Module 1: Life and works of Rizal

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

 Discuss Jose Rizal’s Life within the context of 19 th century Philippines

 Analyze Rizal’s various works particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo
 Organize Rizal’s ideas into various themes
 Demonstrate a critical reading of primary sources
 Interpret the values that can be derived from studying Rizal’s life and works
 Display appreciation for education and love of country

Introduction

In the nineteenth century, Filipino propagandists in Spain bemoaned the state of

education in the Philippines. More than century later, we are again faced with similar
sentiments. In globalized world where technology has given us modern-day
conveniences and communications has broken down age-old barriers, we confront the
task of transforming how and what one should learn in the twenty-first century. Where
lecture-based classes formed the foundation of learning in past centuries, the corpus of
recent literature has argued for a more student-centered pedagogy. Underlying this
argument is the assumption that different times entail different demands from our
learners; hence the skills that were once useful in the past may not necessarily be
applicable today.
This particular module on Rizal’s life and and works is a direct product of these
efforts to bring Philippine education closer to what is needed and expected in the
twenty-first century. In this module you will learn more about our national hero Dr. Jose
Rizal and what he contributed especially his novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo.
 Module 1: Life and works of rizal

Unit 1: Introduction to the course

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Explain the history of the Rizal Law and it's provision
Critically assess the effectiveness of the Course
Give their opinion about the deffender and against in the Rizal Law

Content

Rizal Law

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425 or Rizal Law

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 and distribution thereof,
and for other purposes.

Sec. I

Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools,
colleges, and universities public or private. Provided, that in the collegiate courses, the
original or unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their
English translation shall be used as basic texts.

Sec. II
 It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges, and universities to keep in their
libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography.

Sec. III

The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English,
Tagalog and the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap,
popular editions; and cause them to be distributed free of charge, to persons desiring to
read them, through the Purok organizations and Barrio Councils throughout the country.

Sec. IV

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine

hundred twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious
doctrines by public school teacher and other persons engaged in any public school.

Sec. V

The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be

appropriated out of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to
carry the purposes of this Act.

Sec. VI

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 Approved: June 12, 1956

The purpose of Batas Rizal is to rekindle the flame of nationalism in the hearts of
the Filipino, particularly the youth. We are forgetting what our patriots have done and
given to fight our freedom.

Read the following excerpts from the statements of the legislators who supported
and opposed the passage of the Rizal Law in 1956.

Deffender
 “Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be read by all Filipinos. They must
be taken to heart, for in their pages we see ourselves as in a mirror, our defects as
well as our strength, our virtues as well as our vices. Only then would we become
conscious as a people and so learn to prepare ourselves for painful sacrifices that
ultimately lead to self-reliance, self-respect, and freedom.”

-Senator Jose P. Laurel

“Rizal did not pretend to teach religion when he wrote those books. He aimed at
inculcating civic consciousness in the Filipinos, national dignity, personal pride, and
patriotism and if references were made by him in the course of this narration to
certain religious practices in the Philippines in those days, and to the conduct and
behavior of erring ministers of the church, it was because he portrayed faithfully the
general situation in the Philippines as it then existed.”

-Senator Claro M. Recto

Against

“A vast majority of our people are, at the same time, Catholic and Filipino
citizens. As such, they have two great loves: their country and their faith. These two loves
are not conflicting loves. They are harmonious affections, like the love for his father and for
his mother.

This is the basis of my stand. Let us not create a conflict between nationalism
and religion, between the government and the church.”

-Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo

Exercises:

Direction: Write T if the statement is true and correct the statement or word if it is false.

__________1. The law was approved July 10, 1996

______________________________________________________________
__________2. Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo is a defender of a Rizal Law.

______________________________________________________________

__________3. Republic act no. 1425 is known as Rizal Law.

______________________________________________________________

__________4. Noli Me Tangere should be teach only in high school.

_______________________________________________________________

__________5. The sum of three hundred pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated

out of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry the
purposes of this Act.

___________________________________________________________________

EBALWASYON:

Direction: Choose your side whether you are against or defender of Rizal Law and
explain why. Send it through my gmail (saharaduyang@gmail.com).

Assignment:

Direction: Read and analyze each question. Answer it with your own opinion.

1. Choose one section in the Rizal Law and explain it in your own understanding.
2. Why we should study the life and works of Rizal?
3. What is the purpose of studying Rizal?
4. What was the major argument raised by Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo
against the passage of the Rizal Bill?
5. What was the major argument raised by Senator Jose P. Laurel against the
passage of the Rizal Bill?

References:
Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.

Module 1: Life and works of Rizal

Unit 2: Advent of a national hero

LAYUNIN
Analyze Rizal's family and childhood years
Identify the family of Rizal
Can draw a backyard of Rizal house based on what is described in the
lesson

Content:

THE HERO

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Realonda or commonly known as Dr. Jose
P. Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. No wonder, he is acclaimed as that
because he is a man of skills. He is unique example of many-splendored genius who
was given by God with versatile gifts in which he can able to do many different things.
He was a political martyr who dedicates hid life to save his people from cruelty and
unfair treatment. The following are Rizal’s skills and talents:

 He’s a pgysician (ophthalmic surgeon/eye surgeon)

 He’s a poet, dramatist, essayist, novelist, historian, architect, painter, sculptor,
educatorl, linguist, musician, naturalist, ethnologist, surveyor, engineer, farmer,
businessman, economist, geographer, translator, traveller, propeth, cartographer,
inventor, magician, humourist, satirist, polemicist, and a sportsman.

THE BIRTH OF A HERO

 Jose Rizal was born on the moonlit night of Wednesday June 19, 1861, in the
Lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna Province Philippines. His mother almost died
during the delivery because of his big head. His name “Jose” was chosen by his mother
who was a devotee of the Christian saint San Jose (St. Joseph). Jose was the seventh
of the eleven children of his parents.

On June 22, 1861, Jose was baptized in the Catholic Church of his town by the
parish priest Fathe Rufino Collantes, who was a Batangueño. His godfather was Pedro
Casanas, a native of Calamba and close friend of Rizal family.

RIZAL’S PARENTS

Jose Rizal’s parents were Don Francisco Mercado Rizal and Doña Teodora
Alono Realonda. Don Francisco was born on May 11, 1818, Biñan, Laguna. He studied
Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila. He moved to Calamba after
his parent’s death and he became a tenant-farmer of the Dominican owned hacienda.
He died at the age of 80, in Manila, January 5, 1898.

Doña Teodora was born on November 8, 1826, in Manila. She studied at the
College of Santa Rosa, well known college for girls in the city. She was Jose’s first
teacher. She died at the age of 85, on August 16, 1911, in Manila.

THE RIZAL FAMILY

Don Francisco and Doña Teodora were blessed by God in their marriage with
eleven children – two boys and nine girls. These children were follows:

1. Saturnina (1850-1913)

Died at the age of 63. Oldest of Rizal children; nicknamed Neneng married
Manuel T. Hidalgo

2. Paciano (1851-1930)

An old bachelor, died on April 13, 1930 at the age of 79. He had two
children by his mistress (Severina Decena) - a boy and girl.

3. Narcisa (1852-1939)
 A school teacher of Morong, died at the age of 87. Her pet name was Sisa
and she married Antonio Lopez.

4. Olimpia (1855-1887)

Her pet name was Ypia, died at the age of 32. She married Silvestre
Ubaldo.

5. Lucia (1857-1919)
Died at the age of 62. She married Mariano Herbosa
6. Maria (1859-1945)

Biang was her nickname, she died at the age of 86. She married Daniel
Faustino Cruz.

7. Jose (1861-1896)

His nickname was Pepe, died at the age of 35. He is the greates Filipino
hero and peerless genius.

8. Concepcion (1862-1865)
Her pet name was Concha, she died at the age of 3 because of his
sickness. Her death was Rizal’s first sorrow in life.
9. Josefa (1865-1945)
Panggoy was her pet name, died at the age of 80.
10. Trinidad (1868-1951)
Trining was her pet name, died at the age of 83
11. Soledad (1870-1929)
Her pet name was Choleng, died at the age of 59. The youngest of Rizal
children, she married Pantaleon Quintero.

Jose was very close to his only brother Paciano, who was ten years older than
him. Paciano was the second father to him. Jose respected him and greatly valued his
sagacious advice; he even immortalized him in his first novel “Noli Me Tangere” as the
wise Pilosopo Tasio.
 Rizal children were a product of the mixtures races. In their veins flowed the
blood of the East and West-Negrito, Indonesian, Malay, Chinese, Japanese, and
Spanish.

The Surname Rizal

Real surname of the Rizal Family was Mercado which means “market”. It was
adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lameo (the paternal great-great grandfather of Jose
Rizal), also a full-blooded Chinese. Rizal’s family acquired a second surname – Rizal
which was given by a Spanish alkalde mayor of Laguna.
The Rizal Home
The house of Rizal family was one of the distinguished stone houses in Calamba
during Spanish time. It was a two storey building, rectangular in shape, built of adobe
stones and hand – wood, and roofed with red tiles. As one of Rizal’s prestigious
biographers, Dr. Rafael Palma described it- he said it was a solid and massive
earthquake-proof structure with sliding shell windows.
Behind the house were the poultry yard full of turkeys and chickens and a big
garden of topical fruit trees – atis, alimbing, chico, macopa, papaya, santol, etc.

Figure 1.
A Good Middle-Class Family
The Rizal family belonged to the principalia, a aristocracy in Spanish Philippines.
By dint of honest and hard work and frugal living, Rizal’s parents were able to live well.
From the farms, which were rented from the Dominican Order, they harvested rice, corn
and sugarcane. They raised pigs, chickens, and turkeys in their backyard. In addition to
farming and stock raising, Doña Teodora manage a general goods store and operated a
small flour-mill and a home-made ham press.

Home Life of Rizal

The Rizal family had a simple, contented, and a happy life. Don Francico and
Doña Teodora loved their children, but they never spoiled them. They were strict
parents and they trained their children to love GOD, to behave well, to be obedient and
to respect people, especially their old folks.

Rizal children were given ample time and freedom to play by their strict and
religious parents. They palyed in the garden by themselves. The older ones were
allowed to play with the children of other families. Everyday the Rizal’s (parents and
children) heard mass in the town church, particularly during Sundays and Christian’s
holidays.

Exercises:

Direction: Draw a family tree of Rizal’s family.

Evaluation:

Direction: Draw the backyard of the Rizal’s house based on how it described by Dr.
Rafael Palma. (saharaduyang@gmail.com).

Assignment:

Direction: Research on the internet about the images of Rizal’s family.

(saharaduyang@gmail.com).

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.
 Module 1: Life and Works of Rizal

Unit 3: Childhood years in Calamba

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Understand the childhood year in Calamba of the hero
Explain the influences of the hero
Can make a poem for their town

Content

CHILDHOOD YEARS IN CALAMBA

Jose Rizal had many beatutiful memories of childhood in his native town. He
grew up in a happy home, ruled by good parens, bubbling with joy, sanctified by God’s
blessings. The happiest period of Rizal’s life was spent in the lakeshore town, a worthy
prelude to his Hamlet-lit tragic manhood.

CALAMBA, THE HERO’S TOWN

Calamba was a hacienda town which belonged to Dominican Order, which also
owned all the lands around it. It is a picturesquare town restling on a verdant plain
covered with irrigated ricefields and sugar-lands.
Rizal loved Calamba with all his heart and soul. In 1876 when he was 15 years old and
was a student of in the Ateneo de Manila, he remembered his beloved town.
Accordingly, he wrote a poem, “Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo” (In Memory of My Town).

EARLIEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

The first memory of Rizal, in his fancy was his happy days in the family garden
when he was 3 years old. He was a frail, sickly and undersized child that is why he was
given the tenderest care by his parents. His father built a little nipa cottage in the garden
for him to play in the day time. He was also given a kind old woman as his “aya” (nurse
maid) to look after his comfort.

THE HERO’S FIRST SORROW

The Rizal children were bound together by ties of love and companionship. They
were well-bred, for their parents taught them to love and help one another.

Among his sisters, Joe loved most the little Concha (Concepcion). He was a year
older then Concha. He played with her and from her, he learned the sweetness of
sisterly love.

Unfortunately, Concha died because of her sickness in 1865 when she was only
three years old. Jose, who was very fond of her, cried bitterly at losing her. It was Jose’s
first time to shed tears caused by the love and grief, it was also his first sorrow.

DEVOTED SON OF THE CHURCH

At the age of three (3), he began to take part in the family prayers. His mother
was a devote Catholic, taught him the Catholic prayers, when he was years old, he was
able to read haltingly the Spanish family Bible.
FATHER LEONCIO LOPEZ is the town priest. Jose Rizal used to visit him and
listen to his stimulating opinions on current events and sound philosophy of life.

FIRST POEM BY RIZAL

Aside from sketching and sculpturing talent, Rizal possessed a God-given gift for
literature. Since early boyhood, he had sriccled verse on loose sheets of paper and on
the textbooks of his sisters. His mother, who was a lover of literature, noticed his poetic
inclination and encourage him to write a poem.
At the age of eight (8), Rizal wrote his first poem in the native language entitled
“Sa Aking mga Kababata” (To My Fellow Children).

FIRST DRAMA BY RIZAL

Rizal, who was eight years old, wrote his first dramatic work which was in
Tagalog comedy. It is said that it was staged in a Calamba festival and was delightfully
applauded by the audience.
RIZAL AS BOY MAGICIAN
Since early manhood Rizal had been interested in magic. With his dexterous
hands, he learned various tricks. He entertained his town folks with magic-lantern
exhibitions. He read many books on magic and attended the performances of the
famous magicians in the world. In Chapter XVII and XVIII of his novel, “El
Filibusterismo”, he revealed hiw wide knowledge of magic.
INFLUENCES OF THE HERO’S BOYHOOD
In the lives all of men, there are influences which cause someto be great and
others not. In the case of Rizal, he had all the favorable influences, few other children in
his time enjoyed. These influences were the following: 1. Heredity Influence2
Environmental Influence 3.Aid of divine Providence

Exercise:
Direction: Explain the influences of the hero.

1. Hereditary Influence
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Environmental Influence
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
 3. Aid of Divine Providence
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Evaluation:

Direction: Make a poem for your town or country. Send it through my gmail
account (saharaduyang@gmail.com)

Assignment

Direction: Research and read the poem of the hero for his town “Un Recuerdo A Mi
Pueblo” and his first poem “Sa Aking Mga Kabata”

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.
 Module 1: Life and Works of Rizal

Unit 4: EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA

AND BIñAN

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Determine the teachers of the hero
Analyze the case of the mother of the hero
Give experience about their first school

Content

EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BIñAN

Rizal had his early education in Calamba and Biñan. It was a typical schooling
that a son of Ilustrado family received during his time, characterized by the four R’s
reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. Despite the defects of the Spanish system of
elementary education, Rizal was able to acquire the necessary instruction preparatory
for college work in Manila and abroad.

THE HERO’S FIRST TEACHER

Rizal’s first teacher was his mother, who was a remarkable woman of good
character and fine culture. On her lap, he learned at the age of three the alphabet and
the prayers. Doña Teodora as tutor, was patient, conscientious, and understanding. She
was the one who first discovered that her son had a talent for poetry. Accordingly, she
encouraged him to write poems.
 As Jose grew older, his parents employed private tutors to give him lessons at
home. The first was Maestro Celestino and the second, Maestro Lucas Padua. Later, an
old man namen Leon Monroy, a fromer classmate of Rizal’s father, became the boy’s
tutor. Unfortunately, he did not live long. He died five months later.

After Monroy’s death, the hero’s parents decided to send their gifted son to a
private school in Biñan.

JOSE GOES TO BIñAN

On Sunday afternoomin June 1869, Jose left Calamba for Binan. He was
accompanied by Paciano, who acted as his second father. It was almost night and the
moon was about to rise when they arrived to their aunt’s house, where Jose was to
lodge. The same night, Jose with his Leandro, went sightseeing in the town. Instead of
enjoying the sights, Jose became depressed because of homesickness.

FIRST DAY IN BIṄAN

The next morning (Monday) Paciano brought his younger brother to the school of
Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz. The school was in the house of the teacher, about 30
meters away from the home of Jose’s aunt.

Paciano knew the teacher quite well because he had been a pupil under him
before. He introduced Jose to the teacher, after which he departed to return to
Calamba.

PAINTING LESSONS IN BIṄAN

Near the school was the house of an old painter, called Juancho, who was the
father-in-law of the school teacher. Jose, lured by his love for painting, spent many
leisure hours at the painter’s studio. Old Juancho freely gave him lessons in drawing
and painting. He was impressed by the artistic talent of the Calamba lad.

END OF BIṄAN SCHOOLING

 In academic studies, Jose beat all Biñan boys. He surpassed them all in Spanish,
Latin, and other subjects. Some of his older classmates were jealous of his intellectual
superiority.

Before the Christmas season in 1870, Jose received a letter from his sister
Saturnina, informing him of the arrival of the steamer Talim which would take him from
Biṅan to Calamba. Upon reading the letter, he had a premonition that he would not
return to Biṅan, so he baceme sad. He prayed in the town church, collected pebbles in
the river for souvenirs, and respectfully bade farewell to his teacher and classmates.

INJUSTICE TO HERO’S MOTHER

Before June of 1872, tragedy struck the Rizal family. Doña Teodora was
suddenly arrested on a malicious charge that she and her brother, Jose Alberto, tried to
poison the latter’s perfidious wife. Jose Alberto is a rich Biṅan Ilustrado. The evil wife,
with the connivance of the Spanish lieutenant of the Guardia Civil, filed a case in court
accusing her husband and Doña Teodora attempting to poison her.

After arresting her, the sadistic Spanish lieutenant forced her to walk from
Calamba to Santa Cruz (Capital of Laguna Province), a distance of 50 kilometers. Upon
arrival in Santa Cruz, she was incarcerated at the provincial prison, where she
languished for two years and half until the Manila Royal Audencia (Supreme Court)
acquitted her of the alleged crime.

Exercise:

Direction: Determine the first teacher of the hero up to the end of his schholing in Biñan.
1.
2
3
4
5.
Evaluation:
Direction: Construct your own poem.

Assignment:

Direction: Give your own experience from your primary to secondary school days.

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.

Module 1: Life and Works of Rizal

Unit 5: Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo De

Manila (1872-1877)

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Define the terms given
Construct an essay
Summarize the lesson

Content

Jose was sent to Manila four months after the martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za and
with Dona Teodora still in prison. He studiedin the Ateneo Municipal, a college under
the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits.
Ateneo Municipal 
Bitter rival of the Dominican-owned College of San Juan de Letran
Formerly
The Escuela Pia
(Charity School)- for poor boys in Manila established in 1817
In 1859- name was changed to Ateneo Municipal by the Jesuits and later
became the Ateneo de Manila.
 Rizal Enters the Ateneo:
 June 10, 1872- Jose, accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila. He took the
entrance examinations on Christian Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at the College of
San Juan de Letran, and passed them. His father was the first one who wished him to
study at Letran but he changed his mind and decided to send Jose at Ateneo instead.

At first, Magin Ferrando, College registrar of Ateneo Municipal, refused to admit

Jose because: he was late for registration and he was sickly and undersized for his age
(11 years old). However, upon the intercession of Manuel Xeres Burgos, nephew of
Father Burgos, he was admitted at Ateneo.

Jose adopted the surname Rizal at the Ateneo because their family name
Mercado had come under suspicion of the Spanish authorities. Ateneo was located in
Intramuros, within the walls of Manila. He boarded in a house on Caraballo Street, 25
min walk from the college. The boarding house was owned by Titay, who owned Rizal
family P300. Jose boarded there to collect part of the debt.

JESUITS SYSTEM OF EDUCATION:

Jesuits trained the character of the student by rigid discipline, humanities and
religious instruction. They heard Mass earlyin the morning before the beginning of daily
class. Classes were opened and closed with prayers. Students were divided into two
groups: the “Roman Empire” consisting of the internos (boarders) with red banners and
the “Carthaginian Empire” composed of the externos (non-boarders) with blue banners.
Each of these empires had its rank. Students fought for positions. With 3 mistakes,
opponent’s position could lose his position.

1st best: emperor

2nd best: tribune´ 

3rd best: Decurion´ 

4th best: centurion

5th best: Standard-bearer 

  Ateneo student’s uniform is consisted of hemp-fabric trousers and striped cotton
coat. The coat was called rayadillo, and was adopted as the uniform for Filipino troops
during the days of the First Philippine Republic.

RIZAL’S FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873).

Rizal’s first professor in Ateneo was Fr. Jose Bech.
To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during
noon recesses to improve his Spanish language paying three pesos for those extra
lessons.
Rizal rented some remarks of his professor in the second half of his year in the
Ateneo that is why he did not try hard enough to retain his academic supremacy which
held during half of the term. He placed second at the end of the year, athough all his
grades were still marked “Excellent”.

SUMMER VACATION (1873)

On March 1873, Rizal returned to Calamba for summer vacation. Particularly, he
didn’t enjoy his summer because his mother was in prison. So, he went to Santa Cruz to
visit her mother in prison without telling his father. He told her of his brilliant grades. 

After summer, he returned to Manila and now boarded inside Intramuros at No. 6
Magallanes Street. Dona Pepay, who had a widowed daughter and 4 sons, was his
landlady.

SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873-74)

Rizal lost the class leadership. But he repented and even studied harder, once
more became emperor. He received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal.
With such scholastic honors, he triumphantly returned to Calamba in March 1874 for the
summer vacation.

PROPHECY OF MOTHER’S RELEASE

Dona Teodora told her son of her dream the previous night. Rizal, interpreting
the dream, told her that she would bereleased from prison in 3 months time. It became
true, Dona Teodora was set free. By that time Rizal, was already in Manila attending his
classes at the Ateneo.
TEENAGE INTEREST IN READING

The first favorite novel of Rizal was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander
Dumas. Rizal read numerous other novel with deep interest. The reading habit helped
him enrich his fecund mind. As a voracious reader, he read not only fiction, but also
non-fiction, later Rizal read “Travel in the Philippines” by Dr. Feodor Jagor, a German
scientist-traveler who visited the Philippines 1859- 1860. What impressed him in this
book were (1) Jagor’s keen observation of the defcts of Spanish colonization and (2) his
prophecy that someday Spain would lose the Philippines and the America would come
to succeed here as colonizer.

FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO (1875-76)

On June 16, 1875- He became an interno in Ateneo. Fr. Francisco de Paula
Sanchez, one of his professor, inspired him to study harder and write poetry. Rizals
considered him as best professor in Ateneo. He topped all his classmates in all subjects
and won five medals at the end of the school term. He was extremely happy, for he was
able to repay his “father somewhat for his sacrifices”.
LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-77)
The most brilliant Atenean of his time, and was truly “the pride of the Jesuits”.
Graduation with Highest Honors. Rizal, 16 years old, received from his Alma Mater,
Ateneo Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors.The night before
graduation, he could not sleep. Early morning on the day of his graduation, he prayed to
the Virgin to commend his life and protect him as he step into the world.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN ATENEO

He is also a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of
Natural Sciences. He studied painting under Agustin Saez, a famous painter, and
sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus.
He was an active member, later secretary, of Marian Congregation, a religious
society. He was accepted becauseof his academic brilliance and devotion to Our Lady
of Immaculate Conception, the college patroness.
SCULPTURAL WORKS IN ATENEO
He carved an image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine
hardwood) with his pocket-knife, the Jesuits fathers were amazed. Father Lleonart
requested him to carve for him an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He intended to
take the image with him in Spain but forgot to do so. So, the Ateneo boarders placed it
on the door of their dormitory. It plays a significant part in Rizals last hours at
Fort Santiago.
Poems Written in Ateneo
Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration)-first written poem of Rizal during his
days in Ateneo which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday. He wrote it when he
was 14 years old.In 1875, inspired by Fr. Sanchez, he wrote more poems. In 1876, he
wrote poems on various topics religion, education, childhood memories and war.

“MY FIRST INSPIRATION”

It was most fitting poem written by Rizal as an Atenean should be about his
beloved mother. In his poem, he facilitates his mother on her birthday expressing his
filial affection in sonorous verses.
RIZALS POEM ON EDUCATION
It was stated in his poem, “Through Education Our Motherland Recieves Light”
education plays in the progress and welfare of a nation. In another poem “The Intimate
Alliance Between Religion and Good Education” showed that education without God is
not true education.

RIZAL’S RELIGIOUS POEM

Rizal expressed his devotion to his Catholic faith in melodious poetry. One of the
religious poems he wrote was a brief ode “Al Nino Jesus (To the Child Jesus)” written
when he was 14 years old. Another relious poem which he wrote A La Virgen Maria (To
the Virgin Mary)
DRAMATIC WORK IN ATENEO
 Father Sanchez requested him to write a drama based on the prose story of St.
Eustace the Martyr. He finished that request on June 2, 1876 upon the opening of
classes entitled San Eustacio Martir” (St. Eustace, the Martyr).

FIRST ROMANCE OF RIZAL

He experienced his first romance with Segunda Katigbak, a pretty 14 year old
Batanguena from Lipa.One Sunday Rizal visited his maternal grandmother in Trozo,
Manila with his friend Mariano Katigbak. One of whom was anattractive girl, who
mysteriously caused his heart to palpitate with strange ecstasy was Segunda. His grand
mothers guestsureged him to draw Segundas portrait. From time to time, he reminisced,
she looked at me and I blushed´Rizal came to know Segunda more intimately during
weekly visits to La Concordia College, where his sister was boardingstudent. Olimpia
and Segunda was a close friend. Their was indeed a love at first sight´. But Segunda
was already engaged to be married to Manuel Luz.

Exercise:

Direction: Define the terms

1. Internos
2. Externos
3. Escuela Pia
4. Ateneo de Manila
5. Mi Primera Inspiracion

Evaluation:

Direction: Make an essay about the Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo De Manila of the
hero.
Assignment:

Direction: Summarize the lesson based on how you understand it.

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.

Module 1: Life and works of Rizal

Unit 6: Medical Studies at the University of Santo

Tomas (1877-1882)

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Discuss about the information of Rizal's girls mentioned
Critize the poem "To The Filipino Youth"

Content

After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters (1877-78), he
transferred to the medical course.
As a Thomasian, he won more literary laurels, had other romances with pretty
girls, and fought against Spanish students who insulted the brown Filipino students.
MOTHER’S OPPOSITION TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Doña Teodora, who knew what happened to Gom-Bur-Za, vigorously opposed the idea
that Rizal will study at University of Santo Tomas for higher studies and told her husband: “don’t
send him to Manila again; he knows enough. If he gets to know more, the Spaniards will cut off
his head.”
RIZAL ENTERS THE UNIVERSITY
April 1877, Rizal was then nearly 16 years old, matriculated in the University of
Santo Tomas, taking the course on Philosophy and Letters. He enrolled in this course
for two reasons: 1) his father liked it and 2) he was “still uncertain as to what career to
pursue”
During his first-year term (1877-78) in the University of Santo Tomas, Rizal
studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of Philosophy.
FINISHES SURVEYING COURSE IN ATENEO (1878)
During his first school term in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-78),
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. At the age of 17, he passed the final examination in the
surveying course, but he could not be granted the title as surveyor because he was
below age. The title was issued to him on November 25, 1881.
He continued to participate actively in the Ateneo’s extra-curricular activities. He
was president of the Academy of Spanish Literature and secretary of the Academy of
Natural Sciences.
ROMANCES WITH OTHER GIRLS
After losing Segunda Katigbak, he paid court to a young woman in
Calamba. He called her simply “Miss L”. After visiting her in her house several times, he
suddenly stopped his wooing and the romance died a natural death. He gave two
reasons for his change of heart, namely: 1) the sweet memory of Segunda was still
fresh in his heart and 2) his father did not like the family of “Miss L”.
During his sophomore year, he boarded in the house of Doña Concha Leyva.
The next-door neighbor were Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela from
Pagsanjan, Laguna, who had a charming daughter named Leonor.
 LEONOR
VALENZUELA LEONOR RIVERA

He courted Leonor Valenzuela who was a tall girl with a regal bearing. But as
with Segunda, he stopped short of proposing marriage to Orang.

Rizal’s next romance was with another Leonor – Leonor Rivera – his cousin from
Camiling. Leonor, born in Camiling, Tarlac, on April 11, 1867, was a frail, pretty girl
“tender as a budding flower with kindly, wistful eyes.” Between Jose and Leonor sprang
a beautiful romance. They became engaged. In her letters to Rizal, Leonor signed her
name as “Taimis”, in order to camouflage their intimate relationship from their parents
and friends.
“TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH” (1879)
In year 1879, Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila, held a
literary contest. Rizal submitted his poem entitled A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth).
The board of Judges, was impressed by Rizal’s poem and gave it the first prize.
This winning poem of Rizal is a classic in Philippine literature for two reasons:
First, it was the first great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino, whose merit was
recognized by Spanish literary authorities, and secondly, it expressed for the first time
the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos, and not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of
the Fatherland”.
RIZAL’S VISIT TO PAKIL AND PAGSANJAN
May 1881 – Rizal went on a pilgrimage to the town of Pakil, famous shrine of the
Birhen Maria de los Dolores. He was accompanied by his sisters – Saturnina, Maria, and
Trinidad and their female friends.
 From Pakil, Rizal and his party made a side trip to the neighboring town of
Pagsanjan for two reasons – it as the native town of Leonor Valenzuela, one of Rizal’s
girl friends in Manila, and to see the world famed Pagsanjan Falls.
UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST
Rizal was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher learning because
1) the Dominican professors 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.
Because of the unfriendly attitude of his professors, Rizal, the most brilliant
graduate of the Ateneo, failed to win high scholastic honors. Although his grades in the
first year of the philosophy course were all “excellent”, they were not impressive in the
four years of his medical course.
DECISION TO STUDY ABROAD
After finishing the fourth year of his medical course, Rizal decided to study Spain.
He could no longer endure the rampant bigotry, discrimination, and hostility in the
University of Santo Tomas.
For the first time, Rizal did not seek his parents’ permission and blessings to go
abroad, because he knew that they, especially his mother, would disapprove it.

Exercise:

Direction: Research and discuss further about the information of Rizal's girls mentioned.

1. Leonor Rivera
2. Segunda Katigbak
3. Lenor Valenzuela

Evaluation:

Direction: Research about the poem “To the Filipino Youth”. Critize about what was the
insight of Rizal.
Assignment:
Direction: Explain further the reason why Rizal is unhappy at the UST

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.

Module 1: Life and works of Rizal

Unit 7: In Sunny Spain

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Elaborate important dates and events.

Sequence the travel of Rizal from UST-end of study in Spain
Discuss the secret mission of Rizal

Content

After finishing the 4th year of medical course In the University of Sto. Tomas,
Jose Rizal being disgusted with the antiquated method of instruction in this Dominican-
owned university and the racial prejudice of Dominican professors against Filipino
students, decided to complete his studies to Spain was a constitutional monarchy under
a written constitution which granted human rights to the people, particularly freedom of
speech, freedom of the press, and freedom assembly. Aside from this ostensible
reason, he had another reason, which was more important than merely completing his
studies in Spain this was his “secret mission”.
RIZAL’S SECRET MISSION
This mission whom Rizal conceived with approval of his order brother Paciano
was to observe keenly the life and culture, Languages and customs, industries and
commerce, and government and laws of the European nations in order to prepare
himself in the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny. This
was evidenced in his farewell letter which was delivered to his parents shortly after his
departure for Spain.
SECRET DEPARTURE FOR SPAIN
Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by the Spanish
authorities and the friars. Even his own parents did not know. Before his secret he wrote
a farewell letter for his beloved parents and another one for his sweet heart Leonor
Rivera-both delivered shortly after he sailed away. On May 3, 1882, Rizal departed on
board the Spanish steamer Salvadora bound for Singapore. With tears in his eyes and
gloom in his heart, he gazed at the receding skyline of Manila.
SINGAPORE
During the voyage to Singapore he carefully observed the people and things on
board the steamer. There were sixteen passengers, including himself. The ship captain
Donato Lecha from Asturias Spain befriended him. To while away the tedious boredom
of sea voyage Rizal played chess with his fellow passenger who were much older than
he. He defeated them many times for he was a good chess player. On May 8, 1882,
while the steamer was approaching Singapore Rizal saw a beautiful island. Fascinated
by its scenic beauty, he remembered “Talim Island with susong dalaga”. The following
day the Salvadora docked at Singapore. Rizal landed registered at Hotel Dela Paz, and
spent two days on sight seeing soiree of the city which was colony of England. He saw
the famous botanical garden the beautiful Buddhist temple the busy shopping district
and the statue if sir Tomas Stanford Raffles (founder of Singapore).
FROM SINGAPORE TO COLOMBO
In Singapore Rizal transferred to another ship Djemnah a French steamer which
left Singapore for Europe on May 11. It was a larger and cleaner vessel which carried
more passengers. Rizal attempted to converse with his fellow passengers in French but
to his surprise and embarrassment he found out that his book French could not be
understood so that he had to speak in mixed Spanish-Latin supplemented by much
gesticulations and sketching on paper. On May 17 the Djemnah reach point Galle a
seacoast town in southern Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Rizal was unimpressed by this town. On
his travelled diary he wrote: “The general appearance of point Galle is picturesque but
lonely and quite and at the same time sad.” The following day the Djemnah weighed
anchor and resumed the voyage towards Colombo, the capital of Ceylon. After a few
hours of sailing he reached this city on the same day. He delightful scribbled on his
diary: “Colombo is more beautiful smart and elegant than Singapore Point Galle and
Manila.”
FIRST TRIP TO SUEZ CANAL
From Colombo the Djemnah continued the voyage crossing the Indian Ocean to
the café of Guardafui, Africa. For the first time, Rizal sighted the barren coast of Africa,
which he called an “inhospitable land but famous.” The next stop over-in Aden-Rizal
went ashore to see the sights. He found the city hotter than Manila. What impressed
most was the beautiful moonlight which reminded im of calamba and his family. It took
the Djemnah five days to traverse the Suez Canal. At Port Said the Mediterranean
terminal of Suez Canal Rizal landed in order to see the interesting sight. He was
fascinated to hear the multi racial inhabitants speaking babel of tongues.
NAPLES AND MARSEILLES.
From Port Said the Djemnah proceeded on its way to Europe. He visited the
famous chateau d’if, where Dantes hero of the count of Monte Cristo, was imprisoned.
Barcelona on the afternoon of June 15, Rizal left Marseille by the train for the last lap of
his trip to Spain. After the passport inspection at Port-Bou Rizal continued his trip by rail
finally reaching his destination- Barcelona on June 16, 1882. Rizal’s first impression of
Barcelona the greatest city of Cataluña and Spain’s second largest city was
unfavorable. He thought that it’s ugly with dirty little inns and inhospitable residents
because he happen to stay upon his arrival at dingy inn situated ion on unimpressive
narrow street in the “town’s most ugly side” and the staff and guest in this inn were
indifferent to him. Later he changes his bad impression and came to like the city.
“AMOR PATRIO”
 In progressive Barcelona Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled “Amor Patrio”
(Love of Country), his first article written on Spanish soil. He sent this article to his friend
in manila Basilio Teodoro Moran, publisher of Diariong Tagalog the first Manila bilingual
news paper (Spanish and Tagalog), and his pen name was Laong Laan, and the
Spanish text was the one originally written by Rizal in Barcelona. The tagalong text was
a translation made by M.H. Delpilar. The article caused quite sensations among the
readers in the Philippines because of its nationalistic flavor. As in his price winning
“Juventud Filipina.” Rizal in his “Amor patrio” urged him compatriots to love there
fatherland the Philippines. Publisher Basilio teodoro Moran Deply impressed by “Amor
Patrio” congratulated Rizal and requested for more article. In response to his request
Rizal wrote the second article for diariong tagalong entitled “Los Viajes” (Travels). His
third article entitled “Revista de Madrid” (Review the Madrid), which he wrote in Madrid
on November 29, 1882, was return to him because the diariong tagalong had ceased
publication for lack of funds.
MANILA MOVES TO MADRID
While sojourning in Barcelona, Rizal received sad news about the cholera that
was ravaging Manila and the provinces. Many people had died and more were dying
daily. Sad news from the Philippines was the chatty letter of chengoy recounting the
unhappiness of Leonor Rivera, who was getting thinner because of the absence of love
one.
LIFE IN MADRID
On November 3, 1882, Rizal enrolled in university Central de Madrid in two
courses Medicine and Philosophy and letters. Aside from his heavy studies from the
university he studied painting and sculpture in the academy of fine arts of San
Fernando. Rizal led a Spartan life in Madrid. He new that he came to Spain to study and
prepared himself for service to his fatherland. According, he rigidly budgeted his money
and time. On Saturday evening he visited the home of Don Pablo Ortiga Y Rey who
lived with his son (Rafael) and daughter (Consuelo). Don Pablo had been city mayor of
Manila during the administration of the liberal governor general Carlos Ma. De la Torre
(1869-1871) and was promoted voice-president of the council of the Philippines.
ROMANCE WITH CONSUELO ORTIGA Y PEREZ
 Rizal was not a handsome man. In physique he was neither dashing nor
imposing, for he was a shy small man-a few inches above fight feet in height. But he
possessed an aura of charisma due to his many-splendored talents and noble character
which made him attractive to young women. No wonder the prettier of Don Pablo’s
Daughter fell in love with him. Rizal being a lonely man in foreign country far from his
natal land was attracted to Consuelo’s beauty and vivacity. He even composed a lovely
poem on august 22, 1883, dedicated to her. In this poem titled A La Seniorita C. O. y P.
He expressed his admiration for her. Before his romance with Consuelo could bloosom
into a serious affair he suddenly back out for two reasons: 1. He was still engaged to
Leonor Rivera and 2. His friend and co-worker in the propaganda Movement Eduardo
De Lete, was madly in love with Consuelo and he had no wish to break there friendship
because of a pretty girl.
“THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES.”
In 1882 shortly after his arrival in Madrid Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino
a society of Spaniards and Filipinos. Upon the request of the members of this society he
wrote poem entitled “Me Piden Versos” (they ask me for verses).
RIZAL AS A LOVER OF BOOK
A favorite pastime of Rizal in Madrid was reading. Instead of gabling and flirting
of women, as many young Filipinos did in the Spanish Metropolis, he stayed at home
and read voraciously until midnight. Since early child hood he liked to read. Rizal
economized on his leaving expenses and with the money he saved, he purchased book
from a second hand book store owned by a certain senior Roses. He was able to build a
fair-sized private library.
RIZAL’S FIRST VISIT TO PARIS
During his first summer vacation in Madrid Rizal went to Paris sojourning in this
gay capital of France from June 17, to August 20, 1883. Unlike ordinary tourist whose
main interest in visiting countries is to see a beautiful sight to enjoy theme selves in
clubs and theater and o shop in souvenir items, Rizal improved his mind by observing
closely the French way of life and spending many hours at the museums notably the
world famous louvre; the botanical garden especially the Luxembourg the libraries and
art galleries and the hospitals including the Laenec Hospitalwhere he observed Dr.
Nicaise treating his patients and the Lariboisiere Hospital, where he observed the
examination of different diseases of women.
RIZAL AS A MASON
In Spain Rizal came in close contact with prominent Spanish liberal and
republican Spaniard who was mostly mason. Rizal was impressed by the way the
Spanish mason openly and freely criticizes the government policies and lambasted the
friars which could not be done in the Philippines. In due time in March 1883, he joined
the Masonic longed called Acacia in the Madrid his reason for becoming a mason was
to secure Freemasonry’s aid in his fight again the friars in the Philippines. Since the
friars used the catholic religion as ashield to entrench themselves in power and wealth
and to persecute Filipino patriots. Later he transferred to lodged Solidaridad (Madrid),
were he became a Master Mason on November 15, 1890. Still later on February 15,
1892 he was awarded the diploma as a Master Mason by Le Grand Orient de France in
Paris.
FINANCIAL WORRIES
After Rizal’s departure for Spain things turn for bad to worse in Calamba. The
harvest of rice and sugarcane failed on account of drought and locusts. But there came
in atime when a dreadful pest killed most of the turkeys. Due to hard times in Calamba,
The monthly Alowance of Rizal in Madrid were late in arrival and there were times when
they never arrived causing much suffering to him. At one time Paciano was forced to
sell his younger brother’s pony in order to send money to Madrid.
RIZAL’S SALUTES TO LUNA AND HIDALGO
The banquet on the evening of June 25, 1884 was sponsored by the Filipino
community to celebrate the double victory of the Filipino artist in the National Exposition
of Fine arts in Madrid. Speaking in sonorous Castilian, Rizal held his audience spell
bound. He saluted Luna and Hidalgo as the two glories of Spain and the Philippines
whose artistic achievements transcended geographical frontiers and racial origin for
genius. He also assailed with refine sarcasm the bigotry and blindness of a certain
unworthy Spaniards. The magnificent speech of Rizal was greeted with wild ovations for
seldom did the Spaniards hear such an oration from the lips of the brown Filipino which
was in almost peerless in nobility of thought in Spain rhetoric in sincerity of feeling and
in sonorous eloquence.
RIZAL INVOLVED IN STUDENTS DEMONSTRATION
On November 20, 21, and 22, 1884, the serene city of Madrid exploded in bloody
riots by the students of Central University. Rizal and other Filipino student participated
together with Cuban, Mexican, Peruvian, and Spanish student in the tumult. This
student demonstration was caused by the address of Dr. Miguel Morayta, professor of
history at the opening ceremony of the academic year on November 20, in which he
proclaimed “the freedom of science and the teacher”. Such a liberal view was
condemned by the catholic bishops of Spain who promptly excommunicated Dr.
Morayta and those who applauded his speech. The appointment of the new Rector
intensified the fury of the student demonstrator. More student demonstration convulsed
the city. Recounting the tumultuous rioting to his family in a letter dated November 26,
1884.
STUDIES COMPLETED IN SPAIN
Rizal completed his medical course in Spain. He was conferred the degree of
licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid on June 21, 1884. The next
academic year (1884-85) he studied and passed all subjects leading to the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. Due to the fact however that he did not present the thesis did not
require for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees was he not awarded his Doctor’s
diploma. At long last Rizal completed his studies in Spain. By obtaining the degree of
Licentiate in philosophy and letters, he became qualified to be a professor of
Humanities in any Spanish university. And by receiving his degree of licentiate in
Medicine, he became a full-fledge physician, qualified to practice Medicine because it
was together with the licentiate and the philosophy and letters, good only for teaching
purpose. Being the man of high intelligence and foresight he knew that with his brown
color and Asian racial ancestry no friar owned university or colleges in the Philippines
would accept hi in its faculty staff.

Exercise:
Direction: Elaborate important dates and events.

Evaluation:

Direction: Sequence the travel and study of the hero from UST- end of the school in
Spain
Assignment:

Direction: Discuss the secret mission of the hero.

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.

Module 1: Life and works of Rizal

Unit 8: Paris to Berlin (1885-1887)

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Define the contribution of important people in life of Rizal in Paris and
Berlin
Evaluate the letter of Rizal
Discuss the secret mission of Rizal

Content

After completing his studies in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris and Germany to
specialize in ophthalmology. He particularly chose this branch of medicine because he
wanted to cure his mother’s ailment. His merits as a scientist were recognized by
eminent scientists of Europe.

IN GAY PARIS (1885-86)

 Shortly after terminating his studies at the Central University in Madrid, Rizal who
was then 24 years old and already a physician, went to Paris in order to acquire more
knowledge in ophthalmology. In November 1885, Rizal was living in Paris, where he
sojourned for about four months. He worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert
(1852-1906) leading French ophthalmologist where Rizal worked as an assistant.

Outside of his working hours, Rizal relaxed by visiting his friends. At the studio of
Luna, Rizal spent many happy hours. He discussed with Luna, the great master of the
brush, various problems on art and improved his own painting technique. He helped
Luna by posing as model in several paintings. In Luna’s canvas “The Death of
Cleopatra”, Rizal posed as an Egyptian priest. In other Luna’s great paintings, “The
Blood Compact”, he posed as Sikatuna, with their friend Trinidad Pardo de Taver.

RIZAL AS MUSICIAN

Rizal has no natural aptitude for music, and this he admitted. He only studied
music because many of his schoolmates at Ateneo were taking music lessons. In a
letter dated November 27, 1878, he told Enrique Lete that he “learned the solfeggio,
piano and voice culture in one month and a half”. He was flutist in various impromptu
reunions of Filipinos in Paris.

IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG

On February 3, 1886 he arrived in Heidelberg. For a short time, he lived in

boarding house with some German law students.
After a few days, Rizal transferred to a boarding house which was near the
University of Heidelberg. He worked at the University of Eye Hospital under the direction
of Dr. Otto Becker - a distinguished German ophthalmologist, and attended the lectures
of Dr. Becker and Prof Wilhelm Kuehne at the University.
WITH PASTOR ULMER AT WILHELMSFELD
Rizal spent three-months in Wilhelmsfeld, a mountainous village near
Heidelberg. He stayed at the vicarage of a kind Protestant pastor Dr. Karl Ulmer, who
became his good friend and admirer.
 On June 25, 1886 Rizal ended his sojourn and return to Heidelberg. The
following day, he wrote to Pastor Ullmer expressing his gratitude.
FIRST LETTER TO BLUMENTRITT
On July 31, 1886, Rizal wrote his first letter in German to (which he had improved
after his stay with Ullmers) Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of
Leitmeritz, Austria. He had heard of this Austian ethnologist and his interest in
Philippine languages. Rizal’s letter from Heidelberg impressed Blumentritt, who
reciprocated by sending Rizal’s a gift of two books. He marked the beginning of their
long and frequent correspondence, also of their friendship that lasted all their lives.
Blumentritt, the Austrian, became the best friend of Rizal, the Filipino.
IN LEIPZIG AND DRESDEN
On August 9, 1886, he boarded a train, visited various cities of Germany. On
August 14, 1886, he arrived in Leipzig. In Leipzig, Rizal translated Schiller’s “William
Tell” from German into Tagalog so that Filipinos might know the story of that champion
of Swiss independence. Later, he also translated into Tagalog for his nephews and
nieces Hans Christian Andersen’s “Fairy Tales”.
Rizal found out that the cost of living in Leipzig was cheapest in Europe so, he
stayed two months and a half in this German City. On October 29, he left Leipzig to
Dresden, where he met Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, Director of Anthropological and
Ethnological Museum. He stayed two days in the city. In the morning of November 1,
Rizal left Dresden by train reaching Berlin in the evening.
RIZAL’S LIFE IN BERLIN
In Berlin, Rizal was not a mere student or a curious tourist. He lived in this
famous capital of unified Germany for five reasons: (1) to gain further knowledge of
ophthalmology, (2) to further his studies in sciences and languages, (3) to associate
with famous German scientist and scholars, and (5) to pulish his novel, Noli Me
Tangere.
Rizal led a methodical and frugal life in Berlin. By day he worked as an assistant
in the clinic of Dr. Schelweigger, eminent German ophthalmologist. At night, heattended
lectures in University of Berlin. He spent his leisure moments touring the countryside
around Berlin, observing keenly the customs, dresses, homes and occupations of the
peasants. He made sketches of the things he saw. He also enjoyed promenading along
“Unter den Linden” the most popular boulevard of Berlin, sipping beer in the city’s inns
and taling with the friendly Berliners.
RIZAL ON GERMAL WOMEN
Rizal wrote a letter addressed to her sister, Trinidad, dated March 11, 1886
expressing his high regard and admiration for German womanhood. Rizal said in his
letter, the German women is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not
particular abour beautiful dresses and expensive jewelries, though she could dress
nicely like any other woman in the world. Rizal regretted that in the Philippines, the
woman are more interested in how they dress than in how much they know.
Accordingly, Rizal advised his sister, Trinidad: “Now that you are still young, you should
strive to read, read, and learn. You must not allow yourself to be conquered by
indolence because it costs so little to cast it off”
GERMAN CUSTOMS
He was delighted of the Germans’ Yuletide custom. Self-introduction to strangers
in a social gatherings, and finds that there is nobody to introduce him to other guests,
he bows his head and introduce himself and shakes the hands of everyone in the room.
According to German code of etiquette, it is bad manners for a guest to remain aloof,
and wait for his host to make the proper introduction.
RIZAL’S DARKEST WINTER
The winter of 1886 was his darkest winter. During this bleak winter, he lived in
poverty because no money arrived from Calamba and he was flat broke. Out in far-
away Calamba, Paciano tried desperately to raise money. He knew his younger brother
was in dire financial situation in Berlin. But the crops had failure due to the ravage of the
locusts. The sugar market collapsed.

Exercise:

Direction: Research the letter of Rizal and evaluate his comparison to the women of
German and Philippine woman.

Evaluation:
Direction: Watch the video presentation of the student about Rizal in Paris to Berlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPfug13Ekdo and give the important people in life of
Rizal in Paris to Berlin.
Assignment:

Direction: Discuss about the secret mission of Rizal in Paris to Berlin

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPfug13Ekdo

Module 1: Life and works of Rizal

Unit 9: “Noli Me Tangere” Published in
Berlin(1887)
UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Criticize the Elias and Salome

Elaborate the Character and role in Noli Me Tangere
Summarize the Noli Me Tangere

Content

The bleak winter of 1886 was memorable in the life of Rizal for two reasons; (1)
his painful episodes of sufferings and (2) his first novel “Noli Me Tangere” came off the
press in March 1887. 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.
IDEA OF WITING A NOVEL IN THE PHILIPPINES

His reading in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, portrays the
brutalities of American slave-owners and the pathetic conditions of the unfortunate
Negro slaves, inspired Dr. Jose Rizal to preapare a novel that would depict the miseries
of his people under the lash of Spanish tyrants. He was then a student in the Central
University of Madrid.

In a reunion of the Filipino in the Paterno residence in Madrid on January 2,

1884, Rizal proposed the writing of a novel about the Philippines by a group of Filipinos.
His proposal was approved but unfortunately, Rizal’s project did not materialize. Those
compatriots who were expected to collaborate on the novel did not write anything.
Undaunted by his friends’ indifference, he determined to write novel-alone.

THE WRITING OF THE “NOLI”

Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing the novel in Madrid and finished
about one-half of it. In Paris in 1885, after completing his studies in the Central
University of Madrid, he continue writing the novel in Germany and wrote the last few
chapters of the “Noli” in Wilhemsfeld in April-June 1886.

In Berlin during the winter days of February 1886, Rizal made the final revisions
on the manuscript of the “Noli”. Sick and penniless, he saw no hope of having it
published, so that in a monetary fit of desperation, he almost hurled it into the flames.

VIOLA, SAVIOR OF THE “NOLI”

In the midst of his despondency and misery, Rizal received a telegram from Dr.
Maximo Viola who was coming to Berlin. This friend of Rizal was a scion of a rich family
of San Miguel, Bulacan. When he arrived in Berlin, shortly before Christmas Day of
1887, he was shocked to find Rizal living in poverty and deplorably sickly due to lack of
proper nourishment.

Upon seeing his talented friend’s predicament, Viola gladly agreed to finance the
printing cost of the “Noli”. He also loaned some cash money for living expenses. Thus, it
came to pass that Rizal al Viola happily celebrated the Christmas of 1886 in Berlin with
sumptuous feast.

PRINTING THE “NOLI” FINISHED

Rizal, with the help of Viola, supervised the printing of the “Noli”. Day by day,
they were at the printing shop proof-reading the printed pages.

On March 21, 1887 the “Noli Me Tangere” came off the press. Rizal immediately
sent the first copies of the printed novel to his intimate friends, including Blumentritt, Dr.
Antonio Ma. Regidor, Mariano Ponce G. Lopez-Jaena, and Felix R. Hidalgo.

On March 29, 1887, Rizal, in his token his appreciation and gratitude, gave Viola
the gallery proofs of the “Noli” carefully rolled the pen that he used in writing it and a
complimentary copy, with the following inscription: “To my dear friend, Maximo Viola,
the first read and appreciate my work- Jose Rizal”.

MISSING CHAPTER OF THE “NOLI”

In the original manuscript of “Noli Me Tangere”, there was a chapter entitled

“Elias and Salome” which follows Chapter XXIV- “In the Woods”. This particular chapter
on Elias and Salome was deleted by Rizal so that it was not included in the printed
novel. His reason for doing so was definitely economic. By reducing the pages of the
manuscript, the cost of printing would correspondingly be reduced.

RIZAL’S FRIENDS PRAISE THE “NOLI”

The friends of Rizal hailed the novel, praising it in glowing colors. As to be

expected, Rizal’s enemies condemned it. Rizal anticipated the vitriolic attacks of his
enemies, who were sore to be told the truth of their evil ways. Of the numerous
congratulatory letters received by Rizal from his friends about the “Noli”, that from
Blumentritt was significant.

In London, Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, Filipino patriot and lawyer who had been
exiled due to his complicity in the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, read avidly the “Noli” and was
very much impressed by its author.
Exercise:

Direction: Research the letter of Rizal and evaluate his comparison to the women of
German and Philippine.

Evaluation:

Direction: Criticize the Elias and Salome of Rizal

Assignment:

Direction: Watch the movie of Noli Me Tangere in this site

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v45g1hbYLrA) and elaborate the role of each character.

References:

Wani-Obias R. 2018. The Life and works of Jose Rizal. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon
City Philippines.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v45g1hbYLrA