CHAPTER 2
HIGHER EDUCATION, LIFE
ABROAD EXILE, TRIAL, AND
DEATH OF JOSE RIZAL
EDUCATION AT ATENEO DE MANILA
Sent to Manila four
months after the Gomburza
martyrdom.
Studied at Ateneo Municipal
(later Ateneo de Manila), run
by Spanish Jesuits.
Originally meant to study at
Letran, but his father
changed plans.
Admission to Ateneo:
Ateneo’s Education
System:
Rejected at first by Fr.
Magin Ferrando for late
registration and frail
health.
More advanced
curriculum.
Students were divided into
two groups:
Admitted with the help
of Manuel Xeres Burgos.
"Roman Empire"
(boarders) – red banners
"Carthaginian Empire"
(non-boarders) – blue
banners
Used the name Rizal
instead of Mercado to
avoid suspicion due to
Paciano's ties to Burgos.
Ranking system: Emperor,
Rizal’s Academic Excellence
First professor: Fr. Jose
Bech.
Studied Spanish at Santa
Isabel College during breaks.
Favorite novel: The Count of
Monte Cristo by Alexandre
Dumas.
Won a medal in Latin and
was mentored by Fr.
Sanchez.
Graduated with highest
honors
:
Rizal’s First Love:
At 16 years old, had a romance with
Segunda Katigbak.
Did not confess his feelings, and she
later married another man.
Medical Studies at UST:
Initially took Philosophy and
Letters but transferred to
Medicine.
Reasons for studying at UST:
1. To please his father.
2. Unsure of his career path.
Motivation for Studying
Medicine:
Advised by Fr. Pablo Ramon to pursue
medicine.
Wanted to cure his mother’s worsening
blindness.
Completed a surveying course at Ateneo
but was too young (17) to be licensed.
Departure for Spain:
Studied four years of medicine at UST.
Left for Spain without his parents'
permission, knowing they would not
approve.
Rizal excelled in both Ateneo and UST,
showing brilliance and dedication.
His early academic life and struggles shaped
his ideals.
His journey to Spain marked the beginning
of his deeper nationalist awakening.
JOSE
RIZAL'S
GRADES IN
UNIVERSITY
OF SANTO
TOMAS,
FRESHMAN
YEAR
Philosophyllent
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
JOSE
RIZAL'S
consectetuer adipiscing elit.
Maecenas porttitor congue massa.
GRADES
IN
Fusce posuere, magna sed
pulvinar ultricies, purus lectus
UNIVERSITY
malesuada libero, sit amet
commodo magna eros quis urna.
OF
SANTO
Nunc viverra imperdiet enim.
TOMAS,
Fusce est. Vivamus a tellus.
MEDICINE
Pellentesque habitant morbi
tristique senectus et netus et
YEAR
1
malesuada fames ac turpis
egestas. Proin pharetra nonummy
pede. Mauris et orci.
JOSE
RIZAL'S
GRADES IN
UNIVERSITY
OF SANTO
TOMAS,
MEDICINEYEAR 2
JOSE RIZAL'S
GRADES IN
UNIVERSITY
OF SANTO
TOMAS,
MEDICINE
YEAR 3
JOSE RIZAL'S
GRADES IN
UNIVERSITY
OF SANTO
TOMAS,
MEDICINEYEAR 4
THE LIFE ABROAD
THE LIFE ABROAD
DEPARTURE FOR SPAIN
Rizal's secret departure for
Spain was kept secret to avoid
detection by authorities and
friars. He was recommended
by Jesuit priests and wrote
farewell letters to his parents
and sweetheart. On May 3,
1882, Rizal departed for
Singapore, leaving Manila with
tears and gloom. He sketched
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
On May 3, 1882, Rizal observed the
16 passengers on a steamer, including
Filipinos, Spaniards, British, and
Indian Negroes. He played chess to
pass the time and defeated them. On
May 9, he docked in Singapore and
spent two days sightseeing, visiting
the Botanical Garden, Buddhist
temples, and Singapore's founder.
COLOMBO
Rizal boarded the French
steamer Djemnah, leaving
Singapore for Europe on
May 11. Despite struggling
with French, he improved
his knowledge by speaking
mixed Spanish-Latin and
sketching daily. On May
17, he reached Point Galle,
southern Ceylon, but was
unimpressed. The next day,
he reached Colombo, the
capital of Ceylon, amazed
by its scenic beauty and
elegant buildings.
The Djennah journeyed from Colombo to the
Cape coast of Africa, where Rizal first saw the
barren African coast. He stopped in Aden and
saw camels for the first time. The ship then
reached Suez, the Red Sea terminal of the Suez
Canal, where Rizal disembarked and visited
Port Said, where he was fascinated by the
THROUGH SUEZ
CANAL
NAPLES
AND
MARSEILLES
Rizal traveled to Europe, visiting
Naples on June 11. He enjoyed
its business activity, lively people,
and scenic beauty. On June 12,
he docked at Marseilles harbor
and visited the famous Chateau
d'If, where Dantes was
imprisoned.
BARCELONA
BARCELONA
On May 15, 1882, Rizal left Marseilles for
Spain via train, crossing the Pyrenees and
stopping at Port Bou. He arrived in
Barcelona on June 16, 1882, and initially
viewed it as unfavorable due to its ugly
and inhospitable residents. However, he
later found it a great city with a freedom
and liberalism atmosphere. In Barcelona,
Rizal wrote his first article on Spain's soil,
"Amor Patrio," and was congratulated by
Diariong Tagalog publisher Basilio
Teodoro Moran. He received bad news
about the cholera outbreak and his
beloved Leonor Rivera's declining health.
MADRID
In 1882, Rizal enrolled in the Universidad
Central de Madrid, studying Medicine
and Philosophy and Letters. He also
studied painting, sculpture, French,
German, and English under private
instructors. Rizal lived a simple life in
Madrid, budgeting his money and time.
He had a love affair with Consuelo Ortiga
y Perez, daughter of Don Pablo, but their
relationship did not flourish due to Rizal's
engagement to Leonor Rivera and another
friend.
FIRST VISIT TO
PARIS
In June 1883, Rizal visited Paris and became close with
prominent Spanish liberal and republican Spaniards, mostly
Masons. He joined the Masonic lodge Acacia in Madrid to secure
Freemasonry's aid in fighting against friars in the Philippines.
Rizal became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad in November
1890. However, life in Calamba worsened due to drought,
locusts, and increased rentals. Rizal was involved in student
demonstrations against Dr. Miguel Morayta, who proclaimed "the
freedom of science and the teacher." In 1884, he completed his
medical course in Spain, earning a Licentiate in Medicine and a
Doctor of Medicine.
PARIS TO BERLIN
Rizal studied ophthalmology in Paris and Germany after
completing his studies in Spain. He aimed to cure his mother's eye
ailment and observe European customs and lifestyles to serve his
fatherland. In 1885, he lived in Paris, working as an apprentice of
French ophthalmologist Dr. Louis de Weckert. Rizal also visited
friends like Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion, where he discussed
art problems and improved his technique. He was featured in
Luna's painting "The Death of Cleopatra."
HEIDELBERG
In 1886, Rizal left Paris and traveled to Germany, where
he lived with German law students and worked at the
University Eye Hospital. He enjoyed visiting Heidelberg,
the city's historic university, and the romantic
surroundings. Rizal wrote a poem about the Neckar Rivera
and spent a three-month summer vacation in
Wilhelmsfeld. He wrote his first letter in German to
Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, who was interested in
Philippine languages. Rizal was fortunate to be in
Heidelberg during the University of Heidelberg's fifth
centenary celebration, but he was saddened to leave the
city.
LEIPZIG AND DRESDEN
In 1886, Rizal left Heidelberg and traveled to
Leipzig, where he attended lectures and met
historians and anthropologists. He translated William
Tell and Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales into
Filipino. Living in Leipzig was affordable, so he
corrected his second novel and worked as a proofreader. He then moved to Dresden, where he met Dr.
Adolph Meyer and heard the Holy Mass. Rizal left
Dresden on November 1, reaching Berlin.
BERLIN
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN
Noli Me Tangere, a novel by Jose Rizal, was initially unpublished
during his stay in Berlin. However, with the help of Maximo Viola,
Rizal was able to publish it. Viola provided Rizal with funds for
publishing and living expenses, and they celebrated Christmas in
Berlin. During the printing process, the chief of police Berlin asked for
Rizal's passport, but he failed to show it. Despite being suspected as a
French spy, Rizal explained that he was a Filipino physician and
scientist. The novel was released on March 21, 1887, and Rizal sent
copies to his friends, including Blumentritt, Dr. Antonio Jaena,
Mariano Ponce, and Felix R. Hidalgo.
GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE
Rizal and Viola, after publishing Noli, planned to visit
Europe. They received money from Paciano and paid Viola
300 pesos. They left Berlin for Dresden in spring.
DRESDEN
Rizal and Viola visited
Dresden during the floral
exposition, studying botany
and visiting Dr. Adolph B.
Meyer. They were impressed
by the Greek mythological
tragedy "Prometheus
Bound." Dr. Jagor advised
them to inform Professor
Blumentritt, who was
nervous, and they continued
their visit to Teschen.
BLUMENTRITT AND LEITMERITZ
On May 13, 1887, Rizal and Viola arrived at Leitmeritz,
Bohemia, where Professor Blumentritt welcomed them.
They met for the first time in fluent German, and Rizal was
immediately taken in by the professor. They enjoyed the
professor's hospitality, cooking, and scenic spots. Rizal
painted a portrait of Blumentritt as a commemoration of his
time at the professor's home. They also met Dr. Carlos
Czepelak and Professor Robert Klutschak. Rizal and Viola
reciprocated Blumentritt's hospitality with a banquet. On
May 16, Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz, leaving Blumentritt
and his family at the station.
HISTORY CITY OF PRAGUE
Rizal and Viola visited Prague,
carrying Blumentritt's
recommendation letters to Dr.
Willkomm, a professor of natural
history at the University of Prague.
They visited the Copernicus tomb,
museum, bacteriological
laboratories, cave, and bridge. They
left Prague and went to Brunn.
QUEEN OF THE DANUBE
On May 20, Rizal and Viola
arrived in Vienna, captivated by
its beautiful buildings, religions,
and charm. They recommended
him to renowned novelist
Norfentals, who praised his
genius. Rizal also received a lost
diamond stickpin from Hotel
Krebs, and visited Vienna's
interesting places.
LINTZ
Rizal and Viola embarked on a river
boat trip from Vienna to witness the
Danube Rivera, observing barges,
flowers, boats, families, and quaint
villages, while also observing the use of
paper napkins.
TO RHEINFALL, TO
SALZBURG, TO MUNICH &
NUREMBERG
The river voyage ended in
Lintz, followed by Salzburg
and Munich, where they
enjoyed the famous Munich
beer. They visited Nuremberg,
a historic city with torture
machines and doll-making.
After Munich, they visited
Ulm, a tall cathedral,
SWITZERLAND
Rizal and Viola traveled from
Rheinfall to Schaffhausen,
Switzerland, where they stayed
from June 2 to 3, 1887. They then
visited Basel, Bern, and Lausanne
before crossing the Leman Lake to
Geneva. Rizal conversed with
linguists in French, German, and
Italian, and enjoyed boating on the
lake. On June 19, 1887, Rizal
treated Viola to a blow-out.
MADRID EXPOSITION
Rizal, during his European tour, learned about the plight of
primitive Igorots in Madrid, who died, wore inappropriate
clothing, and had crude weapons, mocking his advocacy for
human dignity.
ITALY
Rizal visited Italy, visiting Turin, Milan,
Venice, and Florence. He visited Rome on
June 29, where he visited the Vatican and St.
Peter's Church. Tired from sightseeing, he
wrote to Blumentritt, "I am tired as a dog, but
I will sleep as a god." He prepared to return to
the Philippines.
FIRST HOMECOMING
Rizal studied in Europe from 1882-1887,
capturing beautiful memories but not
forgetting his Filipino roots. He returned to the
Philippines in 1887 and practiced medicine in
Calamba. Despite facing uproar from his novel
Noli Me Tangere, Rizal returned home to
operate his mother's eyes and understand its
impact on Filipino life. He boarded the
Djemnah steamer and later the Haiphong
steamer bound for Manila.
ARRIVAL AT MANILA
On August 5, the Haiphong
arrived in Manila, feeling
happy to be back in Filipino
soil. He briefly visited
friends and observed the
city's similarity five years
ago.
HOME IN CALAMBA
On August 8, Rizal returned to Calamba, greeted by his family and
friends. He established a medical clinic, treating his mother, who
was blind. The news of Rizal's expertise spread, attracting patients
from Manila and provinces. He also opened a gymnasium,
introducing European sports and promoting sports like
RIZAL FAILED TO SEE LEONOR
RIVERA, HIS LOVED ONE.
Governor General Emilio Terrero
requested Rizal to visit Malacañan
Palace. Rizal denied the Governor
General's acquisitions and explained
Noli was truth without rebellious ideas.
Terrero requested a copy of Noli, which
Rizal found in a friend's possession.
The governor general knew Rizal's life
was in danger, and assigned a Spanish
lieutenant as a bodyguard.
FAREWELL AGAIN
Rizal's novel caused
uproar among friars,
leading to threats and
his parents' advice to
leave. Governor
General Terrero
advised him to leave
the Philippines, but
Rizal refused, leaving
Calamba in 1888.
HONG KONG
In February 1888, Rizal, haunted by enemies and
friars, left the Philippines for the second time. After six
months in Calamba, he left Manila for Hong Kong on
the Zafiro. Despite illness and a stopover at Amoy, he
arrived in Hong Kong and stayed at the Victoria Hotel.
Spaniard Jose Varanda was believed to spy on him.
MACAO
Rizal and Basa boarded the ferry
steamer Kiu-Kiang for Macao, where he
met Sinz de Varanda. They stayed at Don
Juan Francisco Lecaros' home and
visited various attractions. Rizal
witnessed a Catholic procession on
February 19 and returned to Hong Kong
on February 20. He described Macao as
small, low, and gloomy.
HONG KONG
Rizal spent two weeks in Hong Kong
studying Chinese culture, language,
drama, and customs. He documented
experiences like the noisy Chinese
New Year celebration, the longest
Lauriat party, the Dominican Order's
wealth, and cemeteries. On February
22, 1888, he left Hong Kong on the
Oceanic, despite disliking the meals
on board.
JAPAN
Rizal spent a month and a half in Japan from
February 28 to April 13, 1888, charmed by
its natural beauty, politeness, and picturesque
shrines. He fell in love with a Japanese girl
and moved to Tokyo, where he was invited to
live at the Spanish Legation by Juan Perez
Caballero. Rizal studied Japanese drama,
arts, music, and judo, visiting museums, art
galleries, and shrines. He was impressed by
the Westem music of the Tokyo band, who he
met in Tagalog.
SAYONARA JAPAN AND SEIKO
USUI
Rizal fell in love with Seiko Usui,
affectionately called O-Sei-San, and
found happiness in their company. They
shared qualities of ideal womanhood,
including beauty, charm, modesty, and
intelligence. Rizal was offered a job by
the Spanish Legation but decided to
leave Japan due to his mission to free
oppressed people. He boarded the Belgic
for the United States, leaving Japan with
a heavy heart.
ACROSS THE PACIFIC
During a trans-Pacific voyage to the
United States, Rizal befriended a man
named "Richal" and a Japanese
joumalist, novelist, and human rights
champion, Tetcho Suehiro. Rizal shared
his life and mission to emancipate
oppressed fellowmen from Spanish
tyranny with Tetcho, who was fascinated
by his admirable character. They parted
ways on December 1, 1888, after a final
handshake and bidding each other
goodbye, never to meet again.
VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES
Rizal visited America in 1888,
experiencing racial prejudice and
discrimination against Chinese and
Negroes. Despite the country's material
progress, energy, natural beauty, and
high standard of living, Rizal had a
negative impression of the lack of racial
equality, which contradicted the
principles of democracy and freedom.
SAN FRANCISCO
On April 28, 1888, the steamer Belgic docked in
San Francisco, but was quarantined due to a cholera
epidemic. Rizal protested the quarantine, which
was later confirmed to be political due to the ship
carrying 653 Chinese coolies. He stayed in San
Francisco for two days before leaving for Oakland,
Reno, Colorado, Nebraska, Omaha, Illinois,
Chicago, Wagner Car, and Niagara Falls. Rizal
visited various cities and towns along the way,
including Albany, where he observed beautiful
sights.
ONCE AGAIN IN LONDON
Rizal lived in London from May, 1888 to
March 1889. He chose this English city
because of three reasons:
1. To improve his knowledge of the
English language,
2. To Study and annotate Morga's
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, which he
heard to be available in the British
Museum and
3. London was a safe place from the
attacks of Spanish tyranny.
ACROSS THE
ATLANTIC
Rizal enjoyed a pleasant
trans-Atlantic voyage,
winning friends and
entertaining passengers
with his linguist skills. He
arrived in Liverpool,
England in May 1888,
staying at the Adelphi
Hotel and describing the
city as beautiful.
LIFE IN LONDON
In May 1888, Rizal traveled to London, staying
with Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidora lawyer and later
boarding the Beckett family. He spent time
studying rare historical books about the
Philippines at the British Museum. Rizal's love
interest, Gertrude Beckette, was Dr. Rost, a
librarian and authority on Malayan languages.
He spent ten months in London, studying
Philippine reforms while his Spanish
compatriots fought for reforms. In December, he
visited Madrid and Barcelona, meeting Marcelo
H. Del Pilar and Mariano Ponce, leaders of the
Propaganda Movement.
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
Rizal returned to London in
December 1888 and spent Christmas
and New Year's Day with the
Becketts. He became the honorary
president of Asociacion La
Dolidaridad, a patriotic society, and
wrote his first article in La
Solidaridad. He wrote several works,
including La Vision del Fray
Rodriguez and Letter to the Young
Women of Malolos. Rizal fell in love
with Gertrude, one of the Beckett
sisters.
UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION OF 1889
In 1889, Rizal traveled to Paris to experience
the excitement of the Universal Exposition
and the high rents of living quarters. He lived
with his friend Valentin Ventura and two
other Filipinos, Captain Justo Trinidad and
Jose Albert. Rizal was fascinated by the
exposition and participated in an art
competition. He founded the R.D.L.M.
Society, aiming to propagate knowledge
about the Philippines and redeem the Malay
race.
BELGIAN BRUSSELS
In 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, Belgium,
with Jose Albert. He wrote his second novel, "El
Filibusterismo," and wrote articles for La
Solidaridad. Rizal advocated for the
Filipinization of the native language and wrote a
letter to Filipinos in Spain and Madrid. He faced
agrarian troubles in Calamba and increased land
rents in Dominican haciendas. Despite warnings
from friends, Rizal continued to write in
Brussels, despite the persecution of his family.
However, he found solace in the summertime
festival of Belgium and his romance with Petite
Jacoby.
MADRID
In 1890, Rizal arrived in Madrid
seeking justice for his family and
Calamba tenants. He sought help
from the Filipino colony to protest
Dominican injustices. He learned
about the deportation of his family
and their parents, and the death of
his co-worker, Jose Panganiban.
Rizal nearly had a duel with
Antonio Luna, but realized it
would harm their cause in Spain.
BIARRITZ
Rizal vacationed in Biarritz,
France, where he finished his
second novel, El
Filibusterismo. He fell in love
with Nellie Boustead, but
failed to marry due to Nelly's
objections and Nelly's
mothers' disapproval. In 1891,
Rizal retired from the
Propaganda Movement and
La Solidaridad, and worked
diligently in Brussels to
GHENT
On July 5, 1891, Rizal left
Brussels for Ghent due to
cheaper printing costs. He
found F. Meyer-Van Loo
Press and pawned his
jewels for down and early
partial payments. Ventura
provided financial aid,
resuming Fili's printing
and dedicating it to the
martyrdom of the GomBur-Za.
HONG KONG
After El Filibusterismo, Rizal left
Europe for Hong Kong, where he
wrote his third novel in Tagalog. He
boarded the Melbourne steamer in
Marseilles and amazed passengers
with his knowledge of languages.
Upon arrival, he opened a medical
clinic and welcomed his family. Rizal
became a well-known medical
practitioner in Hong Kong, where he
practiced ophthalmology and became
a celebrated figure in the country.
THE EXILE OF
JOSE RIZAL
His Return to Manila and the Founding of La Liga
Filipina
The Spanish Trap:
Reasons for Rizal’s Return to Manila (May 1892):
1. To discuss the Borneo colonization project with
Governor Despujol.
2. To establish La Liga Filipina in Manila.
3. To disprove Eduardo de Lete’s claims that he
abandoned the Filipino cause.
Warnings from Family &
Friends:
Sister Trinidad warned him,
"For here they will kill you."
Preparation for His Return:
• Wrote farewell letters (June
20, 1892) to be opened after
his death.
• Traveled with his sister
Lucia using a Spanish safeconduct passport.
The Spanish Trap
(Continued)
Betrayal & Secret Case:
• Spanish consul in
Hong Kong secretly
informed Governor
Despujol: "The victim is
in the trap."
• A secret case was filed
against Rizal for antireligious and anti-
Meeting with Governor Despujol:
• Rizal was told to return for another meeting on June
29, 1892.
• Visited his sisters Narcissa (Sisa) and Saturnina
(Neneng).
Founding of La Liga Filipina:
Secret Meeting in Ilaya Street (July 3, 1892):
Attended by Apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, Ambrosio
Salvador, and others.
Rizal explained the goals and constitution of La Liga
Filipina.
Objectives of La Liga Filipina
1. Unite the Filipino people into one strong and
organized body.
2. Provide mutual protection in times of need.
3. Defend against injustice and violence.
4. Promote education, agriculture, and commerce.
5. Study and apply necessary reforms.
OFFICERS OF LA LIGA
FILIPINA
AMBROSIO SALVADOR
President
DEODATO
Secretary
ARELLANO
BONIFACIO
Treasurer
AREVALO
AGUSTIN DE LA ROSA
Fiscal
Motto: Unus Instar Omnium
(One Like All)
THE TRIAL OF JOSE
RIZAL
Jose Rizal was imprisoned in Fort Santiago by
Spanish authorities in 1896. They accused him of
encouraging rebellion against the church and
government, leading the uprising, and founding the
KKK. Rizal's poems, novels, and letters were used
against him, and his name was used as KKK
password.
On December 8, 1896,
Rizal selected Luis
Taviel de Andrade as
his legal counsel from
a list of potential
candidates.
On December 15,
1896, Rizal informed
his countrymen that
the leaders of the
uprising used his name
for fund collection and
he was not involved in
the uprising.
On December 16,
1896, the trial against
Rizal started. And to
defend himself, he
wrote the following
statements:
1. Starting in July 1892,
he had no political
affiliation or any
participation in any
political acts. When the
Katipuneros asked Pio
Valenzuela to talk to him
about the plan, he tried to
convince him that they
should go back on the side
of the government and
cooperate.
2. It was not true that he had conversation or
correspondence to the rebels and there was no
letter that could prove his communications to
the leader of KKK.
3. His decision to become a volunteer doctor
to Cuba was the evidence that he wanted to
reconcile with the Spanish government. If he
had intention to escape, he could have done it
while he was in Singapore.
4. In Dapitan, he had a
small boat or kayak which
he could use to escape or
join the rebel group if he
really had intention.
5. If he was the leader of the uprising, he should
know all the plan and the other members should
constantly ask for his advice.
6. The truth was that he only established the
La Liga Filipina, a civic society which aimed
for the reform of the government.
7. The aims of La Liga Filipina was not
realized because of his deportation to
Dapitan.
8. He was not aware of the continuous
establishment of La Liga Filipina after his
deportation to Dapitan.
9. The La Liga Filipina had no connection to
the KKK Since their aims were in contrast.
10. The time when he wrote his novel should
be considered because the injustices that he
discussed in his works were based on the
injustices that his family had experienced.
11. In his four years of deportation in Dapitan, he
followed all the rules and this could be attested
by his guards and other missionaries who had
contact with him during his deportation.
12. All the things that the authorities accused
him of were baseless and there was no one
who could testify to his direct involvement to
the uprising.
As Governor General
Despujol reviewed
the case of Rizal, the
friars were not happy
with the way
Despujol was
handling the case.
Using their influence,
they replaced
Despujol and
appointed Governor
General Camilio
Polavieja.
On December 25,
1896, instead of
celebrating the joyful
day with his family,
Rizal found himself
alone and depressed in
a dreary prison cell.
Brooding over his
hopeless case, he
wrote a letter to Lt.
Taviel de Andrade.
On December 26,
1896, the trial was held
and all of the evidence
were presented to
Governor General
Camilio Polavieja.
Gov. Gen. Polavieja
presented the
documents to Lt. Col.
Togores Arjona.
On December 29, 1896, the Governor General
signed the decision that Jose Rizal would be
executed at 7:00 AM in Bagumbayan.
On December 29, 1896, Rizal was informed about
the decision and he was not surprised. On his
remaining time, he wrote letters to his family and
friends. Aside from the letters to his friends and
family, he also wrote a poem stating his farewell to
his countrymen.
Governor General Despujol's handling
of Rizal's case led to the appointment of
Governor General Camilio Polavieja.
Rizal, depressed and alone, wrote a
letter to Lt. Taviel de Andrade. The trial
was held, and evidence was presented
to Governor General Polavieja. On
December 29, 1896, Rizal was
executed, and he wrote letters to family
and friends.
DEATH OF JOSE
RIZAL
Rizal's Last Hours
After the trial, Rizal was kept in a cell at
Fort Santiago. He spent his last hours in
this lonely room. He was heavily guarded.
The Jesuits, including his former
professors at the Ateneo, com-forted him.
He penned his last letters to his family and
Professor Blumentritt. He wrote his last
poem. This poem had no title. It came to be
called the Last Farewell.
At 4:00 P.M., December 29, Rizal was visited by
his mother. He knelt and kissed her hands, begging
her to forgive him. When Doña Teodora left,
Trinidad entered the room. Rizal gave her an
alcohol cooking stove, whispering to her in
English: "There is something in it." Trinidad
understood because Rizal had taught her English.
Thus Rizal was able to smuggle his last poem
through the prison guards.
Early in the morning of December 30, Rizal
received his last Communion. He heard his last
Mass with Father Vicente Bala-guer officiating.
This priest also married him and Josephine, in
accordance with Catholic rites. Rizal gave a
religious book, Imi-tation of Christ by Thomas
a Kempis, to Josephine as a wedding gift.
Death of a Genius (1896)
About 6:30 A.M., after saying goodbye to
Josephine, Rizal began his death march from Fort
Santiago to Bagumbayan (Lu-neta). Manila. He
was guarded by soldiers with drawn bayonets.
Father Estanislao March (Jesuit priest) and Lt.
Taviel de Andra. de (his defense attorney) walked
by his side. Thousands of people (Filipinos and
foreigners) were present to watch the tragic
event.
Rizal in Fort Santiago
At a spot near the shore of Manila Bay, the death march
stopped. Rizal was ordered by the 'commander of the
firing squad to face the sea. He requested the commander
that he would like to be shot facing the firing squad, but
his request was denied. With calm courage, he stood erect
facing the sea. The drum beats suddenly stopped. The
early morning sunbeams bathed Bagum-bayan with gentle
light. The spectators watched with hushed silence.
At the command "Fire!", the guns of the firing squad
barked. Rizal, hit by bullets, turned and fell dead on the
ground - with face towards the rising sun. Thus he died
bravely at 7:30 A.M., December 30, 1896.
THANK YOU!!