CHAPTER 4

JOSE RIZAL’S LIFE: HIGHER

EDUCATION AND LIFE ABROAD
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. explain the principle of assimilation advocated by the propaganda movement;
2. appraise Jose Rizal‟s relationship with other propagandists; and
3. analyze Jose Rizal‟s growth as a propagandist and disavowal of assimilation.

Student Activity:
1. Read Jose Rizal‟s Brindis Speech.
2. Read the first issue of La Solidaridad and analyze the aims stated therein. Answer
the written document analysis worksheet.
3. Read Renato Constantino on The Miseducation of the Filipinos

Jose Rizal’s Higher Education

Jose Rizal’s Education in Ateneo de Manila (1872-1877). Jose matriculated in Ateneo

Municipal, a school managed by the Spanish Jesuits. This school established by the city
government in 1817 was formerly called the Escuela Pia (Charity School) intended for poor
boys in Manila. Subsequently, Escuela Pia, was changed to Ateneo Municipal, and then
became known as the Ateneo de Manila. The Spanish Jesuits were accomplished educators
transforming Ateneo as a reputable school for boys.

The Jesuit system of education at that time was more advanced than that of other
schools. It employed rigid discipline
and gave special attention to
religious instruction. It also placed
emphasis on physical culture,
humanities, and scientific studies.
Ateneo de Manila also offered
vocational courses in agriculture,
commerce, mechanics, and
surveying. Every student was
required to hear mass prior to the
start of classes. Each class was
opened and closed with prayers.

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 Zaide and Zaide (2014) detailed the division and competition among the young
Ateneans:

Students were divided into two groups, namely: the “Roman Empire”
consisting of the internos (boarders) and the “Carthaginian Empire”
composed of the externos (non-boarders). Each of these empires has
its ranks. The best student in each “empire” was the emperor; the
second best, the tribune; the third best, the decurion; the fourth best,
the centurion; and the fifth best, the standard bearer. Within the
“empire”, the students fought for positions. Any student could
challenge any officer in his “empire” to answer questions on the day‟s
lesson. His opponent could lose his position if he committed three
mistakes. Any student might be at the end of the line, but if he studied
hard and was brilliant, he could depose the officers one after another
and become an emperor. The two groups, “Roman Empire” and
“Carthaginian Empire,” were in constant competition for supremacy
in the class. They had their distinctive banners: red for the Romans
and blue for the Carthaginians. At the beginning of the school term,
both banners were used equally in the classroom.

Guerrero (1991) further explained the battle of wits among the Ateneo students in the
classroom:

“Upon the first defeat the banner of the losing party was transferred to
the left side of the room. Upon the second, it was placed to an inferior
position on the right side. Upon the third the inclined flag was placed
on the left. Upon the fourth, the flag was reversed and returned to the
right. Upon the fifth, the reversed flag was placed on the left. Upon
the sixth, the banner was changed with a figure of a donkey.

First Year in Ateneo (1872-1873). Before he entered his classroom, Jose first heard mass at
the Ateneo chapel and prayed ardently for guidance and success. Jose was assigned at the last
row of the class owing to his being a freshman and speaks little Spanish. A week after, Jose
improved quickly and became the best student in the whole class. Jose, in his spare time also
took private lessons in Santa Isabel College to refine his Spanish.

Second Year in Ateneo (1873-1874). Jose bemoaned his lack of attention and care over his
studies the previous year. With strong determination, he studied with a lot of effort and energy
to regain his lost class leadership. He obtained excellent grades in his subjects and garnered a
gold medal at the end of the school year.

Third Year in Ateneo (1874-1875). Prior to his return to Ateneo, Jose was ecstatic when he
saw his mother released from prison. Jose, in spite of the great joy he experienced of
witnessing his mother regain her freedom, did not produce an excellent showing in his studies
as in the previous year. He was consistently excellent in all subjects. However, he only
managed to win one medal – in Latin.

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Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-1876). One of his teachers, Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez
influenced and guided Jose to study harder and compose poems. Jose regarded him as his best
professor in Ateneo. In his student memoirs, Jose warmly and fondly described Father
Sanchez as a “model of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils.”
Motivated by Father Sanchez, Jose continued his studies with fresh enthusiasm and intensity.
At the end of the school year, he was on top of the class and received five medals.

Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877). Jose remained excellent in academics. He was the most
brilliant Atenean of his time, he was truly “the pride of the Jesuits” (Zaide and Zaide, 2014).
On March 23, 1877, Jose received from his Alma Mater, Ateneo Municipal, the degree of
Bachelor of Arts, and was awarded the highest honors. Purino (2008) presented Jose‟s
scholastic records in Ateneo from 1872 to 1877 as follows:

1872-1873
Arithmetic …………………………. Excellent
Latin I …………………………….. Excellent
Spanish I …………………………. Excellent
Greek I …………………………... Excellent

1873-1874
Latin 2 ……………………………. Excellent
Spanish 2 …………………………. Excellent
Greek 2 ……………………………Excellent
Universal Geography ……………....Excellent

1874-1875
Latin 3 ……………………………. Excellent
Spanish 3 .…………………………. Excellent
Greek 3 ..………………………….. Excellent
Universal History .…………………. Excellent
History of Spain & the Philippines….Excellent
Arithmetic & Algebra ………………Excellent

1875-1876
Rhetoric & Poetry ………………… Excellent
French I ………………………….. Excellent
Geometry & Trigonometry ………. Excellent

1876- 1877
Philosophy I …….…………………. Excellent
Mineralogy & Chemistry……………Excellent
Philosophy 2 ………………………Excellent
Physics …….……………………… Excellent
Botany & Zoology ……….………. Excellent

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Poems Jose Wrote in Ateneo. Prodded and guided by Father Sanchez, the great poet Jose
created many inspiring poems. In 1874, Jose composed his first poem entitled, Mi Primera
Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) which he appropriately dedicated to his mother on her
birthday. In sonorous verses, he expressed his deep affection for his mother. Guerrero (1991)
in his book, The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal offered the poem as follows:

MY FIRST INSPIRATION

Why do the scented bowers

In fragrant fray
Rival each other‟s flowers
This festive day?

Why is sweet melody bruited

In the sylvan dale,
Harmony sweet and fluted
Like the nightingale?

Why do the birds sing so

In the tender grass,
Flitting from bough to bough
With the winds that pass?

And why does the crystal spring

Run among the flowers
While lullaby zephyrs sing
Like its crystal showers?

I see the dawn in the East

With beauty endowed.
Why goes she to a feast
In a carmine cloud?

Sweet mother, they celebrate

Your natal day
The rose with her scent innate,
The bird with his lay.

The murmurous spring this day

Without alloy,
Murmuring bids you always
To live in joy.

While the crystalline murmurs glisten,

Hear you the accents strong
Struck from my lyre, listen!

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 To my love‟s first song.

In 1875, he wrote the following: Felicitation; The Departure: Hymn to Magellan‟s

Fleet; And He is Spanish: Elcano, the First to Circumnavigate the World; and The Battle:
Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo.

In 1876, he penned the following: In Memory of My Town, Intimate Alliance

Between Religion and Good Education, Through Education the Country Receives Light, The
Captivity and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil, and The
Triumphal Entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada.

In 1877, he authored the following: The Heroism of Columbus, Columbus and John II,
Great Solace in Great Misfortune, and A Farewell Dialogue of the Students.

Jose values education to a great degree. He was mindful of the important purpose and
place of education in the progress and welfare of a country. Laubach (1936) in his book, Man
and Martyr, presented one of Jose‟s poems on education:

THROUGH EDUCATION OUR MOTHERLAND RECEIVES LIGHT

The vital breath of prudent Education

Instills a virtue of enchanting power;
She lifts the motherland to highest station
And endless dazzling glories on her shower.
And as the zephyr‟s gentle exhalation
Revives the matrix of the fragrant flower,
So education multiplies her gifts of grace;
With prudent hand imparts them to the human race.

For her a mortal man will gladly part

With all he has; will give his calm repose;
For her are born all sciences and all arts,
That brews of men with laurel fair enclose.
As from the towering mountain‟s lofty heart.
The purest current of the streamlet flows,
So education without stint or measure gives
Security and peace to lands in which she lives.

Where education reigns on lofty seat

Youth blossoms forth with vigor and agility;
His error subjugates with solid feet,
And is exalted by conceptions of nobility,
She breaks the neck of vice and its deceit;
Black crime turns pale at Her hostility;
The barbarous nations She knows how to tame,
From savages creates heroic fame.

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And as the spring doth sustenance bestow
On all the plants, on bushes in the mead,
Its placid plenty goes to overflow
And endlessly with lavish love to feed
The banks by which it wanders, gliding slow,
Supplying beauteous nature‟s every need.
So he who prudent Education doth procure
The towering heights of honor will secure.

From out his lips the water crystal pure,

Of perfect virtue shall not cease to go.
With careful doctrines of his faith made sure,
The powers of evil he will overthrow,
Like feaming waves that never long endure,
But perish on the shore at every blow;
And from his good example other men shall learn
Their upward steps toward the heavenly paths to turn.

Within the breast of wretched humankind

She lights the living flame of goodness bright;
The hands of fiercest criminal doth bind;
And in these breasts will surely pour delight
Which seek her mystic benefits to find, ---

Those souls She sets aflame with love of right.

That gives to life its surest consolation.

And as the mighty rock aloft may tower

Above the center of the stormy deep
In scorn of storm, or fierce Sou‟wester‟s power
Or fury of the waves that raging sweep,
Until, their first mad hatred, spent, they cower
And, tired at last subside and fall asleep,---
So he that takes wise Education by the hand,
Invincible shall guide the reigns of motherland.

On sapphires shall his service be engraved,

A thousand honors to him by his land be granted;
For in their bosoms will his noble sons have saved
Luxuriant flowers his virtue transplanted;
And by the love of goodness ever laved.
The lords and governors will see implanted
To endless days the Christian Education;
Within their noble, faith-enraptured nation.

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 And as in early morning we behold
The ruby sun pour forth resplendent rays;
And lovely dawn her scarlet and her gold,
Her brilliant colors all about her sprays;
So skillful noble Teaching doth unfold
To living minds the joy of virtuous ways.
She offers our dear motherland the light
That leads us to immortal glory‟s height.

Jose also highlighted the significance of religion in education. In his poem, The
Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education, he proclaimed that education
without God is not true education. In his book, The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal,
Guerrero (1991) supplied the poem as follows:

THE INTIMATE ALLIANCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND GOOD EDUCATION

As the climbing ivy over lefty elm

Creeps tortuously, together the adornment
Of the verdant plain, embellishing
Each other and together growing,
But should the kindly elm refuse its aid
The ivy would impotent and friendless wither
So is Education to Religion
By spiritual alliance bound.
Through Religion, Education gains renown, and
Woe to the impious mind that blindly spurning
The sapient teachings of Religion, this
Unpolluted fountain-head forsakes.

As the sprout, growing from the pompous vine,

Proudly offers us its honeyed clusters
While the generous and loving garment
Feeds its roots; so the fresh‟ning waters
Of celestial virtue give new life
To Education true, shedding
On it warmth and light; because of them
The vine smells sweet and gives delicious fruit.

Without Religion, Human Education

Is like unto a vessel struck by winds
Which, sore beset, is of its helm deprived
By the roaring blows and buffets of the dread
Tempestuous Boreas, who fiercely wields
His power until he proudly sends her down
Into the deep abysses of the angered sea.

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 As the heaven‟s dew the meadow feeds and strengthens
So that blooming flowers all the earth
Embroider in the days of spring; so also
If Religion holy nourishes
Education with its doctrines, she
Shall walk in joy and generosity
Toward the Good, and everywhere bestrew
The fragrant and luxuriant fruits of Virtue.

Being religious, Jose also produced poems expressive of his faith. One of the religious
poems he composed was a brief ode entitled Al Nino Jesus (To the Child Jesus). Guerrero
(1991) furnished the poem as follows:

TO THE CHILD JESUS

How, God-Child has Thou come

To earth in cave forlorn?
Does Fortune now deride Thee
When Thou art scarcely born?

Ah, woe! Celestial King,

Who mortal from dost keep

Woulds‟t rather than be Sovereign

Be Shepherd of Thy Sheep?

A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary) was another religious poem Jose composed
to manifest his Marian devotion. In his book, Man and Martyr, Laubach (1936) showed the
poem as follows:

TO THE VIRGIN MARY

Dear Mary, giving comfort and sweet peace

To all afflicted mortals; thou the spring
Whence flows a current of relief, to bring
Our soil fertility that does not cease;
Upon thy throne, where thou dest reign on high,
Oh, list‟ with pity as I weeful grieve
And spread thy radiant mantle to receive
My voice which rises swiftly to the sky
Placid Mary, thou my mother dear,
My sustenance, my fortitude must be,
And in this fearsome sea my way must steer.
If deprivation comes to buffet me,
And if grim death in agony draws near,
Oh, succor me, from anguish set me free.

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Jose Rizal’s Education in the University of
Santo Tomas (1877-1882) After graduation
with highest honors from Ateneo de Manila,
Jose enrolled at the University of Santo
Tomas for higher studies. He took the course
Philosophy and Letters. In his first-year term
Jose studied Cosmology, Metaphysics,
Theodicy, and History of Philosophy.

Upon receiving the advice of Father

Pablo Ramon (Rector of Ateneo de Manila) and because of his desire to
cure his mother‟s eye ailment, he made a choice to study medicine University of Santo Tomas
(ophthalmology) in the following school term. During his first academic term in the
University of Santo Tomas, Jose also continued his education in Ateneo de Manila and took
up surveying. Expectedly, he passed the final examination in the surveying course. However,
he was not granted the title perito agrimensor (expert surveyor) because he was under age.
Eventually, the title was issued to him on November 25, 1881.

In 1879 Jose Rizal joined a literary contest organized by the Liceo Artistico-Literario
(Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila, a society of literary men and artists. His poem, A La
Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) was adjudged the best poem and won him a silver
pen, feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon. Zaide and Zaide (2014) believed that:

This winning poem of Rizal is a classic in Philippine literature for two

reasons: First, it was the first great poem in Spanish written by a
Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary authorities,
and secondly, it expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept
that the Filipinos, and not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of the
Fatherland.”

Translated in English by Charles E. Derbyshire, Craig (1913) in his book, Lineage,

Life and Labors of the inspiring poem was written as follows:

TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

Theme: “Grow, O Timid Flower”

Hold high the brow serene,

O youth, where now you stand.
Let the bright sheen
Of your grace be seen,
Fair hope of my fatherland!

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Come now, thou genius grand,
And bring down inspiration;
With thy mighty hand,
Swifter than the winds violation,
Raise the eager mind to higher station.

Come down with pleasing light

Of art and science to the flight,
O youth, and there untie
The chains that heavy lie,
Your spirit free to bright.

See how in flaming zone

Amid the shadows thrown,
The Spaniard‟s holy hand
A crown‟s resplendent band
Proffers to this Indian land.

Thou, who now wouldst rise

On wings of rich emprise,
Seek from Olympian skies
Songs of sweetest strain,
Softer than ambrosial rain.

Thou, whose voice divine

Rivals Philomel‟s refrain,
And with varied line
Through the night benign
Frees mortality from pain.

Thou, who by sharp strife

Wakest thy mind to life;
And the memory bright
Of thy genius‟s light
Makest immortal in its strength.

And thou, in accents clear

Of Phoebus, to Apollos dear;
Or by the brush‟s magic art
Takest from nature‟s store a part
To fix it on the simple canvas‟ length.

Go forth, and then the sacred fire

Of thy genius to the laurel may aspire;
To spread around the flame,
And in victory acclaim,

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 Through wider spheres the human name.

Day, O happy day,

Fair Filipinas, for thy land!
So bless the power today
That places in thy way
This favor and this fortune grand.

Zaide and Zaide (2014) found out that Jose was unhappy at this Dominican institution
of higher learning because (1) the Dominican professors were hostile to him, (2) the Filipino
students were racially discriminated against by the Spaniards, and (3) the method of
instruction was obsolete and repressive.

The failure of Jose to obtain high scholastic honors can be attributed to the stifling
ambience of the University of Santo Tomas. His grades in University of Santo Tomas pale in
comparison to his grades in Ateneo de Manila. His scholastic records in the University of
Santo Tomas from 1877 to 1882, according to Medina (1998) were as follows:

1877-1878 (Philosophy & Letters)

Cosmology & Metaphysics ……….. Excellent
Theodicy ..…………………………. Excellent
History of Philosophy ..…….……….Excellent

1878-1879 (Medicine) – 1st Year

Physics …….………………………. Fair
Chemistry……………………………Excellent
Natural History ..…….…………….. Good
Anatomy I ………………………... Good
Dissection I ……………………….. Good

1879-1880 (Medicine) – 2nd Year

Anatomy 2 …….…………………… Good
Dissection 2………………………… Good
Physiology …….……………………Good
Private Hygiene……………………. Good
Public Hygiene …………………….. Good

1880-1881 (Medicine) – 3rd Year

General Pathology …….…………… Fair
Therapeutics ……………………….. Excellent
Surgery …...………………………... Good

1881-1882 (Medicine) – 4th Year

Medical Phatology…….…………… Very Good
Surgical Pathology…………………. Very Good
Obstetrics ………………………….. Very Good

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 After four years in University of Santo Tomas, Jose decided to finish his medical
studies in Spain. He learned that teachers over there were not opposed to new ideas or ways of
behaving that are not traditional or widely accepted. The rampant bigotry, discrimination, and
hostility in University of Santo Tomas were the main reasons for his decision to transfer.

Jose Rizal’s Life Abroad

Jose Rizal in Spain (1882-1885). Two important reasons prompted Jose to complete his
studies in Spain: First, his aversion to the obsolete method of instruction and racial prejudice
professors had against Filipino students in the University of Santo Tomas. Second, according
to Zaide and Zaide (2014), to observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs,
industries and commerce, and governments and laws of the European nations in order to
prepare himself in the mighty task of liberating
his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny.

Barcelona, Spain. Jose reached Barcelona on

June 16, 1882. Owing to the dark and dirty tavern
he rented located on a narrow street in the
“town‟s most ugly side” and the indifference he
received from the staff and guests, Jose‟s first
impression of Barcelona was negative. He opined
that Barcelona was ugly, dirty and inhospitable.
After a few days he came to like the city because
of its atmosphere of liberalism and open-hearted, hospitable, and brave people. Spain
He took pleasure in his walks along Las Rambles, the renowned street in
Barcelona.

In Barcelona, Jose wrote “Am r P tr ” (Love of Country), a nationalistic essay

about love for the fatherland, the Philippines. His first essay composed in Spanish and was
published in Diariong Tagalog, the first Manila bilingual newspaper (Spanish and Tagalog).
It was published in two texts - Spanish (the language used by Jose in writing it) and Tagalog
(translation by M.H. del Pilar).

Madrid, Spain. After Barcelona, Jose went to Madrid, the capital city of Spain. On
November 3, 1882 he enrolled in two courses – Medicine and Philosophy and Letters in the
Universidad Central de Madrid (Central University of Madrid). He filled his vacant time by
studying painting and sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, hired private
tutors to teach him French, German, and English; and practiced fencing and shooting with
great care, attention and effort. To improve his understanding and skill in music, he attended
operas and concerts. He also read many books on all subjects to enrich the total of his
experience, knowledge, and education.

Jose‟s life in Madrid was marked by strict self-discipline, simplicity, frugality and
avoidance of luxury and comfort. Not ever did he use his money on gambling, liquor, and
women. His only instance of excess was the Spanish lottery. His recreation consists of
reading, writing, visiting friends, practicing fencing and shooting at the gymnasium.

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 On June 21, 1884, Jose was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the
Universidad Central de Madrid, making him a full-fledged physician, qualified to practice
medicine. He was not awarded, however, the degree of Doctor of Medicine due to his failure
to present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees. According to
Medina (1998), his scholastic records in medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid were
as follows:

Fifth Year (1882-1883): Continuation of Medical Course

in the University of Santo Tomas
Medical Clinic ……..…….…………Good
Surgical Clinic I ………………….... Good
Obstetrical Clinic …………………. Fair
Legal Medicine …………………… Excellent

Sixth year (1883-1884)

Medical Clinic 2 ……..…….……… Good
Surgical Clinic 2 ……………........... Very Good

Licentiate in Medicine awarded on June 21, 1884

with the rating “Fair”

Doctorate (1884-85)
History of Medical Science ……….. Fair
Surgical Analysis ………………….. Good
Normal Histology ………………… Fair

Doctor of Medicine (Not awarded)

Jose also finished his studies in Philosophy and Letters, with higher grades. He was
awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters by the Universidad Central de
Madrid on June 19, 1885 (his 24th birthday), with the rating of “Excellent” (Sobresaliente). In
the Letters between Rizal and Family Members, 1876-1896 (1964) his scholastic records in
this course appear below:

1882-1883
University History I ……..………… Very Good
General Literature …………………. Excellent

1883-1884
University History I ……..……..….. Very Good
General Literature …………………. Excellent

1884-1885
University History 2 ……..………… Excellent
Greek and Latin Literature ………… Excellent (with prize)

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 Greek I …………………………….. Excellent (with prize)

1885-1886
Spanish Language ……..…………... Excellent with a scholarship
Arabic Language …………………... Excellent with a scholarship

Jose Rizal’s First Visit in Paris, France

(1883). From Madrid, Jose travelled to
Paris. Like all tourist, Rizal was
charmingly titillated by the attractive
sights of Paris, such as the beautiful
boulevards (particularly the Champs
Elysses), the Opera House, the Place de la
Concorde, the Arch of Triumph, the Bois
de Boulogne magnificent park), The
Madelaine Church, the Cathedral of Norte
Dame, the Column of Vendome, the
Invalides (containing the tomb of
Nopoleon the Great), and the fabulous
Versailles (Zaide and Zaide, 2014). As he
watched the French way of life with careful attention he also habituated museums, botanical
gardens, libraries, art galleries, and hospitals.

After his studies in Central University of Madrid, Jose who was then a physician,
decided to go to Paris for the purpose of practicing and gaining more knowledge on
Ophthalmology. From November 1885 to February 1886, he served as an assistant to Dr.
Louis de Weckert, a French ophthalmologist who had great importance and influence in Paris
at that time.

Jose Rizal in Germany (1886-1887).

Jose reached Heidelberg, Germany
(renowned for its old university and
romantic environment), on February 3,
1886. He was employed at the University
Eye Hospital managed by Dr. Otto
Becker, prominent German
ophthalmologist. Outside of his working
hours, he was able to enjoy the scenic
spots around Heidelberg, including the
famous Heidelberg Castle, the romantic
Neckar River, the theater, and the old
churches.

Jose, on July 31, 1886 created his first epistle for Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, an
Austrian ethnologist who had manifested an interest in the Philippine language. Jose attached
a book entitled Aritmetica (Arithmetic) which was published in two languages – Spanish and

45
Tagalog. Blumentritt, touched by the gesture repayed by sending Jose a gift of two books.
This is the genesis of their long and constant correspondence, and a friendship that endured all
their lives.

Berlin‟s scientific atmosphere and the absence of racial bias fascinated Jose. He lived
in this famous capital of unified Germany, Zaide and Zaide (2014) proclaimed, for five
reasons: (1) to gain further knowledge of ophthalmology, (2) to further his studies of sciences
and languages, (3) To observe the economic and political conditions of the German nation, (4)
to associate with famous German scientist and Scholars, and (5) to publish his novel, NOLI
ME TANGERE.

In Berlin, Jose was always actively doing

something. He was an assistant in the clinic of Dr.
Schweigger, a reputable German ophthalmologist, by
day and listened to lectures in the University of Berlin
at night. He also studied French under private tutorship
and kept himself fit by going to the gymnasium. When
his schedule permitted it, he toured the country sides
around Berlin and loved to walk especially along Unter
den Linden, the most liked boulevard of Berlin.
Leitmeritz

Jose Rizal in Leitmeritz, Bohemia (Czech Republic) (1887). On May 13, 1887, Jose Rizal
and Ferdinand Blumentritt, friends who only knew each other by correspondence met in
person for the first time. Jose with his pal Dr. Maximo Viola sojourned in Leitmetriz from
May 13 to May 16, 1887. The Blumentritt family
was hospitable and proved to be experienced
tourist guide as well. To reciprocate the kindness
of the Blumentritt family and the beautiful
memories at the Blumentritt home, Jose painted a
portrait of the Austrian professor which verily
gratified Blumentritt.

Jose Rizal in Switzerland (1887). From Germany, Jose

accompanied by his friend Dr. Maximo Viola crossed the
frontier to Schaffhausen, Switzerland. They stayed and
went sightseeing in the city of Lausanne from June 2-3,
1887. They continued to tour until they arrived in
Geneva, considered as one of the beautiful cities in
Europe where they remained for fifteen days. Aside from
spending time appreciating tourist spots, Jose and Viola
went boating on a lake.
Switzerland

46
Jose Rizal in Italy (1887). In Italy, Jose
visited Turin Milan, Venice, Florence, and the
famous Rome, also referred to as the “Eternal
City” and “City of the Caesars.” June 29, 1887
marked his first time to see the Vatican City,
also known as the “City of the Popes” and the
capital of Christendom which coincided with
the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul. The St.
Peter‟s Square, St. Peter‟s Basilica, colorful
Papal Guards, rare works of art and the Italy
religious atmosphere in the Vatican made a
lasting imprint on him.

Jose Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888). In August 1887, Jose finally went home after
a five-year sojourn in Europe despite the warning from his brother Paciano and other friends
and relatives admonishing him not to return home. He was determined, Purino (2008)
revealed, to return to the Philippines for the following reasons:

1. To operate on his mother‟s eyes;

2. To serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants;
3. To find out for himself how the Noli and his other writings were
affecting Filipinos and Spaniards in the Philippines; and
4. To inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent.

In the Philippines, Jose received a letter from Governor-General Emilio Terrero

formally asking Jose to see him in Malacanang Palace. The Governor also wanted to hear
Jose‟s side on the charges against him. Jose countered by saying that he was merely revealing
the truth and that he was not endorsing ideas to overthrow or undermine a government or
political system. Still and all, the Permanent Commission of Censorship, made up of priests
and laymen found the novel (Noli Me Tangere), to contain subversive ideas against the
Church and Spain, and recommended, according to Retana, “that the importation,
reproduction and circulation of this pernicious book in the islands be absolutely prohibited.”
The banning of the novel only stirred curiosity. As a result, all copies of the novel were sold
out.

In Epistolario Rizalino, (1) the death of his old sister, Olimpia, and (2) the groundless
tales circulated by his enemies that he was “a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, a Protestant,
a Mason, a witch, a soul beyond salvation, etc.” marred Rizal‟s happy days in Calamba.

Jose‟s foes in Calamba were enraged when he exposed the despicable conditions of
tenancy. Threats against Jose‟s life alarmed his parents, relatives and friends who counseled
him to hurry toward a place of security. He was compelled, Zaide and Zaide (2014) disclosed,
to leave Calamba for two reasons: (1) his presence in Calamba was jeopardizing the safety
and happiness of his family and friends and (2) he could fight better his enemies and serve his
country‟s cause with greater efficacy by writing in foreign countries.

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Jose Rizal in Hong Kong (1888). Jose arrived in
Hong Kong on February 8, 1888, got billeted at
Victoria Hotel and was warmly greeted by its Filipino
residents. There is a suspicion that the Spanish
authorities sent someone to shadow Jose‟s movement
in Hong Kong. In the Rizal-Blumentritt
Correspondence (1961) Jose described Hong Kong to
Blumentritt, as “a small, but very clean city. Many
Portuguese, Hindus, English, Chinese, and Jews live
in it. There are some Filipinos, the majority of whom
being those who had been exiled to the Marianas
Islands in 1872. They are poor, gentle, and timid. Formerly they were rich mechanics,
industrialist, and financiers.”
Japan
Jose Rizal in Macao (1888). Jose had a two-day
(February 18-20, 1888) sojourn in Macao, a
Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. He lived at the
house of a well-to-do Filipino named Don Juan
Francisco Lecaros who loves to grow and care for
plants and flowers. In the Reminiscences and
Travels (1961), Jose depicted the city of Macao as a, Macao
“small, low, and gloomy. There are many junks,
sampans, but few steamers. It looks sad and is
almost dead.” In the period of time when Jose was a
guest in Macao, he enjoyed visiting the theatre,
casino, cathedral and churches, pagodas, botanical
garden, bazaars, and the famous Grotto of Camoens, Portugal‟s
national poet.

Jose Rizal in Japan (1888). Jose‟s one month and a half (February
28 – April 13, 1888) sojourn in Japan was very special and
impossible to forget experience he had. The innate beauty of Japan
and the amiable manners of the Japanese people captivated him. To
top it all, he fell in love with Seiko Usui, a charming Japanese girl
whom Jose lovingly called O-Sei-San.

In Tokyo, Jose was engrossed with his studies on the Japanese

language, drama (kabuki), arts, music, and Judo (Japanese art of self-
defense). He frequented the libraries, museums, art galleries, shrines
and visited villages of Japan. Lanuza and Zaide (1961) in their work entitled, Rizal in Japan
listed the things which favorably impressed Rizal in Japan:

1. The beauty of the country - its flowers, mountains, streams, and scenic
panoramas.
2. The cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese people.
3. The picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese women.

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 4. There were very few thieves in Japan so
that the houses remained open day and
night, and in the hotel room one could
safely leave money on the table.
5. Beggars were rarely seen in the city
streets, unlike in Manila and others
cities.

Jose Rizal in the United States of America (1888).

Jose arrived in San Francisco on May 4, 1888. After
a two-day sojourn, he visited other places in America such as Oakland,
America
Sacramento, Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany and finally, New
York. He kept notes of the positive and negative things he saw and noticed
during his trip from San Francisco to New York and shared his experiences with his family
and friends through letters.
New York was Jose‟s last trip across the American continent. He visited the scenic
and historic places in the city and was particularly filled with wonder and respect by the
memorial to George Washington. Zaide and Zaide (2014) declared that Jose had good and bad
impressions of the United States of America. The good
impressions were (1) the material progress of the country as
shown in the great cities, huge farms, flourishing industries,
and busy factories;(2) the drive and the energy of the
American people; (3) the natural beauty of the land; (4) the
high standard of living and (5) the opportunities for better
life offered to poor immigrants. One bad impression Jose had
of America was the lack of racial equality. There existed
racial prejudice which was inconsistent with the principles of
democracy and freedom of which the Americans talk so
much but do not practice.

Jose Rizal in London (1888-1889). Jose temporarily lived in London from May,
1888 to March, 1889. Much of his time was spent in the British Museum studying and
annotating a rare copy of Antonio de Morga‟s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Historical
Events of the Philippine Islands) and reading other rare historical works on the Philippines.

Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad in

Barcelona, Spain on February 15, 1889. This was a fortnightly periodical which served as the
organ of Propaganda Movement. Its aims were as follows: (1) to work peacefully for political
and social reforms;(2) to portray the deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain
may remedy them; (3) to oppose the evil forces of reaction and medievalism; (4) to advocate
liberal ideas and progress; and (5) to champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino
people to life, democracy, and happiness (Zaide and Zaide, 2014). Jose who was then in
London was informed by M.H. del Pilar of the founding of La Solidaridad. Jose
London
congratulated Graciano and promised him articles for the newspaper.

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 Despite his hectic schedule at the British Museum, Jose still managed to write articles
and letters. The “Letter to the Young Women of Malolos,” one of his famous letters was
created on February 22, 1889, in Tagalog. Zaide and Zaide (2014) claimed:

He penned it, upon the request of M.H. del Pilar to praise the young
ladies of Malolos for their courage to establish a school where they
could learn Spanish, despite the opposition of Fr. Felipe Garcia,
Spanish parish priest of Malolos. The main points of this letter were:
(1) a Filipino mother should teach her children love of God,
fatherland, and mankind; (2) the Filipino mother should be glad, like
the Spartan mother, to offer her sons in the defense of the fatherland;
(3) a Filipino woman should know how to preserve her dignity and
honor; (4) a Filipino woman should educate herself, aside from
retaining her good racial virtues; and (5) Faith is not merely reciting
long prayers and wearing religious pictures, but rather it is living the
real Christian way, with good morals and good manners.

Jose Rizal’s Second Visit in

Paris, France (1889). The
Universal Exposition in Paris which
opened on May 6, 1889, spring
time, attracted thousands of visitors
from all parts of the world. This
important event was bursting with
merrymaking and eager enthusiasm
and interest. The festive activities,
however, did not prevent Jose to
publish his annotated edition of
Antonio de Morga‟s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Historical Events of the Philippine
Islands); founded three Filipino societies, the Kidlat Club, the Indios Bravos, and the
R.D.L.M. Redencion de los Malayos (Redemption of the Malays); and wrote Por Telefono, a
satire against Fr. Salvador Font.

Amidst the laughter, enjoyment and lively

celebrations in Paris, Jose immersed himself in no-
nonsense activities. Most of his time were utilized reading
in the library, writing letters to his family and friends,
exercising his body, and visiting friends.

Jose Rizal in Brussels, Belgium (1890). Jose left

Paris for Brussels, capital of Belgium on January 28,1890.
Two reasons, according to Purino (2008) caused Jose to
leave Paris, namely: (1) the cost of living in Paris was very high and (2) the gay social life of
the city hampered his literary works, especially the writing his second novel El
Filibusterismo.

50
 In Brussels, Jose was full of activities. He
was engaged writing his second novel, articles for
La Solidaridad and letters to his family and
friends. Some of his time were spent in a medical
clinic in order to become better at being a
physician. He also involved himself in gymnastics,
target practice and fencing as a means of diversion
or refreshment.
Belgium

Jose Rizal’s Second Visit in Madrid, Spain (1890-1891). Jose went back to Madrid in
August of 1890. He exhausted all legal means in his pursuit for justice for his family and the
Calamba tenants but his efforts amounted to nothing. To add insult to injury, so to speak,
Leonor Rivera, whom he faithfully loved for eleven years, shattered his heart.

Jose‟s mounting frustration led him to

Biarritz, a city on the Bay of Biscay, in
southwestern France, 35 kilometres from the
border with Spain. He was welcomed at the
winter residence (Villa Eliada) of the opulent
Boustead family. The pleasing beaches and the
joyful ambience made him disremember the
painful memories of Madrid. The magic of
Biarritz, in a way, contributed to the completion
of his second novel, El Filibusterismo.
Hong Kong

Jose Rizal’s Second Visit in Hong Kong (1891-1892). At long last, Jose
reached Hong Kong on November 20, 1891. Having a family reunion filled with joy in the
Christmas of 1891 in Hong Kong was an experience considered by Jose as one of the happiest
yuletide celebrations in his life. Hong Kong also provided Jose an opportunity to practice his
medical profession from which he earned a living not only for himself but for his family as
well. He worked with Dr. Lorenzo P. Marques, a Portuguese physician who helped him with
his career. Jose‟s successful eye operation on his mother‟s left eye made Hong Kong more
memorable for him. Eventually, Jose became an eminent medical practitioner and many
patients queued for his services.

Jose Rizal’s Second Homecoming (1892). Jose, accompanied by his sister Lucia
finally reached Manila, Philippines on June 26, 1892. After his important discussion with
Spanish governor general, General Eulogio Despujol, Conde de Caspe, he spent some time
with his sisters in the city. When he finished his visit to his friends in Central Luzon, he had a
series of meetings with general Despujol.

On July 3, 1892, Jose founded the Liga Filipina at the home of Doroteo Ongjunco, on
Ylaya Street, Tondo, Manila. A considerable number of impressed and gratified Filipino

51
patriots attended this historic event where officers of the new civic association were elected.
In their monumental 55-volume book, ThePhilippine Islands, Emma Helen Blair and James
Alexander Robertson, shared the aims of the Liga Filipina, as embodied in its Constitution:

1. To unite the whole archipelago into one compact and homogeneous

body.
2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity.
3. Defense against all violence and injustice.
4. Encouragement of education, agriculture and commerce.
5. Study and application of reforms.

On July 7, 1892, the newspaper Gaceta de Manila disseminated to the public General
Eulogio Despujol‟s decree deporting Jose to an island in the south. In the book, Jose P. Rizal:
His Life, Works, and Role in the Philippine Revolution by Acibo and Adanza (1995) the
reasons for Jose‟s deportation were disclosed as follows:

1. Rizal had published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty
to Spain and which were “frankly anti-Catholic” and “imprudently anti-
friar.”
2. A few hours after his arrival in Manila “there was found in one of the
packages . . . a bundle of handbills entitled „Pobres Frailes‟ in which the
patience and humble generosity of Filipinos is satirized, and which
accusation is published against the customs of the religious orders.
3. His novel El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the memory of the three
“traitors” (Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora), and on the title page he wrote
that in view of the vices and errors of the Spanish administration, “the
only salvation for the Philippines was separation from the mother
country.”
4. “The end which he pursues in his efforts and writings is to tear from the
loyal Filipino breast the treasures of our holy Catholic faith.”

July 17, 1892 signaled the beginning of Jose‟s exile in Dapitan, in the province of
Zamboanga del Norte which lasted until July 31, 1896. Without the benefit of a trial, he lived
for a period of over four years in a far-away Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao.

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