Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal Alonzo Yrealonda: Meanings of Name
Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal Alonzo Yrealonda: Meanings of Name
Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal Alonzo Yrealonda: Meanings of Name
and was strong in body and valiant in spirit-died in Manila on January 5, 1898 at the age of 80Rizal affectionately called him a model of fathers Doa Teodora Alonso Realonda (1826-1911) -born in Manila on November 8, 1826-educated at the College of Santa Rosa, a well-known college for girls in the city-a remarkable woman, possessing refined culture, literary talent, business ability, and the fortitude of Spartan women-is a woman of more than ordinary culture: she knows literature and speaks Spanish (according to Rizal)-died in Manila on August 16, 1911 at the age of 85 THE RIZAL CHILDREN -Eleven childrentwo boys and nine girls. Saturnina (1850-1913) -oldest of the Rizal children-nicknamed Nenengmarried Manuel T. Hidalgo of Tanawan, Batangas2. Paciano (1851-1930) -older brother and confident of Jose Rizal-was a second father to Rizal-immortalized him in Rizals first novel Noli Me Tangere as the wise Pilosopo Tasio-Rizal regarded him as the most noble of Filipinos-became a combat general in the Philippine Revolution-died on April 13, 1930, an old bachelor aged 79-had two children by his mistress (Severina Decena)a boy and a girl3. Narcisa (1852-1939) -her pet name was Sisa-married to Antonio Lopez (nephew of Father Leoncio Lopez), a school teacher of Morong4. Olimpia (1855-1887) -Ypia was her pet name-married Silvestre Ubaldo, a telegraph operator from Manila5. Lucia (1857-1919) -married to Mariano Herbosa of Calamba, who was a nephew of Father Casanas-Herbosa died of cholera in 1889 and was denied Christian burial because he was a brother-in-law of Dr. Rizal6. Maria (1859-1945) -Biang was her nickname-married Daniel Faustino Cruz of Bian, Laguna7. Jose (1861-1896) -the greatest Filipino hero and peerless geniusnickname was Pepe-lived with Josephine Bracken, Irish girl from Hong Kong-had a son but this babyboy died a few hours after birth; Rizal named him Francisco after his father and buried himin Dapitan8.
Concepcion (1862-1865) -her pet name was Concha-died of sickness at the age of 3-her death was Rizals first sorrow in life9. Josefa (1865-1945) -her pet name was Panggoy-died an old maid at the age of 8010. Trinidad (1868-1951) -Trining was her pet name-she died also an old maid in 1951 aged 8311. Soledad (1870-1929) -youngest of the Rizal children-her pet name was Choleng-married Pantaleon Quintero of Calamba Rizal always called her sisters Doa or Seora (if married) and Seorita (if single) Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda married on June 28, 1848, after which they settled down in Calamba The real surname of the Rizal family was Mercado, which was adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lamco (the paternal great-great grandfather of Jose Rizal), who was a full blooded Chinese) Rizals family acquired a second surnameRizal which was given by a Spanish alcalde mayor (provincial governor)of Laguna, who was a family friend RIZALS ANCESTRY FATHERS SIDE Domingo Lamco (a Chinese immigrant fromthe Fukien city arrived inManila about 1690) - Ines de la Rosa (Well-to-do ChineseChristian girl of Changchow - Francisco MercadoCirila BernachaJuan Mercado (Rizals grandfather)Cirila Alejandro Had thirteen children, the youngest being Francisco Mercado (Rizals father ) MOTHERS SIDETHE RIZAL HOME -was one of the distinguished stone houses in Calamba during the Spanish times-it was a twostorey building, rectangular in shape, built of adobe stones and hard-woods and roofed with red tiles-by day, it hummed with the noises of children at play and the songs of the birds in the garden; by night, it echoed with the dulcet notes of family prayers The Rizal family belonged to the principalia, a town aristocracy in Spanish Philippines The Rizal family had a simple, contented and happy life
CHILDHOOD YEARS IN CALAMBA -Calamba was named after a big native jar -Calamba was a hacienda town which belonged to the Dominican Order, which also owned all the lands around it Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town) - a poem about Rizals beloved town written by Rizal in 1876 when he was 15 years old and was student in the Ateneo de Manila The first memory of Rizal, in his infancy, was his happy days in the family garden when he was three years old Another childhood memory was the daily Angelus prayer. By nightfall, Rizal related, his mother gathered all the children at the house to pray the Angelus Another memory of Rizals infancy was the nocturnal walk in the town, especially when there was a moon The death of little Concha brought Rizal his first sorrow At the age of three, Rizal began to take a part in the family prayers When Rizal was five years old, he was able to read haltingly the Spanish family bible The Story of the Moth - made the profoundest impression on Rizal-died a martyr to its illusions At the age of five, Rizal began to make sketches with his pencil and to mould in clay and wax objects which attracted his fancy Sa Aking Mga Kabata (To My Fellow Children) - Rizals first poem in native language at the age of eight-reveals Rizals earliest nationalist sentiment At the age of eight, Rizal wrote his first dramatic work which was a Tagalog comedy INFLUENCES ON THE HEROS BOYHOOD (1) hereditary influence(2) environmental influence(3) aid of Divine Providence Tio Jose Alberto - studied for eleven years in British school in Calcutta, India and had traveled in Europeinspired Rizal to develop his artistic ability Tio Manuel - a husky and athletic man, encouraged Rizal to develop his frail body by means of physicalexercises Tio Gregorio - a book lover, intensified Rizals voracious reading of good book
Father Leoncio Lopez - the old and learned parish priest of Calamba, fostered Rizals love for scholarship and intellectual honesty EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BIAN The first teacher of Rizal was his mother, who was remarkable woman of good character and fine cultureher mother Maestro Celestino - Rizals first private tutor Maestro Lucas Padua - Rizals second tutor Leon Monroy - a former classmate of Rizals father became Rizals tutor that instructed Jose in Spanishand Latin. He died five months later Sunday afternoon in June, 1869 - Rizal left Calamba for Bian accompanied by Paciano Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz - Rizals teacher in a private school in Bian-Rizal described his teacher as follows: He was thin, long-necked, with a sharp nose and a body slightly bentforward Pedro - the teachers son which Rizal challenged to a fight Andres Salandanan - challenged Rizal to an arm-wrestling match Juancho -an old painter who was the father-in-law of the school teacher; freely give Rizal lessons indrawing and painting Jose Guevara - Rizals classmate who also loved painting, became apprentices of the old painter the favorite painters of the class - because of his artistic talent Christmas in 1870 -Rizal received a letter from his sister Saturnina, informing him of the arrival of thesteamer Talim which would take him from Bian to Calamba Saturday afternoon, December 17, 1870 - Rizal left Bian after one year and a half of schooling Arturo Camps - a Frenchman friend of Rizals father who took care of him on board DAILY LIFE IN BIAN -Heard the four o clock mass then at ten o clock went home at once and went at school at two and came out at five-The day was unusual when Rizal
was not laid out on a bench and given five or six blows because of fighting MARTYRDOM OF GOM-BUR-ZA Night of January 20, 1872 - about 200 Filipino soldiers and workmen of the Cavite arsenal under theleadership of Lamadrid, Filipino sergeant, rose in violent mutiny because of the abolition of their usualprivileges Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora - were executed at sunrise of February 17,1872, by order of Governor General Izquierdo The martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za in 1872 truly inspired Rizal to fight the evils of Spanish tyranny andredeem his oppressed people Rizal dedicated his second novel, El Filibusterismo, to Gom-Bur-Za INJUSTICE TO HEROS MOTHER Before June, 1872 - Doa Teodora was suddenly arrested on a malicious charge that she and her brother, Jose Alberto, tried to poison the latters perfidious wife Antonio Vivencio del Rosario - Calambas gobernadorcillo, help arrest Doa Teodora After arresting Doa Teodora, the sadistic Spanish lieutenant forced her to walk from Calamba to SantaCruz (capital of Laguna province), a distance of 50 kilometers Doa Teodora was incarcerated at the provincial prison, where she languished for two years and a half Messrs. Francisco de Marcaida and Manuel Marzan - the most famous lawyers of Manila that defendDoa Teodora SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA (1872-1877) Ateneo Municipal - a college under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits Escuela Pia (Charity School) - formerly name of Ateneo, a school for poor boys in Manila which wasestablished by the city government in 1817 Escuela Pia- Ateneo Municipal- Ateneo de Manila June 10, 1872 - Rizal accompanied by Paciano went to Manila Father Magin Ferrando - was the college registrar, refused to admit Rizal in Ateneo for two reasons:
(1)he was late for registration (2) he was sickly and undersized for his age Manuel Xerez Burgos -because of his intercession, nephew of Father Burgos, Rizal was reluctantlyadmitted at the Ateneo Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname Rizal. He registered under this name at Ateneobecause their family name Mercado had come under the suspicion of the Spanish authorities Rizal was first boarded in a house outside Intramuros, on Caraballo Street. This was owned by a spinster named Titay who owed the Rizal family the amount of 300 pesos JESUIT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION -it trained the character of the student by rigid discipline and religious instructions-Students were divided into two groups: Roman Empireconsisting of internos (boarders); red banner Carthaginian Empire- composed of the externos (non-boarders); blue banner Emperor- the best student in each empire Tribune- the second best Decurion- the third best Centurion-the fourth best Stand-bearer- the fifth best The Ateneo students in Rizals time wore a uniform which consisted of hemp-fabric trousers and stripedcotton coat The coat material was called rayadillo FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873) Father Jose Bech - Rizals first professor in Ateneo whom he described as a tall thin man, with a bodyslightly bent forward, a harried walk, an ascetic face, severe and inspired, small deep-sunken eyes, asharp nose that was almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose ends fell toward the chin A Religious picture - Rizals first prize for being the brightest pupil in the whole class To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during the noon recesses. Hepaid three pesos for those extra Spanish lessons At the end of the school year in March, 1873, Rizal returned to Calamba for summer vacation When the summer vacation ended, Rizal returned to Manila for his second year term in
Ateneo. This timehe boarded inside Intramuros at No. 6 Magallanes Street. His landlady was an old widow named Doa Pepay SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873-1874) -At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas - the first favorite novel of Rizal which made a deep impression on him Universal History by Cesar Cantu - Rizal persuaded his father to buy him this set of historical work that was a great aid in his studies Dr. Feodor Jagor - a German scientist-traveler who visited the Philippines in 1859-1860 who wrote Travels in the Philippines-Rizal was impressed in this book because of (1) Jagors keen observations of the defects of Spanish colonization (2)his prophecy that someday Spain would lose the Philippines and that America would come to succeed her as colonizer THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1874-1875) -Rizal grades remained excellent in all subjects but he won only one medalin Latin-At the end of the school year (March 1875), Rizal returned to Calamba for the summer vacation. He himself was notimpressed by his scholastic work FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO June 16, 1875 - Rizal became an interno in the Ateneo Padre Francisco de Paula Sanchez - a great educator and scholar, one of Rizals professors whoinspired him to study harder and to write poetry-Rizal described this Jesuiot professor as model of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancementof his pupils Rizal topped all his classmates in all subjects and won five medals at the end of the school term LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-1877) -Rizals studies continued to fare well. As a matter-of-fact, he excelled in all subjects. The most brilliant Atenean of histime, he was truly the pride of the Jesuits March 23, 1877 - Commencement Day, Rizal, who was 16 years old, received from his Alma Mater,Ateneo Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors
Marian Congregation - a religious society wherein Rizal was an active member and later became the secretary Rizal cultivated his literary talent under the guidance of Father Sanchez Father Jose Vilaclara - advised Rizal to stop communing with the Muse and pay more attention to morepractical studies Rizal studied painting under the famous Spanish painter, Agustin Saez, and sculpture under Romualdode Jesus, noted Filipino sculptor Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwood) with his pocket-knife Father Lleonart - impressed by Rizals sculptural talent, requested him to carve for him an image of Sacred Heart of Jesus ANECDOTES ON RIZAL, THE ATENEAN Felix M. Roxas - one of Rizals contemporaries in the Ateneo, related an incident of Rizals schooldaysin Ateneo which reveals heros resignation to pain and forgiveness. Neither bitterness nor rancor towards the guilty party Manuel Xerez Burgos - This anecdotes illustrates Rizals predilection to help the helpless at the risk of his own life POEMS WRITTEN IN ATENEO -It was Doa Teodora who was first discovered the poetic genius of her son, and it was also she who first encouraged himto write poems. However it was Father Sanchez who inspired Rizal to make full use of his God-given gift in poetry Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) , 1874- the first poem Rizal probably wrote during his daysin Ateneo which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday; Rizal wrote it before he was 14 years old-In 1875, inspired by Father Sanchez, Rizal wrote more poems, as such: 1.Felicitacion (Felicitationi) 2.El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to Magellans Fleet) 3.Y Es Espanol; Elcano, el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo (And He is Spanish: Elcano, the First toCircumnavigate the World) 4.El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo)-In 1876, Rizal wrote poems on various topics-religion, education, childhood memories and war. They were as follows:
a. Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town)- a tender poem in honor of Calamba, the heros natal town b. Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Educacion (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education)-Rizal showed the importance of religion in education c. Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria (Through Education the Country Receives Light)Rizal believed in thesignificant role which education plays in the progress and welfare of a nation d. El Cautiverio y el Triunfo: Batalla de Lucena y Prision de Boabdil (The Captivity and the Triumph: Battle of Lucenaand the Imprisonment of Boabdil)- this martial poem describes the defeat and capture of Boabdil, last Moorish sultan of Granada e. 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-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 richesby 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 lifeof Columbus 4.Un Dialogo Aluviso a la Despedida de los Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students)this was the lastpoem written by Rizal in Ateneo; it is a poignant poem of farewell to his classmate Al Nio Jesus (To the Child Jesus) - this poem was written in 1875 when Rizal was 14 years old; it wasa brief ode A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary) - another religious poem which doesnt have exact date when itwas written San Eustacio, Martir (St. Eustace, the Martyr) - a drama based on the prose story of St. Eustace whichhe wrote in poetic verses during the summer vacation of 1876 and finished it on June 2, 1876
MEDICAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS (1877-1882) -After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters (1877-1878), Rizal transferred to the medical courseDont send him to Manila again; he knows enough. If he gets to know more, the Spaniards will cut off hishead. - Doa Teodora, vigorously opposed the idea that Rizal pursue higher learning in the university April 1877 - Rizal who was then nearly 16 years old, matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas, taking the course on Philosophy and Letters because (1) his father like it (2) he was still uncertain as to what career to pursue Father Pablo Ramon -Rector of Ateneo, who had been good to him during his student days in thatcollege, asking for advice on the choice of a career but unfortunately he was in Mindanao It was during the following term (1878-1879) that Rizal, having received the Ateneo Rectors advice tostudy medicine During Rizals first school term in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1878), Rizal also studied inAteneo. He took the vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor (expert surveyor) Rizal excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in Ateneo, obtaining gold medals in agriculture andtopography November 25, 1881 - the title was issued to Rizal for passing the final examination in the surveyingcourse Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila - a society of literary men and artists,held a literary contest in the year 1879 A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) - Rizal, who was then 18 years old, submitted this poem-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-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 timethe nationalistic concept that the Filipinos, and not the foreigners, were the fair hope of the Fatherland
The Board of Judges, composed of Spaniards, was impressed by Rizals poem and gave it the first prizewhich consisted of a silver pen, feathershaped and decorated with a gold ribbon El Consejo de los Dioses (The Councils of the Gods) - an allegorical drama written by Rizal which heentered in the literary contest of ArtisticLiterary Lyceum in 1880 to commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of Cervantes-was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics The prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was engraved the bust of Cervantes D.N. del Puzo - a Spanish writer, who won the second prize 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 Feats Day of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo- Rizal wrote it as President of the Academy of Spanish Literature in Ateneo A Filipinas - a sonnet written by Rizal for the album of the Society of Sculptors; in this sonnet, he urged allFilipino artists to glorify the Philippines 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 Ateneos Patroness 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 Vicenta Ybardolaza - a pretty girl colegiala who skillfully played the harp at the Regalado home, whom Rizal was infatuated in Pakil Rizal mentioned Turumba (wherein the people dancing in the streets during the procession in honor of the miraculous Birhen Maria de los Dolores) in Chapter VI of Noli Me Tangere and Pagsanjan Falls in histravel diary (united States Saturday, May 12, 1888), where he said that Niagara Falls was the greatest cascades I ever saw but not so beautiful nor fine as the falls at Los Baos, Pagsanjan Compaerismo (Comradeship) - Rizal founded a secret society of Filipino students in University of Santo Tomas in 1880 Companions of Jehu
- members of the society whose after the valiant Hebrew general Galicano Apacible -Rizals cousin from Batangas who is the secretary of the society UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST -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 Rizals 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.He related in Chapter XIII, The Class in Physics IN SUNNY SPAIN (1882-1885) -After finishing the 4thyear of the medical course in the University of Santo Tomas, Rizal decided to complete his studiesin Spain-Aside from completing his studies in Spain, Rizal has hissecret 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 preparehimself 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-Rizals departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by the Spanish authorities and the friars Jose Mercado - Rizal used this name; a cousin from Bian May 3, 1882 - Rizal departed on board the Spanish streamer Salvadora bound for Singapore SINGAPORE 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 Ihave met.
Rizal played chess with his fellow passengers who were much older than he May 8, 1882 - while the steamer was approaching Singapore, Rizal saw a beautiful island, fascinated byits scenic beauty, he remembered Talim Island with the Susong Dalaga May 9, 1882 - the Salvadora docked at Singapore Hotel de la Paz - Rizal registered here and spent two days on a sightseeing soiree of the city, which wasa colony of England FROM SINGAPORE TO COLOMBO In Singapore, Rizal transferred to another ship Djemnah, a French steamer, which left Singapore for Europe on May 11, 1882 May 17, 1882 - Djemnah reached Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) Rizal wrote on his travel diary: The general appearance of Point Galle is picturesque but lonely and quiet and at the same time sad Colombo - capital of Ceylon -Rizal was enamoured by Colombo because of its scenic beauty and elegant buildingsColombo is more beautiful, smart and elegant than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila For the first time, Rizal sighted the barren coast of Africa, which he called an inhospitable land but famous Aden - city hotter than Manila-Rizal was amused to see the camels, for the first time City of Suez - the Red Sea terminal of the Suez Canal-Rizal was impressed in the beautiful moonlight which reminded him of Calamba and his family Suez Cana l- canal which built by Ferdinand de Lesseps (French diplomat-engineer) which wasinaugurated on November 17, 1869 Port Said - the Mediterranean terminal of the Suez Canal NAPLES AND MARSEILLES June 11, 1882 - Rizal reached Naples-Rizal was pleased on this Italian city because of its business activity, its lively people, and its panoramic beauty Night of June 12, 1882
- the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles Rizal visited the famous Chateau dIf, where Dantes, hero of the Count of Monte Cristo, was imprisoned Rizal stayed two and a half days in Marseilles BARCELONA Afternoon of May 15, 1882 - Rizal left Marseilles by train for the last lap of his trip to Spain Rizal crossed the Pyrenees and stopped for a day at the frontier town of Port Bou June 16, 1882 - Rizal finally reached his destinationBarcelona Rizals first impression of Barcelona, the greatest city of Catalua and Spains second largest city, was unfavorable Las Ramblas - the most famous street in Barcelona Amor Patrio (Love of Country) - nationalistic essay, Rizals first article written on Spains soil-under his pen-name Laong Laan, appeared in print in Diariong Tagalog on August 20, 1882 -it was published in two textsSpanish and Tagalogthe Spanish text was the one originally written by Rizal inBarcelona, the tagalog text was a Tagalog translation made by M.H. del Pilar Basilio Teodoro Moran - a friend of Rizal in Manila and the publisher of Diariong Tagalog where Rizal sent this article Diariong Tagalog - the first Manila bilingual newspaper (Spanish and Tagalog) Los Viajes (Travels) - Rizals second article for Diariong Tagalog Revista de Madrid (Review of Madrid) - Rizals third article written in Madrid on November 29, 1882 butreturned to him because the Diariong Tagalog had ceased publication for lack of funds Rizal received sad news about the cholera that was ravaging Manila and the provinces according toPacianos letter, dated September 15, 1882 Another sad news from the Philippines was the chatty letter of Chengoy recounting the unhappiness of Leonor Rivera In one of his letters (dated May 26, 1882), Paciano advised his younger brother to finish the medicalcourse in Madrid Rizal left Barcelona in the fall of 1882 and established himself in Madrid, the capital of Spain
LIFE IN MADRID November 3, 1882 - Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid (Central University of Madrid) intwo coursesMedicine and Philosophy and Letters Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando - Rizal studied painting and sculpture Rizals only extravagance was investing a few pesetas for a lottery ticket in every draw of the MadridLottery Rizal spent his leisure time reading and writing at his boarding house, attending the reunions of Filipinostudents at the house of the Paterno brothers (Antonio, Maximo and Pedro) and practicing fencing andshooting at the gymnasium Antigua Caf de Levante -during the summer twilights, this is where Rizal sipped coffee and fraternizedwith the students from Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, etc On Saturday evenings, Rizal visited the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey who lived with his son (Rafael)and daughter (Consuelo) Circulo Hispano-Filipino (Hispano-Philippine Circle) - a society of Spaniards and Filipinos which Rizal joined shortly after his arrival in Madrid in 1882 Me Piden Versos (They Ask Me For Verses) - upon the request of the members of this society, Rizalswrote this poem which he personally declaimed during the New Years Eve reception of the MadridFilipinos held in the evening of December 31, 1882-in this sad poem, Rizal poured out the cry of his agonizing heart Rizal economized on his living expenses, and with the money he saved, he purchased books from asecond-hand book store owned by a certain Seor Roses Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin and Eugene Sues The Wandering Jew - these two books aroused Rizals sympathy for the oppressed and unfortunate people 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 Rizalsslender purse so that he commented in a letter to his family: Paris is the costliest capital in Europe. June 17 to August 20, 1883 - Rizal sojourn in Paris 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 Laennec Hospital - where Rizal observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients Lariboisiere Hospital - where Rizal observed the examination of different diseases of women 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 March 1883 - Rizal joined the Masonic lodge called Acacia in Madrid Rizals reason for becoming a mason was to secure Freemansorys aid in his fight against the friars in the Philippines Lodge Solidaridad (Madrid) Rizal transferred where he became a Master Mason on November 15,1890 February 15, 1892 - Rizal was awarded the diploma as Master Mason by Le Grand Orient de France in Paris Science, Virtue and Labor - Rizals only Masonic writing; a lecture which he delivered in 1889 at Lodge Solidaridad, Madrid After Rizals 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 June 24, 1884 - a touching incident in Rizals 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 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 MadridLunas Spoliarium winning the first prize and Hidalgos Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace (Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas alPopulacho), second prize November 20, 21, and 22, 1884
- the serene city of Madrid exploded in bloody riots by the students of the Central University These student demonstrations were caused by the address of Dr. Miguel Morayta, professor of history,at the opening ceremonies of the academic year on November 20, in which he proclaimed the freedom of science and the teacher 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 November 26, 1884 - Rizal wrote the recounting tumultuous riots to his family June 21, 1884 - Rizal completed his medical course in Spain; he was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid The next academic year (1884-1885), Rizal studied and passed all subjects leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine but he did not present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees, he was not awarded his Doctors diploma June 19, 1885- on his 24th birthday, Rizal was awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters by the Universidad Central de Madrid with the rating of Excellent: (Sobresaliente) November 26, 1884 - a letter to Rizals family written in Madrid wherein he said My doctorate is not of very much value to me because although it is useful to a university professor, yet, I believe they(Dominican friarsZ) will never appoint me as such in the College of Santo Tomas. I say the same thing of philosophy and letters which may serve also for a professorship, but I doubt if the Dominican fathers will grant it to me. PARIS TO BERLIN (1885-1887) -Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in ophthalmologyRizal chose this branch of medicine becausehe wanted to cure his mothers eye ailment IN GAY PARIS (1885-1886) Maximo Viola - a medical student and a member of a rich family of San Miguel, Bulacan, Rizals friend Seor Eusebio Corominas - editor of the newspaper La Publicidad and made a crayon sketch of DonMiguel 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 Dr. Louis de Weckert (1852-1906) - leading French ophthalmologist wherein Rizal worked as an assistant from November 1885 to February 1886 Paz Pardo de Tavera - was a pretty girl, who was engaged to Juan Luna At the studio of Luna, Rizal spent many happy hours. Rizal helped Luna by posing as model in several paintings In Lunas canvas The Death of Cleopatra, Rizal posed as an Egyptian priest. In another of Lunasgreat paintings, The Blood Compact, he posed as Sikatuna, with Trinidad Pardo de Tavera taking therole of Legazpi November 27, 1878 - Rizal told Enrique Lete that helearned the solfeggio, the piano, the voiceculture in one month and a half By sheer determination and constant practice, Rizal came to play the flute fairly well. He was a flutist invarious impromptu reunions of Filipinos in Paris Alin Mang Lahi (Any Race) -a patriotic song written by Rizal which asserts that any race aspires for freedom La Deportacion (Deportation) - a sad danza which Rizal composed in Dapitan during his exile IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG February 1, 1886 - Rizal reluctantly left gay Paris fro Germany February 3, 1886 - Rizal arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old university and romantic surroundings Chess Players Club - a club wherein the students made Rizal as a member because of being a good chess player Dr. Otto Becker - distinguished German ophthalmologist where Rizal workedUniversity Eye Hospital April 22, 1886 - Rizal wrote a fine poem A Las Flores de Heidelberg (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) 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
Wilhelmsfeld - a mountainous village near Heidelberg where Rizal spent a three-month summer vacation Dr. Karl Ullmer - a kind Protestant pastor where Rizal stayed, who became his good friend and admirer June 25, 1886 - Rizal ended his sojourn at Pastor Ullmers home May 29, 1887 - Rizal wrote from Munich (Muchen) to Friedrich (Fritz), son of Pastor Ullmer 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 Aritmetica (Arithmetic) -Rizal sent this book he mentioned and was published in two languagesSpanish and Tagalog by the University of Santo Tomas Press in 1868. the author was Rufino Baltazar Hernandez, a native of Santa Cruz, Laguna August 6, 1886 - the famous University of Heidelberg held its fifth centenary celebration IN LEIPZIG AND DRESDEN August 9, 1886 - Rizal left Heidelberg August 14, 1886 - boarded by a train. Rizal arrived in Leipzig Professor Friedrich Ratzel - a famous German historian, Rizal befriend with him Dr. Hans Meyer - German anthropologist, a friend of Rizal In Leipzig, Rizal translated Schillers William Tell from German into Tagalog so that Filipino might knowt he story of that champion of Swiss independence Rizal also translated into Tagalog for his nephews and niece Hans Andersens Fairy Tales Rizal found out that the cost of living in Leipzig was cheapest in Europe so that he stayed two months and a half Because of his knowledge of German, Spanish, and other European languages, Rizal worked as proof-reader in a publishers firm October 29, 1886 - Rizal left Leipzig for Dresden where he met Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, Director of theAnthropological and Ethnological Museum 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. Morning of November 1, 1886 - Rizal left Dresden by train reaching Berlin in the evening BERLIN Rizal was enchanted by Berlin because of its scientific atmosphere and the absence of race prejudice Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor , celebrated German scientist-traveler and author of Travels in the Philippines, a book which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila Dr. Rudolf Virchow - introduced to Rizal by Dr. Jagor; famous German anthropologist Dr. Hans Virchow - son of Dr. Rudolf Virchow, professor of Descriptive Anatomy Dr. W. Joest - noted German geographer Dr. Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905) - famous German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked 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 Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art) - Rizal wrote this scholarly paper in German which he read before the society in April 1887this 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 Madame Lucie Cerdole -Rizals professor of French in order to master the idiomatic intricacies of theFrench language Unter den Linden - the most popular boulevard of Berlin wherein Rizal enjoyed promenading, sippingbeer in the citys inns and talking with the friendly Berliners March 11, 1886 - one of Rizals important letters written while he was in Germany that addressed to his sister,
Trinidad-in this letter, Rizal expressed his high regard and admiration for German womanhoodThe German woman, said Rizal to his sister, is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not gossipy,frivolous and quarrelsome Aside from the German women, Rizal admired the German customs which he observed well NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887) -The bleak winter of 1886 in Berlin was Rizals darkest winter because no money arrived from Calamba and he was flatbroke. The diamond ring which his sister, Saturnina, gave him was in the pawnshop. It was memorable in the life of Rizalfor two reasons (1) it was a painful episode for he was hungry, sick and despondent in a strange city (2) it brought himgreat joy after enduring so much sufferings, because his first novel, Noli Me Tangere came off the press in March, 1887 Harriet Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin - inspired Dr. Rizal to prepare a novel that would depict the miseries of his people under the lash of Spanish tyrants 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 Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing the novel in Madrid and finished about one-half of it 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 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 In Berlin during the winter days of February, 1886, Rizal made the final revisions on the manuscript of the Noli Maximo Viola - Rizals 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 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 chapterElias and Salome February 21, 1887 - the Noli was finally finished and ready for printing
Berliner Buchdruckrei-Action-Gesselschaft - a printing shop which charged the lowest rate, that is,300 pesos for 2,00 copies of the novel 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 Nolicarefully rolled around the pen that he used in writing it and a complimentary copy, with the followinginscription: To my dear friend, Maximo Viola, the first to read and appreciate my workJose Rizal The title Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase which meansTouch 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:Noli Me Tangere, words taken from the Gospel of St. Luke,signify do not touch me but Rizal made a mistake, it should bethe Gospel of St. John (Chapter 20 Verses 13 to 17) Rizal dedicated his Noli Me Tangere to the PhilippinesTo My Fatherland The cover of Noli Me Tangere was designed by Rizal. It is a ketch of explicit symbols. A womans head atop 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 friars feet, outsized in relation to the womans head. The other aggravating causes of oppression and discrimination are shown in the guards helmet and the iron chains, the teachers whip and the alferezs scourge. A slight cluster of bamboo stands at the backdrop; these are the people, forever in the background of their own countrys 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 The novel Noli Me Tangere contains 63 chapters and an epilogue Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor - Filipino patriot and lawyer who had been exiled due to his complicity in theCavite Mutiny of 1872, read avidly the Noli and was very much impressed by its author CHARACTERS OF NOLI The Noli Me Tangere was a true story of the Philippine conditions during the last decades of Spanish rule Maria Clara
-was Leonor Rivera, although in real life she became unfaithful and married an Englishman Ibarra and Elias - represented Rizal himself Tasio -the philosopher was Rizals elder brother Paciano Padre Salvi -was identified by Rizalists as Padre Antonio Piernavieja, the hated Augustinian friar in Cavite who was killed by the patriots during the Revolution Capitan Tiago -was Captain Hilario Sunico of San Nicolas Doa Victorina - was Doa Agustina Medel Basilio and Crispin - were the Crisostomo brothers of Hagonoy Padre Damaso - typical of a domineering friar during the days of Rizal, who was arrogant, immoral andanti-Filipino RIZALS GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE WITH VIOLA (1887) May 11, 1887 - Rizal and Viola left Berlin by train Dresden-one of the best cities in Germany Prometheus Bound -painting wherein Rizal was deeply impressed Teschen (now Decin, Czechoslovakia) - next stopover after leaving Dresden LEITMERITZ At 1:30pm of May 13, 1887 - the train, with Rizal and Viola on board, arrived at the railroad station of Leitmeritz, Bohemia-for the first time, the two great scholarsRizal and Blumentrittmet in person Professor Blumentritt - a kind-hearted, old Austrian professor May 13 to May 16, 1887 - Rizal and Viola stayed in Leitmeritz Burgomaster - town mayor Tourists Club of Leitmeritz -which Blumentritt was the secretary; Rizal spoke extemporaneously influent Germany to the officers and members Dr. Carlos Czepelak - renowned scientist of Europe Professor Robert Klutschak - an eminent naturalist May 16, 1887 at 9:45 AM - Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train
PRAGUE Dr. Willkomm - professor of natural history in the University of Prague According to Viola, nothing of importance happened in this city VIENNA May 20, 1887 - Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful city of Vienna, capital of Austria-Hungary Vienna was truly theQueen of Danube because of its beautiful buildings, religious images, hauntingwaltzes and majestic charm Norfentals - one of the greatest Austrian novelists was favorably impressed by Rizal, and years later hespoke highly of Rizal, whose genius he so much admired. Hotel Metropole - where Rizal and Viola stayed In Vienna, Rizal received his lost diamond stickpin DANUBIAN VOYAGE TO LINTZ May 24, 1887 - Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat to see the beautiful sights of the Danube River 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 Munich - where Rizal and Viola sojourned for a short time to savor the famous Munich beer, reputed to be the best in Germany Nuremberg - one of the oldest cities of Germany The Cathedral of Ulm - the largest and tallest cathedral in all Germany 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 CROSSING THE FRONTIER TO SWITZERLAND June 2 to 3, 1887 - stayed at Schaffhausen, Switzerland GENEVA
This Swiss city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, visited by world tourists every year June 19, 1887 - Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. It was his 26 th birthday Rizal and Viola spent fifteen delightful days in Geneva June 23, 1887 - Viola and Rizal parted waysViola 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 Igorots of Northern Luzon RIZAL IN ITALY June 27, 1887 - Rizal reached Rome, the Eternal City and also called theCity of the Caesars Rizal was thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal City. Describing to Blumentritt, thegrandeur that was Rome, he wrote on June 27, 1887 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 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 After a week of wonderful sojourn in Rome, Rizal prepared to return to the Philippines. He had alreadywritten to his father that he was coming home. FIRST HOMECOMING (1887-1888) -Because of the publication of the Noli Me Tangere and the uproar it caused among the friars, Rizal was warned byPaciano (his brother), Silvestre Ubaldo (his brother-in-law), Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio) and other friends not to returnhome.-Rizal was determined to return to the Philippines for the following reasons: (1) to operate on his mothers eyes (2) toserve 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 July 29, 1887 - Rizal wrote to his father, announcing his homecoming, on the 15th of July, I shallembark for our country, so that from the 15 th to the 30th of August, we shall see each other
DELIGHTFUL TRIP TO MANILA -Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles, a French port, which he reached without mishap. July 3, 1887 -Rizal boarded the steamer Djemnah, the same streamer which brought him to Europe 5years ago July 30, 1887 -at Saigon, Rizal transferred to another steamer, Haiphong, which was Manila-bounded August 2, 1887 - the steamer left Saigon for Manila ARRIVAL IN MANILA August 3, 1887 - the moon was full and Rizal slept soundly the whole night. The calm sea, illuminated bythe silvery moonlight, was a magnificent sight to him Near midnight of August 5, 1887, the Haiphong arrived in Manila HAPPY HOMECOMING August 8, 1887 - Rizal returned to Calamba In Calamba, Rizal established a medical clinic. His first patient was his mother, who was almost blind. Rizal, who came to be called Doctor Uliman because he came from Germany, treated their ailments and soon he acquired a lucrative medical practice Rizal opened a gymnasium for young folks, where he introduced European sports Rizal suffered one failure during his six months of sojourn in Calambahis failure to see Leonor Rivera STORM OVER THE NOLI Governor General Emilio Terrero (1885-1888) -requesting Rizal to come to Malacaang Palace Don Jose Taviel de Andrade -a young Spanish lieutenant assigned by Governor General Terrero to posed as bodyguard of Rizal Msgr. Pedro Payo (a Dominican) - sent a copy of Noli to Father Rector Gregorio Echavarria of the University of Sto. Tomas for examination by a committee of the faculty The report of the faculty members of University of Santo Tomas stated that the Noli was 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 politicalorder Permanent Commission of Censorship -a committee composed of priest and laymen Fr. Salvador Font - Augustinian cura of Tondo, head of the committee-found the novel to contain subversive ideas against the Church and Spain, and recommended that theimportation, reproduction, and circulation of this pernicious book in the islands be absolutely prohibited. Fr. Jose Rodriguez - Augustinian priest, published a series of eight pamphlets under the general heading Cuestiones de Sumo Interes (Questions of Supreme Interest) to blast the Noli and other anti-Spanish writings Vicente Barrantes - Spanish academician of Madrid, who formerly criticized the Noli in an articlepublished in La Espaa Moderna (a newspaper of Madrid) in January, 1890 What marred Rizals happy days in Calamba with Lt. Andrade were (1) the death of his older sister,Olimpia, and (2) the 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. Rev. Vicente Garcia -a Filipino Catholic priest-scholar, a theologian of the Manila Cathedral and a Tagalog translator of the famous Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis-writing under the penname Justo Desiderio Magalang, wrote a defense of the Noli which was published in Singapore as an appendix to a pamphlet dated July 18, 1888, he blasted the arguments of Fr. Rodriguez Rizal, himself defended his novel against Barrantes attack, in a letter written in Brussels, Belgium in February 1880 FAREWELL TO CALAMBA The friars asked Governor General Terrero to deport him, but latter refused because there was no valid charge against Rizal in court. Rizal was compelled to leave Calamba for two reasons: (1) his presence in Calamba was jeopardizing the safety and happiness of his family and friends (2) he could fight better his enemies and serve his countrys cause with greater efficacy by writing in foreign countries
Shortly before Rizal left Calamba in 1888, his friend from Lipa requested him to write a poem in commemoration of the towns elevation to a villa (city) by virtue of the Becerra Law of 1888 Himno Al Trabajo (Hymn to Labor) - a poem written by Rizal dedicated to the industrious folks of Lipa IN HONGKONG AND MACAO (1888) -Hounded by powerful enemies, Rizal was forced to leave his country for a second time in February 1888. He was then afull-grown man of 27 years of age, a practicing physician, and a recognized man-of-letters. THE TRIP TO HONGKONG February 3, 1888 -Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong on board the Zafiro February 7, 1888 - Zafiro made a brief stopover at Amoy Rizal did not get off his ship at Amoy for three reasons: (1) he was not feeling well (2) it was raining hard (3) he heard that the city was dirty February 8, 1888 - Rizal arrived in Hong Kong Victoria Hotel - Rizal stayed while in Hong Kong. He was welcomed by Filipino residents, including JoseMaria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriarte (son of Francisco Yriarte (son of Francisco Yriarte,alcalde mayor of Laguna) Jose Sainz de Varanda - a Spaniard, who was a former secretary of Governor General Terrero, shadowed Rizals movement in Hong Kong-it is believed that he was commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on Rizal Hong Kong,wrote Rizal to Blumentritt on February 16, 1888,is a small, but very clean city. VISIT TO MACAO -Macao is a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong.According to Rizal, the city of Macao is small, low, and gloomy. There are many junks, sampans, but few steamers. It looks sad and is almost dead. February 18, 1888 - Rizal, accompanied by Basa, boarded the ferry steamer, Kiu-Kiang for Macao Don Juan Francisco Lecaros
- A filipino gentleman married to a Portuguese lady-Rizal and Basa stayed at his home while in Macao February 18, 1888 - Rizal witnessed a Catholic possession, in which the devotees were dressed in blue and purple dresses and were carrying unlighted candles February 20, 1888 - Rizal and Basa returned to Hong Kong, again on board the ferry steamer Kiu Kiang DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG February 22, 1888 - Rizal left Hong Kong on board the Oceanic, an American steamer, his destination was Japan Rizals cabin mate was a British Protestant missionary who called Rizal a good man ROMANTIC INTERLUDE IN JAPAN (1888) -One of the happiest interludes in the life of Rizal was his sojourn in the Land of the Cherry Blossoms for one month and ahalf (February 28April 13, 1888) February 28, 1888 - early in the morning of Tuesday, Rizal arrived in Yokohama. He registered at theGrand Hotel Tokyo Hotel - Rizal stayed here from March 2 to March 7 Rizal wrote to Professor Blumentritt: Tokyo is more expensive then Paris. The walls are built incyclopean manner. The streets are large and wide. Juan Perez Caballero -secretary of the Spanish Legation, who visited Rizal at his hotel who latter invitedhim to live at the Spanish Legation Rizal accepted the invitation for two reasons: (1) he could economize his living expenses by staying at the legation (2) he had nothing to hide from the prying eyes of the Spanish authorities March 7, 1888 - Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish Legation Rizal was favorably impressed by Japan. The things which favorably impressed Rizal in Japan were: (1)the beauty of the countryits flowers, mountains, streams and scenic panoramas, (2) the cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese people (3)the picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese women (4) there were very few thieves in Japan so that the houses remained open day and night, and in hotel room one could safely leave money on the table (5)
beggars were rarely seen in the city, streets, unlike in Manila and other cities Rickshaws -popular mode of transportation drawn by men that Rizal did not like in Japan April 13, 1888 -Rizal left Japan and boarded the Belgic, an English steamer, at Yokohama, bound for theUnited States Tetcho Suehiro - a fighting Japanese journalist, novelist and champion of human rights, who was forcedby the Japanese government to leave the countrypassenger which Rizal befriended on board the Belgic April 13 to December 1, 1888 - eight months of intimate acquaintanceship of Rizal and Tetcho December 1, 1888 - after a last warm handshake and bidding each other goodbye, Rizal and Tetchoparted ways never to meet again RIZALS VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES (1888) April 28, 1888 - the steamer Belgic, with Rizal on board, docked at San Francisco on Saturday morning May 4, 1888 - Friday afternoon, the day Rizal was permitted to go ashore Palace Hotel - Rizal registered here which was then considered a first-class hotel in the city Rizal stayed in San Francisco for two daysMay 4 to 6, 1888 May 6, 1888 -Sunday, 4:30PM, Rizal left San Francisco for Oakland May 13, 1888 -Sunday morning, Rizal reached New York, thus ending his trip across the American continent Rizal stayed three days in this city, which he called the big town. May 16, 1888 - Rizal left New York for Liverpool on board the City of Rome. According to Rizal, this steamer was the second largest ship in the world, the largest being the Great Eastern Rizal had good and bad impressions of the United States. The good impressions were (1) the material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms, flourishing industries and busy factories(2) the drive and
energy of the American people (3) the natural beauty of the land (4) the high standard of living (5) the opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants One bad impression Rizal had of America was the lack of racial equality: America is the land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites RIZAL IN LONDON (1888-1889) -After visiting the United States, Rizal lived in London from May, 1888 to March, 1889 for three reasons: (1) to improve hisknowledge of the English language (2) to study and annotate Morgas Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, a rare copy of whichhe heard to be available in the British Museum (3) London was a safe place for him to carry on his fight against Spanishtyranny TRIP ACROSS THE ATLANTIC The trans-Atlantic voyage of Rizal from New York to Liverpool was a pleasant one. Rizal entertained the American and European passengers with his marvelous skills with the yoyo as an offensive weapon. Yoyo-is a small wooden disc attached to a string from the finger. May 24, 1888 -Rizal arrived at Liverpool, England Adelphi Hotel -Rizal spend the night here while staying for one day in this port city According to Rizal, Liverpool is a big and beautiful city and its celebrated port is worthy of itsgreat fame. The entrance is magnificent and the customhouse is quite good.
LIFE IN LONDON May 25, 1888 - a day after docking at Liverpool, Rizal went to London Rizal stayed as guest at the home of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor , an exile of 1872 and a practicing lawyer in London. By the end of May, Rizal found a modest boarding place at No. 37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill Dr. Reinhold Rozt - librarian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an authority on Malayan languages andcustoms-He was impressed by Rizals learning and character and he gladly recommended him to the
authorities of theBritish Museum. He called Rizal a pearl of a man (una perla de hombre) Both good and bad news from home reached Rizal in London. Of the bad news, were the injustices committed by the Spanish authorities on the Filipino people and the Rizal Family The greatest achievement of Rizal in London was the annotating of Morgas book, Sucesos de lasIslas Filipinas (Historical Events of the Philippine Islands), which was published in Mexico, 1609. September 1888 - Rizal visited Paris for a week in order to search for more historical materials in the Bibliotheque Nationale Rizal was entertained in this gay French metropolis by Juan Luna and his wife (Pas Pardo de Tavera),who proudly showed him their little son Andres (nickname Luling) December 11, 1888 -Rizal went to Spain, visiting Madrid and Barcelona Rizal met, for the first time, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Mariano Ponce, two titans of the Propaganda Movement December 24, 1888 -Rizal returned to London and spent Christmas and New Years Day with theBecketts Rizal sent as Christmas gift to Blumentritt a bust of Emperador Augustus and a bust of Julius Caesar toanother friend, Dr. Carlos Czepelak (Polish scholar) The Life and Adventures of Valentine Vox, the Ventriloquist -a Christmas gift from Rizals landlady,Mrs Beckett RIZAL BECOMES LEADER OF FILIPINOS IN EUROPE Asociacion La Solidaridad (Solidaridad Association) - a patriotic society, which cooperate in thecrusade fro reforms, was inaugurated on December 31, 1888, with the following officers: Galicano Apacible (president); Graciano Lopez Jaena (vice-president); Manuel Santa Maria (secretary); MarianoPonce (treasurer) and Jose Ma. Panganiban (accountant) By unanimous vote of all members, Rizal was chosen honorary president January 28, 1889 - Rizal wrote a letter addressed to the members of the Asociacion La Solidaridad
RIZAL AND THE LA SOLIDARIDAD NEWSPAPER February 15, 1889 - Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad inBarcelona La Solidadridad -fortnightly periodical which served as the organ of the Propaganda Movement Its aims were as follows: (1) to work peacefully for political and social reforms (2) to portray thedeplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may remedy them (3) to oppose the evil forces of reaction and medievalism (4) to advocate liberal ideas and progress (5) to champion the legitimateaspirations of the Filipino people to life, democracy and happiness Los Agricultores Filipinos (The Filipino Farmers) - Rizals first article which appeared in LaSolidaridad which is published on March 25, 1889, six days after he left London for Paris ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN LA SOLIDARIDAD -Rizal wrote articles for La Solidaridad in defense of his oppressed people and to point out the evils of Spanish rule in thePhilippines1. A La Defensa (To La Defensa), April 30, 1889- this was a reply to an anti-Filipino writing of a Spanish author Patricio de la Escosura which was published by La Defensa on March 30, 18892. La Verdad Para Todos (The Truth For All), May 31, 1889- Rizals defense against the Spanish charges that thenative local officials were ignorant and depraved3. Vicente Barrantes Teatro Tagalo, June 15, 1889- in this article, Rizal exposes Barrabtes ignorance on theTagalog theatrical art4.Una Profanacion (A Profanation), July 31, 1889- a bitter attack against the friars for denying Christian burial toMariano Herbosa in Calamba because he was a brother-in-law of Rizal. Herbosa, husband of lucia died of cholera onMay 23, 18895. Verdades Nuevas (New Truths), July 31, 1889- a reply to Vicente Belloc Sanchez letter published in La Patria,Madrid newspaper, on July 4, 1889, which asserted that the granting of reforms in the Philippines would ruin thepeaceful and maternal rule of the friars6. Crueldad (Cruelty), August 15, 1889- a brilliant defense of Blumentritt from the scutrillous attack of his enemies7. Diferencias (Differences), September 15, 1889- a reply to a biased article entitled Old Truths published in LaPatria on August 14, 1889, which ridiculed those Filipinos who asked for
reforms8.Inconsequencias (Inconsequences), November 30, 1889- a defense of Antonio Luna against the attack of PabloMir Deas in the Barcelona newspaper El Puieblo Soberano9. Llanto y Risas (Tears and Laughter), November 30, 1889- a denunciation of Spanish racial prejudice againstbrown Filipinos10.Ingratitudes (Ingratitude), January 15, 1890- a reply to Governor General Valeriano Weyler who,while visiting Calamba, told the people that they should not allow themselves to be deceived by the vain promises of their ungrateful sons. Simultaneous with Rizal retirement from the Propaganda Movement, Rizal ceased writing articles for La Solidaridad August 7, 1891 - M.H. del Pilar wrote to Rizal begging forgiveness for any resentment and requestingRizal to resume writing for the La Solidaridad Rizal stopped writing for La Solidaridad, it was because of several reasons: (1) Rizal need to work on hisbook (2) He wanted other Filipinos to work also (3) Rizal considered it very important to the party that there be unity in the work (4) 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 WRITINGS IN LONDON While busy in research studies at the British Museum, Rizal received news on Fray Rodriguez unabated attack on his Noli La Vision del Fray Rodriguez (The Vision of Fray Rodriguez) -pamphlet wrote by Rizal whichpublished in Barcelona under his nom-de-plume Dimas Alang in order to defense his novel -In La Vision del Fray Rodriguez, Rizal demonstrated two things: (1) his profound knowledge of religion (2) his biting satire Letter to the Young Women of Malolos - a famous letter wrote by Rizal on February 22, 1889 inTagalog-this letter is to praise the young ladies of Malolos for their courage to establish a school where they could learnSpanish, despite the opposition of Fr. Felipe Garcia, a Spanish parish priest of Malolos The main points of this letter were: (1) a Filipino mother should teach her children love of God, fatherland,and mankind (2) the Filipino mother should be glad, like the Spartan mother, to offer her sons in thedefense of the fatherland (3) a Filipino woman should know how to preserve her dignity and honor (4) aFilipino
woman should educate herself, aside from retaining her good racial virtues (5) Faith is not merely reciting long prayers and wearing religious pictures, but rather it is living the real Christian way, with good morals and good manners Dr Reinhold Rost, editor of Trubners Record, a journal devoted to Asian studies, request Rizal tocontribute some articles. In response to his request, the latter prepared two articles(1) Specimens of Tagal Folklore, which published in the journal in May, 1889 (2) Two Eastern Fables, published in June,1889 March 19, 1889 - Rizal bade goodbye to the kind Beckett Family and left London for Paris RIZALS SECOND SOJOURN IN PARIS AND THE UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION IN 1889 -In March, 1889, it was extremely difficult for a visitor to find living quarters in Paris Valentin Ventura - a friend of Rizal where he livedNo. 45 Rue Maubeuge, where he polished his annotated edition of Morgas book Rizal used most of his time in the reading room of the Bibliotheque Nationale (National Library) checking up his historical annotations on Morgas book Rizal was a good friend of the three Pardo de TaverasDr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, a physician byvocation and philologist by avocation, Dr. Felix Pardo de Tavera, also physician by vocation and an artist and sculptor by avocation, and Paz Pardo de Tavera, wife of Juan Luna June 24, 1889 - a baby girl was born to Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera, she was their second child Her baptismal godfather was Rizal, who chose her name Maria de la Paz, Blanca, Laureana,Hermenegilda Juana Luna y Pardo de Tavera May 6, 1889 - opening of Universal Exposition of Paris The greatest attraction of this exposition was the Eiffel Tower, 984 feet high, which was built by Alexander Eiffel, celebrated French engineer KIDLAT CLUB March 19, 1889 -the same day when he arrived in Paris from London, Rizal organized his
paisanos(compatriots) into a society called Kidlat Club Kidlat Club -purely a social society of a temporary naturefounded by Rizal simply to bring together young Filipinos in the French capital so that they could enjoy their sojourn in the city during the duration of the Universal Exposition
Philippines. Evidently, there was another aim that is, the redemption of the Malay race It must be noted that Rizal was inspired by a famous book entitled Max Havelaar (1860) written by Multatuli (pseudonym of E.D. Dekker, Dutch author) ANNOTATED EDITION OF MORGA PUBLISHED Rizals outstanding achievement in Paris was the publication in 1890 of his annotated edition of Morgas Sucesos, which he wrote in the British Museum. It was printed by Garnier Freres. The prologue was written by Professor Blumentritt upon the request of Rizal Rizal dedicated his new edition of Morga to the Filipino people so that they would know of their glorious past The title page of Rizals annotated edition of Morga reads: Paris, Liberia de Garnier Hermanos, 1890 The Philippines Within a Century -article written by Rizal which he expressed his views on the Spanishcolonization in the Philippines and predicted with amazing accuracy the tragic end of Spains sovereigntyin Asia The Indolence of the Filipinos - other essay of Rizal is also a prestigious work of historical scholarship. It is an able defense of the alleged indolence of the Filipinos-Rizal made a critical study of the causes why his people did not work hard during the Spanish regime. His maint hesis was that the Filipinos are not by nature indolent International Association of Filipinologists -association proposed by Rizal to establish takingadvantage of world attention which was then focused at the Universal Exposition in 1889 in Paris andhave its inaugural convention in the French capital Project for Filipino College in Hong Kong - another magnificent project of Rizal in Paris which also fizzled out was his plan to establish a modern college in Hong Kong Por Telefono -another satirical work as a reply to another slanderer, Fr. Salvador Font, who masterminded the banning of his Noli, in the fall of 1889-it was published in booklet form in Barcelona, 1889, this satirical pamphlet under the authorship of DimasAlang is a witty satire which ridicules Father Font Shortly after New Year, Rizal made a brief visit to London. It may be due to two reasons:
INDIOS BRAVOS Rizal was enchanted by the dignified and proud bearing of the American Indians in a Buffalo Bull show Indios Bravos (Brave Indians) - replaced the ephemeral Kidlat Club-its members pledged to excel in intellectual and physical prowess in order to win the admiration of the foreigners-practised with great enthusiasm the use of the sword and pistol and Rizal taught them judo, an Asian art of self-defense, that he learned in Japan R.D.L.M SOCIETY Sociedad R.D.L.M. (R.D.L.M Society) - a mysterious society founded by Rizal in Paris during theUniversal Exposition of 1889-its existence and role in the crusade reforms are really enigmatic-Of numerous letters written by Rizal and his fellow propagandists, only two mentioned this secret society, asfollows (1) Rizals Letter to Jose Maria Basa, Paris, September 21, 1889 (2) Rizals Letter to Marcelo H. del Pilar, Paris, November 4, 1889 According to Dr. Leoncio Lopez-Rizal, grandnephew of the hero, the society has a symbol or countersignrepresented by a circle divided into three parts by two semi-circles having in the center the intwerlockedletters I and B meaning Indios Bravos and the letter R.D.L.M. placed outside an upper, lower, left andright sides of the circle The letters R.D.L.M. are believed to be the initials of the societys secret name Redencion de los Malayos(Redemption of the Malays) Redemption of the Malay Race It was patterned after Freemasonry. It had various degrees of membership, with the members not knowing each other. The aim of the secret society, as stated by Rizal, was the propagation of all useful knowledge scientific, artistic, and literary, etc.in the
(1) to check up his annotated edition of Morgas Sucesos with the original copy in the British Museum (2) to see Gertrude Beckett for the last time IN BELGIAN BRUSSELS (1890) -January 28, 1890 - Rizal left Paris for Brussels, capital of BelgiumTwo reasons impelled Rizal to leave Paris, namely (1) the cost of living in Paris was very high because of the Universal Exposition (2) the gay social life of the city hampered his literary works, especially the writing of his second novel, El Filibusterismo LIFE IN BRUSSELS Rizal was accompanied by Jose Albert when he moved to Brussels. They lived in a modest boardinghouse on 38 Rue Philippe Champagne, which was run by two Jacoby sisters (Suzanne and Marie). Later Albert, left the city and was replaced by Jose Alejandro, an engineering student Rizal was the first to advocate the Filipinization of its orthography Sobre la Nueva Ortografia de la Lengua Tagala (The New Orthography of the Tagalog Language) -was published in La Solidaridad on April 15, 1890-in this article, he laid down the rules of the new Tagalog orthography and with modesty and sincerity, he gavecredit for the adoption of this new orthography to Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, author of the celebrated work ElSanscrito en la Lengua Tagala (Sanskrit in the tagalog Language) which was published in Paris, 1884** I put this on record, wrote Rizal, so that when the history of this orthography is traced, which is already being adoptedby the enlightened Tagalists, that what is Caesars be given to Caesar. This innovation is due solely to Dr. Pardo deTaveras studies on Tagalismo. I was one of its zealous propagandists. Letters from home which Rizal received in Brussels worried him. (1) the Calamba agrarian trouble was getting worse (2) the Dominican Order filed a suit in court to dispossess the Rizal family of their lands in Calamba In his moment of despair, Rizal had bad dreams during the nights in Brussels when he was restless because he was always thinking of his unhappy family in Calamba Rizal feared that he would not live long. He was not afraid to die, but he wanted to finish his second novel before he went to his grave.
In the face of the sufferings which afflicted his family, Rizal planned to go home. He could not stay in Brussels writing a book while his parents, relatives, and friends in the distant Philippines were persecuted July 29, 1890 - another letter to Ponce written at Brussels by Rizal, he announced that he was leaving Brussels at the beginning of the following month and would arrive in Madrid about the 3rd or 4th (August) To my Muse (A Mi) - 1890, Rizal wrote this pathetic poem, it was against a background of mental anguish in Brussels, during those sad days when he was worried by family disasters.