CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO THE

COURSE RA 1425 The Board of National Education is

tasked with translating Rizal's
works into English, Tagalog, and
other Philippine dialects, printing
The Rizal Law, also known as RA
them in reasonable and popular
1425, mandates the study of Jose
editions, and distributing them to
Rizal's life and works to increase
persons free of charge.
nationalism among Filipinos
during a time of diminishing
national identity.
The law's SMART goals make the
implementation of its provisions
RA 1425 was passed by Congress
specific, measurable, attainable,
and signed into law by the
realistic, and time-bound.
President on June 12, 1956, and
made effective thirty days after
Republic Act 1425 requires the
implementation.
inclusion of Rizal’s life, works, and
writings in public and private
school curricula in the Philippines.
The law seeks to promote greater
enthusiasm for the Philippines by
The bill was first authored by
encouraging respect for Rizal as
Senator Claro M. Recto and
the national hero and
sponsored by Senator Jose B.
commemorating his
Laurel Sr.
accomplishments.

The law emphasizes the

The bill was opposed by some
importance of re-dedicating to
legislators and the Catholic Church
ideals of nationalism and freedom,
due to the inclusion of Rizal’s
particularly during times of
novels, which were seen to attack
devastation and foreign influence.
Catholic dogmas.

Some oppositions suggested a

Educational institutions are
Rizalian Anthology as an
subject to state regulation and
alternative reading material for
supervision, and schools are
learners.
advised to develop moral
character, civic consciousness,
personal discipline, and the duties
Recto and Laurel defended the bill
of citizenship among students.
and argued that the only objective
is to keep the memory of the
national hero alive in every
Filipino’s mind and to not go
against religion.
Excitement and intense scenes
occurred during the fixing of the
bill, including a fistfight in
Congress and the threat of Catholic
schools to close down if the bill
passed.
The bill eventually passed with an
article that allows exemptions for
learners who think that reading
the Noli and Fili would destroy
their belief.
"Essentials of Studying Rizal":
1. Provides insights on how to deal
with current problems
View of history influences
solutions for existing problems
Rizal course is full of relevant
information and ideas for
decisionmaking
2. Helps people understand better
us Filipinos
Allows people to know who they
are comprehensively
Our past behaviors and habits are
significant clues to our present
situation
Jose Rizal contributes much to
shedding light on our collective
experience and identity as Filipino
3. Teaches nationalism and
patriotism
Jose Rizal's life works and writings
radiate these attributes
Helps to understand the country
better
4. Provides several valuable life
lessons
Students can learn much from the
way Rizal faced various challenges
in life
Rizal's priorities and convictions
exemplify how noble, selfless, and
great a national hero he was
5. Helps in developing logical and
critical thinking
Rizal's insurrection demonstrated
his essential skills of thought in his
polemical speeches, essays, satires,
novels, and written arguments
A lesson in critical reasoning
6. Rizal can serve as a valuable
model and inspiration to every
Filipino
Hero's philosophies, convictions,
life principles, thoughts, ideas,
aspirations, and dreams are
significant influence on anyone
Valued independence, respect for
parents, love for siblings, loyalty to
friends, and sense of honor
Jose Rizal was a pioneer Asian
nationalist leader born in the same
era as other leaders like Mohandas
Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and
Sun Yat-Sen, who challenged the
West.
Rizal's ideas on a different
relationship between Asia and
Europe matured at an early age
and he was considered the prime
proponent of Asian nationalism
during his time.
Rizal's essays, letters, and novels
spoke of liberal democracy,
including the worth and dignity of
the individual, inviolability of
human rights, impartiality of all
men and races, constitutional
government, due process, popular
sovereignty, faith in human reason
and wisdom, rights of the masses
to public education, and belief in
social progress through freedom.
Rizal deserves to be considered
the first Asian nationalist leader as
he was the first to postulate the
ideas and principles entrenched in
the Asian nation, giving significant
importance to the basic tenets of
modern and social democracy in
Asia for the earliest time.
Four major phases in the life of
Rizal include:
First phase (1861-1872) where
Rizal learned how to read, write
and critically analyze stories,
developing different values and
virtues.
Second phase (1872-1882) when
Rizal enrolled in Ateneo Municipal
and was awakened to the abuses of
the Spanish regime after the unjust
execution of fathers Gomez,
Burgos, and Zamora.
Third phase (1882-1892) when
Rizal went to Europe, learning
from everything he saw, read, and
heard, and cooperated with the
Propaganda Movement through
his writings to divulge social,
political, and economic
circumstances in the country.
Fourth and final phase (1892-
1896) where Rizal was exiled in
Dapitan and suffered to death on
December 30, 1896.
CHAPTER 2 : THE PHILIPPINES IN THE 19TH
CENTURY AS RIZAL’S CONTEXT
Dr Jose Rizal used the word
"Filipino" to refer to all inhabitants
in the Philippines regardless of
Spanish or Filipino blood, thereby
considering the Indios as one state.
The 19th century, when Rizal grew
up, was a time of vast changes in
Europe, Spain, and the Philippines. It
was considered the birth of modern
life and many nation-states
worldwide, precipitated by three
great revolutions: the Industrial
Revolution, the French Revolution,
and the American Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution changed
the European economy from
capitalism that relied on machinery
and wage labor, resulting in farmers
from rural areas migrating to the
cities and becoming industrial
workers.
The Industrial Revolution had
consequences for the Philippine
economy, resulting in an agricultural
revolution, development of
agricultural industries and domestic
and foreign trade, new ports and
cities, foreign industry, and the rise
of a new breed of influential and
wealthy Filipino middle class.
The French Revolution started a
political revolution in Europe and
some parts of the world, which was
a period of political and social
upheaval.
The American Revolution refers to
the overthrow of British rule by the
13 colonies of North America, which
inspired colonized people around
the world, including Filipino
reformists led by Rizal, to aspire for
freedom and independence.
Liberal ideas from America, borne by
ships and men from foreign ports,
began to reach the Philippines when
Spain opened the Philippines to
world trade in the 19th century, and
influenced the ilustrados, containing
the ideologies of the American and
French Revolutions and the thoughts
of Montesquieu, Rousseau, Voltaire,
Locke, Jefferson, and other political
philosophers.
The weakening of the grip of the
Catholic Church on the growing
secularized society of Europe and
Spain had implications to the
Philippines, with anti-clericalism
gaining strength in the 19th century
not only for political reasons but
also for the materialistic preferences
of the people generated by the
economic prosperity of the period.
Despite the anti-clericalism in Spain,
the power of the friars in the
Philippines in the 19th century did
not decline; instead, it became
consolidated after the weakening of
civil authority, meaning Filipinos
turned more and more to the friars
for moral and political guidance as
Spanish public officials in the colony
became more corrupt and immoral.
One of the aims of Dr Rizal and the
propagandists in preparing the
Filipino people for revolution and
independence was to discredit the
friars, exposing their abuses and
immoralities, to downplay their
power and influence among the
people and shift the allegiance of
the Indios from the friars to the
Filipino reformists and leaders.
The rise of the Filipino nation was
slow but inevitable, possessing
qualities and traits for nationhood
even in the preSpanish era, including
a common racial origin, shared
cultural heritage, and a shared love
for freedom.
The Philippines opened up to world
trade in the 19th century due to
Spain's adoption of a more liberal
economic policy.
Manila officially opened to world
trade in 1834, and more ports were
later opened.
The influx of international firms led
to progress in agriculture, business,
and industry, resulting in material
prosperity and a higher standard of
living for the people.
Contact with the outside world also
brought about political awakening,
making the people conscious of the
evils of Spain's colonial
administration.
 The material prosperity produced
an enlightened middle class
consisting of well-to-do farmers,
teachers, lawyers, physicians,
writers, and government employees.
 The middle class read books and
newspapers, discussed political
problems and reforms, and sent
their children to colleges and
universities in Manila and abroad
.  Other factors contributing to
political awakening and reforms
included the Spanish Revolution of
1868, the opening of the Suez Canal,
the influx of liberal ideas, the Cavite
Mutiny of 1872, and the martyrdom
of Fathers Burgos, Gomez, and
Zamora.
The Spanish Revolution of 1868 led
to the establishment of a provisional
government in Spain, which spread
the ideas of liberalism to its
colonies, including the Philippines.
The opening of the Suez Canal in
1869 facilitated travel and
communication, bringing more
Spaniards and people with new
ideas to the Philippines. The liberal
Spanish governor, Carlos Maria de la
Torre, who served from 1869 to
1871, fostered free discussion of
political problems, eliminated the
censorship of the press, and made
notable achievements in promoting
humane treatment of Filipino
soldiers and settling the agrarian
reform trouble in Cavite. De la
Torre's liberal policies and
achievements contributed to the
Filipinos' growing yearning for
reforms and changes in the
government.
The Philippines of Rizal's Times
Ferdinand VII was king of Spain
during a divided time between
Liberals and traditionalists
. The country was recovering from a
war and struggling with a nearly
bankrupt treasury.
The Cadiz Constitution brought an
end to the oppressive galleon trade
in the Philippines.
The Carlist Wars erupted in Spain, a
traditionalist and legitimist political
movement. II. The Philippines in
Rizal’s Time in 1833
Mohandas K. Gandhi was born in
1869, known for his non-violent civil
disobedience, and led India to
freedom.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese
revolutionary and founding father of
the Republic of China.
Nguyen Tat Thanh, also known as
Chi Minh, was a Vietnamese
Communist leader who fought
against French colonial rule. III.
Notable Asian People during the
Time of Dr. Rizal
Mohandas K. Gandhi was a
prominent leader who fought for
civil rights and democracy across the
globe.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen was the first
president and founding father of the
Republic of China and instrumental
in the overthrow of the Qing
dynasty.
Nguyen Tat Thanh, also known as Chi
Minh, was a Vietnamese Communist
leader who led the struggle against
French colonial rule.
 CHAPTER 3: RIZAL’S LIFE: FAMILY, independent soul and sense of
CHILDHOOD AND EARLY EDUCATION fitness.
The Rizal family had a noble ancestry
and a prominent place in a society
primarily topped by elite Spaniards
Childhood experiences shape who
.  José Rizal inherited his free soul
we are as individuals.
from his father and his genius from
his mother, who had ancestors and
Memories from childhood can be
relatives who were leaders and
simple yet enjoyable, and they serve
thinkers.
as a foundation for moral and social
Doña Teodora, José's mother, came
development.
from a family of distinguished
individuals, including engineers,
attorneys, and captains.
National Hero José Rizal had a vivid
Both of José's parents were
childhood reminiscence.
educated in prestigious schools, and
they were his source of virtues such
José Rizal was born on June 19,
as patience and selfsacrifice.
1861, in Calamba, Laguna, to a well-
to-do family known as the
The Mercados and the Alonsos,
Mercados.
José's parents' families, belonged to
the principalia and were considered
ilustrados, meaning they were
José Rizal's full name was José
literate, owned a library, subscribed
Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso
to newspapers, and were involved in
Realonda, and he was called the
political, economic, and social affairs
"First Filipino" by Hon. Leon Ma.
of their time.
Guerrero
. José Rizal was the first among the
Indios to refer to himself as a
José had several older siblings:
Filipino.
Saturnina, Paciano, Narcisa,
José Rizal's parents were Don
Olympia, Lucia, and Maria. He also
Francisco Mercado y Alejandro and
had younger sisters: Josefa, Trinidad,
Doña Todora Alonso y Realonda,
and Soledad.
both devout Catholics.
The Rizal family name was originally
José Rizal had a sister named
Mercado, but Don Francisco
Concepcion, who died at the age of
changed it to Rizal, which means
"green field," for the sake of his
three, and her death deeply affected
him.
José was also known as Ute by his
family and Pepe by his friends, due
to the Spanish pronunciation of "pp"
as "fhefhe" and conversion to
"Pepe" for the name José.
The Mercado family was raised in a
strong Catholic environment, with
prayer and mass attendance being a
regular part of their daily lives.
José was able to read at the age of
five, though not fluently, and had a
profound religiosity.
José's siblings became his firmest
supporters in his vision of bringing
transformation to the oppressed
natives
.  The Mercado family had a simple
and happy life, with Mang Kikoy and
Aling Lolay raising their children with
strong faith and proper etiquette.
José grew up in a two-story house
with a private library and a grand
veranda called azotea.
The Mercado family enjoyed a
mixture of ordinary and exquisite
dishes, and their favorite dish was
carne asada or beef steak.
The children were told many
enchanting tales, fascinating
legends, and fantastic stories by
their mother or their ayas.
Calamba is a town in the Laguna
province, known for its agriculture
and beautiful landscape.
The town was owned by Dominican
friars who subjected non-Spanish
families to pay excessive taxes
through a system called
encomienda.
Despite the challenges, Jose Rizal, a
famous artist and writer, was
inspired by the town and wrote a
poem about it.
Rizal showed exceptional talent in
arts from an early age and was
encouraged by his family to pursue
his passion.
He was taught by a strict teacher in
Biñan when he was nine years old,
but he had fond memories of him.
Rizal was also influenced by his
uncle Jose Alberto, a fine artist,
Uncle Gregorio, a reader, and Uncle
Manuel, a sports enthusiast.
Father Leoncio Lopez, the parish
priest, was another significant
influence on Rizal's character, and
he paid a beautiful tribute to him in
one of his novels.
Rizal's first teacher was his mother,
who taught him the alphabet and
prayers at the age of three
. Rizal's mother encouraged his
talent for poetry and shared stories
to stimulate his imagination.
Rizal had private tutors at home,
including Maestro Celestino,
Maestro Lucas Padua, and Leon
Monroy.
Leon Monroy, Rizal's tutor in
Spanish and Latin, died five months
later.
Rizal's parents sent him to a private
school in Biñan after Monroy's
death.
The Mercado family prioritized
education, and Rizal was sent to
learn from Justiniano Aquino Cruz, a
tutor from Binan.
Rizal's thirst for education led his
family to prepare for his admission
to the Ateneo Municipal de Manila,
a distinguished academic institution
administered by the Jesuit Order
First Day in Biñan:
 Jose was taken by his brother Paciano to a
teacher named Justiniano Aquino Cruz
 The teacher was competent and had been
Paciano's pupil before
 Jose described the teacher's physical
features and his attire
 He knew grammars by Nebrija and Gainza
 Jose got into a fight with a bully named
Pedro on the first day and won
 He also got challenged to an armwrestling
match and lost
Painting Lesson in Biñan:
 Jose spent many hours at an old painter
named Juancho's studio
 Juancho gave him lessons in drawing and
painting
Best Student in School:
Jose excelled in academic studies,
beating all the boys in Biñan in
Spanish, Latin, and other subjects
End of Schooling in Biñan:
He excelled in his studies at Ateneo
Jose received a letter from his sister
Saturnina informing him of the
The Ateneo was located in
arrival of the streamer Talim, which
Intramuros, Manila, during Jose's
would take him from Biñan to
college days, and he first lodged in a
Calamba
house outside Intramuros, on
Caraballo Street.
He had an intuition that he would
not return to Biñan and felt sad

First Year in Ateneo (1872–1873):

He left Biñan on December 17, 1870,
after one year and a half of
schooling in that town
Life and Studies at Ateneo:
Rizal attended his first day of class at
Ateneo in June 1872
He prayed for guidance and success
after attending mass at the college
chapel

Jose took the examinations on

Christian doctrine, reading, and
Rizal's first professor was Fr. Jose
arithmetic, at the college of San Juan
Bech, whom he described as severe,
de Letran, and passed them
inspired, and with a sharp nose
almost Greek and thin lips forming
He enrolled at the Ateneo Municipal
an arc
in Manila, accompanied by his
brother Paciano
As a newcomer who knew little
Spanish, he was placed at the back
of the class and assigned to the
At first, he was refused admission by
Carthaginians
the college registrar but was
eventually admitted
After the first week, he advanced
swiftly and became "emperor" at
Jose registered under the surname
the end of the month, winning his
"Rizal" at Ateneo because their
first prize, a religious picture, which
family name "Mercado" was used as
he was proud of
his surname at the College of San
Jose
 To boost his Spanish, Rizal took
private lessons in Santa Isabel
College during the noon recesses
Second Year in Ateneo (1873–1874):
Nothing unusual happened during
Rizal’s second term in the Ateneo
He regretted not looking after his
studies the past year due to being
upset by the teacher’s remarks, so
he studied harder to regain his lost
class leadership
He became "emperor" again and
received excellent grades in all
subjects, winning a gold medal
during the end of the school year
Third Year in Ateneo (1875–1875):
Rizal returned to the Ateneo for his
junior year in June 1874
His mother arrived and joyously told
him that she was released from prison,
just as he had predicted during his last
visit to her prison cell in Santa Cruz,
Laguna
His grades remained excellent in all
subjects, but he won only one medal in
Latin and failed to win the medal in
Spanish because his spoken Spanish
was not fluent enough
Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875–1876):
After a happy summer vacation, Rizal
went back to Manila for his fourth-year
course and became an interno on June
16, 1875
One of his professors was Fr. Francisco
de Paula Sanchez, whom Rizal admired
and considered his best professor in
Ateneo
Last Year in Ateneo (1876–1877):
Rizal returned to Manila for his last year
in the Ateneo and excelled in all
subjects, becoming "the pride of the
Jesuits" and the most brilliant Atenean
of his time
CHAPTER 4: RIZAL’S LIFE: HIGHER
EDUCATION AND LIFE ABROAD
Dr. Jose Rizal went to study in Spain
after being unhappy with the
Dominican-owned University of Sto
Tomas in the Philippines and to prepare
himself for liberating his oppressed
people from Spanish tyranny.
He left the Philippines for the first time
on May 3, 1882, using a passport under
the name Jose Mercado and was
accompanied by his uncle, Vicente
Gella, and Mateo Evangelista.
During his voyage to Spain, he observed
the people and things on board the
steamer and made stops in Singapore,
Point Galle, Colombo, Aden, and Suez
before reaching Naples and Marseilles.
 He arrived in Barcelona on June 16,
1882, and later changed his negative
impression of the city to see it as a
great city with an atmosphere of
freedom and liberalism.
He enrolled in the Universidad Central
de Madrid on September 2, 1882,
where he studied medicine, legal
medicine, and obstetrical clinic, among
other subjects.
He also studied painting and sculpture
at the Academy of Fine Arts of San
Fernando and took lessons in French,
German, and English
.  He spent his leisure time reading,
writing, practicing fencing and shooting,
and joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino.
Rizal in Paris, France:
Visited Paris from June 17 to August 20,
1883  Explored museums, botanical
gardens, libraries, art galleries, and
hospitals
Awarded diploma as a Master Mason by
Le Grand Orient de France in Paris
Visited Laennec Hospital with Felipe
Zamora and Cunanan to observe how
Dr. Nicaise treated his patients
Visited Dupytren Museum
Visited Lariboisiere Hospital where Felix
Pardo de Tavera was an extern and
observed examination of different
diseases of women
Rizal in Madrid:
Enrolled at the central Universidad de
Madrid for the second course in
medicine on September 28, 1883
Learned about the imprisonment of 14
wealthy innocent persons in Manila in
October 1883
Proposed the publication of a book by
association to members of the Circulo in
January 1884 which became the
embryo of his first novel Noli Me
Tangere
Finished the degree of Licentiate in
Medicine with the grade aprobado by
the Central Universidad de Madrid on
June 2, 1884
Won first prize in Greek contest on June
25, 1884 and delivered a speech in
honor of the two Filipino painters, Juan
Luna, and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo
Explained the term “Filibusterismo” in
the newspaper of Madrid El Progreso
on July 1, 1884, calling for freedom of
the press and the right of
representation at the Spanish Cortes
Witnessed a violent scene in the Central
Universidad de Madrid on November
20, 1884 where the students and
professors staged a strike against
excommunication imposed by the
bishop on the lecture proclaiming the
freedom of science and the teacher
Rizal in Berlin, Germany:
 Wrote the poem “A Las Flores de
Heidelberg” on April 22, 1886 while in
Heidelberg
Copies of his novel came off the press
on March 21, 1887, and he sent one
copy to Prof. Blumentritt, who said it
was the first impartial and daring book
written on the life of the Tagalogs,
opining that Spanish authorities and
friars would attack it.
Potsdam:
Companion: Dr. Maximo Viola
Date: May 11, 1887 (spring season)
Rizal's luggage included letters from his
family and friends.
Dresden:
Regional Floral Exposition
Visited Dr. Adolph B. Meyer (Museum
of Art)  Met Dr. Jagor who advised
them to wire Blumentritt
Leimeritz:
Arrived on May 13, 1887 (1:30 p.m)
Meeting with Blumentritt, an old
Austrian professor who helped Rizal &
Viola during their stay in Leimeritz
Enjoyed the hospitality of Blumentritt's
family
Met a renowned scientist named Dr.
Carlos Czelopak
 May 16 (9:45 A.M) they left Leimeritz by train.
Prague:
 Carried letters of recommendation from Dr.
Willkomm
 Visited the tomb of Copernicus, Museum of
Natural History, and the famous cave of San
Juan Nepomuceno.
Vienna:
 Rizal was fascinated by its beautiful buildings,
religious images, haunting waltzes, and majestic
charm.
Geneva:
 June 19, 1887: Rizal treated Viola to a blowout
on his 26th birthday
 June 23, Viola and Rizal parted ways
Italy:
Rizal went to Turin, Milan, Venice, and
Florence
June 27, 1887: Rome
June 29- Feast day of St. Peter and St.
Paul
In April 1888, Rizal visited the United
States and witnessed discrimination
against Chinese and Japanese people.
Although he was impressed with the
drive, energy, and natural beauty of the
country, he also noticed that there was
no racial equality.
Rizal went to London to improve his
English and continued his fight against
Spanish tyranny. While he was there, he
received both good and bad news from
his hometown. He also met with the
leaders of the propaganda movement
and became the honorary president of
the Asociacion La Solidaridad.
In December 1888, Rizal visited
Barcelona and Madrid and met with
Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Mariano
Ponce, leaders of the propaganda
movement. The Asociacion La
Solidaridad was inaugurated on
December 31, 1888.
Rizal's first article in La Solidaridad,
entitled "Los Agricultores Filipinos," was
published on March 25, 1889. He also
wrote the Tagalog version of "The
Women of Malolos," which was about a
Filipino woman and her rights. Rizal
finished four sculptural works during
this time.
Rizal then left London for Paris and lived
with two other Filipinos. He was
fascinated with the opening of the
Exposition of Paris in May 1889. He
formed the Kidlat Club and later the
Indios Bravos, as well as the R.D.L.M.
Paris 1890, which published an
annotated edition of Morga's Sucesos.
Rizal also wrote the essays "Philippines
within a Colony" and "Indolence of the
Filipinos."
In January 1890, Rizal left Paris for
Brussels with Jose Albert, who was later
replaced by Jose Alejandro. Rizal was
busy writing his second novel, El
Filibusterismo, and writing articles for
La Solidaridad.
Rizal went to Hong Kong after the novel
got published in Europe to escape
political differences with Marcelo H. del
Pilar and another Filipino in Spain.
In Hong Kong, Rizal studied
ophthalmology and built a vast
clientele, treating the eyes of his
mother and others.
On June 26, 1892, Rizal arrived in the
Philippines from Hong Kong and stayed
in the Oriente Hotel.
Rizal attended a meeting in Calle Ylaya
to discuss the proposed Liga Filipina, a
civic league of Filipinos, and became
involved in its formation.
The Liga Filipina aimed to unite the
archipelago, provide mutual protection,
defend against injustice, encourage
education, agriculture and commerce,
and study reforms.
Rizal was arrested and jailed in Fort
Santiago on July 6, 1896, after being
accused of being involved in the
Katipunan uprising.
Rizal was later taken to Spain but was
arrested and taken back to Manila for
trial.
Rizal was kept under heavy guard
during transit from Barcelona to Manila
and was subjected to a five-day
investigation by Judge Advocate Colonel
Franciso Olive.
Rizal chose Don Luis Taviel de Andrade
to defend him in court, where he
pleaded not guilty to inciting rebellion.
Rizal's mock trial began on December
26, 1896, and he was sentenced to
death by firing squad on December 30,
1896.
CHAPTER 5: RIZAL’S LIFE EXILE,
TRIAL AND DEATH
Rizal sailed to Dapitan after leaving
Manila on July 17, 1892.
His exile in Dapitan was a productive
and fruitful period where he focused on
civic works, medical practices, land
development, and education
promotion.
Rizal lived with Captain Carnicero, the
politico-military governor of the district,
during his early exile in Dapitan.
Relations between Rizal and his warden
were warm and friendly, despite the
conditions laid out by Fr. Pablo Pastells,
superior of the Jesuit parish priests of
Dapitan.
Rizal and Fr. Pastells had religious
differences but remained good friends.
Rizal continued to be a Catholic despite
his disagreements with Pastells'
interpretations of the church doctrines.
Rizal maximized his time in Dapitan by
improving his artistic and literary skills,
doing agricultural and civic projects,
engaging in business activities, and
corresponding with his friends in
Europe.
Rizal directed the construction of a
water system for Dapitan, utilizing his
knowledge in surveying and
engineering.
Rizal had a debate with Fr. Pastells
regarding religion, revealing his anti-
clerical views due to the abuses
performed by friars.
Despite their religious differences, Rizal
and Fr. Pastells remained good friends,
exchanging gifts.
Rizal was still a Catholic, but had an
inquisitive form of Catholicism, seeking
profound and acceptable explanations.
In Dapitan, Rizal devoted much of his
time to improving his artistic and
literary skills, agricultural and civic
projects, engaging in business activities,
and keeping correspondence with his
friends in Europe.
Rizal successfully provided a sound
water system in the province and
directed the construction of a water
system for Dapitan.

He provided free medicine to his
patients, mostly underprivileged, but
also had wealthy patients who paid him
for his excellent surgical skills.
Rizal helped remake the plaza with his
friend Fr. Francisco Sanchez, placing
lampposts for Dapitan's first lighting
system.
Rizal devoted time to planting
important crops and fruit-bearing trees
in his 16-hectare land, which he was
able to claim because of a lottery ticket
that won him a prize of P6,200.
Rizal was a poet and wrote many poems
throughout his life, including "Mi
Retiro" in 1895 for his mother
.  He was a polyglot and knew 22
languages, including Tagalog, English,
Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and
more. He also studied and compared
Bisayan and Malayan languages.
Rizal was interested in science and
made several inventions, including a
type of lighter and a wooden brick-
maker. He also conducted research in
ethnography, archaeology, geology,
anthropology, and geography. He
discovered three species: Draco rizali,
Apogonia rizali, and Rhacophorus rizali
.  Rizal established a school in Talisay,
near Dapitan, where he taught young
boys reading, writing, geography,
history, math, technical work, nature
study, morals, and gymnastics. He had
his students engage in community
projects and encouraged them to
participate in sports activities. Classes
were held under a Talisay tree, and
Rizal wrote a poem entitled "Himno A
Talisay" for his pupils to sing.
Rizal fell in love with an Irish girl named
Josephine Bracken, who arrived in
Dapitan in 1895. They instantly fell in
love, but Rizal's family was not pleased.
He tried to bridge the gap between his
family and Josephine but was
unsuccessful.
Before the revolution, Andres Bonifacio
sought Rizal's advice.
Pio Valenzuela was sent to Dapitan to
inform Rizal of the Katipunan's plan for
revolution.
Valenzuela arrived in Dapitan with
Rizal's sister, niece, and Josephine
Bracken.
Valenzuela and Rizal talked in the
garden at night about the Katipunan's
plan.
Rizal objected to the plan because the
Filipinos were unprepared and lacked
machinery
.  Rizal suggested attracting wealthy
and influential persons and seeking
Antonio Luna's help.
Valenzuela told Rizal of their plan to
rescue him, but Rizal disagreed because
he didn't want to break his word to the
Spanish authorities.
Valenzuela returned to Manila without
convincing Rizal. 11. Nails in the Coffin"
Rizal offered his services as a military
doctor to Cuba during its revolution
He waited for months for
GovernorGeneral Ramon Blanco's reply
On July 30, 1896, he received the
governor's letter accepting his offer
Rizal saw his service in Cuba as a way to
triumph over his enemies' doubt, but it
was only nails in his coffin 12. "The Trap
is Laid"
On July 31, 1896, Rizal left Dapitan on
board the steamer España with
Josephine, Narcissa, Angelica, three
nephews, and six students
He successfully performed an
ophthalmic operation in Cebu on their
way to Manila
On August 6, 1896, España arrived in
Manila, but Rizal missed his scheduled
ship to Spain
He was transferred to the Spanish
cruiser Castilla to wait for the next mail
ship to Spain
On August 30, 1896, Luzon was put
under martial law
Rizal received two letters of
introduction from GovernorGeneral
Blanco for the Minister of War and the
Minister of Colonies, stating that he had
no connection with the Philippine
Revolution.
Three days later, Rizal was transferred
to the boat Isla de Panay, where he
wrote a letter to his mother and was
given the best cabin.
Rizal was given a new cabin, No. 22,
with a couch the following day, and the
boat anchored near Manila to load
passengers.
Rizal left Manila for Spain, which was
his last trip abroad.
Unbeknownst to Rizal,
GovernorGeneral Blanco and the
Ministers of War and the Colonies
conspired for his destruction as a
"Dangerous Filipino."
En route to Spain, Rizal learned that he
was being implicated in a revolution
that had raged in Manila and became
the object of malicious talk by some
passengers.
Rizal belatedly realized that the Spanish
officials duped him and wrote a letter
expressing his disgust and bitterness to
Blumentritt.
"The Kangaroo Trial":
On December 26, 1896, Rizal was
brought to trial before a military court
composed of seven military officers
headed by Lt. Col. Jose Togores Arjona.
Rizal was denied the right of counsel
and was only permitted to choose his
advocate from a list of untrained young
Spanish officers.
The charges against Rizal were
"rebellion, sedition, and illegal
association" with penalties ranging from
life imprisonment to death or
correctional imprisonment and a charge
of P325 to P3,250.
Lt. Taviel de Andrade defended Rizal,
but the result was never in doubt.
Rizal read his defense which had twelve
points to prove his innocence, including
that he was against rebellion, had not
written a letter to the Katipunan, and if
he was guilty, he could have escaped
while he was in Singapore.
Rizal lived an exemplary life in Dapitan
and never advocated violence, so the
Katipunan sent an unfamiliar emissary
to him.
Rizal was convicted and sentenced to be
shot on December 30, 1896
.  He knew that there was no way his
destiny could be changed and accepted
his fate.
Capt. Rafael Dominguez read the official
notice of his execution to him on
December 29, 1896, at six o'clock in the
morning
.  Rizal spent his last hours in the
prison chapel, where he wrote
correspondences to friends and family,
bid everyone farewell, and conversed
with his Jesuit friends.
He had many visitors who arrived one
or two after the other.
Rizal was left alone in his cell from
12:00 noon to 3:00 in the afternoon,
during which he had his lunch and
wrote his ast letter in German to
Blumentritt, his best friend.
Rizal's family had a different account of
his final hours than what his enemies
told.
Rizal was not allowed to embrace his
mother, and he stamped his foot in
anger.
Narcissa, Rizal's sister, was not allowed
to go near him, but he gave her his pen
and a reclining wicker chair.
Rizal gave his handkerchief to his niece,
Angelica, but soon needed it and asked
for Maria's handkerchief to suppress his
emotions.
Rizal's other sisters could not touch
him, and no male relatives were
allowed to enter his cell.
Rizal gave his belt, watch, and chain to
Maria's son, Mauricio.
Rizal gave his lamparilla to Trinidad,
which contained a folded piece of paper
with a poem known as "Mi Ultimo
Adios."
Rizal's sisters made copies of the poem
and distributed them to their friends,
and Mariano Ponce financed the first
printing of the poem and distributed it
for free.

On December 29, 1896, Rizal had his
last supper at 8 pm and forgave his
enemies, including those who
condemned him to death.
There is controversy over whether Rizal
wrote and signed a retraction letter
renouncing the Masonic movement,
and whether he married Josephine
Bracken under Catholic rites.
Supporters of Rizal's unshaken
principles claim the retraction as a
forgery, while others believe it to be
genuine evidence of his submission to
faith.
At 3:00 am on December 30, Rizal rose
up, prayed, and confessed his sins. He
knelt before the altar, prayed the
rosary, and read Imitacíon de Cristo by
Tomas á Kempis.
At 5:30 am, he ate his last breakfast of
three hard-boiled eggs and signed
memorabilia to be passed on to his
mother, sister, and Josephine.
For the last time, Rizal wrote a letter to
his family, sisters, and brother
It was a clear and cool Wednesday
morning.
There was to be a public execution, and
the streets and buildings were hung
with flags
.  A trumpet sounded at Fort Santiago
to commence the death march to the
field of Bagumbayan
.  Rizal was dressed in black and tied
elbow to elbow as a condemned man,
but he held his head up proudly.
The muffled sound of the drums gave
pulse to each of his step.
There was a huge crowd lining the
street from Fort Santiago to the Plaza
del Palacio in front of the Manila
Cathedral to witness the execution.
Rizal took a right turn and walked along
the Paseo Maria, flanked by two Jesuits
and followed by his defense counsel.
The crowd was so dense that police
arrangements broke down and the
prisoner's military escort had to form a
file on either side of him to force his
way through.
Although he was a few steps away from
his death, Rizal was described as calm,
and even nodded and smiled at familiar
faces in the crowd.
Before reaching Bagumbayan, he took
one last look at Intramuros and asked
about the Ateneo.
Troops were waiting in a hollow
square with a band ready to play the
national anthem when everything was
over.
Eight Filipino soldiers armed with rifles
formed the firing squad to shoot Rizal,
with eight Spanish soldiers behind them
ready to shoot them if they refused.