CHAPTER 4

JOSE RIZAL’S LIFE: HIGHER

EDUCATION AND LIFE ABROAD

Jose Rizal’s Higher Education

Jose Rizal’s Education in Ateneo de

Manila (1872-1877). Jose matriculated
in Ateneo Municipal, a school managed
by the Spanish Jesuits. This school
established by the city government in
1817 was formerly called the Escuela Pia
(Charity School) intended for poor boys
in Manila. Subsequently, Escuela Pia,
was changed to Ateneo Municipal, and
then became known as the Ateneo de
Manila. The Spanish Jesuits were accomplished educators transforming Ateneo as a reputable
school for boys.

The Jesuit system of education at that time was more advanced than that of other
schools. It employed rigid discipline and gave special attention to religious instruction. It also
placed emphasis on physical culture, humanities, and scientific studies. Ateneo de Manila also
offered vocational courses in agriculture, commerce, mechanics, and surveying. Every student
was required to hear mass prior to the start of classes. Each class was opened and closed with
prayers.
Zaide and Zaide (2014) detailed the division and competition among the young
Ateneans:

Students were divided into two groups, namely: the “Roman Empire”
consisting of the internos (boarders) and the “Carthaginian Empire”
composed of the externos (non-boarders). Each of these empires has its
 ranks. The best student in each “empire” was the emperor; the second
best, the tribune; the third best, the decurion; the fourth best, the
centurion; and the fifth best, the standard bearer. Within the “empire”,
the students fought for positions. Any student could challenge any
officer in his “empire” to answer questions on the day’s lesson. His
opponent could lose his position if he committed three mistakes. Any
student might be at the end of the line, but if he studied hard and was
brilliant, he could depose the officers one after another and become an
emperor. The two groups, “Roman Empire” and “Carthaginian
Empire,” were in constant competition for supremacy in the class. They
had their distinctive banners: red for the Romans and blue for the
Carthaginians. At the beginning of the school term, both banners were
used equally in the classroom.

Guerrero (1991) further explained the battle of wits among the Ateneo students in the
classroom:

“Upon the first defeat the banner of the losing party was transferred to
the left side of the room. Upon the second, it was placed to an inferior
position on the right side. Upon the third the inclined flag was placed
on the left. Upon the fourth, the flag was reversed and returned to the
right. Upon the fifth, the reversed flag was placed on the left. Upon the
sixth, the banner was changed with a figure of a donkey.

First Year in Ateneo (1872-1873). Before he entered his classroom, Jose first heard mass at
the Ateneo chapel and prayed ardently for guidance and success. Jose was assigned at the last
row of the class owing to his being a freshman and speaks little Spanish. A week after, Jose
improved quickly and became the best student in the whole class. Jose, in his spare time also
took private lessons in Santa Isabel College to refine his Spanish.

Second Year in Ateneo (1873-1874). Jose bemoaned his lack of attention and care over his
studies the previous year. With strong determination, he studied with a lot of effort and energy
to regain his lost class leadership. He obtained excellent grades in his subjects and garnered a
gold medal at the end of the school year.

Third Year in Ateneo (1874-1875). Prior to his return to Ateneo, Jose was ecstatic when he
saw his mother released from prison. Jose, in spite of the great joy he experienced of witnessing
his mother regain her freedom, did not produce an excellent showing in his studies as in the
previous year. He was consistently excellent in all subjects. However, he only managed to win
one medal – in Latin.

Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-1876). One of his teachers, Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez
influenced and guided Jose to study harder and compose poems. Jose regarded him as his best
professor in Ateneo. In his student memoirs, Jose warmly and fondly described Father Sanchez
as a “model of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils.” Motivated
by Father Sanchez, Jose continued his studies with fresh enthusiasm and intensity. At the end
of the school year, he was on top of the class and received five medals.

Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877). Jose remained excellent in academics. He was the most
brilliant Atenean of his time, he was truly “the pride of the Jesuits” (Zaide and Zaide, 2014).
On March 23, 1877, Jose received from his Alma Mater, Ateneo Municipal, the degree of
Bachelor of Arts, and was awarded the highest honors. Purino (2008) presented Jose’s
scholastic records in Ateneo from 1872 to 1877 as follows:

1872-1873
Arithmetic …………………………. Excellent
Latin I …………………………….. Excellent
Spanish I …………………………. Excellent
Greek I …………………………... Excellent

1873-1874
Latin 2 ……………………………. Excellent
Spanish 2 …………………………. Excellent
Greek 2 ……………………………Excellent
Universal Geography …………….... Excellent

1874-1875

Latin 3 ……………………………. Excellent

Spanish 3 .…………………………. Excellent
 Greek 3 ..………………………….. Excellent
Universal History .…………………. Excellent
History of Spain & the Philippines….Excellent
Arithmetic & Algebra ………………Excellent

1875-1876

Rhetoric & Poetry ………………… Excellent

French I ………………………….. Excellent
Geometry & Trigonometry ………. Excellent

1876- 1877
Philosophy I …….…………………. Excellent
Mineralogy & Chemistry……………Excellent
Philosophy 2 ………………………Excellent
Physics …….……………………… Excellent
Botany & Zoology ……….………. Excellent

Poems Jose Wrote in Ateneo. Prodded and guided by Father Sanchez, the great poet Jose
created many inspiring poems. In 1874, Jose composed his first poem entitled, Mi Primera
Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) which he appropriately dedicated to his mother on her
birthday. In sonorous verses, he expressed his deep affection for his mother. Guerrero (1991)
in his book, The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal offered the poem as follows:

MY FIRST INSPIRATION

Why do the scented bowers

In fragrant fray
Rival each other’s flowers
This festive day?
 Why is sweet melody bruited
In the sylvan dale,
Harmony sweet and fluted
Like the nightingale?

Why do the birds sing so

In the tender grass,
Flitting from bough to bough
With the winds that pass?

And why does the crystal spring

Run among the flowers
While lullaby zephyrs sing
Like its crystal showers?

I see the dawn in the East

With beauty endowed.
Why goes she to a feast
In a carmine cloud?

Sweet mother, they celebrate

Your natal day
The rose with her scent innate,
The bird with his lay.

The murmurous spring this day

Without alloy,
Murmuring bids you always
To live in joy.

While the crystalline murmurs glisten,

Hear you the accents strong
Struck from my lyre, listen!
To my love’s first song.

In 1875, he wrote the following: Felicitation; The Departure: Hymn to Magellan’s Fleet;
And He is Spanish: Elcano, the First to Circumnavigate the World; and The Battle: Urbiztondo,
Terror of Jolo.

In 1876, he penned the following: In Memory of My Town, Intimate Alliance Between

Religion and Good Education, Through Education the Country Receives Light, The Captivity
and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil, and The Triumphal Entry
of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada.
 In 1877, he authored the following: The Heroism of Columbus, Columbus and John II,
Great Solace in Great Misfortune, and A Farewell Dialogue of the Students.

Jose values education to a great degree. He was mindful of the important purpose and
place of education in the progress and welfare of a country. Laubach (1936) in his book, Man
and Martyr, presented one of Jose’s poems on education:

THROUGH EDUCATION OUR MOTHERLAND RECEIVES LIGHT

The vital breath of prudent Education

Instills a virtue of enchanting power;
She lifts the motherland to highest station
And endless dazzling glories on her shower.
And as the zephyr’s gentle exhalation
Revives the matrix of the fragrant flower,
So education multiplies her gifts of grace;
With prudent hand imparts them to the human race.

For her a mortal man will gladly part

With all he has; will give his calm repose;
For her are born all sciences and all arts,
That brews of men with laurel fair enclose.
As from the towering mountain’s lofty heart.
The purest current of the streamlet flows,
So education without stint or measure gives
Security and peace to lands in which she lives.

Where education reigns on lofty seat

Youth blossoms forth with vigor and agility;
His error subjugates with solid feet,
And is exalted by conceptions of nobility,
She breaks the neck of vice and its deceit;
Black crime turns pale at Her hostility;
The barbarous nations She knows how to tame,
From savages creates heroic fame.
And as the spring doth sustenance bestow
On all the plants, on bushes in the mead,
Its placid plenty goes to overflow
And endlessly with lavish love to feed
The banks by which it wanders, gliding slow,
Supplying beauteous nature’s every need.
So he who prudent Education doth procure
The towering heights of honor will secure.
From out his lips the water crystal pure,
Of perfect virtue shall not cease to go.
With careful doctrines of his faith made sure,
The powers of evil he will overthrow,
Like feaming waves that never long endure,
But perish on the shore at every blow;
And from his good example other men shall learn
Their upward steps toward the heavenly paths to turn.

Within the breast of wretched humankind

She lights the living flame of goodness bright;
The hands of fiercest criminal doth bind;
And in these breasts will surely pour delight
Which seek her mystic benefits to find, ---

Those souls She sets aflame with love of right.

That gives to life its surest consolation.

And as the mighty rock aloft may tower

Above the center of the stormy deep
In scorn of storm, or fierce Sou’wester’s power
Or fury of the waves that raging sweep,
Until, their first mad hatred, spent, they cower
And, tired at last subside and fall asleep,---
So he that takes wise Education by the hand,
Invincible shall guide the reigns of motherland.

On sapphires shall his service be engraved,

A thousand honors to him by his land be granted;
For in their bosoms will his noble sons have saved
Luxuriant flowers his virtue transplanted;
And by the love of goodness ever laved.
The lords and governors will see implanted
To endless days the Christian Education;
Within their noble, faith-enraptured nation.

And as in early morning we behold

The ruby sun pour forth resplendent rays;
And lovely dawn her scarlet and her gold,
Her brilliant colors all about her sprays;
So skillful noble Teaching doth unfold
To living minds the joy of virtuous ways.
She offers our dear motherland the light
That leads us to immortal glory’s height.
 Jose also highlighted the significance of religion in education. In his poem, The Intimate
Alliance Between Religion and Good Education, he proclaimed that education without God is
not true education. In his book, The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal, Guerrero (1991)
supplied the poem as follows:

THE INTIMATE ALLIANCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND GOOD EDUCATION

As the climbing ivy over lefty elm

Creeps tortuously, together the adornment
Of the verdant plain, embellishing
Each other and together growing,
But should the kindly elm refuse its aid
The ivy would impotent and friendless wither
So is Education to Religion
By spiritual alliance bound.
Through Religion, Education gains renown, and
Woe to the impious mind that blindly spurning
The sapient teachings of Religion, this
Unpolluted fountain-head forsakes.

As the sprout, growing from the pompous vine,

Proudly offers us its honeyed clusters
While the generous and loving garment
Feeds its roots; so the fresh’ning waters
Of celestial virtue give new life
To Education true, shedding
On it warmth and light; because of them
The vine smells sweet and gives delicious fruit.
 Without Religion, Human Education
Is like unto a vessel struck by winds
Which, sore beset, is of its helm deprived
By the roaring blows and buffets of the dread
Tempestuous Boreas, who fiercely wields
His power until he proudly sends her down
Into the deep abysses of the angered sea.

As the heaven’s dew the meadow feeds and strengthens

So that blooming flowers all the earth
Embroider in the days of spring; so also
If Religion holy nourishes
Education with its doctrines, she
Shall walk in joy and generosity
Toward the Good, and everywhere bestrew
The fragrant and luxuriant fruits of Virtue.

Being religious, Jose also produced poems expressive of his faith. One of the religious
poems he composed was a brief ode entitled Al Nino Jesus (To the Child Jesus). Guerrero (1991)
furnished the poem as follows:

TO THE CHILD JESUS

How, God-Child has Thou come

To earth in cave forlorn?
Does Fortune now deride Thee
When Thou art scarcely born?

Ah, woe! Celestial King,

Who mortal from dost keep
 Woulds’t rather than be Sovereign
Be Shepherd of Thy Sheep?

A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary) was another religious poem Jose composed to
manifest his Marian devotion. In his book, Man and Martyr, Laubach (1936) showed the poem
as follows:

TO THE VIRGIN MARY

Dear Mary, giving comfort and sweet peace

To all afflicted mortals; thou the spring
Whence flows a current of relief, to bring
Our soil fertility that does not cease;
Upon thy throne, where thou dest reign on high,
Oh, list’ with pity as I weeful grieve
And spread thy radiant mantle to receive
My voice which rises swiftly to the sky
Placid Mary, thou my mother dear,
My sustenance, my fortitude must be,
And in this fearsome sea my way must steer.
If deprivation comes to buffet me,
And if grim death in agony draws near,
Oh, succor me, from anguish set me free.

Jose Rizal’s Education in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1882) After graduation with
highest honors from Ateneo de Manila, Jose enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas for
higher studies. He took the course Philosophy and Letters. In his first-year term Jose studied
Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of Philosophy.

Upon receiving the advice of Father

Pablo Ramon (Rector of Ateneo de Manila) and
because of his desire to cure his mother’s eye
ailment, he made a choice to study medicine
(ophthalmology) in the following school term.
During his first academic term in the University
of Santo Tomas, Jose also continued his
education in Ateneo de Manila and took up
surveying. Expectedly, he passed the final
examination in the surveying course. However,
he was not granted the title perito agrimensor (expert surveyor) because he was under age.
Eventually, the title was issued to him on November 25, 1881.
 In 1879 Jose Rizal joined a literary contest organized by the Liceo Artistico-Literario
(Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila, a society of literary men and artists. His poem, A La
Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) was adjudged the best poem and won him a silver
pen, feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon. Zaide and Zaide (2014) believed that:

This winning poem of Rizal is a classic in Philippine literature for two

reasons: First, it was the first great poem in Spanish written by a
Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary authorities,
and secondly, it expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept
that the Filipinos, and not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of the
Fatherland.”

Translated in English by Charles E. Derbyshire, Craig (1913) in his book, Lineage, Life
and Labors of José Rizal, the inspiring poem was written as follows:

TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

Theme: “Grow, O Timid Flower”

Hold high the brow serene,

O youth, where now you stand.
Let the bright sheen
Of your grace be seen,
Fair hope of my fatherland!

Come now, thou genius grand,

And bring down inspiration;
With thy mighty hand,
Swifter than the winds violation,
Raise the eager mind to higher station.
Come down with pleasing light
Of art and science to the flight,
O youth, and there untie
The chains that heavy lie,
Your spirit free to bright.

See how in flaming zone

Amid the shadows thrown,
The Spaniard’s holy hand
A crown’s resplendent band
Proffers to this Indian land.

Thou, who now wouldst rise

On wings of rich emprise,
Seek from Olympian skies
Songs of sweetest strain,
Softer than ambrosial rain.

Thou, whose voice divine

Rivals Philomel’s refrain,
And with varied line
Through the night benign
Frees mortality from pain.

Thou, who by sharp strife

Wakest thy mind to life;
And the memory bright
Of thy genius’s light
 Makest immortal in its strength.

And thou, in accents clear

Of Phoebus, to Apollos dear;
Or by the brush’s magic art
Takest from nature’s store a part
To fix it on the simple canvas’ length.

Go forth, and then the sacred fire

Of thy genius to the laurel may aspire;
To spread around the flame,
And in victory acclaim,
Through wider spheres the human name.

Day, O happy day,

Fair Filipinas, for thy land!
So bless the power today
That places in thy way
This favor and this fortune grand.

Zaide and Zaide (2014) found out that Jose was unhappy at this Dominican institution
of higher learning because (1) the Dominican professors were hostile to him, (2) the Filipino
students were racially discriminated against by the Spaniards, and (3) the method of instruction
was obsolete and repressive.

The failure of Jose to obtain high scholastic honors can be attributed to the stifling
ambience of the University of Santo Tomas. His grades in University of Santo Tomas pale in
comparison to his grades in Ateneo de Manila. His scholastic records in the University of Santo
Tomas from 1877 to 1882, according to Medina (1998) were as follows:
 1877-1878 (Philosophy & Letters)
Cosmology & Metaphysics ……….. Excellent
Theodicy ..…………………………. Excellent
History of Philosophy ..…….……….Excellent

1878-1879 (Medicine) – 1st Year

Physics …….………………………. Fair

Chemistry……………………………Excellent
Natural History ..…….…………….. Good
Anatomy I ………………………... Good
Dissection I ……………………….. Good

1879-1880 (Medicine) – 2nd Year

Anatomy 2 …….…………………… Good
Dissection 2………………………… Good
Physiology …….……………………Good
Private Hygiene……………………. Good
Public Hygiene …………………….. Good

1880-1881 (Medicine) – 3rd Year

General Pathology …….…………… Fair
Therapeutics ……………………….. Excellent
Surgery …...………………………... Good

1881-1882 (Medicine) – 4th Year

Medical Phatology…….…………… Very Good
Surgical Pathology…………………. Very Good
Obstetrics ………………………….. Very Good
 After four years in University of Santo Tomas, Jose decided to finish his medical studies
in Spain. He learned that teachers over there were not opposed to new ideas or ways of behaving
that are not traditional or widely accepted. The rampant bigotry, discrimination, and hostility in
University of Santo Tomas were the main reasons for his decision to transfer.

Jose Rizal’s Life Abroad

Jose Rizal in Spain (1882-1885). Two important reasons prompted Jose to complete his studies
in Spain: First, his aversion to the obsolete method of instruction and racial prejudice professors
had against Filipino students in the University of Santo Tomas. Second, according to Zaide and
Zaide (2014), 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.

Barcelona, Spain. Jose reached Barcelona on June 16, 1882. Owing to the dark and dirty
tavern he rented located on a narrow street in the “town’s most ugly side” and the indifference
he received from the staff and guests, Jose’s first impression of Barcelona was negative. He
opined that Barcelona was ugly, dirty and inhospitable. After a few days he came to like the
city because of its atmosphere of liberalism and open-hearted, hospitable, and brave people. He
took pleasure in his walks along Las Rambles, the renowned street in Barcelona.

In Barcelona, Jose wrote “Amor Patrio” (Love of Country), a nationalistic essay about
love for the fatherland, the Philippines. His first essay composed in Spanish and was published
in Diariong Tagalog, the first Manila bilingual newspaper (Spanish and Tagalog). It was
published in two texts - Spanish (the language used by Jose in writing it) and Tagalog
(translation by M.H. del Pilar).

Madrid, Spain. After Barcelona, Jose went to Madrid, the capital city of Spain. On November
3, 1882 he enrolled in two courses – Medicine and Philosophy and Letters in the Universidad
Central de Madrid (Central University of Madrid). He filled his vacant time by studying
painting and sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, hired private tutors to
teach him French, German, and English; and practiced fencing and shooting with great care,
attention and effort. To improve his understanding and skill in music, he attended operas and
concerts. He also read many books on all subjects to enrich the total of his experience,
knowledge, and education.
 Jose’s life in Madrid was marked by strict self-discipline, simplicity, frugality and
avoidance of luxury and comfort. Not ever did he use his money on gambling, liquor, and
women. His only instance of excess was the Spanish lottery. His recreation consists of reading,
writing, visiting friends, practicing fencing and shooting at the gymnasium.

On June 21, 1884, Jose was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the
Universidad Central de Madrid, making him a full-fledged physician, qualified to practice
medicine. He was not awarded, however, the degree of Doctor of Medicine due to his failure to
present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees. According to Medina
(1998), his scholastic records in medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid were as follows:

Fifth Year (1882-1883): Continuation of Medical Course

in the University of Santo Tomas
Medical Clinic ……..…….…………Good
Surgical Clinic I ………………….... Good
Obstetrical Clinic …………………. Fair
Legal Medicine …………………… Excellent

Sixth year (1883-1884)

Medical Clinic 2 ……..…….……… Good
Surgical Clinic 2 ……………........... Very Good

Licentiate in Medicine awarded on June 21, 1884

with the rating “Fair”

Doctorate (1884-85)
History of Medical Science ……….. Fair
Surgical Analysis ………………….. Good
Normal Histology ………………… Fair
Doctor of Medicine (Not awarded)

Jose also finished his studies in Philosophy and Letters, with higher grades. He was
awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters by the Universidad Central de
Madrid on June 19, 1885 (his 24th birthday), with the rating of “Excellent” (Sobresaliente). In
the Letters between Rizal and Family Members, 1876-1896 (1964) his scholastic records in this
course appear below:

1882-1883
University History I ……..………… Very Good
General Literature …………………. Excellent

1883-1884
University History I ……..……..….. Very Good
General Literature …………………. Excellent

1884-1885
University History 2 ……..………… Excellent
Greek and Latin Literature ………… Excellent (with prize)
Greek I …………………………….. Excellent (with prize)

1885-1886
Spanish Language ……..…………... Excellent with a scholarship
Arabic Language …………………... Excellent with a scholarship

Jose Rizal’s First Visit in Paris, France (1883). From Madrid, Jose travelled to Paris. Like
all tourist, Rizal was charmingly titillated by the attractive sights of Paris, such as the beautiful
boulevards (particularly the Champs Elysses), the Opera House, the Place de la Concorde, the
Arch of Triumph, the Bois de Boulogne magnificent park), The Madelaine Church, the
Cathedral of Norte Dame, the Column of Vendome, the Invalides (containing the tomb of
Nopoleon the Great), and the fabulous Versailles (Zaide and Zaide, 2014). As he watched the
French way of life with careful attention he also habituated museums, botanical gardens,
libraries, art galleries, and hospitals.

After his studies in Central University of Madrid, Jose who was then a physician,
decided to go to Paris for the purpose of practicing and gaining more knowledge on
Ophthalmology. From November 1885 to February 1886, he served as an assistant to Dr. Louis
de Weckert, a French ophthalmologist who had great importance and influence in Paris at that
time.

ose Rizal in Germany (1886-1887). Jose reached Heidelberg, Germany (renowned for its old
university and romantic environment), on February 3, 1886. He was employed at the University
Eye Hospital managed by Dr. Otto Becker, prominent German ophthalmologist. Outside of his
working hours, he was able to enjoy the scenic spots around Heidelberg, including the famous
Heidelberg Castle, the romantic Neckar River, the theater, and the old churches.

Jose, on July 31, 1886 created his first epistle for Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, an
Austrian ethnologist who had manifested an interest in the Philippine language. Jose attached
a book entitled Aritmetica (Arithmetic) which was published in two languages – Spanish and
Tagalog. Blumentritt, touched by the gesture repayed by sending Jose a gift of two books. This
is the genesis of their long and constant correspondence, and a friendship that endured all their
lives.

Berlin’s scientific atmosphere and the absence of racial bias fascinated Jose. He lived
in this famous capital of unified Germany, Zaide and Zaide (2014) proclaimed, for five reasons:
(1) to gain further knowledge of ophthalmology, (2) to further his studies of sciences and
languages, (3) To observe the economic and political conditions of the German nation, (4) to
associate with famous German scientist and Scholars, and (5) to publish his novel, NOLI ME
TANGERE.

In Berlin, Jose was always actively doing something. He was an assistant in the clinic
of Dr. Schweigger, a reputable German ophthalmologist, by day and listened to lectures in the
University of Berlin at night. He also studied French under private tutorship and kept himself
fit by going to the gymnasium. When his schedule permitted it, he toured the country sides
around Berlin and loved to walk especially along Unter den Linden, the most liked boulevard
of Berlin.
Jose Rizal in Leitmeritz, Bohemia (Czech Republic) (1887). On May 13, 1887, Jose Rizal
and Ferdinand Blumentritt, friends who only knew each other by correspondence met in person
for the first time. Jose with his pal Dr. Maximo Viola sojourned in Leitmetriz from May 13 to
May 16, 1887. The Blumentritt family was hospitable and proved to be experienced tourist
guide as well. To reciprocate the kindness of the Blumentritt family and the beautiful memories
at the Blumentritt home, Jose painted a portrait of the Austrian professor which verily gratified
Blumentritt.

Jose Rizal in Switzerland (1887). From Germany, Jose accompanied by his friend Dr.
Maximo Viola crossed the frontier to Schaffhausen, Switzerland. They stayed and went
sightseeing in the city of Lausanne from June 2-3, 1887. They continued to tour until they
arrived in Geneva, considered as one of the beautiful cities in Europe where they remained for
fifteen days. Aside from spending time appreciating tourist spots, Jose and Viola went boating
on a lake.
Jose Rizal in Italy (1887). In Italy, Jose visited Turin Milan, Venice, Florence, and the famous
Rome, also referred to as the “Eternal City” and “City of the Caesars.” June 29, 1887 marked
his first time to see the Vatican City, also known as the “City of the Popes” and the capital of
Christendom which coincided with the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul. The St. Peter’s
Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, colorful Papal Guards, rare works of art and the religious
atmosphere in the Vatican made a lasting imprint on him.

Jose Rizal’s First Homecoming (1887-1888). In August 1887, Jose finally went home after a
five-year sojourn in Europe despite the warning from his brother Paciano and other friends and
relatives admonishing him not to return home. He was determined, Purino (2008) revealed, to
return to the Philippines for the following reasons:

1. To operate on his mother’s eyes;

2. To serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants;
3. To find out for himself how the Noli and his other writings were affecting
Filipinos and Spaniards in the Philippines; and
4. To inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent.

In the Philippines, Jose received a letter from Governor-General Emilio Terrero

formally asking Jose to see him in Malacanang Palace. The Governor also wanted to hear Jose’s
side on the charges against him. Jose countered by saying that he was merely revealing the truth
and that he was not endorsing ideas to overthrow or undermine a government or political
system. Still and all, the Permanent Commission of Censorship, made up of priests and laymen
found the novel (Noli Me Tangere), to contain subversive ideas against the Church and Spain,
and recommended, according to Retana, “that the importation, reproduction and circulation of
this pernicious book in the islands be absolutely prohibited.” The banning of the novel only
stirred curiosity. As a result, all copies of the novel were sold out.

In Epistolario Rizalino, (1) the death of his old sister, Olimpia, and (2) the groundless
tales circulated by his enemies that he was “a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, a Protestant,
a Mason, a witch, a soul beyond salvation, etc.” marred Rizal’s happy days in Calamba.

Jose’s foes in Calamba were enraged when he exposed the despicable conditions of
tenancy. Threats against Jose’s life alarmed his parents, relatives and friends who counseled
him to hurry toward a place of security. He was compelled, Zaide and Zaide (2014) disclosed,
to leave Calamba for two reasons: (1) his presence in Calamba was jeopardizing the safety and
happiness of his family and friends and (2) he could fight better his enemies and serve his
country’s cause with greater efficacy by writing in foreign countries.

Jose Rizal in Hong Kong (1888). Jose arrived in Hong Kong on February 8, 1888, got billeted
at Victoria Hotel and was warmly greeted by its Filipino residents. There is a suspicion that
the Spanish authorities sent someone to shadow Jose’s movement in Hong Kong. In the Rizal-
Blumentritt Correspondence (1961) Jose described Hong Kong to Blumentritt, as “a small, but
very clean city. Many Portuguese, Hindus, English, Chinese, and Jews live in it. There are some
Filipinos, the majority of whom being those who had been exiled to the Marianas Islands in
1872. They are poor, gentle, and timid. Formerly they were rich mechanics, industrialist, and
financiers.”

Jose Rizal in Macao (1888). Jose had a two-day (February 18-20, 1888) sojourn in Macao, a
Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. He lived at the house of a well-to-do Filipino named Don
Juan Francisco Lecaros who loves to grow and care for plants and flowers. In the Reminiscences
and Travels (1961), Jose depicted the city of Macao as a, “small, low, and gloomy. There are
many junks, sampans, but few steamers. It looks sad and is almost dead.” In the period of time
when Jose was a guest in Macao, he enjoyed visiting the theatre, casino, cathedral and churches,
pagodas, botanical garden, bazaars, and the famous Grotto of Camoens, Portugal’s national
poet.

Jose Rizal in Japan (1888). Jose’s one month and a half (February 28 – April 13, 1888)
sojourn in Japan was very special and impossible to forget experience he had. The innate beauty
of Japan and the amiable manners of the Japanese people captivated him. To top it all, he fell
in love with Seiko Usui, a charming Japanese girl whom Jose lovingly called O-Sei-San.
 In Tokyo, Jose was engrossed with his studies on the Japanese language, drama
(kabuki), arts, music, and Judo (Japanese art of self-defense). He frequented the libraries,
museums, art galleries, shrines and visited villages of Japan. Lanuza and Zaide (1961) in their
work entitled, Rizal in Japan listed the things which favorably impressed Rizal in Japan:

1. The beauty of the country - its flowers, mountains, streams, and scenic
panoramas.
2. The cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese people.
3. The picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese women.
4. There were very few thieves in Japan so that the houses remained open
day and night, and in the hotel room one could safely leave money on the
table.
5. Beggars were rarely seen in the city streets, unlike in Manila and others
cities.

Jose Rizal in the United States of America (1888). Jose arrived in San Francisco on May 4,
1888. After a two-day sojourn, he visited other places in America such as Oakland, Sacramento,
Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany and finally, New York. He kept notes of the
positive and negative things he saw and noticed during his trip from San Francisco to New York
and shared his experiences with his family and friends through letters.
New York was Jose’s last trip across the American continent. He visited the scenic and
historic places in the city and was particularly filled with wonder and respect by the memorial
to George Washington. Zaide and Zaide (2014) declared that Jose had good and bad
impressions of the United States of America. The good impressions were (1) the material
progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms, flourishing industries, and busy
factories;(2) the drive and the energy of the American people; (3) the natural beauty of the land;
(4) the high standard of living and (5) the opportunities for better life offered to poor
immigrants. One bad impression Jose had of America was the lack of racial equality. There
existed racial prejudice which was inconsistent with the principles of democracy and freedom
of which the Americans talk so much but do not practice.

Jose Rizal in London (1888-1889). Jose temporarily lived in London from May, 1888
to March, 1889. Much of his time was spent in the British Museum studying and annotating a
rare copy of Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Historical Events of the
Philippine Islands) and reading other rare historical works on the Philippines.

Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad in

Barcelona, Spain on February 15, 1889. This was a fortnightly periodical which served as the
organ of Propaganda Movement. Its aims were as follows: (1) to work peacefully for political
and social reforms;(2) to portray the deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may
remedy them; (3) to oppose the evil forces of reaction and medievalism; (4) to advocate liberal
ideas and progress; and (5) to champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people to life,
democracy, and happiness (Zaide and Zaide, 2014). Jose who was then in London was informed
by M.H. del Pilar of the founding of La Solidaridad. Jose congratulated Graciano and promised
him articles for the newspaper.

Despite his hectic schedule at the British Museum, Jose still managed to write articles
and letters. The “Letter to the Young Women of Malolos,” one of his famous letters was created
on February 22, 1889, in Tagalog. Zaide and Zaide (2014) claimed:

He penned it, upon the request of M.H. del Pilar to praise the young
ladies of Malolos for their courage to establish a school where they
could learn Spanish, despite the opposition of Fr. Felipe Garcia, Spanish
parish priest of Malolos. The main points of this letter were: (1) a
Filipino mother should teach her children love of God, fatherland, and
mankind; (2) the Filipino mother should be glad, like the Spartan
mother, to offer her sons in the defense of the fatherland; (3) a Filipino
woman should know how to preserve her dignity and honor; (4) a
Filipino woman should educate herself, aside from retaining her good
racial virtues; and (5) Faith is not merely reciting long prayers and
wearing religious pictures, but rather it is living the real Christian way,
with good morals and good manners.

Jose Rizal’s Second Visit in Paris, France (1889). The Universal Exposition in Paris
which opened on May 6, 1889, spring time, attracted thousands of visitors from all parts of the
world. This important event was bursting with merrymaking and eager enthusiasm and interest.
The festive activities, however, did not prevent Jose to publish his annotated edition of Antonio
de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Historical Events of the Philippine Islands); founded
three Filipino societies, the Kidlat Club, the Indios Bravos, and the R.D.L.M. Redencion de los
Malayos (Redemption of the Malays); and wrote Por Telefono, a satire against Fr. Salvador
Font.

Amidst the laughter, enjoyment and lively celebrations in Paris, Jose immersed himself
in no-nonsense activities. Most of his time were utilized reading in the library, writing letters
to his family and friends, exercising his body, and visiting friends.
 Jose Rizal in Brussels, Belgium (1890). Jose left Paris for Brussels, capital of Belgium
on January 28,1890. Two reasons, according to Purino (2008) caused Jose to leave Paris,
namely: (1) the cost of living in Paris was very high and (2) the gay social life of the city
hampered his literary works, especially the writing his second novel El Filibusterismo.
In Brussels, Jose was full of activities. He was engaged writing his second novel, articles
for La Solidaridad and letters to his family and friends. Some of his time were spent in a medical
clinic in order to become better at being a physician. He also involved himself in gymnastics,
target practice and fencing as a means of diversion or refreshment.

Jose Rizal’s Second Visit in Madrid, Spain (1890-1891). Jose went back to Madrid in August
of 1890. He exhausted all legal means in his pursuit for justice for his family and the Calamba
tenants but his efforts amounted to nothing. To add insult to injury, so to speak, Leonor Rivera,
whom he faithfully loved for eleven years, shattered his heart.

Jose’s mounting frustration led him to Biarritz, a city on the Bay of Biscay, in
southwestern France, 35 kilometres from the border with Spain. He was welcomed at the winter
residence (Villa Eliada) of the opulent Boustead family. The pleasing beaches and the joyful
ambience made him disremember the painful memories of Madrid. The magic of Biarritz, in a
way, contributed to the completion of his second novel, El Filibusterismo.

Jose Rizal’s Second Visit in Hong Kong (1891-1892). At long last, Jose reached Hong Kong
on November 20, 1891. Having a family reunion filled with joy in the Christmas of 1891 in
Hong Kong was an experience considered by Jose as one of the happiest yuletide celebrations
in his life. Hong Kong also provided Jose an opportunity to practice his medical profession
from which he earned a living not only for himself but for his family as well. He worked with
Dr. Lorenzo P. Marques, a Portuguese physician who helped him with his career. Jose’s
successful eye operation on his mother’s left eye made Hong Kong more memorable for him.
Eventually, Jose became an eminent medical practitioner and many patients queued for his
services.

Jose Rizal’s Second Homecoming (1892). Jose, accompanied by his sister Lucia
finally reached Manila, Philippines on June 26, 1892. After his important discussion with
Spanish governor general, General Eulogio Despujol, Conde de Caspe, he spent some time with
his sisters in the city. When he finished his visit to his friends in Central Luzon, he had a series
of meetings with general Despujol.
 On July 3, 1892, Jose founded the Liga Filipina at the home of Doroteo Ongjunco, on
Ylaya Street, Tondo, Manila. A considerable number of impressed and gratified Filipino
patriots attended this historic event where officers of the new civic association were elected. In
their monumental 55-volume book, ThePhilippine Islands, Emma Helen Blair and James
Alexander Robertson, shared the aims of the Liga Filipina, as embodied in its Constitution:

1. To unite the whole archipelago into one compact and homogeneous body.
2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity.
3. Defense against all violence and injustice.
4. Encouragement of education, agriculture and commerce.
5. Study and application of reforms.

On July 7, 1892, the newspaper Gaceta de Manila disseminated to the public General
Eulogio Despujol’s decree deporting Jose to an island in the south. In the book, Jose P. Rizal:
His Life, Works, and Role in the Philippine Revolution by Acibo and Adanza (1995) the reasons
for Jose’s deportation were disclosed as follows:

1. Rizal had published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty to
Spain and which were “frankly anti-Catholic” and “imprudently anti-
friar.”
2. A few hours after his arrival in Manila “there was found in one of the
packages . . . a bundle of handbills entitled ‘Pobres Frailes’ in which the
patience and humble generosity of Filipinos is satirized, and which
accusation is published against the customs of the religious orders.
3. His novel El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the memory of the three
“traitors” (Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora), and on the title page he wrote
that in view of the vices and errors of the Spanish administration, “the only
salvation for the Philippines was separation from the mother country.”
4. “The end which he pursues in his efforts and writings is to tear from the
loyal Filipino breast the treasures of our holy Catholic faith.”

July 17, 1892 signaled the beginning of Jose’s exile in Dapitan, in the province of
Zamboanga del Norte which lasted until July 31, 1896. Without the benefit of a trial, he lived
for a period of over four years in a far-away Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao.
 CHAPTER 5

JOSE RIZAL’S LIFE: EXILE, TRIAL AND

DEATH

Jose Rizal’s Exile (1892-96)

Jose dwelled as exile in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, a far-removed town in

Mindanao from 1892 to 1896. This four-year interregnum in Jose’s life was summed up by
Zaide and Zaide (2104) as:

Tediously unexciting, but was abundantly fruitful with varied

achievements. He practiced medicine, pursed scientific studies,
continued his artistic and literary works, widened his knowledge of
languages, established a school for boys, promoted community
development projects, invented a wooden machine for making bricks,
and engaged in farming and commerce. Despite his multifarious
activities, he kept an extensive correspondence with his family,
relatives, fellow reformists, and eminent scientists and scholars of
Europe.

In Dapitan, Jose had a very peaceful, happy, and enjoyable

life and the way he lived it was extremely good and deserving to be
admired and copied. He made sure his stay in Dapitan would be
fruitful, so he engaged in manifold activities. His excellent skill in
the science of medicine spread like wild fire in Dapitan. His medical
practice attracted many patients who were mostly poor. He put to
good use the curative values of the Philippine medicinal plants which
he studied and doled them out to his poor patients who could not
afford to buy imported medicine. He welcomed both affluent and
indigent patients. He normally undercharged them if not for free and
accepted any payments in kind from those who had little or no money.
 With the assistance of Father Francisco Sanchez, his former Jesuit teacher, Jose buckled
down to work. He enhanced the town plaza and accentuated it with a huge relief map of
Mindanao, which can still be viewed today. One of the impressive projects of Jose was the
water system he designed and constructed in order that people of Dapitan can have access to
clean water. In spite of lack of funds, exiguous resources and no government assistance, he was
able to build it, armed only with his training in Ateneo, readings of engineering books, sheer
determination and ingenuity. To reduce the occurrence of malaria, he drained the marshes
where mosquitoes thrived. Utilizing the 500 pesos he received from an English patient, he
introduced a lighting system made up of coconut oil lamps in glass protectors which lighted up
dark areas in the town.

Imbued with the value of education since childhood, Jose realized his dream to establish
his own school in which he applied the educational system he learned abroad. The school
opened with three pupils which increased to 16 and later to 21. His lessons constituted of
reading, writing, languages (Spanish and English), geography, history, mathematics (arithmetic
and geometry), industrial work, study of nature, and morals. He also trained and exposed them
to gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, stone-throwing, swimming, arnis (native fencing), and
boating for physical development and discipline. He did not charge his pupils for sharing his
knowledge, instead, he encouraged them to help him in his garden, farm, and construction
projects in the community.

Jose conducted scientific studies in

the rich virgin field of Dapitan and collected
specimens of animals and plants. He
forwarded these specimens to the Dresden
museum of Europe and he received scientific
books and surgical instruments as payment.
He has an impressive assemblage of his study
of 346 shells from 203 species. He obtained
knowledge on some rare specimens which
were named in his honor by European
scientists such as Draco rizali (a flying
dragon), Apogonia rizali (a small beetle), and
Rhacophorus rizali (a rare frog).

While in Dapitan, Jose studied the Bisayan, Subanum, and Malayan languages and
wrote a Tagalog grammar. He wrote poems entitled: A Don Ricardo Carnicero, Himno A
Talisay (Hymn to the Talisay Tree) Mi Retiro (My Retreat), El Canto del Viajero (The Song of
the Traveler) and Josephine. He also made some drawings and sculptures of people and things
that captivated him.
 Jose acquired lands in Dapitan which reached total holdings of 70 hectares, where he
constructed his house, school, and hospital, and planted in his farm many fruit trees, corn,
coffee, cacao, sugarcane, and hemp. He also introduced and encouraged the use of modern
European and American methods of agriculture. He, however, did not realize his dream of
transforming Dapitan into an agricultural colony because he did not get the acceptance and
permission of the government.

In collaboration with Ramon Carreon, a Dapitan merchant, Jose was successful in his
business ventures in fishing, copra, and hemp industries. He established the Cooperative
Association of Dapitan Farmers to break the Chinese business monopoly in Dapitan. The
confederation, according to Jose Rizal’s Political and Historical Writings (1964) aimed “to
improve the farm products, obtain better outlets for them, collect funds for their purchases, and
help the producers and workers by establishing a store wherein they can buy prime commodities
at moderate prices.”

He devised an unusual “sulpukan”, a cigarette lighter made of wood which employed

the principle of compressed air. Subsequently, it was received by Blumentritt as a gift. He also
formed an idea of a machine for making bricks. Patterned after a Belgian example, Jose’s
version could produce about 6,000 bricks daily.

In spite of his achievements in Dapitan, Jose felt empty. He missed his family, relatives,
and friends. He felt he needed somebody to rejuvenate him. Expressed in Letters between Rizal
and Family Members (1964), Jose found his answer in Josephine Bracken:

In God’s own time, this “somebody” came to Dapitan, like a

sunbeam to dispel his melancholy mood. She was Josephine Bracken,
an Irish girl of sweet eighteen, “slender, a chestnut blond, with blue
eyes, dressed with elegant simplicity, with an atmosphere of light
gayety”. She of Irish parents. She was born in Hong Kong on October
3, 1876 of Irish parents - James Bracken, a corporal in the British
garrison, and Elizabeth Jane MacBride.

Jose and Josephine fell in love with each other and

decided to seal their relationship with marriage but no priest
would marry them. Even without the blessing of the church,
Jose and Josephine joyfully shared each other’s life in
Dapitan. His happiness doubled when he learned that Josephine was expecting a baby. By a
twist of fate, the baby, only lived for three hours. He named his baby boy ‘Francisco” in honor
of his father.

In 1896, Andres Bonifacio and his Katipunan (revolutionary society he founded on July
7,1892) organized an armed rebellion. They assigned Dr. Pio Valenzuela to notify Jose Rizal
about their plan. To conceal his assignment, Dr. Pio was accompanied by Raymundo Mata, a
blind man to consult Jose’s medical advise. Jose opposed the Katipuneros very bold and
shocking uprising. He firmly believed that they are not ready for a revolution. He added that
they do not have adequate arms and funds. He also declined the offer of the Katipuneros to
rescue him.

Several months before the Katipuneros communicated with Jose, Blumentritt revealed
to him the pitiful health situation (yellow fever epidemic) in war-ridden Cuba and admonished
him to volunteer as an army doctor there to enable him to end his exile. On December 17, 1895,
acting upon his friend’s counsel, Jose sent Governor General Ramon Blanco a letter, offering
his medical services in Cuba. He almost gave up hope when he did not get a response after
months had passed.
However, on July 30, 1896, when he least expected it, a letter from the Spanish Governor
arrived informing him of his approval. This letter also expressed that he would be given a pass
so that he could travel to Manila, where he would be given a safe-conduct to Spain and
subsequently to Cuba.

July 31, 1896 marked Jose Rizal’s emotionally charged departure from a town he
learned to love. Many teary-eyed Dapitan folks were at the shore to bid goodbye to a person
who unselfishly did all he can for their town. With a weeping heart brimming with tears of
nostalgic memories, Jose gestured his farewell salute to the town’s devoted and friendly folks.

Jose Rizal’s Trial

Andres Bonifacio and his dauntless Katipuneros, on August 26, 1896, raised the cry of
rebellion in the hills of Balintawak (popularly known as “Cry of Balintawak”), a few miles
north of Manila. In August 30, they assaulted San Juan, near the city of Manila, but they were
repelled with massive losses. In the aftermath of the Battle of San Juan, Governor General
Blanco declared a state of war in the eight provinces for their insurgency against Spain - Manila
(as a province), Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac. Jose
feared that the turbulent insurrection would only beget much suffering and horrifying
decimation of human lives and property. He was also frighten of the likelihood of Spanish
reprisal against all Filipino patriots.

Amidst the chaos created by the uprising, Jose received from Governor General Blanco
two letters which exculpated him from the raging insurrection. In his last trip abroad, Jose
troubled by the violent attempt of the Katipuneros to end the rule of the Spanish government,
left for Spain on September 3, 1896. He, however, was transferred to another steamer which he
thought would take him from Spain to Cuba to carry out his humanitarian offer which is to
serve as military physician. Unexpectedly, he was apprehended and unlawfully detained as a
prisoner in a Spanish steamer before reaching Barcelona. He was informed that he would be
shipped back to Manila on board the transport ship Colon. Upon arriving in Manila, on
November 3,1896, the heavily guarded Jose was transferred from the Colon to Fort Santiago.

A severe five-day preliminary investigation began on November 20,1896. Jose appeared

before the Judge Advocate, Colonel Francisco Olive who detailed the charges against him. Two
types of evidence, documentary and testimonial, were presented against Jose Rizal. Palma
(1949) in his translated work, Pride of Malay Race, made available the documentary evidence
which consisted of fifteen exhibits, as follows:

1. A letter of Antonio Luna to Mariano Ponce, dated Madrid,

October 16, 1888, showing Rizal’s connection with the Filipino
reform campaign in Spain.
2. A letter of Rizal to his family, dated Madrid, August 20, 1890,
stating that the deportations are good for they will encourage the
people to hate tyranny.
3. A letter from Marcelo H. del Pilar to Deodato Arellano, dated
Madrid, January 7, 1889, implicating Rizal in the Propaganda
campaign in Spain.
4. A poem entitled Kundiman, allegedly written by Rizal in Manila
on September 12, 1891.

This poem is as follows:

KUNDIMAN
In the Orient beautiful
Where the sun is born
In a land of beauty
 Full of enchantments
But bound in chains.
Where the despot reigns,
The land dearest to me.
Ah! That is my country,
She is slave oppressed
Groaning in the tyrant’s grips;
Lucky shall he be
Who can give her liberty!

5. A letter of Carlos Oliver to an unidentified person, dated

Barcelona, September 18, 1891, describing Rizal as the man to
free the Philippines from Spanish oppression.
6. A Masonic document, dated Manila, February, 9, 1892,
honoring Rizal for his patriotic services.
7. A letter signed Dimasalang (Rizal’s pseudonym) to Tenluz
(Juan Zulueta’s pseudonym), dated Hong Kong, May 24, 1892,
stating that he was preparing a safe refuge for Filipinos who may
be persecuted by the Spanish authorities.
8. A letter to Dimasalang to an unidentified committee, dated
Hongkong, June 1, 1892, soliciting the aid of the committee in
the “patriotic work.”
9. An anonymous and undated letter to the Editor of the Hongkong
Telegraph, censuring the banishment of Rizal to Dapitan.
10. A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal, dated Manila, September
3, 1892, saying that the Filipino people look up to him (Rizal)
as their savior.
11. A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal, dated Manila 17, 1893,
informing an unidentified correspondent of the arrest and
banishment of Doroteo Cortes and Ambrasio Salvador.
12. A letter of Marcelo del Pilar to Don Juan A. Tenluz (Juan
Zulueta), dated Madrid, June 1, 1893 recommending to
establishment of a special organization, independent of
Masonry, to help the cause of the Filipino people.
13. Transcript of a speech of Pingkian (Emilio Jacinto), in a reunion
of the Katipunan on July 23, 1893, in which the following cry
was uttered “Long Live the Philippines! Long Live Liberty!
Long Live Doctor Rizal! Unity!”
14. Transcript of a speech of Tik-Tik (Jose Turiano Santiago) in the
same Katipunan reunion, where in the katipuneros shouted:
 “Long live the eminent Doctor Rizal! Death to the oppressor
nation!”
15. A poem by Laong Laan (Rizal), entitled A Talisay, in which the
author makes the Dapitan schoolboys sing that they know how
to fight for their rights.

The oral testimonies of the following persons: Martin Constantino, Aguedo del Rosario,
Jose Reyes, Moises Salvador, Jose Dizon, Domingo Franco, Deodato Arellano, Ambrosio
Salvador, Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Antonio Salazar, Francisco Quison, and
Timoteo Paez were forwarded as testimonial evidence against Jose.

On November 26, 1896, Judge Advocate, Colonel Francisco Olive forwarded the
records of the case to Governor General Ramon Blanco, who designated Captain Rafael
Dominguez as special Judge Advocate to initiate proceeding against Jose. Captain Dominguez
submitted a summary of the action to Governor General Ramon Blanco who thereupon, send it
to the Judge Advocate General, Don Nicolas de la Peña.

After studying the papers, Peña submitted the following recommendations: (1) the
accused be immediately brought to trial; (2) he should be kept in prison; (3) an order of
attachment be issued against his property to the amount of one million pesos as indemnity; and
(4) he should be defended in the court by an army officer, not by a civilian lawyer (Zaide and
Zaide, 2014).
With his counsel by his side, charges were read to Jose in his prison cell on December
11, 1896. He was accused, Medina (1998) disclosed, of being “the principal organizer and the
living soul of the Filipino insurrection, the founder of societies, periodicals and books dedicated
to fomenting and propagating ideas of rebellion.” Jose was not against the jurisdiction of the
court, but asserted that he was not guilty of revolution. He acknowledged that he authored the
Constitution of the Liga Filipina and emphasized that it was simply a civic alliance. He
reiterated that he had no political involvement since his exile to Dapitan. On December 13,
1896, Captain Dominguez transmitted Jose’s case to the new Governor General of the
Philippines, General Camilo G. de Polavieja who replaced General Ramon Blanco.

During the time Jose was in his prison cell at Fort Santiago, he penned a manifesto
seriously asking the Filipino people to cease the needless and tumultuous war. He encouraged
them to attain freedom through education and habit of working hard and steadily. Palma (1964)
promulgated this manifesto as follows:
My Countrymen:

On my return from Spain, I learned that my name had been used as

a war cry among some who were in arms. The news painfully surprised
me, but believing it was all over, I kept silent over what I considered
irremediable. Now I hear rumors that the disturbances continue, and lest
any person should still go on using my name in bad or good faith, to
remedy this abuse and to undeceive the unwary, I hasten to address you
these lines so that the truth may be known.

From the beginning, when I had news of what was being planned, I
opposed it, fought it, and demonstrated its absolute impossibility. This
is the truth, and witnesses to my word are still living. I was convinced
that the idea was highly absurd and, what was worse, would bring great
suffering. I did more. When later, in spite of my counsels, the
movement broke out, I spontaneously offered not only my services, but
my life, and even my name so that they might use them in the manner
they saw fit to suppress the rebellion, for, convinced of the evils that
would befall them, I considered myself fortunate if, at any sacrifice, I
could prevent such useless misfortunes. This is equally of record.

My countrymen: I have given proofs, more than anybody else, of

desiring liberties for our country and I still desire them. But I place as a
premise the education of the people so that by means of education and
of labor they might have a personality of their own and make
themselves worthy of liberties. In my writings I have recommended
redemption. I have also written (and my words have been repeated) that
reforms, to be fruitful, have to come from above, that those that come
from below are irregular and unstable. Imbued with these ideals, I
cannot but condemn and I do condemn this absurd, savage uprising
planned behind my back, which dishonors us, the Filipinos, and
discredits those who may advocate our cause. I abhor its criminal
methods and disclaim all participation therein, pitying from the bottom
of my heart the unwary who have allowed themselves to be deceived.
Return then to your homes, and may God forgive those who have acted
in bad faith.
 The trial of Jose was succinctly limned by Zaide and Zaide (2014) as follows:

The trial of Rizal was an eloquent proof of Spanish injustice and

misrule. More than a farce, it was patently a mistrial. Rizal, a civilian,
was tried by a military court composed of alien military officers. His
case was prejudged; he was considered guilty before the actual trial.
The military court met not to give him justice, but to accuse and
condemn him. It accepted all charges and testimonies against him, and
ignored all arguments and proofs in his favor. Moreover, Rizal was not
given the right (which any accused is entitled to have in a real court of
justice) to face the witnesses against him in open court.

The trial of Jose commenced in the Cuartel de Espana, a military building, on December
26, 1896, at eight o’clock in the morning. Present in the trial were seven members of the military
court: Lt. Col. Jose Togores Arjona (President), Capt. Ricardo Munoz Arias, Capt. Manuel
Reguerra, Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio, Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nunez, Capt. Manuel Diaz
Escribano, and Capt. Fermin Perez Rodriguez. Also in the military court were Lt. Don Luis
Taviel de Andrade (Jose’s defense counsel) Capt. Rafael Dominguez (Judge Advocate) Lt.
Enrique de Alcocer (Prosecuting Attorney) and observers which included Josephine Bracken,
a sister of Jose, newspapermen, and other Spaniards.

Judge Advocate Capt. Rafael Dominguez began the trial and explained the case leveled
against Jose. Jose was charged of three crimes: rebellion, sedition, and illegal association. Lt.
Enrique de Alcocer, the prosecuting lawyer, advanced a gingerly harangue, detailing the
accusations against Jose. He mercilessly made an effort to persuade the members of the military
court to punish the accused with death sentence. Lt. Don Luis Taviel de Andrade, defense
counsel of Jose tried hard to come up with a convincing defense. He brought an end to his
defense by reminding the judges to be fair and avoid vindictiveness in their judgment. After Lt.
Don Luis Taviel de Andrade’s defense, the court queried Jose if there is anything he wanted to
say. Jose confidently read a supplement to his defense. De Viana, Augusto V. et al (2011) put
forward Jose’s supplementary defense as follows:

1. He could not be guilty of rebellion, for he advised Dr. Pio

Valenzuela in Dapitan not to rise in revolution.
2. He did not correspond with the radical, revolutionary elements.
3. The revolutionists used his name without his knowledge. If he
were guilty he could have escaped in Singapore.
 4. If he had a hand in the revolution, he could have escaped in a
Moro vinta and would not have built a home, a hospital, and
bought lands in Dapitan.
5. If he were the chief of the revolution, why was he not consulted
by the revolutionists?
6. It was true he wrote the by-laws of the Liga Filipina, but this is
only a civic association --- not a revolutionary society.
7. The Liga Filipina did not live long, for after the first meeting he
was banished to Dapitan and it died out.
8. If the Liga was reorganized nine months later, he did not know
about it.
9. The Liga did not serve the purpose of the revolutionists,
otherwise they would not have supplanted it with the Katipunan.
10. If it were true that there were some bitter comments in Rizal’s
letters, it was because they were written in 1890 when his family
was being persecuted, being dispossessed of houses,
warehouses, lands, etc. and his brother and all his brother-in-law
were deported.
11. His life in Dapitan had been exemplary as the politico-military
commanders and missionary priests could arrest.
12. It was not true that the revolution was inspired by his one speech
at the house of Doroteo Ongjunco, as alleged by witnesses
whom he would like to confront. His friends knew his
opposition to armed rebellion. Why did the Katipunan send an
emissary to Dapitan who was unknown to him? Because those
who knew him were aware that he would never sanction any
violent movement.

The biased military court was apathetic to Jose’s appeal. After a brief deliberation, the
members of the military court agreed to convict Jose and sentenced him to death. On December
26, 1896, the unjust military court decision was given to Governor General Camilo G. de
Polavieja who asked the judgment of judge advocate General Nicolas de la Pena who confirmed
the death verdict. On December 28, 1896, Governor General Camilo G. de Polavieja signed the
court-martial’s decision to execute Jose Rizal. Medina (1998) presented this decree as follows:

Manila, December 28, 1896:

Conformably to the foregoing opinion. I approve the sentence

dictated by the Court Martial in the present case, by virtue of which the
death penalty is imposed on the accused Jose Rizal Mercado, which
shall be executed by shooting him at 7:00 o’clock in the morning of the
30th of this month in the field of Bagumbayan.
 For compliance and the rest may correspond, let this be returned to
the Judge Advocate, Captain Don Rafael Dominguez.

Camilo G. de Polavieja

Jose Rizal’s Death

After learning the unjust decision of the court martial, Jose spent the next twenty fours
of his remaining life seeing and speaking to his friends, family and Josephine Bracken whom
he tied the knot with canonically on
December 30, 1896 officiated by Fr.
Balaguer. After the reading of the death
penalty, Jose opted to spent quiet
moments in the prison chapel. He turned
into writing when he was left alone in his
cell. He penned a letter to his brother
Paciano, another one to his best friend
Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt, and another
letter addressed to his father and mother.
It was also assumed that he signed a
document abjuring Masonry (which
some scholars doubted).

It is commonly believed that on December 29, 1896, Jose composed his last poem, Mi
Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell). He was able to thrust it inside an alcohol cooking stove which
he gave to his sister Trinidad to whom, he divulged ‘There is something in it.’ Jose’s last poem,
composed without a title and unsigned was translated in English by Charles E. Derbyshire,
which runs below:
 My Last Farewell

Farewell, dear Fatherland, clime of the sun caress’d

Pearl of the Orient seas, our Eden lost!
Gladly now I go to give thee this faded life’s best,
And were it brighter, fresher or more blest
Still would I give it thee, nor count the cost.

On the field of battle, mid the frenzy of light,

Others have given their lives, without doubt or heed;
The place matters not – cypress or laurel or lily white,
Scaffold or open plain, combat or martyrdom’s plight,
‘Tis ever the same to serve our home and country’s need.

I die just when I see the down break,

Through the gloom of night, to herald the day;
And if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take,
Pour’d out at need for thy dear sake,
To dye with its crimson the walking ray.

My dreams, when life first opened to me,

My dreams, when the hopes of youth beat high,
Were to see thy lov’d face, O gem of the orient sea
From gloom and grief, from care and sorrow free;
No blush on thy brow, no tear in thine eye.

Dream of my life, my living and burning desire,

All hail! cries the soul that is now to take flight;
 All hail! And sweet it is for thee to expire,
To die for thy sake, that thou mayst aspire,
And sleep in thy bosom eternity’s long night.

If over my grave someday thou seest grow,

In the grassy sod, a humble flower,
Draw it to thy lips and kiss my soul so,
While I may feel on my brow in the cold tomb below
The touch of thy tenderness, thy breath’s warm power.

Let the moon beam over me soft and serene,

Let the dawn shed over me its radiant flashes
Let the wind with the sad lament over me keen;
And if on my cross a bird should be seen,
Let it trill its hymn of peace of my ashes.

Let the sun draw the vapors up to the sky,

And heavenward in purity bear my tardy protest;
Let some kind soul o’er my untimely fate sigh,
And in the still evening a prayer be lifted on high,
From thee O my country, that in God I may rest.

Pray for all those that hapless have died.

For all who have suffered the unmeasur’d pain;
For our mothers that bitterly their woes have cried,
For widow and orphans, for captives by torture tried;
And then for thyself that redemption thou mayst gain.
 And when the dark night wraps the graveyard around,
With only the dead in their vigil to see;
Break not my repose or the mystery profound,
And perchance thou mayst hear a sad hymn resound,
‘Tis I, O my country, raising a song unto thee.

When even my grave is remembered no more,

Unmark’d by never a cross or a stone;
Let the plow sweep through it, the spade turn it o’er
That my ashes may carpet thy earthly floor,
Before into nothingness at last they are blown.

Then, will oblivion bring to me no care;

As over thy vales and plains I sweep;
Throbbing and cleansed in thy space and air,
With color and light, with song and lament I fare,
Ever repeating and faith that I keep.

My Fatherland ador’d that my sadness to my sorrow lends,

Beloved Filipinas, hear now my last good-bye!
I give thee all; parents and kindred and friends;
For I go where no slave before the oppressor bends,
Where faith can never kill, and God reigns e’er on high!
 Farewell to you all, from my soul torn away,
Friends of my childhood in the home dispossessed!
Give thanks that I rest from the wearisome day!
Farewell to thee; too, sweet friend that lightened my way;
Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest!

On December 30, 1896, approximately at six thirty in the morning, Jose’s walk towards
his death commenced signaled by a trumpet sound at Fort Santiago. The death march was
delineated by Zaide and Zaide (2014) as follows:

The advance guard of four soldiers with bayoneted rifles moved.

A few meters behind, Rizal walked calmly, with his defense counsel
(Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade) on one side and two Jesuit priests (Fathers
March and Vilaclara) on the other. More well-armed soldiers marched
behind him.

Rizal was dressed elegantly in a black suit, black derby hat,

black shoes, white shirt and a black tie. His arms were tied behind from
elbow to elbow, but the rope was quite loose to give his arms freedom
of movement.

To the muffled sounds of the drums, the cavalcade somnolently

marched slowly. There was a handful of spectators lining the street from
Fort Santiago to the Plaza del Palacio in front of the Manila Cathedral.
Everybody seemed to be out at Bagumbayan, where a vast crowd
gathered to see how a martyr dies.

As Jose calmly made his way to

Bagumbayan, he remarked about the beauty and
serenity of the morning, uttered a few observations
about Corregidor, the mountains of Cavite and the
Ateneo College. Upon reaching the place of
execution, Jose noticed the very large number of
prying persons and soldiers waiting for them. After
final blessings were bestowed on him he said his
adieu to Fr. March, Fr. Villaclara and Lt. Taviel de
Andrade. Jose’s request that he be shot facing the firing squad was denied because there was
an order to shoot him in the back. The normal pulse of Jose, felt by Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo, a
Spanish military doctor, proved that he did not fear death. Above the beating of the drums that
filled the air was the cold-blooded command “Fuego” (Fire) which ended Jose’s life. He fell to
the ground three minutes past seven o’clock in the morning and was declared dead.

Expectedly, the passing away of Jose Rizal’s was greeted with joy by his enemies. On
the contrary, those who love, respected and supported him were brokenhearted and painfully
inflamed. For them, he died a hero and martyr to Philippine freedom.
 CHAPTER 6

ANNOTATION OF ANTONIO MORGA’S

SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS

Background

Among Rizal’s works that typically

shown his nationalistic sentiments, his
annotations of Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas by
Antonio Morga was not as popular as his two
novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
We can actually say that his annotations of
Sucesos is as equally-important as all his works.
As Ocampo in his article published in
Philippines Studies would say, it shows that
there is history of the Philippines before the time
of colonization.
Photo taken by Ambeth Ocampo

Rizal’s Propositions

Rizal agued in three main propositions in his annotations: 1) The inhabitants of the
Philippines has a culture even before Spanish colonization; 2) Filipinos then, were depressed,
oppressed and marginalized by mechanism of colonization and; 3) Philippines at present was
not necessarily more ahead than to its past.
In these arguments, we can see how much in favor is Rizal in the history of his
motherland. He insisted on the importance of knowing the cultural identity Filipinos have even
before colonization. Basing his arguments on the notes of a Spanish conquistador himself
(Morga), he has supported in full conviction the state of the Philippines and its people under
the rule of the colonizers. That, even if the Philippines was largely Hispanized because of more
than 300 years of colonization, Filipinos and the Philippines itself can equally be proud of the
pre-conquest past with its culture and existence.

Rizal’s annotation of the Morga shows his social scientist side, most especially his side
of being a historian. Even if it is a question whether his work (being a mere annotation of
somebody else’s work) can be a contribution in Philippine historiography, we cannot argue for
the fact that he was a nationalist in his arguments. Although in the streams of historical writing,
what he had written was somewhat invaluable because of it being as secondary source. As what
Ocampo has written in his journal article:
 Rizal’s annotation are largely disregarded today stems basically from the
recent advances in historical, archeological and ethnographic research.
Although many of Rizal’s assertions have been validated by recent
research, the fact is that his work is now dated. Moreover Rizal’s
annotations are secondary, and today’s scholars concentrate more on the
primary source, Morga, than on Rizal’s notes. Few Filipinos today, even
the most patriotic, would find the time and energy to read the small text
of Rizal’s footnotes, even if penned by the national hero (Ocampo,
1998).

Rizal’s views on pre-conquest past were valid if and only if we have to look into his
nationalistic ideals. However, there are some notes on Morga which were validated by today’s
scholars which are exaggerations on the part of Rizal so as not to deviate in his major argument.
Some examples were actually mentioned in Ocampo’s article. For the matter, it was however
obvious why he made those inconsistencies. Morga, being a Spanish who actually, according
to Rizal made one of the most accurate accounts of history before and during Spanish
colonization, had still his own biases in writing. Other writers would even immortalize almost
everything because it is their way of pacifying the Filipino natives. How religious groups
(religious missionaries, the first three before the Jesuits) have made stories just to get convert
everyone is something Rizal, himself recent. His choice of annotating the work of Morga has
somehow show his anti-clergy sentiments and that would also show, ironically his own bias in
how history is portrayed during Spanish colonization. As Ocampo would say: Rizal maintained
mixed feelings for the Morga, depending on its usefulness for his thesis, that, ‘Spanish
colonization retarded, rather than brought civilization to, the Philippines and its inhabitants’
(Ocampo, 1998).

Conclusion

Rizal’s annotation of Sucesos delas Islas Filipinas is a gem in the stream of Philippine
historiography. He did well in his ambitions of giving justice in the pre-colonial life of the
Filipinos. His patriotism was very evident in this piece and he did not get away in his personality
in doing this work. He also has set a good example in doing making researches (thus having his
social scientist side).

Among many Spanish writers who had so much interest in writing about the Philippines
and his people, he chose Morga because he believes he was less biased than those from the
religious orders. Morga had connections to the Spanish government being a lieutenant but he
was not a part of the church. He also chose Morga because of his wide experience in the
different places and cultures in the Philippines. And as what Rizal has said in his annotations,
it is very much evident in the accounts made by Morga that our country can stand in terms of
the richness of culture even without the influence of the Spaniards.

Rizal has his own biases in writing his annotations, but he was never unaware of his
arguments and he never get away in his love for his country and countrymen. And more
importantly, Rizal began the task of writing the first Philippine history from the viewpoint of a
Filipino. (Ocampo, 1998).