LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL Letters with the rating of "Excellent.

"
MODULES 6-9 However, due to financial constraints, he
was unable to present his thesis and
RIZAL’S DECISION TO LEAVE OR SPAIN receive a doctoral degree.
Circumstances Leading to Departure:
 In 1882, after five years of academic and Financial Challenges:
personal struggles at UST, Rizal left the  Rizal often faced financial difficulties
Philippines for Spain to further his while studying in Spain. Despite these
education and escape the oppressive hardships, he was known for budgeting
colonial environment. His departure was his money wisely, avoiding
supported by his brother Paciano and unnecessary expenses, including vices
other close confidants, but it was kept like gambling and alcohol.
secret to avoid Spanish authorities’
suspicion. LIFE IN MADRID
Masonic Involvement:
The Journey:  In 1883, Rizal joined the Masonic
 May 3, 1882: Boarded the steamer Lodge Acacia under the name
Salvadora bound for Singapore under DimasAlang. His motivation stemmed
the name Jose Mercado. After Singapore, from his disillusionment with the Catholic
he transferred to the Djemnah, a Church in the Philippines, which he saw
French vessel that took him through as complicit in the exploitation and
Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the Suez Canal, oppression of Filipinos. Rizal used his
and finally to Marseille, France. From connections with Freemasonry to
there, he took a train to Barcelona, spread ideas of reform and liberty
Spain. among fellow Filipinos in Spain.

EDUCATION AT UNIBERSIDAD CENTRAL Student Riots:

DE MADRID  In 1884, Rizal participated in student
Academic Courses: demonstrations against the Spanish
 Rizal studied Medicine and Philosophy clergy, who had condemned the liberal
and Letters at Universidad Central de ideas of Dr. Miguel Morayta, a
Madrid. His education in Spain allowed professor who advocated for academic
him access to modern scientific freedom. Rizal’s involvement in these
techniques and liberal ideas. riots displayed his growing activism
against oppressive authorities.
Licentiate in Medicine and Philosophy:
 In June 1884, Rizal was awarded a KEY TAKEAWAYS
Licentiate in Medicine, qualifying him Perseverance in the Face of Challenges:
to practice medicine. In June 1885, he  Rizal’s journey from UST to Spain
earned his Licentiate in Philosophy and highlights his dedication to education
and his commitment to personal and Heidelberg, Germany (1886)
national growth. Despite Further Medical Training:
discrimination and financial hardships,  In Heidelberg, Rizal studied under Dr.
Rizal’s passion for learning and reform Otto Becker, a renowned specialist in
remained undeterred. eye diseases. He was fascinated by the
Shaping a National Hero: beauty of the surroundings, especially
 His experiences at UST and Madrid, the Neckar River, where he wrote his
along with his romantic relationships and famous poem, “Alas flores del
literary accomplishments, shaped him Heidelberg” , expressing
into a key figure in the Philippine homesickness and deep patriotism.
revolution. His education abroad
broadened his intellectual horizons, Meeting Ferdinand Blumentritt:
enabling him to critique Spanish  Rizal initiated his friendship with
colonial rule and inspire future Ferdinand Blumentritt, an Austrian
revolutionaries. scholar interested in Philippine
languages. This marked the start of their
MODULE 7 - FIRST HOMECOMING long and fruitful intellectual partnership.
Sojourn in Paris (1885)
Studies and Professional Growth: Cultural Immersion:
 Paris was a critical point in Rizal's  Rizal attended the University of
career. He went there to further his Heidelberg’s 5th Centenary
knowledge in ophthalmology, Celebration and learned about German
specializing in eye surgery. He studied culture and scientific advancements,
under the leading ophthalmologist Dr. which he admired for their progressive
Louis de Weckert and learned and modern approach.
advanced techniques for treating eye
diseases, which was significant because Berlin, Germany (1886-1887)
his mother was losing her eyesight. Rizal Scientific Community and Struggles:
socialized with other Filipino expatriates,  Berlin was a place of great scientific
such as Juan Luna and Felix Resurrección advancement. Rizal admired the city for
Hidalgo. He even posed for some of its scientific environment and its
Luna’s paintings, including “The Death lack of racial prejudice. He worked
of Cleopatra”. with notable scientists, such as Dr.
Rudolf Virchow and Dr. Feodor
Key Takeaway: Jagor, and joined scientific societies like
 Rizal's time in Paris was critical for both the Anthropological Society of Berlin.
his personal and professional
development, influencing his future Poverty and Perseverance:
work as a physician.  Despite his achievements, Rizal
struggled financially, at times
surviving on just one meal a day.
However, he persevered and completed Cultural Observations:
his novel Noli Me Tangere in Berlin  Rizal was impressed by the beauty and
on February 21, 1887. The novel culture of European cities like Vienna,
highlighted the injustices faced by which he described as captivating due to
Filipinos under Spanish rule and would its architecture and charm. However,
become a critical piece in inspiring the Rizal was outraged upon hearing about
Philippine Revolution. the deplorable conditions of the
Igorots displayed in the Madrid
Exposition, expressing his disgust at
Publication of Noli Me Tangere their treatment.
Collaborative Effort:
 Rizal faced significant difficulties in
getting his novel published due to lack Reasons for Returning to the
of funds. Fortunately, his friend Philippines (1887)
Maximo Viola provided him with ₱300
to print 2,000 copies. The novel was Why Rizal Returned:
officially published in March 1887.  Despite warnings from friends, Rizal
decided to return to the Philippines in
Content and Impact: August 1887 for the following reasons:
 Noli Me Tangere exposed the social [Link] operate on his mother’s eye and
cancers of the Philippines under help his family.
Spanish colonial rule: corruption, [Link] assess the reaction to Noli Me
abuse by the friars, and social injustice. Tangere and its influence on his
His friends, such as Blumentritt, countrymen.
Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Juan Luna, [Link] defend his fellow Filipinos against
praised the novel, while Spanish Spanish oppression.
authorities condemned it as heretical, [Link] inquire about Leonor Rivera, his
impious, and subversive. beloved, who had stopped communicating
with him.
Key Moments from the European Tour
Rizal’s Medical Practice in Calamba
Travel with Maximo Viola: Establishing His Clinic:
 After the publication of Noli Me Tangere,  Upon his return, Rizal set up a medical
Rizal toured several European cities with clinic in Calamba, where he treated
Maximo Viola, visiting places like patients and performed surgeries,
Dresden, Leipzig, Vienna, and Rome. including his mother’s eye operation.
In Dresden, he met Dr. Adolf Meyer, Locals nicknamed him “Dr. Uliman”
who was fascinated by Rizal’s scientific because of his training in Europe.
knowledge.
Community Engagement: Translation Work:
 Rizal also became a mentor to the local  During his time in Europe, Rizal
youth by building a gymnasium where he translated Schiller’s “William Tell”
introduced European sports such as and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy
fencing, gymnastics, and shooting, tales into Filipino, aiming to bring
discouraging the youth from gambling European literature to his fellow Filipinos.
and cockfighting.
Friendships with Scholars:
Impact of Noli Me Tangere on Philippine  Rizal formed lasting friendships with
Society European scholars like Blumentritt,
Reactions to the Novel: Jagor, and others, who were impressed
 Noli Me Tangere sparked a nationwide with his intellect and dedication to
awakening among Filipinos, reform in the Philippines.
encouraging them to confront Spanish
abuses. Conclusion
 Many reformists and revolutionary Legacy of Rizal’s First Homecoming:
leaders were inspired by the book, but it  Despite facing threats, Rizal’s first
also made Rizal a target of Spanish homecoming was a critical point in his
authorities who viewed it as a threat to journey as a national hero.
their rule.  His medical practice, literary
achievements, and contributions to the
Threats and Dangers: reformist movement solidified his status
 Although Rizal’s return was welcomed by as a champion for Filipino rights.
his family and supporters, he faced  Noli Me Tangere awakened the spirit of
continuous threats from Spanish nationalism among Filipinos and sowed
authorities, who monitored his activities the seeds of the eventual Philippine
closely. Revolution.

Challenges and Personal Struggles MODULE 8 - THE NOLI ME TANGERE

Failure to Reunite with Leonor Rivera: CONTROVERSY
 Despite his efforts, Rizal was unable to
meet Leonor Rivera, the love of his Noli Me Tangere Controversy
life, because her mother disapproved Summoning by Governor-General
of their relationship due to his political Terrero:
standing and controversial writings.  Rizal was summoned by Governor-
 This personal loss deeply affected Rizal General Emilio Terrero to discuss
during this period. the contents of Noli Me Tangere. The
novel was seen as controversial because
Cultural and Intellectual Achievements it exposed the abuses of Spanish officials
in Europe and friars in the Philippines.
Support from the Propaganda
Governor-General’s Support: Movement:
 After reading the novel, Governor-  Prominent members of the Filipino
General Terrero was sympathetic, Propaganda Movement—Marcelo H. Del
recognizing that it did not directly Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and
promote rebellion but simply highlighted Mariano Ponce—came to Rizal’s
social injustices. Despite this, he feared defense. They argued that the novel
for Rizal's safety due to the powerful reflected the true social conditions in the
influence of the friars. Philippines under Spanish rule.

Opposition to Noli Me Tangere Fr. Francisco Paula de Sanchez:

Fr. Salvador Font’s Report:  Fr. Sanchez, Rizal’s former teacher at
 Fr. Salvador Font, the head of the Ateneo, openly defended the novel. He
Commission of Censorship, labeled praised its literary quality and argued
the novel as dangerous, stating that it that its message was necessary to
spread "subversive ideas" and expose the moral and social decay in
encouraged Filipinos to resist Spanish the Philippines caused by corrupt
colonial rule. He recommended the ban Spanish officials and friars.
on its importation, reproduction, and
circulation throughout the Philippines. Fr. Vicente Garcia’s Intellectual
Defense:
 Fr. Vicente Garcia, a Filipino Catholic
priest and scholar, wrote a series of
Fr. Jose Rodriguez’s Pamphlets: articles under the pen name Justo
 Fr. Rodriguez wrote and distributed Desiderio Magalang.
pamphlets, including one series titled  He countered Fr. Rodriguez’s arguments
"Caiingat Cayo" (Beware), claiming by pointing out that Rizal, a university
that reading the Noli was a mortal sin. graduate, could not be ignorant of the
These pamphlets were aimed at principles of Catholicism and that his
discrediting Rizal and his novel. novel only attacked corrupt
individuals, not the church itself.
Spanish Officials in Madrid:
 In Spain, the novel drew criticism from Agrarian Trouble in Calamba
high-ranking officials, with some arguing Calamba Hacienda Problem:
in newspapers that it insulted Spanish  The Dominican Order owned large areas
dignity and posed a threat to colonial of land in Calamba, including the town
control over the Philippines. itself. The friars managed the land,
increasing rents arbitrarily, which
Defenders of Noli Me Tangere caused financial distress for tenants,
including Rizal’s family.
industriousness and contribution to
Rizal’s Involvement: society.
 Rizal was instrumental in documenting
the injustices faced by tenants. He Rizal’s Travels in Hong Kong
compiled grievances, including the unfair Departure to Hong Kong:
land taxes, high interest rates, and  On February 3, 1888, Rizal departed
dispossession of lands by the friars. from Manila aboard the steamer Zafiro.
He stayed in Hong Kong for a short
No Government Action: period, using this time to reflect on the
 Despite presenting the findings to increasing censorship and attacks
Governor-General Terrero, the on Noli Me Tangere.
government did not take action. The
Dominican friars retaliated by Letter to Blumentritt:
persecuting Rizal’s family and other  In a letter to his close friend Ferdinand
tenants in Calamba. Blumentritt on February 16, 1888,
Rizal expressed his frustrations with the
Rizal’s Forced Departure political situation in the Philippines,
Threats from the Friars: particularly the censorship and
 As the friars intensified their efforts persecution by the Spanish government.
to deport Rizal, Governor-General
Terrero urged him to leave the country Visit to Macau
for his own safety. Terrero recognized Impressions of Macau:
that the friars wielded immense political  Rizal described Macau as a small,
influence and could harm Rizal or his gloomy, and quiet city. Unlike the
family. vibrant Hong Kong, he found it dull, with
only a few steamers but many traditional
Rizal’s Reasons for Leaving: junks and sampans.
 Rizal decided to leave in 1888 to
protect his family and to continue his Cultural Observations:
campaign for reforms more effectively  During his two-day stay, Rizal took note
from abroad. He also believed that he of the Chinese New Year celebrations,
could fight his enemies better by writing which were filled with firecrackers and
in foreign countries, away from direct festivities. He also observed local
Spanish persecution. customs such as the Lauriat Party, a
banquet featuring various
"Himno Al Trabajo": traditional dishes like century eggs,
 Before leaving, Rizal wrote "Himno Al shark fins, and roasted pigs.
Trabajo" (Hymn to Labor), a poem
dedicated to the hardworking people Visit to Local Sites:
of Lipa, Batangas, recognizing their
 Rizal visited several landmarks, including  During his stay in Tokyo, Rizal met Seiko
churches, bazaars, botanical gardens, Usui (O-Sei-San), the 23- year-old
and theaters, and took an interest in the daughter of a samurai. They
Chinese way of life, including their developed a deep romantic connection,
language and theater arts. sharing many meaningful conversations
in English and French.
Rizal’s Stay in Japan
Arrival in Japan: Lasting Impact:
 On February 28, 1888, Rizal arrived in  Rizal admired O-Sei-San for her beauty,
Yokohama and moved to Tokyo the intelligence, and charm, and she played
next day. He was fascinated by the a key role in helping him navigate
cleanliness, the well-organized Japanese society. Despite their love,
streets, and the combination of Rizal left Japan on April 13, 1888,
traditional and modern aspects of knowing he would likely never see her
Japanese society. again.

Cultural Learning: Rizal’s Time in America

 In Japan, Rizal immersed himself in local Arrival in San Francisco:
culture, studying Kabuki theater, judo,  Rizal arrived in San Francisco on
and Japanese art. He was also April 28, 1888, but he and other
impressed by the Tokyo band performing passengers were quarantined due to a
works of European classical composers rumored cholera epidemic.
like Strauss, noting Japan’s ability to  Rizal believed the quarantine was
integrate European influences. politically motivated as the ship was
carrying over 600 Chinese laborers.
Friendship with Juan Perez Caballero:
 Rizal was invited to stay at the Spanish Tour Across the U.S.:
Legation by Juan Perez Caballero, a  After the quarantine, Rizal traveled
Spanish diplomat. Though Rizal across the U.S., visiting Nevada,
suspected this was an attempt to spy on Chicago, Albany, and finally New
him, he accepted the offer for economic York on May 13, 1888.
reasons and to show that he had nothing  He admired the country’s infrastructure,
to hide. industrial progress, and dynamic people.

Rizal’s Impressions of America

Positive Impressions:
 Rizal noted the material progress of
America, as seen in its great cities,
O-Sei-San thriving industries, and technological
Rizal’s Romantic Relationship: advancements. He admired the high
standard of living and the opportunities  Annotated Morga's Sucesos de las
for immigrants to succeed. Islas Filipinas to educate Filipinos
about their true history.
Negative Impressions:  Wrote articles for La Solidaridad
 Despite these positives, Rizal was defending Filipinos against Spanish
disillusioned by the racial critics.
discrimination he witnessed, especially  Wrote the “Letter to the Young
against Chinese and African Women of Malolos” praising their
Americans. He criticized the lack of true efforts to educate themselves and
civil liberty for minorities, noting that promote women's rights.
freedom in America was only for the
white population. Rizal’s Personal Life in London
Romantic Interest:
Conclusion  Rizal stayed with the Beckett family, and
Key Takeaways: had a brief romantic interlude with
 Rizal’s travels broadened his horizons, Gertrude Beckett.
allowing him to observe different  Though Gertrude loved Rizal, he chose
cultures, political systems, and societal to leave London to avoid deepening
structures. their relationship, still being in love
 The Noli Me Tangere controversy with Leonor Rivera.
highlighted the deeprooted issues of
colonialism and injustice in the Bad News from Home:
Philippines, while his travels provided Calamba agrarian conflict:
him with the intellectual tools to continue  Rizal’s family and other tenants faced
his advocacy for reform from abroad. persecution by the Dominicans.
 Rizal’s brother-in-law, Manuel Hidalgo,
MODULE 9 - RIZAL IN LONDON, PARIS, was exiled to Bohol, and his brother-
BRUSSELS, AND MADRID in-law Mariano Herbosa was denied a
Christian burial.
Rizal in London (May 1888 - March 
1889) Rizal’s Writings in London
Why Rizal chose London: Key Works:
 Improve his English skills and study  Annotated Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas
Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Filipinas to reveal the rich culture
Islas Filipinas. and governance of Filipinos before
 London was a safe place for him to Spanish colonization.
continue his fight against Spanish  Wrote La Vision de Fray Rodriguez, a
tyranny through his writings. satirical defense of Noli Me Tangere.
 Contributed to Trubner’s Record with
Key Achievements: articles such as Specimens of Tagal
Folklore and Two Eastern Fables, Rizal in Brussels (January 1890 - August
showcasing Filipino culture. 1890)
Reasons for Moving to Brussels:
Rizal and La Solidaridad  High cost of living in Paris due to the
Role in the Propaganda Movement: exposition. Focus on writing his second
 Rizal helped organize Asociacion novel, El Filibusterismo, away from
Hispano-Filipina with Filipinos and the distractions of Paris.
Spanish friends to push for reforms.
 La Solidaridad, founded by Graciano
Lopez Jaena in 1889, became the
official publication of the Propaganda Life in Brussels:
Movement.  Rizal stayed with Jose Alberto in a
modest boarding house.
First Article in La Solidaridad:  Continued to write for La Solidaridad and
 "Los Agricultores Filipinos" (The maintained a busy schedule that
Filipino Farmers), published in included gymnastics, fencing, and
March 1889, highlighted the plight of medical practice.
Filipino farmers under Spanish rule.
Rizal’s Writings and Concerns in
Rizal in Paris (March 1889 - January Brussels
1890) Literary Work:
Struggles in Paris:  Continued working on El Filibusterismo,
 Difficulties finding accommodation due which he aimed to finish before his
to the International Exposition of possible death.
1889.
 Rizal stayed with his friend Valentin Criticism of Gambling in Madrid:
Ventura and focused on finalizing his  In a letter to Marcelo H. Del Pilar
annotated edition of Morga’s book. (May 1890), Rizal criticized Filipinos in
Madrid for spending their time gambling
Key Social Activities: instead of fighting for Philippine reforms.
 Organized Filipino societies like the
Kidlat Club, Indios Bravos, and Sense of Foreboding:
Redencion de los Malayos to promote  Rizal often dreamt of death and feared
unity and intellectual growth among he wouldn’t live long. He expressed the
expatriates. hope of finishing El Filibusterismo before
 Participated in the International Art his untimely death.
Competition, where his friends Felix
Resurreccion Hidalgo and Juan Luna Rizal in Madrid (1890 - 1891)
won prizes. Struggles in Madrid:
 Despite seeking justice for his family and  Despite personal challenges, Rizal’s
tenants in Calamba, Rizal faced commitment to his people remained
disappointment as legal remedies in steadfast, as seen through his writings
Spain failed. and political activities.
 Personal troubles worsened as his
longtime love, Leonor Rivera, married
Charles Henry Kipping, an English
engineer.

Duel with Antonio Luna:

 Luna, jealous of Nelly Boustead’s interest
in Rizal, almost dueled him. However,
their friends intervened and settled the
matter peacefully.
Duel with Wenceslao Retana Retana’s
Provocation:
 Wenceslao Retana, a Spanish writer,
published defamatory articles about
Rizal’s family, claiming they hadn’t paid
rent to the Dominicans.

Challenge to a Duel:
 Rizal challenged Retana to a duel, but
Retana eventually published an apology,
retracting his statements.

Retana’s Change of Heart:

 The incident earned Retana’s admiration
for Rizal, and years later, Retana wrote
the first full-length biography of
Rizal, honoring his legacy.

Conclusion
Key Takeaways:
 Rizal’s travels in London, Paris,
Brussels, and Madrid were
instrumental in shaping his intellectual
contributions to the Philippine reform
movement.