“Jose Rizal:

Works and
Activities in
London"
Introduction
 Jose Rizal is a renowned Filipino nationalist, writer, and intellectual who played
a pivotal role in the Philippine struggle for independence.

 He was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, during the
Spanish colonial era.

 Rizal's significance in Philippine history extends beyond his lifetime, making

him a national hero and an enduring symbol of Filipino identity and resilience.

 Rizal's contributions encompass not only his literary works but also his
advocacy for social reforms and political change.

 He is often referred to as the "Pride of the Malay Race" and his ideas
continue to influence modern Filipino society and politics.

 My presentation will only delve into Rizal's time in London and his works,
shedding light on his efforts to advocate for Philippine rights and independence
during a crucial period in history.
Early Life and Education
 He grew up in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, within a prosperous
and educated family.
 His parents are Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo, and they
influenced his intellectual and moral development.
 His early education at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now Ateneo
de Manila University) and his later studies at the University of Santo
Tomas, where he pursued a degree in Philosophy and Letters.
 He continued his education in Europe, particularly in Spain, where
he attended universities in Madrid and Barcelona, earning degrees
in Medicine and Philosophy.
 His experiences in both the Philippines and Europe shaped his
worldview and instilled in him a sense of nationalism and
dedication to social reform.
 Rizal's multicultural upbringing and education profoundly
influenced his works and his fervent desire to bring about
meaningful change in the Philippines.
Arrival in London
 Jose Rizal arrived in London in May 1888, following a brief
stay in Paris, France, as part of his European travels and
academic pursuits.

 Rizal chose to go to London to further his studies and

expand his knowledge of the English language and culture,
which he believed would be beneficial for his intellectual
growth and for his advocacy work back in the Philippines.

 Rizal's stay in London provided him with opportunities to

immerse himself in the intellectual and political climate of
the British capital, exposing him to diverse perspectives
and ideas that influenced his thinking and writing.
Rizal's Notable Writings in London
 "The Philippines A Century Hence" (Filipinas dentro
de Cien Años):
 This essay, written in 1889, provided a thought-provoking
analysis of the Philippines' future under different colonial
powers and the potential consequences of continued
Spanish colonial rule.
 Rizal envisioned the Philippines' destiny, emphasizing the
importance of education, freedom, and a sense of national
identity for the country's progress and prosperity.
 Rizal's concerns about the implications of imperialism and
his call for social and political reforms to uplift the Filipino
people.
Rizal's Notable Writings in London
 While busy in research studies at the British Museum,
Rizal received news on Fray Rodriguez’ unabated
attack on his Noli.
 In defense, he wrote a pamphlet entitled La Vision del Fray
Rodriguez (The Vision of Fray Rodriguez) which was
published in Barcelona under his nom-de plume Dimas Alang.
This opus is a satire depicting a spirited dialogue between St.
Augustine and Fr. Rodriguez. St. Augustine told Fr. Rodriguez
that he (St. Augustine) was commissioned by God to tell him
(Fr. Rodriguez) of his stupidity and inform him of his penance
on earth that he (Fr. Rodriguez) shall continue to write more
stupidity so that all men may laugh at him
Rizal's Notable Writings in London
 In London, Rizal wrote the famous “Letter to the
Young Women of Malolos” (February 22, 1889) in
Tagalog.
 The letter was composed in Tagalog and was a response to a
request from Marcelo H. del Pilar. It praised the young women of
Malolos for their determination to establish a school where they
could learn Spanish, despite the resistance they faced from Fr.
Felipe Garcia, the Spanish parish priest of Malolos.
 Written on February 22, 1889, the "Letter to the Young Women
of Malolos" highlighted Rizal's support for women's right to
education and his advocacy for gender equality. This letter is
regarded as a seminal piece in the history of the feminist
movement in the Philippines and continues to be celebrated as a
testament to Rizal's progressive views and his commitment to
Rizal's Notable Writings in London
 Dr. Rost, editor of Trubner's Record, a journal devoted to Asian
studies, requested Rizal to contribute some articles. In response
to his request, the latter prepared two articles. Rizal wrote
"Specimens of Tagal Folklore" and "Two Eastern Fables"
during his stay in London. "Specimens of Tagal Folklore" was
published in May 1889, while "Two Eastern Fables" was
published in June 1889. These works were a part of Rizal's
efforts to preserve and promote Philippine culture and literature
during his time in Europe. They reflect his deep appreciation
for Filipino heritage and his dedication to showcasing the
richness of Philippine folklore and storytelling traditions to a
global audience. Rizal's commitment to promoting Filipino
culture through his literary works remains an integral part of his
enduring legacy as a national hero and intellectual visionary in
the Philippines.
Rizal's Notable Writings in London
 In London, Rizal wrote the famous “Letter to the
Young Women of Malolos” (February 22, 1889) in
Tagalog.
 The main points of this letter were:
 a Filipino mother should teach her children the love of God, fatherland,
and mankind;
 the Filipino mother should be glad, like the Spartan mother, to offer her
sons in the defense of the fatherland;
 a Filipino woman should know how to preserve her dignity and honor;
 a Filipino woman should educate herself, aside from retaining her good
racial virtues; and
 Faith is not merely reciting long prayers and wearing religious pictures,
but rather it is living the real Christian way, with good morals and good
manners
Influence of London on Rizal's Writings and
Political Views
 Rizal's exposure to the intellectual and political climate in
London broadened his understanding of democracy, freedom,
and governance, shaping his perspective on the struggles faced
by colonized nations.

 His interactions with fellow intellectuals and activists in

London instilled in him a deeper appreciation for the principles
of liberalism, individual rights, and social justice, which later
became central themes in his writings and political activities.

 Rizal's immersion in a multicultural society fostered his

appreciation for diversity and cultural exchange, leading him
to advocate for the preservation of Filipino heritage and
identity in the face of colonial assimilation.
Influence of London on Rizal's Writings and
Political Views
 Rizal's experiences of witnessing the progress and
development of London as a global city fueled his
aspirations for the Philippines to achieve similar
advancements, thereby inspiring his calls for
socioeconomic reforms and modernization in his
homeland.

 Rizal's time in London significantly influenced the

evolution of his nationalist vision, infusing his works
with a nuanced understanding of the complexities of
colonialism and the necessity of advocating for the
rights and freedoms of the Filipino people.
Challenges and Obstacles Faced by Rizal in
London
 Rizal encountered considerable challenges during his time in
London, primarily stemming from the Spanish colonial
government's surveillance and scrutiny of his activities, which
limited his freedom to engage in political advocacy and organize
opposition against the colonial regime.

 Rizal's outspoken criticism of the Spanish authorities and his active

involvement in advocating for Filipino rights attracted the attention
of Spanish spies and informants, leading to increased monitoring of
his movements and communications.

 The constant surveillance and restrictions placed on Rizal by the

Spanish authorities in London not only hindered his ability to
openly mobilize for reform but also created a sense of isolation and
vulnerability, as he had to be cautious about his interactions and
affiliations within the Filipino expatriate community.
Challenges and Obstacles Faced by Rizal in
London
 The Spanish government's efforts to undermine Rizal's
influence and discredit his nationalist activities in
London posed a significant obstacle to his mission of
galvanizing support for the Filipino cause among the
international community and seeking allies for the
Philippine nationalist movement.

 Rizal's resilience in the face of government

surveillance and repression demonstrated his
unwavering commitment to championing the Filipino
people's rights and aspirations for self-determination,
despite the personal risks and challenges he
encountered during his time in London.
Jose Rizal’s other (trivial) activities and
engagements during his time in London
 Filipiniana Studies: Rizal's studies in London included extensive
research on Philippine history and culture, often referred to as
Filipiniana studies. This research greatly influenced his understanding
of the Philippines' colonial past and the socio-political challenges faced
by his countrymen.

 Annotated Morga's Book: Rizal completed the annotation of Antonio

de Morga's "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas" (Events in the Philippine
Islands), providing valuable insights into the Philippines' pre-colonial
and early colonial history, while also critiquing the Spanish colonization
of the archipelago.

 Articles for La Solidaridad: Rizal contributed numerous articles to the

newspaper La Solidaridad, a key publication of the Propaganda
Movement, which aimed to advocate for political reforms in the
Philippines. Rizal used his writings to defend the rights of Filipinos and
to critique the oppressive Spanish colonial regime.
Jose Rizal’s other (trivial) activities and
engagements during his time in London
 Letter to the Young Women of Malolos: Rizal wrote a famous letter in
1889 addressed to the young women of Malolos, encouraging them to
pursue education and to stand up against the constraints imposed by the
conservative society of the time. This letter is regarded as a seminal piece
advocating for women's rights and education in the Philippines.

 Correspondence with Blumentritt and Relatives: Rizal maintained an

extensive correspondence with his friend, the Austrian ethnologist
Ferdinand Blumentritt, discussing various topics such as politics, culture,
and the situation in the Philippines. Additionally, Rizal regularly
corresponded with his relatives, providing them with guidance and support
while keeping them updated on his activities and thoughts.

 Romance with Gertrude Beckett: Rizal's time in London also included a

romantic relationship with Gertrude Beckett, an Irish woman he met during
his studies. Although the details of their relationship remain somewhat
speculative, it is known that their friendship was significant to Rizal during
his stay in London.
Jose Rizal’s other (trivial) activities and
engagements during his time in London
 Short Visit to Paris and Spain: Rizal's brief visit to Paris and Spain
was part of his wider European journey, undertaken to further his
studies and expand his understanding of various cultures. During this
time, he engaged with intellectuals, activists, and scholars, fostering a
network that later contributed to his involvement in the Philippine
nationalist movement. His experiences in these countries further
solidified his dedication to advocating for reforms and the rights of the
Filipino people.

 Christmas in London (1888): Rizal spent Christmas of 1888 in

London during his stay in the city. This period was significant as it
provided Rizal with an opportunity to immerse himself in the cultural
and social dynamics of London during the festive season. His
observations of the city's festivities and traditions may have influenced
his understanding of Western culture and customs, contributing to his
broader perspective on the importance of cultural exchange and
appreciation in the context of Filipino nationalism.
Artistic endeavors by Jose Rizal during his
time in London
 Prometheus Bound: Rizal's sculptural work "Prometheus
Bound" represents a significant mythological figure known
for defying the gods to bring fire to humanity. The choice
of Prometheus as a subject possibly reflects Rizal's own
spirit of rebellion against the oppressive forces of
colonialism and his desire to uplift the Filipino people.

 "The Triumph of Death over Life" and "The Triumph

of Science over Death": These sculptures by Rizal convey
powerful allegorical themes, reflecting his philosophical
musings on life, death, and the triumph of knowledge over
adversity. These themes may have been influenced by
Rizal's own experiences and his broader reflections on the
state of the world during the late 19th century.
Artistic endeavors by Jose Rizal during his
time in London
 Composite Carving of the Beckett Sisters: The carving of
the Beckett sisters' heads served as a poignant farewell gift to
the individuals with whom he had established a close
connection during his time in London. This gesture reflects
Rizal's appreciation for the friendships and meaningful
connections he formed with individuals from different
cultural backgrounds.

 Sending Works to Professor Blumentritt: Rizal's decision

to send his sculptures to Professor Blumentritt in Leitmeritz
demonstrates his desire to share his artistic expressions with
a trusted friend and confidant. It also reflects the importance
of intellectual and artistic exchange during the late 19th
century, as well as Rizal's desire to have his works
Adios, London.
 The departure of Jose Rizal from London to Paris in
March 19, 1889, marked the end of a significant chapter
in his life and travels. His farewell to the Beckett family,
especially Gertrude Beckett, whom he had formed a
close bond with, was a poignant moment that reflected
the depth of his connections and experiences during his
stay in the city. Rizal's emotional attachment to London
was evident as he crossed the English Channel, carrying
with him cherished memories of the city and the
meaningful relationships he had forged there. This
departure represented a shift in Rizal's journey, leading
him to new destinations and experiences that would
further shape his perspectives and contributions to the
Philippine nationalist movement.
Lasting Impact of Rizal's Works and
Activities in London
 Rizal's time in London and his involvement in the Philippine
nationalist movement had a profound and lasting impact on the
trajectory of the movement towards Philippine independence.

 Rizal's writings and activities in London, such as his

involvement in the establishment of La Liga Filipina and his
influential essays on the future of the Philippines, served as
catalysts for igniting a stronger sense of Filipino nationalism and
collective consciousness among the Filipino people.

 Rizal's advocacy for reforms, his promotion of education and

civic awareness, and his commitment to preserving Filipino
heritage and identity inspired a generation of Filipino
intellectuals and activists to continue the struggle for
independence, even after his tragic execution in 1896.
Lasting Impact of Rizal's Works and
Activities in London
 Rizal's martyrdom and the dissemination of his works, including
his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," further
galvanized the Filipino populace, fueling the flames of resistance
and unity against Spanish colonial rule.

 Rizal's legacy as a national hero and a symbol of Filipino resilience

and determination continues to serve as a source of inspiration for
contemporary Filipino leaders and activists, reinforcing the values
of freedom, democracy, and social justice in the ongoing pursuit of
a more equitable and progressive Philippines.

 Rizal's contributions to the Philippine nationalist movement,

particularly during his time in London, laid the groundwork for
future generations to carry on his legacy and strive for the
realization of his vision of a free and sovereign Filipino nation.
!