PROLOGUE: RIZAL AND HIS TIMES
During the time of Rizal, the sinister shadows of Spain’s decadence darkened the
Philippine skies. The Filipino people agonized beneath the yoke of Spanish rule, for they
were the unfortunate victims of the evils of an unjust, bigoted, and deteriorating colonial
power. Among these evils were as follows: (1) Instability of colonial administration, (2)
corrupt officials, (3) no Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes, (4) human rights
denied to Filipinos, (5) no equality before the law, (6) maladministration of justice, (7)
racial discrimination, (8) frailocracy, (9) forced labor, (10) haciendas owned by the friars,
and (11) Guardia Civil.
CHAPTER 1: ADVENT OF A NATIONAL HERO
Dr. Jose Rizal is a unique example of a many- splendored genius who became the
greatest hero of a nation. Endowed by God with versatile gifts, he truly ranked with the
world’s geniuses. He was a physician, poet, dramatist, essayist, novelist, historian,
architect, painter, sculptor, educator, linguist, musician, naturalist, ethnologist, surveyor,
engineer, farmer businessman, economist, geographer and many more.
Jose Rizal was born on the moonlit night of Wednesday, June 19, 1861, in the
lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna Province, Philippines where his mother almost died
during the delivery because of his big head. He was baptized on June 22, aged three days
old by the parish priest, Fr. Rufino Collantes. His name Jose was chosen by his mother
from St. Joseph. He was born when the governor general of the Philippines was Lt.
General Jose Lemery, former senator of Spain which he governed from February 2, 1861
to July 7, 1862. Jose Rizal was the seventh of the eleven children of Francisco Mercado
Rizal who was born on May 11, 1818 in Binan, Laguna and Rizal affectionately called
him “a model of fathers” and Teodora Alonso Realonda who was born on November 8,
1826 in Manila who was a remarkable woman, possessing refined culture, literary talent,
business ability, and the fortitude of Spartan women. The eleven children are: (1)
Saturnina Mercado nicknamed Neneng and married Manuel T. Hidalgo, (2) Paciano
Mercado who died as an old bachelor aged 79 who had two children by his mistress
(Severina Decena), (3) Narcisa Mercado nicknamed Sisa and married Antonio Lopez, (4)
Olimpia Mercado whose pet name is ypia and married Silvestre Ubaldo, (5) Lucia
Mercado who married Herbosa who died of cholera and was denied a Christian burial
because he was a brother- in- law of Rizal, (6) Maria Mercado biang was her nickname
and married Daniel Faustino Cruz, (7) Jose Rizal nicknamed Pepe where he lived with
Josephine Bracken an Irish girl from Hongkong during his exile in Dapitan which he had
a son he named it Francisco and buried him in Dapitan, (8) Concepcion Mercado her pet
name was Concha and died of sickness at the age of 3 which was Rizal’s first sorrow in
life, (9) Josefa Mercado her pet name was Panggoy who died as an old maid aged 80, (10)
Trinidad Mercado her pet name was Trining died as an old maid at aged 83, and (11)
Soledad youngest of the family her pet name was Chorong married Pantaleon Quintero.
Siblings relationship was affectionately cordial. Years later when he grew up with them,
he always called them Dona or Senora (if married) and Senorita (if single). He
immortalized Paciano in his first novel as Pilosopo Tacio.
As a typical Filipino, Rizal was a product of mixture of races, Negrito, Indonesian,
Malay, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish but predominantly a Malayan. His father met
Teodora Alonso Realonda, a student in the College of Santa Rosa and said that she was a
family descendant of Lakandula, the last native king of Tondo. The real surname of the
Rizal family was Mercado, which was adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lamco, who was a
full- blooded Chinese. Rizal family acquired a second surname which was given by a
Spanish Alcalde mayor － Rizal means “a field where whaet, cut while still green,
sprouts again”.
The house of Rizal was a two- storey building, rectangular in shape, built of adobe
stones and hard- wood, and roofed with red tiles. The family belonged to the principalia,
a town aristocracy in Spanish Philippines.
CHAPTER 2: CHILDHOOD YEARS IN CALAMBA
Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso, in shaping his early development.
Francisco’s principles of diligence, integrity, and self- reliance were instilled in his
children, and Teodora’s intellectual nurturing provided Rizal with an early education,
emphasizing his mother’s profound influence. His mother and an older teacher, Maestro
Celestino guided him in his education which was began at the of three. Since early
childhood, Rizal revealed his God- given talent for art and at the age of five, he began to
make sketches with his pencil and mould in clay and wax objects which attracted his
fancy. Aside from sketching and sculpturing, he wrote his first poem in the native
language “Sa Aking Mga Kababata”. After writing the poem, Rizal who was eight years
old made his first drama. He was also a magician. In the lives of all men there are
influences which cause some to be grate and others not. In the case of Rizal, he had all
the favorable influences: (1) hereditary influence, (2) environmental influence, and (3)
aid of Divine Providence.
Due to the sorrows in his family, such as the death of Concha and the imprisonment
of his mother, contributed to strengthen his character enabling him to resist blows of
adversity in later years. All the Spanish abuses and cruelties which he witnesses , the
unjust tortures inflicted on innocent Filipinos, and the execution of the Fathers
GOMBURZA awakened his spirit of patriotism and inspired him to consecrate his life
and talents to redeem his oppressed people.
CHAPTER 3: EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BINAN
Rizal’s education was largely influenced by his mother, Teodora Alonso in Calamba.
Teodora’s nurturing approach introduced Rizal to the world of letter, fostering a love for
learning that would remain a driving force throughout his life. These foundations lessons
laid the groundwork for his later scholarly pursuits and intellectual curiosity.
On Sunday afternoon in June, 1869, he and his brother, Paciano left for Calamba for
Binan. They rode carromate, reaching their destination after one and one- half hours’
drive. In his first day, Jose met the bully and challenged him to a fight and won the fight.
The following days, he had other fights.
Near the school, an old painter Juancho lured him and gave him lessons in drawing
and painting. He, and his classmate, Jose Guevarra became apprentices of the old painter.
Rizal surpasses all his classmates in Spanish, Latin, and other subjects so some of his
older classmates are jealous of him. He received a letter from Saturnina that steamer
Talim will arrive and will take him back to Calamba and Rizal has a premonition that he
will not return to Binan so he became sad.
On the night of January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino soldiers and workmen of the
Cavite arsenal under the leadership of Lamadrid, rose in violent mutiny because of the
abolition of their usual privileges, including exemption from tribute and polo which was
suppressed two days later by troop reinforcements from Manila. Accordingly,
GOMBURZA was executed at sunrise, February 17, 1872 by order of Governor General
Izquierdo. Before June of 1872, his mother was suddenly arrested on a malicious charge
that she and her brother, Jose Alberto, tried to poison the latter’s wife. After arresting
Dona Teodora, the sadistic Spanish lieutenant forced her to walk from Calamba to Santa
Cruz, a distance of 50 kilometers. She was incarcerated at the provincial prison where
she stayed for two years and a half until the Manila Royal Audiencia acquitted her of the
crime.
CHAPTER 4: SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA
(1872-77)
On June 10, 1872, he was accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila and took the
entrance examinations on Christian doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at the Colleged of
San Juan de Letran, and passed them but his father changed his mind and wanted him to
study at Ateneo.
To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during
the noon recesses. At the end of the school year, Rizal returned to Calamba for summer
vacation which he did not enjoy because his mother was in prison so Neneng brought
him to Tanawan with her and visit his mother. For his second year in Ateneo, he again
became the Emperor, and during the summer vacation his mother told him about her
dream which he interpreted that in three months time she would be released in prison
which happened. During his fourth year in Ateneo, he was inspired by Father Francisco
de Paula Sanchez to resumed his studies with vigor and zest. Rizal finished his last year
in Ateneo as he obtained the highest grades in all subjects.
Shortly after his graduation from the Ateneo, Rizal who was 16 years old,
experienced his first romance with Segunda Katigbak, in Rizal’s own words she was
rather short, with eyes that were eloquent and ardent at times and languid at others, rosycheeked, with an enchanting and provocative smile that revealed very beautiful teeth and
the air of sylph. Olimpia was a close friend of Segunda. It was apparent that Rizal and
Segunda loved each other but it was hopeless since she was engaged to be married to her
townmate, Manuel Luz.
CHAPTER 5: MEDICAL STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
(1877-82)
After graduating with highest honors, he had to go to Santo Tomas for higher
education. His father and brother, Paciano wanted him to pursue higher education but his
mother did not after what happened to GOMBURZA. Rizal who was nearly 16 years old,
matriculated in University of Santo Tomas, taking the course of Philosophy and Letters
for two reasons: (1) his father liked it and (2) he was still uncertain as to what career to
pursue.
Shortly after losing Segunda Katigbak, he paid court to a young woman in Calamba
calling her simply “Miss L”, describing her as fair with seductive and attractive eyes but
it did not last and her identity was lost to history. Several months later, he met Leonor
Valenzuela (Orang) which he courted, he sent her love notes written in invisible ink
which consisted common table salt and water. It left no trace on the paper. But like with
Segunda, he stopped short of proposing marriage. The next romance was with another
Leonor, Leonor Rivera, his cousin from Camiling, was a frail, pretty girl tender as a
budding flower with kindly wistful eyes. They became engaged and signed her name as
“Taimis” in order to camouflage their intimate relationship from their parents and
friends.
Rizal submitted his poem to a contest and won first prize for the poem “To the
Filipino Youth” which was an inspiring poem of flawless form.
After finishing the fourth year of his medical course, Rizal decided to study in Spain
as he could no longer endure the rampant bigotry, discrimination, and hostility in the
University of Santo Tomas. His brother, Paciano approved his going to Spain and so did
his two sisters Saturnina and Lucia, Uncle Antonio Rivera, the Valenzuela Family and
some friends. And for the first time, he did not seek his parents approval and blessings
because he knew, especially his mother would disapprove it. The Rizal’s parents, Leonor,
and the Spanish authorities knew nothing of his decision to go abroad to finish his
medical studies in Spain where professors are more liberal.
CHAPTER 6: IN SUNNY SPAIN (1882-85)
Rizal made the decision to travel to Spain based on multiple reasons. Spain was a
constitutional monarchy with a written constitution, which provided its citizens with
important human rights such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly. Rizal's main
goal was to prepare himself for the immense undertaking of freeing his oppressed fellow
countrymen from Spanish oppression. He embarked on a secret mission to observe and
comprehend the life, culture, languages, customs, industries, commerce, governments,
and laws of European nations.
To avoid detection by Spanish authorities and friars during his departure for Spain,
Rizal kept everything secretive. Even his parents were unaware of his plans. The priests
at Ateneo gave him letters of recommendation to their counterparts in Barcelona. Using
the pseudonym Jose Mercado as an alias for himself ensured that he could protect his
true identity throughout the journey.
Throughout his travels, Rizal visited various places that left lasting impressions on
him. In Singapore alone he explored attractions like the Botanical Garden , Buddhist
temples , shopping districts , and even took note Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles' statue who founded the city . Sri Lanka presented mixed feelings for Rizal; while Point Galle
had its picturesque charm it also evoked feelings of loneliness within him . Compared to
Singapore and Manila, Colombo stands out as a more beautiful and sophisticated city.
When Rizal visited Naples, he was captivated by the bustling business activities, vibrant
people, and scenic beauty of the city. One particularly captivating sight was Mount
Vesuvius. Arriving in Barcelona on June 16th, Rizal initially found the atmosphere
unfavorable but soon grew fond of it. The city exuded an atmosphere of freedom and
liberalism with its open-hearted, hospitable, and courageous residents. It was in
Barcelona that Rizal wrote his essay "Amor Patrio" (Love of Country), which expressed
his nationalistic sentiment towards the Philippines. Published under the penname
Laong-Laan, this essay received significant interest and enthusiasm as it advocated for
Philippine patriotism on Spanish soil.
In Madrid, Rizal pursued multiple endeavors. He enrolled at the Universidad Central
de Madrid, studying both Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. Beyond academics, he
expanded his knowledge by taking up painting, sculpture, languages, fencing, and
shooting. He adopted a frugal lifestyle, spending leisure hours on reading, writing, and
attending gatherings. Rizal engaged in romantic endeavors, but his connection with
Consuelo Ortiga y Perez was short-lived due to various circumstances.
Rizal's interactions with Spanish liberals and republicans led him to join the
Masonic lodge Acacia in Madrid, impressed by the freedom with which Spanish masons
criticized policies and friars. Financial worries, including failed harvests, increased
rentals, and delayed allowances, posed challenges for Rizal and his family. Despite these
difficulties, he managed to excel academically and participate in significant events.
Rizal successfully completed his medical studies in Spain and was granted the
degree of Licentiate in Medicine in 1884. Although he studied further, he didn't complete
his thesis, resulting in him not being awarded his doctor's diploma. His studies in
Philosophy and Letters earned him the degree of Licentiate in that field as well. These
degrees provided qualifications for teaching and medical practice.
This comprehensive journey through Rizal's experiences in Spain showcases his
determination, exploration, and academic achievements amidst financial challenges and
personal relationships, ultimately shaping him into the national hero the Philippines
remembers today.
CHAPTER 7: PARIS TO BERLIN (1885-87)
After terminating his studies at the Central University at Madrid, Rizal who was
then 24 years old and already physician, went to Paris in order to acquire more
knowledge in ophthalmology. He stopped at Barcelona to visit his friend, Maximo Viola
which he befriended Senor Eusobio Corominas, editor of the newspaper La Publicidad
and made a crayon sketch of Don Miguel Morayta, owner of La Publicidad and a
statesman.
Rizal was living in Paris, where he sojourned for about four months where he
worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert where he rapidly improved his
knowledge of ophthalmology. Rizal played an important role in all Filipino reunion as he
was played an instrument or sing but he admitted that he had no natural aptitude for
music but studies music because of his schoolmates. By his determination, he composed
“Alin Mang Lahi (Any Race)” a patriotic song which asserts that any race aspires for
freedom, and a sag danza, “La Deportacion (Deportation)” which he composed during
his exile in Dapitan. He left gay Paris on February 1, 1886 for Heidelberg, a historic city
in Germany famous for its old university and romantic surroundings.
Rizal spent three- month summer vacation at Wilhelmsfeld and stayed at the
vicarage of a kind Protestant pastor, Dr. Karl Ullmer. On July 31, 1886, Rizal wrote his
first letter in German to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of
Leitmeritz, Austria. The letter impressed Blumentritt and reciprocated by sending Rizal a
gift of two books where it marked the beginning of their long and frequent
correspondence, also their friendship.
In Berlin, Rizal was not a mere student or a curious toruist because he lived in this
famous capital of unified Germany for five reasons: (1) to gain further knowledge of
ophthalmology, (2) to further his studies of sciences and languages, (3) to observe the
economic had political conditions of the German nation, (4) to associate with famous
German scientist and scholars, and (5) to publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere.
Due to this bleak winter, he lived in poverty because no money arrived from
Calamba because the crops had failed due to ravages of the locusts so the sugar market
collapsed so the poor Paciano was delayed in raising the necessary funds. Meanwhile,
Rizal starved in Berlin and shivered with wintry cold.
CHAPTER 8: NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
Rizal began writing the novel in Madrid and finished about one- half of it. When he
went to Paris, he finished one- half of the second half of the novel, then he finish the last
fourth in Germany where he where he wrote the last few chapters in Wilhelmsfeld in
April- June, 1886. In Berlin during winter days of February 1886, Rizal made the final
revisions on the manuscript. Being sick and penniless, he saw no hope of having it
published so he almost hurled it into flames.
Rizal then received a telegram from Dr. Maximo Viola who was coming to Berlin,
upon seeing his talented friend’s predicament, Viola gladly agreed to finance the printing
cost of the Noli. He also loaned some cash money to Rizal for living expenses. After
Christmas season, Rizal put finishing touches on his novel, so to save printing expenses,
he deleted certain passages of manuscript, including the whole chapter－”Elias and
Salome”. On February 21, 1887, the Noli was finaly finished and ready for printing.
With Viola, the savior of Noli. Rizal found a printing shop which charged the lowest rate,
that is, 300 pesos for 2,000 copies of the novel. During the printing of Noli, the chief of
police of Berlin visited the boarding house of Rizal to see the latter’s passport which he
could not produce so the chief told him to secure it in four days. The four days ultimatum
expired, so Rizal presented him at the office of the German police chief apologizing for
his failure to secure the passport. The chief received a tip that Rizal was a French spy, so
he who was fluent in German explained to the police what really happened and allowed
him to stay freely in Germany. On March 21, 1887, the Noli Me Tangere came off the
press which he immediately sent the first copies of the printed novel to his intimate
friends. On March 29, 1887, Rizal gave Viola the galley proofs of the Noli carefully
rolled around the pen that he used in writing it and a complimentary copy.
The title Noli Me Tangere is a latin phrase which means “Touch Me Not” which he
took from the Bible. Noli Me Tangere, words taken from the Gospel of Saint John
(Chapter 20, Verses 13-17). He dedicated his Noli to the Philippines “To My Fatherland”
The Noli Me Tangere, unlike many works was a true story of Philippine conditions
during the last decades of Spanish rule. The characters were drawn by Rizal from
persons who actually existed during his times. Maria Clara was Leonor Rivera although
she became unfaithful unlike the character. Ibarra and Elias represented Rizal himself.
Tacio the philosopher was his elder brother, Paciano. Padre Salvi was identified by
Rizalist as Padre Antonio Piernavieja. Capitan Tiago was Capitan Hilario Sunico of San
Nicolas. Dona Victorina was Dona Agustina Medel. The two brothers Basilio and Cripin
were the Crisostomo brothers of Hagonoy. Padre Damaso was typical of a domineering
friar during days of Rizal, who was arrogant, immoral, and anti- Filipino.
CHAPTER 9: RIZAL’S GRAND TOUR AT EUROPE WITH VIOLA (1887)
After the publication of the Noli, Rizal and Viola, two browned- skinned doctors on
a roaming spree, left Berlin by train where their destination was Dresden, “one of the
best cities in Germany”.
At 1:30 p.m. Of May 13, 1887, they arrived and Prof. Blumentritt who had received
their wire, was at the station. He warmly received the two. For the first time, they met
each other. On May 16, 1887, at 9:45 A.M., Rizal and Viola left by train while the whole
family of Blumentritt bid them farewell.
On May 20, they visited Vienna which was truly the “Queen of the Danube”. On
June 27, 1887, he reached Rome, the “Eternal City” and also called the “City of the
Caesars”. After a week of a wonderful sojourn in Rome, he prepared to return to the
Philippines. He had already written to his father that he was coming home.
CHAPTER 10: FIRST HOMECOMING, 1887-88
Because of the publications of the Noli Me Tangere and the uproar it caused among
the friars, Rizal was warned by Paciano, Silvestre Ubaldo, Chengoy and other friends not
to return home. He was coming home for the following reasons: (1) to operate on his
mother’s eyes, (2) to serve his people who had been long oppressed by Spanish tyrants,
(3) to find out for himself how the Noli and his other writing were affecting Filipinos and
Spaniards in the Philippines, and (4) to inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent. Rizal
left Rome and boarded the steamer Djemnah, there were about 50 passengers and he was
the only one who could speak many languages so he acted as an interpreter for his
companions. At Saigon, on July 30, he transferred to another steamer Haiphong which
was Manila bound. On August 5, he arrived in Manila which he stayed for a short time to
visit his friends. On August 8, he returned to Calamba where his family welcomed him
affectionately, with plentiful tears of joy. Paciaono did not leave him alone for the first
day worried about his safety.
Rizal established a medical clinic where his first patient was his mother, who was
almost blind. He treated her but could not operated on her because her cataract was not
yet ripe. News of the arrival of a great doctor spreads and the patients from Manila and
the provinces flocked to Calamba, which he was called as “Dr. Uliman”. He was able to
earn 900 pesos as physician. By February, he earned a total of 5,000 pesos as medical
fees. He also opened a gymnasium for young folks. Rizal suffered from one failure
during his sojourn in Calamba, it was to see Leonor Rivera.
One day, Rizal received a letter from Governor General Emilio Terrero requesting
him to come to Malacanan Palace because somebody has told him that Noli contained
subversive ideas. When he was informed of the charge, he denied it. Pleased by his
explanation and curious about the controversial book, the governor general asked Rizal
for a copy so that he could read them. As Rizal currently do not have a copy, he found a
copy in the hands of a friend and gave it to Governor General Terrero. The latter knew
that Rizal’s life was in jeopardy so he sent a young Spanish lieutenant to protect him.
The Governor General read the novel and found nothing wrong with it. The Archbishop
of Manila sent a copy to Father Rector Gregorio Echavarria of the UST for examination
which was composed of Dominican professors, wrote a report submitted it to Governor
General stated that the Noli was “heretical, impious, and scandalous”. The Governor
General was not satisfied so he sent the novel to the Permanent Commission of
Censorship which was composed of priest and laymen. The report was drafted by Fr.
Salvador Font stated that the novel contain subversive ideas against the Church and
Spain and should be prohibited. The banning of Noli only served to the make it popular
because everybody wanted to read it. But because of the Governor General Terrero that
there were no mass imprisonment or mass execution.
Father Font printed a report and distributed copies of it in order to discredit the novel
while Fr. Jose Rodriguez, Prior of Guadalupe, published a series of eight pamphlets
under the general heading Cuestiones de Sumo Interes to blast the Noli. However, Noli
had its gallant defenders who prove the merits of the novel or to refute the arguments of
the unkind attackers. Those are Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, Graciano
Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce, Father Sanchez, Don Segismundo Moret, Dr. Miguel
Morayta and Professor Blumentritt. A brilliant defense came from unexpected source, it
was Rev. Vicente Garcia, a Filipino Catholic priest scholar, a theologian of the Manila
Cathedral, and a tagalog translator writing under the pen name Justo Desiderio Magalang.
During the days when the Noli was the target of heated controversy, the price per copy
rose to fifty pesos due to the difficulty to secure a copy.
While the storm over Noli was not over, Rizal was not molested in Calamba because
of the generosity of Governor General Terrero by assigning a bodyguard who protected
Rizal, Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade. They formed a beautiful friendship because they both
young and share the common interest in a lot of things. What marred Rizal’s happy days
in Calamba with Lt. Andrade were (1) the death of his sister, Olimpia, and (2) the
groundless rumor that he was a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, a Protestant, a Mason,
a witch, a soul beyond salvation, etc.
While Governor General was influence by the Noli, he ordered an investigation of
the friars estates to remedy whatever iniquities might have been present in connections
with land taxes and with tenant relations. After a thorough study of the conditions, Rizal
wrote down his findings which was signed by the tenants and three official of the
hacienda. But Rizal exposure to this infuriated further his enemies so the friars exerted
pressure to the Malacanan Palace to eliminate him but was denied by Governor General
due to lack of valid charge. Anonymous threats were received by Rizal’s parents, so he
was advised to go away, for his life was in danger. Governor General also advised him to
go. He was compelled to leave for two reasons: (1) his present was jeopardizing the
safety and happiness of his family and friends, and (2) he could fight better his enemies
and serve his country’s cause with greater efficacy by writing in foreign countries.
Shortly before Rizal left Calamba in 1888, his friend requested him to write a poem
in commemoration of the town’s elevation to a villa (city) by virtue of Becerra Law of
1888 titled “Himno Al Trabajo” or “Hymn to Labor”.
CHAPTER 11: IN HONGKONG AND MACAO, 1888
On February 3, 1888, after six months in Calamba, Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong
on board rhe Zafiro. He did not get of when it made a brief stopover at Amoy for three
reasons: (1) he was not feeling well, (2) it was raining hard, and (3) he heard that the city
was dirty. He arrived in Hong Kong on February 8. He stayed at Victoria Hotel and
welcomed by the Filipino residents, inlcuding Jose Maria Basa. A Spaniard, Jose Sainz
de Varanda, who was a former secretary of Governor General Terrero shadowed Rizal’s
movement and was believed that he was commissioned by the Spanish authorities.
During his two- week visit in Hong Kong, Rizal studied Chinese life, language,
drama, and customs. On February 22, 1888, Rizal left Hong Kong on board the Oceanic,
an American steamer. His destination was Japan. His cabinmate was a British Protestant
missionary who knew the Chinese language very well and Rizal called him “a good
man”.
CHAPTER 12: ROMANTIC INTERLUDE IN JAPAN (1888)
February 28, 1888, Rizal arrived in Yokohama where he registered at the Grand
Hotel. He wrote to Blumentritt that Tokyo is more expensive than Paris. Shortly after his
arrival, he was visited by Juan Perez Caballero, secretary of Spanish Legation. Rizal
realized that he were instructed to monitor his movements in Japan, he accepted the
invitations for the following reasons: (1) he could economize his living expenses by
staying at the legation and (2) he had nothing to hide from the prying eyes of the Spanish
authorities. On March 7, he checked out to Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish
Legation and immediately became friends with Perez Caballero.
At the first day, he was embarrassed because he did not know Japanese language. To
avoid further embarrassment, he decided to study Japanese language. He being a born
linguist, he was able to speak it within a few days. Rizal was favorably impressed in
Japan but one thing he did not like was the popular mode of transportation by means of
rickshaws drawn by men as he his sensitive soul recoiled at sseeing human beings
working like horses, pulling the carts called rickshaws.
One spring afternoon, he saw a pretty Japanese girl walking past the legation gate,
he was attracted by her regal loveliness and charm. He found out that she was Seiko Usui,
who lived in her parents’ home and that she used to pass by the legation during her daily
afternoon walk. The following afternoon, Rizal introduced himself and Seiko- san was
mildly amused, they talked in both English and French thus the language barrier was
eliminated. Both found happiness in each other’s company. O- Sei- San helped Rizal in
many ways. More than a sweetheart, she was his guide, interpreter, and tutor.
O-Sei-San’s beauty and affection almost tempted Rizal to settle down in Japan as he
was offered a good job at the Spanish Legation. If he were a man of lesser heroic mould,
he would have lived permanently in Japan. April 13, 1888, he boarded Belgic, an English
steamer, at Yokoham, bound for the United States. Truly, his sojourn in Japan for 45 days
was one of the happiest interludes in his life. About 1897, O-Sei-San, a year after Rizal’s
execution married Mr. Alfred Chariton, was blessed by only one child named Yuriko.
Despite his sorrowing heart, he met another passenger on board, Tetcho Suehiro, a
fighting Japanese journalist, novelist, and champion of human rights. On December 1,
1888, they both parted ways. Rizal remained in London to conduct historical researches
on Mora at the British Museum.
Tetcho published a political novel titled Storm Over the South Sea which resembles
Noli Me Tangere and The Big Ocean which was similar to El Filibusterismo. He died of
heart attack in Tokyo, February, 1896 (ten months before Rizal’s execution), 49 years
old.
CHAPTER 13: RIZAL’S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES (1888)
The steamer Belgic, docked at San Francisco on Saturday morning. All passengers
were not allowed to land because the ship was came from the Far East where a cholera
epidemic was alleged to be raging. On May 4, 1888, he was permitted to go shore and
registered at the Palace Hotel.
Rizal had good and bad impressions of the United States. The good impressions
were (1) the material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms,
flourishing industries, and busy factories. (2) the drive and the energy of the American
people, (3) the natural beauty of the land, (4) the high standard of living, and (5) the
opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants. One bad impressions Rizal had
of America was the lack of racial equality.
In 1890, two years after the visit of Rizal, Jose Alejandro asked Rizal “What
impressions do you have of America?” Rizal then answered “America is the land par
excellence of freedom but only for the whites”.
CHAPTER 14: RIZAL IN LONDON (1888-89)
After visiting the United States, Rizal lived in London from May, 1888- March,
1889. For a short time, he stayed as guest at the home of Dr. Antonion Ma. Regidor. By
the end of May, he found a boarding place of the Beckett family.
Rizal came to know Dr. Reinhold Rost and was impressed by him, and he gladly
recommended him to the authorities of the British Museum and called him “a pear of a
man”. The greatest achievement of Rizal in London was annotating of Morga’s book,
Historical Events of the Philippine Islands which was published in Mexico, 1609. For
about ten months, Rizal was deeply immersed in his historical studies in London. On
December 11, 1888, he went to Spain, visiting Madrid and Barcelona. For the first time,
he met Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Mariano Ponce, two titans of Propaganda Movement.
While busy in his historical studies in London, Rizal found out that Filipinos in
Barcelona were planning to establish a patriotic society called Solidaridad Association.
By unanimous vote of all the members, Rizal was chosen honorary president. On
February 15, 1889, Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad in
Barcelona, which served as the organ of the Propaganda Movement. It aims were as
follows: (1) to work peacefully for political and social reforms, (2) to portray the
deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may remedy them, (3) to oppose
the evil forces of reaction and medievalism, (4) to advocate liberal ideas and progress,
and (5) to champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people to life, democracy,
and happiness. Rizal’s first article in La Solidaridad was entitled Los Agricultores
Filipinos (The Filipino Farmers) published on March 25, 1889, six days after he left
London for Paris.
Rizal has a romantic interlude with the oldest of the three Beckett sisters, Gertrude,
Gettie, as she was affectionately called, was a buxom
English girl with brown hair,
blue eyes, and rosy cheeks fell in love with Rizal. Their friendship drifted towards
romance. Rizal affectionately called her “Gettie” and she fondly called him “Pettie”. But
then Rizal suddenly realized that he could not marry Gettie because he had a mission in
life.
Suddenly on March 19, 1889, Rizal bade goodbye to kind Beckett family and left
London for Paris.
CHAPTER 15: RIZAL’S SECOND SOJOURN IN PARIS AND THE
UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION OF 1889
In March 1889, it was extremely difficult for a visitor to find living quarters in Paris.
For a short time, Rizal lived in the house of his friend Valentin Ventura. Although life in
Paris was gay, he continued to be busy in his serious pursuits as hours was too precious
for him to waste. Like any other ordinary Filipino, Rizal was fascinated by the Universal
Exposition of Paris which the greatest attraction was Eiffel Tower, 984 feet high which
was built by Alexander Eiffel. On March 19, 1889, Rizal organized Kidlat Club whose
members are Luna’s brothers, Aguilera, Canon, Dimayuga, Llorente, Puatu and Roxas. It
was a club purely a social society of temporary nature, founded simply to bring together
the young Filipinos in the French capital so that they could enjoy their sojourn in the city.
Rizal was enchanted by the dignified and proud bearing of the American Indians.
Thus was born a new society of Filipino patriots in Pairs, the Indios Bravos. Another
society founded by Rizal in Paris during the Universal Exposition of 1889 was the
mysterious Sociedad R.D.L.M., its existence and role in the crusade are really enigmatic
and only mentioned: (1) Rizal’s letter to Jose Maria Basa, Paris, September 21, 1889 and
(2) Rizal’s letter to Marcelo H, de Pilar, Paris, November 4, 1889. It is believed to be the
initials of the society’s secret name Redencion de los Malayos (Redemption of the
Malays).
Rizal once defended his Noli from slanderous attack. In the fall of 1889, he wrote
another satirical work entitled Por Telefono as a reply to another slanderer, Fr. Salvador
Font, who mastermind the banning of his Noli. It was published in booklet form in
Barcelona, 1889.
CHAPTER 16: IN BELGIAN BRUSSELS (1890)
On January 28, 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, capital of Belgium two reasons
impelled Rizal to leave: (1) the cost of living in Paris was very high and (2) the gay
social life of the city hampered his literary works, especially the writing of El
Filibusterismo. He was accompanied by Jose Albert when he moved to Brussels and
lived in a modest boarding house run by two Jaceby sisters (Suzanne and Marie). In
Brussels, Rizal was busy writing his second novel which was a continuation of the Noli.
He was never idle even for an hour. Aside from writing its chapters, he wrote articles for
La Solidaridad and letter to his family and friends. Articles published in La Solidaridad
are: (1) To La Defensa, (2) The Truth For All, (3) Vicente Barrantes Teatro Tagalo, (4) A
Profanation, (5) Cruelty, (6) New Truths, (7) Differences, (8) Ingratitudes, (9)
Inconsequences and (10)Tears and Laughter.
As early in September, 1886, Rizal adopted the Filipinized Tagalog orthography in
his Tagalog translations letter. While he sojourning in Brussels, “The New Orthography
of the Tagalog Language was published in La Solidaridad on April 15, 1890. In Brussels,
he received news from Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura that the Filipinos in Spain were
destroying the good name of their nation by gambling too much so he wrote letter that in
effect, they called Rizal as “Papa” instead of Pepe.
Letters from home was received by Rizal containing news that the agrarian trouble
was getting worse because the management of the Dominican hacienda continually
raised the land rents until such time that Rizal’s father refused to pay his rent that the
other tenants follows. The Dominican Order file a suit to dispossess the Rizal family
their land. Paciano and brother- in- law’ Antonio Lopez and Silvestre Ubaldo were
deported to Mindoro while Manuel Hidalgo was banished for a second time to Bohol.
Rizal’s dreamed about his death and preparing himself. In the face of sufferings,
Rizal planned to go home. He ignored the dire warning of his friends. However,
something happened that suddenly made him changed his mind. According to Paciano,
they lost the case against the Dominicans but they appealed it to the Supreme Court in
Spain, hence a lawyer was needed to handle it in Madrid. So he further informed Del
Pilar that he was going to Spain to supervise in handling the case.
Rizal wrote “A Mi” or “To My Muse” which was a pathetic poem that lacks
exquisiteness and is less polished. Two things brought some measure of cheer to Rizal, as
he was preparing his trip to Madrid. First the summertime in Belgium and his romance
with Petite Jacoby, the pretty niece of his landladies.
CHAPTER 17: MISFORTUNES IN MADRID (1890-91)
Upon arrival i Madrid, Rizal immediately sought the help of the Filipino colony, the
Asociacion Hispano- Filipina, and the liberal Spanish newspapers in securing justice for
the oppressed Calamba tenants, including his family. As El Resumen, a madrid
newspaper which sympathized with the Filipino cause.
Barely had Rizal settled down in Madrid, the doleful news that his friend, Jose Ma.
Panganiban died after a lingering illness so Rizal wrote a eulogy for him.
Towards the end of August, 1890, he attended a social reunion of the Filipinos in
Madrid. At that time, Luna was bitter because of his frustrated romance with Nellie
Boustead and blaming Rizal for his failure to win her. Due to alcohol, Luna uttered
certain unsavory remarks about Nellie which made Rizal angry so he challenged Luna to
a duel which eventually did not continue as Luna became sober and apologize to Rizal.
On another occasion, he challenged another man, Wenceslao Retana, his bitter enemy of
the pen because he used to attack the Filipinos including Rizal, in various newspapers in
Madrid and other cities in Spain. He wrote La Epoca, and anti- Filipino writing stating
that the family of Rizal have not paid their rent so they are ejected from their lands in
Calamba by the Dominicans. But Retana did not accept the duel and write an apology
published in the newspapers. Retana developed great admiration for Rizal and a year
afterward, he wrote the first book- length biography of the greatest Filipino hero.
Early in December, 1890, Rizal received a letter from Leonor, announcing her
coming marriage to an Englishman chosen by her mother. Toward the closing of 1890
there arose an unfortunate rivalry between Rizal and Del Pilar for supremacy. It was
decided that the leader will be called Responsable, be chosen to direct the affairs of the
Filipino community and to determine the editorial policy of La Solidaridad. It was
agreed that it should be elected by two- thirds vote of the Filipino community. The
election took place during the first week of February, 1891. The Filipinos were divided
into two hostile campls, the Rizalistas and the Pilaristas. Having obtained the two- third
of the vote, Rizal became the Responsable but Rizal declined the coveted position.
CHAPTER 18: BIRARRITZ VACATION AND ROMANCE WITH NELLY
BOUSTEAD (1891)
To seek solace for his disappointments in Madrid, Rizal took a vacation in the resort
city of Biarritz. He was warmly welcomed by the Bousteads and was treated with
friendliness and hospitality.
On an emotional rebounce, Rizal having lost his beloved Leonor, came to entertain
considerable affection for Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of his host. He had
the intention to propose marriage to Nellie. All his friends, supported Rizal so he courted
Nelly, who, in turn, reciprocated his affection. But Rizal marriage proposal failed for two
reasons: (1) he refused to be converted to Protestants and (2) Nelly’s mother did not like
Rizal as a son- in- law.
Frustrated in romance, Rizal found consolation in writing. On March 29, 1891 he
finished the manuscript of El Filibusterismo in Biarritz. The revision was finished on
May 30, 1891. Since abdicating his leadership in Madrid, Rizal retired from the
Propaganda Movement, to practice his medical profession.
CHAPTER 19: EL FILIBUSTERISMO PUBLISHED IN GHENT (1891)
On July 5, 1891, Rizal left Brussels for Ghent, a famous university city in Belgium.
His reasons were (1) the cost of printing in Ghent was cheaper than in Brussels and (2) to
escape from the enticing attraction of Petite Suzanne. Owing to his limited funds, he
lived in a cheap boarding house. Shortly after his arrival, Rizal searched for a printing
shop that could give him the lowest quotation for the publication of his novel. He did
find a publisher, F. Meyer- Van Loo Press. Rizal became desperate because his funds did
not arrive. He had received money from Basa and P200 from Rodriguez but these funds
were also used up, ad much more were needed to pay the printer. On August 6, printing
had to be suspended because he could no longer give the necessary funds to the printer.
When everything seemed lost, an unexpected source, Valentin Ventura in Paris
immediately sent him the necessary funds so the printing of the Fili was resumed. On
September 18, 1891, El Filibusterismo came off the press. He gratefully donated the
original manuscript with an autograph to Ventura. The Filipino patriots praised te novel
to the skies. The liberal Madrid newspaper, El Nuevo Regimen, serialized the novel in its
issues of Ocotber, 1891. He dedicated the novel to GOMBURZA, but first of all the
martyrdom of Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora occurred on February 17, 1872 not on the
28th. Secondly, Fr. Gomez was 73 years old not 85, Fr. Burgos was 35 years old not 30
and Fr, Zamora was 37 years old not 35.
The original novel was not preserved in the Filipiana Division of the Bureau of
Public Libraries, Manila. It was acquired by the Philippines government from Venture
for P10,000 which consist of 279 pages of long sheets of paper. Two features do not
appear in the printer: the FOREWORD and the WARNING.
Even before Lopez Jaena suggested the writing of another novel, Rizal had already
in mind to pen a third novel. The unfinished third novel has no title, consist of 44 pages.
Another unfinished novel whose hero was Kamandagan, a descendant of Lank Dula, last
king of Tondo. It is fortunate that he did not finish this novel because it would have
caused grater scandal and more Spanish vengeance on him. Another unfinished novel
was entitled Makamisa, written in sarcastic style and 20 pages. Another was Dapitan
written in ironic Spanish consist of 8 pages.
CHAPTER 20: OPHTHALMIC SURGEON IN HONG KONG (1891-92)
After the publication of the El Fili, Ruzal left Europe for Hong Kong. His reasons
for living: (1) life was unbearable because of his political difference and (2) ti be near his
idolized Philippines and family.
Before Christmas of 1891, his father, brother, and Silvestre Ubaldo arrived in Hong
Kong. Not long after, his mother, Lucia, Josefa, and Trinidad also arrived. To earn living
for himself and his family, he practice medicine. In due time, he became a successful and
well- known medical practitioner in the British colony.
In May, 892, Rizal made up his mind to return to Manila. Immediatelt after Rizal’s
departure from Hong Kong, the Spanish consul- general who issued government
guarantee of safety sent a cablegram that the vistim is in the trap.
CHAPTER 21: SECOND HOMECOMING AND THE LIGA FILIPINA