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Explanations :

 During his ten-month stay in London starting from May 25, 1888, José Rizal experienced personal growth
while residing with families like the Becketts, participating in activities such as cricket and boxing, and
immersing himself in English culture. However, amidst these experiences, he received distressing news
from the Philippines, including the persecution of Filipino patriots, his family, and friends like Lauriano
Viado, illustrating the harsh realities of colonial rule. Despite these challenges, Rizal found solace in the
positive reception of his novel "Noli Me Tangere" in London, which served as a beacon of hope.
Additionally, the encouragement and support he received from like-minded individuals abroad bolstered
his determination to expose the injustices faced by Filipinos. These experiences in London deepened his
commitment to his mission, reinforcing his resolve to bring about positive change in the Philippines through
his literary works and activism.
 In September 1888, José Rizal visited Paris for a week with the aim of gathering historical materials from
the Bibliothèque Nationale. During his stay, he was graciously hosted by prominent Filipino expatriates,
Juan Luna and his wife Paz Pardo de Tavera. Their hospitality extended to introducing Rizal to their son,
Andres, known as Luling. This encounter not only provided Rizal with social connections but also exposed
him to the supportive community of intellectuals and artists among fellow Filipinos abroad, fostering a
sense of unity in their shared pursuit of advocating for their homeland's progress and welfare.
 On December 11, 1888, Rizal returned to Spain, where he visited Madrid and Barcelona. During his stay, he
met with influential Filipino leaders of the Propaganda Movement, Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Mariano Ponce.
Together, they exchanged ideas and pledged to collaborate in their fight for reforms in the Philippines. This
meeting marked a significant moment of solidarity among key figures in the movement for Philippine
independence and social change.
 On December 24, 1888, Rizal returned to London and celebrated Christmas and New Year with the Beckett
family, where he spent the festive season. During Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena, he crafted and
sent Christmas gifts to his friends. He made and sent a bust of Emperor Augustus to Blumentritt and
another bust of Julius Caesar to his friend Dr. Carlos Czepelak, a Polish scholar. Additionally, Mrs. Beckett,
aware of Rizal's interest in magic, gifted him a book titled “The Life and Adventures of Valentine Vox, the
Ventriloquist”. These gestures not only reflected Rizal's creative talents but also showcased the friendships
he cherished during his time in London.
 On December 31, 1888, a significant event took place in the Philippines as the patriotic society, Association
La Solidaridad, was established and inaugurated. José Rizal was chosen as the honorary president of the
association. The key officers included Galicano Apacible as president, Graciano Lopez Jaena as vice
president, Manuel Santa Maria as secretary, Mariano Ponce as treasurer, and Jose Ma. Panganiban as
accountant. This marked a pivotal moment in the movement for reforms in the Philippines, with Rizal's
prominent role emphasizing his influence and leadership in the pursuit of social and political change.
 On January 14, 1889, Rizal communicated his proposal to establish the "International Association of
Filipinologists" to Blumentritt. In his letter, he suggested having the association's inaugural event in the
French capital. Blumentritt enthusiastically supported Rizal's idea, signifying international cooperation and
scholarly collaboration in the study of Filipino culture and history. This exchange showcased Rizal's vision
for a global network of scholars interested in the Philippines, emphasizing his commitment to academic
pursuits and the promotion of Filipino heritage.
 On January 28, 1889, Rizal penned a letter to the members of the Association La Solidaridad, expressing his
gratitude for being made the honorary president. In his message, he emphasized the importance of
prioritizing societal welfare over individual interests. He stressed the notion that one's actions should not
be driven by expectations of rewards or honors, highlighting his commitment to selfless service and the
greater good of society. This perspective reflected Rizal's profound moral and ethical convictions, shaping
the ideals of the movement he was a part of.
 On February 15, 1889, Graciano Lopez Jaena established the fortnightly patriotic newspaper, La
Solidaridad, in Barcelona. Serving as the official organ of the Propaganda Movement, the newspaper had
several key objectives. These included advocating for peaceful political and social reforms in the
Philippines, highlighting the dire conditions in the country so that Spain could address them, opposing
regressive forces, promoting liberal ideas and progress, and championing the legitimate aspirations of the
Filipino people for a better life, democracy, and happiness. La Solidaridad became a vital platform for
expressing the concerns and ideals of the movement, playing a crucial role in the fight for Philippine
independence and social change.
 March 19, 1889 - From London, Rizal traveled to Paris, where he organized his fellow Filipinos into a society
known as the Kidlat Club. The purpose of this club was to unite young Filipinos residing in the French capital
during the Paris Universal Exposition, allowing them to enjoy their time in the city together. Rizal's initiative
demonstrated his efforts to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among Filipino expatriates,
providing them with support and companionship during their stay in Paris.
 On May 6, 1889, Rizal and his friends attended the opening ceremonies of the Universal Exposition in Paris.
He witnessed President Sodi Carnot of the French Republic cutting the ribbon. The exposition, attended by
over 200,000 people, featured notable attractions, including the iconic Eiffel Tower built by Alexander Eiffel.
During an International Art Competition, paintings by Felix Pardo de Tavera and Juan Luna won third prizes,
but Rizal's entry—a bust—did not qualify for exhibition, reflecting the competitive artistic environment of
the time.
 On June 24, 1889, Rizal became the baptismal godfather (ninong) to the second child of Juan Luna and Paz
Pardo de Tavera. He named the baby girl "Marie de la Paz, Bianca, Laureana, Hermenegilda Juana y Pardo
de Tavera," marking his close relationship with the influential Luna and Pardo de Tavera families. Rizal's
involvement in this event underscores his connections with fellow Filipino expatriates and his role in their
social circles in Europe.
 In August 1889, Rizal planned the inaugural convention of the "International Association" aimed at studying
the Philippines scientifically and historically. The appointed officers included Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt as
President, Mr. Edmund Plauchat as Vice President, Dr. Reinhold Rost as Counselor, Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor
as another Counselor, and Rizal as the Secretary. However, the convention did not take place due to the
French government's discouragement of private organizations holding conferences during the international
exposition period. This setback highlighted the challenges faced by Rizal in his efforts to gather
international support for studying Philippine issues at the time.
 On September 21, 1889, Rizal founded a secret society called Redencion de los Malayos (Redemption of the
Malays), known by its initials R.D.L.M., during the Universal Exposition in Paris. Rizal kept its existence
strictly confidential. Notable members included Gregorio Aguilera, Jose Ma. Basa, Julio Dorente, Marcelo H.
Del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Baldomero Roxas, and Father Jose Maria Chongco, a Filipino priest. This society
was a testament to Rizal's covert activities aimed at uniting Filipinos and fostering a sense of national
identity and solidarity against Spanish colonial rule.
 On December 25, 1889, Rizal and Jose Albert planned and prepared a sumptuous Christmas dinner in Paris.
The menu included fried chicken, rice, and vegetables. Remarkably, this dinner marked Rizal's final meal in
Paris before his departure.
 On January 15, 1890, Rizal returned to Paris, albeit with a terrible headache, fortunately not due to the flu
epidemic that was rampant in Europe during that time. He decided to leave Paris for two main reasons:
first, the high cost of living in the city was depleting his funds, and second, the vibrant social life of Paris
was hindering his literary pursuits, particularly his work on his second novel, "El Filibusterismo." Rizal's
decision to relocate reflected his dedication to his literary endeavors and the need for a more conducive
environment to focus on his writing.
 On June 20, 1890, Rizal wrote to M.H. Del Pilar, requesting him to serve as a lawyer in a land case that his
family had appealed to the Supreme Court in Spain. This communication underscores Rizal's ongoing efforts
to support his family's interests and highlights his trust in Del Pilar's legal expertise and dedication to their
cause.
 On July 9, 1890, Rizal wrote to Mariano Ponce about Graciano Lopez Jaena's plan to go to Cuba. He advised
Lopez Jaena against risking his life in Cuba and suggested that he should return to the Philippines instead.
Rizal emphasized that Lopez Jaena should be prepared to sacrifice his life in defense of his ideals, indicating
his commitment to the cause of Philippine independence and the importance of standing up for their
beliefs.
 On July 18, 1890, Rizal wrote to Mariano Ponce, expressing his determination to return home
due to the suffering experienced by his family. He highlighted the persecution faced by his
parents, relatives, and friends in the Philippines. This message revealed Rizal's deep concern for
his loved ones and reinforced his resolve to fight for their well-being and the larger cause of
social and political reforms in the Philippines.
 On July 29, 1890, Rizal wrote to Ponce expressing his intention to leave Brussels and travel to
Madrid. During his time in Brussels, Rizal had an amorous relationship with Suzanne Jacoby, a
Belgian girl who fell in love with him. She was deeply affected when Rizal left Brussels at the end
of July 1890, making a brief stop in Paris before heading to Madrid. This episode reflected the
personal challenges and relationships Rizal encountered during his travels, highlighting the
complexities of his life as a prominent figure advocating for Philippine reforms.
 In early August 1890, Rizal arrived in Madrid and promptly sought assistance from the Filipino
colony and liberal Spanish newspapers to protest the injustices perpetrated by Governor General
Valeriano Weyler and the Dominican friars against the Calamba people. Despite his efforts, no
justice was secured for the oppressed Calamba tenants, his family, and relatives, illustrating the
challenges faced in their struggle against Spanish authorities and the friars' oppressive rule.
 On August 30, 1890, Rizal attended a social gathering of Filipinos in Madrid where tensions
escalated. Juan Luna, fueled by jealousy over Rizal's romance with Nelie Boustead, made
offensive remarks about her. Rizal, offended by Luna's comments and guided by his sense of
chivalry, challenged Luna to a duel. Fellow Filipinos intervened, reminding them that such a duel
would harm their cause in Spain. Luna, upon sobering up, realized his mistake, apologized to
Rizal, and they reconciled. In another incident, Rizal confronted his bitter enemy, Wenceslao E.
Retana, who had attacked Filipinos, including Rizal, in Spanish newspapers. Retana falsely
claimed that Rizal's family hadn't paid rent, resulting in their eviction from their Calamba lands.
Enraged, Rizal challenged Retana to a duel. To avoid the duel, Retana swiftly published a
retraction and an apology in the newspaper, saving himself from the consequences of his false
accusations.
 On September 6, 1890, Rizal received distressing news: his brother Paciano, Antonio Lopez,
Silvestre Ubaldo, and Mateo Elejorde were arrested, expelled from Calamba, and exiled in
Mindoro. Rizal learned about this incident from his sister, Saturnina. Additionally, Silvestre
Ubaldo, Rizal's brother-in-law, sent him an ejectment notice issued by the Dominican friars
against Rizal's family and the Calamba tenants. As a result, Rizal's family sought refuge in the
house of Narcisa (Antonio Lopez's wife), highlighting the continued persecution and challenges
faced by the Rizal family and their supporters under Spanish colonial rule.
 In December 1890, Rizal received a devastating letter from Leonor Rivera, his long-time love,
informing him of her impending marriage to an Englishman, a choice made by her mother. This
unexpected news shattered Rizal, leaving him heartbroken. The end of his engagement with
Leonor Rivera added a personal layer of sorrow to the challenges he was already facing,
deepening his emotional turmoil during this period.
 In the later part of December 1890, Rizal and M.H. Del Pilar, Rizal's assertive lawyer-journalist,
became rivals for leadership supremacy. Regrettably, some of Rizal's former admirers supported
Del Pilar's leadership. Rizal faced resentment from some Filipinos who disapproved of his
interference in their private lives, especially given his reputation for enjoying women, wine, and
cards. This internal tension within the Filipino community in Europe highlighted the complexities
of leadership and personal choices during this period.
 On January 1, 1891, around 90 Filipinos gathered on New Year's Day to reconcile the differences
between Rizal and Del Pilar and to strengthen the reform campaign. However, due to the
intrigues of jealous compatriots, Rizal decided to withdraw from the Propaganda Movement.
Instead, he focused on publishing his second novel, practicing medicine, and launching a more
vigorous campaign for his country. This shift marked a significant turning point in Rizal's efforts,
highlighting his determination to contribute to the Philippines in his own way despite the
challenges he faced within the Filipino community in Europe.
 On February 1, 1891, Rizal left Madrid for a brief vacation in Biarritz, where he stayed with the
Bousted family. During this time, he fell in love with Nellie Bousted. Antonio Luna, who had
previously loved Nellie, encouraged Rizal to court her. However, the romance faced challenges:
Rizal refused to convert to Protestantism, which Nellie's mother desired, as he remained loyal to
his Catholic faith. Additionally, Nellie's mother did not approve of Rizal as a son-in-law. Despite
Luna's encouragement, Rizal's steadfast faith and differences in religious beliefs ultimately led to
the end of their relationship.
 On February 4, 1891, M.H. Del Pilar suggested to Rizal that he change the "O" in "Noli" to an "E,"
making it "Nellie" or "Nelly." This playful suggestion highlights the friendly banter between Rizal
and his associates regarding his romantic involvement with Nellie Bousted during his time in
Biarritz.
 On February 7, 1891, Filipinos established a leader, called "Responsable," to oversee the Filipino
community's affairs and determine the editorial direction of La Solidaridad. Del Pilar opposed the
newspaper being placed under Responsable but was willing to contribute articles reflecting
Filipino aspirations. Although Rizal was elected as Responsable, he declined the position
gracefully, believing that some of his compatriots who supported him had animosity towards Del
Pilar, and he didn't want to exacerbate tensions within the community.
 On March 29, 1891, Rizal departed from Biarritz to Paris. Before leaving, he completed writing
the manuscript for his novel, "El Filibusterismo." This marked a significant achievement,
indicating Rizal's dedication to his literary pursuits and his determination to continue his work
for the Philippine cause despite the challenges he faced during his time in Europe.
 On April 4, 1891, Rizal, from Paris, wrote to his friend Jose Ma. Basa in Hong Kong, expressing his
intention to travel there. He requested Basa to secure a first steamer ticket from Europe to Hong
Kong. This communication highlighted Rizal's plan to move to Hong Kong, a significant decision
indicating his determination to continue his efforts for the Philippine cause and reform
movement from a different location.
 On April 15, 1891, Rizal returned to Brussels, where he was warmly welcomed by his landladies,
the Jacoby family, and by Petite Suzanne, the Belgian girl who had fallen in love with him. This
indicates the positive relationships Rizal had developed during his time in Brussels, showcasing
his ability to form connections and friendships even in a foreign land.
 On May 1, 1891, Rizal informed the Propaganda authorities in Manila to cancel his allowance,
intending the money to be used for the education of young Filipino students in Europe.
Concurrent with his withdrawal from the Propaganda movement, he also stopped writing for La
Solidaridad. This decision reflected Rizal's focus on supporting the education of fellow Filipinos
and marked his disengagement from the movement's financial support and active contributions
to the newspaper.
 On May 30, 1891, Rizal finished revising "El Filibusterismo" and prepared it for printing. This
significant accomplishment marked the completion of his second novel, reflecting his dedication
to his literary work and his commitment to expressing the social issues and injustices faced by
the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule.
 On June 13, 1891, Rizal informed Basa that he was in negotiations with a printing firm for the
publication of his novel, "El Filibusterismo." He mentioned that only three chapters remained to
be corrected and highlighted that the novel was longer than "Noli Me Tangere." This update
indicated the progress of his literary work and his meticulous attention to its publication details.
 On July 5, 1891, Rizal relocated from Brussels to Ghent, a renowned university city in Belgium.
Due to financial constraints, he resided in an inexpensive boarding house with his roommate,
Jose Alejandro, who later became a general during the Filipino-American War. Rizal's move to
Ghent was motivated by the lower printing costs there compared to Brussels. Additionally, he
wanted to distance himself from the romantic attraction of Petite Suzanne, demonstrating his
dedication to completing his literary work and focusing on his mission.
 On August 7, 1891, Rizal received a message from M.H. Del Pilar requesting him to resume
writing for La Solidaridad. In his reply, Rizal denied any resentment and explained his decision to
stop writing for the newspaper. He expressed his desire for other Filipinos to contribute to La
Solidaridad and emphasized that he did not want to meddle in its editorial policy, leaving Del
Pilar to direct the newspaper as he saw fit. This communication highlighted Rizal's willingness to
collaborate and his respect for the autonomy of his fellow reformists within the movement.
 On August 7, 1891, Rizal received a message from M.H. Del Pilar requesting him to resume
writing for La Solidaridad. In his reply, Rizal denied any resentment and explained his decision to
stop writing for the newspaper. He expressed his desire for other Filipinos to contribute to La
Solidaridad and emphasized that he did not want to meddle in its editorial policy, leaving Del
Pilar to direct the newspaper as he saw fit. This communication highlighted Rizal's willingness to
collaborate and his respect for the autonomy of his fellow reformists within the movement.
 On October 14, 1891, Rizal traveled from Paris to Marseilles, marking his movement to a
different city in France.
 On October 18, 1891, Rizal boarded the steamer Melbourne bound for Hong Kong. He carried
600 copies of "El Filibusterismo" and a recommendation letter from Juan Luna for Manuel
Camus, a fellow Filipino residing in Singapore. Among the 80 first-class passengers, mostly
Europeans, Rizal was the sole Asian traveler on the ship, underscoring his unique position as a
prominent Filipino intellectual and nationalist during that time.
 On November 20, 1891, Rizal arrived in Hong Kong and reunited with friends like Jose Ma. Basa.
He lived at No. 5 D'Aguilar Street, No. 2 Rednayola Terrace, where he opened a medical clinic. In
his practice, he treated patients from diverse backgrounds, including Americans, British, Chinese,
and Portuguese, showcasing his skills as a physician and his ability to connect with people from
different cultures.
 On December 21, 1891, Rizal wrote a letter to his parents, seeking permission to return home.
During this time, he received a letter from Manuel L. Hidalgo, revealing the despair and sorrow
experienced by his family. Rizal, while in Hong Kong, felt profound sadness and helplessness as
he could not assist his persecuted family and relatives back in the Philippines. This situation
emphasized the emotional toll of his exile and the plight of his loved ones under Spanish
oppression.
 On December 24, 1891, Rizal was delighted by the arrival of his father, brother, and Silvestre
Ubaldo in Hong Kong. Shortly afterward, his mother and sisters, Lucia, Josefina, and Trinidad,
also arrived. Rizal's mother, who was almost blind and 65 years old at the time, joined the family
in Hong Kong. This reunion brought emotional relief to Rizal and highlighted the importance of
family support during his exile.
 On December 25, 1891, Rizal experienced one of the happiest Yuletide celebrations in his life.
The occasion marked a joyful family reunion, emphasizing the significance of togetherness and
happiness during a challenging period in Rizal's exile.
 On January 31, 1892, Rizal wrote to Blumentritt, describing their contented life in Hong Kong. He
mentioned that his family was very pleased with the English government, indicating their
positive experience and the comfort they found under British rule during their stay in Hong
Kong.
 On March 7, 1892, Rizal traveled to Sandakan aboard the ship Menon to negotiate with British
authorities for the establishment of a Filipino colony. His mission to Borneo was successful; the
authorities agreed to provide Filipino colonists with 100,000 acres of land, a picturesque harbor,
and a well-governed territory, indicating the fruition of his efforts to create a Filipino community
outside the Philippines.
 On April 20, 1892, Rizal expressed his intention to return to Manila. He aimed to confer with
Governor Despujol regarding the Borneo colonization project and to establish La Liga Filipina in
Manila. Rizal's motivation was to disprove Eduardo de Lete's accusations in Madrid, asserting
that he had not abandoned the country's cause, especially by showing his active involvement in
these significant initiatives.
 In June 1892, Rizal wrote "La Mano Roja" (The Red Hand) on a sheet, denouncing the frequent
outbreaks of international fires in Manila. This writing highlighted his concern about the
recurring fires in the city and demonstrated his vigilance regarding social and public safety issues
in the Philippines.
 On June 21, 1892, Rizal and his sister Lucia left Hong Kong for Manila. Simultaneously, the
Spanish consul-general, who had issued a government guarantee of Rizal's safety, informed
Manila that Rizal was being lured into a trap. Consequently, a secret case was filed against Rizal
in Manila. This event marked the beginning of a tense period for Rizal, indicating the covert
efforts by the authorities against him.
 On June 26, 1892, Rizal and his sister Lucia arrived in Manila. This return marked a significant
moment in Rizal's life as he came back to the Philippines, setting the stage for the next phase of
his activism and contributions to the country's struggle for reforms.

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