Chapter Summary: Chapter 4: Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila (1872-1877)

Chapter Summary
Chapter 4: Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila (1872-1877)

Jose was sent to Manila four months after the Martyrdom of GomBurZa and with Doña Teodora
still in prison. He studied in the Ateneo Municipal, a college under the supervision of the Spanish
Jesuits.
Ateneo Municipal
 Bitter rival of the Dominican-owned College of San Juan de Letran.

 Formerly the Escuela Pia (Charity School) – for poor boys in Manila established in 1817.
 In 1859, name was changed to Ateneo Municipal by the Jesuits and later became the
Ateneo de Manila.
Rizal Enters the Ateneo
 June 10, 1872 – Jose, accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila to take the entrance
examinations on Christian Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at College of San Juan de
Letran, and passed them. His father was the first one who wished him to study at Letran
but he changed his mind and decided to send Jose at Ateneo instead.
 Father Magin Fernando – college registrar of Ateneo Municipal, refused to admit Jose
because: (1) he was late for registration and (2) he was sickly and undersized for his age
(11 years old).
 Manuel Xerez Burgos – nephew of Father Burgos; upon his intercession, Jose Rizal was
admitted at Ateneo.
 Jose used Rizal instead of Mercado because the name “Mercado” had come under
suspicion of the Spanish authorities.
 Boarded in a house on Caraballo Street, owned by Titay who owed Rizal family 300 pesos.
Jesuit System of Education
 Jesuit trained the character of the student by rigid discipline, humanities, and religious
instruction.
 The students heard Mass in the morning before the beginning of daily class.
 Classes were opened and closed with prayers.
 Students were divided into two groups: Roman Empire – consisting of the internos
(boarders) with red banners; and Carthaginian Empire – composed of the externos (non-
boarders) with blue banners.
 Each of these empires had its rank. Students fought for positions. Any student could
challenge any officer in his “empire” to answer questions on the day’s lesson. With 3
mistakes, opponents could lose his position.
• 1st best: EMPEROR
Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas 4217 | https://www.facebook.com/KLLOfficial/

• 2nd best: TRIBUNE
• 3rd best: DECURION
• 4th best: CENTURION
• 5th best: STANDARD-BEARER
 Ateneo students’ uniform is consisted of “hemp-fabric trousers” and “striped cotton coat”.
The coat was called rayadillo and was adopted as the uniform for Filipino troops during the
days of the First Philippine Republic.
Rizal’s First Year in Ateneo (1872-73)
 June 1872 – first day of class in Ateneo.

 Fr. Jose Bech – first professor of Rizal.
 Rizal was placed at the bottom of the class since he was a newcomer and knows little
Spanish. He was an externo and was assigned to Carthaginians. At the end of the month, he
became emperor of his Empire. He was the brightest pupil in the whole class.
 Took private lessons in Santa Isabel College and paid 3 pesos for extra Spanish lessons.
 Placed 2nd at the end of the year, although all his grades were still marked Excellent.
Summer Vacation (1873)
 March 1873 – Rizal returned to Calamba for summer vacation.

 His sister Neneng (Saturnina) brought him to Tanawan to cheer him up.
 Visited his mother in prison at Santa Cruz without telling his father.
 After vacation, he returned to Manila for his 2nd year term in Ateneo.
 Boarded inside Intramuros at No. 8 Magallanes Street.
 Doña Pepay – landlady and old widow with a widowed daughter and four sons
Second Year in Ateneo (1873-74)
 Rizal lost the leadership but he repented and even studied harder, once more he became
emperor. He received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal.
 He had 3 classmates from Biñan who had also been his classmates in the school of Maestro
Justiniano.
Prophecy of Mother’s Release
 Doña Teodora told her son of her dream the previous night. Rizal, interpreting the dream,
told her that she would be released from prison in 3 months time. It became true.
 Doña Teodora likened his son to the youthful Joseph in the Bible in his ability to interpret
dreams.

Teenage Interest in Reading
 The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas – Jose Rizal’s first favorite novel.
 Also read non-fiction, Cesar Cantu’s historical work Universal History.
 He also read Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor Jagor, German who visited the
Philippines in 1859-1860. In this book, he foretold that someday Spain would lose the
Philippines and that America would come to succeed here as colonizer.
Third Year in Ateneo (1874-75)
 Shortly after the opening of classes, his mother was released from prison.
 Rizal did not make an excellent showing in his studies.
 He failed to win the medal in Spanish because his spoken was not fluently sonorous.
Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-76)
 June 16, 1875 – he became an inferno in Ateneo.

 Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez – inspired him to study harder and write poetry. Rizal
described him as “model of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his
pupils”.
 He returned to Calamba with 5 medals and excellent ratings.
Last Year in Ateneo (1876-77)
 June 1876 – last year of Rizal in Ateneo.

 The most brilliant Atenean of his time, “the pride of the Jesuits”.
 Obtained highest grades in all subjects.
Graduation with Highest Honors
 Excellent scholastic records from 1872-1877.

 March 23, 1877 – Commencement Day. 16 year old Rizal received from his Alma Mater
the degree of Bachelor of Arts with highest honors.
Extra-Curricular Activities
 An emperor inside the classroom and campus leader outside.

 Secretary of the Marian Congregation.
 Member of Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences.
 Studied painting under the famous Spanish painter Agustin Saez.
 Studied sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus, noted Filipino sculptor.
 Engaged in gymnastics and fencing.

 Fr. Jose Villaclara advised him to stop communing with the muses and pay more attention
to practical studies such as philosophy and natural science.
Sculptural Works in Ateneo
 Carved an image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwood).

 Father Lleonart requested him to carve an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Ateneo
students placed the image on the door of the dormitory and remained there for many years.

Anecdotes on Rizal, The Atenean
 Felix M. Ramos – one of Rizal’s contemporaries in Ateneo.

 Manuel Xeres Burgos – whose house Rizal boarded shortly before he became an inferno.
Poems Written in Ateneo
 Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) – first poem he wrote for his mother’s
birthday.
 In 1875, inspired by Father Sanchez, he wrote more poems such as: Filicitacion
(Felicitation), El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure Hymn to
Magellan’s fleet), Y Es Espanol: Elcano, the first to circumnavigate the world), and El
Combate: Urbiztondo Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo).
 In 1876, Rizal wrote poems on various topics: Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblu (In Memory of
My Town), Alianza Intima Entre la Region Y La Buena Educacion (Intimate Alliance
Between Religion and Good Education), Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre La Patria
(Through Education the Country Receive Light), E Cultivero Y El Triunfo (The Captivity
and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil), and La Entrada
Triuntal de Los Reyes Catolices en Granada (The Triumphal Entry of The Catholic
Monarches into Granada).
 A year later, in 1877 he wrote more poems: El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of
Colombus), Colon y Juan II (Colombus and John II ), Gran Consuelo en la Mayor
Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune), and Un Diarogo Alusivo a la Despedida de
los Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students.
Rizal’s Religious Poems
 Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus) – a brief ode; written in 1875 when he was 14 years
old.
 A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary).
Dramatic Work in Ateneo

 Father Sanchez, his favorite teacher, ask him to write a drama based on the prose story of
St. Eustace the Martyr.
 Summer 1876 in Calamba - he wrote the religious drama in poetic verses.
 June 02, 1876 - finished the manuscript.
 He submitted the finished manuscript entitled “San Eustacio, Martir” (St. Eustace, the
Martyr) to Father Sanchez in his last academic year in Ateneo.
First Romance of Rizal
 16 years old - Rizal experienced his first romance.

 Segunda Katigba - a pretty 14 years old Batangueña from Lipa; sister of his friend Mariano
Katigbak.
 His sister Olimpia was a close friend of Segunda in La Concordia College.
 Segunda was already engaged to Manuel Luz. His first romance was ruined by his own
shyness and reserve.
 Segunda returned to Lipa and later married Manuel Luz. Rizal remained in Calamba, a
frustrated lover, cherishing nostalgic memories of lost love.
Chapter 5: Medical Studies at the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)
Mother’s Opposition to Higher Education
 Doña Teodora opposed the idea of sending Rizal to UST to pursue higher education
because she knew what happened to Gom-Bur-Za and the Spaniards might cut off his head
if he gets to know more. Rizal was surprised by his mother’s opposition, who was a
woman of education and culture. Despite his mother’s tears, Don Francisco told Paciano to
accompany Rizal to Manila.
Rizal Enters the University
 April 1877 – Rizal matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas.

 He enrolled in UST taking up Philosophy and Letter for two reasons: (1) his father liked it
and (2) he was “still uncertain as to what career to pursue”
 He asked the advice of Father Pablo Ramon (Rector of the Ateneo) on what career to
choose but Father Recto was in Mindanao so he was unable to advice Rizal.
 First-year Term (1877-78) – Rizal studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and
History of Philosophy.
 Ateneo Rector’s advice – study medicine; reason: to be able to cure his mother’s growing
blindness.
Finishes Surveying Course in Ateneo (1878)
 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).

 Colleges for boys in Manila offered vocational courses in agriculture, commerce,
mechanics, and surveying.
 He excelled in all subjects in the surveying course obtaining gold medals in agriculture and
topography.
 At the age of 17, he passed the final examination in the surveying course.
 November 25, 1881 – he was granted the title as surveyor.
 Because of his loyalty to Ateneo, he continued to participate actively in the Ateneo’s extra-
curricular activities.
 He was president of the Academy of Spanish Literature and secretary of the Academy of
Natural Sciences.
Romances with Other Girls
 Miss L
- Fair with seductive and attractive eyes.
- Romance died a natural death.
- 2 Reasons for his change of heart: (1) the sweet memory of Segunda was still fresh in
his heart and (2) his father did not like the family of “Miss L”.
 Leonor Valenzuela
- Daughter of the next-door neighbors of Doña Concha Leyva (her house is where Rizal
boarded).
- Tall girl with a regal bearing.
- Pet name: Orang.
- Rizal sent her love notes written in invisible ink. This ink consisted of common table
salt and water. He taught Orang the secret of reading any note written in the invisible
ink by heating it over a candle or lamp so that the words may appear.
 Leonor Rivera
- Rizal’s cousin from Camiling.
- Born in Camiling, Tarlac on April 11, 1867.
- A student of La Concordia College where Rizal’s youngest sister, Soledad was then
studying.
- Frail, pretty girl “tender as a budding flower with kindly, wistful eyes”.
- They became engaged.
- In her letters to Rizal, Leonor signed her name as “Taimis”, 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 is the father of Leonor Rivera.
Victim of Spanish Officer’s Brutality

 One dark night in Calamba, during the summer vacation in 1878, when Rizal was walking
in the street and dimly perceived the figure of a man while passing him. Not knowing the
person was a lieutenant of the Guardia Civil; he did not salute nor say greetings. 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 Blumentritt dated March 21, 1887, he related, “I went to
the Captain- General but I could not obtain justice; my wound lasted two weeks.”
“To the Filipino Youth” (1879)
 Liceo Artisco-Literano (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila – society of literary men and

artists; held a literary contest.
 At the age of 18, Rizal submitted his poem entitled A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino
Youth).
 The Board of Judges – composed of Spaniards; gave the first prize to Rizal which
consisted of a silver pen, feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon.
 Rizal beseeched the Filipino youth to rise from lethargy, to let their genius fly swifter than
the wind and descend with art and science to break the chains that have long bound the
spirit of people.
 Reasons why Rizal’s poem was a classic in Philippine Literature: (1) it was the first great
poem in Spanish written by a Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary
authorities and (2) it expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos
were the “fair hope of the Fatherland”.
“The Council of the Gods” (1880)
 Artistic-Literary Lyceum – opened another literary contest for both Filipino and Spaniards
to commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of Cervantes, 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) and he received the first prize, a gold ring on which was engraved the bust of
Cervantes.
Other Literary Works
 Junto al Pasic (Beside the Pasig) (1880) – a zarzuela which was staged by the Ateneans on
December 08, 1880, on the annual celebration of the Feast Day of the Immaculate
Conception (Patrones of the Ateneo).
 A Filipinas (1880) – a sonnet he wrote for the album of the Society of Sculptors.

 Abd-el-Azis (1879) – a poem declaimed by Manuel Fernandez on the night of December
08, 1879 in honor of the Ateneo’s Patroness.
 Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon (1881) – a poem he wrote as an expression of affection to Father
Pablo Ramon.
Rizal’s Visit to Pakil and Pagsanjan
 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 the 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.
 Reasons why Rizal and his company made side trip to the neighboring town of Pagsanjan:
(1) it was the native town of Leonor Valenzuela and (2) to see the world famed Pagsanjan
Falls.
Champion of Filipino Students
 Rizal was the champion of the Filipino students in their fights against the arrogant Spanish
students, who insultingly called their brown classmates “Indio, chongo!” In retaliation, the
Filipino students called them “Kastila, bangus!”.
 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; secretary of Compañerismo.
 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”.
Unhappy Days at the UST
 He was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher learning because (1) the
Dominican professors were hostile to him; (2) the Filipino students were racially
discriminated against by the Spaniards, and (3) the method of instruction was obsolete and
repressive.
 Rizal, the most brilliant graduate of Ateneo, failed to win high scholastic honors.

Decision to Study Abroad
 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.
Chapter 6: In Sunny Spain (1882-1885)
Rizal’s Secret Mission
 To observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs, industries, commerce and
government and laws of the Europian Nations in order to prepare himself in the mighty
task of liberating of oppressed people from Spanish tyranny.
 Approval of his older brother Paciano
 Rizal has no permission and blessings to his parents.
Secret Departure for Spain
 The people who knows Rizal will go to Spain:
- Older brother (Paciano)

- His uncle (Antonio Rivera, father of Leonor Rivera)
- His sisters (Neneng and Lucia)
- Valenzuela family (Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday and their daughter Orang)
- Pedro A. Paterno
- Mateo Evangelista – his compadre
- Ateneo Jesuit fathers
- Some intimate friends, including Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio).
 Jose Mercado - the name he used; a cousin from Biñan.
 May 3, 1882 - Rizal departed on board the Spanish streamer Salvadora bound for
Singapore.
Singapore
 The only Filipino to board the steamer with 16 passengers, the rest was Spaniards, British,
and Indian Negroes.
 Captain Donato Lecha - ship captain from Asturias, Spain, befriended him.
 May 08, 1882 - he saw a beautiful island; he remembered “Talim Island with the Susong
Dalaga”

 May 09 - the Salvadora docked at Singapore.
 Hotel de la Paz – Rizal registered here and spent two days on sightseeing on a soiree of the
city.
From Singapore to Colombo
 May 11 - Rizal transferred to another ship Djemnah, a French streamer.

 Among these passengers were British, French, Dutch, Spaniards, Malays, Siamese, and
Filipinos (Mr. & Mrs. Salazar, Mr. Vicente Pardo, and Jose Rizal).
 May 17- the Djemnah reached Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon (now Sri
Lanka). Rizal was unimpressed by this town; he said it is “picturesque but lonely and quiet
and at the same time sad”.
 Colombo - the capital of Ceylon; Rizal wrote on his diary “Colombo is more beautiful,
smart and elegant than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila”.
First Trip Through Suez Canal
 From Colombo, Djemnah continued the voyage crossing the Indian Ocean to the Cape of
Guardafui, Africa, and then a stopover on Aden. From Aden, Djemnah proceeded to the
city of Suez, the Red Sea terminal of the Suez Canal. It took five days to traverse the Suez
Canal. At Port Said, the Mediterranean terminal of the Suez Canal, Rizal landed and he
was fascinated to hear the multi-racial inhabitants speaking a babel of tongues – Arabic,
Egyptian, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish, etc.
 Rizal sighted the barren coast of Africa which he called an “inhospitable land but famous”.
 Aden - hotter than manila; he was amused to see the camels.
 Ferdinand de Lesseps (French diplomat-engineer) - built the Suez Canal, inaugurated on
Nov. 17, 1869.
Naples and Marseilles
 June 11 – Rizal reached Naples.

 June 12 – the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles. He visited the famous
Chateau d’lf, where Dantes, hero of The Count of Monte Cristo, was imprisoned.
 Stayed 2 ½ days at Marseilles.
Barcelona
 May 15 – Rizal left Marseilles.

 June 16, 1882 – Rizal reached Barcelona, the greatest city of Cataluña and Spain’s 2 nd
largest city.
 Rizal’s first impression on Barcelona: ugly, with dirty little inns and inhospitable residents.

 Second impression: a great city, with an atmosphere of freedom and liberalism, and its
people were open-hearted, hospitable, and courageous.
 Las Ramdas - most Famous street in Barcelona
“Amor Patrio”
 “Amor Patrio” (Love of Country) – nationalistic essay; his first article written on Spain’s
soil.
 Basilio Teodoro Moran – publisher of Diariong Tagalog, first Manila bilingual newspaper
(Spanish and Tagalog.
 It was under Rizal’s pen name: Laong Laan.
 Printed in Diariong Tagalog on August 20, 1882.
 Published in two texts – Spanish (originally written by Rizal in Barcelona) and Tagalog
(made by M.H. del Pilar).
 “Los Viajes” (Travels) – second article for Diariong Tagalog
 “Revista de Madrid” (Review of Madrid) – third article; wrote in Madrid on November 29,
1882; returned to him because the Diariong Tagalog had ceased publication due to lack of
funds.
Manila Moves to Madrid
 September 15, 1882 - Rizal received a letter from Paciano. According to the letter, cholera
was ravaging Manila and the provinces.
 Sad news from Chengoy, Leonora Rivera was unhappy and getting thinner because of the
absence of a loved one.
 In one of his letters (dated May 26, 1882) Paciano advised Rizal to finish his medical
course in Madrid, therefore, Rizal establish himself to Madrid.
Life in Madrid
 November 3, 1882 – Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid (Central

University of Madrid in 2 courses: Medicine and Philiosophy and Letters.
 Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando – school where he studied painting and sculpture.
 Hall of Arms of Sanz y Carbonell – place where practiced fencing and shooting.
 Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey – former city mayor of Manila; promoted vice-president of the
Council of the Philippines in the Ministry of Colonies (Ultramar).
Romance with Consuelo Ortiga y Perez
 Consuelo – prettiest daughter of Don Pablo fell in love with Rizal.

 A La Señorita C. O. y P. (To Miss C. O. y P.) – a lovely poem he composed on August 22,
1883 dedicated to Consuelo.

 He backed out into a serious affair because (1) he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera and
(2) his friend and co-worker in the Propaganda Movement, Eduardo de Lete, was madly in
love with Consuelo.
“They Ask Me For Verses.”
 1882 – Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino (Hispano-Philippine Circle), a society of

Spaniards and Filipinos.
 “Me Piden Versos” (They Ask Me For Verses) – personally declaimed during New Year’s
Eve reception of the Madrid Filipinos held on December 31, 1882.
Rizal as Lover of Books
 Señor Roces – owner of store where Rizal purchased 2nd hand books.
 Rizal was deeply affected by Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and Eugene Sue’s
“The Wandering Jew”.
Rizal’s First Visit to Paris
 June 17 to August 20, 1883 – sojourning in gay capital of France.

 Hotel de Paris – where he first billeted on 37 Rue de Maubange.
 Latin Quarter – where he moved; cheaper hotel on 124 Rue de Rennes.
Rizal as a Mason
 March 1883 – joined the Masonic lodge called “Acacia” in Madrid.

 Reason for becoming a mason: to secure Freemasonry’s aid in his fight against the friars in
the Philippines.
 Lodge Solidaridad (Madrid) – where he became a Master Mason on November 15, 1890.
 February 15, 1892 – he was awarded the diploma as Master Mason by Le Grand Orient de
France in Paris.
 “Science, Virtue and Labor” – only Masonic writing.
 Very active in Masonic affairs: M.H. del Pilar, G. Lopez Jaena, and Mariano Ponce.
Financial Worries
After Rizal’s departure for Spain, things turned from bad to worse in Calamba. Due to hard times
in Calamba, the monthly allowances of Rizal in Madrid were late in arrival and there were times
they never arrived. On June 24, 1884, a touching incident in Rizal’s life occurred; with an empty
stomach, he attended his class at the university, participated in the contest in Greek language and
won the gold medal. In the evening, he was able to eat dinner, for he was a guest speaker in a

banquet held in honor of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo at Restaurant Ingles,
Madrid.
Rizal’s Salute to Luna and Hidalgo
 June 25, 1884 – the banquet was sponsored by the Filipino community.
 Luna’s Spolarium won first prize and Hidalgo’s Christian Virgins Exposed to the
Populace, second prize in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid.
Rizal Involved in Student Demonstrations
 November 20, 21, and 22, 1884 – Madrid exploded in bloody riots by the students of the
Central University.
 Dr. Miguel Morayta – professor of history; these student demonstrations were caused by
his address “the freedom of science and the teacher”.
 The appointment of the new Rector intensified the fury of the student demonstrators.
Studies Completed in Spain
 June 21, 1884 - degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid.
 Did not present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees, he was
not awarded his Doctor’s diploma.
 June 19, 1885 (his 24th birthday) – degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters by the
Universidad Central de Madrid.
Chapter 7: Paris to Berlin (1885-87)
After completing his studies in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in
ophthalmology. He particularly chose this branch of medicine because he wanted to cure his
mother’s eye ailment. In Berlin, Jose met and befriended several top German scientists, Dr.
Feodor Jagor, Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, and Dr. Rudolf Virchow.
In Gay Paris (1885-86)
 Maximo Viola – friend of Jose; a medical student and a member of a rich family of San
Miguel, Bulacan.
 Señor Eusebio Corominas – editor of the newspaper La Publicidad and who made a crayon
sketch of Don Miguel Morayta.

 Don Miguel Morayta – owner of la Publicidad and a statesman.
 November 1885 – Rizal was living in Paris, where he sojourned for about four months.
 Dr. Louis de Weckert (1852-1906) – leading French ophthalmologist were Jose worked as
an assistant from Nov. 1885 to Feb. 1886.
 January 1, 1886 – Rizal wrote a letter for his mother to reveal that he was rapidly
improved his knowledge in ophthalmology.
Rizal relaxed by visiting his friends, such as the family of the Pardo de Taveras (Trinidad, Felix,
and Paz), Juan Luna and Felix Resureccion Hidalgo.
"His co-Filipino medical student, Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera offered hospitality and support for
Rizal's courageous ventures. Nellie Bousted (standing third from right), who lived in Biarritz and
Paris, fenced with Rizal (second from left) and might have become Mrs. Rizal, had she not
insisted on turning him Protestant. Also in photo are artist Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo (third
from left) and Paz Pardo de Tavera Luna (second from right). Juan Luna's mother-in-law, Juliana
GorrichoPardo de Tavera is seated at the center holding Luna's son Andres."
 Paz Pardo de Taveras – a pretty girl who was engaged to Juan Luna. In her album, Jose
sketches the story of “The Monkey and the Turtle”.
 “The Death of Cleopatra” – where he posed as an Egyptian Priest.
 “The Blood Compact” – where he posed as Sikatuna, with Trinidad Pardo de Taveras
taking the role of Legazpi.
"Rizal (seated) shared a deep friendship with painter Juan Luna and often agreed to pose for
Luna's paintings as in 'The Death of Cleopatra.'" -- In Excelsis: The Mission of José Rizal,
Humanist and Philippine National Hero by Felice Prudenta Sta. Maria. In the foreground is
Rizal as Egyptian scribe, recording the event for posterity. Behind him are Trinidad Pardo de
Tavera as Octavius Caesar and Felix Pardo de Tavera as Dolabella. Missing are Charmian and
Iras.
Rizal as a Musician
 November 27, 1878 – Rizal wrote a letter to Enrique Lete saying that “he learned the
solfeggio”, the piano, and voice culture in one month and a half.
 Flute – the instrument that Jose played in every reunion of Filipinos in Paris.
 “Alin Mang Lahi” (Any Race) – a patriotic song which asserts that any race aspires for
freedom.
 La Deportacion (Deportation) – a sad danza, which he composed in Dapitan during his
exile.
In Historic Heidelberg
 Feb. 1, 1886 – Jose left Gay, Paris for Germany.

 Feb. 3, 1886 – he arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old
university and romantic surroundings.
 Chess player – Jose was a good chess player so that his German friend made him a
member of the
Chess Player’s Club.
 University of Heidelberg – where Jose transferred to a boarding house near the said
university.
To the Flowers of Heidelberg
 Spring of 1886 – Rizal was fascinated by the blooming flowers along the cool banks of the
Neckar River.
 The light blue “forget-me-not” – his favorite flower
 April 22, 1886 – wrote a fine poem “To the Flower of Heidelberg”.
With Pastor Ullmer at Wilhemsfeld
 Wilhelmsfeld – where Rizal spent a three month summer vacation.

 Protestant Pastor Dr. Karl Ullmer – where Rizal stay at the vicarage of their house and
who become his good friend and admirer.
 June 25, 1886 – he ended his sojourn and felt the pays of sadness.
 May 29, 1887 – Rizal wrote from Minich (Muchen) to Friedrich (Fritz).
First Letter to Blumentritt
 July 31, 1886 – Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Blumentritt.
 Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt – Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria.
Fifth Centenary of Heidelberg University
 August 6, 1886 – fifth centenary of Heidelberg University
In Leipzig and Dresden
 August 9, 1886 – Rizal left Heidelberg.

 August 14, 1886 – when he arrived in Leipzig.
 Rizal translated Schiller’s William Tell from German into Tagalog. He also translated
Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Anderson. He stayed about two and half month in Leipzig.
 October 29, 1886 – he left Leipzig for Dresden where he met Dr. Meyer.
 Dr. Adolph B. Meyer – director of the Anthropological and Ethnological Museum.
 Nov. 1 – he left Dresden by train, reaching Berlin in the evening.

Rizal Welcomed in Berlin’s Circles
 Berlin – where Rizal met Dr. Feodor Jagor

 Dr. Feodor Jagor – author of Travels in the Philippines.
 Dr. Hans Virchow – professor of Descriptive Anatomy.
 Dr. Rudolf Virchow – German Anthropologist.
 Dr. W. Joest – noted German geographer.
 Dr. Karl Ernest Schweigger – famous German ophthalmologist where Jose worked in his
clinic.
 Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, Ethnological Society, and
Geographical Society of Berlin.
Rizal’s Life in Berlin
 Five reasons why Rizal lived in Germany:
─ Gain further knowledge of ophthalmology

─ Further his studies of sciences and languages
─ Observe the economic and political conditions of the German nation
─ Associate with famous German scientists and scholars
─ Publish his novel, Noli me Tangere
• Madame Lucie Cerdole – French professor; she became Jose’s professor in Berlin. He took
private lessons in French in order to master the idiomatic intricacies of the French
language.
Rizal on German Women
• March 11, 1886 – Rizal wrote a letter addressed to his sister, Trinidad, expressing his high
regard and admiration for German womanhood.
• German woman – serious, diligent, educated and friendly
• Spanish woman – gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome
German Customs
• Christmas custom of the Germans
• Self-introduce to stranger in social gathering

Rizal’s Darkest Winter
• Winter of 1886 – Rizal’s darkest winter in Berlin.
• He lived in poverty because no money arrived from Calamba. Rizal starved in Berlin and
shivered with wintry cold, his health down due to lack of proper nourishment.
Chapter 8: 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. Like to the legendary Santa Claus, Dr. Maximo Viola, his friend from BULACAN,
arrived in BERLIN at the height if his despondency and loaned him the needed funds to publish
the novel.
Idea of Writing a Novel on the Philippines
• His reading of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin - inspired Dr. Rizal to prepare
a novel that would depict the miseries of his people (Filipinos) 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. His
proposals were approved by PATERNOS (Pedro, Maximo and Antonio), Graciano Lopez
JAENA, Evaristo AGUIRRE, Eduardo DE LETE, Julio LLORENTE, Melecio
FIGUEROA and Valentin VENTURA.
The Writing of the Noli
• 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 in 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.
• In Berlin during the winter days of February, 1886, Rizal made the final revisions on the
manuscript of the Noli

Viola, Savior of the Noli
• Dr. Maximo Viola- Rizal’s rich friend from Bulacan, arrived in Berlin at the height of
Rizal despondency and loaned him the needed funds to publish the novel; Viola was
shocked to find RIZAL in a dirty place, just not to waste money for the printing of NOLI
ME TANGERE.
• 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-Gesselchaft – a printing shop which charges the lowest rate,
which is 300 pesos for 2,000 copies of the novel.
Rizal Suspected as French Spy.
During the printing of NOLI, the chief of police BERLIN visit RIZAL’s boarding house and
requested to see his passport, unfortunately, that time to travel with or without passports is
possible. The police chief then told him to produce a passport after 4 days.
Immediately VIOLA accompanied RIZAL in the Spanish Ambassador, the COURT of
BENOMAR, who promised to attend to the matter. But the ambassador failed to keep his
promise, but it turns out that he had no power to issue the required passport.
The 4 day ultimatum expired. RIZAL himself apologize to the chief police, while asking why
has he to be deported, the police chief answered that he was always seen visiting many villages,
thereby pronouncing him as a French SPY.
RIZAL in fluent GERMAN explained to the police, that he was a Filipino ethnologist, who visits
rural areas to observe customs and lifestyles of their simple inhabitants. The chief impressed and
fascinated on RIZAL’s explanation, allowed him to stay freely in GERMAN
Printing of the Noli Finished

Every day, Rizal and Viola were always at the printing shop proof reading the printed pages.
• March 21, 1887- the Noli Me Tangere came off the press, RIZAL immediately sent the
first copies to BLUMENTRITT, DR. ANTONIO REGIDOR, G. LOPEZ JAENA,
MARIANO PONCE, and FELIX R. HIDALGO.

“I am sending you a book, my first book… bold book on the life of tagalongs… Filipinos will find
it the history of the last ten years…”
• March 29, 1887- Rizal, in token of his appreciation and gratitude, gave Viola the galley
proofs of the Noli 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 of the Novel
 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).
“Touch me not; I am not yet ascended to my father...”
• 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 ketch 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
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.
Characters of Noli
• The Noli Me Tangere was a true story of the Philippine conditions during the last decades
of Spanish rule.
• Maria Clara - was Leonor Rivera, although in real life she became unfaithful and married
an Englishman.
• Ibarra and Elias - represented Rizal himself.

• Tasio - the philosopher was Rizal’s elder brother Paciano.
• Padre Salvi - was identified by Rizalists as Padre Antonio Piernavieja, the hated
Augustinian friar in Cavite who was killed by the patriots during the Revolution.
• Capitan Tiago - was Captain Hilario Sunico of San Nicolas.
• Doña Victorina - was Doña Agustina Medel.
• Basilio and Crispin - were the Crisostomo brothers of Hagonoy.
• Padre Damaso - typical of a domineering friar during the days of Rizal, who was
arrogant, immoral and anti-Filipino.
Chapter 9: Rizal’s Grand Tour of Europe with Viola (1887)
After the publication of Noli, Rizal planned to visit the important places in Europe. Dr. Maximo
Viola agreed to be his traveling companion. Rizal received Pacianos remittance of P1000 which
forward by Juan Luna from Paris and immediately paid his debt to Viola which he loaned so that
the Noli could be printed. First, he and Viola visited Potsdam, a city near Berlin.
Tour Begins
At the dawn of May 11, 1887, Rizal and Viola, two browned-skinned doctors on a roaming
spree, left Berlin by train. Spring was an ideal season for travel. Their destination was in
Dresden, one of the best cities in Germany´.
Dresden
Rizal and Viola tarried for sometimes in Dresden. They visited Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, who was
overjoyed to see them. In the Museum of Art, Rizal was deeply impressed by painting of
Prometheus Bound.
They also meet Dr. Jagor and heard there plan about Leitmeritz in order to see Blumentritt. He
advice to wire Blumentritt because the old professor might be shock of their visit.
First Meeting with Blumentritt
At 1:30 pm of May 15, 1887 the train arrived at the railroad station of Leitmeritz. Professor
Blumentritt was at the station carrying a pencil sketch of Rizal which he sent to identify his

friend. Blumentritt get a room at Hotel Krebs, after which he bought them to his house and
stayed Leitmeritz May 13 to 14 1887.
Beautiful Memories at Leitmeritz
They enjoyed hospitality of Blumentritt family. The professor¶s wife, Rosa, was a goodcook.
She prepared Austrian dishes which Rizal¶s liked very much. Blumentritt proved to be agreat
tourist as well as hospitable host. He showed the scenic and historical spots of Leitmeritz tohis
visitors. The Burgomaster (town mayor) was also amazed by Rizals privileged talent.
Prague
Rizal and Viola visited the historic city of Prague. They carried letters of recommendation from
Blumentritt to Dr. Wilkom, professor in University of Prague. Rizal and Viola visited the ³Tomb
of Copernicus.
Vienna
May 20 they arrived at Vienna capital of Austria-Hungary. They met Norfenfals, one of the
greatest novelist iun that time. They stayed at Hotel Metropole. They also meet two good friends
of Blumentritt ( Masner and Nordman), Austrian scholars.
Danubian Voyage to Lintz
May 24, Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat too se beautiful sights of Danube River. As
they travelled along the famous river, Rizal observed keenly river sights.
Form Lintz to Rheinfall
The river voyage ended in Lintz. They travelled overland to Salzburg, and from there to Munich
where the sojourned for a short time to savor the famous Munich Beer.
Crossing the Frontier to Switzerland
They stayed from June 2 to 3 1887 and continued tour to Basel (Bale), Bern, and Laussane.
Geneva
Rizal and Viola left Laussane in a little boat crossing the foggy Leman Lake to Geneva. On June
19, 1887, his 26th birthday; Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. Rizal and Viola spent fifteen days
in Geneva. On June 23, they parted ways. Viola decided to return to Barcelona while Rizal
continued his tour to Italy.
Rizal Resents Exhibition of Igorots in 1887 Madrid Exposition

Rizal received sad news from his friends in Madrid of the deplorable conditions of the primitive
Igorots who were exhibited in this exposition. Some of these Igorots died. Rizal was outraged by
the degradation of his fellow countrymen.
Rizal in Italy
He visited Turin, Milan, Venice and Florence. On June 27, 1887, he reached Rome. He was
thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal City Rome. On June 29th, Rizal visited or the
first time the Vatican, the City of the Popes and the capital of Christendom. After a week of
staying in Rome, he prepared to return to the Philippines. He had already written to his father
that he was coming home.
Chapter 10: First Homecoming, 1887-88

All the alluring beauties of foreign countries and all the beautiful memories of his sojourn in
alien lands could neither make Rizal for his fatherland nor turn his back to his own nationality.
True that he studied abroad, acquired the love and languages of foreign nations, and enjoyed the
friendship of many great men of the Western world; but he remained at heart a true Filipino with
an unquenchable love for the Philippines and an unshakable determination to die in the land of
his birth. Thus, after five years of memorable sojourn in Europe, he returned to the Philippines in
August 1887 and practiced medicine in Calamba. He lived the quite life of a country doctor. But
his enemies, who resented his Noli, persecuted him, even threatening to kill him.
Decision to Return Home
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 to return home. But he did not heed their warnings. He was
determined to return to the Philippines for the following reasons: (1) to operates on his mother’s
eye’s; (2) to serve his people who had long been oppressed by the Spanish tyrants; (3) to find out
for himself how the Noli and his other writings were affecting the Filipinos and Spaniards in the
Philippines: and (4) to inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent.
In a letter to Blumentritt, written in Geneva on June 19, 1887, Rizal said: “Your advice that I live
in Madrid and continue to write from there is very benevolent but I cannot accept it . I cannote
endure the life in Madrid where everything is a voice in a wilderness. My parents wants to see
me, and I want to see them also. All my life I desire to live in my country by the side of my
family. Until now I am not Europeanized like the Filipinos of Madrid; I always like to return to
the country of my birth”.

In Rome, on June 29, 1887, Rizal wrote to his father, announcing his homecoming. “On the 15 th
of July, at the latest”, he wrote, “I shall embark for our country, so that from 15 th to the 30th of
August, we shall see each other”.
Delightful Trip to Manila

Rizal left Rome by the train for Marseilles, a French port, which he researched without mishap.
On July 3, 1887, he boarded the streamer Djemnah, the same streamer which brought him to
Europe five years ago. There were about 50 passengers, including 4 Englishmen, 2 Germans, 3
Chinese, 2 Japanese, many Frenchmen, and 1 Filipino (Rizal).
Rizal was the only one among the passengers who could speak many languages, so that he acted
as interpreter for his companions.
The Streamer was enroute to the Orient via the Suez Canal. Rizal thus saw this historic canal for
the second time, the first time was when he sailed to Europe from Manila in 1882. On board, he
played chess with fellow passengers and engage in lively conversation in many languages. Some
passengers sang: others played on the piano and accordion. After leaving Aden, the weather
became rough and some of Rizal’s books got wet. At Saigon, on July 30, he transferred to
another streamer Haiphong which was Manila-bound. On August 2, this streamer left Saigon to
Manila.
Arrival in Manila
Rizal”s voyage from Saigon to Manila wa pleasant. On August 3 rd the moon was full, and he
slept soundly the whole night. The calm see, illumined by the silvery moonlight, was a
magnificent sight to him.
Near midnight of August 5, the Haiphong arrived in Manila. Rizal went ashore with a happy
heart for he once more trod his beloved native soil. He stayed in the city for a short time to visit
his friends. He found Manila the same as when he left it five years ago. There were the same old
churches and buildings, the same holes in the road, the same boats on the Pasig River, and the
same heary walls surrounding the city.
Happy Homecoming
On August 8th, he returned to Calamba, His family welcomed him affectionately, with plentiful
tears of joy. Writing to Blumentritt of his homecoming, he said: “I had a pleasant voyage. I
found my family enjoying good health and our happiness was great in seeing each other again.
They shed tears of joy and I had to answer ten thousand questions at the same time”.

The rejoicings of Rizal’s return over, his family became worried for his safety. Paciano did not
leave him the first day of his arrival to protect him from any enemy assault. His own father
would not let him go out alone, lest something might happen to him.
In Calamba, Rizal established a medical clinic, his first patient was his mother, who was almost
blind, he treated her eyes, but could not perform any surgical operations because her eye
cataracts were not yet ripe. News of arrival of a great doctor from Germany spread far and wide.
Patients from Manila and the provinces flocked to Calamba. Rizal, who came to be called
“Doctor Uliman” because he came from Germany, treated their ailments and soon he acquired a
lucrative medical practice. His Professional fees were reasonable, even gratis to the poor. Within
a few months, he was able to earn P900 as a physician. By February, 1888, he earned a total of
P5,000 as medical fees.
Unlike many successful medical practitioners, Rizal did not selfishly devoted all his time to
enriching himself. He opened a gymnasium for young folks, where he introduced European
sports. He tried to interest his town mates in gymnastics, fencing and shooting so as to
discourage the cockfights and gambling.
Rizal suffered one failure during his six months of sojourn in Calamba – his failure to see Leonor
Rivera. He tried to go to Dagupan, but his parents absolutely forbade him to go because Leonor’s
mother did not like him for a son-in-law. With a heavy heart, Rizal bowed to his parent’s wish.
He was caught within the iron grip of the custom of his time that marriages must be arranged by
the parents of both groom and bride.
Storm of the Noli
Meanwhile, as Rizal was peacefully living in Calamba, his enemies plotted his doom. Aside
from practicing medicine, attending to his gymnasium, which he established, and taking part in
the town’s civic affairs. He painted several beautiful landscapes and translated the German
poems of Von Wildernath into Tagalog.
A few weeks after his arrival, a storm broke over his novel. One day Rizal received a letter from
Governor General Emilio Terrero (1885-88) requesting him to come in Malacañan Palace.
Somebody had whispered to the governor’s ear that the Nolicontained subversive ideas.
Rizal went to Manila and appeared at Malacañang. When he was informed by Governor General
Terrero of the charge, he denied it, explaining that he merely exposed the truth, but he did not
advocate subversive ideas. Pleased by his explanation and curious about the controversial book,
the governor general asked the author for a copy then because the only copy he brought home
was given to a friend. However, he promised to secure one for the governor general.
Rizal Visited the Jesuit father to ask for the copy he sent them, but they would not part with it.
The Jesuits, especially his former professors – Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, Fr. Jose Bech,

and Fr. Federico Faura, who ventured an opinion that “everything in it was the truth”, but added:
“You may lose your head for it”.
Fortunately, Rizal found a copy in the hands of a friend. He was able to get it and gave it to
Governor General Terrero. The governor general, who was a liberal-minded Spaniard, knew that
Rizal’s life in jeopardy because the friars were powerful. For security measure, he assigned a
young Spanish lieutenant, Don Jose Taviel de Andrade, as bodyguard of Rizal. This lieutenant
belonged to a noble family. He was cultured and knew painting, and could speak English,
French, and Spanish.
Governor General Terrero rand the Noli and found nothing wrong with in. But Rizal’s enemies
were powerful. The Archbishop of Manila, Msgr. Pedro Payo (a Dominican) sent a copy of the
Nolito Father Rector Gregorio Echavarria of the University of Santo Tomas for examination by a
committee of the faculty. The committee, which was composed of Dominican professor’s,
submitted its report to the Father Rector, who immediately transmitted it to Archbishop Payo.
The archbishop in turn, lost no time in forwarding it to the governor general. This report of the
faculty members of the University of Santo Tomas stated that the Noli was “heretical, impious,
and scandalous in the religion order, and anti- patriotic, subversive of public order, injurious to
the government of Spain and its function in the Philippine Islands in the political order”.
Governor General Terrero was dissatisfied with the report of the Dominicans, for he knew that
the Dominicans were prejudiced against Rizal. He send the novel to the Permanent Commission
of Censorship which was composed of priest and laymen. The report of this commission was
drafted by its head, Fr. Salvador Font, Augustinian curaof Tondo, and submitted to the governor
general on December 29. It found the novel to contain subversive ideas against the Church and
Spain, and recommended “that the importation, reproduction and circulation of this pernicious
book in the islands be absolutely prohibited”.
When the newspapers published Font’s written report of the censorship commission, Rizal and
his friends became apprehensive and uneasy. The enemies of Rizal exulted in unholy glee. The
banning of the Noli only served to make it popular. Everybody wanted to read it. News about the
great book spread among the masses. What the hated Spanish masters did not like, the oppressed
masses liked very much. Despite the government prohibition and the vigilance of the cruel
Guardia Civil many Filipinos were able to get hold of copies of the Noli which they read at night
behind closed doors.
Thanks to Governor General Terrero, there was no mass imprisonment or mass execution of
Filipinos. He refused to be intimidated by the friars who clamored for harsh measures against
people who caught reading the novel and its author.

Attackers of the Noli
The battle over the Noli took the form of a virulent war of words. Father Font printed his report
and distributed copies for it in order to discredit the controversial novel. Another Augustinian,
Fr. Jose Rodriguez, Prior of Guadalupe, published a series of eight pamphlets under the general
heading Cuestiones de Sumo Interes (Questions of Supreme Interes) to blast the Noli and other
anti-Spanish writings. These eight pamphlets wer entitled as follows:
1. Porque no los he de leer? (Why Should I not Read Them?).
2. Guardaos de ellos. Porque?(Beware of Them. Why?).
3. Y_que me dice usted de la peste? (And What Can You Tell Me of Plague?).
4. Porquetriufan los impios? (Why Do the Impious Truimph?).
5. Cree ustedque de versa no hay purgatorio? (Do You Think There Is Really No
Purgatory?).
6. Hay o no hay infierno? (Is There o Is There No Hell?).
7. Que le pareceausted de esoslibelos? (What Do You Think of These Libels?).
8. Confession o condenacion? (Confession or Damnation?).
Copies of these anti-Rizal pamphlets written by Fray Rodriguez were sold daily in the churches
after Mass. Many Filipinos were forced to buy them in order not to displease the friars, but they
did not believe what their author said with hysterical fervor.
Repercussions of the storm over the Noli reached Spain. It was fiercely attacked on the session
hall of the Senate of the Spanish Cortes by various senators, particularly General Jose de
Salamanca on April 1, 1888, General Luis M. de Pando on April 12, and Sr. Fernando Vida on
June 11. The Spanish academician of Madrid, Vicente Barrantes, who formerly occupied high
government positions in the Philippines, bitterly criticized the Noli in the article published in La
Esapaña Moderna (a newspaper of Madrid) in January, 1890.
Defenders of the Noli
The much-maligned Noli had its gallant defenders who fearlessly came out to prove the merits of
the novel or to refute the arguments of the unkind attackers. Marcelo H. delPilar, Dr. Antonio
Ma. Regidor, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce, and other Filipino reformist in foreign
lands, of course, rushed to uphold the truths of the Noli. Father Sanchez, Rizal’s favorite teacher
at the Ateneo, defended and praised it in public. Don Segismundo Moret, former Minister of the
Crown; Dr. Miguel Morayta, historian and statesman; and Professor Blumentritt, scholar and
educator, read and liked the novel.

A brilliant defense of the Noli came from an unexpected source. It was by Rev. Vicente Garcia, a
Filipino Catholic priest-scholar, theologian of the Manila Cathedral, and a Tagalog translator of
the famous Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis. Father Garcia, writing under the penname
Justo Desiderio Magalang, wrote a defense of the Noli which was published in Singapore as an
appendix to a pamphlet dated July 18, 1888. He blasted the arguments of Fr. Rodriguez as
follows:
1 Rizal cannot be an “ignorant man”, as Fr. Rodriguez alleged, because he was a
graduated of Spanish universities and was a recipient of scholastic honors.
2 Rizal does not attack the Church and Spain, as Fr. Rodriguez claimed, because what
Rizal attacked in the Noliwere the bad Spanish officials and not Spain, and the bad
and corrupt friars and not the Church.
3 Father Rodriguez said that those who read the Noli commit a mortal sin; since he
(Rodriguez) had read the novel, therefore he also commits a mortal sin.
Later, when Rizal learned of the brilliant defense of Father Garcia of his novel, he cried because
his gratitude was over-whelming. Rizal, himself defended his novel against Barrantes attack, in a
letter written in Brussels, Belgium, in February, 1880. In this letter, he exposed Barrantes’
ignorance of Philippine affairs and mental dishonesty which is unworthy of an academician.
Barrantes met in Rizal his master in satire and polemics.
During the days when the Noli was the target of a heated controversy between the friars (and
their minions) and the friends of Rizal, all copies of it were sold out and the price per copy
soared to unprecedented level. Both friends and enemies of the Noli found it extremely difficult
to secure a copy. According to Rizal, in a letter to Fernando Canon from Geneva, June 13, 1887,
the price he set per copy was five pesetas (equivalent to one pese), but the price later rose to fifty
pesos per copy.
Rizal and Taviel de Andrade
While the storm over the Noliwas raging in fury, Rizal was not molested in Calamba. This is due
to Governor General Terrero’s generosity in assigning a bodyguard to him. Between this Spanish
bodyguard, Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade, and Rizal, a beautiful friendship bloomed.
Together, Rizal and Andrade, young, educated and cultured, made walking tours of the verdant
countrysides, discussed topics of common interest, and enjoyed fencing, shooting, hunting, and
painting. Lt. Andrade became a great admirer of the man he was ordered to watch and protect.
Years later, he wrote for Rizal: “Rizal was refined, educated and gentlemanly. The hobbies that
most interested him were hunting, fencing, shooting, painting and hiking. . . I well remember our
excursion to Mount Makiling, not so much for the beautiful view . . . as for the rumors and
pernicious effects that result from it. There has one who believed and reported to Manila that

Rizal and I at the top of the mountain hoisted the German flag and proclaimed its sovereignty
over the Philippines. I imagined that such nonsense emanated from the friars of Calamba, but did
not take the trouble to make inquiries about the matter”.
What marred Rizal’s happy days in Calamba with Lt. Andrade were (1) the death of his older
sister, Olimpia, and (2) the groundless tales circulated by his enemies that he was “a German
spy, an agent of Bismarck, a Protestant, a Mason, a witch, a soul beyong salvation, etc”
Calamba’s Agrarian Trouble

Governor General Terrero, influenced by certain facts in Noli Me Tangere, ordered a government
investigation of the friar estates to remedy whatever iniquities might have been present in
connection with land taxes and with tenant relations. One of the friars estates affected was the
Calamba Hacienda which the Dominican Order owned since 1883. In compliance with the
governor general’s orders, dated December 30, 1887, the Civil Governor of Laguna Province
directed the municipal authorities of Calamba to investigate the agrarian conditions of their
locality.
Upon hearing of the investigation, the Calamba folks solicited Rizal’s help in gathering the facts
and listing their grievances against the hacienda management, so that the central government
might institute certain agrarian reforms.
After a thorough study of the conditions of Calamba, Rizal wrote down his findings which
tenants and three of the officials of the hacienda signed on January 8, 1888. These findings,
which were formally submitted to the government for action, were the following:
1. The hacienda of the Dominican Order comprised not only the lands around Calamba,
but also the town of Calamba.
2. The profits of the Dominican Order continually increased because of the arbitrary
increase of the rentals paid by the tenants.
3. 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.
4. Tenants who had spent much labor in clearing the lands were dispossessed of said lands
for flimsy reason.
5. High rates of interest were charged the tenants for delayed payment of rentals, and
when the rentals could not be paid, the hacienda management confiscated their
carabaos, tools and homes.
Farewell to Calamba

Rizal’s exposure of the deplorable conditions of tenancy in Calamba infuriated further his
enemies. The friars exerted pressure on Malacañan Palace to eliminate him. They asked
Governor General Terrero to deport him, but the latter refused because there was no valid charge
against Rizal in court. Anonymous threats against Rizal’s life were received by his parents. The
alarmed parents, relatives and friends (including Lt. Taviel de Andrade) advised him to go away,
for his life was in danger.
One day Governor General Terrero summoned Rizal and “advise” him to leave the Philippines
for his own good. He was giving Rizal a chance to escape the fury of the friar’s wrath.
This time Rizal had to go. He could not very well disobey the governor general’s veiled orders.
But he was not running like a coward from a fight. He was courageous, a fact which his worst
enemies could not deny. A valiant hero that he was, he was not afraid of any man and neither
was he afraid to die. He was compelled to leave Calamba for two reason: (1) his presence in
Calamba was jeopardizing the safety and happiness of his family and friends and (2) he could not
fight better his enemies and serve his country’s cause with greater efficacy by writing in foreign
countries.
A Poem for Lipa
Shortly before Rizal left Calamba in 1888 his friend from Lipa requested him to write a poem in
commemoration of the town’s elevation to a villa (city) by virtue of the Becerra Law of 1888.
Gladly, he wrote a poem dedicated to the industrious folks of Lipa. This was the “Himno Al
Trabajo” (Hymn to Labor). He finished it and sent it to Lipa before his departure from Calamba.
Chapter 11: In Hong Kong and Macao, 1888

Hounded by powerful enemies, Rizal was forced to leave his country for a second time in
February 1888. He was then a full-grown man of 27 years of age, a practicing physician, and a
recognized man- of-letters
The Trip to Hong Kong
• February 3, 1888-Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong on board the Zafiro
• February 7, 1888- Zafiro made a brief stopover at Amoy
• Rizal did not get off his ship at Amoy for three reasons: (1) he was not feeling well (2) it
was raining hard (3) he heard that the city was dirty
• February 8, 1888- Rizal arrived in Hong Kong

• Victoria Hotel- Rizal stayed while in Hong Kong. He was welcomed by Filipino residents,
including Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriarte (son of Francisco
Yriarte (son of Francisco Yriarte, alcalde mayor of Laguna)
• Jose Sainz de Varanda - a Spaniard, who was a former secretary of Governor General
Terrero, shadowed Rizal’s movement in Hong Kong it is believed that he was
commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on Rizal “Hong Kong”,
wrote Rizal to Blumentritt on February 16, 1888, “is a small, but very clean city.”
Visit to Macao
 Macao is a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong.
 According to Rizal, the city of Macao is small, low, and gloomy. There are many junks,
sampans, but few steamers. It looks sad and is almost dead.
 February 18, 1888- Rizal, accompanied by Basa, boarded the ferry steamer, Kiu-Kiang for
Macao
 Don Juan Francisco Lecaros- A filipino gentleman married to a Portuguese lady.
 Rizal and Basa stayed at his home while in Macao.
 February 18, 1888- Rizal witnessed a Catholic possession, in which the devotees were
dressed in blue and purple dresses and were carrying unlighted candles.
 February 20, 1888- Rizal and Basa returned to Hong Kong, again on board the ferry
steamer Kiu Kiang.
Departure from Hong Kong
 February 22, 1888- Rizal left Hong Kong on board the Oceanic, an American steamer, his
destination was Japan.
 Rizal’s cabin mate was a British Protestant missionary who called Rizal “a good man”.
Chapter 12: Romantic Interlude in Japan (1888)

 One of the happiest interludes in the life of Rizal was his sojourn in the Land of the Cherry
Blossoms for one month and a half (February 28-April 13, 1888).
 February 28, 1888- early in the morning of Tuesday, Rizal arrived in Yokohama. He
registered at the Grand Hotel.
 Tokyo Hotel- Rizal stayed here from March 2 to March 7.

 Rizal wrote to Professor Blumentritt: “Tokyo is more expensive then Paris. The walls are
built in cyclopean manner. The streets are large and wide.”
 Juan Perez Caballero-secretary of the Spanish Legation, who visited Rizal at his hotel who
latter invited him to live at the Spanish Legation.
 Rizal accepted the invitation for two reasons: (1) he could economize his living expenses
by staying at the legation (2) he had nothing to hide from the prying eyes of the Spanish
authorities.
 March 7, 1888- Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish Legation.
 Rizal was favorably impressed by Japan. The things which favorably impressed Rizal in
Japan were: (1) the beauty of the country—its flowers, mountains, streams and scenic
panoramas, (2) the cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese people (3)the
picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese women (4) there were very few thieves
in Japan so that the houses remained open day and night, and in hotel room one could
safely leave money on the table (5) beggars were rarely seen in the city, streets, unlike in
Manila and other cities.
 Rickshaws-popular mode of transportation drawn by men that Rizal did not like in Japan.
 April 13, 1888-Rizal left Japan and boarded the Belgic, an English steamer, at Yokohama,
bound for the United States.
 Tetcho Suehiro- a fighting Japanese journalist, novelist and champion of human rights,
who was forced by the Japanese government to leave the country; passenger which Rizal
befriended on board the Belgic.
 April 13 to December 1, 1888- eight months of intimate acquaintanceship of Rizal and
Tetcho.
 December 1, 1888- after a last warm handshake and bidding each other “goodbye”, Rizal
and Tetcho, parted ways and never meet again.

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Chapter Summary

Chapter 4: Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila (1872-1877)

 Bitter rival of the Dominican-owned College of San Juan de Letran.

Jesuit System of Education

Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas 4217 | https://www.facebook.com/KLLOfficial/

Rizal’s First Year in Ateneo (1872-73)

 June 1872 – first day of class in Ateneo.

Summer Vacation (1873)

 March 1873 – Rizal returned to Calamba for summer vacation.

Second Year in Ateneo (1873-74)

Prophecy of Mother’s Release

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Third Year in Ateneo (1874-75)

Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-76)

 June 16, 1875 – he became an inferno in Ateneo.

Last Year in Ateneo (1876-77)

 June 1876 – last year of Rizal in Ateneo.

Graduation with Highest Honors

 Excellent scholastic records from 1872-1877.

 An emperor inside the classroom and campus leader outside.

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 Carved an image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwood).

 Felix M. Ramos – one of Rizal’s contemporaries in Ateneo.

Poems Written in Ateneo

Rizal’s Religious Poems

Dramatic Work in Ateneo

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 16 years old - Rizal experienced his first romance.

Chapter 5: Medical Studies at the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882)

Mother’s Opposition to Higher Education

Rizal Enters the University

 April 1877 – Rizal matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas.

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Romances with Other Girls

Victim of Spanish Officer’s Brutality

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“To the Filipino Youth” (1879)

 Liceo Artisco-Literano (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila – society of literary men and

“The Council of the Gods” (1880)

Other Literary Works

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Rizal’s Visit to Pakil and Pagsanjan

Champion of Filipino Students

Unhappy Days at the UST

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Chapter 6: In Sunny Spain (1882-1885)

Rizal’s Secret Mission

Secret Departure for Spain

 The people who knows Rizal will go to Spain:

- Older brother (Paciano)

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From Singapore to Colombo

 May 11 - Rizal transferred to another ship Djemnah, a French streamer.

First Trip Through Suez Canal

Naples and Marseilles

 June 11 – Rizal reached Naples.

 May 15 – Rizal left Marseilles.

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