Rizal's Early Life and Works (PDF)

Through Education the Motherland Receives Light Por la Education Recibe Lustre la Patria In 1874, Rizal wrote literary pieces: 1. Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration). - poem dedicated to his mother on her birthday - he was 14 years old when he wrote the poem - he felt over-joyed, at...

Through Education the Motherland Receives Light Por la Education Recibe Lustre la Patria In 1874, Rizal wrote literary pieces: 1. Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration). - poem dedicated to his mother on her birthday - he was 14 years old when he wrote the poem - he felt over-joyed, at that time, because his mother was released from prison 2. Al Nino Jesus (To the Child Jesus) 3. A la Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary) In 1875, Rizal wrote literary pieces: 1. Felicitation (Felicitation) 2. El Embarque: Himno A la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to Magellan’s Fleet) 3. Y Es Espanol: Elcano, Primiero en dar la Vuelta (And He is Spanish: Elcano, the First to Circumnavigate the World) 4. El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo) In 1876, Rizal wrote poems on various topics – religion, education, childhood, memories, and war. 1. La Tragedia de San Eustaquio (The Tragedy of St. Eustace) – this poem recounts the tragic story of St. Eustace 2. Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town) - a tender poem in honor of Calamba, the hero’s natal town 3. Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena education (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education) 4. Por la Education Recibe Lustre la patria (Through Education the Country Receives light) - poem which reflects his highest regard for education 5. Ed Cautiverio y el Triunjo: Batalla de Lucena y Prison de Boadbil (The Captivity and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boadbil) - martial poem described the defeat and capture of Boadbil, the last Moorish sultan of Granada 6. La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes catolices en Granada (The Triumphal Entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada) - poem relates to the victorious entry of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel into Granada, last Moorish stronghold in Spain In 1877, he wrote more poems. It was his last year in Ateneo. 1. El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of Columbus) - poem that praises the Columbus, the discoverer to the New World. 2. Colon y Juan II (Columbus and John II) - poem related how King II of Portugal missed fame and riches by his failure to finance the projected expedition of Columbus to the New World. 3. Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune) - a legend in verse of the tragic life of Columbus 4. Un Dialogo Alusivo a la Despidida de los Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students) - last poem writtem by Rizal in Ateneo - a poignant poem of farewell to his classmates, the joy, pain and memories they shared together in the institution. Rizal’s Studies at Ateneo (1872-1877) -excelled in all subjects won five medals at the end of the school term - he was considered the most brilliant Atenean of his time, “Pride of the Jesuits” 2 exclusive organizations at the Ateneo - The Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Science - He also joined Marian Congregations; Solidarity of our Lady and Apostleship of Prayer Rizal Studies at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) 1877-1882 - After graduation from Ateneo, he pursued his studies at UST (Bachelor of Arts) - His mother Dona Teodora was opposed to his son’s education because she was reminded of the fate of priests GOMBURZA - Don Francisco believed that his son was among the “best” during that time.  - He was not given the title (“perito agrimensor” expert surveyor) because he was still 17 years old. - He finally decided to take up medicine with the advice of Fr. Pablo Ramon, Director of Ateneo de Manila. Experience of Spanish Brutality - Rizal experienced his first state when he was in Calamba spending summer vacation after a long tedious study as medical student of UST. - He failed to recognize the Spanish civil guard passing by his side thus he did not salute, bow or greet. The civil guard whipped Rizal at the back with stingray tail. - When the incident was reported to the Captain General Primo de Rivera, he was even reprimanded and even told Rizal that he should be thankful for being alive and spared by the civil guard. Rizal’s Artistic Works - While in UST, Rizal joined the contest in poetry writing and composition and submitted his poem “To the Filipino Youth” (Sa Kabataang Pilipino/ A La Juventud Filipina). - After the expert reading and scrutiny, the Board of Judges had chosen Rizal’s poem and had won first prize and recognition. The prize consisted of a feather shaped silver pen with a gold ribbon. - He won first prize for his play; The Council of Gods (El Consejo de los Dioses) Other Works 1. Abd-el-Azis Y Mahoma - a poem composed by Rizal for Manuel Fernandez and which declaimed by the latter on the night of December 7, 1879 2. Junto Al Pasig (Beside the Pasig) - A drama played by Ateneans for the occasion of Feast Immaculate Concepcion on December 8, 1880 3. A Filipinas (To the Philippines) - a sonnet written in 1880 to praise the Philippines for its beauty and to encourage Filipino artists to glorify the Philippines through their artworks. 4. Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon, Recto del Ateneo, en Sus Dias - a poem written by Rizal for Father Ramon Pablo who had been so kind and helpful to Rizal. Rizal, after completing his four years in med school decided to leave the country for Europe. He was no longer happy. He can no longer contain the hatred, discrimination and discontentment he had towards the Spanish students and teachers. The family, friends, and acquaintances believed that he was going to Europe to finish medical schooling. But from the letter Paciano sent to Rizal, the real purpose of Rizal’s journey to Europe was to make a name for him in the realm of journalism and to observe and study European way of life. The plan was not known to his parents because they would surely disapprove of his leaving for Spain. His older brother Paciano, his two sisters, Saturnina and Lucia, his uncle Antonio Rivera and other friends supported him. May 1, 1882, he began writing farewell letters to his family and friends. Using the name Jose Mercado, Jose Rizal's departure for Spain was made possible. Paciano, gave him some money. Saturnina, gave him a diamond ring. Jesuit priest, gave him letter of recommendation from the Ateneo authorities to the Jesuit fathers in Barcelona, Spain. May 3, 1882, Rizal left on board the Spanish steamer ship SALVADORA bound for SINGAPORE. He was the only Filipino and the rest were Spaniards, British and Indian Negroes. He got along famously with his fellow passengers, some of them older than him, whom he defeated in chess. Even the ship Captain, Donato Lecha, from Asturias Spain had made friend with Rizal. After five days of sailing, the Salvadora reached the English Colony of SINGAPORE. He registered at Hotel dela Paz. His two days stop-over were spent most of the time in visiting the historic places, temples, botanical garden, art galleries and the statue of Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles (Founder of Singapore in 1819). From Singapore he boarded the Djemnah, a French streamer bound for Europe on May 11, 1882. French was mostly spoken on board. To his surprise, the French he learned at the Ateneo could not be understood. He gradually improved his facility of the language by conversing daily with the passengers. On May 17, 1882, Djemnah made its stopover at the POINT GALLE. He noted, "Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) which is picturesque but lonely, quiet and at the same time sad." The ship then headed north and on May 18 docked at COLOMBO, capital of Ceylon. Rizal wrote, "Colombo is more beautiful, smart and elegant than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila." The Djemnah continued to voyage crossing the Indian Ocean to the CAPE OF GUARDAFUI, the barren coast of Africa which for Rizal was an inhospitable land but famous. The next stopover was in ADEN. This was the first time Rizal stepped in African soil and saw real camels. From Aden, the Djemnah arrived at the PORT SAID in the CITY OF SUEZ, The Red Sea Terminal of Suez Canal. Rizal was fascinated to hear the multi-racial inhabitants speaking "A babel of tongues" Arabic, Egyptian, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish etc. From PORT SAID, the ship traversed the Suez Canal and on June 11, arrived at NAPOLI (now NAPLES, Italy). Passengers were allowed to move around the place and Rizal never wasted time to explore the first European territory in his sight. He was pleased because of its business activities, its lively people, its panoramic beauty like Mt. Vesuvius, the Castle of Saint Telmo, and other historic sights. After the brief stop at Napoli, the ship proceeded to MARSEILLES and arrived at the French harbor on June 12, 1882. He visited the famous chateau d'If where DANTES, the hero of "THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO" was imprisoned. In the afternoon of June 15, Rizal left Marseilles by train bound for BARCELONA. The train crossed PYRENEES and stopped for a day at PORT BOU for passport inspection and they finally reached BARCELONA on June 16, 1882, the second largest city of Spain and the greatest city of Cataluña. Jose Rizal's first impression of the city was not favorable for he happened to stay upon his arrival at a dirty inn wherein the staff and guests were indifferent to him. However, as he had stayed in the city this impression had changed and found Barcelona to be really a great city. He was given a party at their favorite café in PLAZA DE CATALUÑA, with customary exchange of toast. While in Barcelona, Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled, LOVE OF COUNTRY (AMOR PATRIO) which was his first article written in Spain's soil under the penname “LAONG LAAN”. He sent this to his friend. BASILIO TEODORO MORAN - publisher and editor of DIARIONG TAGALOG, the first Manila newspaper that published both Spanish and Tagalog. This AMOR PATRIO was published on August 20, 1882 in two texts. The Tagalog text was the translation made by MARCELO H. DEL PILAR. He was requested by his friend to write more articles. In response to the request, he wrote the second article for LOS VIAJES (TRAVELS). His third article entitled REVISTA DE MADRID (REVIEW OF MADRID) was returned to him for Diariong Tagalog had stopped publication because of lack of funds. He left Barcelona on November 3, 1882. He enrolled at the Central University of Madrid (Universidad Central de Madrid) for the Licentiate in Medicine and Phílosophy and Letters. He followed systematic and well-organized schedule of study because he wanted to learn so much within a short time. To enhance his artistic talents, he also took up lessons in painting and sculpture at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando) as well as lessons in French, German and English under private instructors. With the many books he had read, two books left a deep impression on him that heightened his sympathy for the oppressed and unfortunate people. These were Uncle Tom's Cabin by Hariet Beecher Stowe and The Wandering Jew by Eugene Sue. Aside from his studies, Rizal had the chance to meet Consuelo Ortiga y Perez. He fell in love with Consuelo but because of Eduardo de Lete was courting Consuelo, Rizal did not pursue his feelings instead he made a poem for Consuelo. The poem Miss Consuelo Ortiga y Rey (Miss C.O.Y R.) was written in August 22, 1883. Rizal joined the Hispano-Philippine Circle (Circulo Hispano-Filipino), a society of Spaniards and Filipinos shortly after his arrival in Madrid. Upon the request of the members of this society, he wrote a poem entitled, THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES (ME PIDEN VERSES) which he personally declaimed during the New Year's Eve reception in Madrid last December 31, 1882. In this sad poem, he poured out the cry of his agonizing heart, his loneliness and sadness of being alone in a foreign land. During his first summer vacation in Madrid from June 17 to August 20, 1883 he went to Paris which is the famous capital of France. Like all tourists, Rizal was attracted to the sights of Paris like the beautiful boulevards (Champs Elysses), the arch of Triumph, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Invalides (containing o tomb of Napoleon the Great). He also observed closely the French way of life; visiting museums, the world-famous Louvre; botanical garden in Luxemburg; Laennec Hospital and Sariboisiere Hospital where he observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients. Among the significant developments in Rizal's life in Madrid was his becoming a mason. He came in close contact with the Spanish liberals and republicans who were mostly masons. He was impressed by the way the Spanish masons openly and freely criticized and attacked the government and the church which could not be done in the Philippines for they will be jailed or executed if they do so. He discovered the political possibilities of becoming a Mason, so he joined the Masonic lodge called Acacia in Madrid with the Masonic name “DIMASALANG”. Two reasons impelled him to join masonry: first, to secure freemasonry's aid in his fight against the friars in the Philippines for they use the Catholic religion as shield to entrench themselves in power and wealth and persecute the Filipino patriots; second, to utilize freemasonry as his shield to combat these problems in the Philippines and for more mature contacts and enlightenment as he was writing his Noli Me Tangere. He had been awarded the diploma as Master Mason on Feb. 15, 1892. After joining the masons, Rizal naturally ceased going to mass and wandered far from the faith. He continued to have faith in Divine Providence, a testimony to the deep imprint of Catholicism in his soul. While in Madrid, the Filipinos including Rizal were having financial problems. However, they were inspired by the victory of Juan Luna and Resurrecion Hidalgo. Luna's painting, "Spolarium" won first prize gold medal while Hidalgo's painting, "Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace" was awarded second prize silver medal in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid. It was an exalting moment for the Filipinos colony in Madrid and Rizal was invited to give the principal speech held in the evening of June 25, 1884. It was attended by prominent Spanish artists, newspapermen, statesmen and Filipinos. Rizal followed a systematic and well-organized schedule of study. He completed his medical course and was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine (Licenciado en Medicina) by the Universidad Central de Madrid on June 21, 1884 that made him a full-pledged physician, qualified to practice medicine. The next academic year (1884-1885), he studied and passed all subjects leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine but was not awarded his Doctor's Diploma for he did not submit the thesis as a requirement for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees. At the same time, he was also awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters on June 19, 1885 with the rating of "Sobresaliente" (Excellent). The degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred on him posthumously in 1961 during the centenary of his birth. With Rizal’s relentless search for relevant education and advance studies, he went to Paris, France and Berlin (now Germany), to specialize in Ophthalmology because he wanted to cure his mother’s eye ailment. On his way to Paris, he stopped at Barcelona to visit his friend, Maximo Viola, a medical student who belonged to a rich family in San Miguel, Bulacan and Don Miguel Morayta, the owner of La Publicidad. He arrived in Paris in October of 1885 and stayed there for four months as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert a leading French Ophthamologist. After four months and concentrated study, he learned the medical techniques of an eye operation. During his stay in Paris, he visited the studio of Juan Luna, the home of Pardo de Tavera and Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo. They had long hours of discussions on the many problems of art and learned techniques of his own. He helped Luna by posing as a model in several paintings like “The Death of Cleopatra” where he posed as the Egyptian priest. In another of Luna’s great paintings, “The Blood Compact”, he posed as Sikatuna with Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera taking the role of Legazpi. His limited allowance and his desire to learn more about eye ailments prompted him to go to Germany, where the cost of living was cheaper than in Paris. On February 3, 1886, he reached Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old university. He worked at the university Eye Hospital under the direction and supervision of Dr. Otto Becker a distinguished renowned German ophthalmologist. He attended the lectures of Doctor Becker and Prof. Wilhelm Kuehne at the University. During weekends, Rizal visited scenic spots around Heidelberg, the famous Heidelberg Castle, the romantic Neckar River, the old churches. He noticed that the German Catholics and Protestants practiced ecumenism for they lived together in harmony and cordiality. Half of the town churches was used by Catholics and other by the Protestants. During his stay in Heidelberg he lived with a Protestant pastor Dr. Karl Ullmen, who became his good friend. The two had many friendly conversations on the merits of Catholicism and Protestantism. Rizal, a Mason by this time, ably defended Catholicism. In the Spring of 1886, Rizal was fascinated by the blooming flowers along the banks of the Neckar River. Among them was his favorite flower - the light blue “forget me not”. “A Las Flores de Heidelberg. “To The Flowers of Heidelberg” (22 April 1886) was written during his stay in the city of Heidelberg, Germany. He was inspired by the pretty flowers strewn along the banks of the Neckar River. In this poem, he revealed by his longings for his native land. Rizal sent his message of love and faith in the Philippines. With the letter, he sent the book which he mentioned and was entitled ARITHMETICA (Arithmetic) in our language Spanish and Tagalog by University of Santo Tomas press in 1868 authored by Rufino Baltazar Hernandez, a native of Sta. Cruz Laguna. Blumentritt was impressed of Rizal's letter and he reciprocated by sending Rizal two books as a gift. This marked the beginning of their correspondence, also their friendships that lasted all their lives. Blumentritt became the best friend of Rizal. Rizal was fortunate to see the fifth century celebration of the University of Heidelberg on August 6, 1886. It was three days before his departure, and he was sad because he had come to love the beautiful city and its hospitable people, which he lamented; if he will be able to return to this place again. On June 19, 1887, in Geneva, Switzerland, Rizal celebrated his 26th birthday. After two weeks, then he toured tour the Italy. He visited the famous cities of Venice, Turin, Milan, Florence, and Rome. In Rome, it was regarded as an "Eternal City" and the "City of Ceasars". The Vatican is the "Seat of Authority of the Roman Catholic Church" and regarded as "City of Popes". Rizal stayed in Rome for one almost one week and heads back home. Noli Me Tangere and the First Homecoming The Novel: Noli Me Tangere - It was Rizal’s first novel. He was 26 at its publication. - Rizal propose the book Noli Me Tangere to the members of the Circulo Hispano Filipino. - This book deal on the socio-cultural and political aspects of life in the Philippines. - He joined the Brotherhood of Masons for more mature contacts and enlightenment to complete the book. - He managed to finish the first half in Madrid. - He continued writing in Paris where he was inspired through the immortal declaration of the rights of man, that had been passed and being implemented. - Finished writing in Germany where scientific research and philosophy were free from the church and state control. - Printed in BERLIN because Rizal was short of funds (Berlin was the cheapest living country at that time) - He was charged P300.00 for 2,000 copies. - Maximo Viola, offered to pay the amount and the book was finally released in MARCH 1887. Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase that Rizal took from the Bible, meaning “Touch me not” - The Social Cancer as the alternative English Title - Is a Spanish language novel written that is credited with the awakening of nationalism among Filipinos of Rizal’s time. - It lampooned (criticize), caricatured (exaggerated representation) and exposed various elements in the Spanish colonial society. Summary of Noli Me Tangere - Father Damaso wanted Maria Clara to marry a peninsular named Linares who just arrived from Spain. - The novel created so much controversy that only a few days after his arrival, Governor General Emilio Terrero summoned him to the Malacañang Palace and told him of the charges saying Noli Me was full of subversive ideas. Characters of Noli Me Tangere 1. Crisostomo Ibarra - also known as Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin, a Filipino who studied 7 years in Europe - love interest of Maria Clara - son of the deceased Don Rafael Ibarra - Crisostomo changes his surname from Eibarramendia to Ibarra, from his ancestor’s surname - the main character in the novel manifesting Filipino who acquired European idea through his education in Europe 2. Elias - Ibarra’s mysterious friend, a master boater, also a fugitive (a person who has escaped from hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution) - “The Pilot” - he wants to revolutionize his country - in the past, Ibarra’s grandfather condemned his grandfather of burning a warehouse making Elias the fugitive - Represents the Filipino masses who suffered from Spanish brutalities and abuse due to their powerlessness in the novel and in real Philippine social situation of the time 3. Maria Clara - Maria Clara de los Santos, Ibarra’s sweetheart - The illegitimate (indi kasado) daughter of Father Damaso and Pia Alba - She mirrored the Filipina women of religious upbringing and orientation, and through her love to Ibarra 4. Father Damaso - Damaso Verdoglas, Franciscan friar and Maria Clara’s biological father. - antagonist in character and represents the un-Christian works of the Catholic friars who are in the church 5. Sisa - Mother of Basilio and Crispin, who became insane after losing her sons - Represents a sad plight (situation) of the Filipino mothers losing her two sons 6. Kaptain Tiago - Don Santiago de los Santos, unbiological father of maria clara - lives in Binondo; an illegal opium trader who subsequently was a landlord - represents a different view in religion and thus, more of a businessman who used his money to work him even in religious life and obligations 7. Pilosopong Tasyo - Don Anastacio, pessimistic, cynic (mapang-asar) and mad by his neighbors - portrays the role of a philosopher who was completely misunderstood in many aspects, he argues with the belief of the Catholic Church and social changes and concerns in the novel 8. Doña Victorina - Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña, woman who passes herself off as a “Peninsulares” - wife of Don Tiburcio de Espadaña - trying hard woman who abhors(kinamumuhian) anything that is Filipino and clings to Spanish way of life 9. Pedro - abusive husband of Sisa who loves cockfighting 10. Don Rafael Ibarra - father of Crisostomo Ibarra - heretic and rebel due to his view on liberalism in society 11. The School Master - a teacher in San Diego who’s view in the novel represented the weak and useless education in the Philippines. 12. Tandang Pablo - the Leader of the rebels, whose family was destroyed because of the Spaniards. 13. Basilio - elder son of Sisa; ring the bells for the Angelus 14. Crispin - younger son of Sisa; altar boy who died from punishment of the Guardia civil from the false accusation of stealing an amount of money 15. Padre Sibyla - Hernando de la Sibyla, Filipino friar - described as short and has fair skin; curate of Binondo 16. Padre Salvi - Bernardo Salví, a secret admirer of María Clara - a serious man and committed Spanish friar who takes over Father Damaso’s post in San Diego as the town priest 17. The Alferez - Dona Consolacion’s husband - Chief of the Guardia Civil; mortal enemy of the priests for power in San Diego 18. Don Tiburcio - came to the Philippines as a customs office, but was dismissed upon his arrival - Spanish husband of Doña Victorina who was limp and submissive to his wife; he also pretended to be a doctor 19. Doña Consolación - An older Filipina woman married to the ensign. - A brutal vulgar partner who berates the ensign, engaging him in intense physical fights heard across the town - Wife of the Alferez, another woman who passed herself as a Peninsular; best remembered for her abusive treatment of Sisa 20. Captain-General (no specific name) - The most powerful official in the Philippines - A hater of secular priests and corrupt officials - A friend of Ibarra. The First Homecoming - After five years of traveling and studying abroad, he decided to return to Calamba. His reasons for coming back includes: 1. operating on his mother’s eyes, 2. helping his family and fellow Filipinos, 3. assessing the impact of his writings, particularly “Noli Me Tangere,” and 4. finding out why his love interest, Leonora Rivera, had been silent during his time in Rome. - June 29, 1887, Rizal wrote to his father about arriving between August 15 and 30. - He boarded the French steamer ship Djemnah on July 3, 1887, the same ship that had taken him to Europe. - Rizal was the only Filipino among passengers (Englishmen, Chinese, German, Frenchmen, Japanese) who could speak many languages, so he had a good time acting as interpreter for his companions. He also got along well with the other passengers by playing chess. Reaching Saigon, he transferred to another steamer Haiphong which was bound for Manila on August 2, 1887. He reached Manila on August 6, and was welcomed heartily by his parents, relatives and friends. He found Manila the same as when he left it 5 years ago. He stayed in the city for a short time to visit his friends. He returned to Calamba on August 8. In Calamba, Rizal opened a medical clinic, treating his mother as his first patient. Although he could not operate on her eyes, he earned the nickname “Doctor Uliman” due to his studies in Germany, and offered reasonable fees, sometimes even free care for the needy. He also established a gymnasium to promote European sports and discourage gambling activities among the youth. Trouble in Noli Me Tangere Recognizing the potential danger Rizal faced from the powerful friars, Terrero assigned Don Jose Taviel de Andrade, a cultured Spanish lieutenant, as Rizal’s bodyguard. After reading the novel and finding no issues with it, Terrero nonetheless decided to ban “Noli Me Tangere” based on reports from the Commission of Censorship. Ironically, this ban only increased the novel’s popularity, leading many people to read it secretly at night. The Attacks of Noli Me Tangere - Salvador Fort printed 8 copies of the Commission’s report & Fr. Jose Rodriguez printed 8 pamphlets under the general heading “Questions of Supreme Interest”. Many Filipinos were forced to buy but they did not believe these Anti-Rizal pamphlets. - The Noli Me Tangere was also attacked in the senate of the Spanish Cortes - Was also attacked by the Spanish academician, Vicente Barrantes, who was once a ranking official of the Philippines. - Sen. Fernando Vida, Deputy Luis m. de Pando and Prime Minister Praxedes Mateo Sagasta, unjustly lambasted and criticized Rizal in the two chambers of the Spanish cortes in 1888 and 1889 in Madrid. - Anonymous letter was the first attack from the Philippines signed by a friar. - The attack of noli me consisted of four parts: 1. Attacks on the religion of the state 2. Attacks on the administration, the government employees and the courts 3. Attack on the Civil Guards 4. Attacks on the territorial integrity of the Spanish Kingdom Fr. Salvador Fort - An Augustinian that submitted a report on December 29, 1829 recommending prohibition of the importation, reproduction and circulation of the books in the Philippines. Fr. Jose Rodriguez - Attacked Noli by issuing a series of pamphlets under the title “Cuestiones de Sumo Interes” - La Vision del Fray Rodriguez, Rizal’s reply to the attacks of Father Jose Rodriguez. Por Telefono - A satirical pamphlet, where St. Augustine was made by Rizal to appear to Father Rodriguez while the latter was in deep slumber and scolded him for becoming a butt of all jokes to all angels in heaven by his foolish articles. DEFENDERS OF NOLI ME TANGERE 1. Rev. Father Vicente Garcia - a Filipino Catholic priest-scholar; a theologian of the Manila Cathedral and the Tagalog translator of the famous ‘Imitation of Christ’ by Kempis wrote a defense of the Noli Me Tangere under the penname “Justo Desiderio Magalang”. This was published in Singapore as an appendix to a pamphlet dated July 18, 1888. - He blasted the attacks and arguments of Fr. Rodriguez with the following counter- argument: 1. Rizal cannot be an ignorant man as Fr. Rodriguez alleged because he was a graduate of Spanish universities and was a recipient of scholastic honors. 2. Rizal does not attack the Church and the Spain because Rizal attacked in the Noli Me were the bad Spanish officials and not Spain, and the bad corrupts friars and not the church. While Rizal was in Calamba, his help was sought by the folks for their grievances against the hacienda management and they were calling for the central government to impose certain reforms. After a thorough study of the conditions, Rizal wrote down the findings and submitted to the governor general for action. This report further heightened the anger of the friars and they pressured governor general Terrero to deport Rizal but he refused because there is no valid charge against Rizal in court. Terrero advised Rizal to leave the Philippines for his own good and to escape the fury of the friars. Rizal wrote the poem dedicated to the industrious folks of Lipa entitled, “Hym to Labor (Himno Al Trabajo)”. He finished it and sent to Lipa before his departure from Calamba.