TIMELINE OF
Rizal
José Rizal was a Filipino hero, writer, and reformist who used his words to fight
colonial injustice. His ideas inspired the Philippine revolution.
1861
BIRTH IN CALAMBA, LAGUNA
Born on June 19, Rizal was the
seventh child of Francisco Mercado
and Teodora Alonso. His early
environment nurtured his love for
learning and patriotism.
1877–1882
EDUCATION AT ATENEO AND UST
Rizal excelled at Ateneo Municipal, earning
a Bachelor of Arts with highest honors. He
later studied medicine at the University of
Santo Tomas, where he experienced racial
discrimination—fueling his desire for
reform.
1882–1887
STUDIES IN EUROPE; PUBLICATION OF
NOLIMETANGERE
Rizal traveled to Spain, France, and
Germany, earning degrees and honing his
writing. In 1887, he published Noli Me
Tangere, a novel exposing abuses under
Spanish rule.
1891-1892
PUBLICATION OF EL FILIBUSTERISMO
& FOUNDING OF LA LIGA FILIPINA; EXILE
TO DAPITAN
In 1891, Rizal published El Filibusterismo, a
bold critique of colonial abuse and clerical
corruption. The following year, he founded La
Liga Filipina to promote peaceful reform, but
was exiled to Dapitan where he continued
serving the Filipino people through education
and medicine.
1896
ARREST, TRIAL, AND EXECUTION
AT BAGUMBAYAN
Accused of inciting rebellion, Rizal was
executed on December 30. His final
poem, Mi Último Adiós, remains a
powerful farewell to his country and a
testament to his ideals.