Module 1 Advent of A National Hero and Childhood Years in Calamba and

Making of a Hero
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

PRE-TEST
Identification
Directions: Identify the given statement below. Write the correct answer on the blank
provided.
___3 days old _1. Pepe’s aged when he was baptized in the Catholic Church by
Father Rufino Collantes.
_June 22, 1861 2. The exact date when Jose Rizal was baptized in their town,
Calamba.
_Saint Jose _3. A Cristian saint in were the name “Jose” was chosen by his mother
in lieu of her devotion.
_Jose _4. The name indicated in Docket 1. of baptism, p. 49.
_Francisco _5. He was born on Binan, Laguna on 11 May 1818 and the father of
our national hero.
_Doña Teodora 6. A remarkable woman, possessing refined culture, literary talent,
and fortitude of Spartan woman.
_Paciano _7. Considered as the second father of Jose Rizal.
_Lam-co _8. Rizal’s great-great grandfather on his father’s side.
_Mercado _9. This Spanish term means “market” in English.
_Rizal _10. The surname acquired by Pepe’s family that was given by Spanish
alkalde mayor.
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

LEARNING ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1.1
Procedures: Please be guided
1. Choose from the following topics listed and answer the questions below:

i. What are the characteristics of God vis-à-vis hero?

God is traditionally described as a being that possesses at least three necessary
properties: omniscience (all-knowing), omnipotence (all-powerful), and
omnibenevolence (supremely good). In other words, God knows everything, has the
power to do anything, and is perfectly good.
Heroes have 12 central traits which are: Bravery, Conviction, Courage, Determination,
Helpful, Honesty, Inspirational, Moral integrity, Protective, Self-sacrifice, Selflessness
and Strength.

ii. What are the characteristics of a Victorian hero vis-à-vis Modern-day

hero?
A Victorian hero is a valorous cavalier, a noble social activist, a virtuous clergyman,
a worthy gentleman. These are the archetypal heroes of Western Culture.
A modern day hero is someone who acts for others before themselves by nature.
Three modern day heroines have evolved and have been overlooked. They do not
require fancy costumes or cars but simply a need to help.

iii. What are the ideas / ideologies of Rizal that are still applicable today?
Rizal believed that the real liberation of his people lies in education, Rizal paid
particular attention to the education of women.
The political and social reforms that Rizal espoused embodies general ideas of
tolerance, more liberty and the need for civil government.

2. Reflect on the following questions:

i. What does it take to be a hero?

A hero can be a person that saves lives and stuff, but a hero can be anyone that does
something they have fear of but are brave enough to still do something. Bravery is
usually the biggest trait of a hero. This person hashi usually overcome huge obstacles
to survive or to rescue others. Heroes come in all sizes.

ii. Rizal should not be treated like God but treated as human beings so
that his ideas are attainable.
If Rizal is treated like a God, he becomes unattainable and his accomplishments in
human. If we treated him as God therefore we cannot be like him. In addition, if we
treated Rizal as God it is difficult for us to understand his life and works. If we treat
Rizal as a human just like us, we can be like him that is very productive and creative
member not only in the community but to the whole nation.

iii. Rizal, undeniably has weaknesses, but he responded to the

challenge of conquering these weaknesses that catapulted him into
a heroic stardom.
Rizal’s weakness, lay in his failure to fully understand his people. He failed to
empathise with the true sentiments of the people in launching the armed rebellion that
made him repudiate it, perhaps due to his belief that violence should not prevail and
that reforms must come from above.
Rizal gave us freedom by using goodness. Jose Rizal became the Philippine national
hero because he fought for freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his
love for the Philippines through his novels, essays and articles rather than through the
use of force or aggression.
 ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

LEARNING ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1.2
Directions:
1. Draw a family tree of Jose Rizal.

Francisco Mercado & Teodora Alonzo

Olympia Maria Concepcion Trinidad

Paciano Rizal Rizal Rizal Rizal
Rizal

Lucia Jose Josefa Soledad

Saturnina Narcisa Rizal
Rizal Rizal Rizal
Rizal Rizal
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1. 3
Present situation
Directions: Follow the instructions and answer the following.
1. Give five different definitions of the term hero.
Heroes are nationalistic person from our past who died while defending the Philippines
sovereignty.
Heroes serve as role models among Filipinos
Heroes are synonymous to overseas contract workers who relit dollars to our country.
Heroes are those who keep the environment clean and green, making sure that tis
could still be used and enjoyed by future generations.
Heroes are those who simply do the right thing without ifs and buts, those who do good
to help others without asking for anything in return.
2. Give five different definitions of the term personality.
Personality is often related with an individual’s physical being and ability to deal with
others with grace
Personality is where one’s decision-making style and practice depends upon.
Personality reflects one’s outlook in life, attitude and behavior.
Personality is the quality or state of being a person.
Personality is the complex characteristics that distinguishes an individual or a nation
or a group.
3. Enumerate and discuss the different factors which influence the development
of an individual’s personality.
Hereditary Influence – there are inherent qualities which a person inherits from
ancestor and parents.
Environmental Influence – environment affects the nature of a person, environmental
influence includes places, associates and events.
Aid of Divine Providence- A person may have everything in life – brains, wealth and
power- but, without the aid of divine providence, a person cannot attain greatness.
4. Give at least two specific examples of the different factors which have
influenced the shaping of Dr. Jose Rizal’s heroic personality.
Hereditary Influence - From his Malayan ancestors, Rizal, evidently, inherited his love
for freedom, his innate desire to travel, and his indomitable courage. From his Chinese
ancestor, he derived his serious nature and love for children. From his Spanish
ancestors, he got his elegance of bearing and gallantry to ladies. From his father, he
inherited a profound sense of self-respect, and the love mother, he inherited his
religious nature, and the spirit of self-sacrifice, and the passion for arts and literature.
Environmental Influence - The scenic beauties of Calamba and the beautiful garden
of the Rizal family simulated the inborn artistic and literacy talents of Jose Rizal. The
religious atmosphere at his home fortified of his religious nature. His brother, Paciano
instilled in his mind the courteous and kind to women. The fairy tales told by his aya
during his early childhood awakened his interest in folklore and legends.Give at least
two specific examples of the different factors which have influenced the shaping of
your own Personality.
Aid of Divine Providence- without the aid of divine providence. He cannot attain
greatness in the annals of the nation. Rizal was providentially destined to be the pride
and glory of his nation. God had endowed him with the versatile gifts of a genius, the
vibrant spirit of a nationalist, and the valiant hearth to sacrifice for a noble cause.
5. Give at least two specific examples of the different factors which have
influenced the shaping of your personality.
Hereditary Influence – From my mother, I inherit the humble attitude and being thrifty.
From my father, I inherit the attitude if being resourceful and having a positive outlook
in life.
Aid of divine providence- without the aid of divine providence, I cannot reached or
attained what I have wanted. God had endowed me witj the gift of being a kind humble
and hardworking person.
6. Describe your own personality.
My personality is that, I am a flexible person who can apply the concept of seeming. I
have the personality or ability to ride on or adjust to the norms of other group. In short,
my personality depends on the environment I’m living with, abiding the laws and norms
in a certain area.
7. If the ideal Filipino citizen is described to be socially concerned, productive,
morally upright and patriotic, like Our national hero, how would you rate yourself
in a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 as the lowest and 10 as the Highest?
If the ideal Filipino citizen is described to be socially concerned, productive, morally
upright and patriotic, like Our national hero, I would rate myself 8.
8. Do you see a need to improve your personality? Explain your answer.
I do see a need to improve my personality in terms of becoming more productive. I
have to be a productive one in my everyday life because time is gold. I should not
waste my time just for nonsense thing but instead I will use my time to do good things
and be more productive.
9. If your answer to question number 8 is yes, what do you intend to do about it?
I intend to be socially concerned, productive, morally upright and patriotic. By
achieving or having these characteristics or qualities I think my personality have been
improved.

10. Which factors in personality development are within your control? Explain your
answers.
The factors in personality development that are within my control are the hereditary
influence and the aid of divine providence. In terms of hereditary influence, I can use
it in a positive way which help me to have a positive outlook in life. With regards to the
aid of divine providence, I always pray to God to thank Him, to apologize my sins, and
to wish for the good health of my family as well as the peace and unity in our nation.
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

SELF-CHECK 1.1
Identification
Directions: Identify the given statement below. Write the correct answer on the blank
provided.
___3 days old _1. Pepe’s aged when he was baptized in the Catholic Church by
Father Rufino Collantes.
_June 22, 1861 2. The exact date when Jose Rizal was baptized in their town,
Calamba.
_Saint Jose _3. A Cristian saint in were the name “Jose” was chosen by his mother
in lieu of her devotion.
_Jose _4. The name indicated in Docket 1. of baptism, p. 49.
_Francisco _5. He was born on Binan, Laguna on 11 May 1818 and the father of
our national hero.
_Doña Teodora 6. A remarkable woman, possessing refined culture, literary talent,
and fortitude of Spartan woman.
_Paciano _7. Considered as the second father of Jose Rizal.
_Lam-co _8. Rizal’s great-great grandfather on his father’s side.
_Mercado _9. This Spanish term means “market” in English.
_Rizal _10. The surname acquired by Pepe’s family that was given by Spanish
alkalde mayor.
Module 2 Early Education in Calamba and Biñan and Scholastic Triumphs at
Ateneo de Manila
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

Learning Activities
Activity 2.1

To the Child Jesus

Thank You for the blessing

That You’ve always given to every people
Which makes them feel blessful
With a happy face every morning.

You’re always there in terms of need

Forgiving our sin
To make our soul clean
Thank God for your good deed.
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-101147
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

Activity 2.2
Writing a reflection paper

The published work supported my authentic knowledge, attitudes and/or beliefs

through the smooth flow of the movie wherein Albert Martinez as Rizal shows/portrays
the important events of Rizal in Dapitan. The movie has power from which I did not
feel this 3-hours-movie long. Director Diaz-Abaya described Rizal not only from
outside but frim his inner side. The plot was very complicated but still not difficult to
follow. In the movie, I realized that Rizal is very kind to everyone. He share his
knowledge through becoming a teacher for local youth. He made a Mindanao map in
the plaza of Dapitan. And also he planted trees and crops and made an irrigation
system for the community.
The trend I got from the movie is that when the father of Josephine Bracken did
not agree to be married to Rizal. I predict that their marriage will not came to reality
because of that. But then I realized that, if two lovers love each other very much, no
one can interfere them or prevent them to be together.
My previous knowledge regarding Rizal sa Dapitan is that his exile is always
said to be one of the most heart-breaking and mind-boggling because he did nothing
inside Dapitan The film primarily changed my perspective through the factual
information that have been cited. This movie courageously proved me that Rizal’s exile
made him touch the people’s lives through medicine, agriculture, and education. His
exile in Dapitan gave him the opportunity to put into practice his educational ideas.
I don’t understand the scene when Maria and Rizal fight because of Josephine
Bracken. They did not expose how Rizal killed by the soldiers and the movie was not
in order. I’d like the movie but not too much, the movie was not in order. Despite of
that do still understand the movie well. My counter argument is that, the director must
make every scene well defined not only in a single event.
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

Activity 2.3

1. Define the terms Creativity, Productivity and Progress. How are they related to
each other? Explain your Answers fully.
Creativity – is the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production
of an artistic work.
Productivity - Productivity describes various measures of the efficiency of production.
Often, a productivity measure is expressed as the ratio of an aggregate output to a
single input or an aggregate input used in a production process, i.e. output per unit of
input, typically over a specific period of time.
Progress- is the process of gradually improving or getting nearer to achieving or
completing something.

Creativity, productivity and progress are related to each other. For example, if an
individual is very creative or being creativity, we can say that this creativity can lead to
productivity. And having this two aspects, an individual can attain progress in a certain
period of time.
2. If you are given the following items: illustration board, charcoal, crayons, seeds,
color sand, tissue paper, Egg shells, how will you make use of them?
If I am given those following items mentioned above, I will make a mosaic portraying
the face of our national hero. I will use the illustration board as my means to do the
mosaic. I will use the charcoal to sketch the face of Rizal and from the sketch, this will
serve as the pattern wherein I will put the seeds, color sand and egg shells. I will use
the crayons to make my artwork colorful. And lastly I will use the tissue to clean the
background of my mosaic to make it look presentable.
3. Was Dr. Jose Rizal a creative person? If your answer is yes, give some
examples of his creativity.
Dr. Jose Rizal is a creative person. As a young boy, national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal,
painted with natural pigments, perhaps from basic kitchen spices like achuete (annatto
seeds) and coffee beans.
Dapitan’s idyllic setting inspired Rizal’s creativity. He wrote poems: Mi Retiro, Canto
Del Viajero, A Don Ricardo Carnicero, and A Josefina. For his students, he composed
the song Himno a Talisay that celebrates Dapitan’s surroundings, the joys of
childhood, and excellence in education.
Rizal sketched genre scenes of Dapitan’s inhabitants and illustrated his scientific
studies in Descripcion de algunos peces con dibujos. In clay and wood, he produced
sculptures recognized for their lively and potent gestures: Mother’s Revenge, The
Boar, Oyang Dapitana, and Buglay. According to his former Ateneo professor, Fr.
Francisco de Paula Sanchez, Rizal ingeniously developed bakhaw paste from boiled
fruits of the bakawan tree which he also used to create figurines and produce roof tiles.
4. Was Dr. Jose Rizal a productive person? Explain your answer and trace how
he became such.
He was actually very productive in Dapitan. Not only did he became the town doctor,
he also tutored young boys to Western education, philosophy and practical arts,
eventually building schools for this children for free. He also discovered 3 species of
fauna that he sent to his academic peers in Europe. He practiced medicine, pursued
scientific studies, continued his artistic and literary works, widened his knowledge of
languages, established a school for boys, promoted community development projects,
invented a wooden machine for making bricks, and engaged in farming and
commerce. Despite his multifurious activities, he kept an extensive correspondence
with his family, relatives, fellow reformists, and eminent scientists and scholars of
Europe, including Blumentritt, Reinhold Rost, A. B. Meyer, W. Joest of Berlin, S.
Knuttle of Stuttgart, and N.M. Keihl of Prague.

5. How can a person develop creativity?

A person can develop creativity through these ways: Commit yourself to creativity,
become an expert, reward your curiosity, take risks, build your confidence, make time
for creativity, overcome a negative attitude, fight fear of failure, brainstorm new ideas,
explore multiple solutions, keep a creativity journal, use mind maps and flow charts,
challenge yourself and create opportunities, look for inspiration and consider
alternative scenarios

6. Explain why a person as an individual must develop creativity.

A person as an individual must develop creativity because being creative helps an
individual to become a better problem solver in all areas of your life and work.
Creativity helps a person see things differently and better deal with uncertainty.
Studies show that creative people are better able to live with uncertainty because they
can adapt their thinking to allow for the flow of the unknown.

7. Explain why a person as a family member must develop creativity.

A person as a family member must develop a creativity because Creativity is an
important part of family life. It brings calm, peace, serenity, and a sense of
accomplishment from a project well done. Parents who practice creative pursuits show
kids first hand the importance of beauty and art, how to complete tasks, and how to
appreciate the beauty and diversity in the world. Kids who are creative are better
problem solvers and critical thinkers. As you can see, it’s important for families to be
creative.
8. Explain why a person as a professional must develop creativity.
A professional must develop creativity because to succeed in any career an individual
need to be creative. It also emphasized that while creativity is innate, it can be
enhanced and developed as a learned skill. And also because in the modern business
world creativity is valued as the most important business skill, says a recent survey.
For organizations the world over creativity and innovation are the number 1 strategic
priorities.

9. Explain why a person as a community member must develop creativity.

A person as a community member must develop creativity because a community need
creative member to achieve progress. And having creative members are having a
group of people with shared characteristics unified by a common idea or problem to
solve, who come together to act, create and share.

10. What is the relationship of the topics discussed in the Rizal course with one’s
development of her or his creativity and productivity?
The relationship of the topics discussed in the Rizal course with one’s development
of her or his creativity and productivity is that by setting Rizal as an inspiration and
a role model, we, too, can also be or possess creativity and productivity not only
as an individual but also as a member of a community. Being creative and
productive can make a certain country achieve progress.
Module 3 Medical Studies at University of Santo Tomas
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III
Learning Activities
Activity 3.1

The published work change my authentic knowledge attitude and beliefs

through the facts presented about the comparison and contrast between Rizal’s time
educational system and today’s educational system. The published work give a gist
wherein in the time of Rizal, the friars are the one who controlled the educational
system in the Philippines and they were able to own different schools comprising from
the primary level to the tertiary levels of education. The people who took charge in
teaching, implementation of the rules and regulations and the monitoring of students
were assigned to the missionaries during that time. In the primary level, they were
taught of Christian Doctrines, how to read Spanish books and a little of native’s
language. In the universities, science and mathematics were not very much introduced
to the students. Instead of Spanish, students were taught how to speak and
understand Latin. On the other hand, the present Philippines Educational system Like
the United States, the Philippine nation has an extensive and highly inclusive system
of education, including higher education. In the present day, the United States
continues to influence the Philippines education system, as many of the country’s
teachers and professors have earned advanced degrees from United States
universities. Education in the Philippines is offered through formal and non-formal
systems. Formal education typically spans 14 years and is structured in a 6+4+4
system: 6 years of primary school education, 4 years of secondary school education,
and 4 years of higher education, leading to a bachelor’s degree. This is one of the
shortest terms of formal education in the world. Although English was the sole
language of instruction in the Philippines form 1935 to 1987, the new constitution
prescribed that both Pilipino (Tagalog) and English are the official language of
instruction and communication. After primary school, however, the language of
instruction is almost always English, especially in the country’s urban areas and at
most of the nation’s universities. The education system is administered and overseen
by the Department of Education, a federal department with offices in each of the
country’s 13 regions.
The trend that are apparent in the research is the present educational system
during this time of pandemic times. This trend supports my inferences and predictions
through providing facts and opinions regarding the best way for college students to
still learn in times of this pandemic. I have realized that for the students to learn better
in this time, blended learning is the best way. Having gadget and good internet
connectivity as a tool, teachers/instructors can send a soft copy of modules to students
as their learning materials from which modules contains instructions as well. Through
modules, students can gain knowledge from it. And if the students have clarification,
they can send message to their teachers through messenger. And if the topic is
difficult, teacher and students can have discussions through google meet. The best
thing on this blended learning is that students can still learn if they are in their home.
 The new knowledge or new understanding of previous knowledge I have
acquired from the research that I perceive that will influence my practices is that if an
individual or student has the willingness to learn, no one/nothing can stop them from
grasping knowledge. If an individual has the passion to contribute something in our
country they will do their best to put some effort and apply their knowledge to become
creativity and productivity. And later on having those qualities, an individual can
contribute something to the progress of a certain country.
I disagree to the author of the article, in his point wherein he said that there
should have a compulsory emotional intelligence subjects include in college. My point
is that this subject is not that so necessary because emotional intelligence can be
learned from socializing with people and friends.
ELPIDIO CLAVERIA DE CHAVEZ, C18-10114
BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering III

SELF-CHECK 3.1
General Directions:
1. Don't pressure yourself. Kapag kaloob sa iyo, tiyak ipagkakaloob Niya ito.
2. Have focus. Huwag mong gambalain ang iyong sarili sa mga bagay na hindi kaaya-
aya.
3. Be selfish. Huwag mong ipamigay ang mga bagay na nasa iyo. Pangalagaan mo
ito dahil baka dumating ang
araw na pagsisihan mong ipinamahagi mo siya sa iba.
3. Be Contented. Makonteto sa kung ano ang mayroon ka. hindi yuong nasa iyo na
naghanap kapa ng iba.
4. Answer the following
1. What is RA 1425? (10 pts)
An act to include in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges and
universities courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, authorizing the printing amd distribution
thereof, and for other purposes.
2. What were the seven major points of Rizal’s letter to the young women of Malolos
which he reiterated conclusively at the end of the letter? (10 pts)
First of all. That the tyranny of some is possible only through cowardice and
negligence on the part of others.
Second. What makes one contemptible is lack of dignity and abject fear of him who
holds one in contempt.
Third. Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not
think for himself and allowed himself to be guided by the thought of another is like the
beast led by a halter.
Fourth. He who loves his independence must first aid his fellowman, because he who
refuses protection to others will find himself without it; the isolated rib in the buri is
easily broken, but not so the broom made of the ribs of the palm bound together.
Fifth. If the Filipina will not change her mode of being, let her rear no more children,
let her merely give birth to them. She must cease to be the mistress of the home,
otherwise she will unconsciously betray husband, child, native land, and all.
Sixth. All men are born equal, naked, without bonds. God did not create man to be a
slave; nor did he endow him with intelligence to have him hoodwinked, or adorn him
with reason to have him deceived by others. It is not fatuous to refuse to worship one’s
equal, to cultivate one’s intellect, and to make use of reason in all things. Fatuous is
he who makes a god of him, who makes brutes of others, and who strives to submit
to his whims all that is reasonable and just.
Seventh. Consider well what kind of religion they are teaching you. See whether it is
the will of God or according to the teachings of Christ that the poor be succored and
those who suffer alleviated. Consider what they preaching to you, the object of the
sermon, what is behind the masses, novenas, rosaries, scapularies, images, miracles,
candles, belts, etc. etc; which they daily keep before your minds; ears and eyes;
jostling, shouting, and coaxing; investigate whence they came and whiter they go and
then compare that religion with the pure religion of Christ and see whether the
pretended observance of the life of Christ does not remind you of the fat milch cow or
the fattened pig, which is encouraged to grow fat nor through love of the animal, but
for grossly mercenary motives.

2. What was Rizal’s fearless forecast on the fate of the Philippines connectedness
to Madre Espana? Provide his legitimization of this most probable destiny. ( 10
pts )
Rizal’s fearless forecast on the fate of the Philippines connectedness to Madre Espana
is that the Philippines will inevitably break away from Spain.
Legitimization through the matter of fact of the annals of history,the present (then)
conditions of the Filipino people bound by colonial bond to Spain, but ingrate Spain
was first to break the social contract that the loyal Filipinos hold on to for years among
many other possible supporting arguments.
4. Discuss Rizal’s romances in creative manner. It should be in chronological order. (
30 pts )
Jose Rizal was only a young boy of sixteen (16) when he first fell in love, and it
was with Segunda Katigbak, a girl from Lipa, Batangas and two years his
junior. According to Rizal, "She was rather short, with eyes that were eloquent and
ardent at times and languid at others, rosy-cheeked, with an enchanting and
provocative smile that revealed very beautiful teeth, and the air of a sylph; her entire
self diffused a mysterious charm."
Rizal went to Trozo, Manila one day to visit his grandmother. His friend, Mariano
Katigbak, accompanied him. Mariano's family were close with Rizal's grandmother,
and upon arrival at
Lipa, Mariano's sister Segunda was there at the old woman's house along with other
guests. Rizal was drawn to hear instantly.
Some of the other guests knew that Rizal was a skilled painter and asked him to draw
a portrait of Segunda. He obliged, and reluctantly worked on a pencil sketch of the
girl. "From time to time, she looked at me, and I blushed.
Rizal's sister Olympia was a close friend of Segunda and a student at La Concordia
College, and Rizal went to visit her every week, during which he came to know
Segunda more intimately. Their affection for each other grew deeper with every
meeting, one that began with "love at first sight."
Unfortunately, Segunda was already engaged to be married to her townmate, Manuel
Luz, and although Rizal had gotten hints of the lady's affection for him, he timidly
decided to back away and did not propose. Years later Segunda returned to Lipa and
wed her betrothed, leaving a frustrated Rizal to the mercy of his nostalgic
memories. Rizal said while recording his first romance three years later, "Ended, at
an early hour, my first love! My virgin heart will always mourn the reckless step it took
on the flower-decked abyss. My illusions will return, yes, but indifferent, uncertain,
ready for the first betrayal on the path of love."
When Rizal was a sophomore at the University of Santo Tomas and was
boarding in the house of Dona Concha Leyva in Intramuros he met Leonor "Orang"
Valenzuela, his next-door neighbor and daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana
Sanday Valenzuela. She was a tall girl who carried herself with grace and elegance.
Rizal was always welcome at the Valenzuela home. He eventually courted Leonor by
sending her love notes, which he wrote in invisible ink made from a mixture of water
and table salt. He taught Leonor how to read his letters by heating them over a lamp
or a candle to allow the words to surface.
Unfortunately, as with his first love, Jose failed to ask for the lady's hand in marriage.
Leonor Rivera was a young lady from Camiling, and a cousin of Jose
Rizal. Leonor's father had provided room and board in Casa Tomasina, Intramuros
for Rizal when the youth was still starting his third year at the university. The young
girl was then a student at La Concordia College where Soledad, Rizal's little sister was
also studying.
Leonor was "tender as a budding flower with kindly, wistful eyes." She and Rizal
eventually became engaged. In her letters, she signed her name as "Taimis" in order
to hide their intimate relationship from the girl's parents.
In the autumn of 1890, however, Rizal received a letter from Leonor telling him of her
coming marriage to a man whom her mother chose to be her mate -- an Englishman -
- and begged for his forgiveness. This broke Rizal's heart deeply.
In 1882, when Rizal was a student at the Universidad Central de Madrid, he
frequented the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey, the former city mayor of Manila. He
lived with his son Rafael and his daughter Consuelo.
Rizal, though he wasn't a handsome man, possessed a great deal of charisma and
was gifted with many talents and a deeply noble character. For this reason, it is of no
surprise that Consuelo, the prettier of Don Pablo's daughters, was very taken with
him.
Being lonely and somewhat isolated in a foreign country, Rizal found comfort in
Consuelo's vivacious company. He wrote her a poem entitled A La Senorita C.O. y
P. (To Miss C.O.y P.), in which he expressed his great admiration for the lady.
Rizal's romance with Consuelo did not turn into a serious affair; he decided to take a
step back for two reasons: first, he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera at that time;
and second, he was aware of his friend's (Eduardo de Lete) affection for the girl and
he did not want to ruin their friendship over her.
When Rizal was in Tokyo a few days after he had moved to the Azabu district
in 1888, he spotted a pretty Japanese girl walking past the legion gate. He was
captured by the lady's regal air and charisma and endeavored to find ways to meet
her. The girl's name was Seiko Usui. She lived with her parents and often took
afternoon walks by the legation. Rizal waited by the gate one afternoon and
introduced himself.
Rizal and O-Sei-San, as he fondly called her, met almost daily. They toured the
beautiful city spots, enjoyed the scenery, and visited the picturesque shrines. Rizal
was then a lonely young physician, disillusioned by his frustrated romance with Leonor
Rivera and burdened by soured hopes for justice in his country. O-Sei-San provided
the beautiful escape that he deeply needed, and he saw in her the qualities of his ideal
woman. He was her first love.
Because of his deep affection for her, Rizal was almost tempted to settle down in
Japan. Conveniently enough, he was also offered a good position at the Spanish
Legation during that time. Rizal, however, had set his sights on other matters. He
decided to leave Japan and forget his romance, which pained him gravely as attested
by an entry in his diary. His 45-day sojourn in Japan was one of the happiest interludes
in his life.
In May 1888 Rizal visited London for a short time, boarding the house of the
Beckett family: Mr. & Mrs. Beckett, their two sons, and their four daughters. The eldest
daughter was named Gertrude.
Gertrude was a buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair. She fell in love with
Rizal and gave him all of her attention during the family picnics and gatherings. When
Rizal stayed indoors during rainy days painting and sculpting, she helped him mix his
colors and prepare his clay.
Rizal enjoyed her company. Eventually their flirtatious friendship drifted towards a
blossoming romance. He affectionately called her "Gettie," and in return she called
him "Pettie."
Rizal withdrew before his relationship with Gettie could become more serious, realizing
that he had a greater mission to fulfill and that in order to accomplish it he could not
yield to the option of marrying her. He suppressed the yearnings of his heart and
decided to leave so that the lady may forget him. Before he did, however, he finished
a number of sculptural works, one of which was a carving of the heads of the Beckett
sisters.
On January 28, 1890, Rizal left for Brussels, Belgium. He stayed for a
considerable time, paying for room and board. His landladies had a pretty niece
named Petite Suzanne Jacoby. She was taken by Rizal's charm and gallantry, and
provided him good company. Rizal could have flirted with the lady, considering that
his beloved Leonor was far away and he was a lonely man in a strange and foreign
land, but he realized he could not deceive her.
Suzanne fell in love with Rizal, and wept when he left for Madrid in July 1890.
 In 1891, Rizal took a vacation in Biarritz in order to find reprieve from his troubles
in Madrid. He was a guest of the Boustead family in their winter residence, Villa
Eliada. Mr. and Mrs. Boustead had two beautiful daughters, Adelina and Nellie.
After having lamented his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera on account of the
lady's engagement to another man, Rizal came to develop considerable affection for
Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of Mr. Eduardo Boustead. He found her to
be intelligent, morally upright, and full of life. Rizal wrote to his closest friends about
his intention to marry her.
Rizal's friends were delighted to hear that he had found a suitable girl whom he at last
wished to settle down with. Even Antonio Luna, who had previously loved Nellie,
encouraged Rizal to court her and ask for her hand in marriage. With all the
encouragement from the friends he held dear, Rizal wooed Nellie (also called Nelly)
who, in turn, returned his affections.
Rizal's marriage proposal failed for two reasons: first, Nellie demanded that he give
up his Catholic faith and convert to Protestantism, which was her religion. Rizal did
not like this idea. Second, Nelly's mother did not approve of Rizal, as she had no
desire to entrust her daughter to a man who was wanting in wealth and persecuted in
his own country. In spite of the circumstances, Rizal and Nellie parted as good
friends.
Rizal's exile in Dapitan was one of the most lonesome and sorrowful periods of
his life. He missed the company of his friends and family, and the death of Leonor
Rivera on August 28, 1893 left a gaping void in his heart.
Josephine Bracken arrived at the shores of Dapitan accompanying her blind adoptive
father, Mr. George Taufer. No ophthalmologist in Hong Kong, their home country,
could cure the man's blindness and so they sought the services of the famous Dr. Jose
Rizal.
Rizal and Josephine fell in love at first sight. Their romantic interlude went on for about
a month, after which they decided to marry. The priest of Dapitan, however, refused
to conduct the ceremony without consent from the Bishop of Cebu.
When Mr. Taufer heard of his daughter's plan to marry he became so enraged at the
thought of losing Josephine that he attempted to kill himself with a razor to his
throat. Rizal prevented this tragedy by holding the man's wrists back. Josephine left
with her father on the first available steamer to Manila in order to avoid more
trouble. Since Mr. Taufer's blindness was venereal in nature, it was incurable.
Mr. Taufer went back to Hong Kong alone, and Josephine stayed in Manila with Rizal's
family. At length, she returned to Dapitan. Since no priest would marry them, Rizal
and Josephine held hands, exchanged vows, and married themselves before God.
Rizal and Josephine lived together in Dapitan as husband and wife, and in early 1896
they were expecting a baby. Unfortunately, Josephine had to go into premature labor
after Rizal played a prank and frightened her. A little boy of eight months was born,
who lived for only three hours. Rizal named him Francisco in honor of his father, and
buried the child in Dapitan.