LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

CHAPTER 1: ECONOMY OF THE PHILIPPINES IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

 During the 19th century, the Philippines’ economic condition gave rise to a Haciendas
or the “cash-crop economy”. Where large parts of lands would be used for crops
considered as cash-crop. Some cash-crops are: Sugar, Tobacco, Abaka, and Coffee.
Being open to world trade and having these products abundant in the Philippines, the
Philippines became a major exporter for these products and became well-known in
other parts of the world. By these events, there was a shift from barter system to
moneyed economy.

 The 19th century can be seen that the Philippines was one of the wealthiest countries in
those times. Being a country abundant in cash-crops, it mostly controlled the supply in
world trade; and having this control, the Philippines was considered technologica lly
advanced during those times by having to railroads, steamships, and advance
communication system. At the national level, the Philippines greatly expanded its
volume of foreign trade, at some cost to domestic industries like textiles, and diversified
its economic structure, with the new money flows circulating far into the countrys ide
and giving an impulse to the formation of a native middle class. Its diversity in trading
partners made it relatively less vulnerable to fluctuations in the level of demand in any
one particular country, and competition among the export traders ensured that most of
the gains would accrue to the ultimate producers. It made the Philippines a trading hub
for other China, Japan, India, and the rest of SEA. They used huge ships called
Galleons, previously used for war. They sent their goods here to be shipped to Acapulco
which is a city found in Mexico 90% of goods from Mexico which were bound for
China were silver. During their time a piece of gold was worth 8 pieces of silver .
However, in Europe, a piece of gold was worth 13 pieces of silver.

 The nineteenth century is considered the birth of modern life, more so, the birth of
many nation-states all over the world. For us to understand what Dr. Rizal have done
during the nineteenth century, let us look the different developments and
accomplishments on that period that changed and shaped the landscape of the
Philippines’ economy, society and politics.

 The Spanish government continued trade relations with other countries and Manila
became the center of commerce in the East. The Philippines, allegedly a Spanish
colony. Was then governed from Mexico, and in 1565 the Spaniards closed the ports of
Manila to all countries except Mexico. Hence, the birth of the Manila-Acapulco Trade,
more known as the “Galleon Trade”.
GALLEON TRADE
The Galleon trade was a government monopoly. It was a trading ships that crossed the Pacific
Ocean, transferring wealth, goods, and manpower going back and forth between Manila and
Acapulco in Mexico. Both of which were territories of Spanish.
This trading system served as the economic lifeline for the Spaniards in Manila, serving most
trades between China and Europe. It was very profitable for Spaniards but the government find
it mismanagement and corruption. This revolution was considered as one of the most
significant developments in the 19th century. At this time, traders were fortunate to become
the first capitalists. The industrial workers were former farmers who migrated from rural areas
and remote provinces of Europe. From this, positive effects took place as the industr ia l
revolution contributed many things to the people such as;

1. The Philippines was opened for world commerce

2. Foreigners were engaged in manufacturing and agriculture
3. The Philippine economy became dynamic and balanced.
4. There was rise of new influential and wealthy Filipino middle class.
5. People were encouraged to participate in the trade
6. Migration and increase in population were encouraged.

 The Galleon trade was a government-owned business. Royal official supervised this
operation. The person who has a “boleta” is allowed to engage in the galleon trade.
“Boleta” is a ticket that entitles a person to ship goods to Mexico. And those who has
no money to buy this ticket will borrow from a Spaniard friars. Thus, the money that
the traders borrowed from the friars was came from the donations of the church known
as “Obras Pias”. – a charitable foundation during the Spanish period.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GALLEON TRADE
 It represents an important contribution in the economy of the world by uniting the
three continents- Americas, Europe and Asia.
 Our economy would be exposed in international trade because the country would
benefit from the raw materials from other countries, like oil, and etc.
GOOD EFFECTS:
 It can give better choices for consumers.
 It increases the government’s revenue.
 It conserves natural resources for the future
 It developed good relationship and connections between countries.
BAD EFFECTS:
 It only shares benefits to few people
 It neglect the development of rural areas.

OPENING OF THE PORT TO WORLD TRADE AND ITS IMPACT

  The opening of the port to world trade- means that the goods from the Philippines could
be shipped out to any of the countries abroad. And goods from other countries can enter
the Philippines directly.
 September 6, 1834, the Philippines opened to world trade- by a royal decree. The King
declared the Royal Company of the Philippines abolished and opened Manila’s port to
world trade. Since Manila was a great harbour that shape of the bay protected trade
boats from rough waters. It became one of the best cities to trade with, luring American,
British and other European and Asian merchants to its shores. As a result, Spain’s
economic supremacy lost its footing in the region.
 Modern methods of production and transportation, notably sugar mills and steamships,
opened the Philippines for economic development.
 The impact of opening the port to world trade to all Filipinos has caused for the
Spaniards to sell more products to other countries.
 The economy of the Philippines rose rapidly and its local industries developed to satisfy
the rising demands of an industrializing Europe.
 Manila and the Philippines garnered great economic growth around this time. Filip ino
businessman who were knowledgeable in finance and consumer retail.
 It brought not only economic prosperity to the country but also remarkable
transformation in the life of the Filipinos. As the people, prospered, their standard of
living improved.

 In 1869, the Suez Canal was opened, greatly reducing the distance between Britain and
India by some 4,500 miles as ships no longer needed to travel round southern Africa.
One of the most important artificial sea-level waterways in the world that paved the
way for the Philippines direct commercial relations with Spain instead of via Mexico.
 These development which brought prosperity to native indios or ilustrados paved the
way for Filipino to send their children to universities in Europe.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

The Filipinos in the 19th century had suffered from feudalistic and master slave relations hip
by the Spaniards. Their social structure is ranked into three groups:

1. HIGHEST CLASS- The people that belong in this class includes the Spaniards, Peninsula res
and the friars. They have the power and authority to rule over the Filipinos. They enjoyed their
positions and do they want.
THE SPANISH OFFICIALS
 PENINSULARES (Spaniards who were born in Spain)- They held the most important
government jobs, and made up the smallest number of the population.
 FRIARS- The friars are members of any of certain religious orders of men, especially
the four mendicants orders (Augustinians, Carmelites, Dominicans, and Franciscans.
2. MIDDLE CLASS- The people that belongs into this class includes the natives, mestizos and
the criollos.
  NATIVES- The pure Filipinos
 MESTIZOS- Are the Filipinos of mixed indigenous Filipino or European or Chinese
ancestry.
3. LOWEST CLASS- This class includes Filipinos only.
 The INDIOS- are the poor people having pure blood Filipino which ruled by the
Spaniards.

THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE

King Philip II of Spain reigned over the Philippines for 333 years, from 1565 to 1898. Since
Spain was far from the country, the Spanish king ruled the Islands through the viceroy of
Mexico, which was then another Spanish colony.
 When Mexico regained its freedom in 1821, the Spanish king ruled the Philipp ines
through a governor general. A special government body that oversaw matters,
pertaining to the colonies assisted the king in this respect.
 Spain established a centralized colonial government in the Philippines that was
composed of a NATIONANAL GOVERNMENT and LOCAL GOVERNMENT that
administered provinces, cities, towns and municipalities.

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT:
 Maintained peace and order
 Collected taxes
 Built schools and other public works
 There were 115 Spanish Governor-Generals in our country. The first was Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi(1565-1572) and the last was Diego de los Rios (1898).

GOVERNOR GENERAL
 The representative of the King od Spain in all state and in religious matters
 He is the highest officer in the island.
 Responsible for implementing laws from the mother country.
 Also has the power to appoint or relieve officer in the government or priest in the parish,
except with those personally appointed by the king of Spain.
 Supervise all government offices and collection of taxes.
 The governor general exercised certain legislative powers as well
 He issue proclamations to facilitate the implementation of laws

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

 THE ALCALDE MAYOR
The ALCALDIA, led by the Alcalde Mayor and corregimiento of the local government units.
  They represented the Spanish king and the governor-general.
 They managed the day to day operations of the provincial government.
 Implemented laws and supervised the collection of taxes.
 They were paid a small salary, they enjoyed privileges such as the indulto de comercio,
or the right to participate in the galleon trade.
The Corregimiento headed by Corregidor, governed by the provinces that were not yet entirely
under Spanish control.
THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
 Each province was divided into several towns or pueblos headed by Gobernadorcillos
Municipal judge
 Responsibilities where leadership, economic, and judicial administration.
 4 lieutenants aided the Governadorcillo: The Teniente(chief leiutenent), The teniente
de Policia(police lieutenant), The Teniente de Sementeras(lieutenant of the fields), and
the Teniente de Ganados (lieutenant of the livestock).
AYUNTAMIENTO (CITY GOVERNMENT)
 Center of trade and industry
 Had a city council called CABILDO.
CABILDO is composed of:
 Alcalde (mayor)
 Regidores (councilors)
 Alguacil Mayor (police chief)
 Escribsndo (secretary)
CABEZA DE BARANGAY (Barrio Administrator or Barangay Captain)
 Responsible for the peace and order of the barrio.
 Recruited me for public works.
 Qualification must be literate in Spanish.
 Cabezas who served for 25 years is exempted from hard labor.

JUDICIAL BRANCH
THE RESIDENCIA - it was a special judicial court that investigates the performance of a
Governor General who was about to be replaced.
THE VISITA- the council of the Indies in Spain sent a government official called the
VISITADOR GENERAL to observe conditions in the colony. And will directly report his
findings to the King.
THE ROYAL AUDENCIA- the highest court in the land during the Spanish times.
- also apart from its judicial functions.
- served as advisory body to the governor general.
-had the power to check and a report on his business.
-It audited the expenditure of the colonial government and sent a yearly report to Spain.
 - The Archbishop and other government officials could also report the abuses of the
colonial government to the Spanish king.

ENCOMIENDA
 It comes from the Spanish word encomendar which means “to entrust”
 the earliest political system used during the Conquista period
 under the encomienda the native inhabitants in a given geographical region were
entrusted to an encimiendero or trustee as a reward for his service to the Spanish crown.
 The encomenderos were only territorial overseers who had the duty to: 1) protect the
people in the encomienda; (2) maintain peace and order; (3) promote education and
health programs; and (4) help the missionaries propagate Christianity.
EFFECT OF SPAIN’S POLITICAL SYSTEM
 Frequent changes in the colonial administration of the Philippines
 Short tenure of the governor generals
 Administration was insufficient and corrupt
 Dumping ground of the relatives of Spanish politicians
EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE
 Education during Rizal’s time is indeed change over time, but one thing didn’t changed
is education is only for those who can afford it. Education was then a privileged only
to Spanish students and including the middle class Filipinos, by the reason that Filip ino
are lack of skills and has no enough knowledge by the Spaniards perception. As we can
see discrimination between Filipinos and Spaniards are not only by education but in all
aspect of their lives.
EDUCATION SYSTEM
 Religion-based and controlled by the Roman Catholic Church.
 The priests were the first teachers
 They educated the natives in order to convert them into Catholicism.
 Spanish educational system was meant to keep the natives faithful, in order to keep
the Church's authority over the lives of the Indios (colonized Filipinos).
 Oldest universities, colleges and vocational schools founded in Asia were created
by Catholic missionary/religious orders.
 Librong pagaaral nang mga Tagalog ng Uicang Castila- Tomas Pipin (first Filip ino
author. This was a book in baybayin for tagalogs to study castillian language.
 This system continued until the introduction of the modern public education system in
1863.
Negative Side
 Over emphasis on religion
 Obsolete teaching methods
 Limited curriculum
 Poor classroom facilities
 Inadequate instructional materials
  Primary education was neglected
 Absence of academic freedom
 Prejudice against Filipinos in the schools of higher learning
 Friar control over the system

EDUCATIONAL DECREE OF 1863

 Queen Isabella of Spain ordered this decree in December 20, 1863.
 Made the Philippines as the first country in Asia which had a free and compulsory form
of modern education.
 It provided a complete and structured educational system
 The establishment of at least two free primary schools, one for boys and another for
girls, in each town under the control of the municipal government.
 The creation of a normal school to train men as teachers, supervised by Jesuits.
 Latin was taught to the student instead of Spanish
 Gave birth to the Illustrados

CHAPTER 2: BIRTH GEANOLOGY

A. Birth of Rizal
Jose Rizal, in full JOSE PROTASIO RIZAL MERCADO y ALONZO
REALONDA, born June 19 1861, near midnight of Wednesday at Calamba,
Philippines. His birth almost cost the life of her mother because it was a painful and
difficult labor, to use his words “into the valley of tears.” This, then is our national hero-
born beneath the skies of the country he poetically called “Pearl of the Orient”
He was baptized, three days after his birth in the Catholic church of Calamba
by Fr. Rufino Collantes, a Filipino priest from Batangas. His Godfather was Rev. Pedro
Casanas, a native from Calamba and a friend of Rizal’s family. He was named “Jose”,
(his nicknames was Pepe), by his pious mother in honor of the Christian saint, San Jose
(St. Joseph).

B. Calamba, Laguna-Rizal, Hometown

Calamba was a small town nestling at the foot of Mt. Makiling as it slopes down
to Laguna de Bay. The name Calamba was derived from “kalan and bonga.” This
probably because the place is known for clay pottery.
Rizal’s town was a prosperous town production of sugar. Despite their hardship
as tenants of the Dominican friars whose estate covered practically the whole town, its
inhabitants were happy.
Its soil was fertile; its climate favorable. Its scenic environment influenced the
young Rizal for his poetic and artistic creativity. Its share of unhappinesss also shaped
his noble and heroic spirit. The surroundings of his home opened to him the many
wonders of nature. Verdant meadows all around, a fruit laden orchard, and Mt. Makiling
in the distance all these broadened his perception.
C. Rizal Ancestors

Jose Rizal was mixed of racial origin. In his veins flowed the bloods of both
east and west.
The Chinese Ancestry of Rizal
Rizal’s paternal great-grandfather was Domingo Lamco, a full-blooded Chinese
merchant, a native of the chinchew district of china, where the Jesuits and the
Dominician had missions. He was baptized in the Parian church of San Gabruel. He
arrived in the Philippines during the late 18 th century.
Domingo Lamco was married to Ines de la Rosa, who was half of his age, she
was a Chinese mestiza. They were married in the Parian church by the same priest who,
over thirty years before, had baptized Lamco. Ines de la Rosa’s father Agustin Chinco,
also from Chinchew.
From Parian, the family migrated to Binan and became tenants of the Dominica n
estate.
Lamco’s only son, Francisco, who was to be Rizal’s great-grandfather was a
keen, witty, and liberal man. He became quite well-to-do and popular enough to be
appointed municipal captain of Binan in 1783.
The family adopted the surname “Mercado” instead of Lamco to free the
younger generation from the prejudices that followed those with Chinese names.
Francisco Mercado’s wife, Bernarda Monicha, was also a Chinese mestiza.
They were blessed with two children: Juan and Clemente. Juan married Cirila
Alejandra, also a Chinese mestiza. The couple had fourteen children, includ ing
Francisco who was the father of Rizal. from Binan, Francisco and two of his sisters
moved to a Dominican estate in Calamba and became pioneer farmers.

 Jose Rizal’s father was a well-educated farmer who studied Latin and philosophy at the
Colegio de San Jose in Manila he attained a degree of wealth, established a fine library,
and cultivated friends among the friars and the Spanish government officials.

Alonso Clan
Teodora Alonzo was of Ilocano-Tagalog-Chinese-Spanish descent. She was the
one most highly educated women in the Philippines way back then. She was the 2 nd
child of Brijida de Quintos (who was the daughter of Manuel de Quintos of an afflue nt
family in Pangasinan and Regina Ursua of the Ursua family) and Lorenzo Alberto a
half-Spaniards engineer.
Materially, socially, and professionally the Alonzo family was better off than
the Mercado family. In those days when professional were few, the governme nt
officials. Indeed both parents of Teodora belonged to a professionally famous family
from Bulacan.

D. RIZAL’S FAMILY

Mercado - was the real surname of the Rizal family.it was not their original name, as
it was adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lamco (the paternal great-grandfather of Jose
Rizal).
 The Royal Decree of 1849: Claveria list

A Royal decree on the distribution and implementation of surnames to the

natives of the Philippines ordered by Governor Narciso Claveria, which sought to
remedy the confusion resulting from many unrelated Filipinos, having the same
surname and a still greater number having no last name at all.
“Catalogo Alfabetico de Apellidos”- the list of produced and approved family
names.
However the name Rizal was not taken from the list provided by the governme nt
but it seems to have been chosen, because of its appropriateness. Rizal a shortened form
of the Spanish word for “second crop” seemed suited to a family of farmers who were
making a second start in a new home.
The name Rizal was originated from the Ricial, which literally means ricefie ld.
The spelling was allegedly changed by Francisco from “Ricial” to “Rizal”. However
the family name Rizal was rejected by the Spanish authorities, but despite this, the
Mercado family used the name Rizal as their second family name. Jose was the first to
use the family “Rizal” in 1872 when he went to Manila to enroll at the Ateneo
Municipal, directed by the Jesuits.

Don Francisco and Donya Teodora were blessed with 11 children

1. Saturnina (1850-19130) – eldest child, married to Manuel Timoteo Hidalgo of Tanuan,
Batangas
2. Paciano (1851-1930) – only brother of Rizal studied at San Jose College in Manila
became a farmer and later a general of the Philippine revolution.
3. Narcisa (1852-1939) – a teacher and a musician, married to Antonio Lopez
4. Olympia (1855-1887) – married to silvestre Ubaldo, died from child birth
5. Lucia (1857-1919) – married to Matriano Herbosa
6. Maria (1859-1945) – married to Daniel Faustino Cruz of Binan Laguna
7. Jose (1861-1896) – was executed by the Spaniards in Dec. 30 1896
8. Conception (1862-1865) – died at the age of 3
9. Josefa (1865-1945) – an epileptic, died in spinster
10. Trinidad (1868-1951) – died a spinster and the last to the family to die
11. Soledad (1870-1929) – the youngest child, married to Pantaleon Quintero

CHAPTER 3: THE CHILDHOOD OF RIZAL

The first memory of Rizal, in his Infancy was start in Calamba, Laguna his own
hometown. He had many happy and beautiful memories. He grew up with loving parents,
thoughtful and caring siblings. He spent his childhood at the lake shore town of Calamba with
its scenic beauty and the majestic Mt. Makiling a few kilometers away from their home. He
enjoyed the vibrant beauty of Laguna de Bay, a beautiful in Land Lake with verdant tall trees
and plants that surround it. His father built a little nipa cottage in the garden for him to play in
the day time.A kind old Woman was employed as an aya (nurse maid) to look after his comfort.
At times, he was left alone to muse on the beauties of nature or to play by himself. His aya told
him a lot of stories about the fairies, asuang, the nuno and the tikbalang. Another childhood
memory was the daily praying of Angelus. By nightfall, Rizal related, his mother gathered all
the children at their altar to pray the Angelus.Another memory of his infancy was the nocturnal
walk in the town, especially when there was a moon. The Aya took him for a walk in n the
moonlight by the river, where the trees cast grotesque shadows on the bank. The Rizal Children
were bound together by ties of love and companionship. They were well-bred, for their parents.
Jose loves most the little Concha (Conception) but. Unfortunately, Conception died of sickness
in 1865when she was three years old. Jose, who was very fond of her, cried bitterly at losing
her.

JOSE RIZAL'S EDUCATION IN CALAMBA

 Jose Rizal’s first teacher was his mother, who had taught him how to read and pray and
who had encouraged him to write poetry. Later, private tutors taught the young Rizal
Spanish and Latin. At the age of three Rizal learned the Alphabet and Prayers, before
he was sent to a private school in Biñan.
 His first tutor was Maestro Celestino and the Second, Maestro Lucas Padua.
 Later, an old man named Leon Monroy, a former classmate of Rizal's father, became
the boys tutor. This old teacher lived at the Rizal home and instructed Jose in Spanish
and Latin. Unfortunately, he did not live long. He died five months later.

PILGRIMAGE IN ANTIPOLO

 On June 6, 1868, Jose and his father left Calamba to go on a Pilgrimage to Antipolo, in
order to fulfill his mother's vows which was made when Jose was born Doña Teodora
could not accomply them because she had given birth to Trinidad.
 It was the First trip of Jose across Laguna De Bay and his first pilgrimage to Antipolo.
He and his father rode in a Casco (barge). He was thrilled, as a typical boy should, by
his first lake voyage. He did not sleep to the whole night as the Casco sailed towards
the Pasig River because he was awed by the "the magnificence of the watery expanse
and the silence of the night". Writing many years later of this experience, he said: "With
that pleasure I saw Sunrise; for the first time I saw how luminous rays shone, producing
a brilliant effect on the ruffled surface of the wide lake.
 After praying at the Shrine of the virgin of Antipolo, Jose and his father went to Manila.
It was the first time Jose saw Manila. They visited Saturnia, who was then a boarding
student at La Concordia College in Santa Ana.

THE STORY OF THE MOTH

 Of the stories told by Doña Teodora to her favorite son, Jose, that the young moth made
the profoundest inmpression on him. Speaking of this incident, Rizal wrote.

 One night, all family except my mother and myself went to bed early. Why, I do not
know, but we two remained Sitting alone. My mother was teaching me to read in a
Spanish reader called "The Children's Friend". (El Amigo de los Niños). This was
quita rare book and an old copy. It lost its cover and was my sister has cleverly made a
new one. She had fastened a sheet of thick blue paper over the back and then covered
it with a piece of cloth.
JOSE RIZAL GOES TO BIÑAN

 One Sunday afternoon in June 1869 Jose, after kissing the hands of his parents and a
tearful parting from his sister, left Calamba for Biñan. He was accompanied by Paciano ,
who acted as his second father. The two brothers rode in a Carramota, reaching their
destination to their aunt's house, where Jose was to lodge. It was almost night when
they arrive and the moon was about to rise.
 That the same night, Jose, with his cousin named Leandro, went sightseeing in the town.
Instead of enjoying the sights, Jose became depressed because of homesickness. "In
the moonlight", recounted, "I remember my home town, my Idolized mother, and my
solicitous sister. Ah, how sweet to me was CALAMBA, my own town, in spite of the
fact, to that it was not as wealthy as Bañan.

FIRST DAY IN BIÑAN SCHOOL

 The next morning (Monday) Paciano brought his younger brother to the school of
Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz. The school was in n the house of the teacher, which
was a small nipa hut about 30 meters from the home of Jose's aunt. Paciano quick well
because he had been a pupil under him before.
 In the afternoon of his first day school when the teacher was having his siesta. Jose met
a bully, Pedro. He was angry at this bully for making fun of him during his conversatio n
with the teacher in the morning.
 Jose challenged Pedro to a fight. The latter readily accepted, thinking thwt he could
easily Bea to the Calamba boy who was smaller and younger.
 After the class ii n the afternoon, a classmate named Andress Salandanan challenged
him to an arm-wrestling match. They went to a side walk of a house and wrested with
their arms. Jose, having a weaker arm, last and nearly cracked his head on the sidewalk.
 After succeeding days he had other fights with the boys of Biñan. He was not
quarrelsome by nature, but he never ran away on the sidewalk.

PAINTING LESSON IN BIÑAN

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 lesson in drawing and painting. He was impressed
the artistic talent of the Calamba lad. Jose and his classmate, Jose Guevara, who also loved
painting, became apprentice of the bold painter. They improved their art, so that in the due time
they became "The Favorite Painter's"

BEST STUDENT IN SCHOOL

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.
They wickedly squealed to the teacher whenever Jose had a fight outside the school, and even
told lies to discredit him before the teacher’s eyes. Consequently the teacher had to punish Jose.
Thus Rizal said that "In Spite of the reputation I had of being a good boy, the day was
unusual when I was not laid out on a bench and given five or six blows"

END OF BIÑAN SCHOOLING

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

He left Biñan on Saturday afternoon December 17, 1870 after one year and a half of
schooling in that town. He was thrilled to take passage on the steamer Talim, for it was the
first time he ever rode on a steamer. On board was a Frenchman named Arture Camps, a friend
of his father, who took care of him.

SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA

 RIZAL ENTERS THE ATENEO. On June 10,1872

 Rizal's first year in ATANEO (1872-1873). On his first day of class in Ataneo, in June,
1872, Rizal first heard mass at the college chapel and prayed fervently to God for guidance
and success. When the mass was finished, he went to his class, where he saw a great number
of boys, Spaniards, meztizos, and Filipinos. Rizal's first professor in the Anteneo was Fr.
Jose Vetch, whom he described as a "tall, thin Man, with a body slightly bend forward,
a harried walk, an ascetic face, severe and inspired, small deep-sunken eyes, a sharp
nose that was almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose ends fell toward the
chin". To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during
noon recess. He paid three pesos for those extra spanish lessons, but it was money well
spent. Summer vacation 1873, at the end of school year in March, 1873, Rizal returned to
Calamba for summer vacation. He did not particularly enjoy his vacation because his
mother was in prison. When the summer vacation ended, Rizal returned to Manila for his
second year term in Ataneo

 Second Year in Ataneo (1873-1874). Nothing unusual happened to Rizal during his second
term in Ataneo, except that he repented having neglected his studies the previous year
simply because he was offended by the teachers remark. So, to regain his lost class
leadership, he studied harder. Once more he became emperor. At the end of of the school
year, Rizal 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.

 Third Year in Ataneo (1874-1875). In June 1874, Rizal returned to the Ateneo for his
junior year. Shortly after the opening classes, his mother arrived joyously told him that she
was released from prison, just as he had predicted during his last visit to her prison cell in
Santa Cruz, Laguna. He was happy of course, to see his mother once more a free woman.
However, despite the family happiness, Rizal did not make an excellent showing on his
studies as in the previous year. He failed to win the medal in Spanish becay his spoken
Spanish was not fluently sonorous. He was beaten by a Spaniards who, naturally, could
speak Spanish with fluency and with right accentuation. At the end of the school year March
1875, Rizal retur to Calamba for the summer vacation. He himself was not impressed by
his scholastic work.

 FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO (1875-1876). After refreshing and happy summer

vacation, Rizal went back to Manila for his fourth year course. On June 6, 1875, he became
an interis fourth year course. Ono inn the Ateneo. One of his professor this time was Fr.
 Francisco De Paula Sanchez a great educator and scholar. He inspired young Rizal to
study harder and to write poetry. On his part, Rizal had the highest affection and respect for
Father Sanchez, whom he considered his best professor in n the Ateneo.

 In his student memoirs, Rizal wrote of father Father Sanchez in glowing terms, showing
his affection and gratitude. He described this Jesuit Professor as "Model Of Uprightness ,
Earnestness, and Love For The Advancement Of His Pupils. Inspired by Father
Sanchez, Rizal resumed his studies with Vigor and Zest. He topped all his classmates in
all subjects and won five medals at the end of the school term. He returned to Calamba for
his summer vacation (March 1876) and proudly offered his five medals and excelle nt
ratings to his parent. He was extremely happy, for he was able to repay his "Father some
what for his sacrifices"

 LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-1877). After the summer vacation, Rizal returned to
Manila in June 1876for his last year in the Anteneo. His studies continued to fare well. As
a matter-of-fact, he excelled in all subjects. The most brilliant Atenean of his time, he was
truly "Pride Of The Jesuit". Rizal finished his last year at the Ateneo in a Blaze of Glory.
He obtained the highest grades in all subjects.

PEOMS Written OF RIZAL

It was Doña Teodora who first discovered the poetical genius of her son, and it was also
she who first encouraged him to write proms. However, it was Father Sanchez who inspired
Rizal to make full use of his God-given gift inn poetry and improved the letter's poetical
art by opening his mind to the enriching influence on f the world's literature.

My first Inspiration. It was most fitting that the first poem written by Rizal, which
was dedicated to his mother on her birthday. It is saidt that he wrote it before he was 14
years old, that is, in the year 1874.

In 1875, inspired by Father Sanchez

1. Felicitación (Felicitacion)
2. El Embarque: Hymno a la Flora de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to Magellan's
Fleet).
3. Y Es Español: Elcano, El Primero en Dar la Vuelta al Mundo (And He Is Spanish:
Elcano, The First To Circumnavigate the world).
4. El Combated: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo).

1876 Rizal PEOMS

1. Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of my Town)
A tender poem in honor of Calamba, the hero's natal town.
2. Alianza Intima Entre In Religion y la Buena Educación (Intimate Alliance Between
Religion and Good Education).
Rizal showed the importance of Religion in education. To him, education without
God is not true education. Thus, he said in his poem.
3. Por la Educación Revive Lustre la Patria (Through Education the Country Recieves
Light).
Although Rizal was merely a teenager, he had Avery high regard for education. He
believed in n the significant role which education plays in the progress and welfare of
a nation.
 4. El Cautiverio y El Triumfo: Batalla de Lucena y Prison de Boandil (The Capacity and
the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boandil).
This martial poem described the defeat and capture of Boabdil, last Moorish sultan in
Spain.
5. La Entrada Triumfal de los Reyes Catolice en Granada (The Triumphal Entry of the
Catholic Monarch into Granada).
This poem relates the victorious entry of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel into
Granada, last Moorish stronghold in Spain.

Rizal Poems in 1977

1. El Heroismo de Colón (The Heroism of Columbus).
This poem praises Columbus, the discoverer of America.
2. Colon y Juan II (Columbus and John II).
This poem relates how king Jhon II of Portugal missed fame and riches by his failure
to finance the projected expedition of Columbus to the new world.
3. Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune).
This is legend of n verse of the tragic life of Columbus.
4. Un Diálogo Alusivo a la Despedida de los Colegiales (A farewell Dialogue of the
students).
This was the last poem by Rizal in Ateneo; it is a poignant poem of farewell to his
classmates.

The Detention of Teodora Alonso

 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, a rich Biñan illustrado, had just returned from a
business trip in Europe. During his absence his wife abandoned their home and children.
When he arrived in Biñan, he found her living with another man. Infuriated by her
infidelity, he planned to divorce her. Doña Teodora, to avert family scandal, persuaded
him to forgive his wife.
 This Lieutenant happened to have an ax to grind against the Rizal family, because at
one time Don Francisco (Rizal's father) refuse to give him folder for his horse. Taking
the opportunity to avenge himself, he arrested Doña Teodora, with the help of
Calamba's Gibernadorcillo, Antonio Vivencio del Rosario, a menial of the friars. This
two ungrateful men had been frequent guest at Rizal home.
 After arresting Doña Teodora. The sadistic Spanish lieutenant forced her to walk from
Calamba to Santa Cruz, a distance of 50 km.Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, She was
incarcerated at the provincial prison, where she languished for two years and half until
the Manila Royal Audiencia acquitted her of the alleged crime.
 Recounting this incidence of his mother's imprisonment, Rizal said in his student
memoirs: “Our mother was unjustly snatch away from us and by whom? By some men
who had been our friends and whom we treated as honored guest. We learned later that
our mother got sick far from us and at an advanced stage. My mother was defended by
Messrs. Francisco de Marciada and Manuel Marzan, the most famous lawyers of
Manila. She finally succeeded to be acquitted and vindicated in the eyes of a judges,
accusers and even her enemies but after how long? After two and a half years”

MARTYRDOM OF GOM-BUR-ZA
  On the night of January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino soldiers and workmen of the
Cavite arsenal under the leadership of Madrid, Filipino sergeant, rose in violent mutiny
because of the abolition of their usual privileges, including examption from tribute and
polo (force labor) by reactionary Governor Rafael De Izquierdo. Unfortunately, this
Cavite Mutiny was suppressed two days later by troop reinforcement from Manila. The
Spanish authorities, in order to liquidate Father's Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and
Jacinto Zamora, leaders of the secular movement to Filipinize the Philippine parishes,
and their supporters (Jose Ma. Bass, attorneys Joaquin Pardo de Tavera and Antonio
Ma. Regidor, etc.) Magnified the failed Mutiny into a"revolt" for Philipp ine
independence.
 Accordingly, GOM-BUR-ZA despite the Archbishop's plea for clemency because of
their innocence, were executed at sunrise, February 17, 1872, by order of Governor
General Izquierdo. Their martyrdom was deeply mourned by the Rizal family and many
other patriotic families in the Philippines.
 The martyrdom of Gam-Bur-Za in 1872 truly inspired Rizal to fight the evils of Spanish
tyranny and redeem his oppressed people.
 And later, in 1891, he dedicated his second novel, El Filibus-terismo, to GOM-BUR-
ZA.

CHAPTER 4: SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA (1872 – 1877)

Jose was sent to Manila 4 months after the Martyrdom of GomBurZa and with Donya Teodora
still in prison. He studied in 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

In June 10, 1872 – Jose was accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila to take the entrance
examinations on Christian Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at 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.

Rizal Enters in Ateneo

Father Magin Fernando – college registrar of Ateneo Municipal, refused to admit Jose because:
(1) he was late for registration and (2) he was sickly undersized for his age (11 years old).

Manuel Xerex Burgos – nephew of Father Burgos; upon his intercession, Jose Rizal was
reluctantly admitted at the Ateneo.
Jose used Rizal instead of Mercado because the name “Mercado” had come under suspicion of
the Spanish authorities.

Boarded in a house on Caraballo street, owned by Titay who owned Rizal family 300 pesos.

Jesuits Sytem of Education

Jesuit trained the character of the students by rigid discipline, humanities and religous
instruction.

The students heard the mass in the morning before the beginning of the daily class.

Classes were opened and closed with prayers.

The students were divide into two groups: Roman Empire – consisting of the internos (boarders)
with red banners, and Carthaginian Empire – composed of the externos (non-boarders) with
blue banners.

Each of these Empires has its rank. Students fought for positions. Any student could challenge
any of his officer in his “empire” to answer questions on the days lesson.

1st Best: EMPEROR

2nd Best: TRIBUNE

3rd Best: DECURION

4th Best: CENTURION

5th Best: STANDARD – BEARER

Ateneo students’ 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 1st Year in Ateneo (1872 – 1873)

June 1872 – first day of class in Ateneo, Fr. Jose Bech is the first professor of Rizal.

Rizal was placed at the bottom of the class since he was a new commer and knows little Spanish.
He was an externo and was assigned to Carthaginians. At the end of the month, he became
emperor of his Empire. He was the brightest pupil in the whole class.

He took private lessons in Santa Isabel College and paid 3 pesos for extra Spanish lessons.

Placed 2nd at the end of the year, although all his grades were still marked Excellent.

Summer Vacation (1873)

March 1873 – Rizal returned to Calamba for summer vacation.

His sister neneng (Saturnina) brought him to Tanawan to cheer him up.

He visited his mother in prison at Santa Cruz without telling his Father.

After vacation, her returned to Manila for 2nd year term in Ateneo

This time, he boarded inside Intramuros at no. 6 Magallanes Street.

Donya Pepay – landlady who was an old widow and had a widowed daughter and 4 sons

2nd Year in Ateneo (1873-74)

Rizal lost the leadership but he repented and even studied harder, once more he became
emperor. He recieved excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal.

He had 3 classmates from Binyan who had also been his classmates in the school of Justinia no.

Prophecy of Mother’s Release

Donya Teodora told her son of her dream the previous night. Rizal, interpreting the dream, told
her that she would released from prison in 3 months time. It became true.

Donya Teodora likened her son to the youthful Joseph in the Bible in his ability to interpret
dreams.

Teenage Interest in Reading

The “Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas – Jose Rizal’s first favorite novel.

Also read non-fiction, Cesar Contu’s historical work Universal History.

He also read Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor Jogor. In this book, he foretold that
someday Spain would lose the Philippines and that America would come to succeed here as
colonizer.

3rd Year in Ateneo (1874-75)

Shortly after the opening of classes, his mother was released from prison.

Rizal did not make excellent showing in his studies.

He failed to win the medal in Spanish because his spoken was not fluently sonorous.

4th Year in Ateneo (1875-76)

June 16 1875 – he became an Interno in Ateneo

Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez – inspired him to study harder and write poetry. Rizal describe
him as “model of uprightness, and love for the advancement of his pupils”.

He returned to Calamba with 5 medals and excellent ratings.

Last Year in Ateneo (1876-77)

June 1876 – Last year of Rizal in Ateneo.

The most brilliant Atenean of his time, “the pride of the Jesuits”.

Obtained the highest grades in all subjects.

Graduation with Highest Honors

Excellent scholastic records from 1872-1877.

March 23, 1877, 16 years old Rizal received from his Alma Mater the degree of Bachelor of
Arts with Highest Honors.

Extra – Curricular Activities

An Emperor inside the classroom and campus leader outside.

Secretary of the Marian Congregation.

Member of Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Science.

Studied painting under the famous Spanish Agustin Saez.

Studied Sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus, noted Filipino sculptor.

Engage in gymnastics and fencing.

Fr. Jose Villaclara adviced him to stop communing with the muses and pay more attention to
practical studies such as philosophy and natural science.

Sculptural Works in Ateneo

Carved an image of the virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine Hardwood).

Fr, Lleonart requested him to carve an image of the sacred Heart of Jesus, Ateneo students
placed the image on the door of dormitory and remained there for many years.

Anecdotes on Rizal, the Atenean

Felix M. Romas – one of Rizal’s contemporaries in Ateneo.

Manuel Xerex Burgos – whose house Rizal boarded shortly before he became an interno.

Poems Written in Ateneo

“Mi Primira Inspiracion” (My First Inspiration) – first poem wrote for his mother’s birthday.

In 1875, inspired by Fr. Sanchez, he wrote more poems such as:

Filicitacion (Felicitation)
El Emborque: Himno a La Flota de Magallanes (The Departure Hymn to Magellan’s fleet).

3. Y Es Espanol: Elcano, el Primero an dar la Vuella al Mundo (And he is Spanish: Elcano, the
first to circumnavigate the world)

4. El Cambate: Urbiztondo Terror de Jolo (The battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo).

In 1876, Rizal wrote poems on various topics:

Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In memory of my town)

Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y La Buena Educacion (Intimate Alliance Between Religio n
and Good Education)

3. Por La Educacion Recibe Lustre La Patria (Through Education the Country Receives Light)

4. El Cultivero y el Triumfo: Batalla de Lucena y Prision dde Boabdil (The captivity and the
Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil).

5. La Entrada Truinfal de Los Reyes Catolices en Granada (The Triumphal Entry of the
Catholic Monarches into Granda).

A year later in 1877 he wrote more poems:

El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of Columbus)

Colon y Juan II (Columbus and Juan II)

Gran Consuelo en La Mayor Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune)

Un Dialogo Alusivo a La Despedida de Los Colegiales (A farewell Dailogue of the Students)

Rizal’s Religious Poems

Al Nino Jesus (To the Child Jesus) – a brief ade, written in 1875 when he was 14 years old.

A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary)

Dramatic Work in Ateneo

Fr. Sanchez his favorite teacher, ask him to write a drama based on the prose story of St.
Eustace the Martyr.

Summer 1876 in Calamba – he wrote the religious drama in Poetic verses.

June 2, 1876 – finished the manuscript

He submitted the finished manuscript entitled “Son Eustracio, Martir” (St. Eustace, the Martyr)
to Fr. Sanchez in his last academic year in Ataneo.

First Romance of Rizal

16 years old – Rizal experienced his first romance.

Segunda Katigbak – a pretty 14 years old Batanguena from Lipa, sister of his friend Mariano
Katigbak.

His sister Olimpia was a close friend of Segunda in La Concordia College.

Segunda was already engaged to Manuel Luz. His first romance was ruined by his own shyness
and reserve.

Segunda returned to Lipa and later married Manuel Luz. Rizal remained in Calamba, a
frustrated Lover, cherishing nostalgic memories of lost love.

But through this tragedy, Rizal became wiser in the path of love.

CHAPTER 5 – AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

MOTHER’S OPPOSITION TO HIGHER EDUCATION

 After graduating with the highest honors from the Ateneo, Rizal had to go to the
University of Santo Tomas for higher studies. The Bachelor of Arts course during
Spanish times was equivalent only to the high school and junior college courses today.
It merely qualified its graduate to enter a university.

 Both Don Francisco and Paciano wanted Jose to pursue higher learning in the univers ity.
But Dona Teodora, who knew what happened to Gom-Bur-Za, vigorously opposed the
idea 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. Don Francisco kept quiet and told
Paciano to accompany his younger brother to Manila, despite their mother's tears.

 Jose Rizal himself was surprised why his mother, who was a woman of education and
culture, should object to his desire for a university education. Years later he wrote in
his journal: Did my mother perhaps have a foreboding of what would happen to me?
Does a mother's heart really have a second sight?

RIZAL ENTERS THE UNIVERSITY

 In April 1877, Rizal who was then nearly 16 years old, matriculated in the Univers ity
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.

 He had written to Father Pablo Ramon, Rector of the Ateneo, who had been good to
him during his student days in that college, asking for advice on the choice of career.
But the Father Rector was then in Mindanao so that he was unable to advise Rizal.
 Consequently, during his first-year term (1877-78) in the University of Santo Tomas,
Rizal studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of Philosophy.

 It was during the following term (1878-79) that Rizal, having received the Ateneo
Rector's advice to study medicine, took up the medical course, enrolling simultaneo us ly
in the preparatory medical course and the regular first year medical course. Another
reason why he chose medicine for a career was to be able to cure his mother's growing
blindness.

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). In those days, it should be remembered, the colleges for
boys in Manila offered vocational courses in agriculture, commerce, mechanics, and
surveying.

 Rizal, as usual, excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in the Ateneo, 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.

 Although Rizal was then a Thomasian, he frequently visited the Ateneo. It was due not
only to his surveying course, but more because of his loyalty to the Ateneo, where he
had so many beautiful memories and whose Jesuit professors, unlike the Dominic a ns,
loved him and inspired him to ascend to greater heights of knowledge. 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. He
also continued his membership in the Marian Congregation, of which he was the
secretary.

ROMANCES WITH OTHER GIRLS

 Notwithstanding his academic studies in the University of Santo Tomas and extra-
curricular activities in the Ateneo, Rizal had ample time for love. He was a romantic
dreamer who liked to sip the nectar of love. His sad experience with his first love had
made him wiser in the ways of romance.

 Shortly after losing Segunda Katigbak, he paid court to a young woman in Calamba. In
his student memoirs, he called her simply Miss L, describing her as fair with seductive
and attractive eyes. After visiting her in her house several times, he suddenly stopped
his wooing, and the romance died a natural death. Nobody today knows who this
woman was. Rizal himself did not give her name. Hence, her identity is lost to history.
However, 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.

 Several months later, during his sophomore year at the University of Santo Tomas, he
boarded in the house of Doña Concha Leyva in Intramuros. The next-door neighbors of
Doña Concha were Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela from Pagsanjan,
Laguna, who had a charming daughter named Leonor.

 Rizal, the medical student from Calamba, was a welcome visitor in the Valenzue la
home, where he was the life of the social parties because of his clever sleight-of- ha nd
tricks. He courted Leonor Valenzuela, who was a tall girl with a regal bearing. He sent
her love notes written in invisible ink. This ink consisted of common table salt and
water. It left no trace on the paper. Rizal, who knew his chemistry, taught Orang (pet
name of Leonor Valenzuela) the secret of reading any note written in the invisible ink
by heating it over a candle or lamp so that the words may appear. 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. In 1879, at the start of his junior year at the university, he lived in Casa
Tomasina, at No. 6 Calle Santo Tomas, Intramuros. His landlord-uncle, Antonio Rivera
had a pretty daughter, Leonor, a student at La Concordia College, where Soledad
(Rizal's youngest sister) was then studying. 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.

VICTIMS OF SPANISH OFFICER’S BRUTALITY

 When Rizal was a freshman medical student at the University of Santo Tomas, he
experienced his first taste of Spanish brutality. One dark night in Calamba, during the
summer vacation in 1878, he was walking in the street. He deeply perceived the figure
of a man while passing him. Not knowing the person due to darkness, he did not salute
nor say a courteous “Good Evening”. The vague figure turned out to be lieutenant of
the Guardian Civil. With a snarl, he turned about Rizal, whipped out his sword and
brutally slashed the latter on the back.

 The wound was not serious, but it was painful. When he recovered, Rizal reported the
incident to General Primo de Revera, the Spanish governor general of the Philipp ines
at the time. But nothing came out of his complaint, because he was an Indio and the
abusive lieutenant was a Spaniard. Later in a letter to Blumentritt, dated March 21, 1887,
he related; “I went to Captain-General but I could not obtain justice, my wound lasted
two weeks”.

TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

  In the year 1879 the Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary-Lyceum) of Manila, a
society of literary men and artists held a literary contest. It offered a prize for the best
poem by a native or a mestizo. Rizal, who was then eighteen years old, submitted his
poem entitled A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth).

 The Board of Judges, composed of Spaniards, was impressed by Rizal’s poem and gave
it the first prize which consisted of a silver pen, feather-shaped and decorated with gold
ribbon. Young Rizal was happy to win the poetry contest. He was sincerely
congratulated by the Jesuits, especially his former professors at the Ateneo, and by his
friends and relatives.

 The prize-winning poem, A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth), is an

inspiring poem of flawless form. In exquisite verses, Rizal beseeched the Filipino youth
to rise from lethargy 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”.

THE COUNCIL OF THE GODS (1880)

 The following year (1880) the Artistic-Literary-Lyceum opened another literary contest
to commemorate the fourth centennial of the of Cervantes, Spain’s glorified man-of-
letters and famous author of Don Quixote. This time the contest was opened to both
Filipinos and Spaniards.

 Many writers participated in the contest – priests, news-paperman, scholars and

professors. Rizal, inspired by his poetical triumph the previous year, entered the literary
joust, submitting an allegorical dram entitled El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of
the Gods).

 The judges of the contest were all Spaniards. After a long and critical appraisal of the
entries they awarded the first prize to Rizal’s work because of its literary superiority
over the others. The Spanish community in Manila, spear-headed by the Spanish press,
howled in great indignation against the decision because the winning author was an
Indio. Despite all objections, the prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was
engraved the bust of Cervantes. A Spanish writer, D. del Puzo, won the second prize.

 For the first time in history, an Indio - a nineteen-year old Filipino medical student at
that - excelled in a national literary contest, defeating several Spanish writers of his
time in Manila. Rizal was particularly happy. for he proved the fallacy of the alleged
Spanish superiority over the Filipinos and revealed that the Filipino could hold his own
in fair competition against all races.

 The winning allegory of Rizal was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics.
In writing it, Rizal, although a student of the University of Santo Tomas, was aided by
 the kind Father Rector of the Ateneo in securing the needed reference materials. The
allegory established a parallel among Homer, Virgil, and Cervantes.

 The gods discuss the comparative merits of these great writers and finally decide to
give the trumpet to Homer, the lyre to Virgil, and the laurel to Cervantes. The allegory
gloriously done with the naiads, nymphs, satyrs, and the mythological characters
dancing and gathering laurels for Cervantes.

OTHER LITERARY WORKS

 Aside from the two prize-winning works mentioned above, Rizal, although studying
medicine, produced other poems and a zarzuela, this zarzuela was Junto al Pasig
(Beside the Pasig), which was staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880, on the
occasion of the annual celebration of the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception,
Patroness of the Ateneo. He wrote it as President of the Academy of Spanish Literature
in the Ateneo.

 As a piece of literature Junto al Pasig is mediocre. But there are passages in it which
express in subtle satire the author's nationalist ideas. For instance, Rizal makes Satan
say that the Philippines –
 “Now without comfort,
 Sadly groans in the power of a foreign people,
 And slowly dies
 In the impious clutch of Spain”.

 In the same year (1880), he wrote a sonnet entitled A Filipinas for the album of the
Society of Sculptors. In this sonnet, he urged all Filipino artists to glorify the
Philippines.

 The year before, in 1879, he composed a poem entitled Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma, which
was declaimed by an Atenean, Manuel Fernandez, on the night of December 8, 1879 in
honor of the Ateneo Patroness.

 Later, in 1881, he composed a poem entitled Al M.R. Pablo Ramon. He wrote this poem
as an expression of affection to Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo rector, who had been
so kind and helpful to him.

RIZAL’S VISIT TO PAKIL AND PAGSANJAN

 In the summer month of May, 1881, when he was still a medical student at the
University of Santo Tomas, 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.
  They took a casco (flat-bottom sailing vessel) from Calamba to Pakil, Laguna, and
stayed at the home of Mrs. and Mr. Manuel Regalado, whose son Nicolas was Rizal's
friend in Manila.

 Rizal and his companions were fascinated by the famous turumba, the people dancing
in the streets during the procession in honor of the miraculous Birhen Maria de los
Dolores.

 In Pakil Rizal was infatuated by a pretty girl colegiala, Vicenta Ybardolaza, who
skillfully played the harp at the Regalado home. From Pakil, Rizal and his party made
a side trip to the neighboring town of Pagsanjan for two reasons - it was the native town
of Leonor Valenzuela, one of Rizal's girl friends in Manila, and to see the world famed
Pagsanjan Falls.

 Years later Rizal mentioned the Turumba in Chapter VI of Noli Me Tangere and
Pagsanjan Falls in his travel diary (United States - Saturday, May 12, 1888), where he
said that Niagara Falls was the “greatest cascades I ever saw” but “not so beautiful nor
fine as the falls at Los Banos, (sic) Pagsanjan”.

CHAMPION OF THE FILIPINO STUDENTS

 Rizal was the champion of the Filipino students in their frequent fights against the
arrogant Spanish students, who were often surpassed by the Filipinos in class work and
who insultingly called their brown classmates – “Indio, chongo!” In retaliation, the
Filipino students called them “Kastila, bangus!” Hostility between these two groups of
students often exploded in angry street rumbles.

 Rizal participated in these student brawls. Owing to his skill in fencing, his prowess in
wrestling, and his indomitable courage, he distinguished himself in these student
skirmishes. In 1880 he founded a secret society of Filipino students in the Univers ity
of Santo Tomas called Compañerismo (Comradeship), whose members were called
“Companions of Jehu”, after the valiant Hebrew general who fought the Armaeans and
ruled the Kingdom of Israel for 28 years (843-816 B) He was the chief of this secret
student society, with his cousin from Batangas, Galicano Apacible, an secretary. As
chief, he led the Filipino students into combat against the Spanish students in various
Street fights.

 In one of the fierce encounters between the Filipino students and their pale-skinned
detractors near the Escolta in Manila, Rizal was wounded on the head. His friends
brought him bleeding and covered with dust to his boarding house, “Casa Tomasina, ”
Leonor Rivera tenderly washed and dressed his wound

UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST

  Rizal, Ateneo's boy wonder, found the atmosphere at the University of Santo Tomas
suffocating to his sensitive spirit. He 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.

DECISION TO STUDY ABROAD

 After finishing the fourth year of his medical course, Rizal decided to study in Spain.
He could no longer endure the rampant bigotry, discrimination, and hostility in the
University of Santo Tomas. His older brother readily approved his going to Spain and
so did his two sisters Saturnina (Neneng) and Lucia, Uncle Antonio Rivera, the
Valenzuela family, and some friends.

 For the first time, Rizal did not seek his parent’s permission and blessings to go abroad,
because he knew that they, especially his mother, would disapproved it. He did not
bring his beloved Leonor into his confidence either. He had enough common sense to
know that Leonor, being a woman, young and romantic at that, could not keep a secret.
Thus, Rizal’s parents, Leonor, and the Spanish authorities knew nothing of his decision
to go abroad in order to finish his medical studies in Spain, where the professors were
more liberal than those of the University of Santo Tomas.

CHAPTER 6: THE FIRST TRIP TO EUROPE

THE DEPARTURE

In Sunny Spain (1882-1885)

Jose Rizal finished his medical course in the University of Santo Tomas. Then he decided to
complete his studies in Spain due to the radical prejudice of Dominican Professors against
Filipino Students. Aside from this ostensible reason, he had a “Secret Mission”, which was
more important than finishing his studies.

Rizal’s Secret Mission

The secret mission of Rizal is to observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs,
industries and commerce, and government laws of European nation in order to prepare himse lf
in the mighty task of liberating his fellow- men. His mission was approved by his older brother
Paciano, Rizal leave without permission and blessing from his parents.

Secret Departure for Spain

The departure of Rizal was kept secret to avoid the detection by the Spanish authorities and the
friars, even his own parents.

Person who the secret departure of Rizal

 1. His brother Paciano Rizal
2. Ateneo Jesuit fathers Paciano
3. Antonio Rivera (his uncle; father of Leonor Rivera)
4. Neneng and Lucia (his Sister)
5. Valenzuela Family (Captain Juan and Capitana Sunday and their daughter Orang)
6. Pedro A. Paterno
7. Mateo Evangelista (his Compadre)
8. The Ateneo Jesuit Priests
9. Some intimate friends, including Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio)

Jose Mercado- the name of his cousin from Biñan he used as his name.

May 1, 1882

Paciano woke him up at dawn to go Binan and thence to manila. He called his servants
to hire a carromata to transport him to the next town. Paciano gave 356 Mexican pesos, the
legal tender then in the Philippines. He did not bid goodbye to his six sisters who were still
sleeping. He took a cup of coffee and kissed the hand of his parents who thought that he was
only bound for Manila, not for abroad.

The carromata arrived and the brothers went to the house of their sister Neneng
(saturnine), wife of Manuel Hidalgo to pick up a diamond ring which she had promised Jose,
but since she was still asleep, they decided to proceed to the house of Lucia, wife of Mariano
Herbosa, who was already awake.

After having change carromatas twice, they arrived in Manila. There they went to see
Jose Ma. Cecilo, a great friend and confidante of Rizal in his love affairs who informed him
that his passport would be ready that same day, as indeed it was. His uncle Antonio arrived
with the passport. The passport bore the name Jose Mercado.

May 2, 1882

He rose early. At 7 am his compadre (Mateo Evangeista) arrived, and together they
went to see the Salvadora which was anchored at the Pasig. In the afternoon, he attended to his
obligations, he went to say goodbye to Pedro A. Peterno who gave him a letter for Mr. Esquive l,
an important Filipino resident in Spain. After this he went to take leave fro, the Jesuit who gave
him letter of introduction for their boarding house in Spain.

The many visits that made that day are proofs that there was nothing secret about his
trip; it was a secret only to his parents. What was kept secret was the motive of the journey.

On May3, 1882

He woke up at 5 am, he heard mass; later had breakfast but could not eat well owing to his
emotional state.
 Rizal departed on board the Spanish steamer Salvadora bound for Singapore. With tears in his
eyes and gloom in his heard, he gazed the receding skyline in manila. He then took his pencil
and paper and sketched it as vanished in view.

During the voyage,

16 passengers – 5 0r 6 ladies, many children, and the rest were gentlemen.

Rizal observed the he is the only Filipino on the ship.

The ship captain, Donato Lecha, from Asturias, Spain, befriend him.

May 8, 1882- Rizal saw a beautiful island, fascinated by its scenic beauty. He remember “Talim
Island with the Susong Dalaga”

CHESS - the game played with his fellow passengers who were much older than him. This
will relieve his tedious boredom of the sea voyage.

MESEILLEISE - the song that he liked while he was on the ship

On May 9, 1882,

The Ship docked at Singapore.

• Rizal landed in Singapore and registered at the hotel. He spent two days on a sightsee ing
soiree of the city which was a colony of England.

• He saw the famous Botanical Garden, the beautiful Buddhist temple, the busy shopping

district, and the statute of Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles (founder of Singapore).

From Singapore to Colombo

Rizal transferred to ship

After days of staying in Singapore, Rizal boarded the ship Djemnah, which was a French
steamer and left Singapore for Europe on May 11 1882. On May 17, Djemnah reach Point
Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Rizal was unimpressed by his town.

“The general appearance of point is picturestic but lonely and quiet and at the same time sad”
The following day, Djemnah resume the voyage, after a few hours of sailing, they reach
Colombo, the capital of Ceylon on the same day. Rizal was amazed by Colombo because of
the scenic view and elegant building.

First Trip through Suez Canal (Sailing to Europe)

Suez Canals- took 5 days to traverse the canal.

Was built by Ferdinand De Lesseps (French Diplomatic Engr.) it was inaugurated on

November 17, 1869.
May 26 – Rizal saw the coast of Africa. He called this as “an inhospitable land but famous”

Aden – stopover, city hotter than manila; Rizal was amused to see the camels, for the first time.

City of Suez- the Red Sea terminal of the Suez Canal

*Rizal was impress in the beautiful moonlight which reminded him of the Calamba and his
family.

Naples and Marseilles

From Port Said, the Djemnah proceeded on its way to Europe. On June 11, Rizal reached
Naples the Italian City. Rizal was fascinated by MOUNT VESUVIUS and CASTLE OF ST.
ELMO.

On the night of June 12, the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marsielles. He stayed two
and a half day in Marsielles, he visited the famous Chateau d’lf, where Dantes, hero of “The
Count of Monte Cristo” was imprisoned.

Barcelona

On the afternoon of May 15, Rizal left Marseilles by train; he crossed the Pyrences and stopped
for a day at Port Bou. After the passport inspection at Port Bou,

on June 16, 1882 (at Barcelona).

Rizal’s first impression of Barcelona was unfavorable; he found out that the people were open-
hearted, hospitable, and courageous.

PLAZA DE CATALUÑA–the place where a welcome party for Rizal was made by Rizal’s
schoolmates at Ateneo.

BARCELONA; the greatest city of CATALUÑA and Spain’s 2nd largest city.

Amor Patria

 Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled “Amor Patria” (Love of Country),

 The first article written on Spanish’s soil. He sent the article to Basilio Teodoro Moran,
publisher of Diaryong Tagalog, under his pen-name Laong Laan. Amor Patria appeared
on the newspaper on August 20, 1882, with tagalong version translated by M.H. Del
Pilar. Rizal wrote again for Diaryong Tagalog; Los Viajes (Travels), Revisita de Madrid
(Review of Madrid), unfortunately Diaryong Tagalog had ceased publication for lack
of funds.

Rizal Moves to Madrid

Sad news, on September 15, 1882, Rizal received a letter from Paciano, according to the letter,
Philippines was ravaging by epidemic. Another sad news from Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio,
intimate friend), Leonora Rivera was began to be unhappy because of the absence of Rizal. In
one of his letters (dated May 26, 1882) Paciano adviced Rizal to finish his medical course in
Madrid, therefore, Rizal establish himself to Madrid.

CHAPTER 7: RIZAL IN SPAIN, FRANCE, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND

ITALY

RIZAL IN BARCELONA

Barcelona, the greatest city of Cataluña and Spain’s second largest city was also the site of the
1992 Olympics where Jose Rizal first stayed. He had an unfavorable impression of this city
because he thought it was ugly with dirty little inns and inhospitable people, but later he
changed his impression and come to like the city.

He met fellow Filipinos; some were his classmates from the Ateneo. They gave him a party
and in return, he gave them the latest news and gossips in the Philippines. It was Barcelona
where Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled “Amor Patrio” (love of country), and gave it to
his friend, Basilio Moran, the publisher of Diariong Tagalog on August 20, 1882.

RIZAL IN MADRID

From Barcelona, Rizal moved to Madrid, the capital of Spain. On November 3, 1882, Rizal
enrolled in two courses, Medicine and Philosophy and Letters in the Universidad Central de
Madrid (Central University of Madrid0. He also studied painting and sculpture in the Academy
of Fine Arts and took lessons in French, German, and English. He attended operas and concerts
to improve his knowledge on music. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable despite he had 700
pesos given to him by Paciano and allowed himself to spend 35 pesos a month for food, and
clothing. Since it was cold in Spain, Rizal took baths less often. Baths were also drain on the
pocket since they cost 35 centavo each. Rizal once bragged that his last bath was a month ago.
He spent his money wisely and never on wine and women. His only extravagance was the
Spanish Lottery wherein he could spend three pesetas a draw.

Jose Rizal sometimes spent his time visiting the home of Don Pablo Ortiga, a former liberal-
minded Spanish Civil Governor of Manila, where Rizal met his two daughter, Pilar and
Consuelo. It was Consuelo who again awakened the lonely heart of Rizal. On August 23, 1883,
Rizal wrote the poem “a La Senorita” which was dedicated to Consuelo. With great will power,
Rizal did not allow the romance to blossom because he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera and
his friend Eduardo de Lete was deeply in love with Consuelo. In the same summer of 1883, he
left Madrid for Paris to forget Consuelo. She later married de Lete who later become Rizal’s
secret enemy.

While in Madrid, Jose Rizal Joined the Circulo Hispana-Filipino. Upon the request of members,
he wrote the poem entitled “Me Piden Versos” (You Ask Me For) which he declaimed during
the New Year’s Eve reception of Filipinos in Madrid. Inevitable politics became an active
discussion of the group centering on the need for reforms in the Philippines. Rizal become an
active discussant. In later years, conservative elements in Circulo distanced themselves from
the group which eventually faded away. Rizal spent his past-time reading books until midnight.
He bought books and two of his favorite books were Uncle Tom’s Cabin and The Wandering
Jew.

Entry Into Freemasonry

Many of the liberal and republican minded people whom Rizal met and befriended in Madrid
were masons. Freemasonry is outlawed by the church because its beliefs are contrary to its
doctrines. Members of masonic organizations are considered sinners and are obliged to retract
before they could receive any of the sacraments. If they die, they are denied Cristian burial and
they are buried in non-Catholic cemeteries. Rizal was impressed by the mason’s outlook in lie
and adopted their view of knowledge should be achieved by the light of reason and the univer sa l
brotherhood of men. The mason’s attacked the church for what they believed its promotion of
religious superstition and obscurantism or hiding the truth behind the veil of religion.

Government policies which uphold despotism were also attacked. Rizal entered the
freemasonry in 1883 through the Lodge Acacia which was based in Madrid. His masonic name
was Dimasalang (ungraspable). He joined the masonry because he opposed the practices of the
many friars in the Philippines. He believed in the principles of the brotherhood was fighting
for and also because he needed the support of fellow masons who were prominent in Spanish
society. Since he joined the freemasonry, he stopped going to church regularly and began to
challenge matters concerning faith, God and religion preferring to know these only by light of
reason. His faith in the existence of God nevertheless remained firmly entrenched in his deepest
beliefs as seen in his writings and letters.

Rizal moved up the ranks of the freemasonry and become a master at the Lodge Solidaridad on
November 15,1890. Two years later while staying in Paris, he become the master of Le Grand
Orient France on February 15,1892.

Rizal Family Condition in Calamba

While in Spain, Rizal’s family in Calamba underwent a financial crisis. In 1883, the world
price of sugar plummeted and the sugar was left unsold. The rent of the land went up that year.
Compounding the problem was that the manager of the Dominican state made life more
difficult for the Rizal’s family. According to Rizal’s story, the manager usually dropped by to
ask for free fat turkey from his father. That year, a pest killed most of the turkeys and the one’s
left are kept for breeding. There was no turkey to give away that year. The manager was
dismayed at his father and because of this, he refused to give consideration and insisted that
Rizal’s family pay the increased rate. As a result of the economic difficulty, Rizal’s allowance
was decreased and Paciano had to sell his pony for his brother’s allowance. Rizal felt the effects
of the crisis far away in Spain. He attended his classes without eating and earned some money
by working as a private tutor for rich students.

Rizal Speech that Attracted the Attention of Reactionary Spaniards in the Philippines

On June 25, 1884, Rizal entered a contest in Greek in the university. He has not eaten a bite
that morning as he was practically penniless. Despite the predicament, he won a prize. On the
evening of the same day, he delivered an eloquent speech at a banquet praising Filipino painters
Juan Luna and Felix Ressureccion Hidalgo who won top prizes at the National Exposition of
Fine Arts.

Juan Luna won the first or his La Spoliarium which depicted the corpes of dead Roman
gladiators being dragged out under the bowels of the coliseum while Hidalgo garnered the
second prize for his Virgenes Critianas Expuesta al Populacho (Christian Virgins Exposed to
the Populace). Rizal’s speech was his first before a public audience. Talking extemporaneous ly,
he said that Luna and Hidalgo are pride of the Filipino People and it showed that genius is not
the monopoly of every race. Near the end of his speech, Rizal scored with refined sarcasm the
ill-wishes of Filipinos who were emerging as an intellectual force. In the end, Rizal voiced
hope that Spain will someday grant the reforms needed by the Filipinos. At the end of his
speech, he offered the toast to Luna and Hidalgo to which there was a thunderous applause.

The speech of Rizal was mentioned in the newspaper El Liberal and the news about this even
reached the Philippines. Some Filipinos were not pleased because they said that Rizal made
enemies and they said that he would never return to Philippines. Dona Teodora was filled with
anxiety and she was not able to eat for some days. She fell ill and Paciano wrote to Rizal about
the effects of his tribute to the Filipino Painters. He cautioned him to be more careful in his
actions. He warned him to stop writing articles that might offend the friars and other reactionary
Spaniards and that he should not fail in his Cristian duties and finally Dona Teodora told her
son to stop pursuing studies that might lead to his ruin. Rizal heeded these warning but
continued on with his lie as if it was drawn by destiny.

On June 21, 1884, Rizal completed his medical studies and was given the title Lincenciado en
Medicina (Licentiate in Medicine) which would enable him to practice medicine. He continued
doctorate but was not awarded the degree for failing to present his thesis required or graduation.

NOTE: The name Dr. Rizal is actually a misnomer since he was never awarded the title doctor.
Also, the Failure to pay corresponding fees reflected Rizal’s financial difficulties at that time.
It was though the help of his friend Maximo Viola who lent him money Rizal was able to secure
his certificate and practice medicine.

On June 19, 1885, his 24th birthday, he finished studies in Philosophy and Letters and was able
to obtain the degree. This degree enables him to serve as professor of humanities in any Spanish
University but he decided to improved his training in medicine by specializing in
ophthalmology by working as an assistant of Dr. Louis de Weckert.

RIZAL IN PARIS, CAPITAL OF FRANCE

During the summer vacation, Rizal went to Paris and stayed there from June 17, to August 20,
1883. Like all tourist, Rizal was attracted by the beautiful sights of Paris. He visited important
landmarks like the place de la Concorde, Arch of Triumph, Bois de Bouloge, the Madeline
Church and others.
Rizal spend his hour visiting museums, botanical gardens, art galleries and hospitals. Prices of
food, drinks, theater, laundry, hotels and transportation were too high. He even mistaken as a
Japanese.

When Rizal return to Madrid, he completed his medical course and was conferred the degree
of Licentiate in medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid, but could not be given his
diploma because he could not present his thesis. He also completed his studies and obtained
the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letter and was qualified to become a professor in
Humanities in any Spanish University.

After his studies in Spain, he went back to Paris. He was 24 years old and already a physicia n.
It was Paris where Rizal worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert, a leading French
ophthalmologist. Under his tutelage, he rapidly improved his knowledge on ophthalmology.

RIZAL IN GERMANY

From Paris, on February 1, 1886, Rizal left for Germany. On February 3, 1886, he arrived in
Heidelberg, a heroic city in Germany famous for its university and romantic surroundings.
While in Heidelberg, Rizal worked at the University Eye Hospital under the direction of Dr.
Otto Becker, a distinguished German Ophthalmologist. During weekend, Rizal visited the
scenic spots including the famous Heidelberg Castle.

To save money, he lived in a boarding house with some German law students. He quickly got
acquaintance with them, befriended them and was playing chess. His board mates
recommended him to be a member of a chess player club. He took time to attend lectures at
University of Heidelberg which during his stay was commemorating its fifth centenary.

Rizal was enamored by his peaceful surrounding and did sketches of whatever he saw and on
April 22, 1886 a fine poem “A las Flores de Heidelberg” (to the flowers of Heidelberg) which
was inspired by the blooming flowers of the university city along Neckar River. He also took
note of how the German lived and what the secret of their prosperity after having just united as
nation in 1871. On July 31, 1886, Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Prof. Ferdinand
Blumentritt in Austria. Blumentritt answered the letter and sent two books and that was the
beginning of a beautiful friendship that lasted all their lives.

Later, he boarded in the house of Karl Ulmer, a protestant minister with whom he become good
friends. Though being a mason at that time, Rizal commented that Catholicism was better than
Protestantism.

He took advantage of his stay in Germany being the center of scientific research. He went to
Leipzig, Dresden and Berlin which are famed for their universities which date back to the
Middle Ages. He managed to meet Fredrich Ratzel, a German historian in Leipzig. There, he
translated Schiller’s William Tell to Tagalog. Through the help of Blumentritt, Rizal was
introduced to Feodor Jagor and Hans Virchow who were both anthropologist and doing studies
on Philippine culture. In dealing with these two respectable personalities, Rizal had to master
the German Language. His facility in the language fascinated his new friends. He managed to
write a scholarly paper entitled Tagalische Verkunst or Tagalog Metrical Art.
On August 09, 1886, Rizal left Heidelberg and proceeded to Leipzig, and on November 1 to
Berlin. Rizal was enchanted by Berlin because of its scientific atmosphere and the absence of
racial prejudice. In Berlin, Rizal lived a frugal life.

He lived in poverty there because no money arrived from Calamba. He ate only one meal a day
consisted of bread and water. His health broke down due to lack of proper nourishment. He
began to cough and feared he was going to be sick with tuberculosis.

Rizal kept himself ever busy working as doctor’s assistant by day and attending lectures at the
University of Berlin at night. He took lessons in French. It was Berlin where he finished his
novel Noli Me Tangere and found the proper printing, the Berliner-Bruckurie-Ac tio n
Gesselchaft, to have it published. Meanwhile, Rizal lived on a very tight budget. His allowance
from the Philippines did not arrive because of the attack of locust in Calamba. His novel was
published if not Dr. Maximo Viola who visited him in Berlin. Viola paid for the cost of the
publication of the novel and also had Rizal’s health looked into because he was coughing blood.
The physical examination showed that it was due to Rizal’s more than frugal way of living.
Later, Rizal and Viola agreed to have a grand tour in Europe. They visited Blumentritt in his
hometown in Leitmeritz from May 13 to 17, 1887: later to Brunn and Progue, in what now the
Czech Republic, then to Vienna to Lintz and Salzburg in Austria. They went back to Germany
where they have visited Munich and Ulm before crossing to Switzerland.

RIZAL IN SWITZERLAND

From Germany, Rizal crossed the frontier to Switzerland. He stayed in the city of Lausanne
with his companion, Dr. Maximo Viola from June 2-3, 1887. They continued their tour until
they reached Berne and later to Geneva, a Swiss city and one of the beautiful cities in Europe.
Aside from visiting tourist spots, Rizal and Viola went boating on the lake.

Rizal and Viola spent fifteen delightful days in Geneva. In June 23, they parted ways. Viola
returned to Barcelona, while Rizal continued the tour to Italy

RIZAL IN ITALY

From Geneva, Rizal went to Italy. He visited Turin, Milan, Venice, and Florence. On June 27,
1887, he reached Rome, the capital city of Italy. On June 29, Rizal visited for the first time the
Vatican. He was impressed by the magnificent edifices, particularly that of St. Peter’s Basilica,
the St. Peter’s square and even the colorful guards. After a week of wonderful journey in Rome,
he prepared to return to the Philippines he had already written to his father that he was coming
home. He left for Marseilles, France then boarded a steamer bound or the Philippines.

CHAPTER 8: THE FIRST HOME COMING (1887-1888)

August 5, 1887- Rizal returned returned to the Philippines and practiced medicine in Calamba.
Rizal’s reasons why he returned:

To cure his mother’s eyes

To serve his people who have been oppressed by the spaniards for a long time.

To find out how the noli and his other writng are affecting the filipinos and the spaniards in the
country.

To find out why leonora stayed silent.

August 8, Rizal returned to calamba, his family was happy that he is home but also worried for
his safety.

Being worried for Rizal’s safety, Paciano did not leave him to protect him from any enemy
assault.

Rizal esatablished a medical clinic in calamba, and his first patient is his mother.

The people called him “doctor ulliman” because he came from germany, treated their ailments
nd soon be acquired a lucrative medical practice.

Within a month he earned 900 pesos and by february 1888, he earned 5,000 pesos.

THE STORM OVER NOLI

A few weeks after his arrival, a storm broke over his novel noli. He received a letter from
governor-general Terrero requesting him to go to malacanang because he heard that noli
contained subversive ideas.

Rizal explained that he merely exposed the truth but he did not advocate subversive ideas.

THE SECOND TRAVEL OF RIZAL (1888-1892)

February 3, 1888- For the safety of his family and friends rizal was forced to leave his country
for the second time. Rizal left for hongkong on board with the Zafiro.

February 7, 1888- The steamer made a brief stopover at Amoy.

February 8, 1888- Rizal arrived at hongkong he stayed at victoria Hotel where he was
welcomed by filipino residents like Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriate.

February 18, 1888- Rizal and Basa went to Macau. They boarded the steamer Ku-Kiang. They
stayed at the house of Don Juan Francisco, they visited the theater, casino, cathedral, churches,
pagodas, botanical gardens, and bazaars.
February 20, 1888- After two days sojourn in macau, they returned to hongkong on board again
on the Ku-Kiang.

February 21, 1888- While on hongkong, Jose Sainz de Varonda, a spaniard was commissio ned
to spy on Rizal.

JAPAN

February 22, 1888- Rizal left hongkong alone on board the Oceanic, America Steamer on board
to Japan.

February 28, 1888- Rizal arrived at Yokhama and registered at The Grand Hotel.

February 29, 1888- Rizal proceeded to Tokyo and took a room at Tokyo Hotel where he stayed
for 6 days, To him Japan was the “Land of Cherry Blossoms” because of its natural beauty and
the charming manner of the japanese people.

Rizal was embarrased during his first day on japan because he didn’t know how to speak
japanese language so he decided to study and learn the japanese language and after a few days
he was able to speak it. Rizal also studied Kabuki, visited museum, art galleries, and villages.

Rizal met Seiko Usui that served as his guide, interpreter, and tutor. Rizal calls him O -sei-san.

April 13, 1888- Rizal boarded the Belgic an english steamer bound to United States. Rizal was
sad leaving japan because he will never see beloved O-Sei-San and the beautiful land again.

On the board he met Techo Suchero a japanese passenger and a newspaperman whowas jailed
in his country for articles and principles, and he was exiled.

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC- USA

April 28, 1888- Rizal and Techo arrived at San Francisco Port on Saturday morning but all
passengers was placed under quarantine because the ship came from the far east where cholera
epedemic was alleged raging. But Rizal discovered that the quarantine was prompted by the
politics.

May 4, 1888- All first class passengers including Rizal was permitted to land but the chinese
and japanese passengers remained on the boat. Rizal registered at the palace hotel.

May 6, 1888- Rizal left san francisco and went to Oakland by a ferry boat. He took his supper
at sacramento for 75 cents and sleep in his coach.

May 7, 1888- rizal boarded a train for a trip across the continent.

Reno, Nevada(May 7); Utah, Ogden, Denver(May 8); Colorado(May 9); Nebraska(May 10);
Chicago(May 11); Canada(May 12); Albany(May 13); and New York.
May 13, 1888- Rizal reached New York and stayed for 3 days. Rizal Called it as “The Big
Town”.

May 16, 1888- Rizal left New York for Liverpool and board the City of Rome. Rizal als o
visited the Colossal Statue of Liberty on Bedloe Island.

Rizal’s impression of America:

Progressive nation

People were hard working

Better opportunities for immigrants.

The bad impression Rizal had of america was the lack of racial equality.

LONDON, ENGLAND

May 25, 1888- Rizal went to England as a guest of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor(lawyer) and stayed
there for a short period of time.

Rizal boarded at the Becket Family and being closed to Gertrude Becket.

Rizal spent most of his time annotating Morga’s book, Sucesos de los Islas Filipinas(Histr ica l
events of the Philippines Island) at the british museum.

For 10 months he was deeply immensed in his historical studies in London.

Rizal received a news from the Philippines:

Persecution of the Filipino patriots who signed the petition addressed to the Queen Regent of
spain requesting the expulsion of the friars in the Philippines.

Attacks on Rizal by Senator Salamanca and Vida in the Spanish Cortes and Wenceslao Retana.

Persecution of Rizal’s family and other calamba farmers for their courage to petition the
government for agrarian.

Exile of Manuel Hidalgo without due process of law.

Arrest and imprisonment of Rizal’s friend Lauriano Viado for the copies of Noli found in his
house.

December 11, 1888- Rizal went to spain and visited Madrid and Barcelona. He visited Marcelo
H. Del Pilar and Marciano Ponce. They exchanged ideas and promised to cooperate in the fight
for reforms.

Decmber 24, 1888- Rizal reurned to London and spent christmas with the Becket Family.
January 14, 1889- Rizal wrote to Blumentritt of his proposal to established the “Inaugura tio n
Association of the Filipinologist” and have its inauguration in the French Capital.

PARIS, FRANCE

March 19, 1889- Rizal organized the society called “Kidlat Club” aim to bring together filip ino
youths in the French Capital so that they would enjoy their stay in the city.

June 24, 1889- Rizal sttod as a Godfather to a baby girl (Maria de la Pas Blanca Laureana
Hermenegilda Juana y Pardo de Tavedara) born to Juan Luna and his wife.

August 24, 1889- Rizal scheduled the Hoding of the inaugurial convention of the Internatio na l
Association of the Filipinologist in paris that aims to study the Philippines from the scientif ic
and historical point of view. However the convention did not materialize because the French
government discourage the holding conference.

BRUSSELS, BELGUIM

January 28 1889- Rizal left paris for two reasons:

 The cost of living was very high because of the Universal Exposition.
 The gay social social life of the city hampered his literary works especially the second
novel El Fili.

Letters from home which Rizal received in brussels, belguim wrried him:

The calamba agrarian trouble was getiing worse.

The Dominican order filed a suit in court to dispose the Rizal family of their lands in calamba.

Rizal had bad dreams during his nights in brussels and feared that he might not live long. Rizal
was not afraid to die but he want to finish his second novel El Fili before he went to his grave.

Rizal planned to go home and that made Suzanne Jacoby whom he had an amorous relatioship
cried a lot.

September 28, 1891- 4 days after the fili came off the press, Rizal wrote to Blumentritt, saying
“I am thinking of writing a third novel, a novel in the modern sense of the word, but this time
poliics will not find much space in it, but ethics will play the principle role”.

October 18, 1891- Rizal boarded the steamer Melbourne in Marseilles bound for hongkong,
during the voyage, Rizal begun writing the third novel in tagalog which he intended for tagalog
readers.
MISFORTUNE IN MADRID

August, 1890- Rizal arrived in Madrid, He immediately sought help of the Filipino Colony,
The Association Hspano-Filipina, and the liberal Spanish Newspaper in securing justice for the
oppressed Calamba Tenants.

Life Events in Madrid:

Jose Ma. Panganiban, his talented co-worker died in barcelona on august 19, 1890 after a
lingering illness.

Aborted duel with Antonio Luna

Rizal challenged Wenceslao Retana- a Spanish talented scholar, an agent of the spanish friars
and his rival in pen.

Infidelity of Leonora rivera- marrying Charles Henry Kipping.

Rizal-Del Pilar rivalry- Rizal wrote a brief note thanking his compatriots for electing him as
Responsible, It was the last time he saw madrid.

HONGKONG, NOVEMBER

November 20, 1891- Rzal arrived in hongkong. Rizal established his residence at No.5D
Aguilar street No.2 Rednaxola terrace where he also opened his medical clinic.

December 1, 1891- Rizal wrote to his parents asking permission to return home. On the date
his brother-in-law Manuel T. Hidalgo sent him a letter relating the sad news of the “deportation
of 25 persons from calmba, including his father, neneng, sisa, lucia, paciano and the rest of us.

The Christmas eve of 1891 in hongkong was one of the happiest yuletide celebrations in Rizal’s
life for he had a happy family reunion.

January 31, 1892- Rizal wrote to Blumentritt, recounting pleasant life in Hongkong. His fa, ily
was very impressed with the english govenrnment.

Rizal successfully operated his mother’s left eye so that she can be able to read and write again.

CHAPTER 9: THE SECOND HOMECOMING AND THE LIGA FILIPINA

Rizal believed that the fight for Filipino liberties had assumed a new phase; it must be fought
in the Philippines. The battlefield is in the Philippines, there is where we should meet, there we
will help one another, there together we will suffer or triumph perhaps", he told countrymen in
Europe.

Arrival in Manila with Sister.

June 26, 1892 - Rizal and his widowed sister Lucia arrived in Manila.

"I arrived at Manila on 26 June 1892, Sunday, at 12:00 noon. I was met by many carabineers
headed by a major. There were in addition one captain and one sergeant of the Veteran Civil
Guard. I came down with my luggage and they inspected me at the custom house. From there
I went to Hotel de Orient where I occupied room No. 22, facing the church of Binondo".

4:00 pm, June 26, 1892 - Rizal went to Malacañang Palace to talk to Spanish Governor General
Eulogio Despujol, Conde De Casper. He was told to come back at night at 7:00

7:00 pm, June 26 1892 - Rizal returned to Malacañang Palace and he was able to confer with
Governor General Despujol, who agreed to pardon his father but not the rest of his family and
told him to return on Wednesday (June 29).

After his brief interview with the governor general, he visited his sisters in the city. First
Narcisa (Sisa) and later Saturnina (Neneng).

Visiting Friends in Central Luzon

6:00 pm, June 27 - Rizal boarded a train in Tutuban Station and visited his friends in Malolos,
San Fernando, Tarmac and Bacolod. He was welcomed and entertained. These friends were
good patriots, who were his supporters in the reform crusade and he took the opportunity to
greet them personally and discussed the problems affecting thier people.

5:00 pm, June 28 - Rizal returned to Manila, whether he knew it or not, he was shadowed by
government spies who watched carefully his every movement. The homes he had visited were
raised by the Guardian Civil which sized some copies of the Noli and Fili and some
"subversive" pamphlets.

Other interviews with Despujol.

After Rizal's visit to his friends, he had other interviews with Governor General Despujol.
These interviews were recorded in his diary.

"On Wednesday (June 29) at 7:30, I saw his Excellency. I did not succeed to have the penalty
of exile lifted, but he gave me hope with regard to my sisters. As it was the feast of Sync Peter
and St. Paul our interview ended at 9:15. I was to come again the following day at 7:30".

"The following day, Thursday June 30, we talked about the question of Borneo. The general
was opposed to it, very much opposed. He told me to come back Sunday".

"On Sunday July 3 I returned. We talked about sundry things and I thank him for having lifted
the exile of my sisters. I told him that my father and brother would arrive on the first boat. He
asked me if I would like to go abroad to Hong Kong. I told him yes. He told me to return on
Wednesday".

Founding of the La Liga Filipina.

 Evening of Sunday July 3, 1892 - Rizal attended meeting of the patriots at the home of the
Chinese-Filipino mestizo, Doroteo Ongjunco, on Ylaya Street, Tondo Manila. Among those
present were

Pedro Serano Lamtas (Panday Pira) - Mason nd school teacher

Domingo Franco (Felipe Leal) - Mason and Tobacco shopkeeper

Jose A. Ramos (Socorro) - engraver, printer, owner of the Bazar Grand Bretaña, first
Worshipful Master of Nilad, and first Filipino Masonic lodge.

Ambrosio Salvador - governadorcillo of Quiapo and Mason

Bonifacio Are also (Harem) - dentist and Mason

Deodato Arellano - brother-in-law of M.H. del Pilar and civilian employee in the Army
Ambrosio Flores (Musa) - retired luetenant of infantry

Agustin de la Rosa - bookkeeper and Mason

Moises Salvador (Araw) - contractor and Mason

Luis Villarreal - tailor and Mason

Faustino Villarreal (Ilaw) - pharmacist and Mason

Mariano Crisostomo - landlord

Numeriano Adriano (Ipil) - notary public and Mason

Estanislao Legaspi -artisan and Mason

Teodora Plata - court clerk and Mason

Andress Bonifacio - warehouse employee

Apolinario Mabini (Katabay) - lawyer and Mason

Juan Zulueta - playwright, poet, and government employee

Rizal explained the objectives of the Liga Filipina, a civic league of Filipinos, which he desired
to establish and it's role in the socio-economic life of the people. He presented the Constitutio n
of the Liga which he had written in Hong Kong and discussed it's provisions. The patriots were
favorably impressed and gladly approved the establishment of the Liga.

The officers of the new league were elected, as follows: Ambrosio Salvador, president ;
Deodato Arellano, secretary; Bonifacio Arevalo, treasurer; and Agustin de la Rosa, fiscal.

Constitution of the Liga Filipina

The aims of the Liga Filipina, as embodied in its Constitution, were the following:
1. To unite the whole archipelago into one compact and homogeneous body

2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity.

3. Defense against all violence and Injustice.

4. Encouragement of education, agriculture, and committee

5. Study and application of reforms.

The motto of the Liga Filipina was: Unus Instar Omnium (One Like All).

The governing body of the league was the Supreme Council which had jurisdiction over the
whole country. It was composed of a president, secretary, a treasurer, and a fiscal. There was a
Provincial Council in every province and a Popular Council in every town.

All Filipinos who have at heart the welfare of their fatherland are qualified for membership.
Every member pays an entrance fee of two pesos and a monthly fee of 10 pesos.

The duties of the Liga Filipina members are as follows:

1. Obey the orders of the Supreme Council

2. To help in recruiting new embers

3. To keep in strictest secrecy the decisions of the Liga authorities

4. To have a symbolic name which he cannot change until he becomes president of the council

5. To report to the fiscal anything that he may hear which affect the Liga

6. To behave well as befits a good Filipino

7. To help fellow members in all ways

Rizal arrested and jailed in Fort Santiago

Wednesday, July 6 - Rizal went to Malacañang Palace to resume his series of interview with
the governor general. During this interview Governor General Despujol suddenly show him
some printed leaflets which were entitled "Pontes Trailed ( Poor Friars)" under the authorship
of Fr. Jacinto and printed by the Imprenta de los Amigos del Paid, Manila. They were a satire
against the rich Dominican friars who amassed fabulous riches contrary to thier monastic vow
of poverty.

Rizal vigorously denied having those leaflets in either his or Lucia's s baggage, which had been
thoroughly searched upon their arrival from Hong Kong by the custom authorities who found
nothing. Despite his denial and insisted demand for investigation in accordance with the due
process of law, he was placed under arrest and escorted to Fort Santiago by Ramon Despujol,
nephew and aid of Governor General Despujol. In Fort Santiago, he was kept incommunicado,
as he related in his diary.
"They assigned me a fraily furnished room with a bed, a dozen chairs, one table, a wash basin,
and a mirror. The room had three windows; one without grill which opens on a patio, another
with grills which look out on the city walls and the beach and another which was the door
closed with a padlock. Two artillery men as sentinels guarded it. That had orders to fire on
anyone who might signal from the beach. I could not write not speak with anyone except officer
on duty".

Arbitrary Deportation to Dapitan

The same issue of the Gaceta (July 7, 1892) continued Governor General Despujol's decree
deporting Rizal to "one of the islands in the south". The gubernatorial decree gave the reasons
for Rizal's deportation, as follows:

1. Rizal had published books and articles abroad and showed disloyalty to Spain and which
were "franky anti-Catholic" and "imprudent anti-friars".

2. A few hours after his arrival in Manila "there was found in one of the packages...a bundle of
handbills entitled Pontes Trailed in which the patient and humble generosity of Filipinos is
satirized, and which accusation is published against the customes of the religious orders".

3. His novel El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the memory of three "traitors" (Burgos, Gomez,
and Zamora) and on the title page he wrote that in view of the vuces and errors of the Spanish
administration, "the only salvation for the Philippines was separation from the mother county".

4. "The end which pursues in his efforts and writings is to tear from the loyal Filipino breasts
the treasures of our holy Catholic faith".

Shortly after the midnight of July 14 (that was 12:30 am of July 15, 1892) Rizal was brought
under heavy guard to the steamer Cebu which was sailing for Dapitan. This steamer under
Captain Delgras departed at 1:00 am, July 15, sailing south, passing Mindoro and Panay, and
reaching Dapitan on Sunday, the 17th of July, at 7:00 in the evening.

Captain Delgras went to ashore and handed Rizal over to Captain Ricardo Carnicero, Spanish
commandant of Dapitan. That same July 27, 1892 Rizal began his exile in lonely Dapitan which
would last until July 31, 1896, a period of four years.

CHAPTER 10: THE DEPORTATION TO SPAIN

July 30 1896, Rizal received a notification to appear before Governor General Blanco III
connection with a letter of recommendation. In the home of the Rizal’s, the news was received
with rejoicing. Since the boat was leaving the next day he could not possibly settle his affairs
within 24 hours, he inquired from the captain whether he could take the next boat. However,
upon returning home and exchanging views with his family, he decided to leave the next day
after all, even if he could not sell his property
Rizal did not explain his sudden decision but it had something to do with the immine nt
insurrection and the possibility of his being implicated when he had no participation in it. This
was confirmed in his letter to Blumentritt.

From Dapitan to Manila

At midnight on the July 31 1896, Rizal was on the España boat on the way to Cuba. He was
accompanied by his sisters Narcisa and Josefa and his niece Angelica Lopez, with his three
nephews and three boys.

His departure was a grand event-the whole town saw him off without any urging. The town
band was there. As the hour of sailing approached, more and more people filled the port. Rizal
felt deeply touched.

When Rizal boarded the banca which was to take him to Spain, the band struck Chopin's
Marcha Funebre. Was this the mourning hymn of Dapitan for the loss of Rizal? Yes, and at the
same time it seemed an omen to the tragic destiny of the hero, who was not on the way to Cuba,
but on the way to his death.

August 6, Rizal arrived in Manila. To his surprise and disgust, he learned that the mailboat
Isla de Luzon had sailed a few hours earlier.

As soon as the boat docked, a Guardia Civil relayed the orders from the Governor General that
Rizal must not be allowed to disembark. Soon after, his mother and sisters Lucia, Trinidad, and
Maria and several nephews came to see him. The guard returned saying that he was to keep
him company and that at 7:30 a.m. they would take him to the commandant's office.

At the stated hour, nobody arrived, but at ten o'clock in the evening the same guard came to
inform him that the Governor General had changed the itinerary and that he was to transfer to
the cruiser Castilla, anchored at Cavite.

Rizal's arrival at the Castilla was announced to the commandants who received him in his office.
After kindly offering him a chair, he informed him of the Governor General's order that he was
to be detained but not imprisoned so as to avoid the displeasure of both friends and enemies.
With his usual good nature, Rizal thanked the captain. He was given a good cabin which he
occupied until September 2 when he was transferred to the Isla de Panay.

August 13, Rizal received news that hurt his soul. Jo-as he called Josephine - had written him
of her exchange of words with one of his sisters, arising from some remarks referring to their
unmarried state. She made an exception of Narcisa and his parents. Though deeply in love with
Jose, she generously told him that if he met a girl in Spain, he should marry her. It was better
for him to get married and not live together as they did. This way his sisters would not be
ashamed of him. The replies of Rizal to Josephine are not included in the Epistolario, but it is
evident that he wrote to her.
Two days later, the Revolution broke out. It began with the historic cry of Balintawak, a suburb
of Manila. Father Mariano Gil, parish priest of Tondo, a barrio of Manila, had discovered the
Katipunan. The outbreak of hostilities was precipitated by this discovery.

The Filipino insurgents gained victories in the area of Cavite. Rizal must have heard the
booming of the guns from the Castilla, which was moored opposite Caloocan, a town which
together with many others came under the power of the insurgents.

August 26, 1896

“Cry of Balintawak” which was raised by Bonofacio and his valiant Katipuneros in Pugadlawin.

August 30, there was a great battle in Santa Mesa and in Mandaluyong, which initiated the
attack on Manila. The Governor General had to move out of Malacañan Palace to Santa
Potenciana.

Departure for Spain

September 2 1896, Rizal was transferred to the mailboat Isla de Panay. A friend presented him
to the captain who attended to him kindly and assigned him a private cabin, which according
to Rizal could not have been better. These were the external happenings.

On the day of the departure of Isla de Panay, the wealthy businessman Pedro Roxas,
accompanied by his son named Periquin, boarded the ship. The Roxases dined in the dining
room with Rizal at the captain's table. He suspected nothing, possibly because he was being
closely guarded. On the other hand, the fact was on that he board should have prevented his
being responsible for the events connected with the uprising.

September 8 1896, was a crucial day for our hero. The Isla de Panay arrived in Singapore.
Had Rizal known of the secret communications and the coded telegrams, perhaps he would
have remained in the British colony. But he had given his word and he had two letters from the
Governor General of the Philippines which in his belief were a strong endorsement. Several
Filipinos headed by Don Manuel Camus came on board attempting to convince him to stay,
but they did not succeed in making him break his promise They had even arranged to file a
petition for a writ of habeas corpus if Rizal acceded, but Rizal had decided to proceed with the
trip.

The destiny of Rizal had been decided. From then on, he would no longer be able to extricate
himself from the trap in which he had found himself. He had been chosen to be the sacrific ia l
lamb, a role he would play with dignity up to the last moment of his life.

September 12 1896, the Minister of the Colonies sent another communication to the
Government, with the information that Rizal had left Isla de Panay boat for Barcelona with the
instructions from the Governor General.

September 28 1896, Rizal wrote to Blumentritt, his close friend. In the letter, he wrote that a
passenger had given him an almost unbelievable information which, if it were true, would be
the end of the prestige of the authorities in the Philippines. In it, he related the entire series of
events regarding the petition and the authorization to go to Cuba. Then, for the first and last
time in his life, he hurled a strong invective at another - Blanco. He insisted that he had nothing
to do with the insurrection, as Blanco himself had stated. With dramatic impact, he concluded
the letter: "I have offered to serve as a physician, risking my life in the dangers of war and
leaving all my affairs and my business; I am innocent. And now, in return, they send me to
prison.”

September 30, 1896 - the steamer anchored at Malta.

October 3, 1896- the Isla de Panay arrived in Barcelona. In accordance with the rules enforced,
nobody disembarked for three days during which the boat would be under observation. Rizal
was watched by three pairs of guards and was forbidden to communicate with anybody.

On the same date, three days after the issuance of the Royal Order deporting Rizal to
Alhucemas (Ceuta in Spanish Morocco), the Minister of War coursed a telegram to the
Governor General of the Philippines asking the responsibility of Rizal in the insurrection and
as to the treatment of the said deportee.

The response of the Governor General was to close forever all possibility of saving Rizal's life.

From Barcelona to Manila on Board the Colon

Rizal was treated with consideration on board, except for a minor officer who was ignorant of
the circumstances. Three days earlier, on October 3 1896, the Minister of War had wired
Despujol that in accordance with the instructions from the President of the Council and
Minister of the Colonies, he should be al- lowed communication and correspondence and
treated with such consideration as allowed by security reasons.

In the Philippines, meanwhile, the revolution was fast spreading. It is an established fact that
the root cause was the abuse of power in all levels, but the Filipino people rose up principa lly
against the friars to interfere in politics, particularly the raising of the amount of the canon
which the tenants of the lands had to pay regardless of economic and weather contingenc ies
and of the plagues which broke out.

October 6, 1896

Jose Rizal departed from Barcelona to face trial in the Philippines.

Dr. Antonio Maria Regidor and Sixto Lopez sent telegrams to an English lawyer, Hugh Fort,
to rescue Jose Rizal from the Spanish streamer when it arrived at Singapore but chief justice
Lionel Cox denied it, on the ground that it was beyond the justification of the civil court as it
was warship of foreign power and that would be against internationa l law.

October 8 1896, an officer informed him that a newspaper in Madrid held him responsible for
the insurrection. This disturbed him very much.

October 9 1896, he noted down in his Diario the speculations about his future. The notes
express in summary, his concepts regarding his destiny, his attitude toward life, and the
judgment of posterity. He believed that this is a blessing from God, to return to his country and
be able to answer all the accusations against him. For either they do him justice recognizing
his innocence or condemn him to death. He thought that what was happening to him was for
the best. It was God's will.

Once again Rizal bared his thoughts, pervaded by an acceptance of martyrdom as part of a
historic destiny as savior of his country, his fatalism and his conformity to the will of God. His
understanding of his fate, together with the concept of predestination and the divine will, gave
him strength and prevented him from falling into despair.

On the 9th of October, he wrote a note in German in his Diario, in which, after saying that
God's will be done, he added: "I am happy and ready.” Not many years before, he himself had
chosen the pseudonym Laong Laan which means "predestined" or "prepared long ago."

October 24 1896, the Colon arrived in Singapore. They placed him behind bars 16 hours before
arrival instead of the usual four. In his stopover, an attempt was made to save Rizal. Regidor,
a Filipino lawyer residing in London, made efforts to save his friend.

Charles Burton, English lawyer and solicitor of Singapore, submitted a written declaration
stating that Rizal bore two letters of introduction, to the effect that he was not involved in the
insurrection and that the Spanish Constitution prohibited imprisonment without order of the
judge prosecutor.

The English law authorized anybody to ask for the freedom of Rizal while he was in Englis h
territory, in exercise of the right of habeas corpus. As to be expected, the results were negative.
On the 3rd of November, he arrived in Manila.

CHAPTER 11: ARREST, TRIAL AND DEATH

UponthefoundingofLaLigaFilipinaonhissecondreturntothePhilippinesin1892, Jose Rizal was

arrested and exiled to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, for writing seditious materials, which
includedNoli Me TangereandEl Filibusterismonovels. His exile lasted 4 years and 13 years.

During his exile, Rizal would offer his sound advice to Pio Valenzuela for the Katipunan. As
his exile ended, thanks to some friends, Rizal was arranged to become a physician to Cuba on
behalf of Spain showing his “patriotic conduct”.

However, the Philippine Revolution would soon break out in August 1896. While his ship for
Spain was able to leave the Philippines on September 3, he would soon land in prison in Spain
and returned immediately to the Philippines. He arrived on 3 November.

Interrogation on him began 12 days after. Rizal was informed of the charges against him and
was not allowed the right to cross-examine the witnesses against him. Records show that all
records and surveillance on Rizal was transmitted by Gov-Gen Ramon Blanco to the court on
2 December.
Preliminary investigation

After fishing as much evidence as possible, on November 20, 1896, the preliminar y
investigation on Rizal began. During the five-day investigation, Rizal was informed of the
charges against him before Judge Advocate Colonel Francisco Olive. He was put under
interrogation without the benefit of knowing who testified against him. Presented before him
were two kinds of evidences-documentary and testimonial.

Documentary and testimonial evidence presented against Rizal. The documentary evidence
consisted of fifteen exhibit.

1. A letter of Antonio Lunato Mariano Poncedated Madrid, 16 October 1888 showing Rizal’s
connection with the Filipinore form campaignin Spain.

2. A letter of Rizal to his family dated Madrid, 20 August 1890, stating that the deportations
would encourage the peopletohate tyranny.

3. A letter from Marcelo H. Del Pilarto Deodato Arellano dated Madrid, 7 January 1889,
Implicating Rizal in the Propaganda campaignin Spain.

4. A poem entitled Kundiman, allegedly written by Rizal in Manilaon 12 September 1891.

5. A letter of Carlos Olive to an unidentified person, dated Barcelona, 18 September 1891,

Describing Rizal as the man to free the Philippines from Spanish oppression.

6. A masonic document dated Manila, February 1892 honoring Rizal for his patriotic services.

7. A letter signed Dimasalang (Rizal’s pseudonym) to Tenluz (Juan Zulueta’s pseudonym),

dated Hongkong, 24 May 1892, stating that he was preparing a safe refuge for Filipinos who
may be persecuted by the Spanish authorities.

8. A letter of Dimasalang to an unidentified committee dated Hongkong, June 1892, soliciting

the aid of the committee in the “patrioticwork”.

9. An anonymous and undated letter to the editor of the Hongkong Telegraph, censuring the
banishment of Rizal to Dapitan.

10. A letter of Lldefonso Laurel to Rizal, dated Manila, 8 September 1892, saying that the
Filipino people look up to Rizal as their savior.

11. A letter of Rizal Segundo, dated Manila, 14 September 1893, informing an unidentif ied
Correspondent of the arrest and banishment of Doroteo Cortes and Ambrocio Salvador.

12. A letter of Marcelo H. Del Pilar to Don Juan A. Tenluz (Juan Zulueta), dated Madrid, June
1893 recommending the establishment of a special organization, independent of Masonry, to
help the cause of the Filipino people.
13. Transcript of a speech of Pingkian (Emilio Jacinto), in a reunion of the Katipunan on 13
July 1893, in which the following cry was uttered “Long live the Philippines! Long live Liberty!
Long live Doctor Rizal! Unity!”

14. Transcript of a speech of Tik-tik (JoseTuriano Santiago) in the same Katipunan reunion,
wherein the katipuneros shouted: Long live the eminent Doctor Rizal! Death to the oppressor
nation!”

15. A poem by Laong Laan (Rizal), entitled A Talisay, in which the author makes the Dapitan
School boys sing that they know how to fight for their rights.

Thedocumentary “proofs” gathered by Olive consisted principally of letters found during

thesearches made in the houses of suspected organizers of the Katipunan. Most of the
documents did not constitute proof against Rizal at all, since he never talked of separatism nor
of in surrection. Also produced were such in significant letters as those referring to the polemic
he had with Lete, the Borneo colony or the meriendain Rizal’s honor in Madrid.

Testimonial evidenceson the other hand, were comprised of oral proofs provided byMartin
Constantino, Aguedo del Rosario, Jose Reyes, Moises Salvador, Jose Dizon, Domingo Franco,
Deodato Arellano, Pio Valenzuela, Antonio Salazar, Francisco Quison, and Timoteo Paez.

These evidences were endorsed by Colonel Olive to Governor Ramon Blanco who designated
Captain Rafael Dominguezas the Judge Advocate assigned with the task of deciding what
corresponding action should be done. Dominguez, after a brief review, transmitted the records
to DonNicolas de la Peña, the Judge Advocate General, for an opinion. Peña's
recommendationswere as follows:

1. Rizal must be immediately sent to trial

2. He must be held in prison under necessary security

3. His properties must be issued with order of attachment, and as indemnity, Rizal had to pay
one million pesos

4. Instead of a civilian lawyer, only an army officer is allowed to defend Rizal.

Although given with “privilege” to choose his own defense counsel, this was limited to a list
of 100 names –both first and second lieutenants -that the Spanish authorities provided him. Of
the list, one familiar name stood out –Lt.Luis Taviel de Andrade. Rizal discovered that the said
lieutenant was the brother of Lt.Jose Taviel de Andradewho worked as Rizal's personal body
guard inCalambain1887.

Rizal’s trial

Twodays after, Rizal's case was endorsed to Blanco's successor, GovernorCamilo de Polaviej a,
who had the authority to command that the case be courtmartialed. On December 15, inside his
cell at Fort Santiago, Rizal wrote the controversialManifestoaddressed to his countrymen –a
letter denouncing bloody struggle, and promoting education and industry as the best means to
acquire independence. However, Judge Advocate General Nicolas de la Peña requested to Gov.
Polavieja that the publication of the manifesto be prohibited, and so, the governor did.

Accustomedto share the merry season with family, friends and relatives, the 1896 Christmas
was indeed, Rizal's saddest. Confined in a dark, gloomy cell, Rizal was in despair and had no
idea of what his fate may be. Under this delusion, he wrote a letter to Lt. Taviel de Andrade
requesting the latter to visit him before his trial for there was a very important matter they need
to discuss. Likewise, Rizal greeted the lieutenant a joyous Christmas.

The next day, December 26, about 8 o'clock in the morning, the court-martial of Rizal
commenced. The hearing was actually a kind ofmoro-moro–a planned trial wherein Rizal,
before hearing his verdict, had already been pre judged. Unlike other accused, Rizal had not
been allowed to know the people who witnessed against him. The trial took place atCuartel
deEspana, a military building, with a court composed of seven military officers headed by Lt.
Col. Jose Togores Arjona. Present at the courtroom were Jose Rizal, the six other officers in
uniform (Capt. Ricardo Muñoz Arias, Capt. Manuel Reguera, Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio,
Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nuñez, Capt. Manuel Diaz Escribano, and Capt. Fernando Perez
Rodriguez), Lt. Taviel de Andrade, Judge Advocate Capt. Rafael Dominguez, Lt. Enrique de
Alcocer (prosecuting attorney)and a number of spectators including Josephine Bracken.After
Judge Advocate Dominguez opened the trial, it was followed by Atty. Alcocer's reiteration of
the charges against Rizal, urging the court that the latter be punished with death.Accordingly,
the three crimes accused to him were rebellion, sedition and illegal association –the penalty for
the first two being life imprisonment to death, while the last, correctional imprisonment and a
charge of 325 to 3,250 pesetas. Lt. Taviel de Andrade, on the other hand, later took the floor
reading his speech in defense of Rizal. To supplement this, Rizal read his own defense which
he wrote in his cell in Fort Santiago. According to Rizal, there are twelve points to prove his
innocence: but the military court remained indifferent to the pleads of Rizal. After a short
deliberation, he was sentenced to be shot in musketry until death at 7 o'clock in the morning of
December 30, 1896 atBagumbayan. The decision was submitted to Gov.Polaveja
whoimmediately sought the opinion of Nicolas de la Peña –the latter found the verdictjust and
final. Two dayslater, the governor general signed the court's decision and ordered
Rizal'sexecution.

Astestified by Pio Valenzuela, Rizal was against rebellionhe had not written a letter addressed
to the Katipunan comprising revolutionary elements:

❖ without his knowledge, his name was used by the Katipunan

❖ if he really was guilty, he could have escaped while he was in Singapore if he was guilty,
he should have left the country while in exile

❖ he shouldn't have built a home, bought a parcel of land or established a hospital in Dapitan

❖ if he was really the leader of the revolution, the revolutionists should have consulted him.
❖ he did not deny that he wrote theby-laws of theLa Liga Filipina, but to make things clear,
the organization was acivicassociation, not a revolutionary society.

❖ after the first meeting of La Liga, the association banished because of his exile in Dapitan,
thus, did not last long.

❖ if the La Liga was reorganized nine months later, he had no idea about it

❖ if the La Liga had a revolutionary purpose, then Katipunan should not have been organized.

❖ if the Spanish authorities found his letters having bitter atmosphere, it was because in 1890
his family was being persecuted resulting to their dispossession of properties and deportation
of all his brothers-in-law.

❖ he lived an exemplary life in Dapitan –the politico-military commanders and missio nar y
priests in the province could attest to that.

❖ if according to witnesses the speech he delivered atDoroteo Ongjunco's house had inspired
the revolution, then he want to confront these persons.

❖ If he really was forthe revolution, then why did the Katipunan sent an unfamiliar emissary
to him in Dapitan? It is so because all his friends were aware that he never advocated violence.

The military court remained indifferent to the pleads of Rizal. After a short deliberation, he
was sentenced to be shot in musketry until death at 7 o'clock in the morning of December 30,
1896 atBagumbayan. The decision was submitted to Gov. Polavieja who immediately sought
the opinion of Nicolas de la Peña –the latter found the verdict just and final. Two days later,
the governor general signed the court's decision and ordered Rizal's execution

Martyrdom at Bagumbayan

Upon hearing the court's decision, Rizal already knew that there's no way that his destiny would
be changed.Rizal knew it was his end, and had accepted his fate. Captain Rafael Domingue z,
at 6 o'clockin the morning of December 29, 1896, read beforehim the official notice of his
execution scheduled the next day. Rizal was transferred to the prison chapel where he spent his
last hours.

Rizal's Last Hours

Dec. 29, 1896. 6:00 –7:00 a.m.

Sr. S. Mataixasks Rizal’s permission to interview him. Capt.

Dominguez reads death sentence to Rizal. Source of information: cablegram of Mataix to EL

Heraldo
De Madrid, "Notes" of Capt. Dominguez and Testimony of Lt. Gallegos.

7:00 –8:00 a.m.

Rizal is transferred to his death cell. Fr. Saderra talks briefly with Rizal. Fr. Viza presents statue
of the Sacred hearth of Jesus and medal of Mary. Rizal rejects the letter, saying, "I’m little of
a Marian, Father." Source: Fr. Viza

8:00 –9:00 a.m.

Rizal is sharing his milk and coffee with Fr. Rosell. Lt. Andrade and chief of Artillery come to
visit Rizal who thanks each of them. Rizal scribbles a note inviting his family it visit him.
Sources: Fr. Rosell and letter of Invitation.

9:00 –10:00 a.m.

Sr. Mataix, defying stringent regulation, enters death cell and interviews Rizal in the presence
of Fr. Rosell. Later, Gov. Luengo drops in to join the conversation. Sources: Letter of Mataix
ti Retana Testimony of Fr. Rosell.

11:00 –12:00 noon.

Rizal talks on "varioustopics" in a long conversation with Fr. Vilaclara who will later conclude
(with Fr. Balaguer, who is not allowed to enter the death cell) that Rizal is either to Prostestant
or rationalist who speaks in "a very cold and calculated manner" with a mixture of a "strange
piety." No debate or discussion on religion is recorded to have taken place between the Fathers
mentioned and Rizal. Sources: El Imarcial and Rizal y su Obra.

12:00 –1:00 p.m.

Rizal reads Bible and Imitation of Christ by Kempis, then meditates. Fr. Balaguer reports to
the Archbishop that only a little hope remains that Rizal is going to retract for Rizal was heard
saying that he is going to appear tranquilly before God. Sources: Rizal’s habits and Rizal y su
Obra.

1:00 –2:00 p.m.

Rizal denies (probably, he is allowed to attend to his personal necessities). Source: "Notes" of
Capt. Dominguez.

2:00 –3:00 p.m.

Rizal confers with Fr. March and Fr. Vilaclara. Sources: "Notes" of Capt. Dominguez in
conjunction with the testimonies of Fr. Pi and Fr. Balaguer.

3:00 –4:00 p.m.

Rizal reads verses which he had underlined in Eggers german Reader, a book which he is going
to hand over to his sisters to be sent to Dr. Blumentritt through F. Stahl. He "writes several
letters with his last dedications," then he "rest for a short." Sources: F. Stahl and F. Blumentr itt,
Cavana (1956) –Appendix 13, and the "Notes" of Capt. Dominguez.

4:00 –5:30 p.m.

Capt. Dominguez is moved with compassion at the sight of Rizal’s kneeling before his mother
and askingpardon. Fr. Rosell hears Rizal’s farewell to his sister and his address to those
presents eulogizing the cleverness of his nephew. The other sisters come in one by one after
the other and to each Rizal’s gives promises to give a book, an alcohol burner, his pair of shoes,
an instruction, something to remember. Sources "notes" of Capt. Dominguez and Fr. Rosell,
Diaro de Manila.

5:30 –6:00 p.m.

The Dean of the Cathedral, admitted on account of his dignity, comes to exchange views with
Rizal. Fr. Rosell hears an order given to certain "gentlemen" and "two friars" to leave the chapel
at once. Fr. Balaguer leaves Fort Santiago. Sources: Rev. Silvino Lopez-Tuñon, Fr. Rosell, Fr.
Serapio Tamayo, and Sworn Statement of Fr. Balaguer.

6:00 –7:00 p.m.

Fr. Rosell leaves Fort Santiago and sees Josephine Bracken. Rizal calls for Josephine and then
they speak to each for the last time. Sources: Fr. Rosell, El Imparcial, and Testimony of
Josephine to R. Wildman in 1899.

7:00 –8:00 p.m.

Fr. Faura returns to console Rizal and persuades him once more to trust him and the other
professors at the Ateneo. Rizal is emotion-filled and, after remaining some moments in silence,
confesses to Fr. Faura. Sources: El Imparcial.

8:00 –9:00 p.m.

Rizal rakes supper (and, most probably, attends to his personal needs). Then, he receives Bro.
Titllot with whom he had a very "tender" (Fr. Balaguer) or "useful" (Fr. Pi) interview. Sources:
Separate testimonies of Fr. Balaguer and Fr. Pi on the report of Bro. Titllot; Fisal Castaño.

9:00–10:00 p.m.

Fiscal Castaño exchanges views with Rizal regarding their respective professors. Sources:
Fiscal Castaño.

10:00 –11:00 p.m.

Rizal manifests strange reaction, asks guards for paper and pen. From rough drafts and copies
of his poem recoveredin his shoes, the Spaniards come to know that Rizal is writing a poem.
Sources: El Imparcial and Ultimo Adios; probably, Fiscal Castaño.
11:00 –12:00 midnight

Rizal takes time to his hide his poem inside the alcohol burner. It has to be done during night
rather than during daytime because he is watched very carefully. He then writes his last letter
to brother Paciano. Sources: Testimonies and circumstantial evidence.

12:00 –4:00 a.m.

Rizal sleeps restfully because his confidence in the goodness of God and the justness of his
cause gives him astounding serenity and unusual calmness.

Dec. 30, 1986. 4:00 –5:00 a.m.

Rizal picks up Imitation of Christ, reads, meditates and then writes in Kempis’ book a
dictationto his wife Josephine and by this very act in itself he gives to her their only certific ate
of marriage.

5:00 –6:15

Rizal washes up, takes breakfast, attends to his personal needs. Writes a letter to his parents.
Reads Bible and meditates. Josephine is prohibited by the Spanish officers from seeing Rizal,
according to Josephine’s testimony to R. Wildman in 1899.

6:15 –7:00

Rizal walks to the place of execution between Fr. March and Fr. Vilaclara with whom he
converses. Keeps looking around as if seeking or expecting to see someone. His last words,
said in a loud voice: Consummatum est! (It is finished).

7:00 –7:03

Sounds of guns. Rizal vacillates, turns halfway around, falls down backwards and lies on the
ground facing the sun. The Spanish spectators shouted Viva Espana!(Long live Spain).

‘Mi Último Adiós’

(My Last Farewell)

(English translation by Nick Joaquin)

Land that l love —farewell! O Land the Sun loves!

Pearl in the sea of the Orient: Eden lost to your brood!

Gaily go I to present you this hapless hopeless life;

were it more brilliant, had it more freshness, more bloom:

still for you would l give it —would give it for your good.

ln barricades embattled, fighting with delirium,

others offer you their lives without doubts, without gloom,

The site doesn’t matter: cypress, laurel or lily;

gibbet or open field, combat or cruel martyrdom,

are equal if demanded by country and home.

l am to die when I see the heavens go vivid,

announcing the day at last behind the dead night.

If you need color, color to stain that dawn with,

let spill my blood, scatter it in good hour,

and drench in its gold one beam of the newborn light.