CHAPTER 1 ● 1928- temporarily retired from active

THE STUDY OF DR. JOSE P. RIZAL politics and taught Law but found the
COURSE AND REPUBLIC ACT 1425 academic world restrictive and tiresome and
● Republic Act No.1425 known as the Rizal resigned by 1931
Law; approved on June 12, 1956, provides ● 1934- he re-entered politics upon running
for the integration of the study of the life and and winning a senate seat and was elected
works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in the curriculum as majority floor leader.
of the tertiary level and took effect on ● As an abogado milagrosos - Appointed as
August 16, 1956. assoc justice of the Supreme Court of the
● In July 1956, Jose P. Laurel, Claro Mayo Philippines in 1935 by USA Pres. Franklin
Recto, Jose B. Laurel Jr., Jacobo Gonzales, Roosevelt - Win in a debate against Pres.
Lorenzo Tanada and other lawmakers Dwight D. Eisenhower's Atty. General
sponsored the R.A. 1425 that will enforce Herbert Brownell Jr. on the question of US
the teaching of the life and works of Dr. ownership of military bases in the Phil, a
Jose P. Rizal question that remained unsolved.
● The law mandates that the life of Dr. Jose ● As a writer - He was known for his
Rizal should be included in the curricula in flawless logic and rationality of mind in both
all schools, colleges and universities undertakings.
especially in tertiary and graduate levels - He served the wartime cabinet of
both in public and private schools. President Jose P. Laurel during the
● It should consist of the study of Rizal's life, Japanese occupation.
works and virtues, most notably the two - Together with Laurel, Camilo Osias, and
great novels Noli Me Tangere and El Quintin Paredes, he was taken into custody
Filibusterismo by the American colonial government and
tried for treason. In his defense, in his
The Father of Rizal Law: Claro Mayo Recto treatise entitled “Three Years of Enemy
Claro Mayo Recto, Filipino politician, jurist, Occupation”, 1946, he convincingly
poet, and one of the great statements of his presented the case of patriotic conduct of
generation. Known as abogado milagroso Filipinos during World War II. He fought his
(lawyer of miracles), tribute to his many legal battle and was acquitted.
victories in the judicial court He presided ● Claro Mayo Recto - As father of the Rizal
over the assembly that draft the Philippine Law, he sponsored the Rizal bill together
Constitution; 1934-1935 in accordance with with fellow lawmakers. The bill would
the provisions of the Tydings McDuffie Act require all high schools, colleges and
and a preliminary step to independence and universities to include in their curricula a
self-governance after a 10-years transitional course in the study of Dr. Jose Rizal's life,
period works, and writings, mainly the great novels
● He is remembered for his nationalism for Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to
“the impact of his patriotic convictions on provide an in- depth study of nationalism
modern political thought” and the shaping of national character
● 1916 – legal adviser of the first Philippine ● As father of the Rizal Law, Recto
Senate sponsored the Rizal Bill together with fellow
● 1919 – elected representative from the lawmakers.
2nd district of Batangas The RA No. 1942 REPUBLIC ACT NO.
● 1925 – he served as a minority floor 1425 (RIZAL LAW)
leader for several years House bill No. 5561
● has a good grasp of the parliamentary Senate Bill No. 438
procedures AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE
● 1924 – admitted to the American Bar and CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND
upon returning, he founded the Partido PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND
Democrata UNIVERSITIES COURSES ON THE LIFE,
WORKS AND WRITINGS OF JOSE RIZAL, 3. The law aims to cultivate and inculcate
PARTICULARLY HIS NOVELS NOLI ME among the students in all schools the
TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO, character development, self-discipline, civic
AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING AND consciousness and to teach the duties of
DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, AND FOR citizenship which became the primary
OTHER PURPOSES reason for the enactment of the law for
reforms and changes.
WHEREAS, today, more than any other Baneful features of Rizal's time
period of our history, there is a need for a 1. Instability of Colonial Administration
rededication to the ideals of freedom and 2. Corrupt Spanish Officials
nationalism for which our heroes lived and 3. No Philippine Representation to the
died; Spanish Courts
WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, 4. Human Rights Denied to the Filipinos
particularly the national hero and patriot, 5. No Equality before the Law
Jose Rizal, we remember with special 6. Maladministration of Justice
fondness and devotion their lives and works 7. Racial Discrimination
that have shaped the national character; 8. Frailocracy and Secularization of Filipino
WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Priests
Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me 9. Forced Labor and Excessive Taxes
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a 10. Haciendas Owned by Friars and
constant and inspiring source of patriotism Spanish Officials
with which the minds of the youth, 11. The Abuses of the Guardia Civil, Church
especially during their formative and Officials and Political Leaders
decisive years in school, should be 19th century – a century of violent blow of
suffused; the winds in its history, most particularly in
Asia, Europe and America
❁ By integrating Rizal in the curriculum, this ● It was a rigid pour of events that
would benefit the Filipino youth as well as transpired beyond anyone's control e.g. sea
the whole nation to acquire the following tides that inflicted the human lives and
traits: fortunes of Mankind
Incorruptible, Confidence, Direction, ● June 19, 1861 – the birth of Rizal
Courage and determination High sense of ● April 12 1861 – Titanic chaos exploded
relationship Nationalism and Patriotism which resulted into the American Civil War
AIMS AND PURPOSES (1861-1865)
DepEd Order No. 2 Series of 1996 directs ● President Abraham Lincoln's
the committee on education for the inclusion Emancipation Proclamation of Negro Slaves
of Rizal course as a 3-unit lesson with the in September 22, 1862
following aims and purposes. - Dr. Jose Rizal's writing summarize his
1. The law aims and desires to re- establish nationalistic and patriotic philosophy as well
that the Filipinos themselves be imbued with as his keen sense of awareness of the
the principles of freedom and a sense of Filipino people's need for nation building
nationalism. The rationale of which is to - A tribute to a man and a hero should be
perpetuate the memories of our hero's our rationale, because we believe that Dr.
death and sacrifices Jose Rizal was an exponent of the roots of
2. The law aims to honor the heroes our nationhood
particularly Dr. Jose P. Rizal and to remind - The framers of the law envisioned that the
us of his sacrifices and his two novels - Noli youth may gain inspiration and might
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that personally involved them in nation-building
paved the way to the nationalism and RIZAL CHOSEN AS THE GREATEST
patriotism of the entire country PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO
❁ Dr. Jose P. Rizal - He was chosen as the 1. He was the first Filipino to unite and
greatest Philippine National Hero awaken the Filipino people to peacefully rise
❁ Hero is a person admired for for independence
achievements and noble qualities and a 2. He is a model for being a peacemaker by
prominent or central personage taking an his complete self-denial, his complete
admirable action. Also, a person of abandonment of his personal interest and to
distinguished valor or enterprise in danger think only of his country and people.
and an individual honored after death by 3. He was a towering figure in the
public worship because of laudable and propaganda campaign from 1882-1896
exceptional service to mankind 4. He was a martyr at Bagumbayan where
Hero vs Martyr he willingly died for our country.
Hero - is a real person of great bravery who Other Country Choose Their National Hero
carries out extraordinary deeds ❁ Heroes of other nations are warriors and
Martyr - is one who willingly accepts being generals who served their cause with the
put to death for adhering openly to one's sword, distilling blood and tears.
religious beliefs; notably saints cannonized (The hero of the Filipinos served his cause
after martyrdom with the pen) Who fought for the country's
❁ Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y liberty and independence in the battlefield
Alonso was a man of many talents. The Noli with their mighty sword
Me Tangere and El Filibustirismo provided Among them were:
the ember that awakened Filipino o George Washington of US
nationalism and paved the way for the o Joan of Arc of France
Philippine Revolution of 1896. o Simon Bolivar of Venezuela
❁ He proved that “Pen is Mightier than the o Jose de San Martin of Argentina
Sword” to redeem people from their political o Jimmo Tenno of Japan and others
slavery. The Pen and The Sword
❁ The Americans, particularly Civic Napoleon I said “there are only two powers
Governor William Howard Taft being the in the world, the sword and the pen; in the
Chairman of the Philippine Commission end the former is always conquered by the
addressed Messrs. Pardo de Tavera, latter.”
Legarda, Gregorio Araneta, Cayetano and Thomas Browne said “scholars are men of
Arellano for the choosing of the Philippine peace; they bear no arms, but the tongues
National Hero. are sharper than the sword. Their pens
- Among the nominated names were MH carry further and give a louder report than
Del Pilar, Gen. Antonio Luna, Gregorio thunder. I rather stand in the shock of a
Lopez Jaena, Emilio Jacinto and Jose P. basilisk than in the fury of a merciless pen.”
Rizal.
Criteria for Choosing a National Hero CHAPTER 2
❁ Dr. Otley H. Beyer, an anthropologist and THE PHILIPPINE CONDITION IN THE
technical member of the panel of the 19TH CENTURY AS RIZAL'S CONTEXT
Philippine Commission recommended the Spain and the Philippines in Rizal's Time
following criteria in choosing the national • Before the conquest, Filipino have their
hero: own indigenous culture and government;
1. The person must be a Filipino “barangay” is headed by a native chieftain
2. Must be peace-loving and pacifist called “datu”, independent of each other and
3. Must have great sense of patriotism each had its own laws.
4. Must have die for the country as a martyr • In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi
Reasons for Choosing Rizal as Philippine's established the first Spanish settlement in
National Hero Cebu.
• Spanish conquerors forced them to adopt
foreign ways and Spanish Catholicism that
they never understood. They lost their o Enjoyed judicial powers as an ex-officio
ancestral land to the “conquistadores” by president of the Royal Audiencia
the “encomienda system” o His religious duty give him the prerogative
• Spanish rule was imposed in the to nominate priests to ecclesiastical
Philippines by conquest. The Philippines positions and to control the finances of the
became a colony of Spain and it belonged missions
to the king of Spain. o He has the power to give pardon to
Political Condition during the 19th Century: prisoners and to decide in different issues in
Political System the country
1. Central Administration o Had a salary of 40,000 pesos per annum.
o Spaniards rule the Philippines indirectly o The Lieutenant General (General
thru the Viceroy of Mexico - they assigned Segundo Cabo), assists the Gov General
an officer who will monitor the colony and it and advisory bodies as the Board of
is this Viceroy since the capital of the Authorities, Council of Administration and
colonial administration is Mexico. Secretariat of the Central Government.
o The king and the other officials issued o The Residencia or the official who check
royal decrees governing the Philippines the abuse of power of the royal officials who
through the Ministry of Colonies (Ministro de lives in the country; they checked the power
Ultra Mar) based in Madrid. and responsibilities of the Gobernador
o This body helped the Spanish monarch General of the country
manage the affairs of the colonies and o The Visitador or the official who will just
govern the Philippines through the visit the country to check the royal officials
centralized government in Manila exercising 2. Provincial Government or Alcaldias run
executive, legislative, and religious power by civil governors or alcalde mayor – which
o Consejo de Indias (Council of the Indies) power is similar to Gobernador General but
or the legislative body (De jure legislator) for the jurisdiction is only in the province
the colonies and in 1681 -Had a salary of 1500 per annum.
- they were able to release the 3. City Government called Cabildo or
Recopilacion de leye de los reynos de las Ayuntamiento run by mayor and a vice
indias - this law guide the administration of mayor who were both chief executives and
the colonies of the Spanish empire judicial magistrate
o They appoints the Gobernador General in ■ Local Government unit composed of
the colonies. barangays headed by the gobernadorcillo or
o The Governor General, appointed by the capitan - the highest position in the
Spanish King headed by the central government where native Filipino could be
administration. appointed and was elected at the beginning
o He is the highest Spanish leader in the of every year by the principalia made up of
colonies the incumbent ex-cabeza de barangay, the
o He has the power of Cumplace or the smallest unit of government.
power to chose law that will be implemented ■ The barangay or barrio headed by the
in the country “cabeza de barangay” whose main
o He was the king's representative in the responsibility was to collect taxes and
governmental matters and was the Vice- tributes from the families.
Royal Patron over religious matters ■ Power is similar to alcalde mayor however
o Has extensive powers as head of the limited only to his town and has the power
state and the church of Indulto de Commercio or the right to
o Can issued executive orders and engage into trading
proclamations; can exercise legislative ■ Smallest unit of government - barangay or
powers bario headed by the cabeza de barangay -
o Commander-in-chief of the military main responsibility was to collect taxes and
tributes from the families.
■ For his services, he recieved 2% of the ☘ Alcalde Mayor - was the most corrupt
tax process and 4% of the sanctorum or the branch of the government
tax paid to the Church each year to cover o He controlled the provincial trade
the costs of three fiestas: All Saints day, o He bought people's rice and other
Holy Thursday and Corpus Christi. products at low prices and sold them to
■ To ensure that the revenues collected will natives at high prices
be submitted, the cabeza's properties were o He collected all the products to complete
deemed mortgaged to the state for the his needed quota even in the time of poor
entire duration of his term - 3 years harvest, failure, thus leaving the farmers
■ He is exempted in Polo y Servicios with no seeds for the next planting
■ The Indios or the native Filipinos had no o More taxes were collected than required
right to occupy the higher position in the by the law and pocketed the excess of the
government - Only allowed to run for collection
Gobernadorcillo and Cabeza de Barangay. Instability of Colonial Administration
- Suffrage is only given to males, 23 years The political instability in Spain adversely
old and above, well-educated and had affected Philippine affairs because it brought
properties and tax amounting to 500 pesos. about frequent periodic shifts in colonial
The Supremacy of the Friars over the policies and a periodic rigodon of colonial
Colonial Government officials.
o Different religious orders had great The frequent change of colonial officials
contributions in the establishment of the hampered the political and economic
Spanish Colonial Government in the development of the Philippines. Hardly had
country. one gov-gen begun his administration when
o For this reason, the monastic supremacy he was soon replaced by his successor.
or frailocracia exist in the country This lead to instability and inconsistencies in
o They influence the Governor General, in the administration
effect became the rulers of municipalities For instance, from 1894 to 1898, the
and control the different aspects of the Philippines was ruled by 45 governor
society like education, the trading, the generals, each serving an average term of
haciendas and the economy only one year and three months.
● The Spanish priest were able to dominate At one time - from December 1853 to Nov
the control in different parishes and had the 1854 - a period of less than a year - there
power to get the parishes from the secular were 4 governor generals
priest or the Filipino priest. Corrupt Spanish Officials
● The enemy of the church will be 1. General Rafael de Izquierdo (1871- 1873)
considered as the enemy of the government was a boastful and ruthless gov-gen,
and this matter is proven in the case of the arousing the anger of the Filipino by
GOMBURZA and Jose P. Rizal. executing the GOMBURZA - martyrs of
Abuses of the Spanish Government Officials 1872 (Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose
☘ Governor General - the excessive power Burgos and Jacinto Zamora).
and villages made him weak and 2. Admiral Jose Malcampo (1844-77) was a
undisciplined. good moro fighter yet inept and weak
o His prerogatives often gave him the administrator.
opportunity to reward his favorites and 3. General Fernando Primo de Rivera
relatives and penalize those who displeased (1880-83) (1897-98) was a gov-gen for two
him. terms; enriched himself by accepting bribes
o He lack moral strength to resist corruption from gambling casinos in Manila which he
for material advancement scandalously permitted to operate.
o He filled in some positions thus many 4. General Valeriano Weyler (1888-91) was
officials exploit their offices to recover their a cruel and corrupt gov-gen, arrived in
expenses and enriched themselves Manila as poor and returned to Spain as a
millionaire. He received huge bribes and ☘ The Spanish missionaries, who
gifts of diamonds from wealthy Chinese who introduced Christianity into the Philippines
evaded the anti-chinese law. as early as in the 16th century, taught that
o The Filipinos called him “tyrant” because all men, irrespective of colour and race, are
of his brutal persecution of the Calamba children of God and as such they are
tenants particularly the family of Dr. Jose brothers, equal before God. In practice, the
Rizal. Spanish colonial authorities, who were
o The cubans cursed him as “The Butcher” Christians, did not implement Christ's
because of his ruthless reconcentration precepts of the brotherhood of all men
policy causing death of thousands of especially during the last decades of
Cubans (1896). Hispanic rule. They arrogantly regarded the
5. General Camilo de Polavieja (1896-97), brown- skinned Filipinos as inferior beings,
an able militarist but heartless gov-gen; was not their Christian brothers to be protected
detested by Filipinos for executing Dr. Rizal but rather as their subjects to be exploited.
● The colonial officials sent by Spain to the ☘ The Filipino were abused, brutalized,
Philippines in the 19th century were far cry persecuted, and slandered by their Spanish
from their able and dedicated predecessors masters. They cannot appeal to the law for
of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries justice because the law being dispensed
● They were corrupt, incompetent and cruel was only for the white Spaniards.
Philippine Representation in the Spanish Maladministration of Justice
Cortes ☘ During Rizal's time, the courts of justice in
PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATION IN THE the Philippines were notoriously corrupt.
SPANISH CORTES They were courts of “injustice”, as far as the
The first representation in the Spanish brown Filipinos were concerned. The
Cortes (1810-1813) was fruitful with the Spanish judges, fiscals (prosecuting atty.)
beneficent results to the welfare of the and other court officials were inept, venial,
colony and oftentimes ignorant of the law.
The 2nd (1820-23) and 3rd (1834-37) were ☘ Justice was costly, partial and slow that's
less fruitful to parliamentary work. why poor Filipinos don't have access to the
Unfortunately, the representation was courts; they could not afford the heavy
abolished in 1837 and this worsened the expenses of litigation.
Philippine condition for they could not ☘ To the Filipino masses, litigation in court
expose the anomalies of the colonial was a calamity; the expense incurred even
officials. Many Filipino valiantly pleaded but in a simple lawsuit often exceeded the value
the fervent plea of Graciano Lopez Jaena of the property at issue, litigants found
and his compatriots was ignored Cuba and themselves impoverished at the end of the
Puerto Rico plea were granted long tussle.
representation in the Spanish Cortes by the ☘ Criminal cases dragged on for many
Spanish Constitution of 1876 but the years; either the delinquents took to flight or
Philippine representation in the Cortes was the document were lost
never restored until the end of Spanish rule - Dr. Jose Rizal was a victim of Spanish
in 1898. injustice. Twice; in 1871 and in 1891. Doña
Human Rights Denied to Filipinos. Teodora (Rizal's mother) was unjustly
☘ Since the adoption of the Spanish arrested and jailed on flimsy grounds Rizal
Constitution of 1812 and other constitutions, himself was deported in July, 1892 to
the people of Spain enjoyed freedom of Dapitan without benefit of a trial.
speech, press, association and other human His brother Paciano and his brothers-in- law
rights. But they denied it to the Filipinos in were exiled to different parts of the
Asia. archipelago without due process.
No Equality Before the Law And the execution of the GOMBURZA - a
noble victim of Spanish miscarriage of receiving of visitors, azotea, banguerahan
justice for wash room, komedor or the room for
SOCIO-CULTURAL CONDITION DURING dining and the separate rooms for the
THE 19TH CENTURY: THE SOCIAL members of the family.
STRATA/STRUCTURE Racial Discrimination
● Peninsulares - highest class, they are Racial prejudice was prevalent everywhere -
Spanish born in Spain and live in the in govt offices, in the court of justices, in the
Philippines armed forces, in the social circles, and even
● Insulares - they are Spanish born and live in the educational institutions and in the
in the Philippines ecclesiastical hierarchy.
○ The two highest classes established their Father Jose Burgos (1837-1872) - one of
community in Intramuros and enclosed it in the shining stars of Filipino clergy
a wall to segregate their populations from complained of the lack of opportunities for
the other class. educated young Filipinos to rise in the
○ Intramuros became the site of power, service of God and country
center of education, and spirituality o He lamented “shall a young man strive to
● Creoles - mix blood or the combination of rise in the profession of law or of theology,
Spanish and Filipino when he can vision no future to himself.”
○ Illustrado - or the well-educated Filipino FRAILOCRACY/SECULARIZATION OF
○ Principalía/Encomenderos - or the land FILIPINO PRIESTS
owners • Frailocracy (frailocracia) - Spanish political
■ They are the first one who thought of philosophy of union of Church and State
fighting the Spaniards however they only arose a unique form of government in
seek for reform and not for independence Hispanic Philippines which was governed by
● Indios - the lower class, the native Friars
Filipinos
■ They are unfortunate and discriminated • The Friars (Augustinian, Dominicans, &
class in the society and subject to numerous Franciscans) controlled the religious and
taxation educational life of the Philippines and later
TRANSFORMATION OF THE SOCIETY in the 19th century came to acquire
AND CULTURE tremendous political power, influences and
► The Hispanization of the Filipinos is very riches.
evident in the different aspect of the society - Ruled the Philippines through a facade of
and Catholicism has an important role in the civil government; they control the colonial
transformation of the culture of the Filipinos authorities from the gov-gen to alcalde
The literature became theocentric (from mayores.
epics, turns to awit, corrido, moromoro, - They became supervisor of local
komedya, and pasyon)
elections, inspector of schools and taxes,
► The alibata was replace by the
arbiter of morals and censor of books,
Abecedario of the Spaniards
superintendent of public works and guardian
► The first print book printed in the country
of peace and order
was the Doctrina Christiana en letra y
lengua china, also centered in the spread of - They can send patriotic Filipino to jail or
Catholicism in the country. Painting was denounces him as Filibustero (traitor) to be
also secularized because of the Synod of exiled to distant place or executed as an
Calasiao in 1773 which ordered the painters enemy of God.
should use the concepts of the church - only • Jose P. Rizal, MH Del Pila, Graciano
allowed to have other subjects after 10 Lopez Jaena, and other Filipino reformist
years. In terms of dwellings the simple denounced friars as the enemies of liberal
bahay kubo became a stone house with reforms and modern progress in the
different divisions and parts: sala for Philippines
 Educational System During the Spanish convent, in a stable in the “casa real” or in
Regime the darkest corner in the pueblo's town hall -
Religion is still the center of the educational friars maintained this to repress Filipino
system imposed by the Spaniards intellect rather than cultivating and
Primary education - catered by friars, by developing them.
teaching them Christian doctrine, alphabet, • UST (1611) was the only institution of
language, customs, and policies. For males university level in Manila at the end of
in secondary education schools: Spanish period.
1. Colegio Maximo de San Ignacio (1589)
2. Colegio of San Ildefonso (1599) • The official schools for boys; San Juan de
3. Ateneo de Municipal (1817) Two official Letran College and Ateneo De Manila.
secondary schools for males Secondary schools for Girls; established in
4. San Juan de Letran College Manila; pioneered by Santa Isabel College,
5. (3 Later on became) Ateneo de Manila La Concordia, Sta. Catalina College, Sta.
For males curriculum includes: Spanish Rosa and Asilo de Lookan.
history, Latin, Philosophy, Canon, Civil law • Although the Spanish Colonial
and Rhetoric Administration issued the Educational
For females in secondary education Decree of 1863 (20 December) stating that
schools: “that each major town in the Philippines
1. Colegios of Santa Potenciana (1591) should establish at least one primary
2. Sta Isabel (1632) schools for boys and another for girls, that
3. Sta Catalina de Sena (1696) the medium of instruction is Spanish.”
4. Sta Rita College (1719) • The friars did not implement the decree;
5. Colegio de la Immaculada
because they say that if the Filipino will be
Concepcion Concordia (1868)
educated, it might be inspired by new ideas
6. Sta Rosa
of freedom and independence as well as
7. Asilo de Lookan
justice thus keeping them in the dark.
For females curriculum: Rules of
courtesy, vocal music, language and sewing • This explained the rigid censorship of
● The educational system is also used to book by church authorities as well as the
pacify the Filipinos and train them in government
Catholicism and to follow laws imposed by • Another noble intention of Spain to
the Spaniards. improve the Educational System in the
● Boys and girls have separate schools and Philippines was the Moret Decree of 1870 -
have different curriculums. to secularize higher education in the colony
● Filipino students are not allowed to speak but was opposed by friars.
their own dialect in school, school buildings ECONOMIC CONDITION DURING THE
and other facilities - but some of the friars 19th CENTURY: THE ENCONMIENDA
believed that learning Spanish would make SYSTEM
Filipino people oppose to Spanish rule
● The Department of Education could not
• To solve the issue of governance, he
converted the land of the Indios into the
also provide enough books and other
Encomienda.
instructional materials needed for the quality
education. Important subject is religion • Encomienda comes from the Spanish
● The parochial schools were established “encomendar” which means “to entrust”
with Spanish missionaries as the teachers. • The encomienda is a grant of inhabitants
• The natives were constantly reminded that living in particular conquered territory which
they had inferior intelligence and they were Spain gave to Spanish colonizer as a
fit only for manual labors thus children reward for his services (Zaide, 1987)
attended classes on the ground floor of the
• After the establishment of the Spanish chickens and valuable belongings and
government in Manila, the challenge that raping helpless women.
Legazpi faced was how he could control the ▪ The officers (Spaniards) and men (natives)
different parts of the country with his limited were ill trained and undisciplined unlike the
armies. same decree in Spain
3 types of encomienda: ▪ Jose Rizal witnessed the atrocities
Royal - taxes will go to the king of Spain committed by the Guardia Civil on the
Ecclesiastical - taxes will go to the church Calamba folks for he and his mother had
Privado - it is an encomienda given to the been victims of the brutalities of a lieutenant
friend of the king who had contributed to the of it. It was natural that Rizal directed his
colonization stinging satire against the hated Guardia
Civil. Through Elias in Noli Me Tangere, he
• However, they abolished the encomienda exposed it as a bunch of ruthless ruffians
and convert the land to hacienda goon only “for disturbing peace and
The encomiendero had the right to collect persecuting honest men.”
taxes, monitor the peace and order and Different Socio-Economic Policies Imposed
govern the parcel of land given to him by Spaniards
• Encomiendero are not allowed to live 1. Reduccion - natives are forced to live in
inside his encomienda to avoid direct the place near the center and they could
communication to the natives living in it. hear the sound of the bell.
• The natives who are the real owner of the - This policy was implemented so that govt
and parish priest could easily monitor them
land became slaves in their own properties -
and for the easy conversion to Catholicism
which they were subjected to taxation
- The program of Father Juan de Placencia
Hacienda Owned by the Friars and Spanish
led to the creation of the center which is
Officials
composed of the church, the municipal hall,
▪ During Rizal's time, the friars were the
plaza, market and school of each town.
richest landlords for they owned the best
2. Bandala - natives are obliged to sell their
hacienda (agricultural lands) in the
products to the Spaniards even in the
Philippines
lowest price, and sometimes
▪ Rural folks became tenants of the
Spaniards will just issue a promissory note.
hacienda, they were the one who tend and
3. Polo y Servicios or Forced Labor - “polo”
cultivate it for many generations
is a corruption of the Tagalog “pulong”
▪ Friars were recognized as legal owners
meaning “meeting of persons and things” or
because they obtained royal titles of
“community labor”.
ownership from the Spanish crown - later
- Drafted laborers were either Filipino or
on, the friars' haciendas became the hotbed
Chinese male meztizos who were obligated
of agrarian revolts; agrarian upheaval in
to give personal service to community
1745-1746
projects, like construction and repair of
The Abuses of Guardia Civil, Church
infrastructure, church construction, or
Officials, and Political Leaders
cutting logs in the forests, for 40 days.
▪ Guardia Civil (Constabulary) was the last
- All able-body males, from 16-60 years old,
hated symbol of Spanish tyranny created by
except chieftains and their elder sons.
the Royal Decree of 1852 (Feb. 12)
- This was instituted in 1580 and reduced to
amended by another
15 days per year. in 1884 (Constantino,
▪ Royal Decree of 1888 (March 24) for the
1975)
purpose of maintaining peace and order in
- Polista (the person who renders forced
the Philippines.
labor) will be paid a daily wage of ¼ real
▪ Later this decree became infamous for
plus rice.
their rampant abuses such as maltreating
4. Laws that regulated Polo y Servicios:
innocent people, looting their carabaos,
The polista (the person who renders the
forced labor) will be paid a daily wage of 1/4 - In 1570s, tribute was fixed at eight reales
real plus rice. (1 real = 12 ½ centavos) or in kind like gold,
Polista must not be brought from a distant blankets, cotton, rice, bes and raised to 15
place nor required to work during planting reales till the end of Spanish period.
and harvesting seasons 6. Galleon Trade - it is a trading system that
o Despite restriction, still resulted to existed in 1565 until 1815, and trading
disastrous consequences: routed from Canton in China, Acapulco in
> Ruining of communities of men left behind Mexico and Manila.
> The promised wage was not given exactly - This policy changes the system of free
as promised that led to starvation or even trading in the Philippines where other
death to some polistas and their families nationalities are free to exchange their
(Agoncillo, 1990) goods.
The Effects of Polo y Servicios: - A policy that a merchant could only
1. The decrease in the production in participate in the trading if he can afford to
agriculture because the time for Polo y pay for the “boletas” or the ticket for the
servicios coincide with the planting and Galleon trade.
harvesting period Effects of Galleon Trade:
2. The decrease in population because 1. The decrease in the production of the
there were a lot of polistas who died native industry because the Alcalde Mayors
because of manual work in Polo who were part of the trading imposed the
3. The rebellion of the natives planting of coconut and abaca fibers. If the
4. Taxation - different types of taxes: farmers could not met the imposed quota
a. Cedulla - male and female 18 years old they will pay a heavy fine.
and above will pay 8 reales every year for 2. The loss of profit of the local industry
the cedula 3. The intercultural exchange between the
b. Sanctorum - tax for the church amounting Philippines and Mexico. The product of
to 3 reales Mexico like cocoa, sayote, tames, etc.
c. Donativo de Zamboanga - one half real to entered the country while the mango of the
finance the war in Mindanao against the Philippines, rice, and textiles were able to
Muslims reach the Mexico
d. Tribute - paid in cash or in kind
5. Tributo (Tribute) or Buwis Filipino paid CHAPTER 3:
tribute to the colonial government as a sign RIZAL'S LIFE: FAMILY, CHILDHOOD
of vassalage to spain (Zaide, 1999) AND EARLY EDUCATION
In July 26, 1523, King Charles V decreed • Dr. Jose P. Rizal - Greatest Malayan who
the Indians who had been pacified should ever lived - the title he earned for the
contribute a “moderate amount” in wisdom and sacrifices for the country; up to
recognition of their vassalage (Cusher, this day, no Asian has surpassed Rizal's
1979) ingenuity and extreme intelligence.
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi first ordered the • Dr. Austin Craig was the first to trace
payment of tribute both in Visayas and Rizal's family roots and discover his
Luzon. His successor followed the practice. Chinese ancestry.
Buwis consist of two types (Agoncillo, • Dr. Jose P. Rizal was a 9th generation
1990): patrilineal descedant of a Chinese
A. Direct tax - came from customs duties immigrant and business tycoon
and bandala taxes • Don Domingo Lamco (Chinese name:
B. Monopolies (Rentas Escantadas) - of Pinyin Ke Yinan) of Laguna was his
special crops and items great-great grandfather.
- Buwis are collected either by specie (gold • Don Domingo Lamco - is originally from
or money) and kind (like rice, chicken, cloth, Amoy, China who came to the Philippines in
abaca, etc.) the mid-17th century.
This is where he met his wife, Inez de la they harvested rice, corn, and sugarcane.
Rosa daughter of Agustin Chinco an Also they raise pigs, chickens and turkeys.
immigrant trader from Chuanchow. • Teodora managed a grocery store and
• To avoid the the conflict and hostility of the operated a small flour mill.
Spanish authorties; Lamco dropped his • Rizal's parents were able to build a large
surname and adopted that of the Spanish stone house which was situated near the
which is “Mercado” which means market town church; own a carriage as a status
and started businesses of the clan, and symbol of “ilustrados” and a private library
became a successful entrepreneur. consisting of 1000 volumes.
• June 1697, Lamco (Mercado) was • Their children were studying in colleges in
baptized in the Catholic church of Manila's Manila. They participated in all social and
Parian Chinese ghetto and moved to Biñan religious affairs in the community. They
Laguna. were gracious and hospitable to all visitors
• He was 35 years old that time and he and guests during town fiestas and other
became a Chinese community leader; his holidays.
son named Francisco Mercado and • The Rizal family had simple and happy life;
grandson named Juan Mercado married they were intimately close
Chinese Mestizas and served as • The parent's never spoiled them; they
distinguished mayor of Biñan Laguna. were strict and trained their children to love
• Juan's wife, Cirila Alejandra was the God, to behave well, to be obedient and to
daughter of an immigrant trader and respect people.
Mercado's baptismal godson Siong-co. • When they got into mischief, they were
• They are the parents of Rizal's father. given good spanking because they believed
• Rizal's father was born, they transferred to that “spare the rod and spoil the child”.
Calamba and have a house built with stones THE HERO'S FATHER: FRANCISCO
- a first stone house in the whole town. MERCADO RIZAL (1818-1898)
• Dr. Jose P. Paciano was identified with Jose Rizal’s father, Don Francisco Mercado
one of the martyred priests, Jose Burgos so Rizal was born in Biñan, Laguna. He
the family changed their surname from studied Latin and Philosophy at the College
Mercado to Rizal. of San Jose in Manila. Moved to Calamba
• Recent genealogical findings revealed that after his parent's death.
Rizal also had Spanish, Japanese, and • Became a tenant farmer of the
Negrito ancestry. Teodora (Rizal's mother) Dominican-owned hacienda. He was
great grandfather, Eugenio Ursua was a hardworking, and independent- minded who
descendant of Japanese settlers. talked less but worked more and valiant in
• Eugenio Ursua married a Filipino named spirit.
Benigna and their union produced Regina • Jose Rizal described his father in his
Ursua. diary; “My father was a model of fathers had
• Atty. Manuel de Quintos, a Sangley given us an education commensurate with
mestizo from Pangasinan married Regina our small fortune; and through thrift he was
and their daughter is named Brigida. able to build a stone house; erect a little
• Brigida married a half-caste Spaniard nipa house in the middle of our orchard the
named Lorenzo Alberto Alonzo. They are shade of some trees and others.”
the parents of Teodora and Rizal's THE HERO'S MOTHER:DOÑA TEODORA
grandparents. ALONSO Y REALONDA (1826- 1911)
JOSE RIZAL’S FAMILY Doña Teodora Alonso y Realonda, was born
• Rizal family belongs to the “Principalia” , in Meisik, Sta. Cruz Manila. She studied at
an aristocratic town of distinguished Colegio de Sta. Rosa in Manila
families. A woman of refined culture and character,
• They rented from the Dominican Order, with exemplary literary talents, the fortitude
of a spartan woman and with business She was married to Antonio Lopez (Nephew
ability, she managed their store. of Father Leoncio Lopez) She was a
Jose Rizal described his mother in his diary; musician and an educator from Pueblo de
“My mother is a woman of more than Morong (former name of Rizal Province)
ordinary culture; she knows literature and She could recite from memory almost all
speaks Spanish better than I. She even poems of Jose Rizal
corrected my poems and gave me wise Children: Emilio, Angelica married to Benito
advices when I was studying rhetoric. She is Abreu, Antonio married to Natividad
a mathematician and has read many books” Arguelles, Isabel, Francisco, Arsenio, and
Rizal's character was influenced by his Fidela all whom died young.
parents. “From his father he inherited a 4. Olimpia (1855-1887) - nickname “Ypia”,
profound sense of dignity, self-respect and She was married to Silvestre Ubaldo, a
seriousness, and from his mother the telegraph operator of Manila
dreamer and bravery for sacrifices and her Children: Aristeo married to Leonarda Limja,
literary prowess.” Cesario and another boy; both died young.
don Francisco Mercado Rizal and Doña She died while giving birth in 1887
Teodora Alonso y Realonda were blessed 5. Lucia (1857-1919) - she was married to
with 11 children; 2 boys and 9 girls. Mariano Herbosa (nephew of Father
Rizal Siblings Casañas) of Calamba Laguna
1. Saturnina (1850-1913) - eldest; nickname Children: Delfina married to General
“Neneng”, She was married to Mauel T. Salvador, Natividad (Delfina helped
Hidalgo of Tanauan Batangas. (Rizal sent Marcella Agoncillo in making the first
frequent correspondence while the latter Philippine Flag in Hongkong), Concepcion
was in Europe) Patrocinia married to Jose Battalone,
Children: Alfredo married to Aurora Tiaoqui Teodosio married to Lucina Vitingco,
Adela married to Jose Ver; Abelardo; Estanislao, Paz, Victoria, and Jose.
Amelia and Augusto who both died young Her husband, Herbosa died of Cholera and
In 1909, Saturnina published Pascuals was denied of Christian burial being the
Poblete's Tagalog translation of Noli Me brother-in-law of Rizal
Tangere 6. Maria (1852-1939) - nickname “Biang”,
2. Paciano (1851-1930) - second child; She was married to Daniel Faustino Cruz of
Rizal's confidant and the one who Biñan, Laguna
convinced him to study in Europe without Children: Encarnacion married to Rosendo
parent permission He studied Latin under Banaad, Mauricio married to Concepcion
maestro Justiniano Cruz attending the Arguelles, Petrona, Paz, Prudencio, who all
Colegio de San Jose in Manila. He lived and died young.
worked with Fr. Jose A. Burgos. He was in 7. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Realonda
charge of sending money and budget, and (1861-1896) - nickname “Pepe”, The
constantly advised his brother Jose Rizal greatest Filipino hero, and peerless genius
through letters while in Europe. He became He was a Filipino nationalist and polymath
an ally of the Katipunan; He became a Opthalmologist, a writer, and a key member
general in the revolutionary army during the of the Filipino Propaganda Movement which
1900's After Rizal's execution in December advocated political reforms for the colony
1896 in Bagumbayan, he joined the under Spain
Philippine Revolution and became a combat 1872-1877 - studied high school at Ateneo
general. He returned to his farm in Los Municipal de Manila and graduated with
Baños, where he lived as a gentlemen, a honors
farmer and died at the age of 79 1878 - took up Philosophy and Letters at the
3. Narcisa (1852-1939) - third child; University of Santo Tomas while studying
nickname “Sisa”, surveying at the Ateneo Municipal de
Manila.
1879 - enrolled in College of Medicine at 8. Concepcion (1862-1865) - nickname
UST “Concha”, Died at the age of 3; her death
1884 - he started to write his first novel was Rizal's first sorrow in life
entitled “Noli Me Tangere” 9. Josefa (1865-1945) - nickname
June 21, 1884 - received the degree in “Panggoy” She was epileptic and died
Licentiate in Medicine from the Universidad spinster at the age of 80 She became a
Central de Madrid. member of Katipunan
June 19, 1885 - received the degree in 10. Trinidad (1868-1951) - nickname
Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters and “Trining”, Last of the siblings to survive and
completed studies, Doctor of Medicine. died as spinster too; died at the age of 83.
1886 - he studied Opthalmology at the She became a member of the Katipunan
University of Leipzig. Caretaker of “Mi Ultimo Adios”
February 21, 1887 - completed the novel 11. Soledad (1870-1929) - youngest;
Noli Me Tangere nickname “Choleng” She was married to
March 1887 - published the Noli Me Pantaleon Quintero of Calamba
Tangere in Berlin, Germany with the Children: Trinitario married Maria San
financial support of Dr. Maximo Viola. Mateo then married Bernabe Malva (Son of
1890, published his edition of Morga's General Miguel Malvar) Luisa married Jose
Sucesos in Paris, France and published Arguelles, Serafin and Felix who died
“The Indolence of the Filipinos” young. She became a teacher, said to have
September 18, 1891 - moved to Brussels, been “the best educated” among Rizal's
Belgium to publish his 2nd novel, El sisters.
Filibusterismo with assistance of Valentin 1929 - passed away at the age of 59
Ventura and Jose Ma. Basa. Francisco and Teodora were blessed with
1892 - founded La Liga Filipina in Tondo, 11 children; 2 boys and 9 girls.
Manila The Birth of Rizal
July 7, 1892 - Andres Bonifacio founded > Jose P. Rizal; the 7th Child of the Rizal
KKK to secure independence from Spanish family
rule. > June 19, 1861 - was born Wednesday
In 1892-1896 - Rizal lived in Dapitan to between 11:00 and 12:00 midnight in the
serve in various capacity town of Calamba, province of Laguna,
December 30, 1896 - Had a common law Philippines
relationship with Josephine Bracken, an > His mother almost died during her delivery
Irish girl from Hong Kong. He had a son and because Jose's head was big.
died a few hours after death and named him > June 22, 1861 - he was baptized in the
Francisco after his father. Catholic Church in Calamba by Father
Rizal was executed for the crime of rebellion Rufino Collantes
after the Philippine Revolution against > Rizal recounted: “My coming out in this
Spanish rule, inspired in part by his writings, vale of tears would have cost my mother her
broke out. life, had she not vowed to the Virginia of
Though he is not actively involved in its Antipolo to take me to her sanctuary by the
planning or conduct, he ultimately approved way of pilgrimage”
of its goals which eventually led to the > Father Collantes was impressed by the
Philippine Independence. big head of Rizal and told them “take good
Executed by a Firing squad at 7:30 in the care of this child, for someday he will
morning at the Bagumbayan Field. He was become a great man”.
buried at the Paco Cemetery after execution > “Jose” was chosen by his mother in honor
- widely considered as one of the greatest of San Jose (St. Joseph) whose feast was
heroes of the Philippines March 19.
> His complete name was Jose Protacio
Mercado Rizal Alonzo Y Realonda.
> The name “Protacio” was taken from the > Unfortunately, Concha died at the age of
Catholic calendar which was practice during three and for the first time he shed tears for
the Spanish time, that when a child is born, love and grief - which was said to be his first
s/he is named after saint of the day. sorrow.
> The surname “Mercado” which means THE STORY OF MOTH
market in English; was adopted in 1731 by > Of all the stories Rizal's mother had told,
his paternal great-grandfather, Domingo this is the most memorable that made the
Lamco - a full blooded Chinese merchant profoundest imprint on him.
> Surname Rizal was given by Don > It revealed to Rizal that the things until
Francisco which is closer to the Spanish then are unknown. That moth was no longer
word Ricial which means “luntiang bukirin” for him, an insignificant insect.
related to his work as hacienda >That moth communicates and warns just
owner/farmer. like his mother.
> Alonzo was the surname of Rizal's mother > Moth grown dazzling and more attractive
and Realonda was used by Doña Teodora and circled the flames then later on, burnt
which is the surname of her godmother. itself.
JOSE RIZAL'S CHILDHOOD YEARS > The tragic fate of the moth left a deep
> He could remember the tenderness of his impact on Rizal's mind, and just like it, he
mother because he was a frail, sickly and was fated to die as a martyr for a noble
undersized boy. ideal.
> At the age of 3, he enjoyed watching in Rizal's Mentors
the garden; like watching the insects, maya, 1. Doña Teodora - his mother is his first
culiawan, maria capra, pipit, marting and teacher; barely 3 years old, Rizal learned
other birds. the alphabet from his mother. He was taught
> He listened “with excitement and wonder” how to read and write in Spanish.
to their twilight songs and sound. 2. Maestro Celestino - 1st private tutor
> Another childhood memory was the daily 3. Maestro Lucas Padua - 2nd private tutor
praying of Angelus of 6:00 pm in their altar. 4. Leon Monroy - former classmate of
> At the “azotea” on a moonlight night, the Rizal's father, became his tutor; he
“aya” (nursemaid) would tell stories about instructed Jose in Spanish and Latin - he
fairies, legends, tales of buried treasures died five months later.
and other fabulous stories. 5. Uncle Manuel Alberto - seeing Rizal's frail
> The aya would threaten him if he would body, concerned himself with the physical
not eat his supper, about aswang, tikbalang, development of his young nephew and
nuno or the turbaned Bombay will come to taught the latter love for the open air and
take him away developed in him a great admiration for the
> At the age of 3 - join religious beauty of nature.
processions, and novena in the church 6. Uncle Gregorio - a scholar, instilled into
> At the age of 5 - he was able to read the the mind of the boy for education, advising
Spanish Bible with help of his mother. Rizal “work hard and perform every task
> Nearly 7 (June 6, 1868)- his father took very carefully; learn to be swift as well as
him for a pilgrimage to Antipolo in order to thorough; be independent in thinking and
fulfill his mother's vows which were made make visual pictures of everything.”
when he was born. > Rizal possessed a God-given talent for
The Hero's First Sorrow literature which was noticed by his mother;
> Rizal's family were bounded together by due to his poetic inclination, she
ties of love and care. encouraged Rizal to write poetry.
Thus, he loved most his little sister, > At the age of 8 - Rizal wrote his first poem
especially Concha (Concepcion) who was in the native language entitled: “Sa Aking
next to him. Mga Kabata” - To My Fellow Children
> “Sa Aking Mga Kabata” - reveals Rizal's named Juancho and became an apprentice
earliest nationalist sentiment. In poetic together with Jose Guevarra - became class
verses, he proudly proclaimed that a people best painter
who truly love their native language will > Jose lead a frugal and methodical life in
surely strive for liberty like “the bird which Biñan; his time was well budgeted and
soars to freer space above” and the Tagalog studies deligently excelled in classes
is the equal of Latin, English, Spanish and EDUCATION AT ATENEO
any other language > June 10, 1872 - Paciano accompanied
7. Father Leoncio Lopez - fostered Rizal's Rizal to take entrance examination at
love for the scholarship and intellectual College of San Juan de Letran and passed
honesty; an old parish priest of Calamba it.
>At an early age, Rizal was already > Don Francisco changed his mind and
exposed to the injustices and brutalities of decided to send Rizal to Ateneo Municipal
Spanish authority, in particular the Guardia (today's Ateneo de Manila)
Civil who were supposed to protect the > Father Magin Fernando, the school
people from harm. registrar, refused to admit Rizal for he was
> He wrote and related to it and this late for registration and he was sickly and
awakened to fight tyranny. small of his age.
> Rizal loved for his sisters that he usually > With the intercession of Perez Burgos,
wrote letters for them, emphasize women nephew of Father Burgos, he was admitted
and their righteous place in the society to Intramuros.
CHAPTER 4: > Jesuits' System of Education was more
RIZAL'S LIFE: HIGHER EDUCATION advanced in which discipline was rigid and
AND LIFE ABROAD the methods were varied. Thus, as a
Education at Biñan Laguna religious institute, its principal purpose was
> June 1869, Paciano accompanied Rizal to to mold the character and the will of the
Biñan to continue his studies. boys, to comply easily with the precepts of
> The next day (Monday), Paciano brought the church.
Rizal to the school of Maestro Justiniano > Fr. Jose Bech was Rizal's first professor in
Aquino Cruz, his older brother's former Ateneo. Rizal as a newcomer with little
teacher. knowledge in Spanish and an externo (non-
> Maestro Justiniano was a disciplinarian, a boarders) placed in Carthaginian Empire
tall man, lean and long-necked, with a sharp > The other group was the “Roman Empire”
nose and a body slightly bent forward. consisting of internos (boarders).
> In the afternoon, Jose met the bully, > Each group had its ranks:
Pedro. He was angry for making fun of him 1 - Emperor
during his conversation with the teacher so 2 - Tribune
he challenged Pedro to a fight; Jose who 3 - Decurion
learned the art of wrestling from his athletic 4 - Centurion
Tio Manuel defeated the bully. Then he 5 - Standard Bearer
became popular. > The two groups “Roman Empire” and
> After the class in the afternoon, a “Carthaginian Empire” were in constant
classmate named Andres Salandanan competition for supremacy in the class.
challenged Jose for an arm-wretling match; > Jose Rizal progressed so well in his
Jose who have a weaker arm lost and studies that after 1 month he became an
nearly cracked his hand on the sidewalk “emperor” and was considered the brightest
> He had several fights with the boys of pupil of the class.
Biñan. He was not quarrelsome but he > He was awarded a prize namely: “a
never run away from a fight. religious picture” - the first prize he ever
> Jose spent his leisure hours with Maestro received.
Justiniano's father-in-law, a master painter
> He spent his leisure hours by taking and discipline brings peace, glory and
private lessons to improve his Spanish at tranquility to the nation.
Sta. Isabel College - he paid 3 pesos for > In addition, this poem shows Rizal's high
Spanish lessons. regard for education. He strongly believed in
> March 1873, end of school year; he the important role which education plays in
returned to Calamba for summer vacation - the development and progress of a nation
did not enjoy his vacation for his mother > The poem was translated to English by Dr.
was arrested on a malicious charge that she Frank C. Laucbach
and her brother, Jose Alberto tried to poison > Rizal wrote the poem in 1876 at the age
the latter's wife. of 15, while the Philippines was under rule
> Doña Teodora was forced to walk from by the Spanish government at the Ateneo
Calamba all the way to Sta. Cruz - a de Municipal.
distance of 50 kilometers and was Other Poems
imprisoned for 2 and a half years. Rizal wrote while in Ateneo as Inspired by
> In his second year in Ateneo (1873-74), Father Sanchez: “to make full use of his
he received excellent grades in all subject God-given talents in poetry and to open his
and a gold medal as a diligent student and mind to the rich influence of the world's
voracious literature”. In 1874:
reader. 1. Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First
> Rizal kept reading fiction, non-fiction and Inspiration) - poem dedicated to his mother
novel like “the Count of Monte Cristo” by on her birthday; he wrote it when he was 14
Alexander Dumas and relate himself to the years old. He felt over- joyed for his mother
sufferings of Edmond Dantes (the hero). was released from prison.
> He also read “Travels in the Philippines” 2. Al Nino Jesus (To the Child Jesus) “To
written by Dr. Feodor Jagor, a German the Child of Jesus” was written in Spanish
scientist-traveler who visited the Philippines by Jose Rizal in 1875, at the age of 14, the
in 1859-1860. The book consist of keen poem with eight verses only.
observation and defects of Spanish 3. A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary)
colonization and a prophecy that they will December 3, 1876
lose and be succeeded by America as a In 1875, Rizal wrote literary pieces:
colonizer 1. Felicitacion (Felicitation)
> He also read the “Universal History” by 2. El Embarque: Himno A la Flota de
Cesar Cantus which was a rich source of Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to
historical facts about the world - used to Magellan's Fleet)
read this while in Ateneo. 3. Y Es Espanol: Elcano, Primiero en dar la
> On his 4th Year, he was inspired to study Vuelta (And He is Spanish: Elcano, the First
hard and to write poetry by one of his best to Circumnavigate the World)
professors, Father Fracisco de Paula 4. El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo
Sanchez, a great educator and scholar. (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo) Rizal
> Rizal's formal lesson at the Ateneo Wrote Poems on Various Topics - religion,
gradually gained him proficiency both in the education, childhood memories, and war.
art of rhetoric and in the art of independent In 1876:
thinking. 1. La Tragedia de San Eustaquio (The
> He expressed his ideas on the value of tragedy of St. Eustace) - this poem recounts
education in his poem “Through Education the tragic story of St. Eustace.
The Country Receives Light” (April 1, 1876, 2. Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo (In Memory of
Por la Education Recibe Lustre la Patria) My Town) - a tender poem in honor of
> In this poem, he stressed that responsible Calamba, the hero's natal town.
education instills in the youth, noble ideas 3. Alianza Intima Entre la religion y la Buena
and sublime virtues. Learning infuses truth Education (Intimate Alliance between
Religion and Good Education) - this poem
shows the importance of religion in Sobresaliente (Excellent) March 23, 1877;
education; education without God is not he received his degree of Bachelor of Art
education at all for Rizal. with honors.
4. Por la Education Recibe Lustre la Patria The academic excellence of Rizal and his
(Through Education the Country Receives literary skills qualified him for membership in
Light) - it was a poem which reflects his two exclusive organizations at the Ateneo
highest regard for education. Education has namely:
a significant role which plays in molding of a He became the perfect candidate for
nation, the attainment of its progress and The Academy of Spanish
welfare. Literature and The
5. Ed Cautiverio y el Triunjo; Batalla de Academy of Natural
Lucena y Prison de Boabdil (The Captivity Science
and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the He also joined the Marian Congregations
Imprisonment of Boadbill) - it described the (Sodarity of our Lady and Apostleship of
defeat and capture of Boadbil, the last Prayer) - where he became the secretary
Moorish sultan of Granada. Rizal's Studies at University of Santo Tomas
6. La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes (1877-1882)
Catolices en Granada (The Triumphal Entry > He pursued his studies in UST because
of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada) - the Bachelor of Arts course during Spanish
this poem relates the victorious entry of times was equivalent only to the high school
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel into and junior college courses today. His
Granada, last Moorish stronghold in Spain. mother was opposed to his son's pursuing
He wrote more poems; it was his last year in higher education in Manila because of the
Ateneo among the poems written are: tragic faith of GOMBURZA.
In 1877: > Don Francisco believed of the great future
1. El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of that awaited his son whose intelligence was
Columbus) - this poem praises Columbus, among the “best” during that time.
the discovery of America. > During his 1st year at UST, he studied
2. Colon y Juan II (Columbus and John II) - simultaneously at Ateneo taking up
this poem related how King John II of vocational course leading to the title of
Portugal missed fame and riches by his “perito agrimensor” (expert surveyor) with
failure to finance the projected expedition of the grades of “Excellent” but was not given
Columbus to the New World. title because he was still 17 years old.
3. Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha > Finally decided to take medicine with the
(Great Solace in Great Misfortune) - this is a advice of Fr. Pablo Ramon to cure Doña
legend in verse of the tragic life of Teodora's failing eyesight.
Columbus. EXPERIENCE OF SPANISH BRUTALITY
4. Un Dialogo Alusivo a la Despedida de los > He first taste the Spanish brutality when
Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the he was in Calamba spending summer
Students) - the last poem written by Rizal in vacation after a long tedious study as
Ateneo; it is a poignant poem of farewell to medical student of UST.
his classmates. > One night while he was walking alone a
Rizal's Studies at Ateneo (1872-1877) dark street, Rizal failed to recognize the
He excelled in all subjects and won five Spanish civil guard, passing by his side,
medals at the end of the school term; and thus, he did not bow, salute or greet the
offered all his excellent ratings and medals man. At a striking distance, the civil guard
to his parents. Considered the most brilliant (Guardia Civil) whipped Rizal mercilessly at
Atenean of his time - the “Pride of the the back with a stingray tail (buntot ng pagi).
Jesuits” During his stay, his grades were all He suffered from the wounds inflicted on his
back that lasted for two weeks before it was
completely healed. He could not accept
such brutal treatment. When the incident Homer, the lyre to Vigil and the Laurel to
was reported to the Captain General Primo Cervantes.
de Rivera, he was even reprimanded and - At the end the naiads, nymphs, satyrs, and
even told Rizal that he should be thankful other mythology characters dancing and
for being still alive and spared by the civil gathering laurels for Cervantes.
guard. LITERARY WORKS OF RIZAL IN UST
RIZAL'S ARTISTIC WORKS Year 1879
> While at UST, Jose Rizal showed his 1. A La Juventad Filipina (To the Filipino
literary prowess Youth)
> In the 1879 - the Artistic-Literary Lyceum - Winning masterpiece submitted to Liceo;
of Manila (Liceo Artistico-Literario) a society feather shaped pen with golden ribbon
whose members were artist in Literature - Dedicated to Filipino Youth and for them to
held a contest in poetry writing and give their best for the betterment of our
composition. Nation
> Rizal joined and submitted his poem “To - “The Youth is the fair hope of our
The Filipino Youth” (Sa Kabataang Fatherland”
Pilipino/A La Juventud Filipino) - an Year 1880
inspiring poem of very significant form 2. El Consejo De Los Dioses (The Council
- Rizal pleaded to the Filipino youth to rise of Gods)
from their complacency and show their - Winning masterpice submitted to Liceo,
talents and skill 2nd time; Price: gold ring bearing the
> Rizal won the first prize which is a feather engraved bus of Cervantes
shaped pen decorated with a gold ribbon - An allegory that depicts the equality
and as well as gaining recognition for the between Homer, Vigil, and Cervantes
win. - But the certificate conferred to him is that
> The following year, the Liceo sponsored of the 2nd Place since Spanish judge that a
another competition celebrating the Filipino won
centenary of the death of Miguel de Other Works
Cervantes; the national poet of Spain; He 1. Abd-el-Azis Y Mahoma
joined and won first prize for his play “The - A poem composed for Manuel Fernandez
Council of the Gods” (El Consejo de los and declaimed by the latter on the night of
Dioses). December 7, 1879
> Another piece: Zarzuela; Junto al Pasig 2. Junto Al Pasig (Beside the Pasig)
(Beside the Pasig) which was staged by the - Drama played by the Ateneans on the
Ateneans, Dec. 8, 1880 to celebrate the occasion Feast of Immaculate Concepcion
Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion on Dec. 18, 1880.
patroness of the Ateneo - It was a religious satire in which Leonido
“The Council of the Gods” (El Consejo de the main character together with the choir of
los Dioses). Discussion among the angels driven out satan and his devils.
Olympian gods and goddesses as to who 3. A Filipinas (To the Philippines)
the greatest poet was between Homer, Virgil - A sonnet written in 1880 to praise the
or Cervantes. Jupiter was the final judge. Philippines for its beauty and to encourage
- The evaluation showed that the works of Filipino artist to glorify the country for their
the three poets were of equal value art works
- Awarded Rizal's work due to its superiority 4. AI M.R.P. Pablo Ramon, Recto del
and quality; it shows that an “Indio” could Ateneo, en Sus Dias
write better than Spaniard. - A poem wrote to thank Father Pablo
- The allegory gave parallel among Homer, Ramon who had been kind and helpful to
Virgil and Cervantes. The gods discussed him.
the merits of the great writers.
- The decision was to give the trumpet to
> Rizal's stay at UST was not meaningful registered at Hotel dela Paz; and the rest of
and fruitful for he found the atmosphere at his days were spent on visiting historic
UST suffocating to his sensitive spirit. places, temples, botanical garden, art
> He was unhappy of the Dominican galleries and statue of Sir Thomas Stanford
institution of higher learning Raffles (Founder of Singapore in 1819)
> The professor was hostile to him, the Colombo, Sri-Lanka (Ceylon)
method of teaching was different from the FROM SINGAPORE TO COLOMBO, SRI
brilliant method at Ateneo LANKA (CEYLON)
> Prejudice and racial discrimination was ▪ May 11, 1882 - From Singapore, he
prevalent boarded the Djemnah, A French streamer
JOSE RIZAL'S TRAVELS AND LIFE bound for Europe. French was mostly
ABROAD spoken on board and to his surprise, the
First Travel French he learned at the Ateneo could not
Jose Rizal continue his 4 years of medical be understood - so he gradually improved
degree at UST - the academic freedom he his facility of language conversing daily with
had enjoyed while at Ateneo was weakened the passengers.
by the racial prejudice and limitations at the ▪ May 17, 1882 - Djemnah made its
UST. Nevertheless, he finish his course for stoopover at the Point Galle which is a
he wanted to treat the failing eyesight of his seacoast town in Southern Ceylon (now
mother. His gen. ave. was creditable but he Sri-Lanka). He note that “the seacost town
found the classroom inadeqate for his is a picturesque but lonely, quiet and at the
academic curiosity that's why he decided to same time sad.”
continue his study at SPAIN. ▪ May 18, 1882 - the ship headed north and
Aside from studying abroad, he intended to docked at Colombo, capital of Ceylon
observe the life, culture, industries, (Sri-Lanka); Rizal wrote, “Colombo is more
government and laws of the European beautiful, smart and elegant than
nations in order to prepare himself in his Singapore, Point Galle and Manila.”
obsession to liberate the Filipino people TRIP THROUGH SUEZ CANAL
from Spanish tyranny. ▪ The Djemnah continued to voyage
The plan of leaving was not known to his crossing the Indian Ocean to the Cape of
parents only Paciano the older brother, Guardafui - the barren coast of Africa which
Saturnina and Lucia, his uncle Antonio for Rizal was an inhospitable land but
Rivera and other friends supported him fabulous.
TRAVEL TO SPAIN ▪ The next stopover was in Aden - the first
▪ May 1, 1882 - he began writing farewell time that Rizal stepped in African soil and
letters to his friends and family. Using the saw real camels. From Aden, the streamer
name Jose Mercado, departure for Spain arrived at Port Said (the red sea terminal of
was made possible. His brother, Paciano the Suez CanaL) in the City of Suez, and
gave him money and his sister, Saturnina Rizal was fascinated by the multi-racial
gave him a diamond ring. A Jesuit priest inhabitants speaking “A Babel of Tongues” -
gave him a letter of recommendation from Arabic, Egyptian, Greek, French, Italian,
the Ateneo Authorities to the Jesuit fathers Spanish, etc.
in Barcelona, Spain. ▪ From Port Said, the ship traversed the
▪ May 3, 1882 - Rizal left on board the Suez Canal and on June II, 1882 arrived at
Spanish steamer ship Salvadora bound for Napoli (now Naples, Italy) - Rizal explore
Singapore (he was the only Filipino) On the European territory in his sight and was
board, he get along famously with the pleased because of its business activities,
passenger including the ship Captain, its live people, its panoramic beauty like Mt.
Donato Lecha which is from Asturias Spain Vesuvius, The Castle of Saint Telmo, and
▪ After 5 days of sailing, the ship reached others. The ship proceed to Marseilles and
the English Colony Singapore. He
arrived at the French harbor on June 12, IN MADRID, SPAIN
1882. • November 3, 1882 - he left Barcelona with
• In Merseilles, he visited the famous unwavering determination, prodigious
Chateau d 'If where Dantes, the hero of energy and talent and enrolled at Central
“The Count of Monter Cristo '' was University of Madrid (Universidad Central
imprisoned. de Madrid) for the licentiate in Medicine and
• June 15, 1882 - in the afternoon, Rizal left Philosophy and Letters.
Merseilles by train bound for Barcelona. It • His study habit is systematic and well-
crossed Pyrenees and stropped for a day at organized because he wanted to learn so
Port Bou for passport inspection. much within a short time.
• June 16, 1882 - Rizal finally reached • To enhance his artistic talent, he also took
Barcelona, the second largest city of Spain lessons in painting and sculpture at the
and the greatest city of Cataluña. Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
Rizal's first impression of the city was not (Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando)
favorable for he happened stay upon his • During his free hours, he practiced
arrival at a dirty inn wherein the staff and shooting and fencing or he attended
guests were indifferent to him. lectures on art galleries and museums and
• Later, this first impression changed and read books on all subjects including military
found Barcelona to be really a great city, the engineering.
people were courageous, open-hearted and • He rigidly budgets his money and time.
hospitable, and most of all the atmosphere • He lived frugally with immense capacity for
of freedom and liberalism was felt. work. He was a voracious reader who could
His former classmates in Ateneo welcomed stay until midnight reading fiction and
him, and was given a party at the favorite nonfiction novels.
cafe in Plaza de Cataluña. • With many books he had read, two books
• While in Barcelona, Rizal wrote a left a deep impression on him that
natinalistic essay etitled - Amor Patrio (Love heightened his sympathy for the oppressed
of Country) - which was his first article and unfortunate people and these were the
written in Spain's soil under the pen name following:
Laong Laan. He sent this to his friend o Uncle Tom's Cabin by Hariet Beecher
Basilio Teodoro Moran, publisher of Stowe and The Wandering Jew by Eugene
Diariong Tagalog - the first Manila Sue
newspaper published both Spanish and • Aside from studies, Rizal had the chance
Tagalog. to meet Consuelo Ortiga y Perez - He fell in
• August 20, 1882 - the Amor Patrio was love with Consuelo but because Eduardo de
published in two texts: the Tagalog text was Lete was courting her, Rizal did not pursue
translated by Marcelo H. Del Pilar. further and made a poem for Consuelo.
• In this essay, Rizal urged the Filipinos to • August 22, 1883 - The poem Miss
love the Philippines, their fatherland. Thus Consuelo Ortiga y Rey (Miss C.O.Y.R) was
he wanted them to be free, to be people written at the age of 22 when he was in
with dignity and honor accdg. to God's plan. Madrid, Spain. It expresses Rizal’s feelings
• Because of the nationalistic fervor that the for Consuelo Ortega y Rey - a love that is
essay brings to the Philippines, Rizal's not meant to be. Rizal joined the
friend encourage him to write more. In Hispano-Philippine Circle (Circulo
response, he wrote the second article for Hispano-Filipino) - a society of Spaniards
Diarion Tagalog which is Los Viajes and Filipinos shortly after his arrival in
(Travels). Madrid.
• His third artice which is Revista de Madrid • Upon the request of the members of the
(Review of Madrid) was returned to him for society, he wrote a poem entitled ME
Diariong Tagalog had stopped the PIDEN VERSES (THEY ASK ME FOR
publication due to lack of funds. VERSES) which he personally declaimed
during the New Year's Eve reception in • Speaking in sonorous Castilian, he held
Madrid last December 31, 1882 In this sad his audience spellbound. He even
poem, he poured out the cry of his concluded with refined sarcasm the abuses
agonizing heart and sadness of being alone and blindness of some Spaniards who could
in the foreign land. not comprehend a university genius, ended
• Rizal became a mason in Madrid, he came with a toast and a wild ovations
in close contact with the Spanish liberals Rizal's Education in Spain
and republicans who were mostly masons. He followed a systematic and well-
• He was impressed by the way the Spanish organized schedule of study
masons openly and freely criticized and • June 21, 1884 - He completed his medical
attacked the government and church which course and was conferred the degree of
could not be done in the Philippines for they Licentiate in Medicine (Licenciado en
will be jailed or executed. He discovered the Medicina) by the Universidad Central de
political possibilities of being a mason, so Madrid that made him a full-fledged
he joined the Masonic lodge called Acacia physician, qualified to practice medicine.
in Madrid with the Masonic name • 1884-1885 - He completed his degree of
DIMASALANG. Doctor of Medicine but was not awarded his
2 reasons why he join: diploma for he did not submit the thesis as a
▸To secure freemasonry's aid in his fight requirement for graduation nor paid
against the friars in the Philippines for they corresponding fees; this degree was
use the Catholic religion as a shield to conferred in 1961 during the centenary of
entrench themselves in power and wealth his birth.
and persecute the Filipino Patriots. • June 19, 1885 - He was also awarded the
▸To utilize freemasonry as his shield to degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and
combat these problems in the Philippines Letters with ratings of “Sobresaliente”
and more mature contacts and RIZAL IN PARIS AND BERLIN (1885-1887)
enlightenment as he was writing his Noli Me In search for relevant education and
Tangere advanced studies, he went to Paris, France
• February 18, 1892 - he had been awarded and Berlin (now Germany), to specialize in
the diploma as Master Mason; after joining, Ophthalmology with the sole reason of
Rizal naturally ceased going to mass and curing his mother's eye ailment. On his way
wandered far from the faith - continued to to Paris, he stopped at Barcelona to visit his
have faith in Divine Providence, a testimony friend, Maximo Viola - a medical student
to the deep imprint of Catholicism in his who belonged to a rich family in San Miguel,
soul. Bulacan, and Don Miguel Morayta, the
• While in Madrid, the Filipinos including owner of La Publicidad.
Rizal were having financial problems • October 1885 - he arrived in Paris and
however, inspired by the victory of Juan stayed there for four months as an assistant
Luna and Resurrecion Hidalgo. to Dr. Louis de Weckert - a leading French
• Luna's painting - “Spolarium” won first Ophthalmologist.
prize gold medal • In his stay, he visited the studio of Juan
• Hidalgo's painting - “Christian Virgins Luna, the home of Pardo de Tavera and
Exposed to the Populace” won second prize Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo - they had long
silver medal. hours of discussion on the many problems
• June 25, 1884 - Rizal was invited to give of arts and learned techniques on his own.
the principal speech; it was attended by • He helped Luna by posing as a model in
prominent Spanish artists, newspapermen, several paintings like “The Death of
statesmen, and Filipinos in which he saluted Cleopatra” where he posed as an Egyptian
Luna and Hidalgo as the two glories of Priest “The Blood Compact”, posed as
Spain and the Philippines. Sikatuna with Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera
taking the role of Legazpi
 RIZAL IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG, send you a valuable book written by my
GERMANY countrymen in our language”,
His limited allowance and his desire to learn “The Spanish version is mediocre
more about eye ailments prompted him to because the author is only a modest writer,
go to Germany, where the cost of living was but the Tagalog part is good, and it is
cheaper than in Paris. previously the language spoken in our
• February 3, 1886 - he reached Heidelberg, province.”
a historic city in Germany famous for its old • With the letter, he sent the book entitled
university. “Arithmetica” (Arithmetic) printed by UST
• He worked at the University Eye Hospital press in 1868, authored by Rufino Baltazar
under the direction and supervision of Dr. Fernandez, a native of Sta. Cruz Laguna.
Otto Becker - a distinguished renowned • Blumentritt was impressed by Rizal's letter
German Ophthalmologist. and reciprocated by sending two books to
• He attended the lecture of Dr. Becker and Rizal as a gift; correspondence begin and
Prof. Wilhelm Kuehne at the University he became the bestfriend of Rizal
• During the weekend, he visited scenery From Geneva, Switzerland to Italy
around Heidelberg, the famous Heidelberg • June 19, 1887 - Rizal celebrated his 26th
Castle, the Romantic Neckar River, and the Birthday in Geneva Switzerland.
old churches. • After two weeks, he took a tour to Italy.
• He noticed ecumenism practiced where He visited famous cities of Venice, Turin,
people lived together in harmony and Milan, Florence, and Roma.
cordiality - half of the town churches was • In Rome, it was regarded as an “Eternal
used by Catholics and the other by the Roman Catholic Church” and “City of
Protestant. Popes”.
• During his stay, he lived with a Protestant • He stayed at Rome for a week and head
pastor Dr. Karl Ullmen, who became a good back home
friend.
• In the spring of 1886, Rizal was fascinated MODULE 5: THE GREAT NOVEL:
by the blooming flowers along the banks of NOLI ME TANGERE AND THE FIRST
the Necker River - among them was his HOMECOMING
favorite flower - a light blue “forget me not”. The Novel: Noli Me Tangere
• April 22, 1886, he wrote “A Las Flores de ✿ Rizal proposed a book writing project to
Heidelberg” (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) the Filipino members of the Circulo Hispano
- he was inspired by the pretty flowers Filipino; but they did not take interest with it.
strewn along the banks of the Neckar River ✿ The book would deal on the social-
- in this poem he revealed his longing for his cultural and political aspects of life in the
native land, which later he sent his message Philippines.
of love and faith in the Philippines. ✿ He write the book himself, he did not lose
FIRST LETTER TO PROFESSOR hope using his talent and writing skills. He
FERDINAND BLUMENTRITT started to write his masterpiece “Noli Me
• July 31, 1886 - Rizal's pride in his linguistic Tangere.”
talent was heightened when he wrote in a ✿ He joined the Brotherhood of Masons for
German Letter to Professor Ferdinand more mature contacts and enlightenment to
Blumetritt, Director of Ateneo of Leitmeritz complete the book.
Austria. ✿ He managed to finish the first half in
• He knew that this Austrian Ethnologist was Madrid; continued writing in Paris where he
interested in Philippine Languages. In his was inspired of the immortal
letter, Rizal said: declaration of the rights of man, been
o “I have heared that you are studying passed and implemented.
our language and that you had already
published some work about it; Permit me to
✿ He finished it in Germany where scientific was clearly manifested in this meeting, and
research and philosophy were free from the Maria Clara cannot help but reread the
church and state control. letters his sweetheart had written before he
✿ Noli Me Tangere was printed in Berlin went to Europe. Before Ibarra left for San
because Rizal was short of funds - charged Diego,
P300.00 for 2,000 copies. ✿ Lieutenant Guevara, a Guardia Civil,
✿ His friend Maximo Viola offered to pay revealed to him the incidents preceding the
the amount and the book was finally death of his father, Don Rafael Ibarra, a
released in March 1887. rich haciendero of the town.
✿ Rizal studied Hebrew to enable him to ✿ According to the Lieutenant, Don Rafael
interpret the Bible in its original text and be was unjustly accused of being a heretic, in
better prepared to defend any addition to being a filibuster - an allegation
controversial religious issues that the novel brought forth by Father Damaso because of
might arise - translated the passages in the Don Rafael's non-participation in the
Bible that he used in the novel. Sacraments, such as Confession and Mass.
✿ “Noli Me Tangere” is a Latin phrase that Father Damaso's animosity against Ibarra's
Rizal took from the Bible, meaning “Touch father was aggravated by another incident
me not.” when Don Rafael helped out on a fight
✿ In John 20:13-17 - the newly-risen Christ between a tax collector and a student
says to Mary Magdalene: “Touch me not; I fighting, and the former's death was blamed
am not yet ascended to my Father, but go to on him, although it was not deliberate.
my brethren, and say unto them I ascend Suddenly, all of those who thought ill of him
unto my Father and your Father, and to my surfaced with additional complaints. He was
God and your God.” imprisoned, and just when the matter was
✿ Noli Me Tangere alternative English title almost settled, he got sick and died in jail.
is “The Social Cancer” by Charles Still not content with what he had done,
Derbyshire. Father Damaso arranged for Don Rafael's
✿ The novel is a Spanish-language novel corpse to be dug up and transferred from
that is credited with the awakening of the Catholic cemetery to the Chinese
nationalism among the Filipinos of Rizal's cemetery, because he thought it
time. inappropriate to allow a heretic such as Don
✿ It was published in 1887 in Berlin; Rafael a Catholic burial ground.
commonly referred to by its shortened name Unfortunately, it was raining and
Noli. because of the bothersome weight of the
SUMMARY OF NOLI ME TANGERE cadaver, the men in charge decided to
✿ Having completed his studies in Europe, throw the corpse into the lake.
young Juan Crisostomo Ibarra came back to ✿ Revenge was not in Ibarra's plans;
the Philippines after a 7-year absence. instead he carried through his faher's plan
✿ In his honor, Captain Tiago threw a get- of putting up a school, since he believed
together party, which was attended by friars that education would have pave the way to
and other prominent figures. his country's progress (all over the novel,
✿ In an unfortunate incident, former curate the author refers to both Spain and the
Father Damaso belittled and slandered Philippines as two different countries which
Ibarra. But Ibarra brushed off the insult and from part of the same nation or family, being
took no offense; instead he politely excused Spain the mother and the Philippines the
himself and left the party because of an daughter).
allegedly important task. The day after the ✿ During the inauguration of the school,
humble party, Ibarra went to see Maria Ibarra would have been killed in a sabotage
Clara, his love interest, a beautiful daughter had Elias - mysterious man who had
of Captain Tiago and an affluent resident of warned Ibarra earlier of a plot to
Binondo, Manila. Their long-standing love assassinate him - not saved him. Instead
the hired killer met an unfortunate incident ✿ The letter were from, her mother Pia
and died. The sequence of events proved to Alba, to father Damaso alluding to their
be too traumatic for Maria Clara who got unborn child; and that she, Maria Clara,
seriously ill but was luckily cured by the was therefore not the daughter of Captain
medicine Ibarra sent her. Tiago, but of Father Damaso.
✿ After the inauguration, Ibarra hosted a ✿ Afterwards, Ibarra and Elias border a
luncheon during which Father Damaso, boat and left the place. Elias instructed
uninvited and gate-crashing the luncheon, Ibarra to lie down and the former covered
again and insulted him. the latter with grass to conceal the latter's
✿ Ibarra ignored the priest's insolence, but presence.
when the latter slandered the memory of his ✿ As luck would have it, they were spotted
dead father, he was no longer able to by their enemies. Elias thought he could
restrain himself and lunged at Father outsmart them and jumped into the water.
Damaso, prepared to stab the latter for his The guards rain shots on the person in the
imprudence. As a consequence, Father water, all the while not knowing that they
Damaso excommunicated Ibarra. Father were aiming at the wrong man.
Damaso took this opportunity to persuade ✿ Maria Clara, thinking that Ibarra has
the already-hesitant father of Maria Clara to been killed in shooting incident, was greatly
forbid his daughter from marrying Ibarra. overcome with grief. Robbed of hope and
✿ The friar wished Maria Clara to marry a severe disillusion, she asked Father
Peninsular named Linares who just arrived Damaso to confine her into nunnery.
from Spain. With the help of the ✿ Father Damaso reluctantly agreed when
Captain-General. Ibarra's excommunication Maria Clara threatened to take her own life,
was nullified and the Archbishop decided to demanding, “the nunnery or death!”
accept him as a member of the Church Unbeknown to her, Ibarra was still alive
once again. But, as fate would have it, and able to escape. It was Elias who had
some incident of which Ibarra had known taken the shots. It was Christmas Eve when
nothing about was blamed on him, and he Elias woke up in the forest gravely wounded
was wrongly arrested and imprisoned. But and barely alive.
the accusation against him was overruled ✿ It was in this forest that Elias found
because during the litigation that Basilio and his lifeless mother, Sisa. The
followed, nobody could testify that he was persecution can be discerned from Rizal's
indeed involved. letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt in
✿ Unfortunately, his letter to Maria Clara Leitmeritz.
somehow got into the hand of the jury and “My book made a lot of noise; everywhere, I
was manipulated such that it then became am asked about it. They wanted to
evidence against him. excommunicate me because of it... I am
✿ Meanwhile in Captain Tiago's considered a German spy, an agent of
residence, a party was being held to Bismarck, they say I am a Protestant, a
announce the upcoming wedding of Maria freemason, a sorcerer, a damned soul and
Clara and Linares. Ibarra, with the help of evil. It is whispered that I want to draw
Elias, took this opportunity and escaped plans, that I have a foreign pass-port and
from prison. But before leaving, Ibarra that I wander through the streets by night...”
talked to Maria Clara and accused her of CHARACTERS OF NOLI ME TANGERE
betraying him, thinking that she gave the 1. Crisostomo Ibarra - Known as Juan
letter he wrote her to the jury. Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin, a Filipino
✿ Maria Clara explained to Ibarra that she who studied in Europe for 7 years, the love
will never conspire against him but she was interest of Maria Clara. He is the son of the
forced to surrender Ibarra's letter to her in deceased Don Rafael Ibarra; Crisostomo
exchange for the letter written by her mother changed his surname from Eibarramendia
even before she was born. to Ibarra, from his ancestor's surname. He is
the main and most important character in 7. Pilosopong Tasyo - known as Don
the novel, manifesting in him the Filipino Anastasio, portrayed in the novel as
who acquired European ideas through his pessimistic, cynic, and mad by his
education in Europe. In the novel, Ibarra's neighbors. He portrays the role of a
personality will result in the disagreements Philosopher who was completely
of liberal idealism in education and misunderstood in many aspects, he argues
conservatism represented by the Catholic with the belief of the Catholic Church and
Church. social changes and concerns in the novel.
2. Elias - Ibarra's mysterious friend, a 8. Doña Victorina - Victoria de los Reyes de
master boater, also a fugitive. He was Espadaña, a woman who passes herself off
referred to at one point as “the pilot.” He as a Peninsulares. Wife of Don Tiburcio de
wants to revolutionize his country. In the Espadaña, known in the novel as a trying
past, Ibarra's grandfather condemned his hard rich woman who abhors anything that
grandfather for burning a warehouse, is Filipino and clings to Spanish way of life.
making Elias the fugitive he is. The This kind of character was manifested on
character that Rizal placed to represent the some Filipino of that time.
Filipino masses who suffered from Spanish 9. Pedro - abusive husband of Sisa who
brutalities and abuse due to their loved cockfighting.
powerlessness in the novel and in the real 10. Don Rafael Ibarra - Known in the plot as
Philippines social situation of that time. a concerned citizen and property owner who
3. Maria Clara - Maria Clara de los Santos, was the father of Crisostomo Ibarra. Padre
Ibarra's sweetheart; the illegitimate daughter Damaso who played an antagonist role
of Father Damaso and Pia Alba. called him a heretic and rebel due to his
In her, Ibarra has fallen in love, she also view on relating to liberalism in society.
mirrored the Filipina woman of religious 11. Tandang Pablo - the leader of the
upbringing and orientation, and through her rebels, whose family was destroyed
love to Ibarra, and she represents true because of the Spaniards,
fidelity and religiosity of the women in real 12. The School Master - a teacher at San
Filipino society. Diego who's view in the novel represented
4. Father Damaso - also known as Damaso the weak and useless education in the
Verdoglagas, Franciscan friar and Maria Philippines. He attributes the problem from
Clara's biological father. An antagonist in facilities and methods of learning that the
character and represents the un-Christian friars implemented in the country.
works of the Catholic friars who are in the 13. Basilio - the elder son of Sisa.
church. 14. Crispin - the younger son of Sisa died
5. Sisa - the mother of Basilio and Crispin, from the punishment of the soldiers from the
who became insane after losing her sons. false accusation of stealing an amount of
She represented in the novel a sad plight of money.
the Filipino mothers losing her two sons, 15. Padre Sibyla - Hernando de la Sibyla, a
Basilio and Crispin. In the novel, Sisa loses Filipino friar. He is described as short and
her sanity. has fair skin.
6. Kaptain Tiago - also known in his full 16. Padre Salvi - Bernardo Salvi, a secret
name as Don Santiago de los Santos the admirer of Maria Clara.
Known father of Maria Clara but not the real 17. The Alferez - chief of the Guardia Civil;
one; lives in Binondo. An illegal opium mortal enemy of the priests for power in San
trader who subsequently was a landlord. He Diego.
represented a different view in religion and 18. Don Tiburcio -Spanish husband of
thus, more of a businessman who used his Donya Victorina who was limp and
money to work for him even in religious life submissive to his wife; he also pretended to
and obligations. be a doctor.
19. Dona Consolacion - wife of the alferez, ☘ After his stay in Calamba, he received a
another woman who passed herself as a letter from the Gov. General Emilio
Peninsular; best remembered for her Terrero requesting him to come to
abusive treatment to Sisa. Malacañang Palace to explain about the
20. Captain-General - the most powerful subversive ideas contained in the Noli Me
official in the Philippines, a hater of secular Tangere.
priests and corrupt officials, and a friend of ☘ He denied the charges and explained
Ibarra. that he merely exposed the truth but did not
THE FIRST HOMECOMING advocate subversion
☘ June 29, 1887 - Rizal wrote to his Father ☘ Pleased by his explanation and curious
about his homecoming. He expected to be about the controversial book the Gov. Gen.
in the Philippines by the 15th to 30th of asked for a copy.
August 1887 ☘ Gov. Gen. knew that Rizal's life was in
☘ July 3, 1887 - Rizal boarded the steamer danger because the friars were powerful, he
Djemnah assigned a cultured Spanish lieutenant
☘ Reaching Saigon, he transferred to named Don Jose Traviel de Andrande as
another streamer Haiphong which was his bodyguard.
bound for Manila on August 2, 1887. ☘ Nonetheless, he had it banned when
☘ August 6, 1887 - he reached Manila and reports were submitted to him by the
was welcomed heartily by his parents, Commission of Censorship calling for its
relatives, and friends. outright censorship. The banning of the Noli
☘ He found Manila the same as when he made it more popular; causing everybody
left it 5 years ago - stayed in the city short among the masses to read the novel at
time to visit his friends. night secretly.
☘ August 8, 1887 - He returned to Calamba ☘ Gov. Gen. read the novel and found
He wrote to Blumentritt, “I had a pleasant nothing wrong
voyage, I found my family enjoying good THE ATTACKS OF NOLI ME TANGERE
health and happiness. It was great seeing ❤ Salvador Fort printed copies of the
each other again. They shed tears of joy Commission's report and Fr. Jose
and I had to answer their thousands of Rodriguez printed eight pamphlets under
questions at the same time.” But amidst the general heading “Questions of Supreme
happy and peaceful aura of his arrival, his Interest (Custiones de Sumoditues)”.
family was worried for his safety. Thus, ❤ Many Filipinos were forced to buy but
Paciano did not leave him to protect him for they did not believe these anti-Rizal
any enemy assault; his father would not pamphlets.
let him go alone. ❤ The Noli was also attacked in the senate
☘ In Calamba, Rizal built a medical clinic of the Spanish Cortes. Noli was also
with his mother as first patient who was vociferously attacked by the Spanish
almost blind. He could not operate on his academician, Vicente Barrantes, who was
mother because her eye contracts were not once a ranking official of the Philippines.
yet ripe. DEFENDERS OF NOLI ME TANGERE
☘ His coming as a doctor spread and wide; ❤ The Noli had its great defenders who
and was called “Doctor Uliman” because he bravely came out to prove the merits of the
came from Germany with reasonable fees, novel and to enlighten the unkind attackers.
even “gratis” for the poor. They were reformers in foreign lands like
☘ He opened a gymnasium for young folks ❤ MH Del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena,
to introduce European sports, Mariano Ponce, Dr. Antonio, Ma. Regidor,
gymnastics, fencing, and shooting so as to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Dr. Miguel
discourage time being spent in cockfights Morayta; and Don Segismundo Moret, a
(sabong) and gambling. former Minister of the Court.
TROUBLE IN NOLI ME TANGERE
❤ Father Sanches of Ateneo upheld and 1. The Hacienda of the Dominican order
praised the Noli in Public. Rev. Father comprised not only the lands around
Vicente Garcia, a Filipino Catholic Calamba but the town of Calamba.
priest-scholar, a theologian of Manila 2. The profits of the Dominican order
Cathedral and a Tagalog of the famous continuously increased because of the
“Imitation of Christ” by Kempis wrote a arbitrary increase of the rentals being paid
defense of the Noli. by the tenants.
❤ Rev. Father Vicente Garcia - wrote a 3. The hacienda owner never contributed a
defense of the Noli under the pen name single centavo for the celebration of the
Justo Desiderio Magalang. town fiesta; for the education of the children
❤ July 18, 1888 - this was published in and for the improvement of agriculture.
Singapore as an appendix to a pamphlet. 4. Tenants who had spent much labor
He blasted the attacks and arguments of Fr. clearing the lands were ejected from their
Rodriguez with the following lands for flimsy reasons.
counterargument: 5. High rates of interest were charged from
1. Rizal cannot be an “ignorant man” as Fr. the tenants for delayed payment of rentals
Rodriquez alleged, because he was a and when the rentals could not be paid,
graduate of Spanish universities and was a their carabaos, tools and homes were
recipient of scholastic honor. confiscated.
2. Rizal does not attack the Church and This reports further heightened the anger
Spain because what Rizal attacked in the of the friars and they pressured the
Noli were the bad Spanish officials and not governor general to deport him.
Spain, and the bad corrupt friars and not the ❤ Governor Terrero refused because there
Church. is no valid charge against Rizal in court.
3. Father Rodriguez said that those who Gov. Gen. Terrero advised Rizal to leave the
read the Noli committed a mortal sin. Philippines for his own good and to escape
Since he (Fr. Rodriguez) had read the novel the fury of the friars. 1. His presence in
therefore he also committed mortal sin. Calamba is endangering the safety and
❤ Rizal cried with overwhelming gratitude happiness of his family and friends. 2. He
to Father Garcia's brilliant defense of his could fight better his enemies and serve his
Noli. Rizal wrote a letter to Barrantes to country's cause efficiently by writing in
defend himself and to expose Barrantes' foreign countries.
ignorance of the Philippine affairs and ❤ 1888, before Rizal left Calamba, his
mental dishonesty which is unworthy of an friend from Lipa requested him to write a
academician. poem to commemorate the town's
❤ While the controversy over the Noli elevation to a city (villa) by virtue of the
was raging in fury, Rizal was untouched in Becerra Law of 1888.
Calamba because he was with ❤ He wrote a poem dedicated to the
bodyguard - they became friends. While industrious folks of Lipa entitled Hymn to
Rizal was in Calamba, his help was sought Labor (Himno Al trabajo). He finished it and
by the folks for their grievances against sent it to Lipa before his departure from
imposing certain reforms. After thorough Calamba.
study of the conditions of the Calamba ❤ Himno Al Trabajo, “Hymn to Labor”
hacienda which the Dominican Order owned (1888) which was written on request in
since 1883 he wrote down his findings commemoration of the above stuff.
which the tenants and the three officials of
the hacienda signed on January 8, 1888
and was submitted to the governor general
for action.