Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad PDF

RIZAL’S LIFE: HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFE ABROAD 1. Introduction This chapter deals with an analysis and evaluation of Jose Rizal's life: his quest for higher education and struggles and challenges in his life abroad. He was not only busy academically but he spent much of his time in...

RIZAL’S LIFE: HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFE ABROAD 1. Introduction This chapter deals with an analysis and evaluation of Jose Rizal's life: his quest for higher education and struggles and challenges in his life abroad. He was not only busy academically but he spent much of his time in self-improvement via self- education. In his spare time he also learned sculpture, painting, languages and kept up with the latest research in philosophy and science. It will also examine the contributions of Rizal as the leader of the Propaganda Movement, an unwavering campaign for political and social freedoms that awakened the Filipino people from the abuses of the Spanish colonizers. In this module, students are initiated to a reflective study about the aspects of Rizal’s life, a genius with many talents and most importantly his good traits and virtues that are worthy to be emulated. 2. Learning Outcomes At the end of this module, the students should be able to: a. Analyze and evaluate the important events in the life of Rizal abroad; b. Reflect on the importance of higher education to the life of Jose Rizal; c. Explain the principles of assimilation advocated by the Propaganda Movement; d. Appraise Rizal’s relationship with other propagandists; and e. Examine Rizal’s growth as a propagandist and disavowal of assimilation. 3. Learning Content Now, let us discuss important ideas and information regarding Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad.  2 TOPIC 1 - A STUDENT AT THE ATENEO (1872-1877) Introduction: 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 is a 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, its name was changed to Ateneo Municipal by the Jesuits and later became the Ateneo de Manila. RIZAL ENTERS ATENEO June 10, 1872 – Jose, accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila to take the entrance examinations on Christian Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at the 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 Ferrando, 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). Upon the intercession of Manuel Xerez Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos, he was admitted at Ateneo. Jose adopted the surname Rizal at the Ateneo because their family name Mercado had come under suspicion of the Spanish authorities. Ateneo was located in Intramuros, within the walls of Manila. He boarded in a house on Caraballo Street, 25- minute walk from the college. The boarding house was owned by Titay, who owed Rizal family P300. Jose boarded there to collect part of the debt. JESUIT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION Jesuits trained the character of the student by rigid discipline, humanities and religious instruction. They heard Mass early 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 the Carthaginian Empire - composed of the externos (non-boarders) with blue banners. Each of these empires has its rank. Students fought for positions: 1st best: emperor; 2nd best: tribune; 3rd best: decurion; 4th best: centurion; and 5th best: standard-bearer. With 3 mistakes, opponent could lose his position. 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.  3 RIZAL’S FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873) Rizal‘s first professor in Ateneo was Fr. Jose Bech. Rizal was placed at the bottom of the class since he was a newcomer and knows little Spanish. He was an externo (Carthaginian), occupying the end of the line. But at the end of the month, he becomes emperor´ of his Empire. He was the brightest pupil in the whole class, and he was awarded a prize, a religious picture. Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College during noon recesses to improve his Spanish language paying three pesos for those extra lessons. He placed second at the end of the year, although all his grades were still marked ‘Excellent.’ SUMMER VACATION (1873) Rizal didn’t enjoy his summer because his mother was in prison so Neneng (Saturnina) brought him to Tanawan. But without telling his father, he went to Santa Cruz to visit her mother in prison. He told her of his brilliant grades. After summer, he returned to Manila and now boarded inside Intramuros. Doña Pepay was his landlady. 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 first favorite novel of Rizal was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. His boyish imagination was stirred by the sufferings of Edmond Dantes (the hero) in prison, his spectacular escape from the dungeon of Chateau d’If, his finding a buried treasure in the rocky island of Monte Cristo, and his dramatic revenge on his enemies who had wronged him. Rizal also read non-fiction. He persuaded his father to buy a costly set of Cesar Cantu‘s historical work entitled Universal History. He also read Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor Jagor, a German scientist-traveler who visited Philippines in 1859-60. He was impressed by Jagor‘s keen observations of the defects of Spanish colonization and his prophecy that someday Spain would lose the Philippines and that America would come to succeed her as colonizer. THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1875-76) June 16, 1875 - He became an interno in Ateneo. Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, Rizal’s best professor in Ateneo, 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. FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-77) March 23, 1877 – Rizal, 16 years old, received from his Alma Mater, Ateneo  4 Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors. Rizal was the highest in all subjects and won five medals at the end of the school term. He excelled in all his subjects and was the most brilliant Atenean, he was truly “the pride of the Jesuits” EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN ATENEO He was an active member, later secretary, of Marian Congregation - a religious society. He was accepted because of his academic brilliance and devotion to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the college patroness. He is also a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences. He studied painting under Agustin Saez, a famous painter, and sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus. He continued his physical training under his sports-minded Tio Manuel. SCULPTURAL WORKS IN ATENEO He carved an image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwood) with his pocketknife. The Jesuits fathers were amazed. Father Lleonart requested him to carve for him an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He intended to take the image with him in Spain but forgot to do so. So, the Ateneo boarders placed it on the door of their dormitory. It plays a significant part in Rizal’s last hours at Fort Santiago. POEMS WRITTEN IN ATENEO Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) – first written poem of Rizal, which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday. He wrote it when he was 14 years old. Other poems include El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to Magellan’s Fleet). y Es Español: Elcano, el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo (And He is Spanish: Elcano, the Fist to Circumnavigate the World). El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo). In 1876, he wrote poems on religion, education, memories and war (e.g. In Memory of my Town). Rizal’s Poems on Education Through Education Our Motherland Receives Light – education’s role in the progress and welfare of a nation. The Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education – showed that education without God is not true education Rizal’s Poems on Religion Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus) – written when he was 14 years old, expressing his Catholic faith devotion. A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary)  5 MOTHER’S OPPOSITION TO HIGHER EDUCATION Both Don Francisco and Paciano wanted Jose to pursue higher learning in the university. But Doña Teodora who is a woman of education and culture objected to Rizal’s desire for university education. She knew what happened to the Gomburza, and told her husband, “Don’t send him to Manila again, he knows enough. If he gets to know more the Spaniards will cut off his head.” TOPIC 2 - THE UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS (1877- 1882) RIZAL ENTERS THE UNIVERSITY Rizal took the course on Philosophy and Letters. Two reasons why Rizal enrolled in this course: (1) his father like it; and (2) he was still uncertain as to what career to pursue. RIZAL TOOK UP THE MEDICAL COURSE Two reasons: (1) He received the advice of Father Pablo Ramon, Ateneo’s Rector, to study medicine; and (2) to be able to cure his mother’s growing blindness. FINISHES SURVEYING COURSE IN ATENEO 1877-1878 – Rizal took the vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor (expert surveyor). He passed the final examination in the surveying course on November 25, 1881. He remained loyal to Ateneo. He excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in Ateneo. He obtained gold medals in agriculture and topography LITERARY WORKS (1879) Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic Literary Lyceum) of Manila, a society of literary men and artists, held a literary contest. 1. A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) – a poem written by Rizal, it was the first prize winner. Two reasons why Rizal’s poem is a classic in the Philippine literature: (1) It was the first great poem in Spanish written by the Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary authorities; (2) It expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipino, and not the foreigners, was the fair hope of the fatherland. 2. El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods) – an allegorical drama written by Rizal which for the literary contest of Artistic Literary Lyceum in 1880 to commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of Cervantes. It was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics. The prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was engraved the bust (figure) of Cervantes. 3. Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig) – a zarzuela written by Rizal. It was staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880, on the occasion of the annual celebration of  6 the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo. CHAMPION OF THE FILIPINO STUDENTS Rizal was the champion of the Filipino students. In 1880. Rizal founded a secret society of Filipino students called Compañerismo (Comradeship). He became the chief of the secret student society. UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST Rizal found the atmosphere at the University of Santo Tomas suffocating to his sensitive spirit. 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 by the Spaniards (3) the method of instruction was obsolete and repressive TOPIC 3 - IN SPAIN (1882-1885) After finishing the fourth year of the medical course in the University of Santo Tomas, Rizal decided to complete his studies in Spain. Secret Mission in Spain: To observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs, industries and commerce, and governments and laws of the European nations in order to prepare himself in the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny. RIZAL IN BARCELONA May 3, 1882 – Rizal departed on board the Spanish steamer Salvadora bound for Singapore. Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by the Spanish authorities and the friars June 16, 1882 – Rizal finally reached his destination – Barcelona. ARTICLES WRITTEN BY RIZAL Amor Patrio (Love of Country) – a nationalistic essay written by Rizal under his pen name Laong Laan which urged his compatriots to love their fatherland, the Philippines. It was his first article written on Spanish soil. The Spanish text was originally written by Rizal while the Tagalog text was a translation made by Marcelo H. del Pilar. He sent this article to his friend in Manila, Basilio Teodoro Moran – publisher of Diariong Tagalog.  7 Diariong Tagalog was the first Manila bilingual newspaper (Spanish and Tagalog). Other articles which Rizal sent: (1) Los Viajes (Travels); (2) Revista de Madrid (Review of Madrid) – returned to him because the Diariong Tagalog had ceased publication for lack of funds. RIZAL IN MADRID November 3, 1882 – Rizal enrolled in Universidad Central de Madrid in two courses: Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. Rizal led a Spartan life in Madrid. He also studied in painting and sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts and took lessons in French, German and English. CIRCULO HISPANO-FILIPINO (HISPANO-PHILIPPINE CIRCLE) Shortly after his arrival, Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino (Hispano- Philippine Circle), a society of Spaniards and Filipinos. They Ask Me For Verses” (Mi Piden Versos) – a poem written by Rizal in response to the request of the members of the society. It is a sad poem in which Rizal poured out the cry of his agonizing heart. RIZAL AS LOVER OF BOOKS Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Eugene Sue’s The Wandering Jew – aroused the sympathy of Rizal to his oppressed and unfortunate people. RIZAL AS A MASON March 1883 – Rizal joined the Masonic Lodge Acacia in Madrid under his Masonic name Dimas Alang (or Dimasalang). Rizal’s reasons of becoming a mason: (1) the bad friars in the Philippines, by their abuses unworthy of their priestly habit or calling, drove Rizal to desperation and Masonry; (2) he needed the help of the Masons to fight the bad friars in the Philippines, for Masonry, to Rizal, was a shield to use in his fight against the evil forces of tyranny. RIZAL IN PARIS, CAPITAL CITY OF FRANCE June 17, 1883 – Rizal sojourned in Paris. He stayed at a cheaper hotel on 124 Rue de Rennes in the Latin Quarter. Like all tourists, Rizal was attracted by the beautiful sights of Paris. He visited important landmarks like the Place de la Concorde, Arch of Triumph, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and others. Rizal improved his mind by observing closely the French way of life. He spent his hours in museums, botanical garden and art galleries. According to Rizal, “Paris is the costliest capital in Europe.” Prices of food, drinks, theatre, laundry, hotels and transportation were too high.  8 Two hospitals where Rizal made some observations: Laennec Hospital – where Rizal observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients Lariboisiere Hospital – where Rizal observed the examination of different diseases of women. August 20, 1883 – he returned to Madrid and continued with his studies. RIZAL’S SALUTE TO LUNA AND HIDALGO In the evening of June 25, 1884, a banquet was sponsored by the Filipino community to celebrate the double victory of the Filipino artist in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid– Luna’s Spoliarium winning the first prize and Hidalgo’s Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace second prize. Rizal was the guest speaker. It was a magnificent speech of Rizal, he saluted Luna and Hidalgo being the two glories of Spain and the Philippines. He also assailed with refined sarcasm the bigotry and blindness of certain unworthy Spaniards who could not comprehend the universality of a genius. STUDIES COMPLETED IN SPAIN June 21, 1884 – Rizal was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine. He was not awarded his Doctor’s diploma due to the fact that he did not present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees. June 19, 1885 – Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters with the rating of “Excellent” (Sobresaliente). TOPIC 4 - CONTINUED STAY IN EUROPE (1885-1887) Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in ophthalmology. He travelled and observed European life and customs in Paris, Heidelberg, Leipzig, and Berlin. PARIS (1885-1886) He was 24 years old and already a physician, he went to Paris to obtain knowledge in ophthalmology. In November 1885, he worked for four months as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert, a leading French ophthalmologist. Outside of his working hours, he also found time to relax and be with his good friends like the Pardo de Taveras, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. At the studio of Juan Luna, he improved his painting technique. He became a model to Juan  9 Luna’s several paintings. In the home of the Pardo de Tavera, Rizal played the flute, and he admitted that he had no natural aptitude for music. GERMANY In Heidelberg In February 1886, Rizal left Paris and went to Germany. He arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old university and romantic surroundings. He lived near the University of Heidelberg and worked as an assistant to Dr. Otto Becker at the University Eye Hospital. Outside his apprenticing hours, he also listened to lectures delivered by Dr. Becker and Prof. Wilhelm Kuehne. Rizal devoted his free time visiting Heidelberg Castle, Neckar River, the theatre and some old churches found in the city. The Neckar River and the beautiful spring flowers blooming along its banks reminded him of how dearly he missed Calamba. April 22, 1886, Rizal wrote a touching poem entitled A Las Flores de Heidelberg (To the Flowers of Heidelberg). In Wilhelmsfeld A mountainous village near Heidelberg where Rizal spent his summer vacation. Rizal lived with the family of Pastor Karl Ullmer, a Protestant pastor who became his good friend and admirer. The pleasant personality and talents in languages and sketching endeared him to the Ullmer’s family. For three months he enjoyed the hospitality and kindness of the family. On June 25, 1886, he returned to Heidelberg. FIRST LETTER TO BLUMENTRITT July 31, 1886 Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria. Rizal wrote to him after learning that this ethnologist was interested in the Tagalog language. He sent him a book entitled Aritmetica, published in 2 languages (Spanish and Tagalog) by UST Press in 1868. The author was Rufino Baltazar Hernandez, a native of Santa Cruz, Laguna. Ferdinand reciprocated the thoughtful gesture of Rizal by sending him two books. The exchange marked the beginning of their long and beautiful friendship. IN LEIPZIG In August 1886, Rizal arrived in Leipzig. He stayed here for two months doing a lot of writing and translating. He very much liked what he saw, the magnificent buildings,  10 wide and clean streets and amiable people. William Tell – written by Schiller, Rizal translated it from German into Tagalog so that Filipino might know the story of the champion of Swiss independence. Hans Andersen’s fairy tales – Rizal also translated this in Tagalog for his nephews and nieces. Because of his knowledge of German, Spanish, and other European languages, Rizal worked as proofreader in a publishing firm. He attended some lectures on history and psychology at the University of Leipzig and met Professor Friedrich Ratzel, a famous German historian and Dr. Hans Meyer, a German anthropologist. They had become his friends. IN BERLIN In November 1886, Rizal arrived in Berlin. He was enchanted by this city because of its scientific atmosphere and the absence of racial prejudice. Dr. Feodor Jagor – Rizal met for the first time this celebrated German scientist- traveler and author of ‘Travels in the Philippines,’ a book which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila. Dr. Rudolf Virchow – a famous German anthropologist. Dr. Jagor introduced Rizal to Dr. Virchow. Dr. Karl Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905) – famous German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnological Society, and the Geographical Society of Berlin, upon the recommendation of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer. Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art) – Rizal wrote this scholarly paper in German which he read before the society in April 1887. This paper was published by the society in the same year and elicited favorable comments from all scientific quarters. GERMAN WOMEN AND THEIR CUSTOMS Rizal wrote a letter addressed to his sister, Trinidad. He said that a German woman is ‘serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome like the Spanish woman.’ Aside from women, Rizal admired the German customs. The Christmas custom of the German delighted him most. Another interesting German custom observed by Rizal is self-introduction to strangers in a social gathering.  11 NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887) March 21, 1887 - the Noli Me Tangere came off the press. The title Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase which means “touch me not.” Noli Me Tangere are words taken from the Gospel of St. John (Chapter 20 Verses 13 to 17). Rizal dedicated his Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines “To My Fatherland”. It contains 63 chapters and an epilogue. Maximo Viola, the savior of Noli, lent him the needed funds to publish the novel. GRAND TOUR FROM GERMANY TO ITALY May 11, 1887 – Rizal and Viola left Berlin by train going to Dresden, one of the best cities in Germany. May 13-16, 1887 – Rizal and Viola went to Leitmeritz, Bohemia to visit Professor Blumentritt – a kind-hearted, old Austrian professor who became a dear friend of Rizal. With Prof. Blumentritt as their guide, Rizal and Viola visited the churches, the residence of the Bishop and other important buildings of the city. May 20-30, 1887 – They visited other cities in Europe like, Prague, Vienna – the "Queen of Danube," Lintz, Rheinfall, Munich and Nuremberg. They visited museums, magnificent buildings, cathedrals and beautiful sights. June 2 to 3, 1887 – stayed at Schaffhausen, Switzerland. GENEVA – this Swiss city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, visited by world tourists every year. June 19, 1887 – Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. It was his 26th birthday. Rizal and Viola spent fifteen delightful days in Geneva. June 23, 1887 – Viola and Rizal parted ways—Viola returned to Barcelona while Rizal continued the tour to Italy. June 27, 1887 – Rizal reached Rome, the “Eternal City” and also called the “City of the Caesars.” After a week of wonderful sojourn in Rome, Rizal prepared to return to the Philippines.  12 TOPIC 5 - FIRST RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES (1887-1888) TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES The stunning beauty of the European lands did not stop Rizal from continuously adoring his native land. After the Noli Me Tangere was published, he decided to return to Calamba despite the many warning he received from friends and relatives alike. He had four reasons for returning to the Philippines: 1. To perform an operation on Doña Teodora’s eyes; 2. To defend his oppressed countrymen more effectively than doing so in a foreign land; 3. To find out how his Noli was received by the Filipinos and Spaniards; and 4. To know the reason for Leonor Rivera’s long silence. July 3, 1887 – Rizal left Marseilles (France), it was his first return to the Philippines after leaving it to study in Spain five years ago. August 6, 1887 – he arrived in Manila and visited some friends. AT HIS HOMETOWN August 8, 1887, he reached Calamba. He opened a medical clinic and restored his mother’s vision. Such “miraculous” news spread throughout the community like wild fire, thus, his clinic was flocked by people aspiring for a better eyesight. Newly arrived from Germany, he began to be known as “Doctor Uliman” (from the word Aleman, Tagalog word for German) and soon he acquired a lucrative medical practice. He earned $900 from his services as physician. Rizal opened a gymnasium for young folks, where he introduced European sports to discourage his townmates from idleness and gambling. He also took part in Calamba’s civic affairs and on his spare time made paintings of the town’s landscapes and translated the German poems of Von Wildernath into Tagalog. His happy days at Calamba was marred with the death of his older sister, Olimpia and failure to see Leonor Rivera. His family begged him not to see her at her hometown in Camiling because of increasing concerns about his safety. Also, Leonor’s mother objected to their relationship. THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NOLI Copies of the Noli Me Tangere had arrived at the Philippines weeks before Rizal’s return to the Philippines. Some of copies of his book fell into the hands of the Spaniards especially the friars. They found the novel “heretical, impious, and scandalous in the religious 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.”  13 The controversy over the novel had reached the office of Governor General Emilio Terrero. He requested Rizal to come to Malacañang Palace. Rizal met Gov. Gen. Emilio Terrero who informed him of the charges against him. As a defense, Rizal told Terrero that the Noli only exposed reality. Not having read the book yet and out of curiosity, the governor general asked for a copy of the controversial novel, which he later confessed that he enjoyed reading. He saw no problem on the book, yet to protect Rizal’s life which was then in danger, he assigned Jose Taviel de Andrade, a young Spanish lieutenant, as Rizal’s personal bodyguard. The friars asked Gov. Gen. Terrero to deport him, but the latter refused because there was no valid charge against Rizal in court. While still in Calamba, Rizal was seen as a troublemaker. There are groundless tales circulated by his enemies that he was “a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, a Protestant, a Mason, a witch, a soul beyond salvation, etc.” Realizing that his family’s and friend’s safety were risked, and that his fight against the Spaniards have better chance of winning if he’d stay abroad, Rizal, six months after, finally decided to sail back to Europe. His plan was to return to Europe via Hong Kong, Macao, Japan and the United States. TOPIC 6 - TRAVELS IN ASIA (HONG KONG, MACAU AND JAPAN) AND THE U.S. FIRST TRIP TO HONG KONG AND MACAU On February 3, 1888, with a heavy heart, Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong. His powerful enemies refused to give him peace and quiet. Anonymous letters with threats on his life were sent to his parents’ house in Calamba. On February 8, 1888, Rizal arrived in Hong Kong and he was welcomed by Filipino residents. Jose Sainz de Varranda, Terrero’s former secretary, followed Rizal in the said British colony, and was believed to be commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on the hero. While in Hong Kong, Rizal engaged in cultural activities. Among the experiences he observed were: 1. The Chinese way of celebrating their New Year, which included making noise and exploding firecrackers to drive away evil spirits; 2. Chinese lauriat parties, where they served many different types of dishes; 3. Chinese theatres which used symbolisms and noisy music to entertain an equally noisy audience; 4. He also managed to visit different churches and cemeteries that were owned by Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims. On February 18-21, 1888, Rizal also visited Macau, a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. He was invited to stay at the residence of Don Juan Francisco Lecaros,  14 who was a former Filipino delegate to the Spanish Cortes. For two days, Rizal enjoyed being a tourist and visited different cultural places which included churches, botanical gardens, theaters and the Macao Casino. February 22, 1888 – Rizal left Hong Kong, his destination was Japan. IN JAPAN February 28, 1888 – Rizal arrived in Yokohama, the next day he went to Tokyo and stayed at Tokyo Hotel for six days. Shortly after his arrival, Juan Perez Caballero, Secretary of the Spanish Legation, visited Rizal at his hotel who latter invited him to live at the Spanish Legation. Rizal being an intelligent man, realized that the Spanish diplomatic authorities were instructed from Manila to keep track of his activities. Since it was economical to stay at the legation and he believed that he had nothing to hide, he accepted it. March 7, 1888 – Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish Legation. Rizal was impressed by the scenic Japan and had keenly observed the life, customs, and culture of the people. The things which favourably impressed Rizal in Japan were: (1) the beauty of the country; (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; and (5) beggars were rarely seen in the city, streets, unlike in Manila and other cities. The only thing that he disliked was the rickshaw, a popular mode of transportation in Japan. April 13, 1888, Rizal left Japan and boarded the Belgic, bound for the United States. RIZAL’S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES (April-May 1888) April 28, 1888 – Rizal arrived in San Francisco, California. The ship was held under quarantine by the American health authorities, reasoning that there was a cholera epidemic in the Far East where their ship come from. Rizal and other first-class passengers of the ship were released from quarantine and allowed to land after seven days. On May 4, 1888, Rizal arrived in San Francisco and registered at the Palace Hotel and stayed for two days. On May 6, 1888, he was in Oakland, he boarded the train for his grand transcontinental trip to the American continent. He was able to see places such as Sacramento, Reno, (Nevada), Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany and on May 13 he reached New York. He stayed in this city for three days, he visited the scenic and historic places.  15 RIZAL’S IMPRESSIONS OF AMERICA Good impressions: a) the material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms, flourishing industries and busy factories; b) the drive and energy of the American people; c) the natural beauty of the land; d) the high standard of living; and e) the opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants. Bad impression: the lack of racial equality; “America is the land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites.” May 16, 1888 - Rizal left New York for Liverpool, England. TOPIC 7 - REFORMIST WORKS IN EUROPE (1889-1981) IN LONDON May 25, 1888 to mid-March 1889 – Rizal decided to stay in London because he could improve his English, study and do an annotation of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas and perceived it was a place for him to carry on the reforms he wanted for the Philippines. ANNOTATING MORGA’S BOOK May 1888 - March 1889 – He spent ten (10) months in the reading room of the British Museum deeply immersed in his historical studies in London. This was the greatest achievement of Rizal in London, the annotating of Morga’s book, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Historical Events of the Philippine Islands), which was published in Mexico in 1609. RIZAL AND THE LA SOLIDARIDAD December 31, 1888 – inauguration of Asociacion La Solidaridad (Solidaridad Association), a patriotic society. They crusade for reforms in the Philippine Government. By unanimous vote of all members, Rizal was chosen honorary president. This was a recognition of his leadership among all Filipino patriots in Europe.  16 February 15, 1889 – Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad in Barcelona, a fortnightly periodical which served as the organ of the Propaganda Movement. Its aims were as follows: to work peacefully for political and social reforms; to portray the deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may remedy them; to oppose the evil forces of reaction and medievalism; to advocate liberal ideas and progress; to champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people to life, democracy and happiness. During his stay in London, Rizal also made use of his time in writing essays and articles for La Solidaridad. He also wrote La Vision del Fray Rodriguez (The Vision of Fray Rodriguez), a pamphlet which was published in Barcelona under his nom-de- plume Dimas Alang in order to defend his novel. In London, Rizal received both good news and bad news from news. The good news that Rev. Vicente Garcia was defending his Noli from the attacks of the friars. On the other hand, the bad news were that the Filipino signatories of the “Petition of 1888” and the tenants of the Calamba agrarian trouble were facing persecution; that his brothers-in-law Manuel T. Hidalgo and Mariano Herbosa, were exiled to Bohol and was denied Christian burial, respectively; and his friend, Laureano Viado, a UST medical student, was imprisoned for possessing some copies of his Noli. IN PARIS It was mid-March 1899, Rizal decided to move to Paris. He noticed that Parisian life was different from the life he experienced in London. It was a city bursting with merriment, exciting events, and unending social gathering. The cost of living was also very high. Rizal never lost his focus although life in Paris was gay, he continued to spend long hours at the national library in Paris. There, he went on reviewing and rewriting his historical annotations on Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. It was published on January 1890. He also wrote a satirical booklet entitled Por Telefono, in answer to Fr. Salvador Fort, a Spanish friar who hurled attacks on the Noli Me Tangere and caused its banning. He continued his study on various languages especially the French language, which he was able to perfect during his 10 months stay at the French capital city. He organized a social club called Kidlat Club, a social club which brought together young Filipinos residing in Paris. Soon, the members of the said club founded a new Filipino society – the Indios Bravos, an organization which envisioned Filipinos being recognized by Spain for being excellent in various fields of knowledge. In between his more serious activities, Rizal also had leisurely activities like  17 socializing with friends in their homes. Among those he frequently visited were the homes of the Pardo de Taveras, the Venturas, the Lunas, the Bousteads and others. Although Rizal lived a frugal life, he prepared a sumptuous Christmas dinner for some of his friends. Shortly after New Year, he visited London for the last time. IN BRUSSELS January 28, 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels. He left the extravagant and gay social life in Paris and stayed in a boarding house owned by the Jacoby sisters in Brussels. From 1889-1890, Rizal continued contributing for La Solidaridad under the pseudonyms Dimas Alang and Laong Laan. Among the 10 articles he had contributed below were some of the most famous and important articles: a) The Philippines Within a Century – article written by Rizal in which he expressed his views on the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. b) The Indolence of the Filipinos – it is an able defense of the alleged indolence of the Filipinos. c) Sobre la Nueva Ortografia de la Lengua Tagala (The New Orthography of the Tagalog Language) – In this article, he laid down the rules of the new Tagalog orthography. From Calamba, Rizal received letters telling that the agrarian trouble in the province was getting worse, and as such, he decided to go home. But instead of going home, a letter from Paciano told him that they already lost the case against the Dominicans and they were in need of a lawyer who would defend their family and the families in Calamba. Rizal wrote a letter to Ponce, he announced that he was leaving Brussels and decided to go to Madrid because this case must be presented to the Supreme Court and he needs to pay close attention to the developments of the case. MISFORTUNES IN MADRID (1890-1891) August 1890 – Rizal arrived in Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid, Rizal immediately sought help of the Filipino colony, the Asociacion Hispano-Filipina, and the liberal Spanish newspapers in securing justice for the oppressed Calamba tenants. Nothing came out of this, several newspapers were sympathetic to the plight of the Calamba tenants but this did not translate to any form of action. By this time, Francisco Rizal and other tenants were already forcibly evicted from Calamba by Gov. Gen. Valeriano Weyler. Their houses were burned and more people were exiled regardless of their gender. August 1890 – Rizal attended a social reunion of the Filipinos in Madrid. After drinking so many glasses the guests became more talkative. One of them, Antonio Luna became drunk. Rizal challenged Antonio Luna, it was about the latter’s frustration with  18 his unsuccessful “love affair” with Nellie Boustead, and so gave negative remarks on the lady which Rizal did not tolerate. The Filipinos tried to pacify them, pointing out that such a duel would damage their cause in Spain. Fortunately, Luna realized his mistakes and apologized. Rizal immediately accepted his apology and they became good friends again. Rizal challenged Wenceslao Retana to a duel. Retana insulted Rizal and his family by writing in La Epoca, an anti-Filipino newspaper, that the Rizal family in Calamba was ejected from their lands because they did not pay their rents. Rizal was, by nature neither hot-tempered but when the honor of his people, family, women or friends was besmirched, he never hesitated to fight even if he were risking his own life. Retana at once published a retraction and an apology because he knew that Rizal was superior in both pistol and sword. December 1890 – Rizal received a letter from Leonor Rivera announcing her coming marriage to Henry Kipping, an Englishman (the choice of her mother). This was a big blow for him and his heart broke. Another marked event in Madrid was the del Pilar-Rizal rivalry for leadership in the Asociacion Hispano Filipino. A faction emerged from the Filipinos in Madrid, the Rizalistas and Pilaristas. The group decided that the leader must be elected by two- thirds vote. Rizal won the election, he was offered the appointment but he did not want to see the Filipinos in Madrid divided so he thought it best to leave the city. Rizal took a vacation in the resort city of Biarritz on the fabulous French Riviera. He was a guest of the rich Boustead family at its winter residence – Villa Eliada. The one-month vacation in this city worked wonders for Rizal. This is where he was able to finish his second novel El Filibusterismo. March 30, 1891 – Rizal bade farewell to the hospitable and friendly Bousteads and proceeded to Paris by train. He stayed at the home of his friend Valentin Ventura. RETIREMENT FROM THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT April 1891, Rizal was back to Brussels where he became busy revising and polishing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo. Rizal retired from the Propaganda Movement. He notified the Propaganda authorities in Manila to cancel his monthly allowance and devote the money to some better cause, such as the education of a young Filipino student in Europe. He desired to publish his second novel, to practice his medical profession, and later when he became financially independent, he expected to make a more vigorous campaign for his country’s redemption. Simultaneously with his retirement from the Propaganda Movement, Rizal ceased writing articles for La Solidaridad. Many of his friends in Spain urged him to continue writing because his articles always attracted considerable attention in European  19 countries. M.H. Del Pilar himself realized the need for Rizal’s collaboration in both the Propaganda Movement and in the La Solidaridad newspaper because the enthusiasm for the reform crusade was declining. He wrote to Rizal begging for forgiveness for any resentment and requesting him to resume writing for the La Solidaridad. Rizal replied to Del Pilar’s letter, denying any resentment and explaining why he stopped writing. Below were the reasons why Rizal stopped writing for La Solidaridad: a) Rizal needed to work on his book; b) He wanted other Filipinos to work also; c) Rizal considered it very important to the party that there be unity in the work; and d) Del Pilar is already at the top and Rizal also had his own ideas, so it is better to leave del Pilar alone to direct the policy. THE PRINTING OF THE EL FILIBUSTERISMO July 5, 1891 – Rizal left Brussels for Ghent, a famous university city in Belgium because the cost of printing in Ghent was cheaper than in Brussels. F. Meyer-Van Loo Press – a printing shop that gave Rizal the lowest quotation for the publication of his novel. August 6, 1891 – the printing of his book had to be suspended because Rizal could no longer give the necessary funds to the publisher. Valentin Ventura – the savior of the Fili. When he learned of Rizal’s predicament he sent him the necessary funds. September 18, 1891 – El Filibusterismo came off the press. Rizal gratefully donated the original manuscript and an autographed printed copy to Valentin Ventura. TOPIC 8 - BACK IN HONGKONG October 18, 1891 – After the El Filibusterismo was published, Rizal left Europe. Aboard the ship Melbourne, he sailed to Hongkong where he lived for seven months. His reasons for venturing to Hongkong were the following: 1. To leave his rivalry with del Pilar; 2. To facilitate a Propaganda Movement in Hongkong; and 3. To be proximate to his family in the Philippines. November 20, 1891 – Rizal arrived in Hongkong and was cordially welcomed by the Filipino residents in the city, particularly, his friend Jose Ma. Basa. December 1, 1891 – Rizal wrote his parents asking their permission to return home. Rizal had a continued correspondence with his family in Calamba and had been  20 aware of the unsettled agrarian problem. On the same date, his brother-in-law, Manuel T. Hidalgo sent him a letter relating the sad news of the “deportation of twenty-five persons from Calamba, including father, Neneng, Sisa, Lucia, Paciano and the rest of us.” FAMILY REUNION IN HONG KONG The Christmas of 1891 in Hong Kong was one of the happiest Yuletide celebrations in Rizal’s life, he had a happy family reunion. While in Hongkong, Rizal practiced his medical career. With the help of his friend, Dr. Lorenzo P. Marquez, they built a large clientele and opened a medical clinic where he was recognized as an excellent eye surgeon. He was equally supported and aided both morally and financially by his family and friends with his chosen career. Another marked event during Rizal’s stay in Hongkong was his plan to move the landless Filipino to Borneo and transform the said wilderness into a “New Calamba” through the so-called Borneo Colonization Project. In April 1802, he visited Borneo and negotiated with the British authorities who are willing to provide 100,000 acres of land for the Filipinos. Many Filipino patriots found this project amusing, thus, promoted the said project. However, there were a number who objected it, one of which was Rizal’s brother-in-law, Hidalgo. Twice did Rizal wrote a letter addressed to Gov. Gen. Eulogio Despujol informing him of his Borneo colonization project, with whom he received no response. Instead, Despujol commanded the Spanish consul-general in Hongkong to notify Rizal that such project was very unpatriotic, and by immigrating Filipinos to Borneo, the Philippines will surely be lacking laborers. Despite the many oppositions from friends and relatives, he decided to return to Manila on the following reasons: 1. To discuss with Gov. Gen. Despujol his Borneo colonization project; 2. To form the La Liga Filipina in the Philippines; and 3. To prove that Eduardo de Lete’s allegations on him and his family in Calamba were wrong. Before his departure, he wrote three more letters – the first addressed to his parents and friends; the second one, to Filipinos; and the last to Gov. Gen. Eulogio Despujol. Instead of having the protection he desired, Rizal and his sister Lucia fell into the Spanish trap – a case was secretly filed against Rizal, and Despujol ordered his secretary, Luis de la Torre, to verify whether the patriot had neutralized himself as German citizen or not. And so, the siblings sailed across the China Sea without prior  21 knowledge of what awaits them in the Philippines. 4. Teaching and Learning Activities STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS: TOPIC 1 - A STUDENT AT THE ATENEO (1872-1877) 1. How was Jose Rizal able to enroll at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila? 2. Describe the physical characteristics of Rizal at that time. 3. What was the system of education given by the Jesuits? 4. Was Rizal already a perfect student when it comes to his studies? Explain your answer. TOPIC 2 - THE UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS (1877-1882) 1. Why did Rizal’s mother oppose his desire to study for a higher education? 2. What prompted Rizal to study medicine? Did he take it seriously? 3. How did Rizal show his talent in literary works? 4. Why was Rizal unhappy at UST? Explain your answer. TOPIC 3 - IN SPAIN 1. What is the secret mission of Rizal in going to Spain? Is this mission important? Justify your answer. 2. What organizations did Rizal join in Spain? 3. Identify the accomplishments of Rizal in Spain. How was he able to accomplish it? Explain your answer. 4. Did Rizal excel in and finish his studies? Justify your answer. TOPIC 4 - CONTINUED STAY IN EUROPE (1885-1887) 1. What are the places that he visited in Europe? What were his impressions about these cities and what did he learned about their culture? What did he accomplished in visiting these cities? 2. How did Rizal spend his free time in Europe? Are these other activities important? Justify your answer. 3. Make a comparison of the customs of Filipino women and German women during the time of Rizal. What have you learned? Explain your answer. TOPIC 5 - FIRST RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES (1887-1888) 1. What were the reasons of Rizal returning to the Philippines? Did he accomplish his agenda? Explain your answer. 2. What are the controversies about his novel Noli Me Tangere? Did these affect his stay in the Philippines? Justify your answer. 3. Why did he fail to see Leonor Rivera? Explain your answer. TOPIC 6 - TRAVELS IN ASIA (HONG KONG, MACAU AND JAPAN) AND THE U.S. 1. What are the places that he visited in Asia? What were his impressions about these cities and what did he learned about their culture? 2. What did he accomplish in visiting these cities?  22 TOPIC 7 - REFORMIST WORKS IN EUROPE (1889-1891) 1. What are two the greatest achievements of Rizal when he went back to Europe? Explain its importance to the lives of the Filipino people. 2. What are the goals of La Solidaridad? What are the contributions of Rizal to this organization? 3. What are the misfortunes of Rizal when he was in Madrid? How did these affect him? 4. What is the importance of the Propaganda Movement? What are the accomplishments of this movement? Was it successful? Explain your answer. 5. Explain the Rizal-Del Pilar rivalry. Do you agree with the decision of Rizal not to accept the appointment as president and retire from the Propaganda Movement? Explain your answer. 6. Was Rizal able to accomplish his secret mission in Europe? Justify your answer. TOPIC 8 - BACK IN HONGKONG 1. Explain the reasons why Rizal left Europe and went to Hong Kong? 2. What is the Borneo Colonization Project? What is the goal of this project? 3. Why did Rizal wanted to go back to the Philippines? Explain your answer. 5. Recommended Learning Materials and Resources for Supplementary Reading RIZAL AT ATENEO https://www.ateneo.edu/grade-school/news/looking-back- rizal%E2%80%99s-ateneo RIZAL AT UST http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2016/06/rizal-at- university-of-santo-tomas- 1877.html RIZAL’S TRAVEL http://www.joserizal.ph/tr01.html https://travels-of-rizal.weebly.com/blog/life-and-travels-of-jose-rizal https://thetravelingtitasofmanila.com/2017/11/17/chasing-rizal-in-madrid/ RIZAL’S WORK http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/p/works.html http://www.joserizal.ph/pm01.html https://allpoetry.com/Jose-Rizal RIZAL AS A MASON http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/p/rare-issues.html RIZAL AND THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT http://msc.edu.ph/centennial/solidaridad.html https://www.philippine-history.org/la-solidaridad.htm https://www.oocities.org/mcc_joserizal/reform_lasolidaridad.html  23 6. References Books: Ocampo, A. R. (2000). Rizal: Without the Overcoat. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing, Inc. Purino, A. P. (2008). Rizal, The Greatest Filipino Hero. Manila: Rex Book Store. Viana, A. e. (2011). Jose Rizal Social Reformer and Patriot. Manila: Rex Book Store. Zaide, G. a. (2008). Jose Rizal: Life Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and National Hero. Quezon City: All Nations Publishing Co. Inc. Electronic Sources: http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/p/rare-issues.html http://msc.edu.ph/centennial/solidaridad.html https://www.philippine-history.org/la-solidaridad.htm https://www.oocities.org/mcc_joserizal/reform_lasolidaridad.html http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2012/02/rizals-romances.html http://www.joserizal.ph: http://www.joserizal.ph/in01.html