Unit II.

Bayan at ang Bayani:

Rizal in the Context of His Milieu
Justin Francis Bionat, MA
College of Arts & Sciences, West Visayas State University
Outline of Topics

❖ Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila and

Rizal at the University of Santo Tomas
(1872-1882)
❖ His first travel (1882-1887)
❖ Noli Me Tangere Published in Berlin (1887)
❖ The first homecoming (1887-1888)
❖ Rizal’s Second Sojourn (1888-1892)
❖ The Second Novel: El Filibusterismo
Published in Ghent (1891)
I. Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila and
Rizal at the University of Santo Tomas (1872-1882)
Rizal Enters the Ateneo

● Jose Rizal studied in the Ateneo Municipal , a college under

the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits.
● His formal schooling begun on June 10, 1872
● At first he was refused admission for two reasons: (1) he was
late for registration and (2) he was sickly and undersized for
his age.
● Rizal was then 11 years old.
Jesuit System of Education

● The system of education given by the Jesuits in the Ateneo was

more advanced than the other colleges in that period.
● It trained the character of the student by rigid discipline and
religious instruction.
● The students were divided into two groups.
○ Roman Empire - consisting of internos (boarders)
○ Carthaginian Empire - consisting of externos (non-boarders)
● Rizal excelled in philosophy, arts and sciences which was the “core
curriculum” of Ateneo at that time.
Rizal’s First Year in Ateneo (1872-1873)

● Rizal’s first professor in the Ateneo was Fr. Jose Bech.

● Being a newcomer and knowing little Spanish, Rizal was
placed at the bottom of the class. However, he progressed
rapidly and after the end of the month, he was the brightest
pupil in the whole class.
● To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa
Isabel College during noon recesses. He paid three pesos for
those extra Spanish lessons.
Teenage Interest in Reading

● As a normal teenager, he became interested in love stories and romantic

tales.
● Some of the notable books he read were:
○ The Count of Monte Cristo - written by Alexander Dumas where he tackled social justice of
the society at that time. It’s main character, Edmond Dantes led the struggle for his people.
○ Universal History - written by Cesar Cantu. Rizal voraciously read the book which opened his
awareness world history and the world around him.
○ Travels in the Philippines - written by Feodor Jagor who travelled to the Philippines from 1859
to 1860. After reading this book, Rizal realized the weakness of the Spain and he predicted
that Filipinos will raise arms against them thereafter.
Graduation with Highest Honors

● Rizal graduated at the head of his class. Jose Rizal was honored as
“sobresaliente” or an “excellent” student.
● His scholastic records at the Ateneo from 1872 to 1877 showed excellent
ratings.
● On Commencement Day, March 23, 1877, Rizal, who was 16 years old,
received from his Alma Mater the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Bachillerato En
Artes), with highest honors.
● Early the following morning, the day of graduation, he prayed fervently at the
college chapel - “to the Virgin so that when I should step into that world,
which inspired me with so much terror, she would protect me”
Extra-curricular Activities in Ateneo

● He was an active member of the Marian Congregation - he was accepted as

member of this sodality because of his academic brilliance and devotion to
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
● Rizal was also a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and the
Academy of Natural Sciences.
● He also cultivated his literary (under the guidance of Fr. Sanchez), painting
(under the famous Spanish painter Agustin Saez), and sculpting (under
Romualdo de Jesus) talents.
● Dramatic Work - wrote a drama based on the prose story of St. Eustace the
Martyr - “San Eustace, Martir”
● Rizal also developed his weak body by engaging in gymnastics and fencing.
Extra-curricular Activities in Ateneo
● “Rizal’s dumbbell” by Ambeth Ocampo -
(https://opinion.inquirer.net/96439/rizals-dumbbell)
○ Rizal also made time for: horseback riding, fencing and swimming during the
day, and ballroom dancing after dinner. When he was a student at the Ateneo
Municipal in Intramuros, his PE equipment consisted of parallel bars, weights,
and Roman rings or “argollas,”
○ “In terms of his physical attributes, Rizal would have been strong in what
Russian physical culturists call maximal strength, as opposed to strength
endurance, although we don’t know if Rizal had good strength endurance as
well. But in layman’s terms, his strength would have been more similar to a
power lifter’s [than] to a bodybuilder’s. Rizal gained strength with minimum
weight gain.”
○ So for those who really want to know what Rizal’s height was, based on his
clothing, it is 5’3, and the body proportions were “classical” and
near-perfect.
Poems Written in Ateneo

● “Mi Primera Inspiracion” (My First Inspiration) - dedicated to

his mother on her birthday.
● “Through education our Motherland Receives Light”
● “The Intimate Alliance between Religion and Good Education”
● “Al Nino Jesus” (To the Child Jesus)
● “Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo” (In Memory of my Town) - written in
1876 where he reminisced his provincial life in Binyang
First Romance of Rizal

● “That painful experience which comes to nearly all adolescents”

● Sixteen year old Rizal experienced his first romance with Segunda Katigbak
● He made a pencil sketch of Segunda’s portrait.
● Rizal came to know Segunda more intimately during his weekly visits to La
Concordia College, where his sister Olimpia was a boarding student. Olimpia
was a close friend of Segunda.
● Theirs was indeed “a love at first sight” but it was hopeless because
Segunda was engaged to be married to her townmate, Manuel Luz.
Rizal and the Cavite Mutiny (1872)

● On January 20, 1872, when a group of mutineers rose arms in one of the
shipyards in Kabite.
● The main cause of mutiny probably was due to “polo y servicious” (forced
labor) and “buiz” (taxes).
● In the latter days, all 200 soldiers were tried, executed and some were
banished to Mindanao Islands. Some of the supporters were also tried and
executed by the Spanish authorities.
The Execution of the Triumvirate Priests

● The Cavite Mutiny is best described by the execution of the three priests -
Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora.
● They were responsible for the “Filipinization of parishes” or simply called
Secularization.
● The execution of the 3 priests on February 17, 1872 became the catalyst for
the Filipinos to raise arms.
● According to Teodoro Agoncillo, the year 1872 was the “beginning of
Philippines History, that the real history was written by nationalists”.
Schumacher (1997) described the
manipulation of the Spaniards of the
parishes that were fighting for
Filipinization by some Filipino priests.

Gomez, Burgos and Zamora - Triumvirate

Martyrs of 1872
Medical Studies at the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)

● After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters (1877-78),
he transferred to the medical course.
● After graduating with the highest honors from the Ateneo, Rizal had to go to
the University of Santo Tomas for higher studies.
● The Bachelor of Arts course during Spanish times was equivalent only to the
high school or junior college courses today.
● Finished a Surveying Course in Ateneo (1878) - Rizal also studied in the
Ateneo. He took the vocational course leading to the title of perito
agrimensor (expert surveyor).
● Rizal excelled in all subjects in the surveying course obtaining gold medals
in agriculture and topography.
Dr. Jose Rizal’s Transcript of Grades

Source: UST Faculty of Medicine and

Surgery
Romances with other Girls

● He courted Leonor Valenzuela;

● During his sophomore year at the University of Santo Tomas, he boarded in
the house of Dona Concha Leyva in Intramuros. The next-door neighbors
were Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela who had a charming
daughter named Leonor.
● He sent her love notes written in invisible ink. This ink consisted of common
table salt and water. It left no trace on the paper. Rizal knew his chemistry,
taught Orang (pet name of Leonor) the secret of reading any note written in
invisible ink by heating it over a candle or lamp.
Victim of Spanish Officer’s Brutality

● One dark night in Calamba, he was walking in the street and passed by a
man not knowing that it was a lieutenant of the Guardia Civil. He turned
upon Rizal and brutally slashed the latter on the back.
● Rizal reported the incident to General Primo de Rivera, the Spanish Governor
General of the Philippines at that time but nothing came out of his complaint
because the abusive lieutenant was a Spaniard.
● In a letter to Blumentritt dated March 21, 1887 he wrote, “I went to the
Captain-General but I could not obtain justice; my wounds lasted two
weeks”.
“To the Filipino Youth” (1879)

● Rizal submitted his poem to a literary contest of the Liceo Artistico-Literario

(Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila. It was entitled, “A La Juventud Filipina
(To the Filipino Youth)”.
● He won first prize during this competition.
● Rizal beseeched the Filipino youth to rise from lethargy, to let their genius fly
swifter than the wind and descend with art and science to break the chains
that have long bound the spirit of people.
● “To the Filipino Youth” (1879) - http://www.joserizal.ph/pm14.html
Unhappy Days at the UST and Decision to Study Abroad

● Rizal found the atmosphere at the University of Santo Tomas suffocating to

his sensitive spirit. He was unhappy at this Dominican institution because
(1) the Dominicans were hostile to him, (2) the Filipino students were racially
discriminated against by the Spaniards, and (3) the method of instruction
was obsolete and repressive.
● After finishing the fourth year of his medical course, Rizal decided to study
in Spain. He could no longer endure the rampant bigotry, discrimination, and
hostility in the University of Santo Tomas. Rizal’s parents, Leonor, and the
Spanish authorities knew nothing of his decision to go abroad to finish his
medical studies in Spain.
II. His First Travel (1882-1887)
Rizal Continued his Studies Abroad

● Rizal wanted to continue his studies abroad in order to finish his studies
at the Universidad Central de Madrid.
● Rizal boarded Salvadora, a steamship that sailed on March 3, 1882. He
was determined to continue the fight against the Spanish authorities even
if he was in foreign lands.
● The first stopover was on May 9, 1882 in the small island of Singapore, a
British colony at that time. Thereafter, passengers were transferred to the
larger steamer named, Djemnah.
● His next stop was Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in May 17, 1882.
● On May 26, 1882, Rizal landed in the African continent.
Arrival in European Soil

● The ship Djemnah arrived in Naples, Italy on June 11, 1882

and the ship captain allowed the passengers an hour for
sightseeing.
● After that, the ship proceeded to the harbor of Marseilles
(France), the second European soil where Jose Rizal has
landed.
● He stayed in France for almost 2 days and rides a train going
to Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona and Madrid

● It was afternoon of June 16, 1882 when Rizal arrived at Barcelona, Spain.
His impression of Barcelona was unfavorable just like other cities which
was dirty, populated and inhospitable.
● Rizal wrote his first poem in a foreign soil entitled, Amor Patrio (Love of
Country).
● On November 3, 1882, Rizal went to Madrid. Rizal took courses at the
University Central de Madrid-Medicine and Philosophy and Letters.
● He also studied painting and sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in San
Fernando.
III. Noli Me Tangere Published in Berlin (1887)
Rizal Wrote his First Novel

● Rizal continued to read and observe a lot. He was also abreast

with the conditions in the Philippines.
● On February 21, 1887, the Noli Me Tangere’s manuscript was
finished. The novel was a result of Rizal’s readings,
observations and analytical discussion with his compatriots
and even enemies.
● Dr. Maximo Viola, his friend from Bulacan, arrived in Berlin at
the height of his despondency and loaned him the needed
funds to publish the novel.
Savior of the First Novel

● Rizal deleted the chapter “Elias and Salome” due to lack of funds but
another theory maybe the love story of Elias and Salome misled the real
“intention” of the novel.
● When Rizal was desperate, “somebody” saved his novel, in the person of
Maximo Viola.
● He loaned Rizal 300 pesos for printing the first 2,000 copies of the novel.
● The novel came from the gospel of St. John. In Chapter 20 verses 13-17 it
says, the Lord Jesus Christ saith, “Touch me not for I am not yet ascended
to my Father…”.
The Noli Me Tangere

● The novel was dedicated to this Fatherland. In his novel he revealed the following:
○ He described the political and social condition of the Philippines at that time;
○ He also lamented the wrong belief and lifestyle of the Filipinos which is obviously
the main source of the “social cancer” at that time;
○ He also attacked the abuses of the friars particularly the Church in some characters
of his novel, portraying the evil deeds of the friars; and
○ Rizal also attacked the state where he stated the abuses of the Spanish
government.
○ Rizal personalized some characters in real life. It is believed that he personalized
Elias (mysterious person), Ibarra (as an educated person), and Pilosopo Tasio (as
philosopher and rabid book lover).
Rizal Suspected as Frenchy Spy

● During the printing of the Noli, a rare incident happened to Rizal. One
morning the chief of police Berlin paid a sudden visit to Rizal’s boarding
house and requested to see the latter’s passport.
● Unfortunately, Rizal could not produce a passport, for he had none - in
those days it was possible to travel without a passport.
● The police chief them told him to secure a passport within four days,
otherwise he would be deported.
● Rizal, in fluent German language, explained to the police chief he was not
a French spy, but was a Filipino physician and scientist, particularly an
enthologist.
Major Characters of the Novel

● Juan Crisostomo Ibarra - the protagonist in the novel who was educated in
Europe aiming to establish a school, unfortunately he became a wanted person
by the Spanish authorities.
● Maria Clara - she was the sweetheart of Ibarra, a known true Filipina character
with religious upbringing and refined behaviour. She was a victim of “flesh
loving” friars at that time.
● Rafael Ibarra - He was the liberal minded person, the father of Crisostomo. When
he died, his remains were dropped in the river as ordered by evil Padre Damaso.
● Padre Damaso - known as an evil friar and the main antagonist of the novel.
Major Characters of the Novel

● Elias - is known as the “mysterious character” who saved Ibarra in a shooting

incident by the river, sacrificing his own life for Ibarra.
● Kapitan Tiyago - one of the main corrupt characters who was known as the
“opium trader”.
● Sisa - the woman who loved her sons (Basilio and Crispin). She was also
persecuted for her son’s stealing. Consequently, she lost her mind.
● Basilio and Crispin - the two sons of Sisa who were religious workers in the
parochial church.
● Captain-General - he was described as the “very important person” who held the
seat of power in the Spanish Colony; one who was trained by the Spanish evil
friars of that time.
His Travels in Europe with Maximo Viola

● After publishing Noli Me Tangere with the aid of Maximo Viola, who saved Rizal
by funding the publication of Noli Me Tangere, the two planned to tour Europe to
celebrate their success.
○ Germany - At the dawn of 1887, Rizal and Viola left Berlin for Dresden, cited
as one of the best cities in Germany. They have attended the “Regional
Flower Exhibition”. They also visited Meyer and Jagor.
○ Lietmerritz - On May 13, 1887, Rizal and Viola planned to visit Ferdinand
Blumentritt. They travelled to Bohemia, the beergarden where they met the
burgomaster or town mayor. They also met the great naturalist named, Prof.
Robbert Klutschak.
His Travels in Europe with Maximo Viola

● Prague - They visited the historic city as well as meet Dr. Willkomm, a
professor of natural history; aside from that they visited the caves, botanical
gardens and the famous tomb of great astronomer, Nicholas Copernicus.
● Vienna - Known to be the “Queen of Danube”. Both Viola and Rizal were
amazed at the historic and magnificent structures in the city. They toured
churches, museums, art galleries, theatres and parks. The two stayed at the
Hotel Metropole.
● Lintz - Rizal and Viola went to Lintz. The two sailed from Vienna to Lintz.
They observed different sights as well as the culture like the use of
tablecloth and napkins during meals.
His Travels in Europe with Maximo Viola

● Rheinfall, Salzburg, Munich, and Nuremburg - In Rheinfall, the two observed the beautiful
waterfall in Europe. From Salzburg they crossed going to Munich. In Munich they tasted
the “Munich Beer” known to be the best tasting beer at that time. In Nuremburg, Rizal
observed the different “torturing machines” that were used in Inquisitions.
● Switzerland - Geneva, Switzerland has wonderful surroundings which attracted most of
the tourist. Rizal observed that most of the people in Geneva spoke many languages
(polyglot). Rizal and Viola spent 2 weeks in Geneva before they left for Italy - their next
journey.
● Italy - Known to be a “boot shoe” peninsula located in the western part of Europe. Rizal
spent his travels there, visiting the Roman Colosseum, aqueducts and the sovereign
Rome - the center of Catholic Christianity. Viola continued his voyage which Rizal was
left behind and was planning his first homecoming to the Philippines.
Rizal Resents Exhibition of Igorots in 1887 Madrid Exposition

● While Rizal, accompanied by Dr. Viola, was happily touring Europe, an

Exposition of the Philippines was held in Madrid, Spain.
● He received sad news from his friends in Madrid of the deplorable
conditions of the primitive Igorots who were exhibited in this exposition,
some of whom died, and whose scanty clothing and crude weapons were
objects of mockery and laughter by the Spanish people and press.
● Being a champion of human dignity, Rizal was outraged by this
degradation of his fellow countrymen the Igorots of Northern Luzon. In a
letter to his friend, Blumentritt, dated Geneva, June 6, 1887, he said:
Rizal Resents Exhibition of Igorots in 1887 Madrid Exposition

● “My poor compatriots who are now being exhibited in Madrid

are mocked by Spanish newspapers, except El Liberal which
says that it is not consistent with human dignity to be
exhibited side by side with animals and plants. I have done
everything possible to prevent the display of this degradation
of men of my race, but I have not succeeded. Now one woman
died of pneumonia. The Igorots were housed in a barraca…”
Rizal in Italy

● From Geneva, Rizal went to Italy. He visited Turin, Milan, Venice, and Florence.
● He was thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal City. Describing to Blumentritt, the
“grandeur that was Rome”, he wrote on June 27, 1887:
○ “ I am in Rome! Everything I step on is the dust of heroes. Here I breathe the same air
which the Roman heroes have breathed. I salute every statue with reverence, and to me,
a humble native of a small island, it seems that I am in a sanctuary…”
● On June 29th, the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Rizal visited for the first time the
Vatican, the “City of the Popes” and the capital of Chistendom. He was deeply impressed by
the magnificent edifice, particularly of St. Peter’s Church, the rare works of art, the vast St.
Peter’s Square, the colorful Papal Guards and the atmosphere of religious devotion that
pervaded the Vatican.
Midterm Examination

● Coverage:
○ Unit 1 - RA 1425 and the Biography of Rizal
○ Unit 2 - Rizal in the Context of his Milieu (Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila to
Rizal in Italy)
● Type of Test: Multiple Choice and Essay (50 points)
● Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
References/Sources

● “Rizal’s Life and Works: Towards Social Awareness and Nationalism”

Textbook on Rizal Course for the New General Education Curriculum, Edwin
E. Valenzuela & Eleonor H. Calayag, 2019
● “Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and
National Hero”, Gregorio F. Zaide & Sonia M. Zaide, 2008