Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
to the release of this act. It is clear that the government had to make
drastic changes to resolve the issue. This is evident in section 3 of the
act, legalizing all forms of translations for Rizals works, as well as
section 2, obligating all schools, colleges and universities to keep an
adequate number of copies of Rizals works. This makes them more
accessible to a greater audience.
It is hard to make out any form of emotion from any legal
document; however, the choice of words is still able to convey a fiery
passion. To highlight this, they also use words or concepts that can
easily relate to the common Filipino man. Such passion is vital, as the
audience is presumably of dwindling nationalism. In this regard, the
writer attempts to show the audience the identity they have slowly
been losing, and show them how they can undo this.
There are important points that the author cited in this republic act
that is worth noticing. First, Whereas, today, more than other period
of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication to the ideals of
freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died. This
document was written in the year 1956 during Magsasyays regime
when the country was still recovering from the Japanese occupation
and still very dependent on US governance. Ideals of freedom and
nationalism were very essential during those times since the
Philippines was still struggling for independence, and the country was
still gradually developing its national identity and integrity. During
those times havoc also existed within the Filipinos since there were
numerous uprisings against the Philippine government. Moreover,
even though this document was written decades ago, it is still striking
because this clause is very timely for this present generation when our
culture is being overpowered by foreign influence and Filipino diaspora
is widespread.
Another important point from RA 1425 is Whereas, all educational
institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to regulation by
the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character,
personal discipline, civic conscience, and to teach the duties of
citizenship. It is very important to use our educational institutions to
instill these values to the children who are at their prime years of
growing and learning. During ones educational years especially the
college level is when individuals formulate their priorities and career
proved that the Filipino has capacity to equal if not excel even those
who treat him as a slave, was shot at Bagumbayan Field.
The Mercado - Rizal Family
The Rizals is considered one of the biggest families during their time.
Domingo Lam-co, the family's paternal ascendant was a full-blooded
Chinese who came to the Philippines from Amoy, China in the closing
years of the 17th century and married a Chinese half-breed by the
name of Ines de la Rosa.
Researchers revealed that the Mercado-Rizal family had also traces of
Japanese, Spanish, Malay and Even Negrito blood aside from Chinese.
Jose Rizal came from a 13-member family consisting of his parents,
Francisco Mercado II and Teodora Alonso Realonda, and nine sisters
and one brother.
FRANCISCO MERCADO (1818-1898), is the father of Jose Rizal he was
the youngest of 13 off springs of Juan and Cirila Mercado. He was born
in Bian, Laguna on April 18, 1818; studied in San Jose College, Manila;
and died in Manila.
TEODORA ALONSO (1827-1913) Mother of Jose Rizal who was the
second child of Lorenzo Alonso and Brijida de Quintos. She studied at
the Colegio de Santa Rosa. She was a business-minded woman,
courteous, religious, hard-working and well-read. She was born in
Santa Cruz, Manila on November 14, 1827 and died in 1913 in Manila.
SATURNINA RIZAL (1850-1913) Eldest child of the Rizal-Alonzo
marriage. Married Manuel Timoteo Hidalgo of Tanauan, Batangas.
PACIANO RIZAL (1851-1930)nOnly brother of Jose Rizal and the second
child. Studied at San Jose College in Manila; became a farmer and later
a general of the Philippine Revolution.
NARCISA RIZAL (1852-1939) The third child. married Antonio Lopez at
Morong, Rizal; a teacher and musician.
1864
Barely three years old, Rizal learned the alphabet from his mother.
1865
When he was four years old, his sister Conception, the eight child in
the Rizal family, died at the age of three. It was on this occasion that
Rizal remembered having shed real tears for the first time.
1865 1867
During this time his mother taught him how to read and write. His
father hired a classmate by the name of Leon Monroy who, for five
months until his (Monroy) death, taught Rizal the rudiments of Latin.
At about this time two of his mothers cousin frequented Calamba.
Uncle Manuel Alberto, seeing Rizal frail in body, concerned himself
with the physical development of his young nephew and taught the
latter love for the open air and developed in him a great admiration for
the beauty of nature, while Uncle Gregorio, a scholar, instilled into the
mind of the boy love for education. He advised Rizal: "Work hard and
perform every task very carefully; learn to be swift as well as thorough;
be independent in thinking and make visual pictures of everything."
6 June 1868
With his father, Rizal made a pilgrimage to Antipolo to fulfill the vow
made by his mother to take the child to the Shrine of the Virgin of
Antipolo should she and her child survive the ordeal of delivery which
nearly caused his mothers life.
From there they proceeded to Manila and visited his sister Saturnina
who was at the time studying in the La Concordia College in Sta. Ana.
In Bian, Laguna
1869
At the age of eight, Rizal wrote his first poem entitled "Sa Aking Mga
Kabata." The
1870
His brother Paciano brought Rizal to Bian, Laguna. He was placed
under the tutelage of Justiniano Aquino Cruz, studying Latin and
Spanish. In this town he also learned the art of painting under the
tutorship of an old painter by the name of Juancho Carrera.
17 December 1870
Having finished his studies in Bian, Rizal returned to Calamba on
board the motorboat Talim. His parents planned to transfer him to
Manila where he could continue his studies.
poem was written in tagalog and had for its theme "Love of Ones
Language."
Back in Calamba
1871
His mother was imprisoned in Sta. Cruz, Laguna for allegedly poisoning
the wife of her cousin Jose Alberto, a rich property owner of Bian and
brother of Manuel and Gregorio.
1872
For the first time, Rizal heard of the word filibustero which his father
forbid the members of his family to utter, including such names as
Cavite and Burgos. (It must be remembered that because of the Cavite
Mutiny on January 20, 1872, Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and
Jacinto Zamora were garroted at Bagumbayan Field on February 17,
1872.)
Early Education in Calamba and Bian
Rizal had his early education in Calamba and Bian. It was a typical
schooling that a son of an ilustrado family received during his time,
characterized by the four Rs- reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion.
Instruction was rigid and strict. Knowledge was forced into the minds
of the pupils by means of the tedious memory method aided by the
teachers whip. Despite the defects of the Spanish system of
elementary education, Rizal was able to acquire the necessary
instruction preparatory for college work in Manila. It may be said that
Rizal, who was born a physical weakling, rose to become an
intellectual giant not because of, but rather in spite of, the outmoded
and backward system of instruction obtaining in the Philippines during
the last decades of Spanish regime.
know Spanish?"
sir," replied the Calamba lad.
know Latin?"
sir."
The boys in the class, especially Pedro, the teachers son laughed at
Joses answers.
The teacher sharply stopped all noises and begun the lessons of the
day.
Jose described his teacher in Bian as follows: "He was tall, thin, longnecked, with sharp nose and a body slightly bent forward, and he used
to wear a sinamay shirt, woven by the skilled hands of the women of
Batangas. He knew by the heart the grammars by Nebrija and Gainza.
Add to this severity that in my judgement was exaggerated and you
have a picture, perhaps vague, that I have made of him, but I
remember only this."
First School BrawlIn the afternoon of his first day in school, when the
teacher was having his siesta, Jose met the bully, Pedro. He was angry
at this bully for making fun of him during his conversation with the
teacher in the morning.
Jose challenged Pedro to a fight. The latter readily accepted, thinking
that he could easily beat the Calamba boy who was smaller and
younger.
The two boys wrestled furiously in the classroom, much to the glee of
their classmates. Jose, having learned the art of wrestling from his
athletic Tio Manuel, defeated the bigger boy. For this feat, he became
popular among his classmates.
After the class in the afternoon, a classmate named Andres
Salandanan challenged him to an arm-wrestling match. They went to a
sidewalk of a house and wrestled with their arms. Jose, having the
weaker arm, lost and nearly cracked his head on the sidewalk.
In succeeding days he had other fights with the boys of Bian. He was
not quarrelsome by nature, but he never ran away from a fight.
Best Student in School
In academic studies, Jose beat all Bian boys. He surpassed them all in
Spanish, Latin, and other subjects.
Some of his older classmates were jealous of his intellectual
superiority. They wickedly squealed to the teacher whenever Jose had
a fight outside the school, and even told lies to discredit him before
the teachers eyes. Consequently the teacher had to punish Jose.
Early Schooling in Bian
Jose had a very vivid imagination and a very keen sense of
observation. At the age of seven he traveled with his father for the first
time to Manila and thence to Antipolo to fulfill the promise of a
pilgrimage made by his mother at the time of his birth. They embarked
in a casco, a very ponderous vessel commonly used in the Philippines.
It was the first trip on the lake that Jose could recollect. As darkness
fell he spent the hours by the katig, admiring the grandeur of the
water and the stillness of the night, although he was seized with a
superstitious fear when he saw a water snake entwine itself around the
bamboo beams of the katig. With what joy did he see the sun at the
daybreak as its luminous rays shone upon the glistening surface of the
wide lake, producing a brilliant effect! With what joy did he talk to his
father, for he had not uttered a word during the night!
When they proceeded to Antipolo, he experienced the sweetest
emotions upon seeing the gay banks of the Pasig and the towns of
Cainta and Taytay. In Antipolo he prayed, kneeling before the image of
the Virgin of Peace and Good Voyage, of whom he would later sing in
elegant verses. Then he saw Manila, the great metropolis , with its
Chinese sores and European bazaars. And visited his elder sister,
Saturnina, in Santa Ana, who was a boarding student in the Concordia
College.
When he was nine years old, his father sent him to Bian to continue
studying Latin, because his first teacher had died. His brother Paciano
took him to Bian one Sunday, and Jose bade his parents and sisters
good-bye with tears in his eyes. Oh, how it saddened him to leave for
the first time and live far from his home and his family! But he felt
ashamed to cry and had to conceal his tears and sentiments. "O
Shame," he explained, "how many beautiful and pathetic scenes the
world would witness without thee!"
They arrived at Bian in the evening. His brother took him to the house
of his aunt where he was to stay, and left him after introducing him to
the teacher. At night, in company with his aunts grandson named
Leandro, Jose took a walk around the town in the light of the moon. To
him the town looked extensive and rich but sad and ugly.
His teacher in Bian was a severe disciplinarian. His name was
Justiniano Aquino Cruz. "He was a tall man, lean and long-necked, with
a sharp nose and a body slightly bent forward. He used to wear a
sinamay shirt woven by the deft hands of Batangas women.
He knew by memory the grammars of Nebrija and Gainza. To this add
a severity which, in my judgement I have made of him, which is all I
remember."
The boy Jose distinguished himself in class, and succeeded in
not see it again upon his return. It was a sad but delicate and quite
pain that possessed him.
Life and Studies at Ateneo
The Jesuits were considered the best educators of Spain, and perhaps
of Europe, and so, when they were permitted to return to the
Philippines, although their power to administer parishes was restricted
except in the remote regions of Mindanao, the privilege of founding
colleges, they had to apply to the City of Manila for subsidies. That is
why the college which began to function in the year 1865, was called
the Ateneo Municipal.
To enter the Ateneo a candidate was subjected to an entrance
examination on Christian doctrine, reading, writing, grammar, and
elementary arithmetic. Jose did not take his entrance examinations
Jose did not remain in Manila but returned first to his town to celebrate
the fiesta of its patron saint; it was then that his father changed his
mind and decided to send him to the Ateneo instead.
Since Mercado, the first surname of the family, had come under
suspicion of the authorities because it was the name used by Paciano
when he was studying and working with Father Burgos, in whose house
he lived, Jose adopted the second surname, Rizal.
Paciano who accompanied Jose, found him a house in Walled City, but
Intramuros looked gloomy to Jose, and he later found lodging outside,
in the house of a spinster situated on Calle Carballo, district of Santa
Cruz. As if chance would furnish him data for his future campaigns, he
became acquainted in that house with various mestizos, begotten by
friars.
The Jesuitical system of instruction was considered more advanced
than that of other colleges in that epoch. Its discipline was rigid and its
methods less mechanical. It introduced physical culture as part of its
program as well as the cultivation of the arts, such as music, drawing,
and painting. It also establishes vocational courses in agriculture,
commerce, and mechanics as a religious institute, its principal purpose
was to mold the character and the will of the boys to comply more
easily with the percepts of the Church. The students heard mass
before the beginning of the class, which was opened and closed with
prayers.
In the first two terms the classes were divided into groups of interns
and externs: the first constituted the Roman Empire and the second,
the Carthaginian Empire. In each empire there were five dignitaries:
Emperor, Tribune, Decurion, Centurion, and Standard-Bearer. These
dignities were won by means of individual competitions in which it was
necessary to catch ones adversary in error three times. The empires
considered themselves in perpetual warfare, and when an individual of
one empire was caught in error by one belonging to the enemy
empire, a point was counted in favor of the latter. At the end of each
week or two, the points in favor of each were added and the empire,
which obtained more point, was declared winner.
There was a fraternity of Mary and Saint Louis Gonzaga, to which only
those who distinguished themselves in the class for their piety and
diligence could belong. This fraternity met on Sundays and after mass
held public programs in which poems were recited or debates were
held. With all these inducements it was only natural that should be a
spirit of emulation, a striving to surpass ones colleagues found in the
Ateneo.
The first professor Jose had was Fr. Jose Bech, whom he describes as a
man of high stature; lean body, bent forward; quick gait; ascetic
physiognomy, severe and inspired; small, sunken eyes; sharp Grecian
nose; thin lips forming an arch with its sides directed toward the chin."
He was somewhat of a lunatic and of an uneven humor; sometimes he
was hard and little tolerant and at other times he was gay and playful
as a child. Among Joses classmates were Peninsulares and sons of
Peninsulares; Francisco G. Oliva, very talented but not very studious;
Joaquin Garrido, endowed with a poor memory but with much talent
and industry; and Gonzalo Marzano, who occupied the throne of
Emperor.
From the first days Jose learned to systematize his work; he fixed a
program of what he had to do in the twenty-four hours of the day and
did not in the least deviate from it. Thus he disciplined his will and
subjected it to the commands of his reason.
As a newcomer, Jose was at first put at the tail of the class, but he was
soon promoted and kept on being promoted so that at the end of one
month he had attained to the rank of Emperor. At the end of the term
he obtained marks of excellent in all the subjects and in the
examinations. He had reason to feel proud of his advancement; and so
when he went home on vacation that year, he ran alone to see his
mother in the prison and tell her the happy news.
He must have uttered this exclamation on learning from his mother
that they had played her a mean trick. The judge, who was a blind
partisan of the friars having been a domestic of theirs, told her that if
she confessed her culpability he would release her at once. With the
desire to see her children again, she pleaded guilty; but the judge,
instead of releasing her, convicted her. In a few months the judge
asked her forgiveness for what he had done because according to him
his conscience hurt him, but the case had no remedy because it was
already on appeal.
The second year, Jose had the same professor as in the previous year;
but instead of lodging outside the City, he resided at No. 6 Calle
Magallanes. At the end of the term he obtained a medal, and upon
returning to his town, he again visited his mother in jail alone. This was
three months before her release.
The rejoicing that her release produced in his spirit had much influence
on the result of his studies in the third year, for he began to win prizes
in the quarterly examinations.
About that time he devoted himself to reading novels, and one of
those he enjoyed most was Dumas (father) The Count of Monte Cristo.
The sufferings of the hero of the twelve years. He also asked his father
to buy him a copy of The Universal History by Cesar Cantanu, and
according to himself he profited much from its perusal.
The family, who saw in Jose great aptitude for study, decided to place
him as intern or boarding student in the college the following year. In
the corner of the dormitory facing the sea and the pier Jose passed his
two years of internship.
In the fourth year of his course he had Fr. Francisco Sanchez as
professor. Jose describes him as a model of rectitude, a solicitude, and
love for the student, and his studied mathematics, rhetoric, and Greek,
and he must have progressed much, for at the end of the year heobtained five medals, which pleased him immensely because with
them I could repay my father somewhat for his sacrifices.
His aptitude for poetry revealed itself early, and from that time on he
did not cease to cultivate it.
An incident which demonstrates Joses independence of character took
place at this time. Fr. Leoncio Lopez, parish priest of the town, who was
a great friend of his father, also liked Jose as a little friend. He was
cultured but at the same time timid and tender.
One day Joses mother showed Father Lopez a poem of his young
friend and that the latter must have copied it from a book. Jose, who
heard this, answered the priest violently, for which his mother
reprehended him. Afterward Father Lopez came to know from the
Jesuits themselves that Jose was a pupil who excelled in poetry; and, in
spite of his age, made a trip to Manila expressly to apologize to Jose.
That gesture of Father Lopez won him Joses esteem and they became
good friends again, lending each other the books they had.
In the fifth years Jose had other professors: Frs. Vilaclara and Mineves.
He studied philosophy, physics, chemistry, and natural history, but his
devotion to poetry was such that his professor in philosophy advised
him once to leave it, which made him cry. But in his rest hours he
continued cultivating the Muses under the direction of his old
professor, Father Sanchez. Jose had then written a short story
(leyenda), which was only slightly corrected by his professor, and a
dialogue, which was enacted at the end of the course, alluding to the
collegians farewell. However, philosophy, just and serve, inquiring into
the wherefores of things, interested him as much as poetry; physics,
drawing back the veil that divine drama of nature was enacted, natural
history seemed to him somewhat uninteresting although he much liked
covers the problems of the whole race, with every problem having a
distinct solution to bolster the peoples social knowledge.
Rizals social philosophy dealt with;
1. man in society;
2. influential factors in human life;
3. racial problems;
4. social constant;
5. social justice;
6. social ideal;
7. poverty and wealth;
8. reforms;
9. youth and greatness;
10. history and progress;
11. future Philippines.
The above dealt with mans evolution and his environment, explaining
for the most part human behavior and capacities like his will to live; his
desire to possess happiness; the change of his mentality; the role of
virtuous women in the guidance of great men; the need for elevating
and inspiring mission; the duties and dictates of mans conscience;
mans need of practicing gratitude; the necessity for consulting
reliable people; his need for experience; his ability to deny; the
importance of deliberation; the voluntary offer of mans abilities and
possibilities; the ability to think, aspire and strive to rise; and the
proper use of hearth, brain and spirit-all of these combining to
enhance the intricacies, beauty and values of human nature. All of the
above served as Rizals guide in his continuous effort to make over his
beloved Philippines.
The Many-Sided Personality
Filipinos and foreigners alike have paid tribute to Jose Rizal claiming
that his place of honor in history is secure. It was his Austrian bosom
friend, Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, rector of the Imperial
Atheneum of Leitmeritz, who said "Rizal was the greatest product of
the Philippines and his coming to the world was like the appearance of
a rare comet, whose rare brilliance appears only every other century."
Ascetic
Rizal always practiced self-discipline wherever he went.
Book lover
He had a big library and brought many books abroad.
Botanist
Rizal maintained a garden in Dapitan where he planted and
experimented on plants of all kinds
Businessman
He had a partner in Dapitan in the Abaca business there (1892-1896).
Cartographer
He drew maps of Dapitan, The Philippines and other places he visited.
Chess Player
He played chess and bear several Germans and European friends and
acquaintances.
Citizen of the world
His extensive travels and multitude of friends in Europe, Middle East
and Asia made him one.
Commentator
Rizal always expresses and published his personal opinion.
Conchologist
He had a good shell collection in Dapitan. An American conchologist
praised him.
Educator
Rizal taught in his special school in Dapitan.
Ethnologist
In his travels, Rizal was able to compare different races and he noted
the differences.
Lover of truth
He chided Spanish writers for not writing the truth about the Filipinos.
He was always truthful since boyhood.
Musicians
He played the flute and composed pieces of music and cultivated
music appreciation.
Mythologist
Rizal used mythology in his Noli and Fili.
Nationalist
He gave full expression of the native spirit strengthened by world
civilization and loved and defended everything Filipino.
Newspaperman
He wrote and published articles in many publications and was one of
the organizers of the La Solidaridad.
Ophthalmologist
He graduated in an ophthalmologic college in Spain.
Orientalist
Rizal admired the special characteristic and beauties of Oriental
countries peoples.
Pharmacologist
Rizal treasured and popularized the usefulness and preparation of
cures for treatment of his patients.
Philologist
Rizal loved of learning and literature is unequalled.
Philosopher
Rizal not only loved wisdom but also regulated his life and enjoyed
calmness of the life at all time
Physical culturist
Rizal maintained a good health by exercising all parts of his body and
eating proper foods
Physicians
He treated several patients afflicted not only with eye diseases.
Plant lover
As a child, Rizal spend most of his time in the family garden which was
planted with fruit trees,
Shrubs and decorative trees. His diaries contained detailed description
and sketches of plants, flowers and fruits he saw in the places he
visited. He wrote poems on flower he like very much as his poems To
the Flowers of Heidelberg.
Poet
Rizal wrote over 35 poems including his famous Ultimo Adios.Politician
Although Rizal did not engage in Politics, he exposed the evils of the
political activities of the Spaniards in the Philippines through his
writing.
Polyglot
Rizal spoke and wrote in 20 languages.
Proofreader
In Germany, He worked as a part-time proofreader of his livelihood.
Propagandist
As a reformer, Rizal encourages the recommendation of improving the
government entities and discourage abuses publishing articles.
Public relation man
He worked for better cooperation of rulers and subjects in his country.
Reformer
He published the modern methods of government administration, so
changes could be made.
Researcher
Being a wide reader, he compared the old and new practices in life.
Revolutionist
Rizal encouraged reforms, discouraged old, impractical usage, and
desired new and useful laws to benefit his countrymen. He desired
changes for the better.
Rhetorician
Rizal has always practiced the art of persuasive and impressive
speaking and writing.
Rural reconstruction worker
He practiced rural reconstruction work in Dapitan in 1894 and
succeeded.
Sanitary engineer
His construction of a water system in Dapitan exemplified this practice
by Rizal.
Scientist
Rizals practice of many sciences here and abroad made him noted
scientist.
Sculptor
His works of his father and of Father Guerrico, S. J. typified his
sculptural ability.
Sharp shooter
He could hit a target 20 meters away.
Sinologist
Rizals ancestry and his ability to speak Chinese made him one.
Sociologist
In Rizals study of Philippines social problems, he always encouraged
and introduced solutions.
Sodalist
He always joined fraternities, associations and brotherhood, for selfimprovement.
Sportsman
He engaged from a surveying class at the Ateneo after passing his A.
B. There.
Tourist
He was considered the foremost tourist due to his extensive travels.
Traveler
He traveled around the world three times.
Tuberculosis expert
For having cured himself of this disease, he became and was
recognized as an expert.
Youth leader
He considered the youth as "the hope of his Fatherland."
Zoologist
He was fond of pets. He researched later on their physiology,
classification and habits.
Rizal's First Trip Abroad
3 May 1882
Rizal left Philippines for the first time Spain. He boarded the Salvadora
using a passport of Jose Mercado, which was procured for him by his
uncle Antonio Rivera, father of Leonor Rivera. He was accompanied to
the quay where the Salvadora was moored by his uncle Antonio,
Vicente Gella, and Mateo Evangelista.
4 May 1882
He got seasick on board the boat.
5 May1882
He conversed with the passengers of the ship; he was still feeling seasick.
6 May 1882
He played chess with the passengers on board.
8 May 1882
He saw mountains and Islands.
9 May 1882
Rizal arrived at Singapore.
10 May 1882
He went around the town of Singapore and maid some observations.
11 May 1882
In Singapore, at 2 p.m., Rizal boarded the boat Djemnah to continue
his trip to Spain. He found the boat clean and well kept.
12 May 1882
He had a conversation with the passengers of the boat.
13 May 1882
Rizal was seasick again.
14 May 1882
On his way to Marseilles, Rizal had a terrible dream. He dreamed he
was traveling with Neneng (Saturnina) and their path was blocked by
snakes.
May 15 1882
Rizal had another disheartening dream. He dreamed he returned to
Calamba and after meeting his parents who did not talk to him
because of not having consulted them about his first trip abroad, he
returned traveling abroad with one hundred pesos he again borrowed.
He was so sad and broken hearted. Soon he woke up and found
himself inside his cabin.
17 May 1882
Rizal arrived at Punta de Gales.
18 May 1882
At 7:30 a.m., he left Punta de Gales for Colombo. In the afternoon,
Rizal arrived at Colombo and in the evening the trip was resumed.
26 May 1882
Rizal was nearing the African coast
27 May 1882
He landed at Aden at about 8:30 a.m. He made observation at the
time.
2 June 1882
He arrived at the Suez Canal en route to Marseilles.
3 June 1882
He was quarantined on board the Djemnah in the Suez Canal.
6 June 1882
It was the fourth day at Suez Canal and was still quarantined on board
of the boat.
7 June 1882
Rizal arrived at Port Said. In a letter to his parents, He described his
trip en route to Aden along the Suez Canal.
11 June 1882
Rizal disembarked and, accompanied by a guide, went around the City
of Naples for one hour. This was the first European ground he set foot
on.
12 June 1882
At ten oclock in the evening, the boat anchored at Marseilles. He
sleptn board.
13 June 1882
Early on the morning he landed at Marseilles and boarded at the
Noalles Hotel. Later he around for observation.
14 June 1882
His second in Marseilles.
15 June 1882
He left Marseilles for Barcelona in an express train.
2 November 1882
He wrote the article "Revista de Madrid" which was in intended for
publication in the Diarong Tagalog in Manila, but was not published
because the newspaper stops its circulation.
7 November 1882
Rizal wrote an article entitled "Las Dudas". The article was signed
Laong - Laan.
30 December 1882
In a letter, Rizal revealed to Paciano his plan of going to Paris or Rome
in June. He wanted to practice French in Paris and Italian in Rome and
to observe the customs of people in those cities.
- In the evening, Rizal dreamed he was an actor dying in the scene,
feeling intensely the shortage of his breath, the weakening of his
strength, and darkening of his sight. He woke up tired and breathless.
1 January 1883
Rizal felt sad in the morning. He recollected the terrible dream he had
the previous night.
15 January 1883
He attended the birthday of Pablo Ortiga with some of the Filipinos.
16 January 1883
He attended the masquerade ball in Alhambra with some of his
countrymen.
13 February 1883
In a letter Rizal appraised his brother Paciano of his activities in
Madrid, his impressions of the city and his meeting with his friends in
gathering. In part he said: "The Tuesday of the Carnival we had a
Filipino luncheon and dinner in the house of the Pateros, each one
contributing one duro. We ate with our hands, boiled rice, chicken
adobo, fried fish and roast pig.
2 May 1882
Rizal recollected his past impressions when he left his hometown
Calamba. This day he attended a fiesta in Madrid.
26 May 1883
In a letter, Rizal was informed by Paciano of the 1,350 loaves of milled
sugar produced from the Pansol farm and at the same time granting
him to proceed to Paris as soon as he finished the medical course in
Madrid.
15 June 1883
Rizal left Madrid for Paris to spend his summer and to observe the big
French City.
Rizal in Paris, France
17 June 1883
Rizal arrived at Paris. He spent the whole day walking around and
observing the beautiful cities.
18 June 1883
With Felipe Zamora and Cunanan, He visited the Leannec Hospital to
observe how Dr,
Nicaise treated his patients. He was stunned to see the advanced
facilities in the accommodation in the said hospital.
19 June 1883
He again visited Dr. Nicaise who showed the technique of operation.
Later he went to see dupytren Museum.
20 June 1883
Rizal visited the Lariboisiere Hospital where Felix Pardo de Tavera was
an extern. Here he observe the examination of the different diseases
of women.
21 June 1883
After watching the done by Dr. Duply, he went to the Jardin d
Acclimatation situated outside the Paris in the Forest of Bologna. He
found there plants of all species and the rarest and most beautiful
birds.
5 July 1883
In a letter to his parents, sisters and brother, Rizal continued
describing the museum, buildings and hospitals he had visited in Paris.
2 August 1883
In a letter to his parents, he continued describing his visits to museum
and his excursions to important place in Paris.
Rizal Back in Madrid
20 August 1883
Rizal was back in Madrid from his summer vacation in Paris.
6 September 1883
He changed his residence from Barquillo St. N0. 34, 4 to San Miguel no.
7, 1 Centro.
28 September 1883
He enrolled at the central Universidad de Madrid for the second course
in medicine.
October 1883
He came to know of the imprisonment, by order of Sr. Vicente
Barrantes, of the 14 rich innocent persons in Manila. The Prisoners who
knew nothing is the cause of their detention and who became sick
later, were kept in a humid prison cell. Rizal was indignant of his
inhuman act.
16 October 1883
He learned from Mariano Katigbak about the 400 cholera victims in
Lipa and 3 of beri-beri.
28 October 1883
He had a new address. He live with Eduardo Lete and the two Llorente
brothers, Julio and Abdon, in Bano 15 Pral.
21 November 1883
Rizal informed his family of his plan to graduate in medicine at the end
of the course in June.
27 November 1883
His sister Maria that Soledad was married on November 4, 1883
informed Rizal in a letter. Narcisa also informed him that the causes of
the delay of sending him a letters were the cholera, the typhoon, and
the death of the parish priest, events, which occurred in succession.
31 December 1883
In the evening Rizal delivered a speech in a banquet held at the Caf
de Madrid. Many Filipinos were gathered in the restaurant to bid
goodbye to the year 1884.
2 January 1884
Rizal proposed to the member of the Circulo assembled in the house of
the Pateros, the publication of a book by association. This idea became
the embryo of this first novel Noli Me Tangere .
3 January 1884
Early in the morning, Rizal went to the University of San Carlos only to
find out that there was no class. He immediately went to the Caf de
Madrid to meet members of the Circulo who were gathered again to
discuss the proposed book.
4 January 1884
Rizal received letter from his Uncle Antonio Rivera. They were,
according to him, full of good and interesting news.
5 January 1884
Rizal and the Filipino student were reunited again in the house of
Pateros to reorganized the association. Since no action was taken on
that day, it was agreed to gather again the next Sunday.
6 January 1884
Rizal meet Valentine Ventura. They took their supper in the English
restaurant in Madrid.
7 January 1884
Rizals professor in Greek slashed at the students accusing them
insubordination. The students of the San Carlos University were on
strike, thus preventing him to attend the strike.
8 January 1884
Rizal finished two drawings. He met Ruiz who proposed him that if
there be someone who would pay the expenses of the Circulo, Rizal
would be made president.
9 January 1884
He did a single centavo on He attended.
Rizal Back in Madrid
10 January 1884
Rizal received two letters: one from his uncle Antonio dated December
2 and the other from Paciano dated November 30.
11 January 1884
In Madrid, Rizal was visited by Antonio Aguirre. Later, he went to class
and met Pareda there.
12 January 1884
Rizal went to the theatre. He enjoyed seeing the "El Octavo No Mentir"
and "Un Ao Mas."
13 January 1884
In the afternoon, in the house of the Paternos, Rizal extended the
meeting of the Filipino students
15 January 1884
Rizal and other Filipino students in Madrid attended the birthday party
of Pablo Ortiga y Rey. There was a dance.
16 January 1884
In the morning, Rizal went to class. After his class, he visited his
patient on the number 10 bed who thanked Rizal for the help he
extended. The patient recovered immediately.
17 January 1884
He went with Llorente to witness the proceedings in the senate. At
6:00 p.m., after more than 5 hours of waiting outside, they were able
to enter the hall.
18 January 1884
Rizal was not able to attend his classes due to the demonstrations of
the students of the College of Law and the College of Medicine against
the Minister of Finance.
20 January 1884
Rizal met Valentin Ventura and Rafael. He sent to C.O. (Consuelo
Ortiga) a piece of guimaras cloth. He bought a tenth part of a lottery
ticket for three pesetas.
21 January 1884
He went to class. The students of the College of Law still refused to
enter. They wanted the abolition of the decrees. Rizal thru Eduardo
Lete, receive the thanks of C.O. guimaras cloth.
23 January 1884
Rizal visited the artist Estevan and Melecio. He meet Antonio and
Maximino and later Pedro. The Pateros requested him to exhibit his
photos, but Rizal refused because the pictures contained dedication.
24 January 1884
Rizal was visited by Valentin Ventura. The strike of the students in the
University of San Carlos was settled and the students of the College of
Law entered their classes
25 January 1884
Rizal had a sad dream. He dreamed the returned home, but what a sad
reception! His parents did not meet him.
26 January 1884
Rizal with Estevan Figueroa, Sanmarti, Eduardo Lete and Rafael went
to the house of Etermes Figueron. This was the most peaceful reunion
the Filipinos had.
27 January 1884
He had a picture taken in the house of Otero. He was visited by
Maximino and Antonio Paterno. They planned to see the Ateneo,
Madrid, but the weather did not permit them.
28 January 1884
He visited the Ateneo with Antonio and Maximino it was beautiful, wide
and well decorated. He met beautiful girl at the door of his neighbors
house.
29 January 1884
He attended the Masquerade ball in Madrid in which he enjoyed by
dancing every piece. There were two masked person who were joking
him but whom he did not recognize.
30 January 1884
Rizal sent three letters to the Philippines, one for his uncle Antonio
Rivera, another for Jose Cecilio (Chengoy) and the other for Lolay. He
sent also newspapers: El Imperial, El Dia and El Liberal.
31 January 1884
Rizal made an accounting of his one month expenses. For the month of
January, he spent a total of 329.63 pesetas.
1 February 1884 He went to the theatre of Eslava to hear politics and
bull-fighting. Later he went to the Caf de Madrid.
2 February 1884
Rizal in the Filipino students were gathered in the house of D. Paul, to
discuss the affairs of the association.
3 February 1884
He was visited by the Cortabitarte sisters accompanied by their
mother. He receive them amiably.
4 February 1884
He stayed at home, seriously reviewing his lesson for the examination.
5 February 1884
He visited Valentin Ventura who was slight sick of dermatitis.
6 February 1884
Rizal felt sad for the death of hid professor in History, D. Federico Lara.
Of the professor, Rizal said: "very nice person, at least by the little I
knew of him."
7 February 1884
He witnessed the discussion between the two Spaniards in the street
of Lobo, one sustained that all Spaniards are brave and the other, that
not all are brave.
9 February 1884
He was very much disgusted of the result of the "La Macosta" which he
saw for 2.10 pesetas.
10 February 1884
Rizal had a work around the University District. Later, he went to see
Consuelo Ortiga.
13 February 1884
He sent letters to his uncle Rivera and to his family, the latter with a
picture.
17 February 1884
Rizal made operation on arterial vein in the Hospital de la Princesa.
25 February 1884
He attended the carnival where he saw at his side a beautiful girl, with
blue eyes and a pleasant smile.
7 March 1884
Rizal performed an operation with Mariani. In the evening, he attended
English lecture conducted by a Mr. Schuts in the Ateneo de Madrid.
9 March 1884
He was visited by Cunanan and Valentin Ventura. They talked on
various matters.
11 March 1884
Rizal receive an information from his uncle Antonio to the effect the
Sra. Ticang became crazy.
- He bought a German on this day.
15 March 1884
He visited D. Quintin Meynet in Atocha Street, Madrid. Later He and
Eduardo Lete, Sanmarti, Paco Esquivel and Esteven Figueroa were
gathered in the house of Pablo Ortiga.
19 march 1884
He receive postcards from Pepe Esquivel, Aguirre, from the family of
Ruiz , Eriate, D. Pablo y Carillo, Pedro Paterno.
30 March 1884
Rizal wrote letters for home, for Leonor Rivera and for his uncle
Antonio Rivera.
31 March 1884
He enjoyed his visit with the family of V: talked with the children. For
him, this day was full of recollections. He realized that days ran fast.
8 April 1884
He started his sculptural work representing the "wounded gladiator."
13 April 1884
He receive letters from Leonor Rivera, Uncle Antonio, and from
Chengoy (Jose Cecilio). He was very much contented with the news,
although not of the health of the Leonor.
17 April 1884
He saw Rossi, the Italian actor representing the Kean, Dumas drama.
He was surprise of the effect well represented. Jose Cecilio informed
him about the rivalry between Leonor Valenzuela and Leonor Rivera.
He told rizal in a letter about the desire of Miss Rivera to see Miss
Valenzuela with the object of settling the rivalry.
- From the same letter learned that two thirds medical students
studying University of Santo Thomas failing grades.
20 April 1884
He receive uncle Antonio 500 pesetas he went to visit the brother, but
they were home.
24 April 1884
In the evening he saw Hamlet presented and he had a pleasant
moment how wonderfully was interpreted.
1 May 1884
He stopped eating in Calle de Lobo, Madrid; he wnt to the Calle de
Principe. He dropped his German language lessons in order to devote
the entire month to his studies for the coming examinations.
6 May 1884
Rizal answered Lorenzo DAyot who published an article entitled "El
Teatro Tagalo."
5 June 1884
He took the examination on medical clinic, 2nd course, in Central
University de Madrid.
6 June 1884
He took the examination in his last subject in Medicine, Surgical clinic,
2nd course. He got grade of "ver good."
9 June 1884
Rizal filed an application for graduation for the degree of Licentiate in
Medicine.
13 June 1884
He took an examination in Greek and Latin literature. He obtained a
grade of "excellent" in both subjects.
14 June 1884
He took an examination in Greek, 1st course, and got a grade of
"excellent."
17 June 1884
Rizal pawned his ring to pay the fees for the examination.
21 June 1884
He finished the degree of Licentiate in Medicine with the grade of
aprobado from the Central Universidad de Madrid.
25 June 1884
Rizal won first prize in Greek contest, after which he delivered a
speech in honor of the two Filipino painters, Juan Luna and Felix
Resurreccion Hidalgo. The occasion commemorated the triumph of the
two, especially Luna who won the first prize for his Spoliarium during
the National Exposition of Fine Arts held in Madrid that year.
26 June 1884
He took an examination in Universal History, 2nd course. He grade of
"excellent."
27 June 1884
He was informed in a letter by Mariano Katigbak about the
deteriorating health of Leonor Rivera caused by her too much loving
and waiting for her love one.
1 July 1884
Rizal explained the term "Filibusterismo" in the newspaper of Madrid El
Progreso, calling the attention of the Spanish authorities over the case
of future of the Filipinos. He asked for freedom of the press and the
right of representation of the Spanish Cortes.
29 August 1884
He came to know how Pedro Tobin of Nagcarlan Laguna, was gypped in
Madrid. The man was fooled and all his cash was lost. He relayed the
news to the Philippines thru his parents.
31 August 1884
The popularity of his speech delivered during the Luna-Hidalgo
banquet held in Madrid, reached the Philippines via two ways: one thru
the draft Rizal sent to Antonio Rivera and the other thru the periodicals
he sent to his friends.
30 September 1884
He was issued the diploma of ordinary prize obtained during the
examination given last June 30, in the subjects of Greek and Latin
Literature at the Central Universidad De Madrid.
5 November 1884
He receive the news from Paciano that the cause of the sickness of
their mother was his speech delivered during the banquet in honor of
two Filipino painters. Their mother feared that Rizal could no longer
return to the Philippines as opined by both his friends and enemies in
the country.
16 November 1884
He wrote a letter to his family in Calamba asking their permission for
him to return to the Philippines.
- Because of the treaty of commerce being negotiated between Spain
and United States and the plan of England to enter into the said treaty,
Rizal predicted the fate of the Philippine sugar. He said it would turn
from bad to worse.
20 November 1884
Rizal witnessed the tumultuous scene in the Central Universidad de
Madrid where the students and professors staged a strike against
excommunication imposed by the bishop on the lecture proclaiming
the freedom of science and of the teacher.
21 November 1884
With Valentin Ventura, he escaped from being arrested by a police
lieutenant and a secret service man in connection with strike staged
by the University students.
22 November 1884
He disguised himself three times to evade arrest by the law agents
who were eyeing on him. The indignation rally of the students
continued and more arrest were affected.
26 November 1884
Desirous to help the family, Rizal in a letter reiterated his wish to
return home.
11 December 1884
Teodora Alonso admonished not to meddle in things which would give
her displeasures, not tomfail to comply with the duties of good
Christian, and not to expect too many letter from her and she was
already very old and could not see very well due to her failing sight.
1 January 1885
Paciano begged Rizal to wait for the opportune time to return to the
Philippines. In a letter, he told Rizal that their parents would see him in
Hong kong sometime in the future, and not in the Philippines were the
situation was dangerous for him. Paciano asked for some information
about sugar beets in Europe, and advised Rizal to write tell their
parents things that would always please them.
26 February 1885
In a letter Rizal told Jose Cecilio to marry Miss Leonor Valenzuela, than
see her married to the other person. The letter arrive on the
Philippines last April 5 1885, on the same boat which took Governor
General Emilio Torero.
30 March 1885
Rizal sent a letter to his brother Paciano why not receive his pension.
In the same letter he mentioned his going either to England or
Germany to specialized in ophthalmology.
18 April 1885
He asked Jose Cecilio for advise as to who, between two Leonors,
would be an ideal partner in life. Cecilio, as an answer to the question,
selected Leanoe Rivera for being more feminine, more ductile,
sweeter, milder, nicer, and above all more educated.
16 June 1885
Rizal receive a letter from Manuel Hidalgo informing him of another
cholera case which occurred in Manila. He requested by a letter to buy
for him ( Hildalgo) tha Spanish book Emilio written by Rousseau.He
receive one hundred pesos (P100) from Saturnina and Manuel Hidalgo
as their contribution to his expenses in finishing Doctorate degree.
19 June 1885
Rizal finished the degree in Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters with
grade sobresaliente from the Central Universidad of Madrid.
28 June 1885
Rizal wrote to P. Faura and Sr. Barrantes requesting them to work for
the transfer of Silvestre Ubaldo to Calamba from Albay were the letter
was signed as post master and telegraphic operator.
30 July 1885
In a letter, he asked permission from his parents to cure cholera
patients in towns were there were no doctors in order to earn at least
$12 a day. He was financially hard up and wanted to help his parents.
30 September 1885
He was issued a diploma of ordinary prize on Hebrew language,
obtained during the examination offered last june 13 at the Central
Universidad de Madrid. He w2as also issued on his date another
diploma of ordinary prize on Greek language, 2nd course.
1 October 1885
Rizal planned to leave Madrid by the middle of the month. He intended
to go to Germany to learn the German language and to study advance
course of ophthalmology.
Rizal in France
19 November 1885
While in Paris, Rizal recieved information from Ceferino de Leon about
the prevailing vices among the Filipinos in the house of Aceveno in
Madrid, abetted by the lousy women gamblers.
27 November 1885
Rizals transfer to Paris was disapproved by Paciano who, at the same
time, informed Rizal that his letter caused their mother to shed tears;
that Rizals brown horse would be sold, the money to be remitted to
him in Paris together with the chronometer watch worth $300 (Mexican
dollars).
4 December 1885
He was practicing ophthalmology with Dr. Weeker at the Crugen Clinic.
19 December 1885
The news that the Filipinos in Madrid were preparing a Christmas
banquet in spite of the little money they had, was relayed in a letter to
Rizal in Paris by Ceferino de Leon who also informed the former about
his (de Leons) plan of going to Paris the following summer.
1 January 1886
Rizal represented to Paz Pardo de Tavera a pair of Greek vases which
he painted the other with the picture of the Filipinos engaged in
cockfighting, and the other with the same people at work as milkmen
and as prisoners at hard labor.
January 1886
In the album of Paz Pardo de Tavera, he entered the illustrated story of
the monkey and the turtle.