Rizal 9:30AM

Quiz
Distinguished German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked: Dr. Otto Becker
Companion of Rizal in his grand tour of Europe: Dr. Maximo Viola
Rizal's "Taimis: his secret love and inspiration for 11 years: Leonor Rivera
Rizal sends her love notes written in invisible ink, that could only be deciphered over the warmth of a
lamp or candle: Leonor Valenzuela
Rizal graduated in Ateneo Municipal de Manila on March 23, 1877 and received a degree of: Bachelor of
Arts
Rizal sought career guidance from Fr. Pablo Ramon, the Father Rector of Ateneo, finally he answered
his letter and recommended: Medicine
When Rizal was in Europe, he took advantage of his time. He then spent most of his time in: Reading
books in medicine and philosophy
Where did Rizal went last May 17, 1887?: City of Vienna
Who was the Filipino artist who won first prize in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid?:
Juan Luna
Who was the friend of Rizal that was an editior of La Publisidad?: Eusebio Corominas
Where did the Filipino friends of Jose give him a party for his arrival in Barcelona?: Plaza de Cataluna
Rizal dedicated a poem to Consuelo Ortiga y Rey, which became one of his best poems. What is the
title of this poem?: A La Senorita C.O. y R

Module 2.3: Rizal's Medical Studies at the University of Santo Tomas

ATENEO
 Rizal had completed his vocational course in Surveying which he graduated with Highest Honor.
 run by Jesuits;

UST (1877-1882)
 he transferred to Medical course where he won more Literary Laurels; had other romances with
pretty girls; and fought against Spanish Students who insulted the brown Filipino students.
 run by Dominicans.
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DOŇA TEODORA
 opposed the idea of sending Rizal to University to pursue Higher Education because she was aware
what happened to Gom-Bur-Za and feared of might would happen to Rizal.
*Rizal was surprised by his mother’s opposition, who was a woman of education and culture.
Despite his mother’s opposition, Don Francisco told Paciano to accompany Rizal to Manila.

April 1877
 Rizal enrolled at UST, taking the course on Philosophy and Letters.
Reasons:
1. His father liked it.
2. He was still uncertain as to what career to pursue.

Fr. Pablo Ramon

 rector of the Ateneo.

1877 – 1878
 Rizal studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of Philosophy during his first year
term.
1877 – 1879
 Rizal took up medical course upon the advised of Ateneo’s Rector to study medicine.
Reason: To be able to cure his mother’s growing blindness.

While Rizal was studying at UST, he also studied in Ateneo. He took the vocational course leading to
the title of “Perito Agrimensor“ (Expert Surveyor).
He excelled in all subjects in the surveying course obtaining gold medals in Agriculture and
Topography.

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Vocational Courses:
1. Agriculture 3. Mechanics
2. Commerce 4. Surveying

At the age of 17, he passed the final exam in the surveying course but could not be granted the title
as Surveyor because he was under age.

November 25, 1881

 the title as Surveyor to Rizal

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. President, Academy of Spanish Literature.
2. Secretary, Academy of Natural Sciences.
3. Secretary, Marian Congregation.

Segunda Katigbak
Miss L.
 fair with seductive and attractive eyes.
Reasons:
1. The sweet memory of Segunda was still fresh in his heart.
2. His father did not like the family of Miss L.
Leonor “Orang“ Valenzuela
 a medical student from Calamba, Laguna
 the charming daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela.
 tall girl with a regal bearing.
 Rizal sent Leonor a love notes written in invisible ink.

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Leonor Rivera
 Rizal’s cousin from Camiling.
 born in Camiling, tarlac on April 11, 1867.
 a student of La Concordia College where Rizal’s sister, Soledad was then studying.
 frail, pretty girl, and tender as a budding flower with kindly wistful eyes.
*Taimis (Leonor’s pseudonym in order to camouflage their intimate relationship from their parents
and friends.)

Rizal lived in:

Casa Tomasina
No. 6 Calle Santo Tomas, Intramuros

Antonio Rivero – Rizal’s landlord-uncle (also: father of Leonor Rivera.)

One dark summer vacation night of 1878 in Calamba when Rizal was a freshman Medical student at the
University of Santo Tomas. He was walking in the street and dimly perceived the figure of a
man while passing him not knowing that the person was a Lieutenant of the Guardia Civil, he did not
salute not say a greeting. With a snarl, he turned upon Rizal, whipped out his sword and brutally
slashed his back.
Rizal reported the incident to General Primo de Rivera, the Spanish Governor General of the
Philippines at that time but nothing came out because he was an Indio and the accused was a Spaniard.
Later in a letter to Blumentrit dated March 21, 1887, he related, “I went to the Captain-General but I
could not obtain justice; my wound lasted two weeks.“

Liceo Artisco-Literano (Artistic-Literary Lyceum)

 a society of literary men and artists.
 held a Literary Contest and offered a prize (Silver Pen, feather-shaped decorated with gold ribbon)
for best poem.

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“A La Juventud Filipina“ (To The Filipino Youth)
 Rizal’s prize-winning and inspiring poem of flawless for.

Rizal beseeched the Filipino youth to rise from the lethargy; to let their genius mind fly swiftly the
wind and descend with art and science to break the chains that have long bound the spirit of the
people.

Reasons why Rizal’s Poem was a Classic in Philippine Literature:

It was the first great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish
Literary Authorities.
It expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos were the “fair hope of the
Fatherland.“

Artistic-Literary Lyceum
 opened another literary contest (to both Filipinos and Spaniards) to commemorate the 4th
centennial of the death of Cervantes.

Cervantes
 was a Spain’s glorified man-of-letters and famous author of Don Quixote.
Rizal submitted an allegorical drama entitled “El Consejo de los Dioses“ (The Council of the Gods).

The Council of the Gods

 was based on the Greek classics.
 aided by Fr. Rector of Ateneo.

Prize: Gold Ring engraved the bust of Cervantes

Winners:
1st Place: Jose Rizal (19yrs old) - Because of its literary superiority.
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2nd Place: D. N. Del Puzo (Spanish)

“Junto Al Pasig“ (Besides the Pasig)

 (Zarzuela)staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880 of the Annual Celebration of the Feast Day of
Immaculate Concepcion (Patroness of Ateneo).

A Filipinas
 (a sonnet, 1880) Rizal urged all Filipino artists to glorify the Philippines.

Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma
 (poem, 1879) was declaimed by an Atenean, Manuel Fernandez on the night of December 8, 1879 in
honor of the Ateneo’s Patroness.

Al M. R. P. Pablo Ramon
 (a poem, 1881) Rizal wrote a poem as an expression of affection to Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo
Rector, who had been so kind and helpful to him.

Summer of May 1881

 Rizal went to a pilgrimage to the town of pakil, famous shrine of the Birhen Maria de los Dolores.
 he was accompanied by his sisters—Saturnina , Maria, and Trinidad and their female friends.
 They took a casco (flat-bottom sailing vessel) from Calamba to Pakil, Laguna, and stayed at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Regalado, whose son Nicolas was Rizal’s friend in Manila.

 Rizal and his companions were fascinated by he famous Turumba (people dancing in the streets
during the procession in honor of the miraculous Birhen Maria de los Dolores)
 Rizal was infatuated by a pretty girl colegiala, Vicenta Ybardolaza, who skillfully played the harp at
the Regalado home.

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 Reasons why Rizal and his company made side trip to the neighbouring town of Pagsanjan:
1. It was the native town of Leonor Valenzuela
2. To see the world famed Pagsanjan Falls.

Rizal was the champion of the Filipino students in their fights against the arrogant Spanish students.
In 1880, Rizal founded a secret society of Filipino students in the University of Santo Tomas called
“Compaňerismo“ (Comradeship), whose members were called “Companions of Jehu,“ after the valiant
Hebrew general who fought the Armaeans.
Galicano Apacible (Rizal’s cousin from Batangas) was the Secretary.
Fierce encounter near the Escolta in Manila where Rizal was wounded on the head, and tenderly washed
and dressed by Leonor Rivera in his boarding house “Casa Tomasina“.

Unhappiness in UST:
The Dominican were hostile to him.
The Filipino students were racially discriminated by the Spaniards.
The method of instruction was obsolete and repressive.
Result: Rizal, the most brilliant graduate of Ateneo failed to win high scholastic grade.

After finishing the Fourth Year of his medical course, Rizal decided to study in Spain. He could no
longer endure the rampant bigotry, discrimination, and hostility in the University of Santo Tomas.
He did not seek his parent’s permission and blessings to go abroad; and even his beloved Leonor.

Module 2.4: “From Rizal’s First Journey to Europe up to his First Homecoming“ 1882 – 1887
SPAIN (1882-1885)
- After finishing the 4th year of the medical course in the University of Santo Tomas, Rizal decided
to complete his studies in Spain
- Aside from completing his studies in Spain, Rizalian his “secret mission’ – was to observe keenly the
life and the culture, languages and customs, industries, commerce and government and laws of the

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European nations in order to prepare himself for the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people
from Spanish tyranny.
- This Rizalian secret mission was likewise disclosed by Paciano in his letter to his younger brother
dated Manila, May 20, 1882.

Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by the Spanish authorities and the
friars

Jose Mercado – Rizal used this name; a cousin from Biñan

May 3, 1882 – Rizal departed on board the Spanish streamer Salvadora bound for Singapore

SINGAPORE
Donato Lecha – the ship captain from Asturias. Spain befriended Rizal.
- Rizal described him as an affable man, “much more refined than his other countrymen and colleagues
that I have met. “
Rizal played chess with his fellow passengers who were much older than he
May 8, 1882 – while the streamer was approaching Singapore, Rizal was a beautiful island, fascinated by
its scenic beauty, he remember “Talim Island with the Susong Dalaga“

FROM SINGAPORE TO COLOMBO

May 9, 1882 - the Salvadora docked at Singapore
Hotel de la Paz – Rizal registered here and spent two days on a sightseeing soiree of the city, which
was a colony of England
In Singapore, Rizal transferred to another ship Djemnah, a French streamer, which left Singapore for
Europe on May 11, 1882
May 17, 1882 – Djemnah reached Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)

Rizal wrote in his travel diary: “The general appearance of Point Galle is picturesque but lonely and
quiet and at the same time sad“
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Colombo – capital of Ceylon
Rizal was enamored by Colombo because of its scenic beauty and elegant buildings.
“Colombo is more beautiful, smart and elegant than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila“

Aden – city hotter than Manila; Rizal was amused to see the camels, for the first time
City of Suez – the Red Sea terminal of the Suez Canal
Rizal was impressed in the beautiful moonlight which reminded him of Calamba and his family
Suez Canal – canal which built by Ferdinand de Lesseps (French diplomat-engineer) which was
inaugurated on November 17, 1869
Port Said – the Mediterranean terminal of the Suez Canal

NAPLES AND MARSEILLES

June 11, 1882 – Rizal reached Naples
– Rizal was pleased with this Italian city because of its business activity, its lively people and its
panoramic beauty
Night of June 12, 1882 – the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles
Rizal visited the famous Chateau d’If, where Dantes, hero of the Count of Monte Cristo was
imprisoned
Rizal stayed two and a half days in Marseilles.

BARCELONA
Afternoon of May 15, 1882 – Rizal left Merseilles by train for the last lap of his trip to Spain
Rizal crossed the Pyreness and stopped for a day at the frontier town of Port Bou
June 16, 1882 – Rizal finally reached his destination – Barcelona
Rizal’s first impression of Barcelona, the greatest city of Cataluña and Spain’s second largest city was
unfavorable

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Las Ramblas – the most famous street in Barcelona
Amor Patrio (Love of Country) – nationalistic essay, Rizal’s first article written on Spain’s soil
Under his pen-name Laong Laan, it appeared in print in Diariong Tagalog on August 20,1882.
It was published in two texts – Spanish and Tagalog
– the Spanish text was the one originally written by Rizal in Barcelona, the tagalog text was a Tagalog
translation made by M.H. del Pilar

Basilio Teodoro Moran – a friend of Rizal in Manila and the publisher of Diariong Tagalog where Rizal
sent this article
Diariong Tagalog – the first Manila bilingual newspaper (Spanish and Tagalog)
Los Viajes (Travels) – Rizal’s second article for Diariong Tagalog
Rizal received sad news about the cholera that was ravaging Manila and the provinces, according to
Paciano’s letter, dated September 15, 1882

Another sad news from the Philippines was the chatty letter of Chengoy recounting the unhappiness
of Leonor Rivera

In one of his letters (dated May 26, 1882) Paciano advised his younger brother to finish the medical
course in Madrid

Rizal left Barcelona in the fall of 1882 established himself in Madrid, the capital of Spain.

LIFE IN MADRID
November 3, 1882 – Rizal enrolled In the Universidad Central de Madrid (Central University of Madrid)
in two courses – Medicine and Philosophy and Letters
Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando – Rizal studied painting and sculpture
Rizal’s only extravagance was investing a few pesetas in a lottery ticket in every draw of the Madrid
Lottery
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Rizal spent his leisure time reading and writing at his boarding house, attending the reunions of Filipino
students at the house of the Paterno brothers (Antonio, Maximo and Pedro) and practicing fencing
and shooting at the gymnasium

Antigua Café de Levante – during the summer twilights, this is where Rizal sipped coffee
and fraternized with the students from Cuba, Mexico, Argentina etc
On Saturday evenings, Rizal would visit the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey (former city mayor
of Manila) who now lived in Madrid with his son (Rafael) and daughter (Consuelo).
Circulo Hispano-Filipino (Hispano-Philippine Circle)- a society of Spaniards and Filipinos which Rizal
joined shortly after his arrival in Madrid in 1882

Me Piden Versos (They Ask Me for Verses)- upon the request of the members of this society, Rizal
wrote this poem which he personally declaimed during the New Year’s Eve reception of the Madrid
Filipinos held in the evening of December 31, 1882
(In this sad poem, Rizal poured out the cry of his agonizing heart)
Rizal economized on his living expenses, and with the money he saved, he purchased books from a
second-hand book store owned by a certain Señor Roses
Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Eugene Sue’s The Wandering Jew- these two books aroused
Rizal’s sympathy for the oppressed and unfortunate people

FIRST VISIT TO PARIS (1883)

During his first summer vacation in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris, gay capital of France.
The prices of food, drinks, theatre, tickets, laundry, hotel accommodation, and transportation were
too high for Rizal’s slender purse so that he commented in a letter to his family: “Paris is the costliest
capital in Europe.“

June 17 to August 20, 1883- Rizal sojourn in Paris

Hotel de Paris- located on 37 Rue de Maubange wherein Rizal billeted but later, he moved to a cheaper
hotel on 124 Rue de Rennes in the Latin Quarter
Laennec Hospital- where Rizal observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients
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Lariboisiere Hospital- where Rizal observed the examination of different diseases of women
Rizal was impressed by the way the Spanish Mason openly and freely criticized the government
policies and lambasted the friars, which could not be done in the Philippines

After Rizal’s departure for Spain, things turned from bad to worse in Calamba:
(1) harvests of rice and sugarcane failed on account of drought and locusts
(2) the manager of the Dominican-owned hacienda increased the rentals of the lands
(3) a dreadful pest killed most of the turkeys. Due to hard times in Calamba, the monthly allowances of
Rizal in Madrid were late in arrival and there were times when they never arrived.
June 24, 1884- a touching incident in Rizal’s life in Madrid wherein he was broke and was unable to
take breakfast
- Rizal attended his class at the university, participated in the contest in Greek language and won the
gold medal

Evening of June 25, 1884- a banquet was sponsored by the Filipino community to celebrate the double
victory of the Filipino artist in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid—Luna’s Spoliarium
winning the first prize and Hidalgo’s Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace (Virgenes Cristianas
Expuestas al Populacho), second prize

November 20, 21, and 22, 1884- the serene city of Madrid exploded in bloody riots by the students of
the Central University

These student demonstrations were caused by the address of Dr. Miguel Morayta, professor of
history, at the opening ceremonies of the academic year on November 20, in which he proclaimed “the
freedom of science and the teacher“
The Rector, who also took the side of the students, was forced to resign and was replaced by
Doctor Creus, “a very unpopular man, disliked by everybody“
November 26, 1884- Rizal wrote the recounting tumultuous riots to his family
June 21, 1884- Rizal completed his medical course in Spain; he was conferred the degree of Licentiate
in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid
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The next academic year (1884-1885), Rizal studied and passed all subjects leading to the degree of
Doctor of Medicine but he did not present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the
corresponding fees, he was not awarded his Doctor’s diploma

June 19, 1885- on his 24th birthday, Rizal was awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and
Letters by the Universidad Central de Madrid with the rating
of “Excellent“: (Sobresaliente)

November 26, 1884- a letter to Rizal’s family written in Madrid wherein he said “My doctorate is not
of very much value to me… because although it is useful to a university professor, yet, I believe
they (Dominican friars) will never appoint me as such in the College of Santo Tomas. I say the same
thing of philosophy and letters which may serve also for a professorship, but I doubt if the
Dominican fathers will grant it to me.“

PARIS TO BERLIN (1885-1887)

Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in ophthalmology—Rizal chose this branch of
medicine because he wanted to cure his mother’s eye ailment

IN GAY PARIS (1885-1886)

Maximo Viola - a medical student and a member of a rich family of San Miguel, Bulacan, Rizal’s friend
Señor Eusebio Corominas - editor of the newspaper La Publicidad and made a crayon sketch of Don
Miguel Morayta, owner of La Publicidad and a statesman
Rizal gave Editor Corominas an article on the Carolines Question, then a controversial issue,
for publication

November 1885, Rizal was living in Paris where he sojourned for about four months
Dr. Louis de Weckert (1852-1906)- leading French ophthalmologist wherein Rizal worked as an
assistant from November 1885 to February 1886
Paz Pardo de Tavera- was a pretty girl, who was engaged to Juan Luna

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At the studio of Luna, Rizal spent many happy hours. Rizal helped Luna by posing as model in several
paintings
In Luna’s canvas “The Death of Cleopatra“ Rizal posed as an Egyptian priest. In another of Luna’s
great paintings, “The Blood Compact,“ he posed as Sikatuna, with Trinidad Pardo de Tavera taking the
role of Legazpi

November 27, 1878- Rizal told Enrique Lete that he “learned the solfeggio, the piano, the voice culture
in one month and a half“

By sheer determination and constant practice, Rizal came to play the flute fairly well. He was a flutist
in various impromptu reunions of Filipinos in Paris

Alin Mang Lahi (Any Race)-a patriotic song written by Rizal which asserts that any race aspires for
freedom

La Deportacion (Deportation)- a sad danza which Rizal composed in Dapitan during his exile

IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG
February 1, 1886- Rizal reluctantly left gay Paris for Germany
February 3, 1886- Rizal arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old university
and romantic surroundings
Chess Player’s Club- a club wherein the students made Rizal as a member because of being a good
chess player
Dr. Otto Becker- distinguished German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked— University Eye Hospital

April 22, 1886- Rizal wrote a fine poem “A Las Flores de Heidelberg“ (To the Flowers of Heidelberg)
In the spring of 1886, Rizal was fascinated by the blooming flowers along the cool banks of the
Neckar River. Among them was his favorite flower— the light blue “forget-me-not“
Wilhelmsfeld- a mountainous village near Heidelberg where Rizal spent a three-month summer vacation
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Dr. Karl Ullmer- a kind Protestant pastor where Rizal stayed, who became his good friend and admirer
June 25, 1886- Rizal ended his sojourn at Pastor Ullmer’s home

May 29, 1887- Rizal wrote from Munich (Muchen) to Friedrich (Fritz), son of Pastor Ullmer
July 31, 1886- Rizal wrote his first letter in German (which he had improved after his stay with the
Ullmers) to Professor Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria
Aritmetica (Arithmetic)-Rizal sent this book he mentioned and was published in two languages—
Spanish and Tagalog—by the University of Santo Tomas Press in 1868. the author was Rufino
Baltazar Hernandez, a native of Santa Cruz, Laguna
August 6, 1886- the famous University of Heidelberg held its fifth centenary celebration

IN LEIPZIG AND DRESDEN

August 9, 1886- Rizal left Heidelberg
August 14, 1886- boarded by a train. Rizal arrived in Leipzig
Professor Friedrich Ratzel- a famous German historian, Rizal befriend with him
Dr. Hans Meyer- German anthropologist, a friend of Rizal
In Leipzig, Rizal translated Schiller’s William Tell from German into Tagalog so that Filipinos might
know the story of that champion of Swiss independence.
Rizal also translated into Tagalog for his nephews and niece Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales

Rizal found out that the cost of living in Leipzig was cheapest in Europe so that he stayed two
months and a half
Because of his knowledge of German, Spanish, and other European languages, Rizal worked as proof-
reader in a publisher’s firm
October 29, 1886- Rizal left Leipzig for Dresden where he met Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, Director of the
Anthropological and Ethnological Museum

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Rizal heard Mass in a Catholic church; evidently, this Mass impressed him very much, for he wrote on
his diary: “Truly I have never in my life heard a Mass whose music had greater sublimity and
intonation.“
Morning of November 1, 1886- Rizal left Dresden by train reaching Berlin in the evening

BERLIN
Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German scientist-traveler and author of
Travels in the Philippines, a book which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila
Dr. Rudolf Virchow- introduced to Rizal by Dr. Jagor; famous German anthropologist
Dr. Hans Virchow- son of Dr. Rudolf Virchow, professor of Descriptive Anatomy
Dr. W. Joest- noted German geographer

Dr. Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905)- famous German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked
Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnological Society, and the
Geographical Society of Berlin, upon the recommendation of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer
Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art)- Rizal wrote this scholarly paper in German which he read
before the society in April 1887
this paper was published by the society in the same year, and elicited favorable comments from all
scientific quarters

Rizal lived in Berlin, famous capital of unified Germany, for five reasons:
(1) to gain further knowledge of ophthalmology
(2) to further his studies of sciences and languages
(3) to observe the economic and political conditions of the German nation
(4) to associate with famous German scientists and scholars
(5) to publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere
Madame Lucie Cerdole-Rizal’s professor of French in order to master the idiomatic intricacies of the
French language

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Unter den Linden- the most popular boulevard of Berlin wherein Rizal enjoyed promenading, sipping
beer in the city’s inns and talking with the friendly Berliners

March 11, 1886 - one of Rizal’s important letters written while he was in Germany that addressed to
his sister, Trinidad
in this letter, Rizal expressed his high regard and admiration for German womanhood
The German woman, said Rizal to his sister, is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not
gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome

Aside from the German women, Rizal admired the German customs which he observed well

NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)

The bleak winter of 1886 in Berlin was Rizal’s darkest winter because no money arrived from Calamba
and he was flat broke. The diamond ring which his sister, Saturnina, gave him was in the pawnshop.
It was memorable in the life of Rizal for two reasons
(1) it was a painful episode for he was hungry, sick and despondent in a strange city
(2) it brought him great joy after enduring so much sufferings, because his first novel, Noli Me
Tangere came off the press in March, 1887
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin- inspired Dr. Rizal to prepare a novel that would depict
the miseries of his people under the lash of Spanish tyrants

January 2, 1884- in a reunion of Filipinos in the Paterno residence in Madrid, Rizal proposed the
writings of a novel about the Philippines by a group of Filipinos
Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing the novel in Madrid and finished about one-half of it
When Rizal went to Paris, in 1885, after completing his studies at the Central University of Madrid, he
continued writing the novel, finishing one half of the second half
Rizal finished the last fourth of the novel in Germany. He wrote the last few chapters of the Noli in
Wilhelmsfeld in April-June, 1886

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In Berlin during the winter days of February, 1886, Rizal made the final revisions on the manuscript of
the Noli

Maximo Viola- Rizal’s friend from Bulacan, arrived in Berlin at the height of Rizal despondency and
loaned him the needed funds to publish the novel; savior of Noli
After the Christmas season, Rizal put the finishing touches on his novel. To save printing expenses,
he deleted certain passages in his manuscript, including a whole chapter— “Elias and Salome“
February 21, 1887- the Noli was finally finished and ready for printing
Berliner Buchdruckrei-Action-Gesselschaft- a printing shop which charged the lowest rate, that is,
300 pesos for 2,000 copies of the novel
March 21, 1887- the Noli Me Tangere came off the press

March 29, 1887- Rizal, in token of his appreciation and gratitude, gave Viola the galley proofs of the
Noli and carefully rolled around the pen that he used in writing it and a complimentary copy, with the
following inscription: “To my dear friend, Maximo Viola, the first to read and appreciate my work—
Jose Rizal“
The title Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase which means “Touch Me Not“. It is not originally conceived
by Rizal, for he admitted taking it from the Bible
Rizal, writing to Felix Hidalgo in French on March 5, 1887, said: “Noli Me Tangere, words taken from the
Gospel of St. Luke, signify “do not touch me“ but Rizal made a mistake, it should be the Gospel of St.
John (Chapter 20 Verses 13 to 17)

Rizal dedicated his Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines—“To My Fatherland“

The cover of Noli Me Tangere was designed by Rizal. It is a sketch of explicit symbols. A woman’s
head atop a Maria Clara bodice represents the nation and the women, victims of the social cancer. One
of the causes of the cancer is symbolized in the friar’s feet, outsized in relation to the woman’s head.
The other aggravating causes of oppression and discrimination are shown in the guard’s helmet and
the iron chains, the teacher’s whip and the alferez’s scourge. A slight cluster of bamboo stands at the
backdrop; these are the people, forever in the background of their own country’s history. There are a
cross, a maze, flowers and thorny plants, a flame; these are indicative of the religious policy, the

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misdirected ardor, the people strangled as a result of these all. The novel Noli Me Tangere contains 63
chapters and an epilogue.

Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor- Filipino patriot and lawyer who had been exiled due to his complicity in the
Cavite Mutiny of 1872, read avidly the Noli and was very much impressed by its author

RIZAL’S GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE WITH VIOLA (1887)

May 11, 1887- Rizal and Viola left Berlin by train
Dresden- one of the best cities in Germany
Prometheus Bound-painting wherein Rizal was deeply impressed
Teschen (now Decin, Czechoslovakia)- next stopover after leaving Dresden

LEITMERITZ
At 1:30pm of May 13, 1887- the train, with Rizal and Viola on board, arrived at the railroad station of
Leitmeritz, Bohemia
– for the first time, the two great scholars—Rizal and Blumentritt— met in person
Professor Blumentritt- a kind-hearted, old Austrian professor
May 13 to May 16, 1887- Rizal and Viola stayed in Leitmeritz
Burgomaster- town mayor
Tourist’s Club of Leitmeritz-which Blumentritt was the secretary; Rizal spoke extemporaneously in
fluent Germany to the officers and members
Dr. Carlos Czepelak- renowned scientist of Europe
Professor Robert Klutschak- an eminent naturalist
May 16, 1887 at 9:45 AM- Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train

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Rizal 9:30AM
PRAGUE
Dr. Willkomm- professor of natural history in the University of Prague
According to Viola, “nothing of importance happened“ in this city

VIENNA
May 20, 1887- Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful city of Vienna, capital of Austria-Hungary
Vienna was truly the “Queen of Danube“ because of its beautiful buildings, religious images, haunting
waltzes and majestic charm
Norfentals- one of the greatest Austrian novelists was favorably impressed by Rizal, and years later
he spoke highly of Rizal, “whose genius he so much admired.“
Hotel Metropole- where Rizal and Viola stayed in Vienna, Rizal received his lost diamond stickpin

DANUBIAN VOYAGE TO LINTZ

May 24, 1887- Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat to see the beautiful sights of the Danube
River
Rizal particularly noticed that the passengers on the river boat were using paper napkins during the
meals, which was a novelty to him. Viola, commented that the paper napkins were “more hygienic and
economical than cloth napkins“

FROM LINTZ TO RHEINFALL

Munich- where Rizal and Viola sojourned for a short time to savor the famous Munich beer, reputed
to be the best in Germany
Nuremberg- one of the oldest cities in Germany
The Cathedral of Ulm- the largest and tallest cathedral in all Germany
From Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden and then Rheinfall (Cascade of the Rhine). At Rheinfall, they
saw the waterfall, “the most beautiful waterfall of Europe“

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CROSSING THE FRONTIER TO SWITZERLAND
June 2 to 3, 1887- stayed at Schaffhausen, Switzerland

GENEVA
This Swiss city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, visited by world tourists every year
June 19, 1887- Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. It was his 26th birthday
Rizal and Viola spent fifteen delightful days in Geneva
June 23, 1887- Viola and Rizal parted ways— Viola returned to Barcelona while Rizal continued the
tour to Italy
Exposition of the Philippines in Madrid, Spain- Rizal was outraged by this degradation of his fellow
countrymen the Igorots of Northern Luzon

RIZAL IN ITALY
June 27, 1887- Rizal reached Rome, the “Eternal City“ and also called the “City of the Caesars“
Rizal was thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal City. Describing to Blumentritt, the
“grandeur that was Rome“, he wrote on June 27, 1887

June 29, 1887- the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Rizal visited for the first time the Vatican,
the “City of the Popes“ and the capital of Christendom

Every night, after sightseeing the whole day, Rizal returned to his hotel, very tired. “I am tired as a
dog,“ he wrote to Blumentritt, “but I will sleep as a God“

After a week of wonderful sojourn in Rome, Rizal prepared to return to the Philippines. He had already
written to his father that he was coming home

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FIRST HOMECOMING (1887- 1888)
Because of the publication of the Noli Me Tangere and the uproar it caused among the friars, Rizal was
warned by Paciano (his brother), Silvestre Ubaldo (his brother-in-law),Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio) and
other friends not to return home.
Rizal was determined to return to the Philippines for the following reasons:
(1) to operate on his mother’s eyes
(2) to serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants
(3) to find out for himself how Noli and his other writings were affecting Filipinos and Spaniards in
the Philippines and
(4) to inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent

July 29, 1887- Rizal wrote to his father, announcing his homecoming, “on the 15th of July, I shall
embark for our country, so that from the 15th to the 30th of August, we shall see each other“

DELIGHTFUL TRIP TO MANILA

-Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles, a French port, which he reached without mishap.
July 3, 1887- Rizal boarded the steamer Djemnah, the same streamer which brought him to Europe 5
years ago
July 30, 1887-at Saigon, Rizal transferred to another steamer, Haiphong, which was Manila-bounded
August 2, 1887- the steamer left Saigon for Manila

ARRIVAL IN MANILA
August 3, 1887- the moon was full and Rizal slept soundly the whole night. The calm sea, illuminated by
the silvery moonlight, was a magnificent sight to him
Near midnight of August 5, 1887, the Haiphong arrived in Manila

HAPPY HOMECOMING
August 8, 1887- Rizal returned to Calamba
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In Calamba, Rizal established a medical clinic. His first patient was his mother, who was almost blind.
Rizal, who came to be called “Doctor Uliman“ because he came from Germany, treated their ailments and
soon he acquired a lucrative medical practice
Rizal opened a gymnasium for young folks, where he introduced European sports
Rizal suffered one failure during his six months of sojourn in Calamba—his failure to see Leonor
Rivera

Module 3.1: Rizal’s Homecoming (1887-1888)

As early as 1884, Rizal wanted to go back to the Philippines for the following reasons:
Financial difficulties in Calamba
Discontentment with his studies in Madrid
Desire to prove that there is no reason to fear going home
Belief that the Spanish regime will not punish the innocent.

Noli Me Tangere’s Publication- angered the friars

He was warned not to return to the Philippines by the following persons:
Paciano Mercado- Rizal’s adviser and only brother
Silvestre Ubaldo- Rizal’s brothers in law; husband of Olimpia
Jose Ma. Cecillo (Chenggoy)- One of Rizal’s closest friends

Reasons:
Operate his mother’s eyes
Serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants.
Inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent
Find out himself how the Noli Me Tangere and his other writings were affecting Filipinos and
Spaniards

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Rizal 9:30AM
June 29, 1887
Rizal wrote to his father, announcing his homecoming:
“on the 15th of July, I shall embark for our country, so that from the 15th to the 30th of August,
we shall see each other“

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.
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Rizal 9:30AM
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.

Attackers of Noli:
Archbishop Pedro Payo – a Dominican Archbishop of Manila
Sent a copy of the Noli to Fr. Gregorio Echevarria, Rector of the University of Santo Tomas to
examine the novel.

Reported Statements about the novel:

Heretical
Impious and scandalous in the religious orders
Anti-patriotic
Subversive of public orders
Injurious to the government of Spain and its function in the Philippine Islands in the political order.

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Governor-General Terrero sent the novel to the Permanent Commission of Censorship
Fr. Salvador Font- an Augustinian friar curate of Tondo who was the head of the commission.
Reason: Noli’s further examination for Gen. Terrero is not satisfying.

Fr. Jose Rodriguez – Augustinian Prior of Guadalupe

Published a series of eight pamphlets under the heading Questions of Supreme Interest to blast the
Noli and other anti-Spanish writing.
Copies of anti-Rizal pamphlets were sold after mass
Many Filipinos were forced to buy them in order not to displease the friars.

The novel was fiercely attacked in the session hall of the Senate of the Spanish Cortes.
Senators:
General Jose de Salamanca
General Luis de Pando
Sr. Fernando Vida
Vicente Barantes – Spanish academician of Madrid who formerly occupied high government position
in the Philippines bitterly criticized the novel in an article published in the Madrid newspaper, La España
Moderna

Defenders of Noli:
Propagandists (Marcelo H Del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Antonio Ma. Regidor)
Fr. Francisco Sanchez
Fr. Vicente Garcia
Don Segismundo Moret
Prof. Miguel Morayta
Prof. Blumentritt

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Rizal himself defended his novel against Barrantes’ attack in a letter written in Brussels, Belgium in
February 1880.
Because of the interest of both enemies and protectors of the Noli Me Tangere the price of the book
increased from 5 pesetas per copy to 50 pesetas per copy.
Rizal cried because of his gratitude to his defenders especially to Fr. Garcia who defended him
unexpectedly.
The friars asked Governor General Terrero to deport him, but latter refused because there was no
valid charge against Rizal.
Rizal was compelled to leave.

Reasons for leaving the Philippines:

1. His presence was jeopardizing the safety and happiness of his family and friends.
2. He could fight better his enemies and serve his country’s cause with greater efficacy by writing in
foreign countries.

HIMNO AL TRABAJO (HYMN TO A LABOR)

Poem Written by Rizal dedicated to the industrious folks of Lipa.
Written as it was requested by his friend for commemoration of the town’s elevation to a villa (city)
by virtue of the Becerra Law of 1888.

Feb 3, 1888- Rizal left his country with a heavy heart.

He was not successful to see Leonor Rivera
Next travel is at Hongkong

Module 3.2: Second Travel of Rizal

JAPAN
Advised by governor general, family and some close friends.
Rizal decided to leave the country
Sailed from Hong Kong to Yokoyama
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Rizal 9:30AM
February 22, 1888
Oceanic
Stayed at grand hotel in Yokoyama

JUAN PEREZ Y CABALLERO

Spanish Attaché
Visited Rizal at his Hotel and later invited him to live at Spanish Legation.

Rizal accepted the invitation because:

(1) to show that he is not afraid of being watched as he had nothing to hide and
(2) to save more expenses for the hotel accommodations.

Seiko Usui (O-Sei-San)

Oftentimes passed by the gate of the Legation in Tokyo
Served as Guide, Interpreter, and tutor
Improved the knowledge of Rizal in Japanese language.
Rizal wrote to his diary about his intense his love and affection towards her:

After his journey in Japan Rizal decided to visit United States

Steamer “Belgic“ { April 13, 1888 }

Tetcho Suehiro
A fighting Japanese journalist, novelist and a champion of human rights
Accompanied by Rizal to San Francisco until their arrival in London on December 1, 1888
He admired Rizal for his patriotism and magnificent talent.

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Rizal 9:30AM
RIZAL IN AMERICA 1888
-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 Negros by white Americans.

ARRIVAL IN SAN FRANCISCO

- The streamer Belgic docked at San Francisco on April 28, 1888
-American health authorities did not let the passengers to land for a week due to the rumored Cholera
epidemic.
-Rizal protested with other passengers to unjustifiable actions of American authorities.
-He discovered that the epidemic issue was motivated by politics and the ship was carrying 643
Chinese coolies.
- After a week, Rizal, together with the first-class passengers were permitted to land. But the
Japanese and Chinese and passengers belong to the second and third class remained aboard.

-May 4, 1888- The day he was permitted to go ashore and registered at the Palace Hotel.
-May 4 to 6 – Rizal stayed in San Francisco.
-May 6, 1888 –it was Sunday Rizal left San Francisco Bay, by ferry boat.
-May 7 to 13, Rizal wrote in his diary the beautiful memories from Nevada, Chicago until he reached
Albany

May 13, 1888, it was Sunday morning when Rizal reached New York. He stayed three days in this city
which he called “BIG TOWN“
May 16, 1888, Rizal left New York for Liverpool on board the City of Rome.
Rizal saw the Statue of Liberty on Bedloe Island.

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His good impressions were:
-the material of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms, flourishing
industries, and busy factories;
-The drive and energy of the American people;
- The natural beauty of the land;
- The high standard of living;
- The opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants.
His bad impression was:
-America was lack of racial equality.

1890- two years after Rizal’s visited to the United States, Jose Alejandro, who was then studying
engineering in Belguim, roomed with him.
Rizal’s impression to America “is the land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites.

LONDON
Jose Rizal aboard “City of Rome“ and reached Queenstown in Ireland on May 24, 1888.
He embarked on a ferry boat going to Liverpool.
He visited London to learn English language and to annotate the book of Antonio de Morga, the Las
Islas Filipinas, also known as the History of Philippine Island.
May 5, 1888, he stopped at the Grand Hotel Midland and then stayed for a week at house in Bareford
and transferred in a private home owned by Becket family.

•Rizal devoted his time by annotating the book of Dr. Morga and rectified important points that helps
us know and understand our history.
•Rizal’s annotation was later published in Paris on 1890.
•Rizal’s brother-in-law, Manuel R. Hidalgo was deported by order of the Superior Government in the
town of Tagbilaran, Bohol in the Visayas because allegedly, he was filibuster, a representative of Jose
Rizal and was spreading anti-religious and impious ideas.
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•Hidalgo believed that the accusations against him were baseless and illogical.
•March 1889, Rizal decided to go in Paris, France and stayed for eleven months
•Just in time for the opening of the International Exposition in Paris which was intended to
commemorate the French Independence.
• January 28, 1890, Rizal moved again in Brussels, Belgium with his uncle Jose Alberto
• They stayed in a rented house in 38 Rue Phillipe Champagne owned by the Jacoby sisters.
• His intentions were:
-to write his second novel entitled El Filibusterismo
- to assist in a local clinic
- to make a living
- to attend to his correspondence with his family and fellow propagandists
-to write articles for La Solidaridad.
• Rizal also experienced the persecution of his family and town mates back in Calamba.
• His brother Paciano informed him of the petition to evict the tenants filed before the Justice of
the Peace from.
• Paciano told him that they were hoping for a favorable judgment but the case can only be done in
the Supreme Court in Spain.
• He was a bit hesitant to attain justice.
• June 2, 1890 Saturnina’s husband Manuel was deported again and was arrested while he was eating
with his family on Christmas day.
• The last letter received by Rizal before came from his brother-in-law Silvestre Ubaldo.
• The latter sent paper on the eviction issued by the manager of the Calamba Estate against his family.

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Module 3.3: El Filibusterismo
Jose Rizal’s second novel as the sequel of his Noli Me Tangere.
Commonly nicknamed as El Fili or simply Fili, the novel was written also in Spanish.
The Reign of Greed in English.

The Writings and Printing of El Fili:

Rizal started writing El Filibusterismo in October 1887 in Calamba during his first homecoming.
The novel was thus written against the background of threats and oppression.
In London (1888), he made some revisions. Rizal continued to work in Paris.
And then he moved to Brussels for where distraction less and cost of living was cheaper.

He finally completed the book on March 29, 1891 in Biarritz.

Jose Alejandro, Rizal’s roommate in Belgium related that he is the one who looked for a printing press
for El Fili.
Alejandro also delivered proofs and revisions to F. Meyer van Loo in Ghent.
Alejandro might possibly have been the first person to read the novel aside from the author.
The honor of being called “the savior of fili“ had gone to Valentine Ventura who partially financed the
novel publication.
Initially, Rizal financed El Fili by pawning his property.

“For the past three months I have not received a single centavo, so I have pawned all that I have in
order to publish this book. I will continue publishing it as long as I can do; and when there is nothing
to pawn, I will stop…“ - A letter to Jose Basa dated July 9, 1891.

Even with Ventura’s help, Rizal Found out that necessary to fundamentally shorten the novel, erasing
47 whole pages from the 279- page manuscript to save expenses.
Printed El Fili came off to press by the middle of September 1891.
The El Fili comprising only 38 chapters compared the 64 of the Noli.
For Ventura’s salvic act Rizal gave him the original manuscript, a pen, and an autographed printed copy.
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In 1925, the Philippines Government bought the El Fili from Ventura for a large amount of 10,000
pesos.

Filibusterismo is derived the simpler term filibustero.

Rizal had to define the word filibustero to his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt, who encountered but did
not fully comprehend the word in the Noli Me tangere.
In a letter, Rizal explained:
“The word Filibusterismo is little known in the Philippines… I heard it for the first time in 1872 when
the tragic executions (of the GOMBURZA) took place. I still remember the panic that this word
created. Our father forbade us to utter it, as well as the words Cavite, Burgos (one of the executed
priests), etc. The Manila newspapers and the Spaniards apply this word to one whom they want to
make a revolutionary suspect. The Filipinos belonging to the educated class fear the reach of the
word. It… means a dangerous patriot who will soon be hanged or well, a presumptuous man.“

Filibustero means subversive, dissident, revolutionary, seditious, insurrectionary, and treasonous.

Rizal dedicated the book to the memory of the GOMBURZA, the three priests who were accused of
being filibustero.
The dedication partly reads:
“To the memory of the priests, Don Mariano Gomez (85 years old), don Jose Burgos (30 years old),
and Don Jacinto Zamora (35 years old). Executed in the Bagumbayan Field on the 28th of February,
1872.
“I have the right to dedicate my work to you as victims of the evil which I undertake the combat.“

However, Rizal made mistake in indicating the ages of the priests and the date of their execution.

The foreword of the Fili was addressed “To the Filipino People and Their Government.“
Also, the original manuscript also included a “warning“ and “inscriptions“ on the title page written by
the author’s friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt.

El filibusterismo exposes the real pictures of the Filipino Society at the hand of Spanish authorities.
Sociopolitical issues mentioned in the Noli also dealt with in its sequel.
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It offers various means of attaining social reform and somewhat hinted at what the author believed
was ideal, this makes the novel essentially different from its prequel.
The closing chapter rather insinuate that freedom must be attained without bloodshed as the story
ends with the failure of Simoun’s planned uprising.

Rizal claimed that Fili is not a matter of revenge. He wrote to Blumentritt:

“I have not written in it any idea of vengeance against my enemies but only for the good of those
who sufffer; for the rights of Tagalog…“

Some Rizal friends, like Blumentritt and Graciano Lopez Jaena expressed that Fili was superior to Noli

In Rizal’s time, the Permanent Commission of Censorship recommended on the prohibition on the
importation, production and circulation of Noli.
On the other hand, the copies of Fili were destroyed by custom in Manila upon shipment to the
Philippines.
The rare surviving of copies were secretly purchased and read in the smallest, most private room in
the house (toilet).
The original manuscript of the Noli and Fili (along with that of the poem “Mi Ultimo Adios“) were stolen
from the National Library on the evening of December 8, 1961.
The robbers demanded 1.4 million pesos for the return of the original texts, else Rizal’s works would
be burned.
Education Secretary Alejandro “Anding“ Roces personally met with the burglars and after various
negotiation, had retrieved the documents without paying any single centavo.

The two novels are historically very significant for fearlessly depicting corruptions and abuses by
the Spanish clergy and the colonial government during the Spanish regime in the Philippines.
As essential sources of sociological and anthropological studies, the books provide rich insights into
the culture of the 19th and 20th century Philippines.
The books were instrumental in forming the Filipinos (Indios) sense of national identity.
The novels influenced the revolution led by Katipunans they inspired Andres Bonifacio and other
revolutionaries in their cause.
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In 1956, the Philippine Congress passed the Rizal Law (Republic Act 1425) requiring all levels of
Philippines schools to teach as part of the curriculum the hero’s two novels.
The Noli and the Fili had been translated into various languages like Filipinos, English, German, French,
Chinese, and some other Philippine languages.
In 2007, an English version of Noli Me Tangere was released to major Australian bookstores. It was
published by Penguin Books Classics as part of the publication’s commitment to publish the major
literary classics of the world.

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