Berlin, he
met and befriended several top German-Scientists, Dr. Feodor Jagor, Dr. Adolph B.
Meyer, Dr. Hans Meyer and Dr. Rudolf Virchow. Rizal lived in Berlin for five reasons:
(1) to gain further knowledge of ophthalmology, (2) to further his studies of sciences
and language, (3) to observe the economic had political conditions of the German
nation, (4) to associate with famous German scientists and scholars, (5) to publish his
novel, Noli Me Tangere. He led a methodical and frugal life in Berlin. In the day, he
worked as an assistant in the clinic of Dr. Schweigger. At night, he attended lectures
in the University of Berlin. At his boarding house, he had his daily exercises and
practiced speaking German, French and Italian. He spent his leisure moments touring
the countryside around Berlin as he observed the customs, dresses, homes and
occupations f the peasants and made sketches through them.

5. RIZAL DID NOT ALLOW HIS ROMANCE WITH CONSUELO ORTEGA Y PEREZ TO
CONTINUE. GIVE TWO REASONS

Mainly, Rizal as a lonely young man in a foreign country was attracted by

Consuelo’s beauty and vivacity. He even composed a lovely poem entitled A La Senorita
C.O. y P. to express his admiration for her as he found solace and joy in her company.
However, before his romance with Consuelo began, Rizal suddenly backed down for 2
reasons: (1) he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera and (2) his friend and co-worker in
the Propaganda Movement, Eduardo de Lete, was madly in love with Consuelo and he
had no wish to break their friendship because of a pretty girl.