“The Council of the Gods”

1881 – The Liceo Artistico-Literario held another contest for the 4th centennial of
Miguel De Cervantes’s death (a Spanish greatest writer and world’s pre-
eminent novelists) of Don Quixote, in that moment this contest is open to
Filipinos and Spaniards. Where Rizal’s inspiration was when he won the
contest last year. He then submitted his allegorical drama titled “El consejo
de los dioses” which he won once again. And received a ring where
Cervantes Face was carved on it.
1880 – Because of the imminent bullying of Spaniards students to Filipino that
often ends up in a street fight. Rizal founded a secret society of filipino
students called Companerismo (Comradeship) and the members are called
“Companions of Jehu” after to the name of a Hebrew general that fought
Armaenians and ruled the kingdom of Israel for 28 years. Rizal was the chief
of Companerismo, with his cousin from Batangas, Galicano Apacible, as his
Secretary. Owing to his skill in fencing, his experience in wrestling, and his
indomitable courage, he Lead this secret society in order to protect Filipino
Students.
Rizal, Ateneo’s wonder boy, found the atmosphere of education of his University
suffocating. He was unhappy at this Dominican Institution of higher
learning because
First: Dominican Professors are hostile to him
Second: Filipino students are always racially discriminated
Third: The system of teaching is obsolete and repressive
In his novel El Filibusterismo, he told in chapter 13 TITLED “The Class in Physics”
That his science subject was taught without laboratory experiments.
WHERE The laboratory apparatuses were kept inside the showcases JUST to
be seen by visitors, but the students could not even touch them.
After 4 years of studying medical course in University of Santo Tomas, Rizal
decided to continue his studies in Spain, Because he could not tolerate no
longer the extensive revilement, discrimination, and hostility in the
 university. Which his older brother, his sisters, his uncle Antonio Rivera,
AND some friends readily approved his decision
For the first time, Rizal didn’t seek his parent’s permission and blessings, because
he knew ALREADY that they, especially his mother, would disapprove his
decision, He didn’t also informed his lover Leonor because he knows that,
being a woman, young and romantic at that, could not keep a secret. And
the Spanish Authorities are clueless with his decision to continue his career
in Spain where the professors were more liberal than those of the
University of Santo Tomas.