RIZAL IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

Brussels – capital of Belgium

February 2, 1890 - Rizal arrived in Brussels from Paris.

Two reasons why Rizal left Paris:

1. The cost of living in Paris was very high because of the Universal Exposition.
2. The gay social life of the city hampered his literary works, especially the writing of
his second novel El Filibusterismo.
LIFE OF RIZAL IN BRUSSELS
Jose Albert – accompanied Rizal to move to Brussels.
38 Rue Philippine Champagne – boarding house where Jose Rizal and Jose Albert
lived
Jose Alejandrino – an engineering student who replaced Jose Albert (when he left the
city
 Rizal was busy writing his second novel.
 He wrote articles for La Solidaridad and letters for his family and friends.
 He spent part of his time in medical clinic.
 He had gymnastics at the gymnasium and target practice and fencing at the
armory.
LA SOLIDARIDAD

La Solidaridad was the name of the all-Filipino organization established by

the illustrados of Barcelona on December 13, 1888, which sought to create Filipino
representation in the Spanish Cortes. It was also the name of the official publication of
the organisation. On, 15 February 1889, through Graciano Lopez Jaena, the La
Solidaridad newspaper was created. It served as the principal organ of the Propaganda
Movement for over five years. Due to insufficiency of funds, La Solidaridad stopped their
circulation on November 15, 1895. In Del Pilar's farewell editorial, he said: “We are
persuaded that no sacrifices are too little to win the rights and the liberty of a nation that
is oppressed by slavery.”
The Solidaridad became successful through the contributions of Filipino writers in
Barcelona, namely:

1. Marcelo H. del Pilar (pseudonym: Plaridel)

2. José Rizal (pseudonym: Laong Laan, Dimas-alang)
 3. Mariano Ponce (pseudonym: Naning, Kalipulako, Tikbalang)
4. Antonio Luna (pseudonym: Taga-Ilog)
5. José Mª. Panganiban (pseudonym: Jomapa)
6. Pedro Paterno
7. Antonio Mª. Regidor
8. Isabelo de los Reyes
9. Eduardo de Lete
10. José Alejandrino
Some friends of the Propaganda Movement also contributed, notably

1. Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt ( Austrian ethnologist and friend of Jose Rizal )

2. Dr. Morayta (Spanish Historian, university professor and statesman)

RIZAL’S ARTICLES ON LA SOLIDARIDAD (1889-1890)

1. “La verdad Para Todos” ( The Truth For All) – Rizal’s first article, May 31, 1889
issue
2. Verdades Nuevas” (New Truths), July 31, 1889
3. “Una Profanacion” (A Profanation), July 31, 1889 – a biting attack for the friars for
refusing to bury Mariano Herbosa in the catholic cemetery because he was brother-
-law of Rizal
4. “Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo,” June 15, 1889
5. “Differencias” (Differences), September 15, 1889
6. “Filipinas Dentro de cien Ańos. (The Philippines, A Century Hence). Publish serially on
Sept. 30, Oct. 31 and December 15, 1889. A prophecy that someday will rise
against Spain and win for independence. But later shall come under the rule of U.S.
7. “Ingratitude” (Ingratitude), January 15, 1890 – A reply to Governor General Butcher
Weyler who said to the people of Laguna province “should not themselves be by the
vain promises of the ungrateful sons.
8. “Sin Nombre” (Without Name) February 18, 1890
9. “Sobre La Nueva del a lingua Tagala” (On the New Orthography of the Tagalog
Language” April 15, 1890. Advocating the use of new spelling in Tagalog. Rizal was the
first to advocate the Filipinization of its orthography. For instance, the Tagalog letters k
and w should be used instead of the Spanish c and o. salacot – salakot arao – araw
10. “Cosas de Filipinos” (Things about Philippines). April 30, 1890
11. “Sobre La Indolencia de los Filipinos” (On the Indolence of the Philippines). July 15
– September 15. An essay in defense in the Filipino of the Filipino Indolence.
 RIZAL IN MADRID, SPAIN

Decision to go to Madrid
Something happened that made Rizal to change his plan in returning to the Philippines
when he received a letter from Paciano which related that they lost the case against the
Dominicans in Manila but they appealed it to the Supreme Court in Spain.
June 20, 1890 – Rizal wrote to M. H. Del Pilar retaining the latter’s service as a lawyer
and informed Del Pilar that he was going to Madrid, in order to supervise the handling of
the case.
July 29, 1890 – he wrote a letter to Ponce announcing that he was leaving Brussels at
the beginning of the following month and would arrive Madrid about the 3 rd and 4thof
August.
To My Muse “A Mi…” – he wrote this poem which was against the background of
mental anguish in Brussels, during those sad days when he was worried by family
disasters.
While in Madrid, Rizal found out the following:
 The Spanish government paid no attention to the petition of the Filipiino tenants;
 The press although sympathetic, could not create the discussions and probably
scandals, but could not give the needed reforms;
 His republican friends, including Prime Minister Becerra were indifferent,
although some of them, in disgust could not suggest to him to resort to bullets
and not to bended knees in order to win liberties;
 Filipino colony itself was divided and;
 He learned that his sweetheart, Leonor Rivera, had already married with an
Englishman, Carlos Kipping.
Leonor Rivera April 11, 1867 – August 28, 1893) of Camiling, Tarlac was the
daughter of Antonio Rivera and Silvestra Bauzon. Leonor’s father—who was one of the
few persons who conspired in Jose’s ‘secret’ departure to Spain—is a cousin of the
hero’s father, Francisco Mercado. Leonor Rivera was born in (April 11, 1867). They met
at her father Antonio Rivera’s boarding house in Sampaloc, Manila, where Rizal stayed
while a student at the University of Santo Tomas. Leonor was studying at La Concordia
and one of Rizal’s sisters was her classmate.
 RIZAL IN BIARRITZ, PARIS
 In Paris, he stayed for a while in the Boustead family.
 He was able to finish his second novel (El Filibusterismo)
 Originally, he planned to print his novel in Paris, however, he found it too costly
so he decided to go back to Brussels. Going back to Brussels.
GOING BACK TO BRUSSELS
 Contrary to his expectations, living standards in Brussels were not very different
from those in Paris.
 He experienced financial difficulties so he had sold his jewelleries.
 In time he was thinking of giving up his novel for his own salvation, a wealthy
friend, Valentin Ventura who was then in Paris loaned him money for the printing
of the book.

Valentin Ventura was a reformist during the revolutionary period. He was known
as the person who financed the publication of Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal's
novel, El Filibusterismo. Rizal suffered financial difficulties in publishing the Fili. He gave
up breakfast to reduce rents and limited himself to biscuits for more than 10 days.
Ventura learned about Rizal’s miserable situation and offered a helping hand. He
offered his money which was being sent to him by his brother Don Balbino for his
studies and promised to give him more whenever he needed it. He gave Rizal P150 in
aid for the Fili’s printing and told Rizal that he would seek the help of their other Filipino
compatriots.

Rizal gave the Fili’s original manuscript to Ventura when the novel was published
and distributed. He gave it as a token and a gift of gratitude for supporting financially the
publishing of Rizal’s second novel. Ventura kept the manuscript as a souvenir for his
family. When a Spanish-American Museum offered him an amount to buy the
manuscript, he refused and told them that he is more willing to give it to the Philippine
government as a donation. It was then acquired by the National Library through Dr.
Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera.
 RIZAL IN GHENT, BELGIUM
3 July 1891

- Rizal received from Jose Ma. Basa the amount he was borrowing for his trip to
Hong Kong from Marseilles, as well as the letter for the Director of the
Messageries Maritimes. He was boarding at 9 Rue de Hinaut.

9 July 1891

- He was financially hard up. He did not receive for three months up to this date
any pension from home. He was living in the most difficult situation, renting a
small room and eating the modest food in order to economize and able to publish
the Fili. He had already pawned all his jewels.

29 July 1891

- Rizal informed Eduardo Lete about the details of the two agricultural colonies in
Belgium, telling the latter that the Hoogstragen colony is for men and that of
Brujas, for women. To know the details about this request of Lete, Rizal
personally went to Brussels.

4 August 1891

- In a letter, he thanked Prof. Blumemtritt for the two books: the first volume of I El
Sacerdocio and the beautiful treaties of Mal Epos. He planned to write articles
about these but the El Filibusterismo consumed his time.

6 August 1891

- He told Juan Zulueta that it was never his habit to provoke conflicts; that the idea
which precipitated the conflict among the members of the Colony in Madrid did
not come from him but from other persons, and that he never had the desire
under his leadership to subordinate neither the La Solidaridad nor its director.

23 August 1891

- In a letter, Rizal informed Blumentritt that Padre Leoncio Lopez, the old parish
priest of Calamba who wanted to see and shake hands with him again in
Calamba before eternally leaving the valley of tears, but who died before the
publication of the Noli, is described in the Fili as Padre Florentino.

24 August 1891
 - Rizal wrote a letter to Mariano Ponce in Madrid informing the latter that he was
deeply hurt by the false accusations coming from Manila. However, he reiterated
his adherence to the cause of the movement.

26 August 1891

- In a letter, he informed Basa in Hong Kong that the Fili was coming out in
September.

16 September 1891

- The El Filibusterismo was about to come off the press of F. Meyer, Van Loo at
No. 66 Vlanderestraat. He was elated, together with Jose Alejandro who was
staying with him at No. 32 Vlanderestraat, near the printing press.

18 September 1891

- The Fili came off the press and Rizal sent to Hong Kong two copies: one for Jose
Ma. Basa and the other for Sixto Lopez.

22 September 1891

- He sent one copy of his El Filibusterismo to Marcelo H. del Pilar. He informed the
latter at the same time that he was completely retiring from politics since he said
he was going home. Likewise, he sent a copy to Antonio M. Regidor, one of his
countrymen living in London.
- He planned of writing the third novel during his travel back home. He wanted to
write about the customs and usages of the Filipinos in a humorous and satirical
style.

25 September 1891

- Valentin Ventura sent to Rizal in Ghent 200 francs for the publication expenses
of the Fili.

RIZAL IN MARSEILLES, FRANCE

 The night of June 12, the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles.
He visited the famous Chateau d’lf where Dantes, was imprisoned. He stayed
two and a half days in Marseilles.
 During his summer vacation Rizal went to Paris and stayed there from June
17 to august 20 to observe how medicine was being practice there and
returned to Madrid.
 He had correspondence with Jose Ma. Basa in Hongkong who sent him a
passage of ticket on the boat.
 Jose Ma. Basa was a member of a reformist group. He was accused of
participating in the 1872 revolt which led to the execution of Gomburza. After
two years, he, together with other accused people, were given a pardon
under the condition that they will not return to the Philippines. He settled
in Hong Kong with his family where he became a successful merchant.
Basas's home became the temporary house of some of the exiled Filipinos
like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena.

He was also an active promoter of the propaganda movement as he donated

money to the cause and for the smuggling of the copies of La Solidaridad and
other Rizal's novels into the Philippines. In 1898, Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo established a junta in Hong Kong; he served in the general's
committee and was appointed as the Director of Justice.
 He left on board the S.S. Melbourne for Hongkong on October 18, 1891.

RIZAL IN JAPAN
 Among the happiest moments of Rizal in his life was his sojourn in the Land
of the Cherry Blossoms. He stayed in Japan for one month and a half from
February 28- April , 1888.
 Morning of Tuesday, Feb 29, Rizal arrived at Yokohama and stayed in the
Grand Hotel. The following day, he moved to Tokyo and took a room at the
Tokyo Hotel where he Stayed from March 2 to 7.
 After his arrival in Tokyo, Rizal was visited by Juan Perez, caballero,
secretary of Spanish Legation. The latter invited him to live at the Spanish
Legation. Rizal knew this was the Spanish Governments way of
monitoring Rizal but he accepted it anyways.
 On March 7, he moved out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish Legation.
He and Perez Caballero became good friends and described him as a
young, fine and an excellent writer.
 During his first day in Tokyo, Rizal could talk the Japanese Language. He had
a hard time for shopping for he could not be understood and children
laughed at him. With his situation, Rizal decided to study the Japanese
Language. He was able to speak within a few days.
 At Japan he studied the Japanese drama, arts, music, and judo. He also
visited museums, libraries, art galleries and shrines. He visited Meguro,
Nikko, Hakone, Miyanoshita and the villages of Japan.
 RIZAL IN MADRID

 On November 3, 1882, Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid.

He took up took courses—Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. Aside from
the two major courses, he also studied painting and sculpture in the Academy
of Fine Arts of San Fernando; he took lessons in French, German, and
English under private instructors; and assiduously practiced fencing and
shooting in the Hall of Arms of Sanz y Carbonell.

Reasons why Rizal wanted to continue the course MEDICINE

 To cure his mother’s right
 To help ameliorate the public health conditions of the country this had been
ravaged by frequent epidemics.

Trivia: before his death after his travels abroad, Rizal conducted 3
operations on his mother’s eyes to extract the cataract and all of these were
successful though after the last operation, there was an infection in his mother’s
eyes, which was immediately cured.

IMPORTANT DATES

 January 1, 1883 – arrival in Madrid from Barcelona

 May 3, 1883 – it is exactly 1 year ago when he left the Philippines
 June 21, 1884 – he conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine at the
Universidad Central de Madrid. The following academic year, he was not
awarded his Doctor’s Diploma because he was not able to submit the thesis
required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees
 June 25, 1884 – he won 1st prize in Greek. Speech in honor of Juan Luna (gold
medal of the first class, Spoliarium) and Felix Resureccion Hidalgo (medal of the
second class, Virgenes cristianas expuestas al populacho) at the Exposicion de
Bellas Artes in Madrid. There were 16 Filipinos present (Resureccion, Emilio and
Esteban Villanueva (cook), two Paternos, two Llorentes, Figuerao, Vicente
Gonzales, Raymundo Perio, Manuel de Iriarte, Eduardo Lete, Juan Fernandez,
Federico Calero)

Trivia: Pedro Paterno was originally scheduled to be the one to deliver his
speech in honor of the two painters but because he was not feeling well, Rizal
was the one who delivered his own impromptu speech that night.

Trivia: Aside from congratulating the two painters’ Rizal’s speech pointed out 16
criticisms of which 2 were addressed to Spain and 14 to the Friars of the
 Philippines which made his reputation as an anti-friar intellectual had become
public.

Trivia: Rizal does not have any money that he even has not eaten a single
meal all day, luckily, he was invited to join the celebration in a restaurant.

 June 19, 1885 – Jose Rizal 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 with the rating of excellent. Rizal,
after days of travel, arrived at Yokohama. He registered at the Grand Hotel. He
was offered at once the Spanish Legation for his home. In Japan, Rizal studied
the habits and customs of the Japanese people, their language, theaters and
commerce.
 March 1, 1888 – he checked out of the Grand hotel and entrained for Tokyo and
there he lodged at the Tokyo Hotel.
 March 4, 1888 – he wrote Blumentritt about the honesty, courtesy, cleanliness
and industry of the Japanese people. However, he also expressed his disgust on
the use of the man drawn jinrikisha.
 Ferdinand Blumentritt (September 10, 1853, Prague – September 20,
1913, Litomerice), was a teacher, secondary school principal in
Litomerice, lecturer and author of articles and books in the Philippines and
its ethnography. He is well known in the Philippines for his close friendship
with the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal, and the numerous
correspondences between the two provide a vital reference for Rizal
historians and scholars.
 Jinrikisha – a small two-wheeled cart for one passenger; pulled by one
person

 March 7, 1888 – Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and moved to the Spanish
Legation where he was offered free board and lodging.
 March 15, 1888 – Rizal first saw O-Sei-san walking past the gate of the Spanish
Legation\
 Sei-san – a Japanese samurai’s daughter taught Rizal the Japanese art
of painting known as su-mie. She also helped Rizal improve his
knowledge of Japanese language.
 April 7, 1888 – Rizal wrote to his family and envisioned that in the future the
Philippines would have more contact and relations with Japan
 April 13, 1888 – Rizal left Yokohama for San Francisco, on board the Belgic.
Rizal as a literary enthusiast, he read books on Japanese literature and drama
and attended the theatrical performance of the Noh and Kabuki plays.
  Noh Theater – tells of folk tales, depicting stories of deities, warriors
and/or revenge-seeking ghosts. The drama is enhanced by music and
slow graceful movements
 Kabuki Theater - became fully realized during the 17th century. It was
developed by merchants during Edo Era as a way to express their
emotions. It involves very stylized make up and costume design, and
some very intense – often violent – story lines.

RIZAL IN AMERICA

 Rizal first saw America on April 28, 1888.

 His arrival in this great country was marred by racial prejudice.
 He saw the discriminatory treatment of the Chinese and the Negros by the white
Americans.

ARRIVAL IN SAN FRANCISCO

 Saturday, April 28, 1888- The steamer Belgic docked at San Francisco.
 American health authorities did not let the passengers to land for one week
because of the rumored cholera epidemic.
 Rizal knew there was no cholera epidemic that time and he protest with other
passengers the unjustifiable actions of American authorities.
 He soon discovered that it was motivated by politics and the ship was carrying
643 Chinese coolies.
 May 4, 1888 – The day he was permitted to go ashore and registered at the
Palace Hotel which was then considered a first- class hotel in the city.
 May 4 to 6, 1888 – Rizal stayed in San Francisco.

ACROSS THE AMERICAN CONTINENT

 May 6, 1888 – it was Sunday, 4:30 P.M., Rizal left San Francisco for Oakland,
nine miles across San Francisco Bay, by ferry boat.
 May 7, 1888 – it was morning, Rizal awoke and had a good breakfast at Reno,
Nevada, now glamorized by American high-pressure propaganda as “The
Biggest Little City in the World”.
 From May 7 to May 13, Rizal wrote in his diary the beautiful memories from
Nevada, Chicago until he reached Albany.

RIZAL IN NEW YORK

 May 13, 1888 – it was Sunday morning when Rizal reached New York. He
stayed three days in this city, which he called the “big town”.
 Rizal saw the Statue of Liberty on Bedloe Island.

RIZAL BOUND BY ENGLAND

After visiting the United States, Rizal lived in London from May, 1888 to March,
1889 for three reasons: (1) to improve his knowledge of the English language (2)
to study and annotate Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, a rare copy of
which he heard to be available in the British Museum (3) London was a safe
place for him to carry on his fight against Spanish tyranny

 May 16, 1888 – Rizal left New York for Liverpool on board the City of Rome, the
second largest ship in the world.
 GREAT EASTERN - largest ship in the world during his time.
 May 16-24, 1888 – it took him nine days to travel aboard the city of Rome from
New York to Queenstown, where he arrived at 2:00 A.M. Late in the afternoon of
May 24th; he arrived at Liverpool, England, and boarded at the Adelphi Hotel.
 May 25, 1888 – he left Liverpool for London, England

RIZAL IN LONDON

 2 June 1888 - Dr. Reinhold Rost and Family tendered in their houses a tea party
in Rizal’s honor. Rizal saw in the Rost’s house a good Filipina library.
 23 June 1888 - He thought of publishing the second edition of the Noli Me
Tangere with the illustrations of Juan Luna and with slight changes.
 27 June 1888 - In a letter, he requested Mariano Ponce to send more copies of
the Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines. He told Ponce that the question of writing
with more or less literature is just secondary; what is essential is to think and feel
right, to work for an object and the pen will take charge of transmitting the ideas.
o MARIANO PONCE (March 23, 1863 to May 23, 1918)- was a Filipino
physician, writer, and active member of the Propaganda Movement. In
Spain, he was among the founders of the La Solidaridad and Association
Hispano-Filipino. Among his significant works was Efemerides Filipinas, a
column on historical events in the Philippines which appeared in La
Oceania Espaῆola (1892-1893) and El Ideal (1911-1912). He wrote Ang
Wika at Lahi (1917), a discussion on the importance of a national
language. He served as Bulacan’s representative to the National
Assembly.
 9 July 1888- Rizal asked Prof. Blumentritt for advice whether or not to answer
Senator Vidaa who denounced him (Rizal) in the Senate in Madrid as an intimate
 friend of Prince Bismarch, and his novel as anti-Catholic, preaching protestant
and socialist.
 12 July 1888 – The Hispano-Filipino association as reorganized by the Filipinos
in Madrid and by the Spaniards sympatizing the cause of Filipinos, headed by Sr.
Morayto.
 26 July 1888 – It was decided to write in the press and article which would teach
Senator Vida courtesy and honesty. Earlier, he had written a letter to the Senator
in Madrid whose answer he was waiting for.
 27 July 1888 – Rizal wrote a letter to Mariano Ponce (Naning) telling the latter of
his experience in his travel in Manila via Hongkong, Japan, and North America,
and the people he met in Hongkong, who he said, are enthusiastic about the Boli
and are studious and patriots.
 16 August 1888 – Rizal was admitted to the reading room of the British Museum
of London
 August 1888 – He was busy with Noli Me Tangere. He thought of copying the
whole book and annotating it for publication as his gift to the Filipinos. Dr.
Antonio Regidor, one of the exiles of the 1872 event, promised to be his
capitalist. Along with the Morga he wanted also to publish Blumentritt’s “Tribes of
Mindanao” including some new documents which he found in the British
Museum.

Rizal was not content with writing books to rouse his countrymen in a
literary, political and polemic manner and to mobilize them for the fight for their
rights. He dug into classical literature, works of former travellers and earlier
Spanish government officials in order to use their writings for his objectives.
Thus, he came upon the (events in the Philippine Islands). Its author, Dr.
Anotonio De Morga, held the offices of lawyer and soldier in the services of the
Spanish colonial administration in the Philippines and published his work in 1609
in Mexico. In the course of the centuries, the “Morga” earned for itself the
reputation of being one of the best dissertations on the pre-Spanish history of the
Philippines with the special advantage that its author – in contrast to most
authors of historical and ethnographic works of the time – was not a man of the
church, not a priest, but rather a Spanish civil servant.

Rizal’s intention of publishing the Morga anew and adding to it lengthy

annotations were clear. He wanted to prove, by means of a reputable work, that
the people of the Philippines did possess a high level of culture and morality
before the arrival of the Spaniards, did have a mastery of a distinct handicraft art
(as perhaps in ship construction), did develop a flourishing trade and did maintain
a good contact with the outside world. Knowledge of their own past should
 strengthen the self-confidence of his countrymen and promote their political and
scientific growth.

 August 18, 1888 – With the intention of writing the continuation of his first novel,
Rizal asked Mariano Ponce in a letter to send him two or more copies of the
Noli. Rizal planned to have a picture taken: one copy to be sent to Ponce and
the other to be included in the publication of the second novel.

IMPORTANT PLACES

 On May 3, 1882 he boarded on Salvadora bound for Singapore where he was

the only Filipino passenger.

 On November 3, 1882, he enrolled in Universidad Central de Madrid taking up

two courses: Philosophy and Letters and Medicine.

 On June 21, 1884, he conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine at

the Universidad Central de Madrid. The following academic year, he studied and
passed all subjects leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Unfortunately,
he was not able to submit the thesis neither required for graduation nor paid the
corresponding fees. With that, he was not awarded his Doctor’s Diploma.
Jose Rizal 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 with the rating of excellent.

 Restaurant Ingles (On Lobo St., now Echaragay St. No. ) – where the banquet in
honor of Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo was held

 San Fernando Academy – where he took up languages (English and French)

under private tutors, paintings and sculptures, gymnastics

 Calle Salud and residence of Don Pablo Ortiga Y Rey – meeting place of the
society of Filipinos and pro-Filipinos which was organized (Circulo Hispano-
Filipino)

 Resident of the Paternos (Calle Sauce) – also a meeting place for the Circulo
Hispano Filipino and it is where a Filipino get-together (lunch and dinner) is held

 Cafe Antiguo Llevante at Puerta Del Sol Plaza – used to the hang-out of the
newspapermen, for whom Rizal had special attention, and where Rizal used to
meet his friends.
Trivia: The Cafe Antiguo Llevante is still there in Madrid and at its cellar/ground floor, a
Rizal market was made in memory of Rizal
Where Rizal lived in Madrid

Calle Amor de Dios 13-15

- the place of his residence from September 12, 1882 to May 1883, when he first
arrived in Madrid. Rizal was prepared to lead a spartan life since he had a
limited allowance of 50 pesos a month further reduced to 35 pesos when the
Rizal farm was affected by bad harvests. There was also a constant increase in
rent being imposed by the Dominicans from whom the Rizal family rented the
farm. In this Madrid house, Rizal lived with Vicente Gonzalez, an old friend from
his Ateneo de Manila days and a guy whom he fondly called Marques de
Pagong. The house could have been chosen out of convenience since it was
near the university and the atelier in which Rizal’s interest in the arts developed
into fine form. He could therefore save on transportation costs. There was a
piano and four big mirrors that created lasting impressions on Rizal.

Calle Fernandez y Gonzalez 8, 3º-4 (formerly C/. de la Visitación)

- This was his place of residence from May 1883 to June 17, 1883 before Rizal left
for Paris for a vacation. Situated in the old part of Madrid close to the Plaza Sta.
Ana and right behind the Teatro Español, it stood near the corner of c/
Echegaray (formerly c/ del Lobo), where he criticized his fellow residents for
engaging in idle discussions day after day. He lived here with Eduardo de Lete
and Ceferino de Leon. By their agreement, they did not allow gambling (juego de
azar) in their quarters.

Calle Ventura de la Vega (formerly C/. Baño 15, piso principal or 1º)

- This was the residence of D. Pablo Ortiga y Rey, vice president of the Consejo
de Filipinas and the headquarters of Circulo Hispano Filipino. In a letter to this
family dated October 10, 1882, Rizal mentioned having boarded here from 1883
(autumn) to August 1884, apparently on a temporary basis since the following
entries would indicate that he had other places of residence in Madrid.
- The association (CHF) was organized as a forum for Filipino students to discuss
Philippine affairs. It sponsored regular bailes to raise funds for the association.
It published a magazine financed by Juan Atayde, a Philippine-born Spaniard.
Among those with whom Rizal discussed Philippine issues were the Paternos —
Pedro, Maximino and Antonio — and Gregorio Sangciangco y Goson who made
deep impressions on Rizal. The latter wrote El Progreso de Filipinas which said
that a plan for agriculture, commerce and industry could usher in improvements
 and progress in the Philippines. The association did not last long, as Rizal wrote
to his family on January 29, 1883, that it disbanded upon his suggestion
apparently due to lack of sufficient interests of the members.
- The residence had another attraction for Rizal aside from being the venue of
political discussions. The daughter of the owner, Consuelo Ortiga y Rey caught
Rizal’s fancy. However, Consuelo was torn between Rizal and de Lete. Rizal
even gave Consuelo poems, musical pieces from Paris and guimaras, a kind of
textile from the Philippines. The guimaras gift was acknowledged by Consuelo
through de Lete, which seemed to have put an end to Rizal’s illusions about her
love, his first derrota or defeat as he wrote in codes in his diary.

Calle Gran Via (formerly C/. San Miguel 7, 1º)

- Rizal stayed in this place, a pension, as indicated in a letter to his parents dated
September 11, 1883. Starting September 6 of that year, he was paying a daily
rent of four pesetas a day. He said that this amount excluded the cost of
kerosene which he had to buy himself so he could read and study at night. But
perhaps the conditions were not that ideal for him as later, he had to board in
another place with a Filipino student.

Calle del Barquillo 34, 4º

- The Gran Vía residence was indeed only temporary since in the same letter to
his parents, he asked that all future letters be forwarded to this address. He
joined Esteban Villanueva who came to Madrid to study law but later became an
established painter. It seems that painting and the arts as disciplines, had such
an attraction to Filipinos since a number of them pursued these as careers –
Luna, Hidalgo, Melecio Figueroa, an engraver and Villanueva.
- Rizal at that point was in dire financial difficulties. In his report on his
whereabouts, he mentioned his high grades in medicine, his victory in Greek
contests and exams in Historia Universal but said he had to pawn Saturnina’s
ring given to him, to pay for his exams. At one time, Rizal did not have any meal
at all for one whole day. Fortuitously, he had been asked by the Paternos to
deliver one of the main speeches at a banquet, a toast to Juan Luna and Felix
Resurreccion Hidalgo who had just won first and second prizes (for the
Spoliarium and Virgenes Cristianas Expuesta al Populacho), respectively, at the
art competition sponsored by the Exposicion de Bellas Artes in Madrid. He wrote
these in codes in his diary which were later decoded by Miguel Unamuno, his
Spanish friend, upon the request of Wenceslao Retana.
Calle Pizarro 15 (formerly C/. pizarro 13 , 2º Dcha.)

- In a letter to his family, on August 29, 1884, Rizal informed them of living here
with classmates Ceferino de Leon and Julio Llorente. It was very close to the
Facultad de Filosofia y Letras at c/ Bernardo where he was to finish in a year his
philosophy and letters degree. It was here where he wrote to his family why
sugar prices had fallen – Cuba and Puerto Rico, as well as the colonies of Great
Britain, had replaced the Philippines as the new sources of U.S. imports, the
biggest at that time. It was also here where Rizal quietly started his novel Noli
Me Tangere.

Calle Cedaceros 11, piso principal

- This was perhaps his last residence in Madrid as he himself mentioned in an

undated letter to his family. He spent 15 days here – from October 1 to 15, 1885
– sharing the place with Ceferino de Leon and Eduardo de Lete. He told his
parents that he would be moving to Paris and Berlin to study ophthalmology
under the best professors at that time. The eyesight of Teodora Alonso had
gone worse and it was Rizal’s desire to treat her upon his return to the
Philippines. On the matter of his return to the Philippines, his brother Paciano
advised him to stay in Hong Kong instead since this would not be very far from
home. The reputation of Rizal as an anti-friar intellectual had become public
because of his speech at the Hotel Ingles at the banquet to honor Juan Luna and
Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. According to Paciano, returning to the Philippines
would be fatal since a lot of Spaniards were raring to punish him for claiming that
the Indios could be even better than the colonial masters if given the chance to
develop themselves.

Trivia: In Madrid there is a train station called avenida de las islas Filipinas which leads
to a road of the same name

Trivia: In the heart of Madrid, there is one statue of Rizal erected to honor him

The Association of Circulo Hispano-Filipino

The association (CHF) was organized as a forum for Filipino students to discuss
Philippine affairs. It sponsored regular bailes to raise funds for the association. It
published a magazine financed by Juan Atayde, a Philippine-born Spaniard. Among
those with whom Rizal discussed Philippine issues were the Paternos — Pedro,
Maximino and Antonio — and Gregorio Sangciangco y Goson who made deep
impressions on Rizal. The latter wrote El Progreso de Filipinas which said that a plan
for agriculture, commerce and industry could usher in improvements and progress in the
Philippines. The association did not last long, as Rizal wrote to his family on January
29, 1883, that it disbanded upon his suggestion apparently due to lack of sufficient
interests of the members.

The Circulo Hispano-Filipino was established 1882 by a group of Filipino

students in Madrid led by Juan Atayde. Supported by a group of peninsulares, the
organization aims to voice out the concerns of Filipinos. Notable members of the
organization include Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Juan Luna, and Graciano Lopez
Jaena

The organization was able to publish the Revista del Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a
newspaper aimed at expressing thoughts about the abusive Spanish government.
However the publication was short-lived due to lack of funds and conflicting political
issues, thus, leading to the dissolution of the organization.

Trivia: Whenever Rizal meets with his comrades, his friends, or his co-members of their
organization, they are usually having their dinner at 12:30 midnight and go home at
2:00-3:00 AM.

Important People

- Paterno Brothers ( Antonio, Pedro
and Maximo)
- Don Pablo Ortega y Rey
- Consuelo Ortega y Rey
- Senor Roses
- Suzanne Jacoby
- Marcelo H. Del Pilar
- Mariano Ponce
Friends of Rizal who shared his ideas.
They often held meeting and celebrations
in their home
A rich mestizo who was a former mayor of
Manila. Befriended Rizal due to him being
in love with her daughter
One of the many lovers of Rizal. Very
beautiful and educated and further
described in Rizal’s poem dedicated to her
A bookstore owner whom Rizal frequently
buys from.
Another lover of Rizal while in Spain.
Beautiful and pretty as described by him,
confessed her love as he left Spain for
France.
An Illustrado and a leading figure of the
propaganda movement. Founder of the
famous La Solidaridad and a respected
member of the Freemasons
Another famous figure in the propaganda
movement. Also the co ± founder of La
Solidaridad together with Marcelo del Pilar
Past time and Hangouts of Rizal in Madrid

 Theaters
 Books
 Riding horses
 Museums and art galleries
 Conferences on Cultural Subjects
 Lottery

Trivia: Rizal has the habit of brewing his coffee on an alcohol lamp

RIZAL IN GERMANY

Heidelberg

 In 1886 Rizal went to Heidelberg from Paris, through Strasbourg, after his
apprenticeship-training in ophthalmology.
 Rizal was attracted to the famous University of Heidelberg.
 He wanted to enroll to the University, but they did not allow him because he had
no official passport to present.
 Rizal was also attracted with the Heidelberg flowers wrote the poem, “To the
Flowers of Heidelberg”
 He lived in a 4-storey house at No. 16 Karlstrasse from 3-17 of February 1886
 Rizal moved to an apartment building at Ludwigs,Platz, No.12 Grabengasse, now
named Universitastrasse.
 Rizal praises the German students
 He was also in Mannheim to visit the Palace Garden and some historic
monuments.
 He visited also the town of Rudesheim.

Rizal in Heidelberg, Germany (Timeline)

3 February 1886

 He arrived at Heidelberg. The town to him looked gay. On the streets he

saw students with cups of different colors.

6 February 1886

 Rizal was living in a boarding house costing him 28 duros a month. He

found German life full of potatoes; potatoes in the morning and potatoes in
the evening.

9 February 1886
  He penned a letter to his family in Calamba describing his life in
Heidelberg and his trip from Paris to the city of flowers.

14 February 1886

 With an old woman as guide, Rizal visited the interior of the famous castle
in Heidelberg. He saw the hall of the pages. Waiting room, audience
chamber, the court, and many other parts of building.

17 February 1886

 In a letter, he informed his family in Calamba of his visits to the eye clinic
of Dr. Otto Becker.

18 February 1886

 He planned to change his residence. He wanted to transfer to 12

Ludwigsplats, near the University.

19 February 1886

 He must have transferred to 12 Ludwigsplats. In a letter to his family in

Calamba, he described the duels he saw in Hirschgasse among students
belonging to different corporation.

11 March 1886

 He wrote to his younger sister, Trinidad, describing the German girl as

"serious, studious, and very much attached to his work" However, she did
not have that "delicacy of hearth’ of the Filipino woman. He advised
Trinidad to read and read.

22 April 1886

 While in Heidelberg experiencing the feeling of nostalgia for his parents

and his country, Rizal wrote the poem "A Las Flores de Heidelberg.

Wilhelmsfeld

 Here he lived with the family of Pastor, Mr. Karl Ullmer whom he had met
in Heidelberg.
 Also here where he wrote some parts of his novel, Noli, which he had
written in Spain and Paris.
 Rizal in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany (Timeline)

26 April 1886 - He left Heidelberg for Wilhemsfeld to honor invitation extended to

him by Reverend Karl Ullmer whom Rizal meet one day in the woods with the
Pastor’s wife, daughter Eta and son Freidrich. In Wilhelmsfeld where Pastor Ullmer
was staying and working, Rizal was invited to visit the vicarage. Later, on Rizal’s
choice, he boarded with the Ullmer family until he left Wilhelmsfeld by last week of
June.

9 June 1886 - From Wilhelmsfeld, he reiterated in a letter to his parents, the

necessity of writing him the badly needed amount.

20-25 June 1886 - Rizal left Wilhelmsfeld for Hiedelberg. In Wilhemsfeld he studied
the German country life and practice speaking good German with the Ullmer’s family
with whom he live.

Leipzig

 From Frankfurt, Rizal proceeded to Leipzig in August, 1886

 Here is where Rizal expected to publish his Noli but he had not enough money.

Rizal in Leipzig, Germany (Timeline)

15 August 1886

- Rizal arrived at Leipzig at 9:30 in the morning.

16 August 1886

- In a letter, Rizal offered his little knowledge in Tagalog to Prof. Blumentrit for
the latter’s study of the language. He said that his knowledge in tagalog which
he studied since boyhood is as useful as that friars and chroniclers who had
stayed for a short time in the Philippines.

2 September1886

- He witnessed the fiesta of the Sedan, which was highlighted by the

inauguration of the beautiful fountain in front of the museum of Leipzig

13 October 1886

- Rizal, in company with the school teacher, Hering visited one of two big beer
manufacturing companies, situated in Reudnitz, and owned by a Mr. Riebek.
 14 October 1886

- He got acquainted personally with Doctor Hans Meyer, chief of the

Bibliographical Institute of the Germany, and author of one of the two famous
encyclopedically dictionaries of Germany.

21 October 1886

- Rizal left Leipzig for Halle to observe the country life of the people there. He
returned in the afternoon.

Dresden

- Rizal stayed at the hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Neustadt

Rizal in Dresden, Germany (Timeline)

29 October 1886

- Rizal arrived at Dresden at 8:20 in the morning.

30 October 1886

- He visited the Palacio Japonais and many other interesting places in Dresden.

31 October 1886

- In Dresden, he met Dr. A.B. Mayer, naturalist of the Dresden University. He was
shown interesting things taken from the Palaos Islands and from tombs in the
Philippines.

1 November 1886

- He left Dresden this morning for Berlin. In the station, he was nearly cheated by
the taxi driver.

Berlin

- Rizal moved to Berlin, the capital of the German Empire, and the center of
government, business and culture.
- He lived for a while at the Central Hotel, Room 294, but soon moved to an
ordinary boarding house to economize.
- He wrote here the finishing touches of Noli, including its preface.

Rizal in Berlin, Germany(Timeline)

1 November 1886
- At 1:25 P.M., Rizal arrived at Berlin and boarded at the Central Hotel.

2 November 1886
- Rizal wrote a letter to his friend Pastor Karl Ullmer informing the latter of his
arrival at the big German capital the day before. He wrote: "Remembrances to
your loving wife, Eta and to Friedrich."
3 November 1886
- In a letter he informed Prof. Blumentritt about his meeting with Dr. A.B. Meyer
last October 31 in Dresden. He was already residing at Jaeger Straesse 71,111.

9 November 1886

- He was admitted to the Real Biblioteca de Berlin to do some research and to

read other books. His admission ended on March 1,1887.

22 November 1886

- In a letter, he informed Pro. Blumentritt that he had already sent to his nephews
in the Philippines the tragedies of Schiller and the stories of anderson, which he
translated into Tagalog.

27 November 1886

- He made a small outline of the Teruray, dialect of the inhabitants of the Western
coast of Mindanao, which he later sent to Prof. Blumentritt.

11 December 1886

- Maximo Viola joined Rizal in Berlin. Rizal was not able to meet Viola at the
station because the former was sick.

12 December 1886

- Early in the morning Rizal visited Viola at the Central Hotel. They took breakfast
together I the restaurant below then hotel.

15 December 1886

- He started teaching Viola the German language.

23 December 1886

- He started dreaming of his mother.

24 December 1886
- Rizal was high spirit although he just recovered from sickness. He was very
happy to be with Maximo Viola. He finished translating one third of the book
Waitz.

25 December 1886

- Rizal wrote his mother: "It is three times now that I constantly dream you and
sometimes the dream repeats itself in a single night. I would not like to
superstitious even if the Bible and the Gospel believe dreams, but I like to believe
that you are thinking constantly me and this makes my mind reproduce what
goes on in you for after all my brain is a part of yours, and this is not strange
because while I am asleep here, you are awake there."

27 December 1886

- He was required by the German police to provide himself with the necessary
passports or the risk of being expelled from German soil after three weeks.

30 December 1886

- In a letter, told Prof. Blumentritt, of a plan of Maximo Viola to cope with him to
Leitmeritz during his visit there.

31 December 1886

- A certain Captain and ex-aide of Geneva Moltke of the French-pruss War invited
Rizal to his home to celebrate the incoming New Year. Before this fiesta, Rizal
bought a pair of chin pitchers, painting them figure of an old man representing
the outgoing year and a boy personifying the incoming year.

January 1887

- He became a member of the Ethnographic Society of Berlin in whose meeting he

had the rare opportunity of hearing the interesting lecture of Dr. Donitz on pre-
historic Japanese tombs which contained sets of dishes and other decorations.

11 January 1887

- He met personally Dr. Teodor Jagor who invited him to attend the monthly
luncheon of the member of the Geographic Society. In one of luncheons, he
came to know the famous Virchow, president of the Anthropological Society of
Berlin.

24 January 1887
- He was again sick of fever and in the evening had stopped working on the novel.
If not for Maximo Viola, he would have transferred to Italy where according to him
the climate was healthful.

26 January 1887

- He planned to translate the book of travels of Dr. Jagor as soon as he would

finish translating the book of Waitz. By spring, he hoped to finish this works.

7 February 1887

- He was very busy this day and the previous days going to the clinic and making
some clinical investigations. In the house, he was occupied reading the copies of
the Globus sent him Prof. Blumentritt.

February 1887

- He became a member of the Anthropological Society and the Geographic

Society of Berlin.

21 February 1887

- He communicated to Evaristo Aguirre telling the latter that the novel Noli was
being rushed for publication. He requested Aguirre not to divulge the real title
"Sampagas". At 11:30 in the evening, he finished writing the novel.

1 March 1887

- His admission to Real Biblioteca, where he used to read the books about the
Philippines, expired on this day.

5 March 1887

- Rizal translated into French the "History of a Mother" by Andersen written in

German.

21 March 1887

- Copies of his novel came off the press. He sent one copy to Prof. Blumentritt. In
a letter of his Austrian friend, he said it was the first impartial and daring book to
be written on the life of the Tagalogs. He opined that the Spanish authorities and
the friar would attack the book.

29 March 1887
- In grateful appreciation of Maximo Viola’s pecuniary aid, Rizal presented him the
last galley proofs and the first bound copy with this dedication: "To my dear
friend, Maximo Viola, the first to read and appreciate my work- Jose Rizal, March
29, 1887, Berlin."

April 1887

- Rizal read before the Ethnographic Society of Berlin the "Arte Metrica del
Tagalog", a thesis submitted by him to become a member of the same society in
the same year.

12 April 1887

- He received a gift from Blumentritt. It was an Ethno-graphic map of Central

Mindanao published by the Cartographic Institute of Gotha.

13 April 1887

- With Maximo Viola, Rizal studied the map sent him by Prof. Blumentritt. He said
it is very necessary for everyone to know first his own country- "Nosce te ipsum".
He considered the Filipinos unfortunate because they had to receive new
knowledge about themselves from foreigners.

24 April 1887

- He was happy to receive the letter of pardon from his beloved father. He
definitely decided to go home and help his folks.
- Later he sent an advance notice to Prof Blumentritt of their coming visit to
Leitmeritz.

April 1887

- By the end of April, Rizal left in Berlin for Dresden where the most famous
"Musco Etnografico" was located. He met there the wise Filipinoogist director of
the museum, Dr. A. B. Meyer, author of the excellent monographs.

11 May 1887

- Accompanied by Maximo Viola, Rizal left Berlin to visit the cities of Europe,
including Dresden, Leitmeritz, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Nuremberg, Ulm,
Lausanne, and Geneva.
 RIZAL IN HONGKONG

Special Administrative Region of the Republic of China

February 8-22, 1888

- His first visit in Hongkong.

- He lodged at the Victoria School/College in HK proper which was run by a lady
named Mrs. Geller, and where some Filipino young men were studying.
- He met some Filipino Deportees like Jose Ma. Basa and Balbino Mauricio
(victims in Cavite Mutiny in 1872) and other Filipinos who escaped to HK from
the fury of the Spaniards in Manila.

February 19-20, 1888

- Together with Basa, he visited Macao- a Portuguese owned city in the mainland
where he met Don Juan Licaros, Spanish legation attaché in the port.
- They took the boat Ku Kieng to Macao and back to HK.
- He was able to have a glimpse of Chinese character, history, civilization and
culture, as well as the way British governed their Colony (w/c he was able to
compare with the Spanish colonial system in the Philippines) through his sojourn,
temporary stay in HK and his personal contact with Basa.

1891

- He stayed in an apartment at No. 2 Rednaxel Teracce which he utilized as

residence and clinic.
- Dr. Lorenzo Pereyra Marquez, an elderly Portuguese (but naturalized British
subject) and a Conselheiro (King’s counselor) who was a practitioner in general
medicine, learned of he’s field of specialization and acknowledging his worth,
referred to him cases on the diseases of the eye. They become good friends.
- He successfully operated on one of his mother’s eyes for cataract ailment.
- He became a friend of Mr. Frazier-Smith, editor of the HK telegraph, and his
fraternal bother Masonry, in this newspaper he contributed several articles in
Spanish primarily fo Philippine Consumption
- He learned more details of the persecution of the Kalamba Hacienda Lesees.
- He learned that his mother was subjected to indignities by being required to walk
to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (about 50kms. From Calamba), to stand the accusation of
using the name Teodora Alonso instead of Mrs. Teodora Realonda de Rizal.
- In consultation with Basa, He conceived of forming a patriotic league- the La Liga
Filipina. It was organized in Tondo, Manila on July 03, 1892 and ceased to
function the middle of July 1892, following his deportation on Dapitan.
- In order to implement two of the aims of the league, he planned to organize a
school in HK and an Agricultural Colony in Borneo.
- He personally visited Borneo in 1892. He succeeded in selecting a site for his
proposed colony but he failed to realize it because he was not permitted by the
Despujol for the emigration of the Filipino colonists.
- He had premonitions of his would be tragic end. On june 20,1892, he prepared
twoletters: one addressed to his parents, brothers, sisters, and friends.
- After receiving a response from Despujol assurance of safe conduct, he left HK
on the SS Don Juan against the advice of his parents, brothers, sisters and
friends.
- Arrived in Manila on June 26 with his sister Lucia. He took a train for bulacan,
Pampanga, and Tarlac the following day. In Tarlac, He was house-guest
overnight of one Captain Andres Pubo where he tried the possibility of La Liga
Filipina.
- In a few days, he was imprisoned at Fort Santiago and soon he was shipped to
Dapitan, Mindanao. He was imprisoned without due process of law.
Achievements of Rizal While He traveled

1. Practice his profession

A. As an ophthalmologist
June 18, 1883: Rizal visited the Leannec Hospital in Paris.

Two days after, he also visited Lariboisiere Hospital where Felix Pardo de
Tavera was an extern. He observed the examination of different diseases
of women.

He made an operation on arterial vein in Hospital de la Princesa in

Madrid, on February 17, 1884.

Rizal went to Paris not just for vacation but also for advance studies in
ophthalmology.

In Germany, he practiced in a hospital in Heidelberg under the

supervision of Dr. Otto Becker.

In his return to the Philippines, he had established a clinic in Calamba

which was intended to help his town mates to get rid of the rampaging
diseases in their town.

In Hong Kong, he opened a clinic and became a well-known medical

practitioner. He also cured for the second time his mother’s eyes.
B. As a linguist and an artist

He enrolled at the Central University of Madrid in Licentiate in Philosophy

and Letters, also took up lessons in painting and sculpture at the
Academia de Bella Artes de San Fernando, as well as lessons in French
and German at the Atene de Madrid.

Rizal won 1st plae in a Greek contest in Madrid on June 25, 1884, after
which he delivered a speech in honor of the two Filipino painters, Juan
Lina and Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo, who won during the National
Exposition of Fine Arts held in Madrid that year.

He also had knowledge in sculpture which helped him come up with the
Wounded Gladiator (April 08,1884) and Revancha, which he sent to Dr.
Carlos Czepelack. He also had made an outline of the dialect of the
people of Western Mindanao, Teruray, which he sent to Dr. Blumentreitt.
He also made a sketch of a sailboat sailing at Laguna de Bay.
 September 30, 1885: Rizal was issued a diploma of ordinary prize on
Hebrew language at the Central University of Madrid. He was also issued
another diploma of ordinary prize on Greek language.

In his summer vacation at Paris, he met Madame Lucie Cerdolleto master

the intricacies of French. On November 9, 1886, he was admitted to the
Real Biblioteca de Berlin to do some research.

On the 25th of May 1888, in London, he spent most of his time in the
British Museum studying the book of Morga (Sucesos de Islas Filipinas)
and other rare historical books about the Philippines.

On October 12, 1888, he was admitted to study in the Department of

Greek and Roman Antiquities in the British Museum of London. On August
13, 1889, he was admitted to make studies in the Biblio the que Nationale
of Paris.

2. As an Organizer

A. Organization he created and joined

Circulo Hispano-Filipino

Shortly after his arrival in Madrid, Spain in 1882, Rizal joined the
Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a society of Spaniards and Filipinos.

Masonry

Free Masonry is the largest and most widely fraternal order in the
world. The guilds became societies devoted to general ideas, such as
fraternity, equality, and peace, and their meetings became social rather
than business occasions.

Anthropological Society and the Geographical Society in Berlin.

Because the European scientist recognized the scientific

knowledge of Rizal, he was recommended by Dr. Jagor to be a
member in both the societies, the Anthropological Society and the
Geographical Society of Berlin. Dr. Virchow, who recognized Rizal’s
genius, invited the latter to give a lecture before the Anthropological
Society of Berlin.

Ethnographic Society of Berlin

 April 1887, Rizal read before the ethnographic Society of Berlin the
Arte Metrica del Tagalog, a thesis submitted by him to become a
member of the same society in the same year.

International Association of Filipinologists/ Congress of

Filipinologist

Taking advantage of the world attention which was focused at the

International Exposition of 1889 in Paris, Rizal proposed the
establishment of the IAF and have its inaugural convention in the
French capital.

Officers:

President- Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt

Vice-Preseident- Mr. Edmund Plauchut

Counselors- Dr. Reinhold Rost/ Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor

Secretary: Dr. Jose Rizal

Kidlat Club and Indios Bravos (March 19, 1889)

Rizal organized his pasianos into a society called Kidlat Club. It was
founded by Rizal simply to bring together the young Filipinos in the
French Capital so that they could enjoy their sojourn. Rizal speaks
French fluently and acted as their interpreter and guide.

Rizal inspired Black Americans and this admiration bring a new society
of Filipinos in Paris called, Indios Bravos, which replaced the Kidlat
Club.

B. Friends Rizal won

Maximo Sison Viola

He was a physiciqan, municipal councillor, and a supporter of the

Propaganda Movement. He played an important role in the life of Jose
Rizal, he is known as the man who saved for posterity and financed
the printing of Joe Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere.

Dr. Louis de Wecker

He is a leading French ophthalmologist whom Rizal worked as an
assistant in October 1885 that surely helped him to widen his
knowledge about ophthalmology.

Juan Luna and his wife Paz Paedo de Tavera

In his travel to Paris, he used to stay at the studio of Juan Luna and
was used by Luna as a model like in his work The death of Cleopatra
where Rizal posed as a Egyptian priest and in the Blood Compact as
Sikatuna.

Hans Meyer

He is the Chief of the Bibliographical Institute of the Germany, and

author of one of the famous encyclopedia dictionaries of Germany.

Jose Cecilio

Chenggoy is a friend of Rizal whom he asked advice to whom,

between the two Leanors would be an ideal partner in life. He then
selected Leanor Rivera for being more feminine, more ductile, sweeter,
milder, nicer and above all are more educated.

Adolf B. Meyer

He is a Naturalist of the Dresden University. He was shown interesting

things taken from the Palaos Islands and from tombs in the Philippines.

Pastor Karl Ullmer

He is a Lutheran Minister who was Rizal’s roommate during his visit in

Heidelberg. They had many discussions on the merits of the
Protestants and the Catholics. Rizal, being a Mason, regarded
Catholicism as a better religion than Protestantism.

Dr. Javier Galezowsky

Rizal worked in the clinic of Dr. Javier Galezowsky, a Polish

ophthalmologist.

Dr. Otto Becker.

Rizal studied under Dr. Otto Becker the great German authority and
ophthalmology.

Ferdinand Blumentritt
He is a professor and the Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz in
Austria. Rizal had heard this Austrian ethnologist and his interest in the
Philippine languages. He sent a letter and the book entitled Arithmetica
(Arithmetic) that was published in Spanish and Tagalog to Blumentritt.
It impressed the Austrian and sent also two books and this marked
their long friendship.

Madame Lucie Gerdolle

She is a professor in French whom Rizal took as his private instructor

for him to master the idiomatic intricacies of the French language.

Dr. Feodor Jagor

He is a celebrated German scientist-traveler who wrote the Travels in

the Philippines. He also introduced Rizal to Dr. Rudolf Virchow,
famous German anthropologist, and his son, Hans Virchow, a
professor of Descriptive Anatomy, and also met Dr. Joest.

Dr. R. Schulzer

He is a famous German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked during his

stay in Berlin

Dr. Wellkomm

He is a professor of natural history in the University of Prague. They

were able to visit the beautiful spots in Prague with the aid of the
Professor.

Norfenfals

He is an Austrian novelist who was considered as one of the greatest

novelist during his time. He was also impressed by Rizal, and years
later, he spoke highly about Rizal.

Perez Caballero

He is the secretary of the Spanish Legation in Japan 1888. He invited

Rizal to stay in the Spanish Legation and Rizal, thinking about
economizing his money, agreed. But Rizal, who was a genius, realized
that the Spanish Legation in Japan was instructed by the Spanish
Government in Manila to look after him.

Jose Maria Basa

 Rizal met Jose Maria Basa in Hong Kong in his second trip abroad in
1872. He acted as the guide of Rizal in his tours in some of the oriental
countries and colonies.

Tetcho Suehiro

He is the fellow passenger of Rizal in the Belgic during his travel from
Japan to America.

Dr. Reinfold Rost

He came to know the doctor, the librarian of the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and an authority on Malayan Languages and customs. He
recommended him to the authorities of the British Museum.

Mariano Ponce and Marcelo H. Del Pilar

These two titans of Propaganda Movement were the persons

managing the publications of articles of the exiles in Europe, La
Solidaridad.

Jose Alejandrino

He was the companion of Rizal in Ghent, Belgium. They both had a

hard time in this city. Alejandrino, who then became a general during
the Filipino-American War, described their friendship in Ghent.

Rodrigues Arias

He gave a share in financing the printing of the sequel of Rizal’s novel

Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo.

Valentin Ventura

Valentin who was in Paris sent Rizal the needed amount to finish the
publication of the novel. In return, he gave the original manuscript to
Ventura with his autograph after the publication of the novel.

3. As a writer and sports-minded individual

A. As a writer

Articles

 Amor Patrio
 Revista de Madrid
  Las Dudas
 Explained the term Filibusterismo the newspaper of Madrid El
Progreso, calling the attention of the Spanish authorities over
the case of future of the Filipinos
 Me Piden Verses
 To the Young Women of Malolos

Poems
 To the Flowers of Heidelberg

Theses
Tagalische Verkunst (Arte Metrica del Tagalog) written in
German, for him to become a member of Ethnographic Society of
Berlin, Ethnography of Mindanao and Two Eastern Fables, a
comparative study between Japanese and Philippine folklore, and
appeared in the Trubner’s Record (London)

Translations
 Schiller’s William Tell and Hans Andersen’s Fairytales to
Tagalog
 History of a Mother by Andersen from German to French

Books
 Annotation to Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas

Legend
 Mariang Makiling (Laong Laan)

Essays
 The Philippines Within a Century
 The Indolence of the Filipino People

Novels
 Noli Me Tangere
The birth of Noli Me Tangere was actually a proposal of Rizal
to his compatriots in the Circulo Hispano-Filipino. He
proposed to the Circle that they will create a novel talking
about the Fatherland, the Philippines.
 El Filibusterismo
 He began witing it during his stay in the Philippines on
October 1887, which was dedicated to the assassination of
GomBurZa. He finally completed the Filibusteismo
manuscript in July 18, 1891 while he was in Brussels.
 Third Novel
He began writing it during his voyage to Hong Kong on
November 1891-June 1892. His third sequel to his novel Noli,
Maamisa is written in Tagalog.
B. As a sports-minded man
He was admitted member of the Chess Club of Germany on July 4,
1886.
He taught the members of Indios Bravos Jujitsu, the Japanese art
of self-defence.
October 1887 (first homecoming), in order to discourage his town
mates from going to cockpits ad other forms of gambling, he
encouraged and popularized physical exercised by giving classes
in gymnastics.
4. As a propagandist
Propagandists- included upper class Filipinos from all the lowland
Christian areas.
- strove to “awaken the sleeping intellect of the Spaniard to the needs f
our country” and to create a closer, more equal association of the
islands and the motherland
Rizal’s First Homecoming
(1887-1888)

Rizal’s plans of coming back home

As early as 1884, Rizal wanted to go back to the Philippines for the following
reasons:

 Financial difficulties in Calamba

 Dissatisfaction with his studies in Madrid

 Desire to prove that there is no reason to fear going home.

 His belief that the Spanish regime will not punish the innocent.

Decision to return home

After five years of his memorable sojourn in Europe, Rizal returned to the
Philippines.

However, Rizal was warned by the following not to return to the Philippines
because his Noli Me Tangere angered the friars:

 Paciano Mercado – Rizal’s adviser and only brother.

 Silvestre Ubaldo – Rizal’s brother in law; husband of Olimpia.
 Jose Ma. Cecilio (Chenggoy) – one of Rizal’s closest friends.

Rizal was determined to come back to the Philippines for the following reasons:

 To operate his mother’s eyes

 To serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants.
 To find out for himself how the Noli Me Tangere and his other writings
were affecting Filipinos and Spaniards.
 To inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent.

Rizal arrives in Manila

Rizal left Rome by train to Marseilles, a French port and boarded Djemnah, the
same steamer that brought him to Europe five years ago.

There were 50 passengers: 4 Englishmen, 2 Germans, 3 Chinese, 2 Japanese,

40 Frenchmen, and 1 Filipino (Rizal)

When the ship reached Aden, the weather became rough and some of Rizal’s
book got wet.
 In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam – he transferred to another steamer,
Haiphong, that brought him to Manila.

Happy Homecoming

When Rizal arrived in Calamba, rumors spread that he was a:

 German spy
 An agent of Otto Von Bismarck – the liberator of Germany.
 A Protestant
 A Mason
 A soul halfway to damnation

Paciano – did not leave him during the first days after arrival to protect him from
any enemy assault.

Don Francisco – did not permit him to go out alone

In Calamba

 Rizal established a medical clinic.

 Doña Teodora – was Rizal’s first patient
 Rizal treated her eyes but could not perform any surgical operation because
her cataracts were not yet ripe.
 He painted several beautiful landscapes in Calamba.
 He translated German poems of Von Wildernath in Tagalog.
 Doctor Uliman – Rizal was called this name because he came from Germany.
 He earned P900 in a few months and P5,000 before he left the Philippines.
 Gymnasium – was opened by Rizal for the young people
 He introduced European sports fencing and shooting to discourage them from
cockfighting and gambling.

Sad moments while Rizal was in Calamba

 Leonor Rivera – Rizal tried to visit her in Tarlac but his parents forbade him to
go because Leonor’s mother did not like him for a son-in-law.

 Olimpia Mercado-Ubaldo – died because of child birth.

 Storm over the Noli Me Tangere

As Rizal was peacefully living in Calamba, his enemies plotted his doom.

Governor General Emilio Terrero – wrote to Rizal requesting to come to

Malacañang Palace.
  Somebody had whispered to his ear that the Noli contains subversive
ideas.
 Rizal explained to him that he merely exposed the truth, but did not
advocate subversive ideas.
 He was pleased by Rizal’s explanation and curious about the book, he
asked for a copy of the novel.
 Rizal had no copy that time but promised to send one for him.

Rizal visited the Jesuits

Rizal visited the Jesuit fathers to ask for their feedback on the novel.

He was gladly welcomed by the following friars:

 Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez

 Fr. Jose Bech
 Fr. Federico Faura – told Rizal that everything in the novel was the
truth and warned him that he may lose his head because of it.

Governor-General Emilio Terrero – a liberal minded Spaniard who knew that

Rizal’s life was in jeopardy because the friars were powerful.

 Because of this he gave Rizal a bodyguard to protect him.

Agrarian Problem in Calamba

Influenced by the novel, Governor-General Emilio Terrero ordered a government

investigation of the friar estates to remedy whatever inequities might have been
present in connection with land taxes and with tenant relations.

One of the friar estates affected was the Calamba hacienda by the Dominican
order since 1883.

Upon hearing about the investigation, the people of Calamba asked helped from
Rizal to gather facts and list the grievances so that the government might
institute certain agrarian reforms.

Findings submitted by Rizal

The hacienda of the Dominican Order comprised not only the lands around
Calamba, but the whole town of Calamba.

The profits of the Dominican Order continually increased because of the arbitrary
increase of he rentals paid by the tenants.
 The hacienda owner never contributed a single centavo for the celebration of the
town fiesta, for the education of the children, and for the improvement of
agriculture.

Tenants who spent much labor in clearing the lands were dispossessed of the
said lands for flimsy reasons

High rates of interest were arbitrarily charged the tenants for delayed payment of
rentals

When the rentals could not be paid, the hacienda management confiscated the
work animals, tools, and farm implements of the tenants.

Friars Reaction

Rizal’s exposure to the deplorable condition angered the friars.

The friars exerted pressure to Malacañang to eliminate Rizal.

They asked Gov. Gen. Terrero to deport Rizal but the latter refused for there is
lack of charges against Rizal in court.

Anonymous threats in Rizal’s life alarmed his parents, siblings, Andrade his
bodyguard, friends, and even Terrero, thus they all advised him to leave the
country.

Rizal’s reasons for leaving the Philippines

His presence in Calamba was jeopardizing the safety and happiness of his family
and friends.

He could not fight better his enemies and serve his country’s cause with greater
efficacy by writing in foreign countries.

Himno Al Trabajo

A poem for Lipa – shortly before Rizal left in 1888, he was asked by a friend to
write a poem in commemoration of the town’s cityhood.

Himno Al Trabajo (Hymn To Labor) – title of the poem dedicated to the

industrious people of Lipa.

Farewell Philippines

On February 3, 1888 Rizal left his country with a heavy heart.

But this is for his own good and the safety of his family and friends.
 The Second Homecoming

May 1892

There were certain reasons as to why Jose Rizal would again return to his Fatherland.
He decided to go home on with the following reasons:

1. To confer with Governor Despujol regarding his proposal on the Borneo colonization.

2. To establish the Liga Filipina in the Philippines.

3. To prove to his detractors, particularly Eduardo de Lete, that the latter was wrong in
accusing Rizal of cowardliness and un bravely characteristic. It was said that de Lete
attacked that Rizal was comfortable and safe in Hong Kong that he already abandoned
the country's cause.

As he arrived together with her sister Lucia in Manila, a series of events transpired.
Among which are:

June 26, 1892 (Sunday at 12:00 noon)

Rizal and his sister Lucia arrived in Manila. Afternoon at 4:00 o'clock he went to
Malacanang to seek audience with the Spanish Governor - General Eulogio Despujol,
(Conde de Caspe). He was told to come back at that night at 7:00 o'clock. He returned
but told him to return on Wednesday (June29).

June 27, 1892 at 6:00 p.m

Rizal boarded a train in Tutuban Station to visited his friends in Malolos(Bulacan),San

Fernando (Pampanga), Tarlac (Tarlac), and Bacolor (Pampanga). They discussed the
problems affecting their people and took the opportunity to greet them personally.

June 28, 1892 -at 5 o'clock in the afternoon

Rizal returned to Manila by train. He was shadowed bythe government spies who
carefully his everymovement. The homes he had visited were seized bythe Guardia
Civil

June 29, 1892 (Wednesday at 7:30)

He saw his Excellency and did not succeed to have the penalty of exile lifted. He was to
come again the following day at 7:30

June 30, 1892 (Thursday)

They talked about the question of Borneo and told Rizal to come back Sunday

July 3, 1892 (Sunday)

Rizal returned and talked about sundry things. Thanked Governor General Despujol for
having lifted the exile of his sisters, asked him if he would like to go abroad to Hong
Kong and answered yes. Told him to return on Wednesday

July 3, 1892 (Sunday evening)

Rizal attended a meeting of the patriots at the home of the Chinese-Filipino mestizo on
Ylaya Street, Tondo,Manila . Rizal explained the objectives of the Liga Filipina, a civic
league of the Filipinos. He presented the Constitution of the Liga which he had written in
Hong Kong. The patriots were impressed and approved the establishment of The Liga.

Founding of the Liga Filipina - a civic league of Filipinos, which he desired to establish
and its role on the socio-economic life of the people.

1. To unite the archipelago into one compact and homogenous body

2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity

3. Defense against all violence and injustice.

4. Encourage of Education, agriculture and commerce.

5. Study of application and reforms.

July 6, 1892 (Wednesday)

Rizal went to Malacanang to resume his series of interviews with governor general. The
governor general showed some printed leaflets were entitled Pobres Frailes (Poor
Friars). Rizal denied having those leaflets. Despite his denial and insistent demand for
investigation. He was placed under arrest and escorted to Fort Santiago by Ramon
Despujol the nephew and aide of Governor General. July 7 Gaceta de Manila published
the story of Rizal's arrest the same issue the gubernatorial decree gave him the reasons
for Rizal's deportation as follows:

Rizal published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty to Spain which were
“frankly anti Catholic and “prudently anti-friar. A few hours after his arrival “there was
found in his packages… a bundle of handbills entitled “Pobres Frailes”.His novel “El
Filibusterismo” was dedicated to the memory of the three traitors. The end to which he
pursues in his efforts and writings is to tear from the loyal Filipino breats the treasures of
our “catholic faith” Governor-General Despujol.

July 15, 1892 (12:30 a.m.)

Rizal was brought under heavy guard to the streamer Cebu which was sailing to
Dapitan (1:00 a.m.) the streamer under Captain Delgras departed sailing south, passing
Mindoro and Panay

July 17, 1892 Reached Dapitan at 7:00 in the evening.

Captain Delgras handed Rizal over to Captain Ricardo Carnicero, Spanish commandant
of Dapitan the same night, Rizal began his exile in Dapitan which would last until July
31, 1896, a period of four years.

LAST HOMECOMING AND TRIAL

A Martyrs Last Homecoming

Since leaving Barcelona on Tuesday, October 6, 1896, Rizal recorded the events in his
diary. Given a good cabin in the second class- strictly guarded but courteously treated
by the officer. October 8, 1896 – a friendly officer told Rizal that the Madrid newspapers
were full of stories about the bloody revolution in the Philippines and were blaming him
for it.

Confiscation of Rizal's diary

Spanish known that Rizal was keeping track of the daily events in his diary. They were
curious what were recorded in his diary, suspicion, feared what may the diarist is
writing.

October 11, 1896 - before reaching the Port Said – Rizal's diary was taken away from
him. Nothing dangerous was found in the contents of the diary.

November 2, 1896 – the dairy was returned to him. Rizal was not able to record the
events from Monday ,October 12 to Sunday, November 1.

Unsuccessful Rescue in Singapore

News from Rizal's predicament reached his friends in Europe and Singapore. Dr.
Antonio Ma. Regidor and Sixto Lopez dispatched frantic telegrams to an English lawyer
(Hugh Fort). When the Colon arrived in Singapore, Atty. Fort instituted proceedings at
the Singapore Court for the removal of Rizal from The streamer. Chief Justice Loinel
Cox denied the writ, Rizal was unaware of the attempt made by his friends to rescue
him in Singapore.

Arrival in Manila

November 3, 1896- the Colon reached Manila. While the Spanish community was
exulting with joy, Rizal was quietly transferred under heavy guard from the ship to Fort
Santiago. Many Filipino patriots were tortured (Deodato Arellano, Dr. Pio Valenzuela,
Moises Salvador, Jose Dizon, Domingo Franco, Temoteo Paez, Pedro Serrano Laktaw)
to implicate Rizal. Paciano was also tortured, he never sign the statement against Rizal.
His left hand crushed by screw.

Preliminary Investigation

November 20, 1896 - Appeared before Judge Advocate, Colonel Francisco Olive.

2 Kinds of Evidence (documented and testimonial)

 Documentary evidence consisted of fifteen exhibits

 Testimonial evidence consisted of the oral testimonies

Rizal Chooses His defender

December 8, 1896 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception. A list of 100 first and second
lieutenants in the Spanish Army was presented to Rizal. Don Luis Taviel de Andrade,
1st Lt. of the Artillery – chosen to be the defender of Rizal in the court.

Reading of Information of charges to the accused

December 11, 1896 - the information of charges was formally announced in Rizal's
prison cell. Accused of being the principal organizer and the living soul of the Filipino
insurrection, the founder of societies, periodicals, and book dedicated to fomenting and
propagating the ideas of rebellion.