Learning Module in GE Rizal 1- Life and Works of Rizal

I. Title: RIZAL FIRST DEPARTURE, REQUESTED SPAIN AND GRAND TOUR WITH
MAXIMO VIOLA

II. Topics:

1. Rizal’s Secret Departure

2. Rizal Requested Spain to Introduce Reforms in the Philippines

3. Tour with Maximo Viola

III. Time Frame: 7 hours

IV. Introduction:

After completing his fourth year in the medical course, Rizal decided to leave the
country for Europe. This was in part by his disappointment with his schooling at the
University of Sto. Tomas. While obviously, Rizal was to leave the country to complete his
medical course in Barcelona, Spain; this was not the real reason for his sudden departure.
This was evident from the Paciano’s letter to Rizal dated May 26, 1882, as reproduced
below (Guerrero, 1998).

“ …….When the telegram advising us of your departure was received

by Calamba, our parents were naturally grief-stricken, especially the
old man ,who would not speak a word and took to his bed, crying to
himself at night, all advice from the family the parish priest and others
not doing any good at all. He made me go down to Manila to find out
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his satisfaction how you manage to take a trip. When I returned I told
them that some friends of yours in Manila had shouldered the
expenses,, hoping to reassure them. For all that he was still
depressed and seeing this and fearing, for another thing, that his
continued brooding might make him ill, I told him everything, but only
to him, pleading with him to keep it to himself, which he promised.
Only since then have I seen him somewhat cheerful and back to his
usual self. This is what happened in the family.

As far as our friends, our acquaintances, and strangers are

concerned, you will finish your medical course in Barcelona, not in
Madrid; to my way of thinking, the main purpose of your going is not to
improve yourself in the profession but in other more useful things or
what comes to the same thing, that to which you have greater
inclination. That is why I believe you should follow it in Madrid, the
center of all the provinces, for; while it is true that in Barcelona. There is
more activity and even less to do business and as far as a good
education is concerned, if it should not be available in Madrid, the
application of the student can supply it. It should be more convenient
for you to be there together with our countrymen who can show you
around until you can get the hang of the things…….

From the foregoing corresponding, it is very clear that Rizal was going to Europe not
just to his medical studies there. There were hidden purposes of Rizal’s voyage to Europe:

1. To make a name for himself in the realm of journalism;

2. To observe European society;

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 3. To prepare himself for the task of liberating the Filipinos from the Spanish
tyranny;
4. To further his ophthalmological studies to cure his mother’s failing eyes.

In this chapter, the learners are able to describe reason behind of Rizal’s departure
and his Political observation in Europe. Learners also are able to comprehend is dedication
to study and necessity of education as part of social progress.

V. Objectives:

At the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain the primordial objectives of Rizal in going to the European countries;

2. Discuss the impact of Rizal’s political observations in Europe and how it
shaped to set free our country; and
3. Identify the European places visited by the hero and how it contributes to his
dreams to set free his motherland.

VI. Pre-Test: Identify the following

1.____________________ a degree completed by Rizal in Madrid, which entitled

him to practice medicine.
2.____________________ the school where Rizal took lessons in painting and
sculpture in Madrid.
3.____________________ the Masonic lodge where Rizal became a Grand
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Mason. SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
4.____________________ a poem written by Rizal expressed his admiration for
Consuelo
5.____________________ the moving spirit of the Circulo Hispano-Filipino.

VII. Learning Activities:

1. Rizal’s Secret Departure

Rizal left Calamba on May 1,

1882, of journey via carromata and
was able to reach Manila after ten
hours of journey via carromata. No
one from among the family members
of Rizal knew his departure for
Spain, except Paciano, Saturnina his
Tito Antonio and a few friends. The
trip was kept secret to avoid
detection by the Spanish authorities,
especially the friars. His brother

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 Paciano did everything to ensure that Rizal can leave the country secretly. He secured
Rizal’s passport with the name Jose Mercado.
Rizal stayed in Manila for two days before his trip to Spain. He scheduled to depart
from Manila on the third day of May (Zulueta, 2004). Then, he proceeded to Pasig River to
board the cruiser Salvadora bound for Singapore.

Itinerary travel to Spain-After one week of sailing, the cruiser docked at Singapore,
and he stayed there for two days. He took time to visit its botanical garden, art galleries,
parks and some historical spots. He recorded in his diary every detail of what he was able to
observe.

From Singapore, Rizal boarded the ship Djemnah, were French-speaking nationals,
which shall ferry him to France. With him on trip ship were French-speaking nationals. The
steamer sailed to France, Naples, and Marseilles. From Marseilles, he took train bound for
Barcelona on June 15, 1882. At first, Rizal has a negative impression of the city and its
people, later; he came to like Barcelona due to the prevalence of freedom and liberalism in
the city and the good qualities demonstrated by its residents-open –heartedness; hospitality,
and courage.

Rizal’s trip from the Philippines to

Barcelona had important
consequences for him. First,
owing his interaction with foreign
nationals on the board Salvadora
and Djemnah, there was a sudden
change in his religious outlook.
He started becoming inattentive to
LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY saints and patron saints, instead
on calling on them for guidance
and protection while on journey to
Spain, Rizal prayed directly to
God.

Rizal in Barcelona-Rizal was

welcomed by the Filipinos in
Barcelona, most of who were his
former schoolmates at Ateneo
Municipal. The welcome party
tendered to him was held at
favorite coffee house at Plaza de
Cataluῆa.

Activity 1
(Write your answer on the box provided)

1. What made Rizal joined masonry in Spain?

2. Rizal Requested Spain to Introduce Reforms in the Philippines

GE Rizal 1- Life and Works of Rizal

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 Rizal Requested Spain to Introduce Reforms- Rizal in his “Toasting Speech” at
the banquet honoring Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo on June 25, 1884,
deploring the attempts of some English officials in the Philippines to sow discord in order to
later reap the death of future generations was directed is a notable segment of the people of
Spain. Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo emerged winners in the 1884 Madrid Exposition. Luna
awarded a gold medal for his painting, the Spolarium; while Hidalgo, a silver medal for his
entry, Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace. A banquet tendered in honor of these two
Filipino artists at the Café Ingles on June 25, 1884, with Rizal delivering the keynote speech.
In a final “toast, the” Brindis” Rizal ended his speech with the plea that Spain should
introduce the reforms he had long planned for the Philippines.

Rizal Moves to Madrid- Rizal decided to move to the capital city of Spain in
September 1881 to continue his studies. He enrolled in philosophy, letters, and licentiate in
medicine at Universidad de Madrid. He continued his doctorate diploma degree in medicine
but was not conferred the Doctor’s diploma due to his failure to pay for the presentation and
defense of his thesis, which was the final requirement for the course. However, he
completed the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters.

Rizal Joins the Masonry-

Living Madrid exposed Rizal to liberal
ideas, stressing the value of individual
freedom of actions on matters of
religion and expression (Zulueta,
2004). Imbued with the vitality of youth
and idealism, he became fascinated
with the manner by which Spanish
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masons SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
in Madrid discussed political
issues fearlessly. He was
overwhelmed by their progressive
ideas on government, politics, and
religion. Thus, he joined the Masonry
for two probable reasons; the abuses
committed by the friars against the
Filipinos, and the possible assistance the masons can extend him in his struggle against
Spanish tyranny and oppression. He became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad on
November 15, 1890.

Rizal’s Affair with Consuelo- Filipino

expatriates in Madrid then usually visited the
house of Don Pablo Ortega the former city
mayor of Manila during the time of Governor-
general Carlos dela Torre. Being away from
home, he joined his fellow student expatriates
to visit.

Consuelo, Don Pablo’s daughter was

attracted to Rizal due to her refined manners
and enchanting smile. He gave her flowers
occasionally, which Consuelo appreciated.
Consuelo fell in love with him, however,
suppressed his emotions since he was still
engaged with Leonor Rivera, back home.
Besides, he did not want to destroy his

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 friendship with Eduardo Lete, who was madly involved with Consuelo. Before leaving Madrid
in 1883, Rizal composed a poem for Consuelo, which was entitling “A La Señorita.”

Doña Teodora’s Reactions on Rizal’s Speech- News of Rizal delivery of the

“Brindis” reached the Philippines due to the full coverage given but the Madrid speech to the
occasion. Nonetheless, Rizal was not cognizant of the consequence of his speech. Rizal’s
mother became ill, as her son became talk of the town and the friars in Calamba. Thus, in
her letter to Rizal she advised him to refrain from writing articles that might offend the friars
and the Regime; and that he should not fail in his duties as a Christian. Finally, she warned
Rizal not to continue pursuing further studies since she had that fear that it could cause him
death later (Doña Teodora’s letter to Rizal Dec. 11, 1884).

Rizal responded to his mother by stressing the following points

(Guerrero, 1998):

*He will still have enemies, even if he outs an end to writing articles
considered anti-Spanish and anti-friars;
* Life can’t be without any sorrow;
* Misfortunes are welcomed when they can avert debasement and
degradation
* Conscience has to decide whether to submit or perish in the society
where a person is born;
* People have to put their trust in God in the sincerity of their purpose;
*The best legacy parents can give their children are upright judgments
generosity in the exercise of rights; and perseverance in adversity;
* A son can pay honor to his parents thru honesty and good name;
* Religion is the holiest of things but a person can only believe by reasoning;
and
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* Conscience can accept only what is compatible with reason.

3. Rizal Grand Tour with Maximo Viola

Rizal and Viola to Dresden- Their tour of

Europe began through their visit of Potsdam,
a city near Berlin (Zaide, 1999). Here they
saw the imposing mausoleum enclosing the
statue of Frederick the Great. Rizal and
Viola left Berlin at dawn of May 11, 1887 by
train bound for Dresden. While viewing the
floral exposition, Rizal and Viola met Dr.
Jagor, Rizal told Dr. that he planned to visit
Leitmeritz, Czechoslovakia to meet
Blumentritt, Dr. Jagor, however told Rizal to
writethe professor of their arrival at
Leitmeritz.

In Leitmeritz- Rizal and Viola arrived at Leitmeritz in the afternoon of May 13, 1887.
They stepped down from the train that ferried them to Leitmeritz and were warmly received
by Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt. Rizal enjoyed because he finally met the professor in person.
Blumentritt was likewise pleased to see Rizal and embraced him.

To commemorate his happy hours atthe Blumentritt home Rizal made pencil sketch
of Blumentritt and gave it to him. Blumentritt was so pleased with this gift, which to him as a
gesture of cordial friendship. On their last night at Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola invited the
Blumentritt family in Hotel and tendered a farewell dinner to express their gratitude for the

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 hospitality they were accorded by their host. At around 9:30 in the morning of May 17, 1887,
Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train bound for Prague, a historic city and the capital of
Czechoslovakia.

In Prague-To facilitate their visit into the different historic spots in Prague, Blumentritt
gave Rizal letters ofrecommendations to Dr. Welkom, a history professor at the University of
Prague. The Prague welcomed them and accompanied the two in visiting the historic places
and spots in Prague. After a few days, Viola and Rizal went to Vienna via Brunn.

In Vienna-Rizal and Viola arrived at Vienna, the capital city of Austria Hungary on
May 20, 1887. The two Filipinos spent four days visiting the beautiful buildings and
examining holy images and statues. They were also impressed with song and beautiful
stories of the city.

In Lintz and Rheinfall-The end

of their Danube River voyage
ended in Lintz. They left Austria
from Salzburg, the birthplace of
Mozart and re-entered Germany
upon arrival at Munich on May 27,
1887. From Munich, they
proceeded to Nuremberg, where
they saw the horrible torture
machines used during the
Inquisition against the enemies of
the Catholic Church. From Ulm,
Rizal and Viola moved to
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Stuttgart, SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Baden, andRheinfall. It
was at Rheinfall where they saw
the Bin Waterfall, the mist
beautiful waterfall in the continent of Europe.
Meanwhile, the two spent some afternoon on boating at Leman Lake. This boat trips
that they had gave Rizal the opportunity to demonstrate his skillfulness I rowing and steering
a boat. It was also at Geneva where Rizal celebrated his 26th birthday. After being together
for 15 days in the city, the two departed ways on June 23, 1887. Rizal toured Italy, while
Viola returned to Barcelona.

In Italy-In Rome, Rizal continued his travel to

Italy. He visited the cities of Turin, Milan, Venice,
Florence and Rome. The city of Rome, the
Eternal City, the site of the Vatican (the seat of
authority of the Roma Catholic Church), and the
capital of the Ancient Roman Empire, attached
him so much. The grandeur of Rome was
something that Rizal did not fail to appreciate,
in his sojourn to Italy. Rizal was very much
amazed with the Coliseum and the Roman Church
Forum. There, he spent long hoursremembering
the past and recreating life to the ruins. After a
week of travel in Rome, Rizal prepared for his
homecoming to the Philippines.

His tour of several countries of Europe inthe next two years following his graduation
in Madrid was part of his period of preparation. This was for his specialization in

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 ophthalmology and for broadening his knowledge of the life of the people in various parts of
the continent, which he would be able return to his own country. Travelling was a part of his
education for leadership. He visited many great interesting spots.

“I am here in Germany going from city to city, from town to town, visiting all
the educational centers, the town, schools, the parishes, the churches, and
many times after listening t a Catholic sermon. I go to Protestant
churchattend the services there and sometimes to the synagogues of the
Jews everything that can teach me something interest me.

Short Visit to Paris and Madrid-Rizal went to Paris early in September 1888 in
search for historical materials in the Bibliotheque Nationale. Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de
Tavera-Luna acted as his host in the gay city. After his intensive search or manuscripts and
old books, he returned to London, where spent Christmas and New Year with the Beckett
family.

Other Writings in London - It was also in London where he wrote the famous
“Letter to the Young Women in Malolos” This letter was written by Rizal upon the request of
Marcelo H. del Pilar to commend the young women of Malolos for their courage to establish
a school, where they could learn Spanish, despite the violent opposition of the parish priest
of Malolos, Fr. Felipe Garcia.

Goodbye London- Rizal leftLondon for Paris on March 19, 1889. As he departed
from London, Rizal could not help but remember the beautiful and memorable experiences
he had as he crossed the English Channel on his way to the gay city of Paris.

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VIII. Self-Evaluation: Provide your answer on the table below.

What were the major ideas of What was the real purpose of
Rizal stress in the speech Rizal’s voyage to Spain?
entitled Brindis?

IX. Review of Concepts

Brindis Speech. It was a speech delivered by Jose

Rizal during the victory ball, in asking the Colonial
government for reforms in Philippines.

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 Masonryis an organization where Jose Rizal was a member when he changed his religious
outlook from the Roman Catholic

X. Post-Test: With your knowledge in this chapter, answer the following questions
below.

1.Explain the impact of Rizal’s political observations in Europe and how it helped to set free
our country ill-rotten system.

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2. Create an essay on Rizal idea that love of country is the most heroic and sublime of all
human sentiments.

XI. References:

Zaide, Gregorio et. al (2002). Philippine History & Gov’t5th ed. Quezon City: All Nations
Publishing Co., Inc.
Abeleda, A.S Jr (2003). Philippine History. Manila: Saint Bernadette Pub. Inc.
Guerrero, L. Ma.(2010). The First Filipino. Quezon City: National Historical Institute.
Montemayor, Teofilo H. Rizal pictorial calendar. Manila: National Historical Institute.

Romero, Ma. Corona S. et al. Rizal and the Development of National Consciousness.
Quezon City: JMC Press, Inc.
Perlita S. Magno,MAEd, MA Hist. (Cand) (2019, December1) Rizal’s pictorial. Calamba:
Laguna City.

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