travel of jose rizal

15 Nov The Travels of Rizal

Disillusioned with how Filipinos in the Philippines were regarded as second-class citizens in institutions of learning and elsewhere, the National Hero Jose Rizal left the country in May 1882 to pursue further studies abroad. He enrolled in a course in medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain. In June 1883, he traveled to France to observe how medicine was being practiced there.

After his three-month sojourn in France, Rizal returned to Madrid and thought about publishing a book that exposed the colonial relationship of Spain and the Philippines. This idea was realized in March 1887, with the publication of the novel Noli Me Tangere in Germany.

Rizal was actively involved in the Propaganda movement, composed of Filipinos in Spain who sought to direct the attention of Spaniards to the concerns of the Spanish colony in the Philippines. He wrote articles for publications in Manila and abroad; convened with overseas Filipinos to discuss their duty to the country; and called on Spanish authorities to institute reforms in the Philippines, such as granting freedom of the press and Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes.

Rizal returned to Manila in August 1887, after five years in Europe. However, his homecoming was met by the friars’ furor over Noli Me Tangere . The Archbishop of Manila issued an order banning the possession and reading of the novel, an order that was later reinforced by the governor-general. Six months later, pressured by the Spanish authorities as well as by his family and friends to leave the country and avoid further persecution, Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong.

From Hong Kong, Rizal traveled to Macau and Japan before going to America. Entering San Francisco, California, in April 1888, he visited the states of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Illinois, and New York. He jotted down his observations of the landscape in his diary.

Rizal arrived in England in May 1888. In August, he was admitted to the British Museum, where he copied Antonio de Morga’s massive study of the Philippines, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas , which Rizal later annotated for publication “as a gift to the Filipinos.” In the museum he devoted his time reading all the sources on Philippine history that he could find. He kept up his correspondence with various people, including his family, who were being oppressed by the Spanish religious landowners; the Filipino patriots in Spain; and his Austrian friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt, with whom he planned to form an association of Philippine scholars. From 1888 to 1890 he shuttled between London and Paris, where he wrote ethnographic and history-related studies, as well as political articles. He also frequently visited Spain, where he met with fellow Filipino intellectuals like Marcelo H. del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, and Graciano Lopez-Jaena.

In March 1891, Rizal finished writing his second novel, El Filibusterism o, in France. He planned to publish the book in Belgium, but was financially hard up. His brother’s support from back home was delayed in coming, and he was scrimping on meals and expenses. Finally, in September 1890, El Filibusterismo was published in Ghent using donations from Rizal’s friends.

Meanwhile, a rivalry had ensued between Rizal and del Pilar over the leadership of the Asociación Hispano Filipino in Spain. Rizal decided to leave Europe to avoid the worsening rift between the Rizalistas and Pilaristas, and to help maintain unity among Filipino expatriates. After staying for some time in Hong Kong, where he practiced medicine and planned to build a “New Calamba” by relocating landless Filipinos to Borneo, Rizal came home to the Philippines in June 1892.

10 Comments

Jessa pepito

Hi ,good eve .can I use this information for my brother’s research?thank you ..

Filipinas Heritage Library

Sure. Please just cite accordingly. Thank you!

I think it was September 1891 when Jose Rizal published his second novel, El Filibusterismo. And also, thank you for the information! :)))

Edalyn Jude Egan

Hi, I was confused with the dates when he finished El Filibusterismo. It was stated that he finished it in March 1891, but it was published in September 1890? Is it also 1891? Thank you!

Greggo Dela Cruz

Good day can I use this info for my module?

Roel Camaso

hello! can I use this information for my subject research?

Raquel tacay

Can i get some of the information here for my assignment.?

Beverly Anos

Can i view Rizal’s sojourn abroad?

Can I have a research on rizal’s sojourn abroad?

Jessica ongog

Hi good afternoon ca i ask you a question about the comment of Jose Rizal in europe

• Philippines
• The Life And Legacy Of...

The Life and Legacy of José Rizal: National Hero of the Philippines

Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is not only admired for possessing intellectual brilliance but also for taking a stand and resisting the Spanish colonial government. While his death sparked a revolution to overthrow the tyranny, Rizal will always be remembered for his compassion towards the Filipino people and the country.

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Humble beginnings

José Protasio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda was born on June 19, 1861 to Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo in the town of Calamba in the province of Laguna. He had nine sisters and one brother. At the early age of three, the future political leader had already learned the English alphabet. And, by the age of five, José could already read and write.

Upon enrolling at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now referred to as Ateneo De Manila University ), he dropped the last three names in his full name, after his brother’s advice – hence, being known as José Protasio Rizal. His performance in school was outstanding – winning various poetry contests, impressing his professors with his familiarity of Castilian and other foreign languages, and crafting literary essays that were critical of the Spanish historical accounts of pre-colonial Philippine societies.

A man with multiple professions

While he originally obtained a land surveyor and assessor’s degree in Ateneo, Rizal also took up a preparatory course on law at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). But when he learned that his mother was going blind, he decided to switch to medicine school in UST and later on specialized in ophthalmology. In May 1882, he decided to travel to Madrid in Spain , and earned his Licentiate in Medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid.

Apart from being known as an expert in the field of medicine, a poet, and an essayist, Rizal exhibited other amazing talents. He knew how to paint, sketch, and make sculptures. Because he lived in Europe for about 10 years, he also became a polyglot – conversant in 22 languages. Aside from poetry and creative writing, Rizal had varying degrees of expertise in architecture, sociology, anthropology, fencing, martial arts, and economics to name a few.

His novels awakened Philippine nationalism

Rizal had been very vocal against the Spanish government, but in a peaceful and progressive manner. For him, “the pen was mightier than the sword.” And through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government officials as well as the Spanish friars.

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While in Barcelona, Rizal contributed essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish newspaper, La Solidaridad. Most of his writings, both in his essays and editorials, centered on individual rights and freedom, specifically for the Filipino people . As part of his reforms, he even called for the inclusion of the Philippines to become a province of Spain.

But, among his best works , two novels stood out from the rest – Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo ( The Reign of the Greed).

In both novels, Rizal harshly criticized the Spanish colonial rule in the country and exposed the ills of Philippine society at the time. And because he wrote about the injustices and brutalities of the Spaniards in the country, the authorities banned Filipinos from reading the controversial books. Yet they were not able to ban it completely. As more Filipinos read the books, their eyes opened to the truth that they were suffering unspeakable abuses at the hands of the friars. These two novels by Rizal, now considered his literary masterpieces, are said to have indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal’s unfateful days

Upon his return to the Philippines, Rizal formed a progressive organization called the La Liga Filipina. This civic movement advocated social reforms through legal means. Now Rizal was considered even more of a threat by the Spanish authorities (alongside his novels and essays), which ultimately led to his exile in Dapitan in northern Mindanao .

This however did not stop him from continuing his plans for reform. While in Dapitan, Rizal built a school, hospital, and water system. He also taught farming and worked on agricultural projects such as using abaca to make ropes.

In 1896, Rizal was granted leave by then Governor-General Blanco, after volunteering to travel to Cuba to serve as doctor to yellow fever victims. But at that time, the Katipunan had a full-blown revolution and Rizal was accused of being associated with the secret militant society. On his way to Cuba, he was arrested in Barcelona and sent back to Manila to stand for trial before the court martial. Rizal was charged with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion – and therefore, sentenced to death by firing squad.

Days before his execution, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through one of his final letters, entitled Mi último adiós or My Last Farewell. Dr. José Rizal was executed on the morning of December 30, 1896, in what was then called Bagumbayan (now referred to as Luneta). Upon hearing the command to shoot him, he faced the squad and uttered in his final breath: “ Consummatum est” (It is finished). According to historical accounts , only one bullet ended the life of the Filipino martyr and hero.

His legacy lives on

After his death, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. And with the assistance of the United States , the Philippines declared its independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. This was the time that the Philippine flag was waved at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite.

Today, Dr. Rizal’s brilliance, compassion, courage, and patriotism are greatly remembered and recognized by the Filipino people. His two novels are continuously being analyzed by students and professionals.

Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require their students to take a subject which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Every year, the Filipinos celebrate Rizal Day – December 30 each year – to commemorate his life and works. Filipinos look back at how his founding of La Liga Filipina and his two novels had an effect on the early beginnings of the Philippine Revolution. The people also recognize his advocacy to achieve liberty through peaceful means rather than violent revolution.

In honor of Rizal, memorials and statues of the national hero can be found not only within the Philippines, but in selected cities around the world. A road in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi (India) and in Medan, Indonesia is named after him. The José Rizal Bridge and Rizal Park in the city of Seattle are also dedicated to the late hero.

Within the Philippines, there are streets, towns/cities, a university (Rizal University), and a province named after him. Three species have also been named after Rizal – the Draco rizali (a small lizard, known as a flying dragon), Apogania rizali (a very rare kind of beetle with five horns) and the Rhacophorus rizali (a peculiar frog species).

To commemorate what he did for the country, the Philippines built a memorial park for him – now referred to as Rizal Park, found in Manila . There lies a monument which contains a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal, an obelisk, and a stone base said to contain his remains. The monument stands near the place where he fell during his execution in Luneta.

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Biography of José Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines

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• Ph.D., History, Boston University
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• B.A., History, Western Washington University

José Rizal (June 19, 1861–December 30, 1896) was a man of intellectual power and artistic talent whom Filipinos honor as their national hero. He excelled at anything that he put his mind to: medicine, poetry, sketching, architecture, sociology, and more. Despite little evidence, he was martyred by Spanish colonial authorities on charges of conspiracy, sedition, and rebellion when he was only 35.

Fast Facts: José Rizal

• Known For : National hero of the Philippines for his key role inspiring the Philippine Revolution against colonial Spain
• Also Known As: José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
• Born : June 19, 1861, at Calamba, Laguna
• Parents : Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos
• Died : December 30, 1896, in Manila, the Philippines
• Education : Ateneo Municipal de Manila; studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila; medicine and philosophy at the Universidad Central de Madrid; ophthalmology at the University of Paris and the University of Heidelberg
• Published Works : Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo
• Spouse : Josephine Bracken (married two hours before his death)
• Notable Quote: "On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force but his heart."

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born on June 19, 1861, at Calamba, Laguna, the seventh child of Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos. The family were wealthy farmers who rented land from the Dominican religious order. Descendants of a Chinese immigrant named Domingo Lam-co, they changed their name to Mercado ("market") under the pressure of anti-Chinese feeling among the Spanish colonizers.

From an early age, Rizal showed a precocious intellect. He learned the alphabet from his mother at the age of 3 and could read and write at age 5.

Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, graduating at age 16 with the highest honors. He took a post-graduate course there in land surveying.

Rizal completed his surveyor's training in 1877 and passed the licensing exam in May 1878, but he could not receive a license to practice because he was only 17. He was granted a license in 1881 when he reached the age of majority.

In 1878, the young man enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas as a medical student. He later quit the school, alleging discrimination against Filipino students by the Dominican professors.

In May 1882, Rizal got on a ship to Spain without informing his parents. He enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid after arriving. In June 1884, he received his medical degree at the age of 23; the following year, he graduated from the Philosophy and Letters department.

Inspired by his mother's advancing blindness, Rizal next went to the University of Paris and then to the University of Heidelberg for further study in ophthalmology. At Heidelberg, he studied under the famed professor Otto Becker (1828–1890). Rizal finished his second doctorate at Heidelberg in 1887.

Rizal lived in Europe for 10 years and picked up a number of languages. He could converse in more than 10 different tongues. While in Europe, the young Filipino impressed everyone he met with his charm, intelligence, and mastery of a range of different fields of study. Rizal excelled at martial arts, fencing, sculpture, painting, teaching, anthropology , and journalism, among other areas.

During his European sojourn, he also began to write novels. Rizal finished his first book, " Noli Me Tangere " (Latin for "Touch Me Not"), while living in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany, with the Rev. Karl Ullmer.

Rizal wrote "Noli Me Tangere" in Spanish; it was published in 1887 in Berlin, Germany. The novel is a scathing indictment of the Catholic Church and Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, and its publication cemented Rizal's position on the Spanish colonial government's list of troublemakers. When Rizal returned home for a visit, he received a summons from the governor-general and had to defend himself against charges of disseminating subversive ideas.

Although the Spanish governor accepted Rizal's explanations, the Catholic Church was less willing to forgive. In 1891, Rizal published a sequel, titled " El Filibusterismo ." When published in English, it was titled "The Reign of Greed."

In his novels and newspaper editorials, Rizal called for a number of reforms of the Spanish colonial system in the Philippines. He advocated freedom of speech and assembly, equal rights before the law for Filipinos, and Filipino priests in place of the often-corrupt Spanish churchmen. In addition, Rizal called for the Philippines to become a province of Spain, with representation in the Spanish legislature, the Cortes Generales .

Rizal never called for independence for the Philippines. Nonetheless, the colonial government considered him a dangerous radical and declared him an enemy of the state.

In 1892, Rizal returned to the Philippines. He was almost immediately accused of being involved in the brewing rebellion and was exiled to Dapitan City, on the island of Mindanao. Rizal would stay there for four years, teaching school and encouraging agricultural reforms.

During that period, the people of the Philippines grew more eager to revolt against the Spanish colonial presence. Inspired in part by Rizal's progressive organization La Liga , rebel leaders such as Andres Bonifacio (1863–1897) began to press for military action against the Spanish regime.

In Dapitan, Rizal met and fell in love with Josephine Bracken, who brought her stepfather to him for a cataract operation. The couple applied for a marriage license but were denied by the Church, which had excommunicated Rizal.

The Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896. Rizal denounced the violence and received permission to travel to Cuba to tend to victims of yellow fever in exchange for his freedom. Bonifacio and two associates sneaked aboard the ship to Cuba before it left the Philippines and tried to convince Rizal to escape with them, but Rizal refused.

He was arrested by the Spanish on the way, taken to Barcelona, and then extradited to Manila for trial. Rizal was tried by court-martial and charged with conspiracy, sedition, and rebellion. Despite a lack of evidence of his complicity in the Revolution, Rizal was convicted on all counts and given a death sentence.

He was allowed to marry Bracken two hours before his execution by firing squad in Manila on December 30, 1896. Rizal was just 35 years old.

José Rizal is remembered today throughout the Philippines for his brilliance, courage, peaceful resistance to tyranny, and compassion. Filipino schoolchildren study his final literary work, a poem called " Mi Ultimo Adios " ("My Last Goodbye"), and his two famous novels.

Spurred by Rizal's martyrdom, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. With assistance from the United States, the Philippine archipelago defeated the Spanish army. The Philippines declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, becoming the first democratic republic in Asia.

• de Ocampo, Estaban A. " Dr. Jose Rizal, Father of Filipino Nationalism ." Journal of Southeast Asian History .
• Rizal, José. "One Hundred Letters of José Rizal." Philippine National Historical Society.
• Valenzuela, Maria Theresa. " Constructing National Heroes: Postcolonial Philippine and Cuban Biographies of José Rizal and José Martí ." Biography .
• Biography of Antonio Luna, Hero of the Philippine-American War
• Biography of Andrés Bonifacio, Filipino Revolutionary Leader
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Rizal’s life: higher education and life abroad.

Ateneo was known to be the most prestigious college for boys because of its great teachings. From 1872-1877, under the supervision of the Jesuit priests Rizal studied in Ateneo de Manila. Rizal went to Ateneo Municipal, formerly known as Escuela Pia . In search for Rizal’s formal knowledge as a high school student, his father wanted to send Rizal to Letran but decided to have him enrolled at the latter instead.

Ateneo De Manila

Rizal took first the entrance examination at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran on June 10, 1872. His brother, Paciano, accompanied him when he took the exam. The exams for incoming freshmen in the different colleges for boys were administered or held at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran since the Dominicans exer-cised the power of inspection and regula-tion over Ateneo that time. After passing the exam, Rizal was admitted at the Ateneo Municipal. Although Rizal qualified in the entrance examination, Father Magin Ferrand, who was then the College Registrar, refused Rizal’s admission in the institution for two reasons: first, Rizal was a late registrant and second, he was very pale, thin and undersized for an 11-year old. But, with the help of Manuel Burgos he was accepted in the institution. Jose was not able to use Mercado as his surname when he enrolled at Ateneo. He was registered as Jose Rizal because his real surname had rung a bell to the ears of the authorities — this was because of Paciano’s relation with one of the leaders of the secularization movement, Father Burgos. At that time, Ateneo was offering a six-year program that gives students the academic title of Bachiller en Artes. This program exposed students to five subjects: Christian doctrine; Languages of Spanish, Latin, Greek and French; History and Geography (World History and Geography and History of Spain and the Philippines; Mathematics and Sciences (geometry, trigonometry, mineralogy, chemistry, physics, botany and zoology); and the Classic disciplines (poetry, rhetoric, and philosophy). Ateneo, as a prestigious school, offered the best secondary education for boys that enhances the character of their students through strict religious instruction and discipline. Before the classes start, the students must first hear masses and end with prayers. To encourage the spirit of competition among students in academics, with the help of Atenean teachers, the school proposed a program of dividing the class into two competing groups (empires): the Roman Empire composed of boarding students at Ateneo and the Carthaginian Empire composed of non-boarding students. Both groups have ranks and classifications and they competed through question and answers. When banners are raised, it means victory for the group; there is defeat if banners are lowered.

Rizal’s first professor was Father Jose Bech. At first, Rizal was left behind among his classmates but he knew the severity of his studies, so he organized and seriously observed himself a timetable to manage his studies. He excelled as the emperor in his class, a title given to the most intelligent in the class. The method of instruction used at Ateneo was the ration studiorum, a system of indoctrination under tight and constant discipline but with reward. It applies memorization and understanding of the concepts taught in class. At that time, the Atenean education had one goal: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (or For the Greater Glory of God). A student’s life was centered on the chapel, considered as the highest level of extra-curricular activity. Rizal was able to pass his oral examination on March 14,1877. He finished with the degree, Bachiller en Artes, with the highest academic honors. Looking at Rizal’s scholastic records, it is evident that he excelled in his academic studies during the entire time that he was studying at Ateneo. Racial pride, monastic discipline and seclusion of boarding school life were the factors that gave Rizal the motivation to outshine his classmates. Note that in doing so, he wanted to prove to his Spanish classmates that a Filipino student can compete and beat them academically. The competition inside the classroom was an opportunity to outdo his classmates in the daily activities designed to test the student’s memory and understanding of their lessons in the different curriculum. For Rizal, being in a boarding school was effective as it gave him more time to focus on his studies. Aside from academics, Rizal was also active in extra-curricular activities. He became a member of Marian Congregation and an officer in the religious confraternities at Ateneo. This position is only offered to students who consistently possessed the highest degree of scholarship and leadership. There, he was mentored by Father Pablo Pastells, S.J. He was also a member of two academic societies: Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences, both were considered elite organizations for students who excelled in literature and the sciences.

Sta. Isabel College

Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College to be proficient in Spanish and develop his skills in poetry writing more. But before he took up lessons, he was guided by Father Francisco Paula de Sanchez in developing his skills in poetry. Through his poetry he was able to finish poems about religion, education, and childhood experiences. It also gave him the opportunity to develop more mature emotions, patriotic sentiments and exquisite sensitivity. Rizal did not waste any time to learn new things during his time. On his vacant time, Rizal took painting lessons from Agustin Saez and sculpture lessons from Teodoro Romualdo de Jesus to enhance his interest in arts. As a result, he was able to sculpt the image of the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father Jose Villaclara, S.J. encouraged him to pay attention also to the sciences and philosophy.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

After completion of Bachiller en Artes at Ateneo, Rizal was admitted to higher studies at a university. Doña Teodora was against Rizal’s decision to pursue a higher education because of her fear of what might happen to her son due to the martyrdom of Gomburza. However, Don Francisco sent Rizal to UST, the Dominican University of the Philippines. At the beginning, Rizal was not sure of what course to take after graduation. His former mentors in Ateneo suggested priesthood or farming, but Rizal considered taking up literature, law or medicine. Paciano, his brother discouraged him to take law, saying that Rizal will not be able to practice it later on because of the political conditions in the country that time. Rizal was 16 years old when he began his freshman year at UST. He enrolled under the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Major in Philosophy. This was the course that his father wanted him to pursue, but then it turned out that he took up courses in Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy and History of Philosophy. He also took up surveying course at Ateneo. Once again, he excelled in the said course while underage. But because of this, he could not practice the surveyor’s profession yet. Instead, Rizal was presented the title on November 25, 1881 for his excellency. After his first year, Rizal changed his course from Philosophy and Letters to Medicine. Rizal believed that he should finish medicine so that he could cure his sick mother who had an eyesight failure.

To The Filipino Youth Theme: “Grow, O Timid Flower” Lift up your radiant brow, This day, Youth of my native strand! Your abounding talents show Resplendently and grand, Fair hope of my motherland! Soar high, oh genius great, And with noble thoughts fill their mind; The honor’s glorious seat, May their virgin mind fly and find More rapidly than the wind. Descend with the pleasing light Of the arts and sciences to the plain, Oh Youth, and break forthright The links of the heavy chain That your poetic genius enchain. See that in the ardent zone, The Spaniard, where shadow stand, Doth offer a shining crown, With wise and merciful hand To the son of this Indian land. You who heavenward rise On wings of your rich fantasy Seek in the Olympian skies The tenderest poesy, More sweet than divine honey; You of heavenly harmony, On a calm unperturbed night, Philomel’s match in melody, That in varied symphony Dissipate man’s sorrow’s blight; You, at the impulse of your mind The hard rock animate And your mind with the great pow’r consigned Transforms into immortal state The pure mem’ry of genius great; And you, who with magic brush On canvas plain capture The varied charm of Phoebus, Loved by the divine Apelles And the mantle of Nature; Run! For genius’ sacred flame Awaits the artist’s crowning Spreading far and wide the fame Throughout the sphere proclaiming With trumpet the mortal’s name. Oh, joyful, joyful day, For you fair Philippines! The Almighty blessed be Who, with loving eagerness Sends you luck and happiness.

A Filipinas

In February 1880, Rizal wrote a sonnet dedicated to the Philippines that aimed at encouraging Filipino artists to thank the country through their art works. This is the most passionate poem about the Philippines written by Rizal.

To the Philippines Warm and beautiful like a houri from heaven, Gracious and pure like the rising dawn When it colors the sapphire clouds, There sleeps a goddess of the Indian soil. The light foam of the sonorous sea Kisses her feet with a lover’s desire; The civilized West adores her smile, And the white Pole her flowered veil. My muse, stuttering with tenderness, Sings to her among the naiads and undines; I offer her my happiness and fortune. With green myrtle and purple roses And Madonna lilies crown her pure brow, O artists, and sing the praises of the Philippines!

Rizal Life's Abroad

Rizal did not continue his studies in the Philippines, instead, he went to Europe to widen his learning and to acquire knowledge about a cure for his mother’s worsening eye condition. He left Calamba on May 1, 1882 and was able to reach Manila in ten hours. He left Manila on May 3, 1882, with his brother Paciano and Uncle Antonio Rivera’s blessing. He decided to go abroad after completing his fourth year in the medical course. But he did not seek his parents’ permission because clearly, they will not approve of Rizal’s plan. Bringing with him his disappointments during his days as a student, he left the Philippines for Europe. Initially, he was going to finish his medical course in Barcelona, Spain. Then again, he wanted to make a name for himself in the field of journalism, to observe and study the European society and to prepare himself from being freed from the tyrants of Spain

At the age of 21, the first piece he made was the essay entitled, El Amor Patrio or Love of Country. While writing this, he used the screen name Laong Laan. It was published in the Diariong Tagalog in Manila on August 20, 1882.

On September 1882, Rizal moved to the capital city of Spain to continue his studies. Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid on November 3, 1882 he took up Philosophy and Letters in Medicine. While studying in the university, he also enrolled at the Academy of San Carlos taking up painting and sculpture, and languages in French, German and English. He also took up shooting and fencing at the Hall of Sanz and Carbonell. He also showed great interest in taking the examination in Roman law. Rizal passed the medical examination which he took from June 5 to 26. He was given the degree of Licentiate in Medicine for this and continued his doctorate degree in medicine. However, he was not able to accomplish the diploma because he failed to present the thesis required for graduation. He was allowed to practice medicine but cannot teach medicine. Rizal was saddened by this decision and thought that the education system in Madrid had no difference with that in Manila. He then finished his course in Philosophy and Letters and gained the degree Licenciado en Filosofia y Letras. During this time, Rizal was halfway done with his novel, the Noli Me Tangere.

CIRCULO HISPANO FILIPINO

Circulo Hispano Filipino was a social organization meant to create reforms for the Philippines. The members were mostly Filipino elderlies, who were exiles of 1872. It was led by Juan Atayde, a retired army officer and a Philippine-born Spaniard. They conducted informal programs, which included poetry reading and debates. Even with a busy schedule, Rizal took the time to join his fellow Filipinos in Madrid. The group knew that Rizal is a good writer — he was actually requested to comment or write a few verses to the review published by the group. Rizal was able to do the poem entitled Mi Piden Versos (They Ask Me for Verses). Rizal, while in Madrid, sent a letter to Don Francisco about joining the Circulo Hispano. But later on, he told him that the society was disbanded because of: 1) the differences among its members who were young student expatriates and retired colonials, and 2)due to their age difference. It was difficult for Rizal during his stay in Madrid. There were delays in his monthly allowance coming from the Philippines, considering the financial status of Rizal’s family caused by crop failures brought by drought and locusts, and the increase in rentals of the Dominican hacienda lands in his hometown. Truth be told, there were times when Rizal attended his classes on an empty stomach. Influenced by Miguel Morayta, a history professor at the Universidad de Madrid, Rizal became a member of freemasonry with “Dimasalang” as its masonic name. It is an organization outlawed by the Catholic Church because its beliefs are contrary to the doctrines of the church. It is said that the mason’s view of life is that, knowledge should be achieved by the light of reason and universal brotherhood of men. He became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad on November 15,1890. Hence, Rizal was immediately removed from the Catholic church. Rizal’s love interest in Madrid was Consuelo, Don Pabolo’s daughter. Because of her good traits and beautiful smile he got attracted and fell for her but he held back his feelings for Consuelo knowing that he was engaged with Leonor Rivera in the Philippines. Aside from this, Rizal did not want to ruin his friendship with Eduardo de Lete, who is the latter’s love interest. Before leaving Madrid in 1883, Rizal composed a poem that expressed his admiration to Consuelo, entitled A La Senorita C.O. y R. On June 25, 1884, in honor of Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo Rizal made a speech, the Brindis which gave him praises from the public audience because for the first time, they heard a Filipino delivering a speech fluently in the Castillan language. He stated that Luna and Hidalgo were the pride of Filipino people. Luna was awarded the top prize for his painting Spolarium while Hidalgo got the second place for his painting Virgines Christianas Expuestas al Populacho (Christian Virgins Exposed to the Population). Both Filipino painters joined the National Exposition of Fine Arts. In his speech, Rizal said that intelligence knows no race and the prizes they got were results of both Philippines and Spain. He also hoped that someday, Spain will accept the changes that the Filipinos have to offer. The speech was published in the newspaper, El Liberal.

RIZAL’S LIFE IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Rizal arrived in Paris on November 1885. At that time, he was 24 years old and a full-pledged surgeon. He decided to migrate to Paris to specialize in Ophthalmology, but prior to doing so, he went to visit Maximo Viola, a friend from San Miguel, Bulacan. Rizal also worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert’s eye clinic for four months. During his stay, Rizal knew how to conduct the operation of the eye, its ailments, and the different techniques of eye operation. He spent his past time with his fellow Filipinos in the city, something that contributed much to learning how to speak French fluently. His friends were Felix Hidalgo, Juan Luna and Pardo de Tavera. For the duration of his stay with Juan Luna, Rizal became a model and posed for two historical paintings of Luna: The Blood Compact (as Sikatuna) and Death of Cleopatra (as a Priest). It was also in Paris that he finished some part of his Noli.

Due to high cost of living, Rizal left Paris for Germany on February 1886. He arrived at an old university town in Heidelberg. He worked as an assistant of Dr. Otto Becker at the University Eye Hospital. It is where Rizal mastered the techniques of diagnosing eye ailments, which he learned from Dr. Louis de Wecker. But before transferring to the university, Rizal resided in a German boarding house where he became friends with a number of German law students. He became a member of the Chess Players’ Club of Heidelberg. He was known among the students not because he was good at chess but because he also joined them in their drinking sessions. While in Heidelberg, he used to write letters to his sis-ters Maria and Trinidad in the Philippines, telling them good things about Germany, the good traits of the German students including the women. The letter was to show her sisters that they can imitate the virtues of German women. There, he wrote a poem entitled, A Las Flores de Heidelberg (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) to express his homesickness for his loved ones.

Rizal lived five years of his life abroad and away from his loved ones. He left Rome and rode the train going to Marseilles, France on July 3,1887. He then boarded the Djemnah, the vessel that ferried him to Saigon, and from Saigon, he transferred to the steamer Haiphong in Vietnam and reached Manila on August 5,1887. He stayed in Manila for three days and tried to visit and call Isabelo de los Reyes twice but unfortunately, he was unable to reach him. Later on, he visited Ateneo wherein the Jesuits attempted to get Rizal back to his old faith. Rizal was able to talked to Padre Faura, the priest who showed him the Sacred Heart of Jesus that he carved during his student days. Then, Padre Faura told Rizal all the wrong points that he said in his novel, Noili Me Tangere. But for Rizal, everything he wrote was the truth. Upon Rizal’s arrival in Calamba on August 8, 1887, there were rumors spreading that Rizal was a German spy, a mason and many more. Because of these, Rizal received death threats each day and his family was worried about the possible consequences of such. So Paciano accompanied him whenever he goes out— even his father, Don Francisco, had hesitations on allowing Rizal to go out of their house. Nevertheless, Rizal kept himself busy while in Calamba. He established a medical clinic and his first patient was his mother. He cured the sick and soon he was known to be an eye specialist and surgeon. Rizal successfully removed the cataracts on his mother’s eyes. In the town, Rizal was called Doctor Uliman, because he was mistaken for a German. On August 30, 1887, Rizal left Calamba and went to Manila for he was invited to see Governor-General Emilio Terrero as regards his Noli.

TRIP TO HONG KONG

Rizal arrived in Hong Kong on February 8,1888. His fellow Filipinos namely Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio and Manuel Yriarte, who were all exiled in 1872, met Rizal. In Hong Kong, he was able to study the Chinese language, Chinese drama and theater, Chinese cultures and Chinese values. Rizal even became friends with some Spaniards that were based in Hong Kong. He met Barranda, Terrero’s secretary, together with other Spaniards and went to visit Macao, a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. Rizal and his friends visited the botanical garden, theatre, casino, cathedral and churches, pagodas and bazaars. They lived in the house of Juan Lecaroz and on February 20, 1888, he went back to Hong Kong. Two days after, he left for Japan on Board the SS Oceania on February 22, 1888.

TRIP TO JAPAN AND SHORT ROMANCE WITH O-SEI-SAN

Rizal arrived in Yokohama, Japan and stayed at Tokyo Hotel on February 28, 1888f or a few days. He was then invited by Juan Perez Caballero to live at the Spanish Legation for a month. On March 7,1887, he left the hotel and lived at the Spanish legation. During his stay in Japan, he studied the Japanese language or Nippongo, Japanese culture, theatres, martial arts and visited Japanese provinces. Rizal appreciated the cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese. Rizal then met O-Sei-San and their romance began when he lived at the Spanish legation. They became friends and later on developed to become lovers. O-Sei-San or Seiko Usui and Rizal fell in love for each other. Because of this, Rizal thought of staying in Japan for good. Nonetheless, Rizal had duties to fulfill for his country. So he decided to leave Japan and said his goodbyes to O-Sei-San.

TRIP TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Aboard a steamer on April 28,1888, the entire boat was quarantined when it stopped in San Francisco because accordingly, the ship came from a country where cholera was epidemic. Rizal knew that this was not the fact — he found out that the ship was halted for the Chinese and Japanese laborers who accepted cheap labor, replacing the American laborers. On May 4, 1888, after a week of the quarantine, some passengers were allowed to disembark, except for the Japanese and Chinese passengers who were quarantined for a longer period. Rizal went to different cities in America like Reno, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany, and New York City. He was very much impressed with all the cities for its natural beauty, the hardworking Americans, the material progress and the high standard of living, and the opportunities offered for poor immigrants for a better life. The negative impressions include the lack of racial equality and the presence of racial prejudice against other nations. The Americans value valued money more than human life and fairness and justice were only offered to white people.

TRIP IN LONDON

After Rizal’s trip to the United States of America, he left New York City on May 16, 1888 and arrived in Liverpool, England on May 24 of the same year. He stayed for a day at Adelphi Hotel and left for London the following day. He was welcomed by Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor on May 25, 1888 and stayed as a guest in their home. Dr. Regidor was an exile of 1872 and a practicing lawyer in London. Rizal had reasons why he chose to live in London. First, he wanted to enhance his knowledge on the English language; he sought to have further study on Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas; to do research on the Philippine history; and to continue to write for La Solidaridad in defense of his people against the Spanish tyranny.

IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

On January 28,1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, Belgium. He was accompanied by Jose Alberto when he moved to Brussels. When Jose Alberto left the country, an engineering student, Jose Alejandro stayed with Rizal at the boarding house owned by Suzanne and Marie Jacoby. Aside from the cost of living in Paris, which was too much, Rizal cannot focus on writing his second novel El Filibusterismo because of the social life in Paris that interfered with his writings. While doing the chapters of the novel, he continued to write articles for La Solidaridad and they were: 1. “ A La Defensa” (To la Defensa) on April 30, 1889 as his answer to an Anti-Filipino writing of Patricio de la Escorura; 2. “La Verdad Para Todos” (The Truth For All) on May 31, 1889 as his reply against the Spanish accusations that the Filipino officials were ignorant and immoral; 3. “Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo” on June 15, 1889; 4. Barrantes’ ignorance on the theatrical art of the Tagalog; 5. “Una Profanacion” (A Profanation) on July 31, 1889 as his attack against the friars for ignoring and not allowing Christian burial for his brother-in-law, Mariano Herbosa; 6. “Crueldad” (Cruelty) on July 31, 1889 defending Blumentritt from mocking and insulting attacks of his rivals; 7. “Verdades Nuevas” (New Truths) on August 15, 1889, that because of the letter written by Vicente Belloc Sanchez, saying that if reforms were granted, it will start in the destruction of the peaceful ruling of the friars in the Philippines; 8. “Diferencias” (Differences) on September 15, 1889 in response of the attacks of the article, saying mean and bad comments to the Filipinos who were then protesting for reforms from the Spanish government; 9. “Inconsequencias” (Inconsequences) on November 30, 1889 to defend Antonio Luna against the attacks of Pablo Mir Deas’s article in El Pueblo Soberano, a newspaper in Barcelona; 10.“LLanto y Risas” (Tears and Laughters) on November 30, 1889 as Rizal’s way of saving the Filipinos from the Spaniards racial prejudice; 11.“Ingratitudes” (Ingratitudes) on January 15, 1890 in response to Governor-General Weyler’s words, that people of Calamba should not be fooled by empty promises of their ungrateful sons.

On the other hand, Rizal received bad news coming from home that his family and relatives were forced to leave and go to different places because the Calamba land problem had worsened, that the Dominican management raised the rents for the land. This was the reason why the tenants, including Rizal’s father, refused to pay the rent, which resulted for the filing of a case by the Dominicans to strip the ownership of Calamba land from the Rizal family. The illegal eviction of his family angered him and made him depressed. Rizal planned to go home to the Philippines because he could not bear the pain about what happened to his family. Rizal then wrote a poem entitled “A Mi Musa” (To My Muse) to address his disappointments on the land problems of Calamba. This poem was published in La Solidaridad with Laong Laan as Rizal’s pen name on December 15,1890. Rizal failed to defend the case against the Dominicans and justice was not received for his family and the tenants of Calamba. While in Madrid, Rizal attended a gathering of Filipinos where he had a fight with Antonio Luna and dared Wenceslao Retana to a duel. Retana, was a Spanish scholar and Rizal’s rival in writing.

LIFE IN HONG KONG

Rizal left Madrid and went to Hong Kong after he published the El Fili in Europe. He did not like the political situation between him and del Pilar, and the other Filipinos in Spain. It was during this time that Rizal heard that his friend, Jose Ma. Panganiban (his pen name was Jomapa), bid his farewell to the world. As saddened as he was, he recognized Jomapa’s talent, intelligence, and industry through a eulogy, considering him as a lost for the country. Due to his unpleasant experiences in Madrid, Rizal planned on leaving the political life in Europe to focus on his mission instead. On November 20,1891, he arrived in Hong Kong. He then decided to practice medicine, through his association with Dr. Lorenzo P. Marquez, so he applied for a license and the license and was eventually granted. His family went to Hong Kong and he supported them in the city.

How Rizal’s life in Europe and friendship with a Czech scholar changed a nation’s fate

In the middle of the night in 1861, a tisoy  baby boy was born to Doña Teodora Alonso and Don Francisco Mercado in Calamba, Laguna. No one thought the baby would grow up to be a well-travelled doctor, artist, writer, historian, poet, master-fencer and, eventually, a national hero.

José Rizal was born in one of Spain’s last remaining colonies plagued by frequent rebellions and insurrections. At the same time, the Philippines was faced with an unsure future, no thanks to the prevailing backward and oppressive rule of the Religious Orders, and a civil government entangled in the battle between Liberalism and Conservatism. In 1872, a bloody mutiny in Cavite took place, which led to the eventual execution of three secular Filipino priests. This, according to Patricio Abinales and Donna Amoroso’s book  State and Societies in the Philippines , rocked the entire country and sent shivers down the Liberals’ spines. All seemed bleak for Spain’s far-off tropical colony. But that  mestizo  baby’s birth would help change the course of the country. 

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When the young José Rizal entered Ateneo Municipal in the  cuidad murada , Intramuros, it was obvious he was to have his first interactions with Europe and her sons. Run by Spanish Jesuits, Ateneo offered subjects that let gifted Spaniards and Filipinos explore the world of Virgil and Cicero, learn the language and stories of Caesar, Don Quixote, and Oedipus and discover other subjects that were European in taste and orientation. To say that Rizal did not learn Spanish, Latin, French, and Greek in Europe is true; he was still a young man here in the Philippines when he started reading, writing and speaking in these European languages.

To his great benefit, the access to these languages was also a means for the young Rizal to be exposed to Ateneo’s immense wealth of books and lessons. But Rizal’s early interaction with Europe was not only through Spain’s books and institutions. It was also through the continent’s sons—his Jesuit Fathers and Brothers. With the erudition, guidance, and paternal care these Jesuits showed young José, the future propagandist of the Philippines saw in these men the love and concern of Mother Spain he had always hoped for. These priests were, for him, shining beacons of what Europe then could best offer: an intelligent and rational but God-centered outlook in life. For these men to come to the Philippines and teach young boys like him Mathematics, Rhetoric, History, Geography, Latin, Spanish, French, Greek and more, an indelible mark was impressed upon the young José. Europe was a haven, a source of great ideas and, more importantly, a place for enlightened and compassionate men.

But José was still in the Philippines and his larger reality was different. Although his family already belonged to the  principalia  class, Rizal and his loved ones were subject to the humiliation and dispossessions that Filipinos then had to endure, as León Maria Guerrero relayed in his book,  The First Filipino . History tomes and Rizal biographies would mention how the young Rizal witnessed his own mother get a taste of the wickedness of the colonial system, being wrongly accused and incarcerated for around two years. As recorded in Abinales and Amoroso’s book,  State and Society , in the late 1800s, religious corporations led by  peninsular  priests were also habitually raising the rents of their huge  haciendas , making the  inquilinos  as well as the  kasamas  feel the economic brunt. 

Beyond school

How then could one see the role of Europe in the Philippines? What does this continent have to do with the plight of all the  indios , sangleys , mestizo sangleys  and  criollos  in these islands?

The short answer? José Rizal. It is in his heart and mind that a union of European ideas and cultures found and will find meaning. Life in a primary school like Ateneo was not enough for Rizal to access and comprehend the numerous ideas and cultures spread throughout Europe—lest it be forgotten that Ateneo Municipal was still a Catholic and Spanish institution cautious of what materials its students may read. 

Fortunately, his eventual stay in Europe for further study opened and broadened his mind, seeing European countries as examples his own country should try to emulate. It is not an exaggeration to say that Rizal might have felt jealous of the Europeans who were able to freely discover the wonders of science and mention words such as “reason” and “progress” without being flogged by the local parish priest. As he set foot in the great continent, he indulged in some academic and not-so academic pursuits, a young man so thirsty of knowledge. He joined the  Circulo Hispano Filipino , wrote his masterpieces  Noli Me Tangere , and  El Filibusterismo , and forged long-lasting friendships with some European men and women. While there, he was elected member of the Geographical Society as well as the Anthropological Society, and other scholarly groups. Europe expanded his world view. 

The great European countries of Spain, France, Germany, England, Belgium, and Italy have left indelible marks in Rizal’s life. To simply paint a picture of his frolicking through the continent and burning his family’s money is misleading and irresponsible. As he went from one country to another, he had a purpose for each transfer. For one, having very little money. he was looking for the cheapest printing press which could publish his controversial  Noli . Secondly, travelling through Europe enabled him to learn new and useful languages and one of these is German. His facility in the language enabled him to read more scholarly materials and forge new relationships. Germany also left a deep impression in him, and he would always recount examples of German loyalty and honesty. 

Among Rizal’s new acquaintances in Europe, a Czech stands out as his favorite: Ferdinand Blumentritt. A school master from Leitzmeritz, Blumentritt’s somewhat peculiar interest for the Philippines caught the attention of Rizal because it brought him hope and encouragement. Indeed, beyond the Iberian Peninsula, there were other Europeans, other people out there, who knew something about the Philippines. It so impressed Rizal that a Czech was very interested and adept in Philippine History. The emotional and sensitive Rizal was utterly touched the moment he heard in Heidelberg that “a professor Blumentritt was studying Tagalog and had already published some works on the language.”

Rizal had every reason to find in this man an advocate, confidante and friend. From exchanging letters, the relationship grew into a lasting friendship and, even to some extent, brotherly love. Blumentritt was Rizal’s virtual elder brother and mentor, a companion through the hard and expensive life in Europe. Rizal would also extend a helping hand to Blumentritt by translating manuscripts, and at the same time, opening Blumetritt’s eyes to a Philippines beyond ethnographies, maps and dialects. It was in this friendship that Europe found a place in José Rizal’s heart.  

Their friendship was proof that being one’s best can lead the other to love and appreciate the other’s homeland. For the Rizal, Blumentritt was what Europe best offered him. 

After his first and last meeting with Blumentritt, Rizal was set to leave Europe for Calamba. His stay in that continent was no bed of roses; the cost of living was high and his own family, being in turmoil over land disputes, had difficulty sending him money. Rizal was not only in Europe to write letters to foreign friends and attend parties; he was there to study and, eventually, campaign for reforms. His stay exposed him to different cultures and practices, good and bad. And through these he was also able to formulate ideas as to what reforms are needed in his home country, among them having a free press. 

Rizal and his convictions were a product of his European experience. Readers of history should see that along with Rizal’s return to the Philippines was the arrival of his European-inspired thoughts. From her shores, the First Filipino will return to his country renewed with vigor, strengthened by the French ideas of  liberte , fraternite  and  egalite , hopeful that his sojourn in Europe made him a better Filipino. Influenced by the French Revolution’s ideas, impressed by German ingenuity, Rizal was so hopeful that one day the Philippines would be considered one of Spain’s provinces. Europe was in his heart, but his heart was still for the Philippines. 

Works Cited

Guerrero, León Ma.,  The First Filipino . Philippines: Guerrero Publishing, 1998.

Abinales, Patricio, and Donna Amoroso.  State and Society in the Philippines . 2005.    

   Pasig: Anvil Publishing, 2007.

*This essay was awarded the grand prize in the “Rizal na, Europa Pa” nationwide essay writing contest, organized by the European Union delegation to the Philippines, the different EU Cultural Institutes (including Instituto Cervantes de Manila, Alliance Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, among others) and the Order of the Knights of Rizal. It was recognized in ceremonies last June 18, 2009 at the Music Hall of Mall of Asia. The grand prize was a trip through Europe, revisiting important sites associated with Dr. Jose Rizal, starting with the city of Paris.

• Create a Timeline

Timeline of Rizals Travel

Philippines 1882.

May 3, 1882

Rizal boarded the salvadora with Antonio Rivera.

June 15, 1882 - September 2, 1882

-Rizal arrived and stayed at Barcelona for 3 months. - Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central De Madrid.

Germany 1886-1887

April 22 1886 - March 21 1887

-Rizal wrote the poem “A Las Flores de Heidelberg”. - Copies of Noli Me Tangere went of the press.

Manila, Philippines 1887

August 5 1887 - August 30 1887

• Rizal came back to Manila.
• Possession and reading of Noli Me Tangere was prohibited.

Hong Kong 1888

February 8, 1888 - February 16, 1888

• Rizal arrived at Hong Kong
• Rizal wrote to Blumentritt that Hong Kong “is a small but very clean city.”

Feb 28, 1888 - March 4, 1888

• Rizal arrived in Japan.
• He wrote Blumentritt about the honesty, courtesy,cleanliness and industry of the Japanese people.

Biaritz, France 1891

March 21, 1891

• Rizal finished writing El Filibusterismo.

Paris, France 1891

October 3, 1891

• Rizal sent a letter with 600 copies of the El Filibusterismo, to Jose Ma. Basa in Hong Kong saying that he was definitely taking the next trip of the Melbourne for Hong Kong from Marseilles.

Philippines 1892-1896

June 26 1892

• Rizal arrived in the Philippines using the boat Don Juan.

Dec 30, 1896

• Rizal was executed.

36 Amazing Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Jose Rizal

As one respected Filipino historian once said, “Jose Rizal is everywhere yet he is nowhere.” 

We’ve learned more about his life than any other Filipino hero who fought for our liberty. His name is indeed everywhere–from coins and schools to streets and numerous monuments.

Still, few Filipinos bother to look back at his life, and the principles that made him our unofficial national hero.

So how do we inspire our countrymen, especially the millennials, to know more about this oft taken-for-granted hero? It should all start with curiosity, and nothing can intrigue them better than bite-sized trivia about Jose Rizal’s life, works, and death.

After all, there’s more to know about him aside from the basic stuff your history teacher taught you.

1. Jose Rizal was a naughty boy in the famous “Moth and Lamp” story

Perhaps no other story sums up Rizal’s childhood so succinctly as his famous story about the lamp and the moth. And despite what you may think, little Rizal was actually being naughty.

Instead of reading a Spanish children’s book diligently given to him by his mother Teodora, he was instead doodling caricatures on its pages. Even after being scolded, he did not pay much attention to the book, focusing his gaze on some moths that were flying around a coconut oil lamp instead. Continue Reading:  11 Things From Philippine History Everyone Pictures Incorrectly

2. The Young Jose Rizal Experimented With Drugs

To be fair, Rizal was NEVER a drug addict. However, that did not stop him from trying some for the sake of science. While just an 18-year-old, Rizal once used hashish he bought from a drugstore. At the time, the drug—a hallucinogen more potent than marijuana—could be easily bought over the counter along with cocaine, morphine, and heroin. Continue Reading:  9 Reasons Why Rizal Was Just As Human As The Rest Of Us

3. There Are Three Animals Named After Rizal

While exiled in Dapitan, he collected three species of animals:  Apogonia Rizali (Heller), a type of small beetle;  Draco Rizali (Wandolleck), a species of a flying dragon; and  Rachophorous Rizali (Boetger), a species of toad.

4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta Was Not Made by a Filipino Artist

The design was the work of Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling who won second prize in an art competition held in 1907 to find the best scale model for the future Rizal monument.

The first prize went to Italian sculptor Carlo Nicoli of Carrara but the contract to build the monument was given to the second-prize winner. Kissling’s design would use unpolished granite and bronze, which is significantly cheaper than Nicoli’s.

According to Parks for a Nation , “Nicoli was reportedly not able to put up the construction bond required to build the monument. Still, others claimed his design was deemed too expensive as it used Carrara marble.” 

5. Rizal Cured Himself of Tuberculosis and Was Later Recognized as a Tuberculosis Expert

6. he was already a terrific sculptor even at a very young age.

In fact, Rizal carved a 9-inch statuette of the Sacred Heart out of batikuling wood when he was only 14 years old. The Jesuit fathers brought this statuette in Fort Santiago when they visited Rizal in December 1896.

Aside from wood sculptures, Rizal also carved 40 amazing masterpieces out of plaster, terra-cotta, wax, and clay.

7. Jose Rizal’s “El Ermitaño.”

Sculpted by Jose Rizal during his exile in Dapitan,  El Ermitaño  is an 1893 terra cotta figurine given as a gift to Fr. Pablo Pastells. It shows Rizal’s own interpretation of St. Paul the Hermit or Paul of Thebes, known in Catholic history as the first Christian hermit.

El Ermitaño  contains inscriptions in reference to the long and controversial correspondence between Rizal and his Jesuit mentor, Fr. Pastells. The exchange of letters, which took place between September 1892 and June 1893, reveals the Jesuit priest’s attempt to win Rizal back to the Catholic church . Continue Reading: 2 Astonishing Philippine Artifacts You Didn’t Know You Could Find At The National Museum

8. When He Was Studying in Spain, Rizal Had To Pawn a Ring Owned by His Sister Saturnina Just To Pay for His Exams

But he didn’t want his loved ones to get worried, so he only mentioned his victories and excellent grades in the letters addressed to his family.

9. “Mi Retiro”, the Name of His Place in Dapitan, Was Inspired by His Favorite Park in Spain, the Parque Del Buen Retiro

Also Read: The Lottery Winner Who Changed Philippine History (Nope, It’s Not Rizal)

10. Jose Rizal’s anti-Chinese Sentiment

Other than campaigning against Spanish oppression, Rizal would also end up fighting what he perceived to be the Chinese exploitation of his countrymen. He viewed the Chinese primarily as unscrupulous traders and businessmen who liked to take advantage of Filipinos for profit even if it meant kowtowing to the Spanish.

Rizal’s dislike for the Chinese could be seen in his letter to his mother, in which he complained of being embroiled in a lawsuit with a Chinese and promised never to buy any products from him, and from his novel El Filibusterismo , where he portrayed the character of Quiroga (who was reportedly based on a real Chinese businessman) as a shrewd and cunning individual. Continue Reading:  10 Mind-Blowing Controversies Of Philippine History

11. Rizal is regarded by many as the “Father of Philippine Comics” because of some humorous illustrations he made in Germany

The said drawing, entitled “The baptism of two brothers”  (see photo above) , was inspired by the German cartoon “Max and Moritz.”  Rizal made it to entertain the children of his landlord, Pastor Ulmer. The original copy is now preserved in the National Library of the Philippines.

12. Jose Rizal and the Christmas Tree

Historical records suggest that it was the Germans who indeed started the Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century. It was later introduced in the U.S. where it was initially met with resistance and seen as a “pagan symbol.”

In the end, the Americans embraced the iconic Christmas tree and even popularized it in the Philippines in the early 20th century. But for some historians like Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, the idea of decorating Christmas tree first came in the country much earlier than that.

In fact, it was Jose Rizal who first mentioned it through his 1886 drawing of a Christmas tree, his interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Little Fir Tree.”  Continue Reading:  7 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Christmas

13. Rizal As a Psychic?

In his journal entry dated January 1, 1883, he shared about a “frightful nightmare” he had two nights before (i.e. December 30). In this dream, Rizal was imitating a dying actor and felt his “breath was failing” and his vision became very dim.

Interestingly, Rizal would be executed 13 years later at the exact same date. Austin Coates, Rizal’s biographer, also underscored that there were many incidents written in both Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that eventually happened to Rizal in real life.

14. According to Faustino “Tinong” Alfon, Rizal’s former cook in Dapitan, our national hero’s favorite fruits were lanzones and mangoes

His meals back then usually consisted of three kinds of ulam.  Rizal’s breakfast, on the other hand, was usually comprised of hot chocolate, rice, and  sardinas secas,  commonly known now as simply  tuyo. 

15. Rizal Was Widely Featured in Cigarette Wrappers

Most of these wrappers, made with Art Deco or Art Nouveau designs, were produced in Binondo during the turn of the century. An old cigarette label,  Las Delicias,  even went to the extreme by featuring Rizal smoking a cigar.

16. Rizal was exceptional and prolific in a wide range of subjects– except music

This is because he already realized early in life that his singing “sounded like the braying of an ass.”

17. Vital statistics: Rizal was about five feet three inches tall and had a waistline of about 25″ to 26.”

He also had a big head: His hats were 6 1/2″ across and the interior measures 8″ from front to back. He didn’t look odd, though, as his broad shoulders and developed neck compensated for it.

18. It was rumored that both Adolf Hitler and Mao Zedong were the illegitimate sons of Jose Rizal

Continue Reading: 8 Mind-Boggling Myths About Jose Rizal

19. Rizal Had a Third, Unfinished Novel

Known among historians as “Makamisa,”  this unfinished work was started by Rizal in Hongkong in 1892.  Makamisa  was not actually the title of Rizal’s work, but only the title of a single chapter of the unfinished Tagalog novel.

20. Rizal once sent a love letter written in invisible ink to Leonor Valenzuela, a tall girl from Pagsanjan

The message could only be deciphered if you put the letter over a lamp or candle. Leonor Valenzuela was one of Rizal’s first sweethearts. Unfortunately, they parted ways when Rizal had to leave for Spain.

21. “A la Senorita C.O. y R.,” one of Rizal’s best poems, was dedicated to Consuelo Ortiga y Rey, a pretty lady whom Rizal fell in love with when he was in Madrid

However, Rizal backed out of the blossoming relationship because he was good friends with Eduardo de Lete who was also in love with Consuelo. He also wanted to remain loyal to Leonor Rivera who would eventually marry Englishman Henry Kipping.

22. Jose Rizal and Leonor Rivera

A native of Camiling in Tarlac, Leonor Rivera captured Rizal’s heart when they met during the former’s 13th birthday party. Rizal was then a medical student who boarded at the Casa Tomasina, which at that time was managed by the Riveras.

Bumping into each other was inevitable: Leonor and Rizal’s youngest sister, Soledad, were both boarding students at La Concordia College. Before long, the casual encounters blossomed into a full-fledged romance.

For a decade (1880-1890), the star-crossed lovers wrote each other countless letters, even after Rizal left for Europe to further his medical studies. They continued to keep in touch, but they never saw each other again–no thanks to Noli Me Tangere which already reached the Philippines and had put anyone close to Rizal under scrutiny.

Worse, Leonor’s mother, who was already aware of Rizal’s reputation as a “filibusterer,” bribed the local postal clerk so the letters wouldn’t reach Leonor. Continue Reading:  The 6 Most Tragic Love Stories in Philippine History

23. Rizal composed a farewell song for Leonor Rivera just before his departure for Europe

The song, entitled “Leonor,” became very popular that many “were heard singing it in the streets and during social gatherings. The moment they saw Leonor, the children would sing the song.”

Here is the English translation of the song:

And so it has arrived: the fatal instant, the dismal injunction of my cruel fate; and so it has come at last: the moment, the date, when I must separate myself from you.Goodbye, Leonor, goodbye! I take my leave, leaving behind with you my lover’s heart! Goodbye, Leonor: from here I now depart. O melancholy absence! Ah, what pain!

24. The Luna-Boustead-Rizal Love Triangle

Before he was hacked to death in Cabanatuan, this Filipino general was already teasing death. Luna, being the sensitive guy that he was, impulsively challenged his perceived enemies to a duel–all in the name of honor.

Surprisingly, among those who found themselves on the receiving end of that legendary temper was Jose Rizal, who became Luna’s friend and compatriot when they’re both studying in Europe. How such friendship almost ended up in a duel remains one of the most intriguing “what-ifs” in Philippine history , an event that would have cost us one or two national heroes were it not for a sudden twist of fate. Continue Reading:  The Time Antonio Luna and Jose Rizal Nearly Killed Each Other

25. Rizal played a key role in the identification of Oncomelania cuadrasi , a Philippine snail that harbors the parasite that causes schistosomiasis

The said snail was named after a certain Mr. Cuadrasi, a known naturalist in Manila and to whom Rizal sent his specimens for identification.

26. While in Dapitan, Rizal wrote an extensive written discourse on kulam

Entitled  “La curacion de los hechizados”  (The treatment and cure of the bewitched), this lesser-known work of Rizal explores the psychological treatment for  kulam  and even explained that witches were not always women who are old or ugly.

He also discussed the difference between  hiloanon  of the Visayas, who gives poison to her victims, and the  manggagaway ,  the ‘traditional’ witch who uses ragdoll and pins.

27. Jose Rizal and Pedro Paterno

You know your mind is operating on a totally different wavelength when even the country’s national hero cannot describe your level of insanity.

Yet Pedro Paterno did just that, rendering Jose Rizal at a loss for words courtesy of his crazy theory that the pre-Spanish Filipinos practiced a proto-Christian religion way before the Spaniards arrived.

In his book Antigua Civilizacion Tagalog , Paterno modeled the history of pre-Spanish Philippines closely with that of the ancient civilizations of Europe. According to him, the natives practiced a monotheistic religion he termed Tagalismo / Bathalismo throughout Luzon and the Visayas which formed part of the ancient state.

And like something out of a Da Vinci Code-esque plot, Paterno said the baybayin alphabet contained hidden meanings, all of which pointed to the existence of the religion and its adherents in the archipelago. Continue Reading:  How Pedro Paterno “Invented” A Religion (And Got Called Crazy By Rizal For It)

28. Jose Rizal’s Paranormal Encounter

Apparently, even the Philippines’ foremost hero was not immune to otherworldly hauntings. While in exile in Dapitan, Rizal wrote to a Jesuit priest about one of his houses being haunted by a poltergeist. In this case, the poltergeist was said to be targeting his significant other Josephine Bracken who also believed that it was the spirit of her dead father.

Rizal wrote that many of their household items had been broken by the poltergeist. When Josephine asked the spirit what it wanted, “All her cups, tea kettles, saucers, etc. fell down at the same time. All the boys and I saw it.”  Continue Reading:  6 Famous Filipinos And Their Alleged  Paranormal Encounters

29. During Rizal’s execution, a total of 8 Filipinos armed with Remingtons formed the firing squad

There were also 8 Spanish soldiers with Mausers behind them, ready to shoot the Filipino soldiers if they refused to execute Rizal.

30. A descendant of one of the executioners, Adolfo Pastor Quetcuti, revealed that the captain of the guards put only one live bullet in one of the rifles while placing blanks in the others

He explained that this is to ease their guilt as they already knew in the beginning that Rizal was innocent.

31. Not all of Rizal’s skeletal remains were buried under the monument in Luneta

A vertebra or a piece of the backbone where Rizal was allegedly hit by the bullet was claimed by his family and is now displayed at the Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago.

32. Jose Rizal’s last Words

“Consummatum Est!” (It is finished!) were Rizal’s last words during his execution by firing squad in Bagumbayan on December 30, 1896. His words are said to have been the same ones used by Jesus Christ shortly before he died of crucifixion. Continue Reading:  13 Most Famous Last Words Ever Uttered in Philippine History

33. Rizal’s original execution photo features a dog, the mascot of the firing squad

It is said that the dog ran around the corpse whining after a soldier fired one last shot in Rizal’s head to make sure he was dead.

34. Rizal stuffed unknown papers in his pockets and shoes on the eve of his execution

He did this thinking that his corpse would be turned over to his family after the execution. But as we all know, his body was dumped by Spanish officials in an unmarked grave in Paco cemetery. The papers had since deteriorated, the contents of which were never identified.

35. He left specific instructions on how he wanted to be treated after his death

Here are some of his “last wishes”:

36. Rizal’s execution led to the death of a Spanish Prime Minister

On August 8, 1897, an Italian anarchist named Michele Angine Golli shot at point-blank range Spanish Premier Antonio Canovas del Castillo outside a spa. After being interrogated, Golli said he killed Canovas to avenge his fellow anarchists who had been imprisoned and executed in the castle of Montjuich, Barcelona.

He also dedicated his act as retribution for the death of “Don Jose Rizal” and expressed regret for his failure to kill Camilo de Polavieja, the Spanish Governor-General under whom Rizal was executed. Continue Reading:  8 Famous Filipino Events You Didn’t Know Influenced The World

abs-cbnNEWS.com, (2011).  Jose Rizal was a sculptor, too . [online] Available at: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/07/06/11/jose-rizal-sculptor-too [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

CUPIN, B. (2014).  The hero and the human that is Jose Rizal . [online] GMA News Online. Available at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/241498/lifestyle/peopleandevents/the-hero-and-the-human-that-is-jose-rizal [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Fernandez, R. (2009).  Little known facts on Rizal as an agriculturist . [online] Asianjournalusa.com. Available at: http://asianjournalusa.com/little-known-facts-on-rizal-as-an-agriculturist-p5353-87.htm [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Himig.com.ph, (2014).  Rizal’s Verses for Leonor and Maria Clara . [online] Available at: http://www.himig.com.ph/features/47-rizals-verses-for-leonor-and-maria-clara [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Joserizal.ph, (2014).  Jose Rizal [Different Characters] . [online] Available at: http://www.joserizal.ph/ch01.html [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Joserizal.ph, (2014).  Jose Rizal [Love Life] . [online] Available at: http://www.joserizal.ph/lv01.html [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Myrizal150.com, (2011).  The story of the Rizal Monument | MyRizal150 . [online] Available at: http://myrizal150.com/2011/06/the-story-of-the-rizal-monument/ [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Ocampo, A. (2012).  Looking Back 5: Rizal’s Teeth, Bonifacio’s Bones . 1st ed. Mandaluyong City: Anvil, pp.9-10.

Ocampo, A. (2012).  Rizal Without the Overcoat . 2nd ed. Mandaluyong City: Anvil, pp.61, 64, 77, 155, 157.

Ocampo, A. (2014).  Things you won’t ever know about Rizal . [online] Newsinfo.inquirer.net. Available at: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/16114/things-you-won%E2%80%99t-ever-know-about-rizal [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Philstar.com, (2014).  Rizal’s execution: Little known facts | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com . [online] Available at: http://www.philstar.com:8080/headlines/643170/rizals-execution-little-known-facts [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

PULUMBARIT, V. (2014).  10 little-known facts about Dr. Jose Rizal’s life in Spain . [online] GMA News Online. Available at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/341828/pinoyabroad/news/10-little-known-facts-about-dr-jose-rizal-s-life-in-spain [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Written by FilipiKnow

in Facts & Figures , History & Culture

Last Updated April 1, 2022 03:56 PM

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TIME TRAVEL OF JOSE RIZAL (1882 -1892

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Journey of Rizal

The following article is a commissioned article I wrote for this month’s issue (December 2010) of SMILE, the in-flight magazine of Cebu Pacific Air. You may browse the magazine online at http://www.cebusmile.com

EVERY TOWN OR city would have a street or park named after him. His diminutive yet dignified stature is immortalized in concrete or bronze. And his profile, distinguished by perfectly parted waves of hair, is etched on one-peso coins in every purse and pocket. Dr Jose Rizal may be as ubiquitous as jeepneys, coconuts and sari-sari stores in the Philippines, but Rizal Day — the anniversary of his martyrdom on December 30, 1896 — is almost always obscured by the fanfare of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Best known for his revolutionary novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal, together with Gandhi, Sun Yat-sen and Tagore, is one of the “Four Great Asians” that stirred modern nationalism in the region. It would be good to don an overcoat and travel the paths of Dr Jose Rizal.

Early days in Calamba

Tender childhood, beautiful town, Rich fountain of rejoicing And of harmonious music. That drove away all pain: Return to this heart of mine.

– A Tribute to My Town (Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo) by Jose Rizal

Calamba’s Rizal Shrine makes for a relaxing stop on a scenic road trip looping around Laguna de Bay. One can indulge in a bit of nostalgia, exploring the quarter. A bronze statue of little Pepe and his dog, Berganza stand and watch in the backyard in which the young boy found so much joy.

JP Rizal St, Calamba City (open from Tuesday–Sunday, 8am–5pm), tel: +63 (49) 834 1599.

At home in Hong Kong

Father has put on weight and his cheeks have become slightly pink. He is always cheerful, always walking around, and he is very much pleased with Hong Kong. They are very grateful for having been able to come here.

– In a letter to Rizal’s sister Maria, dated December 9, 1891

D’Aguilar Street, the sloping L-shaped road where Rizal’s eye clinic once stood, is now the epicenter of shopping and nightlife in the happening Lan Kwai Fong area. The small historical plaque at Century Square is swallowed up by stylish boutiques, neon signs and ritzy bars, but more interesting fragments of Rizal’s quieter colonial world linger at the other end of the street. Turn into Lower Albert Rd and Ice House St for the brick-faced Old Dairy Farm Depot (established in 1890), Bishop’s House (circa 1843) and an elegant flight of granite steps built between 1875 and 1889. Flanked by the last four gas- powered street lamps in the city, these steps carried Rizal down to Duddell St where another office of his once stood. He would walk up Shelley St, past the corner of Caine Rd to 2 Rednaxela Terrace (“Alexander” mispelled by a Chinese sign painter). Rizal would have appreciated today’s Mid-Levels escalators, the world’s longest outdoor system. Go to Lan Kwai Fong and Mid- Levels via MTR Central.

Respite in Dapitan

By the spreading beach where sands are soft and fine. At the foot of the mount in its mantle of green I have built my hut in the pleasant grove’s confine; From the forest seeking peace and a calmness divine.

– My Retreat (Mi Retiro) by Jose Rizal

Stopovers in Dumaguete

The steamer anchors quite near the shore because of the great depth of the water. Dumaguete spreads out on the beach. There are big houses, some with galvanized iron roofing… I observed that the people of Dumaguete are fond of decorating their houses with plants and flowers.

– From Rizal’s diary, August 1, 1896

Even the sun seems to favor this place. Every morning, a spectacular light show greets joggers at the lamp-lit and leafy shoreline of Rizal Boulevard, where our hero was said to have enjoyed long strolls during stopovers en route to and from Dapitan. A lesser known story according to old folks’ tradition is that he also had breakfast at the Locsin House — or what residents simply refer to as “the white house” — which is located at the corner of Sta Catalina and Locsin Streets. The white house was once the residence of Lt Cornelio Yapsutco, a champion of the revolution against Spanish rule. While the first level has been converted into shops, the second storey retains the hardwood floor and furnishings of an airy Spanish-period home. One can try arranging a visit to this private home through the Dumaguete City Tourism Office, tel: +63 (35) 422 9409 at Quezon Plaza.

Farewells in Manila

Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed, Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost, With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed; And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best, I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.

– My Last Farewell (Mi Ultimo Adios) by Jose Rizal

He was imprisoned at Fort Santiago, the northern corner of the Spanish walled city of Intramuros. At the Fort’s present-day Rizal Shrine commemorating his life and death, the multifaceted hero’s personal effects and excerpts from his writing are showcased with theatrical flair. Some items on exhibit are his sculptures, medical instruments, Hong Kong business card, seashell collection, specimens from Dapitan, early editions of his novels and the original farewell poem, Mi Ultimo Adios, written on a small piece of paper concealed in an oil lamp.

Outside, worn-out brass footsteps trace Rizal’s path out of Fort Santiago to face his executioners. From Intramuros, hop on a jeepney to Rizal Park (aka Luneta), which is the site of his martyrdom. The hero is entombed at Luneta underneath the iconic granite obelisk facing Kilometer Zero, a fitting resting place for a genius and instrument of nationhood. Alight at Central Terminal LRT-1 for Intramuros and UN Avenue LRT-1 for Rizal Park. Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila (open from Tuesday–Sunday, 8am–5pm), tel. +63 (2) 491 3994.

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2 Replies to “Journey of Rizal”

Rizal could escape the trial if he chooses to be out of the country but his love for the country is greater than his for travels. Nice article. BTW, I linked your site already, care for link exchange?

Thanks for sharing Ian!

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