I.
PROLOGUE: RIZAL AND HIS TIMES
THE WORLD OF RIZAL’S TIME
a.
Rizal’s birthday: June 19, 1861 (151 years ago)
b. American Civil War (1861-65) was raging over the issue of Negro Slavery.
c.
April 1862: Napoleon III of the 2nd French Empire conquered Mexico.
d. Italians drove out the Austrians and French Armies from Italy.
e. Prussians (German Kingdom) defeated France and established the German Empire on January 1871.
f.
Flowering of the Western Imperialism: England emerged as the world’s leading imperialist power (1837-1901).
i. British people acquired the island of Hong Kong.
ii. 1859: imposed her rule over the subcontinent of India.
iii. Conquered Burma.
iv. Other lands in Asia: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Aden, Malaysia, Singapore, and Egypt.
v. South Pacific: Australia and New Zealand.
vi. France conquered Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
g.
1853: America re-opened Japan to the world, ending Japan’s 214-year isolation. This modernized the country by freely
accepting Western Influences.
h. Germany was late in the scramble for Colonies.
i. 1885: proclaimed the Carolines (Yap Island) and Palaus as their own despite of the presence of 2 Spanish ships
ii. This enraged Spain who claimed sovereignty over these islands by virtue of discovery
iii. Relationship of these 2 nations became critical
iv. To avert an actual clash, these 2 countries submitted their concerns to Pope Leo XIII
1. Pope Leo favored Spain but granted 2 concessions to Germany
a.
Germany has the right to trade in the disputed Archipelagoes
b. Germany has the right to establish a coaling station in Yap for the German Navy.
i.
Spain, during this colonial ventures, was stagnating as a world power
i. She lost her rich colonies in Latin America: Paraguay (1811), Argentina (1816), Chile (1817), Colombia and
Ecuador (1819)
ii. Lost the Central American Countries: Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatamela, El Slavador, Nicaragua --- (1821),
Venezuela (1822), Peru (1824), Bolivia and Uruguay (1825)
iii. But continued colonizing: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines
j.
Filipinos agonized the evil and unjust colonial power of Spain:
i. INSTABILITY OF COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION
1. In Spain: struggles between the forces of despotism (single entity rules with absolute power/ one
power/ one master)and liberalism
2. Political instability in Spain affected Philippine affairs: brought frequent periodic shifts in colonial
policies and officials
ii. CORRUPT OFFICIALS (Gov. Generals)
1. Gen. Rafael de Izquierdo (1871-73): executed Frs. Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, Jacinto Zamora
(1872)
2. Gen. Fernando Primo de Rivera: enriched himself by accepting bribes from gambling casinos in
Manila
3. Gen. Valeriano Weyler
a.
Arrived in Manila a poor man and returned to Spain a millionaire
b. Received huge bribes and gifts of diamonds from wealthy Chinese who evaded the antiChinese law.
4. Gen. Camilo de Polavieja: executed Rizal
5. After Spain’s loss of colonies in Latin America:
a.
Numerous job-seekers and penniless Spaniards came to the Philippines
b. They became judges, provincial executives, army officers, and government employees.
c.
They were either relatives or protégés of civil officials and friars.
d. Mostly ignorant, they conducted themselves with arrogance because of their alien white
skin and tall noses.
e. They became rich by illegal means or by marrying the heiresses of rich Filipino families.
iii. NO PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATION IN THE SPANISH CORTES
1. To win the support of her overseas colonies during the Napoleonic Invasion, Spain granted locals
from their colonies representation in the Cortes, thus Spanish parliament government.
2. Philippines experienced her first period of representation in the Cortes from 1810-1813.
3. However, the second (1820-23) and third (1834-37) periods were less fruitful because the
Philippine delegates were not energetic and devoted in parliamentary work.
4. The representation of the overseas colonies (including the Philippines) was abolished in 1837. Since
then, the Philippine conditions worsened because there was no means by which the Filipino people
could expose the anomalies perpetrated by the colonial officials.
5. Result: Propaganda Movement that led to Philippine Revolution (1896) was launched.
iv. HUMAN RIGHTS ARE DENIED
1. Result of no Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes
2. Freedom for Filipinos was denied
v. NO EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW
1. Teachings of the Spanish Missionaries: “All men, irrespective of color and race, are equal before
God.”
2. Spanish colonial authorities, who were Christians, did not implement Christ’s precept of
brotherhood of all men.
3. Brown-skinned Filipinos are inferior beings: subjects to be exploited
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4.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
I.
II.
Brown Filipinos and white Spaniards may be equal before God, but not before the law and certainly
not in practice.
MALADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
1. Justice was costly, partial, and slow. Poor Filipinos had no access to the courts because they could
not afford the heavy expenses of litigation.
2. Wealth, social, prestige, and color of skin were preponderant factors in winning a case in court.
3. Justice delayed is justice denied: Juan de la Cruz (1886-1898) – 12 yrs
a.
Suspect for murder without preliminary investigation and proper trial
b. Jailed in Cavite for 12 years. In 1898, the Americans came and found him in jail still
awaiting trial.
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
1. Spaniards called the brown-skinned and flat-nosed Filipinos “INDIOS” (Indians)
2. Filipinos dubbed the Spaniards as “BANGUS” (Milkfish)
3. A Spaniard, no matter how stupid he was, always enjoyed political and social prestige and
superiority.
4. Fr. Jose Burgos:
a.
complained the Spanish misconception that a man’s merit depended on the pigment of
his skin
b. complained of the lack of opportunities for educated young Filipinos to rise in the
service of God and country
FRAILOCRACY
1. Spanish political philosophy: union of Church and State
2. “government of friars”
3. Augustinians, Dominicans, Franciscans controlled the religious and educational life of the
Philippines: they acquire tremendous political power, influence, and riches.
4. A friar’s recommendation is heard by the governor general and provincial officials. He could send a
patriotic Filipino to jailor denounce him as a filibustero (traitor)
5. These friars were portrayed by Rizal in his novels as Padre Damaso and Padre Salvi
FORCED LABOR
1. “POLO:” forced labor imposed on Filipinos in the construction of infrastructures and public works
2. “Falla:” sum of money paid to government to be exempted from the polo.
3. ABUSES:
a.
FIRST: Spanish residents, contrary to law, were not recruited for “polo”
b. SECOND: Laborers received only a part of their supposed original stipend. Worse, they
got nothing.
i. People who pay taxes are compelled to work gratis.
c.
THIRD: this caused inconvenience and suffering because common laborers are disturbed
from their work in farms, shops, and labors are far from homes and towns.
HACIENDAS OWNED BY THE FRIARS
1. Spanish friars were the richest landlords for they owned the best haciendas (agricultural lands) in
the Philippines.
2. The rural folks became tenants.
a.
They resented the loss of their lands which belonged to their ancestors since preSpanish times
b. The friars were recognized as legal owners of said lands because they obtained royal
titles of ownership from the Spanish Crown.
c.
Rizal, whose family and relatives were tenants of a land, tried to initiate agrarian reform.
d. Rizal’s advocacy ignited the wrath of the friars, who retaliated by raising rentals of the
lands.
3. Friar ownership of the productive lands contributed to the economic stagnation of the Philippines.
a.
Essay of Rizal: “INDOLENCE (lack of concern) OF FILIPINOS”: Deceptions made by friars
making the local folks believe that plantations are prospering because they were under
their care.
GUARDIA CIVIL (Constabulary)
1. Supposed to maintain peace and order in the society
a.
Service: to suppress bandits in the provinces
b. They don’t observe their duty: maltreating innocent people, looting their livelihoods,
raping women
2. Rizal directed his stinging satire against the hatred Guardia Civil, through Elias in Noli Me Tangere.
a.
Exposed Guardia Civil as ruthless: disturbing peace & persecuting honest men
b. He proposed to improve the military organization by having it composed of good men
who have good education and principles; men who are conscious of the limitations of
authority and power.
CHAPTER I: ADVENT OF A NATIONAL HERO
Rizal as a Genius: physician (ophthalmic surgeon), poet, dramatist, essayist, novelist, historian, architect, painter, sculptor, educator,
linguist, musician, naturalist, ethnologist, surveyor, engineer, farmer, businessman, economist, geographer, cartographer,
bibliophile, philologist, grammarian, folklorist, philosopher, translator, inventor, magician, humorist, satirist, polemicist,
sportsman, traveler, and prophet.
BIRTH OF A HERO:
a.
Rizal’s birthday: June 19, 1861 (151 years ago)
b. Birthplace: Calamba, Laguna
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c.
Baptized in the Catholic Church; His name “Jose” was chosen by his mother who was a devotee of the Christian Saint San
Jose. (St. Joseph)
III. RIZAL’S PARENTS:
a.
Jose was the 7th of the 11 children of Francisco Mercado Rizal & Teodora Alonso Realonda
IV. THE RIZAL CHILDREN: (2 boys and 9 girls)
a.
SATURNINA (1850 – 1913) – eldest/ nickname: Neneng
b. PACIANO (1851-1930) – older brother
i. Second father to Jose
ii. He immortalized him in Noli Me Tangere as Pilosopong Tasyo
c.
NARCISA (1852-1939) – nickname: SIsa/ School Teacher
d. OLIMPIA (1855-1887) – nickname: Ypia
e. LUCIA (1857-1919) –her husband was denied of Christian burial because of Rizal
f.
MARIA (1859-1945) – nickname: Biang
g.
JOSE (1861-1896)– nickname: Pepe
h. CONCEPCION (1862-1865) – nickname: Concha/ died of sickness at the age of 3
i.
JOSEFA (1865-1945) – nickname: Panggoy/ died an old maid at the age of 80
j.
TRINIDAD (1868-1951) – nickname: Trining/ died an old maid at the age of 83
k.
SOLEDAD (1870-1929) – nickname: Choleng
l.
Doña or Señora (if married) & Señorita (if single)
V. RIZAL’S ANCESTRY
a.
Domingo Lameo
i. Rizal’s great-great grandfather on his father side: Chinese Immigrant
ii. Married a Chinese Christian Girl: Ines de la Rosa
iii. Assumed the surname “Mercado” because he was a merchant
1. Francisco Mercado: their son
a.
Married a Chinese-Filipino: Cirila Bernacha
i. Juan Mercado: their son/ Rizal’s grandfather
1. Married a Chinese-Filipino: Cirila Alejandro
2. Had 13 children
a.
Francisco Mercado: youngest/ Rizal’s father
VI. THE SURNAME RIZAL
a.
The real surname of Rizal was Mercado
b. “Rizal”, was given by a Spanish alcalde mayor (provincial governor) of Laguna, who was a family friend.
c.
Rizal in Spanish: “a field where wheat, cut while still green, sprouts again”
VII. THE RIZAL HOME
a.
Was one of the distinguished stone houses in Calamba during Spanish times.
b. By day, it hummed with the noises of children at play and the songs of the birds in the garden.
c.
By night, it echoed with the dulcet notes of family prayers.
VIII. A GOOD AND MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILY.
a.
The Rizal family belonged to the principalia, a town aristocracy in Spanish Philippines.
b. From the farms, which were rented from the Dominicans, they harvested rice, corn, and sugarcane. They raised pigs,
chickens, and turkeys in their backyard.
c.
In addition to farming and stockraising, they managed a general good store and operated a small flour-mill and a homemade ham press.
d. They owned a carriage, which was a status symbol of the ilustrados (“learned”/ “enlightened”). They also have a private
library.
e. They sent their children to the Colleges in Manila.
IX. HOME LIFE OF THE RIZALS
a.
Whenever the children, including Jose, got into mischief, they were given a sound spanking.
b. They believed in the maxim: “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”
c.
Every day, the Rizals heard Mass. They pray the Angelus, Rosary before sleeping.
d. After the family prayers, all children kissed the hands of their parents.
I.
II.
CHAPTER 2: CHILDHOOD YEARS IN CALAMBA
CALAMBA, THE HERO’S TOWN
a.
Birth town/ childhood town: shaped Rizal’s mind and character
i. South: Mount Makiling (beyond the mountain: Batangas)
ii. East: Laguna de Bay
iii. North: Antipolo
b. Calamba was owned by the Dominican Order
c.
Poem: “In memory of my Town”
EARLIEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
a.
Happy days in the family garden
i. He was frail and undersized child: was given the tenderest care by his parents
ii. A kind old woman was employed as an aya (nurse maid) to look after his comfort
iii. He was left alone to muse on the beauties of nature or to play by himself
b. Daily Angelus Prayer
c.
Nights at the azotea after the nightly Rosary
i. Imaginary tales told by the aya aroused in Rizal an enduring interest in legends and folklore
ii. Aya: threat of terrible tales if supper is not eaten
d. Nocturnal walk in the town
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III.
THE HERO’S FIRST SORROW
a.
Jose was closely attached to Concha (Concepcion)
b. Jose was a year older than Concha. He learned the sweetness of sisterly love from her.
c.
Unfortunately, Concha died of sickness when he was only 3 years old. He cried for the first time: caused by love and grief.
d. This was Jose’s first sorrow.
IV. DEVOTED SON OF THE CHURCH
a.
5 y.o.: was able to read the family’s Spanish Bible
b. Fr. Leoncio Lopez: a Filipino priest. Jose listens to his stimulating opinions on current events and sound philosophy of life.
V. PILGRAMAGE TO ANTIPOLO: 7 y.o.
a.
To fulfill his mother’s vow when Jose was born
b. Crossed Laguna de Bay: first lake voyage
c.
Did not sleep the whole night: awed by the Pasig River and the silence of the night. Experienced his first sunrise
d. Went to Manila afterwards to visit: Saturnina, eldest sister. Jose’ first glimpse of Manila.
VI. THE STORY OF THE MOTH: fable of the young moth and the old one
a.
Story told by her Mother: Made the profoundest impression on him
b. She was teaching Jose to read in Spanish: El Amigo de los Ninos (The Children’s Friend) when everyone was asleep.
c.
She was her ultimate critique in his poetical compositions.
d. Jose marveled how her mother sounded good in reading her Spanish phrases.
e. Jose watched a cheerful flame and moths encircling it when he paid little attention to reading.
f.
Mother told Jose a story when she noticed that he was not interested anymore in reading.
g.
The word ‘story’ promised something new and wonderful on Jose. Jose was full of curiosity and wonder.
h. Warning of the old moth. Jose did not notice how her mother’s story ended he was fixated on how the moth died
because of its attraction to the flame. For Jose, it died a martyr to its illusions.
i.
Mother’s advice: don’t behave like the young moth. Don’t be disobedient, or you may get burnt as it did.
j.
For Jose: Moths know how to warn younger moths. They advised like her mother. The light for Rizal seemed to be more
beautiful.
k.
Noble death: sacrificing one’s life for the light. It is something worthwhile.
VII. ARTISTIC TALENTS
a.
5 y.o. : sketches with his pencil/ molding of clay and wax objects that attracted his fancy
b. Painted in oil colors a new banner for the town fiesta: better than the original
c.
Spending so much time making images in clay and wax rather than participating in games: “laugh at me now, someday
when I die, people will make monuments and images of me.”
VIII. FIRST POEM: “to my fellow children”
a.
Gift for literature
b. Poem is about loving the mother tongue : age of Jose was 8
c.
Earliest nationalist sentiment
d. People who truly love their native language will surely strive for liberty like the bird which soars to freer space above.
e. Tagalog is equal to Latin, English, Spanish, and any other Language.
IX. FIRST DRAMA
a.
A Tagalog Comedy, written after his first poem was done: bought by a gobernadorcillo from Paete and staged it in his
town fiesta.
X. AS BOY MAGICIAN/ PERFORMER
a.
Making a coin appear or disappear in his fingers and making a handkerchief vanish in thin air
b. Magic lantern exhibitions: lamp casting its shadow on a white screen. He twisted his fingers into fantastic shapes, making
their enlarged shadows on the screen resemble certain animals and persons.
c.
Puppet shows: manipulating marionettes
XI. LAKESHORE REVERIES
a.
“meditations” at the shore of Laguna with his dog (Usman) on the sad conditions of his oppressed people
b. Guardia Civil: everyday in his town, unarmed villagers are always injured. Villager’s only fault: not taking his hat off and
not bowing.
c.
There was no restraint put upon brutality
d. He always asks himself: if people live the same way across the lake
e. Jose grieved deeply over the unhappy situation of his beloved fatherland.
f.
The Spanish misdeeds awakened in his boyish heart a great determination to fight tyranny.
g.
With these injustices, Jose made a vow dedicating himself in studies to avenge the many victims of his hometown. (same
idea was written to his friend, Mariano Ponce)
XII. INFLUENCES ON THE HERO’S BOYHOOD
a.
HEREDITARY
i. Malayan Ancestors: love for freedom, desire to travel, and courage.
ii. Chinese Ancestors: serious nature, frugality, patience, and love for children.
iii. Spanish Ancestors: elegance of bearing, sensitivity to insult, and gallantry to ladies.
iv. Father: profound sense of self-respect, love for work, habit of independent thinking.
v. Mother: religious nature, spirit of self-sacrifice, and passion for arts and literature.
b. ENVIRONMENTAL
i. Scenic beauties of Calamba and the beautiful garden of the Rizal family stimulated the inborn artistic and
literary talents of Jose.
ii. The religious atmosphere at his home fortified his religious nature.
iii. Paciano: love for freedom and justice
iv. Sisters: courteous and kind to women
v. Fairy tales told by his aya: awakened his interest in folklore and legends.
vi. Tio Jose Alberto: who had studied for 11 years in a British School in Calcutta, India, and had travelled in Europe
inspired him to develop his artistic ability.
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vii.
c.
Tio Manuel: a husky and atheletic man, encouraged him to develop his frail body by means of physical
exercises, including horse riding, walking, and wrestling.
viii. Tio Gregorio: a book lover, intensified his voracious reading of good books.
ix. Fr. Leoncio Lopez, fostered Rizal’s love for scholarship and intellectual honesty.
x. Sorrows:
1. Death of Concha and the imprisonment of his mother, contributed to strengthen his character,
enabling him to resist blows of adversity in later years.
2. Spanish abuses and cruelties, the brutal acts of the Guardia Civil and the alcalde, the unjust
tortures inflicted on innocent Filipinos, and the Execution of the Gom-Bur-Za, awakened his spirit of
patriotism and inspired him to consecrate his life and talents to redeem his oppressed people.
DIVINE PROVIDENCE
i. A person may have everything in life – brains, wealth, and power – but, without the aid of Divine Providence,
he cannot attain greatness in the annals of the nation.
CHAPTER 3: EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BINAN
HERO’S FIRST TEACHER
a.
Typical schooling of an ilustrado son: 4Rs --- Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, Religion
b. Knowledge was forced into the minds of students by means of memory method aided by the teacher’s whip.
c.
First teacher: Jose’s Mother
i. At the age of 3: Jose learned the alphabet and prayers
ii. Discovered that her son had a talent for poetry
iii. She encouraged him to write poems and told him stories: to lighten the monotony of memorizing the ABCs
and to stimulate her son’s imagination
d. Private tutors were employed: Spanish and Latin
II. JOSE GOES TO BINAN --- Jose experienced his first homesickness
III. FIRST DAY IN BINAN SCHOOL
a.
School of Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz
b. Students laughing at Jose’s answers
IV. FIRST SCHOOL BRAWL
a.
Jose met the bully, Pedro (Maestro Justiniano’s son)
i. Jose was angry at this bully for making fun of him during his conversation with the teacher
ii. Jose challenged Pedro to a fight
iii. Jose having learned the art of wrestling from his athletic Tio Manuel, defeated the bigger boy.
iv. For this feat, Jose became popular among his classmates.
v. After the class: a classmate named Andres Salandanan challenged Jose to an arm-wrestling match.
1. They went to a sidewalk of a house and wrestled with their arms.
2. Jose, having the weaker arm, lost and nearly cracked his head on the sidewalk.
vi. Jose was not quarrelsome by nature, but he never ran away from a fight.
V. PAINTING LESSONS IN BINAN
a.
Juancho: father-in-law of the school’s teacher
b. Jose, lured by his love for painting, spent many leisure hours at the painter’s studio.
c.
Old Juancho freely gave him lessons in drawing and painting.
d. Jose and his classmate, Jose Guevarra, who also loved painting, became apprentices of the old painter.
e. They became favorite painters of the class
VI. DAILY LIFE IN BINAN
a.
4am: hearing the mass, Jose studies then goes to mass afterwards
b. Breakfast, goes to class and went out at 10. Jose goes home at once, have lunch and studies.
c.
Goes to school at 2, and goes out at 5. Prays with cousins and goes home afterwards.
d. He studies lessons, drew a little, and then eats his supper.
e. Prays, and plays with his nieces in the street when the moon is out.
VII. BEST STUDENT IN SCHOOL
a.
Jose beat all the Binan boys in academic studies.
b. Older classmates were jealous of his intellectual superiority.
i. They wickedly squealed to the teacher whenever Jose had a fight outside the school, and told lies to discredit
him before the teacher’s eyes.
ii. Consequently: teacher had to punish Jose --- five or six blows.
VIII. END OF BINAN SCHOOLING
a.
Letter from sister, Saturnina: arrival of the steamer Talim which would take him from Binan to Calamba. This was Jose’s
first time to ride in a steamer.
b. Rizal’s premonition: not returning to Binan
IX. MARTYRDOM OF GOM-BUR-ZA (1872)
a.
About 200 Filipino Soldiers and workmen of the Cavite arsenal under the leadership of Lamadrid, Filipino Sergeant, rose
in violent mutiny because their usual privileges were abolished, including exemption from tribute and polo (forced labor)
by: Gov. Rafael de Izquierdo.
b. The mutiny was suppressed.
c.
The Spanish authorities, in order to liquidate Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, leaders of the
secular movement to Filipinize the Philippine Parishes, magnified the failed mutiny into a “revolt” for Philippine
Independence.
d. Despite the archbishop’s plea for clemency because of their innocence, they were still executed.
e. Paciano, enraged by the execution of Burgos, his beloved friend and teacher, quit his studies and returned to Calamba,
where he told the heroic story of Burgos to Jose, who was 11 years old.
I.
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f.
X.
The martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za inspired Rizal to fight the evils of Spanish tyranny and redeem his oppressed people. This
motivated him to develop his studies.
g.
He dedicated his 2nd novel, El Filibusterismo, to Gom-Bur-Za.
INJUSTICE TO HERO’S MOTHER
a.
Dona Teodora was arrested on a malicious charge that she and her brother, Jose Alberto, tried to poision the latter’s
perfidious wife.
b. Jose Alberto, a rich Binan ilustrado, had just returned from a business trip in Europe.
i. During his absence his wife abandoned their home and children.
ii. When he arrived in Binan, he found her living with another man.
iii. Infuriated by her infidelity, he planned to divorce her.
iv. Dona Teodora, to avert family scandal, persuaded him to forgive his wife.
v. The family trouble was amicably settled, and Jose Alberto lived again with his wife.
c.
However, the wife of Jose Alberto, with the connivance of the Spanish lieutenant (had been friends of the Rizals and was
treated as their honored guest in their home) of the Guardia Civil, filed a case in court accusing her husband and Dona
Teodora of attempting to poison her.
d. This lieutenant happened to have an ax to grind against the Rizal family, because at one time Don Francisco (Rizal’s
father) refused to give him fodder for his horse. Taking the opportunity to avenge himself, he arrested Dona Teodora.
e. After arresting Dona Teodora, the Spanish Lieutenant forced her to walk from Calamba to Santa Cruz, a distance of 50
kilometers.
f.
After arrival to Santa Cruz, Dona Teodora was incarcerated at the provincial prison, where she languished for 2 and ½
years and was later on acquitted.
CHAPTER 4: SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA (1872-1877)
RIZAL ENTERS THE ATENEO
a.
Ateneo: Jesuits vs. San Juan de Letran: Dominicans – a school for poor boys in Manila
i. Ateneo: this college was located in Intramuros
b. His father, who first wished him to study at Letran, changed his mind and decided to send him to Ateneo instead.
c.
Fr. Magin Ferrando, who was the College Registrar, refused to admit Jose for 2 reasons:
i. He was late for registration
ii. He was sickly and undersized for his age, Rizal was then 11 years old.
d. However: through the intercession of Manuel Xerez Burgos, nephew of Fr. Burgos, he was admitted.
e. Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname “Rizal.”
i. He registered under this name at the Ateneo because their family name “Mercado” had come under the
suspicion of the Spanish authorities.
ii. Paciano used “Mercado” as his surname at the College of San Jose and he was known to the authorities as Fr.
Burgos’ favorite student and confidant.
II. JESUIT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION
a.
Students are divided into 2 groups:
i. Roman Empire (internos: boarders)
ii. Carthaginian Empire (externos: non-boarders)
b. each of these empires had its ranks
i. emperor: best student
ii. tribune: second best
iii. Decurion: third best
iv. Centurion: fourth best
v. Standard bearer: fifth best
c.
The students fought for positions:
i. Any student could challenge any officer in his “empire” to answer questions on the day’s lesson.
ii. His opponent could lose his position if he committed 3 mistakes.
iii. Any student might be at the end of the line, but if he studied hard and was brilliant, he could depose the
officers one after another and become an emperor.
III. RIZAL’S FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO
a.
Being a new comer and knowing little Spanish, Rizal was placed at the bottom of the class. He was an externo, hence he
was assigned to the Carthaginians, occupying the end of the line.
b. After the first week, the frail Calamba boy progressed rapidly.
c.
At the end of the month, he became emperor.
d. He was the brightest pupil in the whole class, and he was awarded a prize.
e. To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during the noon recesses, when other Ateneo
students were playing or gossiping.
i. He paid 3 pesos for those extra Spanish lessons, but it was money well spent.
IV. SUMMER VACATION
a.
He did not enjoy his vacation because his mother was in prison.
b. He visited his mother and told her his grades.
V. SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO
a.
Neglected his studies the previous year because he was offended by the teacher’s remarks.
b. To regain his lost class leadership, he studied harder and eventually became an emperor again.
VI. PROPHECY OF MOTHER’S RELEASE
a.
Rizal, interpreting the dream of her mother, told her that she would be released from prison in three month’s time.
b. Dona Teodora smiled, thinking that her son’s prophecy was a mere boyish attempt to console her.
c.
Teodora was released after 3 months. She was proud of her son whom she likened to Joseph the Dreamer (interpreter of
dreams)
VII. TEENAGE INTEREST IN READING
I.
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Summer after his 2nd year: interest in reading romantic novels
First favorite novel: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
i. His boyish imagination was stirred by the sufferings of Edmond Dantes (the hero) in prison, his spectacular
escape from the dungeon, his finding a buried treasure on the rocky island of Monte Cristo.
ii. His dramatic revenge on his enemies who had wronged him.
c.
Later Rizal read ‘Travels in the Philippines’ by Dr. Feodor Jagor, a german scientist-traveler who visited the Philippines.
Rizal was impressed on this book because of:
i. Jagor’s keen observations of the defects of Spanish colonization
ii. His prophecy that someday Spain would lose the Philippines
iii. America would come to succeed her as colonizer.
VIII. THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO
a.
Won only one medal --- in Latin.
b. He failed to win the medal in Spanish because his spoken Spanish was not fluently sonorous.
IX. FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO
a.
Became an interno
b. Rizal had the highest affection and respect for Father Sanchez, whom he considered his best professor
c.
He topped all his classmates in all subjects and won 5 medals at the end of the school term
d. He was able to repay his father for his sacrifices
X. LAST YEAR IN ATENEO
a.
Most brilliant Atenean of his time, he was truly “the pride of the Jesuits.”
XI. GRADUATION IN HIGHEST HONORS
a.
At 16: received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors.
b. Commencement Day was a time of bitter sweetness.
c.
Prayed to the Virgin: “when I should step into that world, which inspired me with so much terror, she would protect me.”
XII. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN ATENEO
a.
Was a campus leader outside the classroom
b. Became a secretary of a Marian Congregation because of his devotion to Our Lady Immaculate Conception --- College
Patroness.
c.
Member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences.
d. Aside from writing poetry, he devoted his spare time to fine arts. He studied painting and sculpture.
e. To develop his weak body, he engaged in gymnastics and fencing.
XIII. SCULPTURAL WORKS IN ATENEO
a.
Carved the image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of Batikuling (Philippine Hardwood) with his pocket knife.
b. Fr. Lleonart, impressed by Rizal’s sculptural talent, requested him to carve for him an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
XIV. ANECDOTES ON RIZAL, THE ATENEAN
a.
Felix Roxas (contemporary of Rizal)
i. Related Jose’s resignation to pain and forgiveness
ii. Jose was hit in the face by one of the thrown books from two quarreling students.
iii. He did not raise a cry of protest, although his wounded face was bleeding.
b. Manuel Xeres Burgos:
i. Rizal’s predilection to help the helpless at the risk of his own life.
ii. Jose courageously climbed the high cathedral tower and retrieved the kite of his board mate.
XV. POEMS WRITTEN IN ATENEO
a.
1st poem written by Rizal: “My first Inspiration”
i. Dedicated to her mother on her birthday
ii. Jose was 14
XVI. RIZAL’S POEMS ON EDUCATION
a.
Believed in the significant role which education plays in the progress and welfare of a nation: “Through Education, Our
Motherland receives Light”
i. Education instills power
ii. Education may lift the country to its highest station
iii. It gives security and peace to lands
iv. Education breaks the neck of vice and its deceit
v. Education knows how to tame barbarous nations --- from savages create heroic fame
b. Education without God is not true Education: “The Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education.”
XVII. RIZAL’S RELIGIOUS POEMS
a.
“To the Child Jesus” --- Jose was 14
i. A Celestial King would rather choose to be a shepherd for his sheep than to be sovereign
b. “To the Virgin Mary”
i. Jose was close to her mother
ii. Mary was her spiritual fortitude/ sustenance
iii. His anguish from death is set free because of his faith with her
XVIII. DRAMATIC WORK IN ATENEO
a.
His favorite teacher, Fr. Sanchez, requested him to write a drama based on the prose story of St. Eustace the Martyr.
XIX. FIRST ROMANCE OF RIZAL
a.
After his graduation, Jose experience his first romance --- “that painful experience which comes to nearly all adolescents”
b. The girl was Segunda Katigbak, a pretty 14 y.o. Batanguena from Lipa.
c.
When he reached his grandmother’s house, he saw other guests. One of whom was an attractive girl, who mysteriously
caused his heart to palpitate with strange ecstasy. She was the sister of his friend Mariano.
d. His grandmother’s guests urged him to draw Segunda’s portrait. Jose was blushing every time that she was looking at
him.
a.
b.
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e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Rizal came to know Segunda more intimately during his weekly visits to La Concordia College, where his sister Olimpia
was a boarding student. Olimpia was a close friend of Segunda.
Their love was hopeless because Segunda was already engaged to be married to her townmate, Manuel Luz.
Rizal, for allhis artistic and intellectual prowess, was a shy and timid lover. Segunda had manifested, by insinuation and
deeds, her affection for him, but timidly failed to propose.
Her mother is developing eye blindness and barely recognized him when he returned home.
His first romance was ruined by his own shyness and reserve: he was tongue-tied twice when he met Segunda
i. He visited La Concordia to say goodbye
ii. She waved and smiled at him while her carriage passed by him when her steamer docked in Binan.
CHAPTER 5: MEDICAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS (1877-1882)
MOTHER’S OPPOSITION TO HIGHER EDUCATION
a.
The Bachelor of Arts course during the Spanish times was equivalent only to high school and junior college courses today.
b. Both Don Francisco and Paciano wanted Jose to pursue higher learning in the university. But Dona Teodora, who knew
what happened to Gom-Bur-Za, vigorously opposed the idea.
RIZAL ENTERS THE UNIVERSITY
a.
First course: Philosophy and Letters. He enrolled in this course for 2 reasons:
i. His father liked it
ii. He was still “uncertain as to what career to pursue”
b. After a year: Jose received the Ateneo Rector’s advice to study medicine
i. Reason of Jose: to cure his mother’s growing blindness
FINISHES SURVEYING COURSE IN ATENEO
a.
During his first school term at UST, Rizal also studied in Ateneo.
i. He took the vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor (expert surveyor)
ii. At 17: he passed the final examination in the surveying course, but he could not be granted the title as
surveyor because he was below age.
b. Although he was a Thomasian, he frequently visited Ateneo.
i. It was due not only to his surveying course, but more because of his loyalty to the Ateneo.
ii. He had so many beautiful memories and whose Jesuit professors, unlike the Dominicans, loved him and
inspired him to ascend to greater heights of knowledge.
iii. He continued to participate actively in the Ateneo’s extra-curricular activities.
ROMANCES WITH OTHER GIRLS
a.
Jose had ample time for love. He was a romantic dreamer who liked to sip the “nectar of love.”
i. His sad experience with his first love had made him wiser in the ways of romance.
b. “Miss L”
i. Fair with seductive and attractive eyes
ii. Jose stopped his wooing with her and their romance died
iii. Jose gave 2 reasons for his change of heart
1. The sweet memory of Segunda was still fresh in his heart
2. His father did not like the family of Ms. L
c.
Leonor Valenzuela (“Orang”)
i. Their romance begins during his sophomore year.
ii. Daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitan Sanday: next-door neighbors of Dona Concha Leyva (where Jose
boarded)
iii. He was a welcome visitor at their house and he was the life of social parties because of his clever sleight-ofhand tricks.
iv. Jose courted Leonor and sent her love notes written in invisible ink.
v. Jose taught Orang the secret of reading any note written in the invisible ink by heating it over a candle or lamp
so that the words may appear.
vi. He stopped short of proposing marriage to Orang because of Segunda.
d. Leonor Rivera
i. His cousin from Tarlac. Their romance begins at the start of his junior year.
ii. Lived in his landlord uncle where he saw Leonor, a student at La Concordia College (where Soledad, Jose’s
younger sister, was studying)
iii. They became engaged.
iv. In order to camouflage their intimate relationship from their parents and friends, Jose knew Leonor under the
name of “Taimis”
VICTIM OF SPANISH OFFICER’S BRUTALITY
a.
Happened when Jose was a freshman medical student
b. One dark night in Calamba, during the summer vacation in 1878, he was walking in the street.
i. He dimly perceived the figure of a man while passing him.
ii. Not knowing the person due to darkness, he did not salute nor say a courteous “”Good Evening.”
iii. The vague figure turned out to be a lieutenant of the Guardia Civil.
iv. With a snarl, he turned upon Rizal, whipped out his sword and brutally slashed the latter on the back.
c.
Rizal reported the incident to General Primo de Rivera, the Spanish Governor General of the Philippines
i. But nothing came out of his complaint, because he was an Indio
ii. And the abusive lieutenant was a Spaniard.
TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH
a.
1879: the Artistic-Literary Lyceum of Manila, a society of literary men and artists, held a literary contest.
i. It offered a prize for the best poem by a native or a mestizo
ii. Rizal submitted his poem: “To the Filipino Youth”
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iii.
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, feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon.
iv. Rizal beseeched the Filipino youth to rise from lethargy
1. To let their genius fly swifter than the wind and descend with art and science to break the chains
that has long bound the spirit of the people.
b. Stanza 1: youth as the fair hope of our country
c.
This is a classic Philippine Literature for two reasons:
i. Great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish authorities
ii. It expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos, and not the foreigners, were the fair
hope of the fatherland.
VII. THE COUNCIL OF THE GODS
a.
The following year, the Artistic-Literary Lyceum opened another literary contest to commemorate the 4th centennial
death of Cervantes, Spain’s glorified man-of-letters and famous author of Don Quixote.
i. The contest was opened to both Filipinos and Spaniards.
ii. Rizal, inspired by his poetical triumph the previous year, submitted an allegorical drama entitled “The Council
of the Gods”
iii. Many professional writers and scholars joined the contest.
b. The Spanish community in Manila, spear-headed by the Spanish press, howled in great indignation against the decision
because the winning author was an Indio.
i. The prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was engraved the bust of Cervantes.
ii. For the first time in history, an Indio --- a 19 y.o. Filipino medical student at that --- excelled in a national
literary contest defeating several Spanish writers.
iii. Rizal was particularly happy, for he proved the fallacy of the alleged Spanish superiority over the Filipinos and
revealed that the Filipino could hold his own in fair competition against all races.
c.
The allegory established a parallel among Homer, Virgil, and Cervantes.
i. The gods discuss the comparative merits of these great writers
ii. They decide to give the trumpet to Homer, lyre to Virgil, and the laurel to Cervantes.
iii. The allegory gloriously closes with the naiads, nymphs, satyrs, and other mythological characters dancing and
gathering laurels for Cervantes.
VIII. RIZAL’S VISIT TO PAKIL AND PAGSANJAN
a.
Rizal went on a pilgrimage to the town of Pakil, famous shrine of the Birhen Maria de los Dolores.
b. In Pakil, Rizal was infatuated by a pretty girl colegiala: Vicenta Ybardolaza, who skillfully played the harp.
c.
From Pakil, Rizal and his party made a side trip to the neighboring town of Pagsanjan for 2 reasons:
i. It was the native town of Leonor Valenzuela
ii. To see the Pagsanjan Falls
IX. CHAMPION OF FILIPINO STUDENTS
a.
In their frequent fights against the arrogant Spanish students, who were often surpassed by the Filipinos in class work
and who insultingly called their brown classmates: “Indio, chongo!”
b. Filipino students called them “Kastila, bangus!”
c.
Hostility between these 2 groups of students often exploded in angry street rumbles.
i. Rizal participated in these brawls
ii. Owing to his skills in fencing, his prowess in wrestling, and his indomitable courage
d. Jose founded a secret society of Filipino Students: Companerismo (Comradeship)
i. Members were called “Companions of Jehu” --- after the valiant Hebrew general who fought the Armaeans
and ruled the Kingdom of Israel for 28 years.
ii. Led the members in street fights.
X. UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST
a.
Jose was unhappy at this Dominican institution because:
i. The Dominican professors were hostile to him
ii. The Filipino students were racially discriminated against by the Spaniards
iii. Method of instruction was obsolete and repressive
b. The class in Physics was taught without laboratory experiments.
i. Laboratory apparatuses were kept inside the showcases to be seen by visitors and the students could not
touch them.
XI. DECISION TO STUDY ABROAD
a.
After finishing the 4th year of his medical course, Rizal decided to study in Spain:
i. He could no longer endure the rampant bigotry, discrimination, and hostility in UST.
I.
II.
CHAPTER 6: IN SUNNY SPAIN
RIZAL’S SECRET MISSION
a.
To finish the Medical Course in Spain
b. Jose was to observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs, industries and commerce, and governments and
laws of the European nations in order to prepare himself in the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people from
Spanish tyranny.
c.
Reason why Jose left without asking permission from his parents:
i. All being fulfill obligations or a role in the sublime drama of creation
ii. Jose cannot exempt himself from his duty to his country
SECRET DEPARTURE FOR SPAIN
a.
To avoid detection by the Spanish authorities and the friars.
b. The kind Jesuit Priests gave him letters of recommendation to the members of their Society in Barcelona
c.
Rizal departed on Board the Spanish steamer Salvadora bound for Singapore
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III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
FROM SINGAPORE TO COLOMBO
a.
In Singapore (colony of England), Rizal transferred to another ship Djemnah, a Frensh steamer, which left for Singapore
for Europe.
b. Rizal attempted to converse with his fellow passengers in French, but to his surprise, he found out that his book French
which he learned at the Ateneo could not be understood.
c.
Rizal was enamoured by Colombo, the Capital of Ceylon, because of its scenic beauty and elegant buildings. It is more
beautiful, smart and elegant than Singapore and Manila.
FIRST TRIP TO SUEZ CANAL
a.
It took the Djemnah five days to traverse the Suez Canal
b. Rizal was thrilled because it was his first trip through this canal
NAPLES AND MARSEILLES
a.
Naples: (Italy)
i. This Italian city pleased him because of its business activity, its lively people, and its panoramic beauty.
b. Marseilles (France)
i. Visited the famous Chateau d’lf, where Dantes, hero of The Count of Monte Cristo, was imprisoned.
c.
First impression on Barcelona, Spain’s 2nd largest city:
i. Was unfavorable
ii. Jose thought it was ugly, with dirty little inns and inhospitable residents
iii. Because he happened to stay upon his arrival at a dingy inn situated on an unimpressive narrow street in the
town’s most ugly side.
iv. BUT: Jose found it to be really a great city, with an atmosphere of freedom and liberalism. Its people were
open-hearted, hospitable, and courageous.
v. The Filipinos in Barcelona, some of whom were his schoolmates in Ateneo, welcomed Rizal.
AMOR PATRIO (Love of Country)
a.
In progressive Barcelona, Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled “Love of Country” --- first article written on Spain’s soil
b. Jose sent this article to his friend in Manila, Basilio Teodoro Moran, publisher of Diariong Tagalog, the first Manila
bilingual newspaper (Spanish and Tagalog)
c.
This appeared in Diariong Tagalog under Jose’s pen-name Laong Laan.
i. The article caused quite a sensation among readers in the Philippines because of its nationalistic flavor.
ii. Urged his compatriots to love their fatherland.
MANILA MOVES TO MADRID
a.
Jose received the sad news about the cholera that was killing many people
b. Another sad news: unhappiness of Leonora Rivera, who was getting thinner because of the absence of a loved one.
LIFE IN MADRID
a.
Rizal enrolled in the Central University of Madrid in 2 courses --- Medicine & Philosophy and Letters
b. He also studied painting and sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
c.
He took lesson in French, German, and English under private instructors
d. Practices fencing and shooting in the Hall of Arms of Sanz y Carbonell
e. His thirst for knowledge of music, he visited the art galleries and museums and read all subjects under the sun including
military engineering
f.
He lived frugally. His only extravagance was investing on a lottery ticket
ROMANCE WITH CONSUELO ORTIGA Y PEREZ
a.
Rizal was not a handsome man. He’s only 5’3”
i. But he possessed an aura of charisma due to his many talents and noble character which made him more
attractive to romantic women.
ii. Consuelo fell in love with him
b. But he backed out for two reasons:
i. He was engaged to Leonor Rivera
ii. His friend and co-worker in the Propaganda movement, Eduardo de Lete, was madly in love with Consuelo and
he had no wish to break their friendship because of a pretty girl.
THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES
a.
Rizal joined the Hispano-Philippine Circle, a society of Spaniards and Filipinos
b. He wrote a poem entitled “They ask me for Verses”
c.
He poured out the cry of his agonizing heart
d. Sad isolation: memories of happy friendship
RIZAL AS LOVER OF BOOKS
a.
He stayed at home and read voraciously until midnight
b. He purchased books from a second-hand book store and was able to build a fair-sized private library.
c.
Rizal was deeply affected by Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Eugene Sue’s The Wandering Jew.
i. These 2 books aroused his sympathy for the oppressed and unfortunate people.
RIZAL’S FIRST VISIT TO PARIS
a.
During his first summer vacation in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris, capital of France
b. Rizal improved his mind by observing closely the French way of life and spending many hours at the museums, the world
famous Louvre
c.
The botanical gardens, Luxembourg
d. Libraries and art galleries
e. Laennec Hospital, where he observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients
f.
Lariboisiere Hospital, where he observed the examination of different diseases of women
g.
Rizal was mistaken by the Parisians as a Japanese
h. For Jose, Paris was the costliest capital in Europe
RIZAL AS A MASON
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a.
Rizal was impressed by the way the Spanish Masons openly and freely criticized the government policies and lambasted
the friars, which could not be done in the Philippines.
b. He joined the Masonic Lodge called the Acacia in Madrid. His reason for becoming a Mason was to secure Freemasonry’s
aid in his fight against the friars in the Philippines.
c.
Since the friars used the Catholic religion as a shield to entrench themselves in power and wealth and to persecute the
Filipino patriots, he intended to utilize Freemasonry as his shield to combat them.
d. He became a Master Mason
e. His only Masonic writing was a lecture titled: “Science, Virtue and Labor.”
i. The duty of modern man is to work for the redemption of humanity, because once man is dignified there
would be less unfortunate and more happy men that is possible in this life.
ii. Humanity cannot be redeemed so long as there are oppressed people.
iii. Humanity cannot be redeemed while reason is not free, while faith would want to impose on facts, while
whims are laws, and while there are nations who subjugate others.
iv. For humanity to be able to attain the lofty destiny toward which God guides it, it is necessary that within its
fold there should be no dissensions nor tyranny
XIV. FINANCIAL WORRIES
a.
After Jose’s departure for Spain, things turned from bad to worse in Calamba.
i. The harvests of rice and sugarcane failed on account of drought and locusts.
b. The Manager of the Dominican-owned hacienda increased the rentals of lands cultivated by the Rizal family.
i. The hacienda manager, a frequent guest at the Rizal home, used to ask for a turkey from Don Francisco (Jose’s
father), who was a good raiser of turkeys.
ii. Dreadful pest killed most of the turkeys.
iii. When the manager requested for a turkey, Don Francisco had to deny him because he needed the few
surviving turkeys for breeding purposes.
iv. Enraged by his failure to receive a turkey, the vindictive manager arbitrarily increased the rentals of the lands
leased by Don Francisco and Paciano.
c.
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. Causing much suffering to him.
d. June 24, 1884:
i. Because he was broke, he was unable to take breakfast that day.
ii. With an empty stomach, he attended his class at the university, participated in the contest in Greek language
and won the gold medal.
iii. In the evening of the same day, he was able to eat dinner, for he was a guest speaker in a banquet held in
honor of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo
XV. RIZAL’S SALUTE TO LUNA AND HIDALGO
a.
To celebrate the double victory of the Filipino artist in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid
i. First prize: Luna’s Spolarium
ii. Second Prize: Hidalgo’s Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace
b. Artistic achievements transcended geographical frontiers and racial origins, for genius is universal --- “genius knows no
country, genius sprouts everywhere
c.
Jose also assailed with refined sarcasm the bigotry and blindness of certain unworthy Spaniards (bad friars in the
Philippines) who could not comprehend the universality of genius.
d. Text:
i. In the history of nations there are names that by themselves signify an achievement, that recall passion and
greatness.
ii. That race, fallen into lethargy during the historic night while the sun illumines other continents, again
awakens, moved by the electric impact that contact the western peoples produces, and she demands light…
confirming the eternal laws of constant evolution, of change, of periodicy, of progress.
iii. In Spolarium:
1. The canvas is not mute, can be heard the tumult of the multitude, the shouting of the slaves
2. With such vigor and realism
3. Shadow and mystery
iv. Hidalgo:
1. Light, colorful, harmony
v. Both coincide at bottom in spite of notable differences
vi. Both express our social, moral, and political life; mankind subjected to harsh test
vii. Reason and aspiration in an open struggle with preoccupations, fanaticism, and injustices, because sentiments
and opinions cut passage through the thickest walls, because to them all bodies have pores, all are
transparent, and if they lack pen, if the press does not help them, the palette and brushes will not only delight
the eye but will also be eloquent tributes.
viii. Spain, as mother, teaches also her language to the Philippines in spite of the opposition of those myopic men
and pigmies, who, desiring to insure the present, do not see the future, do not weigh the consequences.
ix. This banquet: to give form to the mutual embrace of two races that love one another, so that they may form
in the future one single nation in spirit, in their duties, in their views, in their privileges.
x. I drink to the health of the Filipino youth, sacred hope of my native land.
xi. The furrow is ready and the ground is not sterile.
XVI. RIZAL INVOLVED IN STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS
a.
Caused by the address of Dr. Miguel Morayta, professor of history, at the opening ceremonies of the academic year, in
which he proclaimed the freedom of science and teacher --- such a liberal view was condemned by the Catholic Bishops
of Spain, who promptly excommunicated Dr. Morayta and those who applauded his speech.
b. Angered by the bigotry of the Catholic Bishops, the university students rose in violent demonstrations.
c.
They rioted in the city streets, shouting: “Viva Morayta, Down with Bishops!”
11
d.
The Rector, who also took the side of the students , was forced to resign and was replaced by Doctor Creus, a very
unpopular man, disliked by everybody
e. A police lieutenant and a secret service man wanted to seize Ventura and Jose, but they managed to escape. Two
Filipinos were taken prisoners. This is why Jose needs to disguise himself three times
f.
New Rector: treated persons without dignity. Students want to reinstate the old Rector
XVII. STUDIES COMPLETED IN SPAIN
a.
He was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid
b. He did not present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees, he was not awarded his Doctor’s
diploma
c.
He was awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters on his 24th birthday with the rating of excellent
(sobresaliente)
d. He became qualified to be a professor of humanities in any Spanish university
e. By receiving his degree of Licentiate in Medicine, he became a full-pledge physician, qualified to practice medicine
f.
He did not bother to secure the post-graduate degree of Doctor in Medicine because it was, together with the licentiate
in philosophy and letters, good only for teching purposes.
g.
He knew that with his brown color and asian racial ancestry no friar-owned university or college in the Philippines would
accept him in its faculty staff.
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