Chapter 4: Rizal's Higher Education and Life Abroad

Reporters:

Herrera, Angelyn U.

Lalican, Rose Grace B.

Lozano, Hereka Sky E.

Rizal's Education Journey

Jose Rizal's educational journey began at the Ateneo de Municipal in Manila from 1872 to 1882.
Amidst the aftermath of GOM-BUR-ZA's martyrdom and his mother's imprisonment, Jose embarked on
his educational odyssey. Initially denied admission due to lateness and frailty, he was eventually
enrolled, with the help of Manuel Xeres Burgos. Ateneo de Municipal, later Ateneo de Manila, boasted a
reputation for excellence under Spanish Jesuit educators.

Ateneo's Educational Environment

Ateneo's strict discipline and mechanical methods emphasized physical culture, arts, and vocational
courses. Religious practices were integrated into daily life, with prayers, mass attendance, and a focus
on shaping character. The educational system included competitive class structures, honors, and
fraternities for outstanding students. Despite challenges, Jose thrived, excelling academically and
demonstrating exceptional discipline.

Academic Progress and Challenges

Jose quickly rose through the ranks, earning distinctions and medals for his academic prowess.
Supported by his family's belief in his potential, Jose pursued further studies, embracing poetry and
physical activities. Exposure to literature, including "The Count of Monte Cristo" and Jagor's "Travels in
the Philippines," ignited Jose's intellectual curiosity.Despite setbacks, Jose's determination and
dedication to his studies remained unwavering.
Artistic Pursuits and Mentorship
Beyond academics, Jose dedicated himself to painting, sculpture, and physical activities like fencing.
Guided by Ateneo professors and Filipino artists, Jose honed his artistic skills, earning recognition for his
talent. Jose's craftsmanship, evident in his carving of the Virgin and Sacred Heart, showcased his artistic
prowess. Jose's artistic pursuits at Ateneo laid the foundation for his future contributions to Philippine
arts and culture.

Reflections and Resilience

Jose's educational journey at Ateneo shaped his character, fostering resilience, discipline, and
intellectual curiosity. Despite personal challenges, Jose maintained strong ties with his family, seeking
solace and sharing his triumphs with his mother. Through perseverance and dedication, Jose emerged
from Ateneo equipped with the skills and resilience to confront the injustices of his time. The legacy of
Jose's education at Ateneo continues to inspire generations, underscoring the transformative power of
education and determination.

Rizal's Journey of Love and Literature

Under the mentorship of Father Francisco Paula de Sanchez, Rizal flourished as a poet, exploring
themes of history, childhood, religion, and education. Rizal's poems, including "Felicitation," "The
Departure: Hymn to Magellan's Fleet," and "And He is Spanish: Elcano, the First to Circumnavigate the
World," expressed loyalty to Spanish culture and history. Father de Sanchez's guidance extended
beyond Ateneo; he visited Rizal in exile and assisted in establishing a school for boys in Dapitan.

Rizal's affection for Segunda Katigbak, a Lipa girl, blossomed into infatuation, but her engagement to
another shattered his hopes of declaring his love, leaving a poignant chapter in his life unfulfilled.

Academic Pursuits at UST

At nearly 16, Rizal enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas to study Philosophy and Letters, initially
influenced by his father's preference and seeking career guidance. Inspired by his desire to cure his
mother's failing eyesight and guided by Father Pablo Ramon's recommendation, Rizal transitioned to
studying medicine, concurrently pursuing a vocational course in surveying at Ateneo.
Romantic Interludes and Relationships

Despite his academic commitments at UST and extracurricular activities at Ateneo, Rizal indulged in
romantic pursuits, learning from past heartaches. From Miss S in Calamba to Leonor Valenzuela and
eventually his cousin Leonor Rivera, Rizal's romantic experiences unfolded against a backdrop of
secrecy, chemistry lessons, and clandestine correspondence, shaping his understanding of love and
relationships.

Brutality and Injustice

As a freshman medical student, Rizal faced Spanish brutality firsthand when a Guardia Civil lieutenant
attacked him on a dark night in Calamba, slashing him on the back with a sword. Despite reporting the
incident to General Primo de Rivera, the Spanish Governor-General, Rizal, an Indio, received no justice
against the abusive lieutenant, highlighting the systemic bias and injustice prevalent during that time.

Creative Expression and Unrequited Love

Under Father Francisco Paula de Sanchez's guidance, Rizal honed his poetic skills, producing numerous
pro-Spanish poems during his time at Ateneo, exploring themes of history, childhood memories, and
education. Despite his creative pursuits, Rizal's heartache over his unrequited love for Segunda Katigbak,
a Lipa girl engaged to another, reflects the personal struggles and emotional depth behind his literary
achievements.

Literary Triumphs at UST

A La Juventud Filipina: In 1879, Rizal achieved literary acclaim by winning first prize in a public
competition sponsored by the Artistic-Literary Lyceum with his poem "A La Juventud Filipina." The poem
urged Filipino youth to rise and break free from oppression, earning Rizal recognition as the first Filipino
poet acknowledged by Spanish literary authorities. El Consejo de los Dioses: Rizal continued his success
with an allegorical drama, "El Consejo de los Dioses," inspired by Greek mythology, winning first prize in
another competition commemorating the fourth centennial of Cervantes' death, further establishing his
literary prowess.

Academic Dissatisfaction and Decision to Study Abroad

 Despite his literary achievements, Rizal faced challenges at UST, including hostile professors, racial
discrimination, and outdated teaching methods, leading to dissatisfaction with his academic experience.
Motivated by these challenges and supported by his family and friends, Rizal decided to pursue further
studies in Spain, embarking on a covert mission to observe European culture and prepare for his role in
liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny.

Departure to Spain

Rizal's departure for Spain in 1882 was shrouded in secrecy to evade detection by Spanish authorities
and friars. Only a select few, including his family, knew of his departure, which was kept clandestine to
avoid interference.Boarding the SS Salvadora on May 3, 1882, Rizal bid farewell to Manila, gazing at its
skyline with tears in his eyes. He embarked on a journey into the unknown, leaving behind his beloved
parents, sweetheart, and familiar surroundings.

Journey to Europe

After a stopover in Singapore, where Rizal admired the city's sights and mingled with diverse passengers,
he boarded the French steamer Djemnah for Europe.Rizal's voyage took him across the Indian Ocean,
with stopovers in Ceylon and Aden, where he encountered new cultures and landscapes, expanding his
worldview with each port of call.

Arrival in Europe

Rizal arrived in Naples and Marseilles, captivated by the bustling cities and historic landmarks. Crossing
the Pyrenees into Spain, he experienced a mix of emotions, noting the contrast between European
customs and those of his tropical homeland.Upon arriving in Barcelona, Rizal embarked on the next
chapter of his life, bidding farewell to his fellow passengers and immersing himself in the rich culture
and intellectual milieu of Spain.

A Shift in Perspective

Upon arriving in Barcelona, Rizal's first impressions were negative. He found the city unsightly and its
inhabitants unwelcoming, but over time, his perspective evolved. Despite his initial misgivings, Rizal
came to appreciate Barcelona's vibrant atmosphere and the warmth of its people. He enjoyed leisurely
strolls down Las Ramblas street and found comfort in the company of fellow Filipinos. In Barcelona, Rizal
penned his first nationalist essay, "El Amor Patrio," signaling a pivotal shift in his perspective on Filipino
nationalism. This essay marked the beginning of his literary contributions to the cause of Philippine
independence. As Rizal bid farewell to Barcelona in the fall of 1882, he left behind a city that had
challenged and shaped his views. His time in Barcelona was marked by personal growth and intellectual
awakening, setting the stage for his continued pursuit of knowledge and activism.

Madrid, Spain:

In Madrid, Jose Rizal embarked on a journey of academic pursuit, enrolling at the Universidad Central de
Madrid in 1882. He immersed himself in a variety of subjects, from Medicine to Philosophy and Letters,
aiming to broaden his intellectual horizons and contribute to his homeland. Despite the challenges of
living far from his birthplace, Rizal led a modest life, prioritizing his studies and preparing to serve his
country with dedication and determination. His time in Madrid was characterized by disciplined focus
and careful management of resources, as he avoided unnecessary expenses and remained steadfast in
his pursuit of knowledge. Ultimately, Rizal emerged from Madrid as a distinguished scholar, completing
his medical studies with honors and laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in the service of his
nation.

Higher Education:

Jose Rizal's pursuit of higher education in Madrid was marked by a rigorous academic regimen and a
commitment to excellence. Enrolling at the Universidad Central de Madrid, he delved into various
disciplines, including Medicine, Philosophy, and Letters, demonstrating a multifaceted intellectual
curiosity. Additionally, Rizal expanded his artistic skills by studying painting and sculpture at the San
Fernando Academy of Fine Arts, showcasing his dedication to holistic learning. Despite the challenges of
adapting to a foreign environment, he embraced the opportunity to enhance his linguistic proficiency,
mastering French, German, and English through private lessons. Rizal's pursuit of higher education in
Madrid exemplified his unwavering dedication to personal and intellectual growth, laying the foundation
for his future contributions to academia and society.

Consuelo Ortiga y Perez:

In the bustling city of Madrid, Jose Rizal found himself captivated by the allure of Consuelo Ortiga y
Perez, the daughter of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey. Despite being engaged to Leonor Rivera, Rizal was drawn
to Consuelo's beauty and vivacity, finding solace in her company amidst the challenges of living in a
foreign land. However, their budding romance faced obstacles, including Rizal's existing engagement
and the affections of his friend towards Consuelo. Despite the complexities of their relationship, Rizal's
affection for Consuelo underscored his longing for connection and companionship in a distant and
unfamiliar environment.

Masonry:

During his time in Spain, Jose Rizal forged connections with prominent Spanish liberals and republicans,
many of whom were affiliated with Freemasonry. Joining the Acacia Masonic Lodge in Madrid in 1883,
Rizal sought to leverage the support of Freemasonry in his advocacy against the oppressive influence of
the friars in the Philippines. His involvement in Masonic lodges provided him with a platform to openly
criticize government policies and champion civil liberties, reflecting his commitment to social reform and
political activism. Despite facing financial challenges and personal setbacks, Rizal remained steadfast in
his pursuit of Masonic ideals, striving to effect meaningful change in both Spain and the Philippines
through his affiliations with the fraternity.

The Propaganda Movement:

Jose Rizal emerged as a central figure in the Propaganda Movement, a collective effort by Filipino
intellectuals to advocate for political and social reforms in the Philippines. Alongside fellow
propagandists such as Graciano Lopez Jaena and Marcelo del Pilar, Rizal sought to raise awareness
among Spaniards about the plight of his homeland and promote a closer relationship between the
Philippines and Spain. Through his literary works, including the novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," Rizal exposed the injustices of Spanish colonial rule and challenged prevailing
stereotypes about Filipino inferiority. Despite facing opposition from colonial authorities, Rizal's
contributions to the Propaganda Movement laid the groundwork for future resistance against Spanish
oppression and inspired a generation of Filipino nationalists.

Publication of Noli Me Tangere in Berlin:

Despite facing financial difficulties and declining health, Jose Rizal managed to publish “Noli Me
Tangere” in Berlin on March 21, 1887. The title, meaning “touch me not,” was inspired by a biblical
phrase. Rizal’s exposure to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” fueled his desire to write the
novel, which was initially planned by a group of intellectuals including the Paternos and Graciano Lopez
Jaena.

Grand Tour of Europe with Viola:

Following the publication of his novel, Rizal embarked on a grand tour of Europe with Maximo Viola,
funded by his brother Paciano’s allowance. They explored various cities including Dresden, Vienna, and
Rome, marveling at architectural wonders and meeting prominent figures like Ferdinand Blumentritt.
Their travels culminated in Rizal’s 26th birthday celebration in Geneva before parting ways with Viola
and continuing his journey alone through Italy.

First Homecoming:

In August 1887, Rizal returned to the Philippines after five years in Europe, despite the dangers posed by
the uproar caused by his novel among the friars. His motivations included the need to tend to his
mother’s eyes and to assess the impact of his work on Filipino society. Upon his arrival in Manila, he was
received with mixed emotions, finding joy in reuniting with his family but also facing concerns for his
safety.
Governor General Emilio Terrero:

Upon his return, Rizal was summoned by Governor General Emilio Terrero, who sought clarification
regarding the controversial content of “Noli Me Tangere.” Despite the governor’s awareness of the
dangers posed by powerful friars, Rizal defended his work as an exposition of truth and promised to
provide a copy for Terrero’s review. The novel’s ban sparked support from Rizal’s comrades, including
Reverend Vicente Garcia, who countered accusations of impiety and heresy.

Rizal’s Second Travels Abroad (1888-1892):

Driven by threats from his enemies and disillusionment with the injustices in his homeland, Rizal
embarked on a second journey abroad in 1888. His travels took him to Hong Kong, Japan, the United
States, and eventually back to Europe, where he continued his advocacy for reform through historical
research, writing, and networking with fellow intellectuals. Despite facing personal challenges and
tragedies, including the deportation of family members, Rizal remained steadfast in his commitment to
fighting for justice and freedom for his people.