GEM
THE LIFE AND WORKS
OF RIZAL
Chapter 4
Rizal’s Life: Higher Educationand Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA(1872-1877)
o Jose was sent to Manila four months after the martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za
and with Dona Teodora still in prison.
o He studied in the Ateneo Municipal - a college under the supervision of
the Spanish Jesuits.
o Ateneo Municipal, a bitter rival of the Dominican- owned College of San
Juan de Letran formerly the Escuela Pia (Charity School)- for poor boys
in Manila established in 1817
o In 1859- name was changed to Ateneo Municipal by the Jesuits and later
became the Ateneo de Manila.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Rizal Enters Ateneo
o June 10, 1872- Jose, accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila to take the
entrance examinations on Christian Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at
the College of San Juan de Letran, and passed them.
o His father was the first one who wished him to study at Letran but he
changed his mind and decided to send Jose at Ateneo instead.
o Ateneo Municipal- a college under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits
o Escuela Pia (Charity School)- formerly name of Ateneo, a school for poor
boys in Manila which was established by the city government in 1817
o Escuela Pia--Ateneo Municipal--Ateneo de Manila
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Jesuits System of Education
o Jesuits trained the character of the student by rigid discipline, humanities,
and religious instruction. They heard Mass early in the morning before
the beginning of daily class. Classes were opened and closed with prayers
it trained the character of the student by rigid discipline and religious
instructions
Students were divided into two groups:
o Roman Empire- consisting of internos (boarders); red banner
o Carthaginian Empire - composed of the externos (non-boarders); blue
banner
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Jesuits System of Education
o Each empire had its rank. Students fought for positions, with 3 mistakes,
opponents position could lose his position.
o Emperor- the best student in each “empire”
o Tribune- the second best
o Decurion- the third best
o Centurion-the fourth best
o Stand-bearer- the fifth best
The Ateneo students in Rizal’s time wore a uniform
which consisted of “hemp-fabric trousers” and
“striped cotton coat” The coat material was called
rayadillo
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Rizal’s First Year in Ateneo (1872-1873)
o Rizal ‘s first professor in Ateneo was Fr. Jose Bech.
o Rizal was placed at the bottom of the class since he was a newcomer and
knows little Spanish.
o He was an externo (Carthaginians), occupying the end of the line. But at
the end of the month, he becomes emperor´ of his Empire.
o He was the brightest pupil in the whole class, and he was awarded a
prize, a religious prize.
o Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during noon recesses to
improve his Spanish language paying three pesos for those extra lessons.
o He placed second at the end of the year, although all his grades were still
marked Excellent´
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Summer Vacation (1873)
o Rizal didn’t ‘t enjoy his summer because his mother was in prison, so Neneng (Saturnina)
brought him to Tanawan. But without telling his father, he went to Santa Cruz to visit her
mother in prison. He told her of his brilliant grades. After summer, he returned to Manila and
now boarded inside Intramuros at No. 6 Magallanes Street. Doña Pepay, who had a widowed
daughter and 4 sons, was his landlady. PROPHECY OF MOTHER’S RELEASE Doña Teodora told
her son of her dream the previous night. Rizal, interpreting the dream, told her that she would
be released from prison in 3 months ‘time. It became true. Doña Teodora likened his son to the
youthful Joseph in the Bible in his ability to interpret dreams. Teenage Interest in Reading. The
first favorite novel of Rizal was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. His boyish
imagination was stirred by the sufferings of Edmond Dante’s (the hero) in prison, his
spectacular escape from the dungeon of Chateau de If, his finding a buried treasure in the
rocky island of Monte Cristo, and his dramatic revenge on his enemies who had wronged him.
Rizal also read non-fiction. He persuaded his father to buy a costly set of Cesar Cantu ‘s
historical work entitled Universal History. He also read Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor
Jagor, a German scientist-traveler who visited Phil in 1859-60. He was impressed by: Jagor ‘s
keen observations of the defects of Spanish colonization; and his prophecy that someday Spain
would lose the Philippines and that America would come to succeed her as colonizer.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Third Year in Ateneo (1875-76)
o June 16, 1875- He became an interno in Ateneo. Fr. Francisco de Paula
Sanchez, one of his professors, inspired him to study harder and write
poetry. Rizal ‘s best professor in Ateneo. Rizal described him as model
of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils.
o He returned to Calamba with 5 medals and excellent ratings.
Fourth Year in Ateneo
o March 23, 1877- Rizal, 16 years old, received from his Alma Mater,
Ateneo Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors.
o Rizal was the highest in all subjects and won five medals at the end of
the school term.
o He excelled in all his subjects and was the most brilliant Atenean, he was
truly “the pride of the Jesuits”.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Extra-Curricular Activities in Ateneo
o He was an active member, later secretary, of Marian Congregation - a
religious society. He was accepted because of his academic brilliance
and devotion to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the college
patroness.
o He is also a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and the
Academy of Natural Sciences.
o He studied painting under Agustin Saez, a famous painter, and
sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus. He continued his physical training
under his sports minded Tio Manuel.
o Rizal’s studies continued to fare well. As a matter-of-fact, he excelled in
all subjects. The most brilliant Atenean of his time, he was truly “the
pride of the Jesuits”
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Sculptural Works in Ateneo
o He carved an image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling
(Philippine hardwood) with his pocketknife. The Jesuits fathers were
amazed.
o Father Lleonart requested him to carve for him an image of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus. He intended to take the image with him in Spain but forgot
to do so. So, the Ateneo boarders placed it on the door of their dormitory.
It plays a significant part in Rizal ‘s last hours at Fort Santiago.
Anecdotes On Rizal, The Atenean
o Felix M. Roxas- one of Rizal’s contemporaries in the Ateneo, related an
incident of Rizal’s schooldays in Ateneo which reveals hero’s
resignation to pain and forgiveness. “Neither bitterness nor rancor
towards the guilty party”
o Manuel Xerez Burgos- This anecdotes illustrates Rizal’s predilection to
help the helpless at the risk of his own life.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Poems Written in Ateneo
o It was Doña Teodora who was first discovered the poetic genius of her
son, and it was also she who first encouraged him to write poems.
However it was Father Sanchez who inspired Rizal to make full use of
his God-given gift in poetry
o Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration), 1874- the first poem
Rizal probably wrote during his days in Ateneo which was dedicated to
his mother on her birthday; Rizal wrote it before he was 14 years old
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Poems Written in Ateneo
A. In 1875, inspired by Father Sanchez, Rizal wrote more poems, as such:
1. Felicitacion (Felicitationi)
2. El Remarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to
Magellan’s Fleet)
3. Y Es Espanol; Elcano, el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo (And He is
Spanish: Elcano, the First to Circumnavigate the World)
4. El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo,
Terror of Jolo)
B. In 1876, Rizal wrote poems on various topics-religion, education, childhood
memories and war. They were as follows:
1. Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town)- a tender poem in
honor of Calamba, the hero’s natal town
2. Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Educacion (Intimate
Alliance between Religion and Good Education)- Rizal showed the
importance of religion in education
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Poems Written in Ateneo
B. In 1876, Rizal wrote poems on various topics-religion, education, childhood
memories and war. They were as follows:
3. Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria (Through Education the
Country Receives Light)- Rizal believed in the significant role which
education plays in the progress and welfare of a nation
4. El Cautiverio y el Triunfo: Batalla de Lucena y Prision de Boabdil (The
Captivity and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of
Boabdil)- this martial poem describes the defeat and capture of Boabdil,
last Moorish sultan of Granada
5. La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes Catolices en Granada (The Triumphal
Entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada)- this poem relates the
victorious entry of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel, into Granada,
last Moorish stronghold in Spain
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Poems Written in Ateneo
A year later, in 1877, Rizal wrote more poems. It was his last years in Ateneo.
Among the poems written that year were:
1. El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of Columbus)- this poem praises Columbus,
the discoverer of America
2. Colon y Juan II (Columbus and John II)- this poem relates how King Kohn II of
Portugal missed fame and riches by his failure to finance the projected
expedition of Columbus to the New World
3. Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune)- this is
a legend in verse of the tragic life of Columbus
4. Un Dialogo Aluviso a la Despedida de los Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the
Students)- this was the last poem written by Rizal in Ateneo; it is a poignant
poem of farewell to his classmate.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Poems Written in Ateneo
A year later, in 1877, Rizal wrote more poems. It was his last years in Ateneo.
Among the poems written that year were:
o Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus)- this poem was written in 1875 when Rizal
was 14 years old; it was a brief ode
o A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary)- another religious poem which doesn’t
have exact date when it was written
o San Eustacio, Martir (St. Eustace, the Martyr)- a drama based on the prose
story of St. Eustace which he wrote in poetic verses during the summer
vacation of 1876 and finished it on June 2, 1876
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Mother’s Opposition to Higher Education
Both Don Francisco and Paciano wanted Jose to pursue higher learning in
the university. But Doña Teodora who is a woman of education and culture
objects to Rizal desire for university education. She knew what happened to
the Gom-Bur-ZA and told her husband “Don’t send him to Manila again, he
knows enough. If he gets to know more the Spaniards will cut off his head”.
THE UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS (1877- 1882)
o In April, 1877, Rizal, who was then nearly 16 years old, matriculated in the
University of Santo Tomas, taking Philosophy and Letters.
o After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters (18771878), Rizal transferred to the medical course.
o He enrolled in this course for Two reasons
1. His father liked it
2. He was still “Uncertain as to what career to follow.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
THE UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS (1877- 1882)
o Father Pablo Ramon-Rector of Ateneo, who had been good to him during his
student days in that college, asking for advice on the choice of a career.
o Unfortunately, the Father Rector was in the Mindanao and during those days it
took several months for a letter to travel between Manila and Mindanao.
o First year term (1877-79) in the UST, he studied Cosmology, Metaphysics,
Theodicy, and History of Philosophy.
o (1878-1879) Rizal took up medicine, enrolling simultaneously in the
preparatory medical course and the regular first year medical course
o He studied Medicine Because:
1. he wanted to be a physician so that he might cure his mother’s failing
eyesight
2. the Father Pablo Ramon, Rector of Ateneo, whom he consulted for a
choice of career, finally answered his letter, recommending medicine.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
THE UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS (1877- 1882)
o During Rizal’s first school term in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1878),
Rizal also studied in Ateneo. He took the vocational course leading to the title
of perito agrimensor (expert surveyor)
o Rizal excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in Ateneo, obtaining gold
medals in agriculture and topography
o November 25, 1881- the title was issued to Rizal for passing the final
examination in the surveying course
o HE WAS THE FIRST FILIPINO SURVEYOR.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Literary Works (1879)
o DLiceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila- a society of
literary men and artists, held a literary contest in the year 1879
o A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) - Rizal, who was then 18 years
old, submitted this poem
o is an inspiring poem of flawless form. Rizal beseeched the Filipino
youth to rise from lethargy, to let genius fly swifter than the wind and
descend with art and science to break the chains that have long bound
the spirit of the people
o this winning poem of Rizal is a classic in Philippine literature for two
reasons:
(1) it was the great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino, whose merit
was recognized by Spanish literary authorities
(2) it expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the
Filipinos, and not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of the
Fatherland”
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Literary Works (1879)
o A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth)
o The Board of Judges, composed of Spaniards, was impressed by Rizal’s
poem and gave it the first prize which consisted of a silver pen, feathershaped and decorated with a gold ribbon
o El Consejo de los Dioses (The Councils of the Gods)- an allegorical drama
written by Rizal which he entered in the literary contest of Artistic-Literary
Lyceum in 1880 to commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of
Cervantes
o was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics
o The prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was engraved the
bust of Cervantes
o Don Nicanor(D.N.) del Puzo - a Spanish writer, who won the second prize
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Literary Works (1879)
o Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig)- a zarzuela which was staged by the Ateneans
on December 8, 1880, on the occasion of the annual celebration of the Feast
Day of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo
o Rizal wrote it as President of the Academy of Spanish Literature in
Ateneo
o A Filipinas- a sonnet written by Rizal for the album of the Society of Sculptors;
in this sonnet, he urged all Filipino artists to glorify the Philippines
o Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma- Rizal composed a poem in 1879 which was declaimed
by an Atenean, Manuel Fernandez, on the night of December 8, 1879, in honor
of the Ateneo’s Patroness
o Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon- Rizal composed a poem in 1881, as an expression of
affection to Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo rector, who had been so kind and
helpful to him
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Champion Of Filipino Students
o There were frequent student brawls between the Filipinos and the
Spaniards
o 1880: Rizal founded COMPAÑERISMO (COMRADESHIP), a secret society of
Filipino UST students. The members were called “Companions of Jehu”.
o He was the chief of the society.
o His cousin from Batangas, Galicano Apacible was the secretary.
o In one of the skirmishes, Rizal was wounded on the head. His friends
brought him to Casa Tomasina where Leonor Rivera took care of him
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 1: Higher Education
Unhappy Days At The UST
o Rizal found the atmosphere at the University of Santo Tomas suffocating to
his sensitive spirit. He was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher
learning because
(1) the Dominican professors were hostile to him
(2) the Filipino students were racially discriminated against by the
Spaniards
(3) the method of instruction was obsolete and repressive
In Rizal’s novel, El Filibusterismo, he described how the Filipino
students were humiliated and insulted by their Dominican professors and
how backward the method of instruction was, especially in the teaching of
the natural sciences.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
Decision To Study Abroad
o Rizal decided to study in Spain after finishing the fourth year of his medical
course.
The people who approved :
o His older brother Paciano
o His sisters Saturnina (Neneng) and Lucia
o Uncle Antonio Rivera
o The Valenzuela family
o Some friends
The people who did not know his decision:
o Rizal’s parents
o Leonor Rivera
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN SUNNY SPAIN (1882-1885)
After finishing the 4th year of the medical course in the University of Santo
Tomas, Rizal decided to complete his studies in Spain.
Aside from completing his studies in Spain, Rizal has his “secret mission”—
was to observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs, industries
and commerce, and government and laws of the European nations in order to
prepare himself in the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people from
Spanish tyranny.
This Rizalian secret mission was likewise disclosed by Paciano in his letter
to his younger brother dated Manila, May 20, 1892.
Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by the
Spanish authorities and the friars.
o Jose Mercado - Rizal used this name; a cousin from Biñan
o May 3, 1882 - Rizal departed on board the Spanish streamer Salvadora
bound for Singapore
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
SINGAPORE
o Donato Lecha - the ship captain from Asturias, Spain befriended Rizal
-Rizal described him as an affable man, “much more refined than his
other countrymen and colleagues that I have met.”
o Rizal played chess with his fellow passengers who were much older than him
o May 8, 1882 - while the steamer was approaching Singapore, Rizal saw a
beautiful island, fascinated by its scenic beauty, he remembered “Talim
Island with the Susong Dalaga”
o May 9, 1882 - the Salvadora docked at Singapore
o Hotel de la Paz- Rizal registered here and spent two days on a sightseeing
soiree of the city, which was a colony of England.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FROM SINGAPORE TO COLOMBO
o In Singapore, Rizal transferred to another ship Djemnah, a French steamer,
which left Singapore for Europe on May 11, 1882.
o May 17, 1882- Djemnah reached Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern
Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)
o Rizal wrote on his travel diary: “The general appearance of Point Galle is
picturesque but lonely and quiet and at the same time sad”
o Colombo- capital of Ceylon
o Rizal was enamoured by Colombo because of its scenic beauty and
elegant buildings“Colombo is more beautiful, smart and elegant than
Singapore, Point Galle and Manila”
o For the first time, Rizal sighted the barren coast of Africa, which he called an
“inhospitable land but famous”
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FROM SINGAPORE TO COLOMBO
o Aden- city hotter than Manila
o Rizal was amused to see the camels, for the first time
o City of Suez- the Red Sea terminal of the Suez Canal
o Rizal was impressed in the beautiful moonlight which reminded him
of Calamba and his family
o Suez Canal- canal which built by Ferdinand de Lesseps (French diplomatengineer) which was inaugurated on November 17, 1869
o Port Said- the Mediterranean terminal of the Suez Canal
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NAPLES AND MARSEILLES
o June 11, 1882- Rizal reached Naples
o Rizal was pleased on this Italian city because of its business activity, its
lively people, and its panoramic beauty
o Night of June 12, 1882- the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles
o Rizal visited the famous Chateau d’If, where Dantes, hero of the Count of
Monte Cristo, was imprisoned
o Rizal stayed two and a half days in Marseilles
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BARCELONA
o Afternoon of May 15, 1882- Rizal left Marseilles by train for the last lap of his
trip to Spain
o Rizal crossed the Pyrenees and stopped for a day at the frontier town of Port
Bou
o June 16, 1882- Rizal finally reached his destination—Barcelona
o Rizal’s first impression of Barcelona, the greatest city of Cataluña and Spain’s
second largest city, was unfavorable
o Las Ramblas- the most famous street in Barcelona
o AMOR PATRIO (LOVE OF COUNTRY)- nationalistic essay, Rizal’s first article
written on Spain’s soil.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BARCELONA
o under his pen-name Laong Laan, appeared in print in
Diariong Tagalog on August 20, 1882
o it was published in two texts—Spanish and Tagalog—the
Spanish text was the one originally written by Rizal in
Barcelona, the tagalog text was a Tagalog translation
made by M.H. del Pilar
o Basilio Teodoro Moran- a friend of Rizal in Manila and
the publisher of Diariong Tagalog where Rizal sent this
article
o Diariong Tagalog- the first Manila bilingual newspaper (Spanish and Tagalog)
o Los Viajes (Travels)- Rizal’s second article for Diariong Tagalog
o Revista de Madrid (Review of Madrid)- Rizal’s third article written in Madrid on
o November 29, 1882 but returned to him because the Diariong Tagalog had
ceased publication for lack of funds
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BARCELONA
o Rizal received sad news about the cholera that was
ravaging Manila and the provinces according to
Paciano’s letter, dated September 15, 1882
o Another sad news from the Philippines was the chatty
letter of Chengoy recounting the unhappiness of Leonor
Rivera
o In one of his letters (dated May 26, 1882), Paciano
advised his younger brother to finish the medical course
in Madrid
o Rizal left Barcelona in the fall of 1882 and established
himself in Madrid, the capital of Spain
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
LIFE IN MADRID
o November 3, 1882- Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid
(Central University of Madrid) in two courses—Medicine and Philosophy
and Letters
o Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando- Rizal studied painting and
sculpture. Rizal’s only extravagance was investing a few pesetas for a
lottery ticket in every draw of the Madrid Lottery. Rizal spent his leisure
time reading and writing at his boarding house, attending the reunions of
Filipino students at the house of the Paterno brothers (Antonio, Maximo
and Pedro) and practicing fencing and shooting at the gymnasium.
o Antigua Café de Levante-during the summer twilights, this is where Rizal
sipped coffee and fraternized with the students from Cuba, Mexico,
Argentina, et.
o On Saturday evenings, Rizal visited the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey
who lived with his son (Rafael) and daughter (Consuelo).
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FIRST VISIT TO PARIS (1883)
During his first summer vacation in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris, gay
capital of France. The prices of food, drinks, theatre, tickets, laundry, hotel
accommodations, and transportation were too high for Rizal’s slender purse
so that he commented in a letter to his family: “Paris is the costliest capital in
Europe.”
o June 17 to August 20, 1883- Rizal sojourn in Paris
o Hotel de Paris- located on 37 Rue de Maubange wherein Rizal billeted
but later, he moved to a cheaper hotel on 124 Rue de Rennes in the Latin
Quarter
o Laennec Hospital- where Rizal observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients
o Lariboisiere Hospital- where Rizal observed the examination of
different diseases of women
o Rizal was impressed by the way the Spanish Mason openly and freely
criticized the government policies and lambasted the friars, which could
not be done in Philippines
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FIRST VISIT TO PARIS (1883)
o March 1883- Rizal joined the Masonic lodge called Acacia in Madrid
o Rizal’s reason for becoming a mason was to secure Freemansory’s aid in his
fight against the friars in the Philippines
o Lodge Solidaridad (Madrid) – Rizal transferred where he became a Master
Mason on November 15, 1890
o February 15, 1892- Rizal was awarded the diploma as Master Mason by Le
Grand Orient de France in Paris
o Science, Virtue and Labor- Rizal’s only Masonic writing; a lecture which he
delivered in 1889 at Lodge Solidaridad, Madrid
After Rizal’s departure for Spain, things turned from bad to worse in Calamba:
(1) harvests of rice and sugarcane failed on account of drought and locusts
(2) the manager of the Dominican-owned hacienda increased the rentals of the
lands
(3) a dreadful pest killed most of the turkeys. Due to hard times in Calamba, the
monthly allowances of Rizal in Madrid were late in arrival and there were
times when they never arrived.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FIRST VISIT TO PARIS (1883)
o June 24, 1884- a touching incident in Rizal’s life in Madrid wherein he was broke
and was unable to take breakfast. Rizal attended his class at the university,
participated in the contest in Greek language and won the gold medal.
o Evening of June 25, 1884- a banquet was sponsored by the Filipino community to
celebrate the double victory of the Filipino artist in the National Exposition of
Fine Arts in Madrid—Luna’s Spoliarium winning the first prize and Hidalgo’s
Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace (Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al
Populacho), second prize,
o November 20, 21, and 22, 1884- the serene city of Madrid exploded in bloody
riots by the students of the Central University.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
PARIS TO BERLIN (1885-1887)
o Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in ophthalmology—Rizal
chose this branch of medicine because he wanted to cure his mother’s eye
ailment.
IN PARIS (1885-1886)
o Maximo Viola- a medical student and a member of a rich family of San
Miguel, Bulacan, Rizal’s friend.
o Señor Eusebio Corominas- editor of the newspaper La Publicidad and made
a crayon sketch of Don Miguel Morayta, owner of La Publicidad and a
stasman. Rizal gave Editor Corominas an article on the Carolines Question,
then a controversial issue, for publication, November 1885, Rizal was living
in Paris where he sojourned for about four months.
o Dr. Louis de Weckert (1852-1906)- leading French ophthalmologist wherein
Rizal worked as an assistant from November 1885 to February 1886.
o Paz Pardo de Tavera- was a pretty girl, who was engaged to Juan Luna
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN PARIS (1885-1886)
At the studio of Luna, Rizal spent many happy hours. Rizal helped Luna by
posing as model in several paintings. In Luna’s canvas “The Death of
Cleopatra,“ Rizal posed as an Egyptian priest. In another of Luna’s great
paintings, “The Blood Compact,” he posed as Sikatuna, with Trinidad Pardo de
Tavera taking the role of Legazpi.
o November 27, 1878- Rizal told Enrique Lete that he “learned the solfeggio,
the piano, and the voice culture in one month and a half”, By sheer
determination and constant practice, Rizal came to play the flute fairly well.
He was a flutist in various impromptu reunions of Filipinos in Paris.
o Alin Mang Lahi (Any Race)-a patriotic song written by Rizal which asserts
that any race aspires for freedom.
o La Deportacion (Deportation)- a sad danza which Rizal composed in
Dapitan during his exile
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG
o February 1, 1886- Rizal reluctantly left Paris from Germany
o February 3, 1886- Rizal arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany
famous for its old university and romantic surroundings
o Chess Player’s Club- a club wherein the students made Rizal as a
member because of being a good chess player
o DR. OTTO BECKER- distinguished German ophthalmologist where Rizal
worked-University Eye Hospital.
o April 22, 1886- Rizal wrote a fine poem “A Las Flores de Heidelberg” (To
the Flowers of Heidelberg)
o In the spring of 1886, Rizal was fascinated by the blooming flowers
along the cool banks of the Neckar River. Among them was his favorite
flower—the light blue “forget-me-not”
o Wilhelmsfeld- a mountainous village near Heidelberg where Rizal spent
a three-month summer vacation
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG
o DR. KARL ULLMER- a kind Protestant pastor where Rizal stayed, who
became his good friend and admirer
o June 25, 1886- Rizal ended his sojourn at Pastor Ullmer’s home
o May 29, 1887- Rizal wrote from Munich (Muchen) to Friedrich (Fritz), son of
Pastor Ullmer.
o July 31, 1886- Rizal wrote his first letter in German (which he had improved
after his stay with the Ullmers) to Professor Blumentritt, Director of the
Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria
o ARITMETICA (ARITHMETIC)-Rizal sent this book he mentioned and was
published in two languages—
o Spanish and Tagalog—by the University of Santo Tomas Press in 1868.
the author was Rufino Baltazar Hernandez, a native of Santa Cruz,
Laguna
o August 6, 1886- the famous University of Heidelberg held its fifth centenary
celebration
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG
o August 9, 1886- Rizal left Heidelberg
o August 14, 1886- boarded by a train. Rizal arrived in Leipzig
o PROFESSOR FRIEDRICH RATZEL- a famous German historian, Rizal
befriend with him
o DR. HANS MEYER- German anthropologist, a friend of Rizal
o In Leipzig, Rizal translated Schiller’s William Tell from German into
Tagalog so that Filipino might know the story of that champion of Swiss
independence.
o Rizal also translated into Tagalog for his nephews and niece Hans
Andersen’s Fairy Tales
o Rizal found out that the cost of living in Leipzig was cheapest in Europe so
that he stayed two months and a half.
o Because of his knowledge of German, Spanish, and other European
languages, Rizal worked as proof- reader in a publisher’s firm.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG
o October 29, 1886- Rizal left Leipzig for Dresden where he met Dr. Adolph B.
Meyer, Director of the Anthropological and Ethnological Museum.
o Rizal heard Mass in a Catholic church; evidently, this Mass impressed
him very much, for he wrote on his diary: “Truly I have never in my
life heard a Mass whose music had greater sublimity and intonation.”
o Morning of November 1, 1886- Rizal left Dresden by train reaching
Berlin in the evening.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BERLIN
o Rizal was enchanted by Berlin because of its scientific atmosphere and the
absence of race prejudice
o Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German scientisttraveler and author of Travels in the Philippines, a book which Rizal read
and admired during his student days in Manila
o Dr. Rudolf Virchow- introduced to Rizal by Dr. Jagor; famous German
anthropologist
o Dr. Hans Virchow- son of Dr. Rudolf Virchow, professor of Descriptive
Anatomy
o Dr. W. Joest- noted German geographer
o Dr. Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905)- famous German ophthalmologist where
Rizal worked
o Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnological
Society, and the Geographical Society of Berlin, upon the recommendation
of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BERLIN
o TAGALISCHE VERKUNST (TAGALOG METRICAL ART)- Rizal wrote this
scholarly paper in German which he read before the society in April 1887
o this paper was published by the society in the same year, and elicited
favorable comments from all scientific quarters.
Rizal lived in Berlin, 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 and political conditions of the German
nation
(4) to associate with famous German scientists and scholars
(5) to publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BERLIN
o Madame Lucie Cerdole-Rizal’s professor of French in order to master the
idiomatic intricacies of the French language
o Unter den Linden- the most popular boulevard of Berlin wherein Rizal
enjoyed promenading, sipping beer in the city’s inns and talking with the
friendly Berliners
o March 11, 1886- one of Rizal’s important letters written while he was in
Germany that addressed to his sister, Trinidad
o in this letter, Rizal expressed his high regard and admiration for
German womanhood
o The German woman, said Rizal to his sister, is serious, diligent,
educated, and friendly. She is not gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome
o Aside from the German women, Rizal admired the German customs which
he observed well
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BERLIN
GERMAN WOMEN AND THEIR CUSTOMS
Rizal wrote a letter addressed to his sister, Trinidad. He said that German
woman is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not gossipy,
frivolous, and quarrelsome. Aside from women, Rizal admired the German
customs. The Christmas custom of the German delighted him most of his
yuletide custom he wrote on Christmas eve. Another interesting German
custom observed by Rizal is self-introduction to strangers in a social
gathering.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
o The bleak winter of 1886 in Berlin was Rizal’s
darkest winter because no money arrived from
Calamba and he was flat broke. The diamond ring
which his sister, Saturnina, gave him was in the
pawnshop. It was memorable in the life of Rizal for
two reasons
(1) It was a painful episode for he was hungry,
sick and despondent in a strange city
(2) It brought him great joy after enduring so
much sufferings, because his first novel, Noli
Me Tangere came off the press in March,
1887.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
o Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin- inspired Dr. Rizal to prepare
a novel that would depict the miseries of his people under the lash of
Spanish tyrants
o January 2, 1884- in a reunion of Filipinos in the Paterno residence in
Madrid, Rizal proposed the writings of a novel about the Philippines by a
group of Filipinos
o Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing the novel in Madrid and
finished about one-half of it.
o When Rizal went to Paris, in 1885, after completing his studies in the
Central University of Madrid, he continued writing the novel, finishing
one half of the second half
o Rizal finished the last fourth of the novel in Germany. He wrote the last
few chapters of the Noli in Wilhelmsfeld in April-June, 1886.
o In Berlin during the winter days of February, 1886, Rizal made the final
revisions on the manuscript of the Noli.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
o MAXIMO VIOLA- Rizal’s friend from Bulacan, arrived in Berlin at the
height of Rizal despondency and loaned him the needed funds to
publish the novel; savior of Noli
o After the Christmas season, Rizal put the finishing touches on his novel.
To save printing expenses, he deleted certain passages in his
manuscript, including a whole chapter—“Elias and Salome”
o February 21, 1887- the Noli was finally finished and ready for printing
o Berliner Buchdruckrei-Action-Gesselschaft- a printing shop which
charged the lowest rate, that is, 300 pesos for 2,0O0 copies of the novel.
o March 21, 1887- the Noli Me Tangere came off the press, March 29, 1887
Rizal, in token of his appreciation and gratitude, gave Viola the galley
proofs of the Noli carefully rolled around the pen that he used in
writing it and a complimentary copy, with the following inscription: “To
my dear friend, Maximo Viola, the first to read and appreciate my
work—Jose Rizal”.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
The title
o Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase which means “Touch Me Not”. It is
not originally conceived by Rizal, for he admitted taking it from the
Bible. Rizal, writing to Felix Hidalgo in French on March 5, 1887, said:
o “Noli Me Tangere, words taken from the Gospel of St. Luke, signify
“do not touch me” but Rizal made a mistake, it should be the Gospel
of St. John
o Rizal dedicated his Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines—“To My
Fatherland”
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
o The cover of Noli Me Tangere was designed by Rizal. It is a ketch of
explicit symbols. A woman’s head at the top a Maria Clara bodice
represents the nation and the women, victims of the social cancer. One
of the causes of the cancer is symbolized in the friar’s feet, outsized in
relation to the woman’s head. The other aggravating causes of
oppression and discrimination are shown in the guard’s helmet and the
iron chains, the teacher’s whip and the alferez’s scourge. A slight
cluster of bamboo stands at the backdrop; these are the people, forever
in the background of their own country’s history. There are a cross, a
maze, flowers and thorny plants, a flame; these are indicative of the
religious policy, the misdirected ardor, the people strangled as a result
of these all.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)
o The novel Noli Me Tangere contains 63 chapters and an epilogue.
o Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor- Filipino patriot and lawyer who had been exiled
due to his complicity in the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, read avidly the Noli and
was very much impressed by its author
RIZAL’S GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE WITH VIOLA (1887)
After the publication of Noli, Rizal planned to visit the important places in
Europe. Dr. Maximo viola agreed to be his traveling companion. Rizal received
Pacianos remmiitance of P1000 which forward by Juan Luna from Paris and
immediately paid his debt to Viola which he loaned so that Noli could be
printed.
o May 11, 1887- Rizal and Viola left Berlin by train. Spring was anideal
season for travel.
o Dresden- one of the best cities in Germany. They visited Dr. Adolph B.
Meyer, who was overjoyed to see them.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE WITH VIOLA (1887)
o Prometheus Bound-painting wherein Rizal was deeply impressed
o Teschen (now Decin, Czechoslovakia) - next stopover after leaving Dresedn
LEITMERITZ
o At 1:30pm of May 13, 1887- the train, with Rizal and Viola on board, arrived at
the railroad station of Leitmeritz, Bohemia
o for the first time, the two great scholars—Rizal and Blumentritt—met in
person
o Professor Blumentritt- a kind-hearted, old Austrian professor
o May 13 to May 16, 1887- Rizal and Viola stayed in Leitmeritz
o Burgomaster- town mayor
o Tourist’s Club of Leitmeritz-which Blumentritt was the secretary; Rizal spoke
extemporaneously in fluent Germany to the officers and members
o Dr. Carlos Czepelak- renowned scientist of Europe
o Professor Robert Klutschak- an eminent naturalist
o May 16, 1887 at 9:45 AM- Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
VIENNA
o May 20, 1887- Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful city of Vienna,
capital of Austria Hungary
o Vienna was truly the “Queen of Danube” because of its beautiful
buildings, religious images, haunting waltzes and majestic charm.
o Norfenfals- is one of the greatest Austrian novelists was favorably
impressed by Rizal, and years later he spoke highly of Rizal, “whose
genius he so much admired.”
o Rizal and Viola stayed at Hotel Metropole. In Vienna, Rizal received his
lost diamond stickpin
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
DANUBIAN VOYAGE TO LINTZ
o May 24, 1887- Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat to see the
beautiful sights of the Danube River
o Rizal particularly noticed that the passengers on the river boat were
using paper napkins during the meals, which was a novelty to him.
Viola, commented that the paper napkins were “more hygienic and
economical than cloth napkins”
FROM LINTZ TO RHEINFALL
o Munich- where Rizal and Viola sojourned for a short time to savor the
famous Munich beer, reputed to be the best in Germany
o Nuremberg- one of the oldest cities of Germany
o The Cathedral of Ulm- the largest and tallest cathedral in all Germany
o From Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden and then Rheinfall (Cascade
of the Rhine). At Rheinfall, they saw the waterfall, “the most beautiful
waterfall of Europe”
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
CROSSING THE FRONTIER TO SWITZERLAND
o June 2 to 3, 1887- stayed at Schaffhausen, Switzerland
GENEVA
o This Swiss city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, visited by
world tourists every year
o June 19, 1887- Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. It was his 26th
birthday
o Rizal and Viola spent fifteen delightful days in Geneva
o June 23, 1887- Viola and Rizal parted ways—Viola returned to
Barcelona while Rizal continued the tour to Italy.
Exposition of the Philippines in Madrid, Spain- Rizal was outraged by this
degradation of his fellow countrymen the Igorot’s of Northern Luzon
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL IN ITALY
o June 27, 1887- Rizal reached Rome, the “Eternal City” and also called
the “City of the Caesars”
o Rizal was thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal City.
Describing to Blumentritt, the “grandeur that was Rome”, he wrote on
June 27, 1887.
o June 29, 1887- the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Rizal visited for
the first time the Vatican, the “City of the Popes” and the capital of
Christendom
o Every night, after sightseeing the whole day, Rizal returned to his hotel,
very tired. “I am tired as a dog,” he wrote to Blumentritt, “but I will
sleep as a God”
o After a week of wonderful sojourn in Rome, Rizal prepared to return
to the Philippines. He had already written to his father that he was
coming home
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FIRST HOMECOMING (1887-1888)
o Because of the publication of the Noli Me Tangere and the uproar it caused
among the friars, Rizal was warned by Paciano (his brother), Silvestre
Ubaldo (his brother-in-law), Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio) and other friends not
to return home.
o Rizal was determined to return to the Philippines for the following reasons:
(1) to operate on his mother’s eyes
(2) to serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants
(3) to find out for himself how Noli and his other writings were affecting
Filipinos and Spaniards in the Philippines and
(4) to inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent
o July 29, 1887- Rizal wrote to his father, announcing his homecoming. “on the
15th of July, I shall embark for our country, so that from the 15th to the 30th
of August, we shall see each other”
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
AT HIS HOMETOWN
o August 8, 1887, he reached Calamba. He opened a medical clinic and restored his
mother’s vision. Such “miraculous” news spread throughout the community like
wildfire, thus, his clinic was flocked by people aspiring for a better eyesight.
o Newly arrived from Germany, he began to be known as “Doctor Ullman” (from
the word Aleman) and soon he acquired a lucrative medical practice.
o He earned $900 from his services as physician.
o Rizal opened a gymnasium for young folks, where he introduced European
sports to discourage his town mates from idleness and gambling.
o He also took part in Calamba’s civic affairs and on his spare time made paintings
of the towns landscapes and translated the German poems of Von Wildenrath
into Tagalog.
o His happy days at Calamba was marred with the death of his older sister,
Olympia, and to see Leonor Rivera. His family begged him not to see her at her
hometown in Camiling because of increasing concerns about his safety. Also,
Leonor’s mother objected to their relationship.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NOLI
o Copies of the Noli Me Tangere had arrived at the Philippines weeks before
Rizal’s return to the Philippines. Some of copies of his book fell into the hands of
the Spaniards especially the friars.
o They found the novel “heretical, impious, and scandalous in the religious order
and anti-patriotic, subversive of public order, injurious to the government of
Spain and its function in the Philippine Islands in the political order”.
o The controversy over the novel had reached the office of Governor General
Emilio Terrero. He requested Rizal to come to Malacańang Palace. Rizal met
Governor General Emilio Terrero who informed him of the charges against him.
As a defense, Rizal told Terrero that Noli only expose reality. Not having read
the book yet and out of curiosity, the governor general asked for a copy of the
controversial novel, which he later confessed that he enjoyed reading.
o He saw no problem on the book, yet to protect Rizal’s life which was then in
danger, he assigned Jose Taviel de Andrade, a young Spanish lieutenant, as
Rizal’s personal bodyguard. The friars asked Governor General
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NOLI
o Terrero to deport him, but the latter refused because there was no valid charge
against Rizal in court.
o While still in Calamba, Rizal was seen as a troublemaker. There are groundless
tales circulated by his enemies that he was “a German spy, an agent of Bismarck,
a Protestant, a Mason, a witch, a soul beyond salvation, etc.” Realizing that his
family’s and friend’s safety were risked; and that his fight against the Spaniards
have better chance of winning if he’d stay abroad,
o Rizal, six months after, finally decided to sail back to Europe. His plan was to
return to Europe via Hong Kong, Macao, Japan and the United States TOPIC 6TRAVELS IN ASIA (HONG KONG, MACAU AND JAPAN) AND THE U.S. FIRST TRIP
TO HONG KONG AND MACAU
o On February 3, 1888, with a heavy heart, Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong. His
powerful enemies refused to give him peace and quiet. Anonymous letters with
threats on his life were sent to his parents’ house in Calamba. O
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NOLI
o On February 8, 1888- Rizal arrived in Hong Kong and he was welcomed by
Filipino residents.
o Jose Sainz de Varranda, Terrero’s former secretary, followed Rizal in the said
British colony, and was believed to be commissioned by the Spanish authorities
to spy on the hero.
o While in Hong Kong, Rizal engaged in cultural activities. Among the experiences
while he observed were:
a) The Chinese way of celebrating their New Year, which included making
noise and exploding firecrackers to drive away evil spirits.
b) Chinese lauriat parties, where they served many different types of dishes.
c) Chinese theatres which used symbolisms and noisy music to entertain an
equally noise audience.
d) He also managed to visit different churches and cemeteries that were
owned by Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NOLI
o On February 18-21, 1888, Rizal also visited Macau, a Portuguese colony near
Hong Kong. He was invited to stay at the residence of Don Juan Francisco
Lecaros, who was a former Filipino delegate to the Spanish Cortes. For two days,
Rizal enjoyed being a tourist and visited different cultural places which included
churches, botanical gardens, theaters, and the Macao Casino.
o February 22, 1888- Rizal left Hong Kong, his destination was Japan.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN JAPAN
o February 28, 1888- Rizal arrived in Yokohama, the next day he went to Tokyo
and stayed at Tokyo Hotel for six days. Shortly after his arrival, Juan Perez
Caballero-secretary of the Spanish Legation, visited Rizal at his hotel who latter
invited him to live at the Spanish Legation. Rizal being an intelligent man,
realized that the Spanish diplomatic authorities were instructed from Manila to
keep track of his activities. Since it was economical to stay at the legation and he
believed that he had nothing to hide, he accepted it.
o March 7, 1888- Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish
Legation Rizal was impressed by the scenic Japan and had keenly observed the
life, customs, and culture of the people. The things which favourably impressed
Rizal in Japan were the beauty of the country; the cleanliness, politeness, and
industry of the Japanese people; the picturesque dress and simple charm of the
Japanese women; there were very few thieves in Japan; beggars were rarely
seen in the city, streets, unlike in Manila and other cities.
April 13, 1888, Rizal left Japan and boarded the Belgic, bound for the United
States.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES (April- May 1888)
o April 28, 1888, Rizal arrived in San Francisco, California. The ship was held
under quarantine by the American health authorities, reasoning that there was a
cholera epidemic in the Far East where their ship come from. Rizal and other
first-class passenger of the ship were released from quarantine and allowed to
land after seven days.
o On May 4, 1888, Rizal arrived in San Francisco and registered at the Palace Hotel
and stayed for two days.
o May 6, 1888, he was in Oakland, he boarded the train for his grand
transcontinental trip to the American continent. He was able to see places such
as Sacramento, Reno, (Nevada), Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany and on
May 13 he reached New York. He stayed in this city for three days, he visited the
scenic and historic places.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IMPRESSIONS OF AMERICA
o Good impressions
a) the material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge
farms, flourishing industries, and busy factories.
b) the drive and energy of the American People
c) the natural beauty of the land d) the high standard of living.
e) the opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants.
o Bad impression the lack of racial equality: “America is the land par
excellence of freedom but only for the whites
“May 16, 1888- Rizal left New York for Liverpool, England
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
REFORMIST WORKS IN EUROPE (1889-1981) IN LONDON
o May 25, 1888, to mid-March 1889- Rizal decided to stay in London because
he could improve his English, study and do an annotation of Antonio
Morga’s Sucecos de las Islas Filipinas and perceived it was a place for him
to carry on the reforms he wanted for the Philippines. ANNOTATING
MORGA’S BOOK
o May 1888-March 1889- He spent ten months (10) in the reading room of
the British Museum deeply immersed in his historical studies in London.
This was the greatest achievement of Rizal in London, the annotating of
Morga’s book, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Historical Events of the
Philippine Islands), which was published in Mexico, 1609.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL AND THE LA SOLIDARIDAD
o December 31, 1888- inauguration of Asociacion La Solidaridad (Solidaridad
Association), a patriotic society. They crusade for reforms in the Philippine
Government. By unanimous vote of all members, Rizal was chosen honorary
president. This was a recognition of his leadership among all Filipino patriots in
Europe.
o February 15, 1889- Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called
La Solidaridad in Barcelona. A fortnightly periodical which served as the organ
of the Propaganda Movement. Its aims were as follows:
o to work peacefully for political and social reforms;
o to portray the deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may
remedy them;
o to oppose the evil forces of reaction and medievalism; to advocate liberal
ideas and progress;
o to champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people to life,
democracy, and happiness.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL AND THE LA SOLIDARIDAD
o During his stay in London, Rizal also made used of his time in writing essays and
articles for La Solidaridad. He also wrote La Vision del Fray Rodriguez
o (The Vision of Fray Rodriguez)-pamphlet which published in Barcelona
under his nom-deplume Dimas Alang to defense his novel.
o In London, Rizal received both good news and bad news from news.
o The good news that Rev. Vicente Garcia was defending his Noli from the
attacks of the friars. On the other hand, the bad news was that the Filipino
signatories of the “Petition of 1888” and the tenants of the Calamba agrarian
trouble were facing persecution; that his brothers-in-law Manuel T. Hidalgo
and Mariano Herbosa, were exiled to Bohol and was denied Christian burial,
respectively; and his friend, Laureno Viadoa, a UST medical student, was
imprisoned for possessing some copies of his Noli.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN PARIS
o It was mid-March 1899, Rizal decided to move to Paris. He noticed that Parisian
life was different from the life he experienced in London. It was a city bursting
with merriment, exciting events, and unending social gathering. The cost of
living was also very high.
o Rizal never lost his focus although life in Paris was gay, he continued to spend
long hours at the National library in Paris. There, he went on reviewing and
rewriting his historical annotations on De Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas.
o It was published in January 1890. He also wrote a satirical booklet entitled Por
Telefono, in answer to Fr. Salvation Fort, a Spanish friar who hurled attacks on
the Noli Me Tangere and caused its banning. He continued his study on various
languages especially the French language, which he was able to perfect during
his 10 months stay at the French capital city.
o He organized a social club called Kidlat Club, a social club which brought
together young Filipinos residing in Paris.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
IN PARIS
o Soon, the members of the said club founded a new Filipino society - the Indios
Bravos, an organization which envisioned Filipinos being recognized by Spain
for being excellent in various fields of knowledge.
o In between his more serious activities, Rizal also had leisurely activities like
socializing with friends in their homes. Among those he frequently visited were
the homes of the Pardo de Taveras, the Venturas, the Lunas, the Bousteads and
others.
o Although Rizal lived a frugal life, he prepared a sumptuous Christmas dinner for
some of his friends. Shortly after New Year, he visited London for the last time in
Brussels.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BRUSSELS
o January 28, 1890, left Paris for Brussels. He left the extravagant and gay
social life in Paris and stayed in a boarding house owned by the Jacoby
sisters in Brussels.
o From 1889- 1890, Rizal continued contributing for La Solidaridad under the
pseudonyms Dimas Alang and Laong Laan. Among the 10 articles he had
contributed below were some of the most famous and important articles:
a) The Philippines Within a Century-article written by Rizal which he
expressed his views on the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
b) The Indolence of the Filipinos- It is an able defence of the alleged
indolence of the Filipinos.
c) the Sobre la Nueva Ortografia de la Lengua Tagala (The New
Orthography of the Tagalog Language) In this article, he laid down the
rules of the new Tagalog orthography From Calamba, Rizal received
letters saying that the agrarian trouble in the province was getting
worse, and as such, he decided to go home.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BRUSSELS
o But instead of going home, a letter from Paciano told him that they already
lost the case against the Dominicans, and they needed a lawyer who would
defend their family and the families
o in Calamba from Madrid. Rizal wrote a letter to Ponce, he announced that he
was leaving Brussels and decided to go to Madrid because this case must be
presented to the Supreme Court, and he needs to pay close attention to the
developments of the case.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
MISFORTUNES IN MADRID (1890-1891)
o August 1890, Rizal arrived in Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid. Rizal immediately
sought help of the Filipino colony, The Asociacion Hispano-Filipina, and the
liberal Spanish newspaper in securing justice for the oppressed Calamba tenants.
Nothing came out of this; several newspapers were sympathetic to the plight of
the Calamba tenants, but this did not translate to any form of action. By this time,
Francisco Rizal and other tenants were already forcibly evicted from Calamba
by Governor General Valeriano Weyler. Their houses were burned, and more
people were exiled regardless of their gender.
o August 1890, Rizal attended a social reunion of the Filipinos in Madrid. After
drinking so many glasses the guests became more talkative. One of them,
Antonio Luna became drunk. Rizal challenged Antonio Luna, it was about the
latter’s frustration with his unsuccessful “love affair” with Nellie Boustead, and
so gave negative remarks on the lady which Rizal did not tolerate. The Filipinos
tried to pacify them, pointing out that such a duel would damage their cause in
Spain. Fortunately, Luna, realized his mistakes he apologized, and Rizal
immediately accepted his apology and became good friends again.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
MISFORTUNES IN MADRID (1890-1891)
o Rizal challenged Wenceslao Retana in a duel. Retana had insulted Rizal and his
family by writing in La Epoca, an anti-Filipino newspaper, that the Rizal family
in Calamba was ejected from their lands because they did not pay their rents.
Rizal was, by nature neither hottempered but when the honor of his people,
family, women, or friends was besmirched, he never hesitated to fight even if he
were risking his own life. Retana at once published a retraction and an apology,
he knew that Rizal was superior in both pistol and sword.
o December 1890, Rizal received a letter from Leonor Rivera announcing her
coming marriage to Henry Kipping, an Englishman (the choice of her mother).
This was a big blow for him and his heart broke.
o Another marked event in Madrid was the Marcelo H. del Pilar-Jose Rizal rivalry
for leadership in the Asociacion Hispano Filipino. A fraction emerged from the
Filipinos in Madrid, the Rizalistas and Pilaristas. The group decided that the
leader must be elected by two-thirds vote. Rizal won the election; he was offered
the appointment, but he did not want to see the Filipinos in Madrid divided so
he thought it best to leave the city.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
MISFORTUNES IN MADRID (1890-1891)
o Rizal took a vacation in the resort city of Biarritz on the fabulous French Riviera.
He was a guest of the rich Boustead family at its winter residence—Villa Eliada.
The one-month vacation in this city worked wonders for Rizal. This is where he
was able to finish his second novel El Filibusterismo.
o March 30, 1891, Rizal bade farewell to the hospitable and friendly Bousteads
and proceeded to Paris by Train. He stayed at the home of his friend Valentin
Ventura.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RETIREMENT FROM THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT
o April 1891, Rizal was back to Brussels where he became busy revising and
polishing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo.
o Rizal retired from the Propaganda Movement. He notified the Propaganda
authorities in Manila to cancel his monthly allowance and devote the money to
some better cause, such as the education of a young Filipino student in Europe.
He desired to publish his second novel, to practice his medical profession, and
later when he became financially independent, he expected to make a more
vigorous campaign for his country’s redemption.
o Simultaneously with his retirement from the Propaganda Movement, Rizal
ceased writing articles for La Solidaridad. Many of his friends in Spain urged
him to continue writing because his articles always attracted considerable
attention in European countries.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RETIREMENT FROM THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT
o M.H. Del Pilar himself realized the need for Rizal’s collaboration in both the
Propaganda Movement and in the La Solidaridad newspaper because the
enthusiasm for the reform crusade was declining. He wrote to Rizal begging for
forgiveness for any resentment and requesting him to resume writing for the La
Solidaridad.
o Rizal replied to Del Pilar’s letter, he wrote denying any resentment and
explaining why he stopped writing. Below are reasons why Rizal stopped writing
for La Solidaridad:
a) Rizal need to work on his book
b) He wanted other Filipinos to work also;
c) Rizal considered it very important to the party that there be unity in the
work;
d) Marcelo H. Del Pilar is already at the top and Rizal also have his own
ideas it is better to leave del Pilar alone to direct the policy.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
THE PRINTING OF THE EL FILIBUSTERISMO
o July 5, 1891- Rizal left Brussels for Ghent, a famous
university city in Belgium because the cost of printing
in Ghent was cheaper than in Brussels. F. Meyer-Van
Loo Press-a printing shop that give Rizal the lowest
quotation for the publication of his novel.
o August 6, 1891-the printing of his book had to be
suspended because Rizal could no longer give the
necessary funds to the printer. Valentin Ventura- the
savior of the Fili, when he learned of Rizal’s
predicament, he sent him the necessary funds.
o September 18, 1891- El Filibusterismo came off the
press. Rizal gratefully donated the original manuscript
and an autographed printed copy to Valentin Ventura
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
BACK IN HONGKONG
o On October 18, 1891, after the Fili’ was published, Rizal left Europe.
Aboard the S.S Melbourne, he sailed to Hongkong where he lived for seven
months. His reasons for venturing to Hongkong were the following:
a) To leave his rivalry with del Pilar
b) To facilitate a Propaganda Movement in Hongkong; and
c) To be proximate to his family in the Philippines on November 20,
1891, Rizal arrived in Hongkong and was cordially welcomed by the
Filipino residents in the city, particularly, his friend Jose Ma. Basa.
o December 1, 1891- Rizal wrote his parents asking their permission to
return home. Rizal had a continued correspondence with his family in
Calamba and had been aware of the unsettled agrarian problem. On the
same date, his brother-in-law, Manuel T. Hidalgo, sent him a letter relating
the sad news of the “deportation of twenty-five persons from Calamba,
including father, Neneng, Sisa, Lucia, Paciano and the rest of us.”
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FAMILY REUNION IN HONGKONG
o The Christmas of 1891 in Hong Kong was one of the happiest Yuletide celebrations in
Rizal’s life, he had a happy family reunion. While in Hongkong, Rizal practiced his
medical career.
o With the help of his friend, Dr Lorenzo P. Marquez, they built a large clientele and
opened a medical clinic where he was recognized as an excellent eye surgeon. He was
equally supported and aided both morally and financially by his family and friends with
his chosen career. Another marked event during Rizal’s stay in Hongkong was his plan to
move the landless Filipino to Borneo and transform the said wilderness into a “New
Calamba” through the so-called Borneo Colonization Project.
o In April 1802, he visited Borneo and negotiated with the British authorities who are
willing to provide 100,000 acres of land for the Filipinos. Many Filipino patriots found this
project amusing, thus, promoted the said project.
o However, there were a number who objected it, one of which was Rizal’s brother-in-law,
Hidalgo. Twice did Rizal wrote a letter addressed to Governor General Eulogio Despujol
informing his Borneo colonization project, with whom he received no response. Instead,
Despujol commanded the Spanish consul general in Hongkong to notify Rizal that such
project was very unpatriotic, and by immigrating Filipinos to Borneo, the Philippines will
surely be lacking laborers.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
FAMILY REUNION IN HONGKONG
o Despite the many oppositions from friends and relatives, he decided to return to
Manila on the following reasons:
a) To discuss with Governor General Despujol his Borneo colonization project.
b) To form the La Liga Filipina in the Philippines; and
c) To prove that Eduardo de Lete’s allegations on him and his family in
Calamba were wrong.
Before his departure, he wrote three more letters- the first addressed to his
parents and friends; the second one, to Filipinos; and the last Governor General
Eulogio Despujol. Instead of having the protection he desired, Rizal and his sister,
Lucia fell into the Spanish trap - a case was secretly filed against Rizal, and
Despujol ordered his secretary, Luis de la Torre, to verify whether the patriot
had neutralized himself as German citizen or not. And so, the siblings sailed
across the China Sea without prior knowledge of what awaits then in the
Philippines.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
First Love: Segunda Katigbak
o First love never dies they say—unless your first love is
already engaged to be married when you meet. Then you
have to let it go really fast. Such was the case of Jose Rizal
and Segunda Katigbak, a Batangueña, whom Rizal met
when he was only a 16-year-old boy.
o They met when the young hero visited his grandmother
with his friend, Mariano Katigbak, Segunda’s brother. The
Katigbaks were close to Rizal’s grandmother, and
coincidentally, Segunda was at the grandma’s house when
Rizal and Mariano arrived. It was attraction at first sight.
Segunda was also a close friend of Rizal’s sister, Olympia,
whom he visited every week at the La Concordia College.
The two became very close. However, Segunda was already
engaged to be married to a man who lived in her town, and
Rizal had to stop pursuing her.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Second Love: Leonor Valenzuela (1878) Leonor “Orang”
Valenzuela
o Rizal’s second object of affection, is literally the girl-nextdoor. They met when Rizal was a sophomore medical
student at the University of Santo Tomas, during which time
he also lived at Doña Concha Leyva’s boarding house in
Intramuros, Manila. Orang, who was then 14 years old, was
his neighbour.
o During the courtship, Rizal was said to have sent Leonor
private and secret love letters, which he wrote using
invisible ink made with water and salt—he was adept in
chemistry, too. To read the letters, Orang had to heat the
letter over a candle or a lamp. Rizal also frequented the
Valenzuelas’ home, which was a hang out place of the
students in the area. There are, however, documents that
may serve as proof that Rizal’s efforts were not effective.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Second Love: Leonor Valenzuela (1878) Leonor “Orang”
Valenzuela,
o Some accounts say he was courting Leonor Valenzuela and
his second Cousin Leonor Rivera at the same time—thus
the need for invisible letters. (Still, we need to appreciate
the effort that went with it.) Rivera apparently knew of
this and gave way to Rivera’s attraction for Rizal. When
Rizal left for Spain in 1882, it was said that he did say
goodbye to Orang but kept in touch with the help of Rizal’s
close friend, Jose “Chenggoy” Cecilio.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Third Love: Leonor Rivera, Age 15, 1890
o Jose Rizal was never the preferred choice of Leonor
Rivera’s mother, who confiscated all the correspondences
between Leonor and Rizal till itfrittered down to zero.
Rizal was 18 going on 21 and was devoted to Leonor.
o But he was just then opening his eyes to Europe’s
Enlightenment, where the women were pleasing, and the
men were gallant. Rizal really was in love with Leonor
Rivera. He even invented a coded alphabet so that they
could write sweet nothings to each other. But soon,
Leonor faded in memory. Why? Because in Europe, Rizal
conveniently romanced other girls and forgot he was
engaged to her.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Third Love: Leonor Rivera, Age 15, 1890
o Eventually the Leonor Rivera-Rizal engagement did not
survive the longdistance romance. In the end, it turned
into an idealized one (reflected as Maria Clara in Rizal’s
novel, Noli me Tangere), a painful love match doomed to
fail from the very start. Yes, count this one as real love. As
an engaged couple, they showed real affection for each
other while it lasted.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Fourth Love: Consuelo Ortiga Y Reyes, (1884)
o In Madrid, Rizal courted Consuelo Ortiga, age 18, the
daughter of Señor Pablo Ortiga y Rey, who was once
mayor of Manila and who owned the apartment where
the Circulo Hispano Filipino met regularly.
o Rizal, age 23, was then acquiring and developing his
charming ways with women. He treated them with special
consideration and with gallant courteousness.
o All the young Filipino expatriates courted Consuelo, and
she in turn encouraged everyone including José Rizal,
Eduardo Lete, the Paterno brothers (Pedro, Antonino,
Maximiano), Julio Llorente, Evangelista, Evaristo Esguerra,
Fernando Canon and others.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Fourth Love: Consuelo Ortiga Y Reyes, (1884)
o Rizal gave Consuelo gifts: sinamay cloth, embroidered
piña handkerchiefs, chinelas (slippers) all ordered through
his sisters in Calamba (see his letters).
o Consuelo accepted all the swains’ regalos but played
Eduardo Lete against Rizal. She finally rejected Rizal’s
attention in favor of Eduardo’s, a Filipino Spanish mestizo
from Leyte who, a year later, dumped her. Two-timing
Consuelo didn't really catch Rizal's true fancy except that
he impulsively joined the crowd.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
The Samurai’s Daughter (1888)- Seiko Usui
o Rizal had fallen in love not only with the view of Japan
but more to its women, particularly with the 23 year old
Seiko Usui. Rizal affectionately called her OSei-San. Rizal
was attracted by her regal loveliness and charm.
o Rizal saw in her the qualities of his ideal womanhood—
beauty, charm, modesty and I ntelligence. Rizal was
almost tempted to settle in Japan with O-SeiSan.
o Although, she was very dear to him, his love for his
country and fellow Filipinos was greater.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
The Samurai’s Daughter (1888)- Seiko Usui
o Sacrificing his personal happiness, Rizal had to carry on
his libertarian mission in Europe, leaving behind the
lovely O-Sei-San. “O Sei San, sayonara, sayonara! …. No
woman like you has ever loved me. … Like the flower of
the chodji that falls from the stem whole and fresh
without stripping leaves or withering... you have not lost
your purity nor have the delicate petals of your innocence
faded--sayonara, sayonara.” Rizal.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Sixth Love: Gertrude Beckett, Age 19, (1886)
o In May 1888 Rizal visited London for a short time,
boarding the house of the Beckett family: Mr. & Mrs.
Beckett, their two sons, and their four daughters.
o The eldest daughter was named Gertrude.She was a
buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair. She fell
in love with Rizal and gave him all of her attention during
the family picnics and gatherings. When Rizal stayed
indoors during rainy days painting and sculpting, she
helped him mix his colors and prepare his clay. Rizal
enjoyed her company.
o Eventually their flirtatious friendship drifted towards a
blossoming romance. He affectionately called her "Gettie,"
and in return she called him "Pettie."
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Sixth Love: Gertrude Beckett, Age 19, (1886)
o Rizal withdrew before his relationship with Gettie could
become more serious, realizing that he had a greater
mission to fulfill and that to accomplish it he could not
yield to the option of marrying her. He suppressed the
yearnings of his heart and decided to leave so that the
lady may forget him. Before he did, however, he finished a
few sculptural works, one of which was a carving of the
heads of the Beckett sisters. `
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Seventh Love: Suzanne Jacoby (1890) On January 28,
1890
o Rizal left for Brussels, Belgium. He stayed for a
considerable time, paying for room and board. His
landladies had a pretty niece named Petite Suzanne
Jacoby. She was taken by Rizal's charm and gallantry
and provided him good company. Rizal could have
flirted with the lady, considering that his beloved
Leonor was far away, and he was a lonely man in a
strange and foreign land, but he realized he could not
deceive her.
o Suzanne fell in love with Rizal and wept when he left
for Madrid in July 1890.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Eight Love: Nellie Boustead (1891) In 1891
o Rizal took a vacation in Biarritz to find reprieve from
his troubl e s i n Mad ri d . H e w as a gu e st o f t h e
Boustead family in their winter residence, Villa
Eliada. Mr. and Mrs. Boustead had two beautiful
daughters, Adelina, and Nellie. After having
lamented his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera
on account of the lady's engagement to another man,
o Rizal came to develop considerable affection for
Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of Mr.
Eduardo Boustead.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
RIZAL’S GREAT LOVE
Eight Love: Nellie Boustead (1891) In 1891
o He found her to be intelligent, morally upright, and full of life.
Rizal wrote to his closest friends about his intention to marry her.
Rizal's friends were delighted to hear that he had found a suitable
girl whom he at last wished to settle down with.
o Even Antonio Luna, who had previously loved Nellie, encouraged
Rizal to court her and ask for her hand in marriage.
o With all the encouragement from the friends he held dear, Rizal
wooed Nellie (also called Nelly) who, in turn, returned his
affections. Rizal's marriage proposal failed for two reasons: first,
Nellie demanded that he give up his Catholic faith and convert to
Protestantism, which was her religion.
o Rizal did not like this idea. Second, Nelly's mother did not
approve of Rizal, as she had no desire to entrust her daughter to a
man who was wanting in wealth and persecuted in his own
country.
o Despite the circumstances, Rizal and Nellie parted as good friends.
Chapter 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Lesson 2: Life Abroad
References/Additional Resources/Readings
o Coates, Austin. Rizal: Filipino Nationalist and Martyr. Hong Kong: Oxford
University Pres the Quezon City: Malaya Books, 1969: or Filipino translation by
Nilo S. Ocampo. Riza Makabayan at Martir. Quezon City: University of the
Philippines Press, 2007.
o Rizal, Jose. "Memoirs of a Student in Manila," Appendix Section of Gregorio
Zaide's Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings
o Schumacher, John. The Propaganda Movement, 1880-1885 The Creation of a
Filipino Consciousness, The Making of a Revolution. Quezon City: Ateneo de
Manila University Press, 1997.
o https://joserizalproject.weebly.com/jose-rizalrsquos-educationalbackground.html
o https://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2016/06/rizal-at-university-of-santoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik0QXcWz2oE
o https://pdfcoffee.com/topic-4-rizals-life-higher-education-and-life-abroad-pdffree.html