Chapter Rizal-in-Europe - Compressed
Chapter Rizal-in-Europe - Compressed
Chapter Rizal-in-Europe - Compressed
Rizal's departure was kept secret from his parents, but friends arranged his travel
and gave him money. On May 1, 1882, he left Calamba, receiving money from his brother
Paciano. Rizal wrote poetic letters about his voyage, receiving royal treatment and
cultural exposure during his travels.
He arrived in Singapore on May 9, 1882, staying at Hotel dela Paz. He then boarded the
Djemnah, fascinated by its cleanliness and meeting various passengers. The ship
stopped at Punta de Gales, Colombo, and the African coast, offering Rizal cultural
interactions and experiences. The Djemnah passed through Suez Canal on June 2, after a
slight delay, marking 47 days of travel.
Barcelona
Rizal arrived in Barcelona on June 15, 1882, receiving a warm
welcome from Filipino expatriates that deepened his nationalism.
He published his first essay, "El Amor Patrio" (Love of
Country), using the pen name Laong Laan, expressing his
affection for his birthland. Despite his challenging living
conditions on Calle de San Pablo at Fonda de España, Rizal
adjusted to his situation and gained recognition for his
eloquent writings in Diariong Tagalog.
During his stay in Paris, Rizal explored the city and visited numerous
landmarks and cultural sites. He admired the cleanliness of the
surroundings and observed people enjoying leisure time in public gardens
and promenades. Rizal's life in Paris was dedicated to intellectual
pursuits, professional development, writing his novel "Noli Me Tangere,"
traveling, and honing his painting talents.
Despite the support from Dr. Wecker, Rizal left Paris to further specialize
in ophthalmology. Before departing the city, he had already completed a
significant portion of his novel "Noli Me Tangere," which would go on to
become a seminal work in Philippine literature.
Heidelberg
Rizal arrived in Heidelberg in 1886, staying for six months. He lived
temporarily at 16 Karlstrasse before moving to 12 Grabengasse. He paid 28
duros per month for lodging and meals at a boarding house run by Mrs.
Nebel.
Despite the relatively high cost of 28 duros per month, he found German
life manageable as he mainly ate potatoes. To enhance his ophthalmology
knowledge, Rizal worked as an assistant at Dr. Oto Becker's eye clinic at
Heidelberg University. He attended seminars like "Augen Klinic" and
"Repetitorium der Augenheilkunde." Despite limited funds, his diligence
paid off, and he became a successful physician.
This nostalgia inspired him to write the poem "To the Flowers of
Heidelberg." In a letter to his sister Trinidad, he compared German
and Filipina women's traits, praising the former's seriousness,
diligence, and focus on education over material things.
In the heart of Wilhelmsfeld, Rizal engaged in discussions with Fr. Heinrich Bardorf, a
Catholic priest, at the Schriesheimer Hof inn. Their conversations about religion
fostered Rizal's appreciation for religious tolerance. He admired how Bardorf, a
Catholic, and Ullmer, a Protestant, respected each other's faith. Their discussions
emphasized unity and brotherhood, transcending religious differences.
During his stay, Rizal honed his sketching skills and improved his German language
proficiency. In June 1886, he left Wilhelmsfeld and returned to Heidelberg.
Leipzig
In Leipzig, Rizal attended history and psychology lectures at the University.
He befriended Professor Friedrich Ratzel and Hans Meyer, a notable
anthropologist and author. Meyer had visited the Philippines for two months in
1882, and shared indigenous culture insights with Rizal. Professor Ratzel
praised Rizal's intellect, shaped by experiences across three continents.
Vienna
On May 20, 1887, Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful city of Vienna.
They stayed at Hotel Metropole and visited many interesting places in the
city, including churches, museums. art galleries, and public parks.
Lintz
In Lintz, Rizal and Viola rented a boat to see the Danube River. During
the trip, Rizal observed the river, the barges loaded with products, and
the boats with families living on them.
Rheinfall
Rizal and Viola then went to Munich to taste its beer, considered the best
in Germany then. They also visited Ulm Cathedral, the tallest building in
Germany at the time, saw the Rin Waterfalls which was widely regarded as the
most beautiful in Europe.
Geneva
Rizal and Viola enjoyed their time in beautiful Geneva. While crossing
Leman Lake, Rizal was reminded of his Calamba childhood. But upon
arrival, news from Madrid about the degrading treatment of the Igorots at
the Madrid Exposition saddened Rizal deeply. He resented the mockery and
degradation inflicted on his fellow Filipinos by the Spaniards.
Italy
On June 23, 1887, Rizal and Viola parted ways. Viola returned to Barcelona,
and Rizal journeyed through Italy, visiting cities like Turin, Milan,
Venice, Florence, Rome, and the Vatican. He marveled at St. Peter's
Basilica, admired artwork, and experienced the grandeur of St. Peter's
Square. After a week of exploration, he decided to return to the
Philippines, having informed his father of his impending homecoming.
The First Trip to Europe
Dr. Jose Rizal's European journey occurred in three stages: first, his departure for
Europe in May 1882 for education; second, his literary and political activities from
June 1888 to October 1891; and lastly, his time in Hong Kong until July 1892,
continuing his advocacy for political reforms.
Rizal's departure was kept secret from his parents, but friends arranged his travel
and gave him money. On May 1, 1882, he left Calamba, receiving money from his brother
Paciano. Rizal wrote poetic letters about his voyage, receiving royal treatment and
cultural exposure during his travels.
He arrived in Singapore on May 9, 1882, staying at Hotel dela Paz. He then boarded the
Djemnah, fascinated by its cleanliness and meeting various passengers. The ship
stopped at Punta de Gales, Colombo, and the African coast, offering Rizal cultural
interactions and experiences. The Djemnah passed through Suez Canal on June 2, after a
slight delay, marking 47 days of travel.
Barcelona
Rizal arrived in Barcelona on June 15, 1882, receiving a warm
welcome from Filipino expatriates that deepened his nationalism.
He published his first essay, "El Amor Patrio" (Love of
Country), using the pen name Laong Laan, expressing his
affection for his birthland. Despite his challenging living
conditions on Calle de San Pablo at Fonda de España, Rizal
adjusted to his situation and gained recognition for his
eloquent writings in Diariong Tagalog.
During his stay in Paris, Rizal explored the city and visited numerous
landmarks and cultural sites. He admired the cleanliness of the
surroundings and observed people enjoying leisure time in public gardens
and promenades. Rizal's life in Paris was dedicated to intellectual
pursuits, professional development, writing his novel "Noli Me Tangere,"
traveling, and honing his painting talents.
Despite the support from Dr. Wecker, Rizal left Paris to further specialize
in ophthalmology. Before departing the city, he had already completed a
significant portion of his novel "Noli Me Tangere," which would go on to
become a seminal work in Philippine literature.
Heidelberg
Rizal arrived in Heidelberg in 1886, staying for six months. He lived
temporarily at 16 Karlstrasse before moving to 12 Grabengasse. He paid 28
duros per month for lodging and meals at a boarding house run by Mrs.
Nebel.
Despite the relatively high cost of 28 duros per month, he found German
life manageable as he mainly ate potatoes. To enhance his ophthalmology
knowledge, Rizal worked as an assistant at Dr. Oto Becker's eye clinic at
Heidelberg University. He attended seminars like "Augen Klinic" and
"Repetitorium der Augenheilkunde." Despite limited funds, his diligence
paid off, and he became a successful physician.
This nostalgia inspired him to write the poem "To the Flowers of
Heidelberg." In a letter to his sister Trinidad, he compared German
and Filipina women's traits, praising the former's seriousness,
diligence, and focus on education over material things.
In the heart of Wilhelmsfeld, Rizal engaged in discussions with Fr. Heinrich Bardorf, a
Catholic priest, at the Schriesheimer Hof inn. Their conversations about religion
fostered Rizal's appreciation for religious tolerance. He admired how Bardorf, a
Catholic, and Ullmer, a Protestant, respected each other's faith. Their discussions
emphasized unity and brotherhood, transcending religious differences.
During his stay, Rizal honed his sketching skills and improved his German language
proficiency. In June 1886, he left Wilhelmsfeld and returned to Heidelberg.
Leipzig
In Leipzig, Rizal attended history and psychology lectures at the University.
He befriended Professor Friedrich Ratzel and Hans Meyer, a notable
anthropologist and author. Meyer had visited the Philippines for two months in
1882, and shared indigenous culture insights with Rizal. Professor Ratzel
praised Rizal's intellect, shaped by experiences across three continents.
Vienna
On May 20, 1887, Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful city of Vienna.
They stayed at Hotel Metropole and visited many interesting places in the
city, including churches, museums. art galleries, and public parks.
Lintz
In Lintz, Rizal and Viola rented a boat to see the Danube River. During
the trip, Rizal observed the river, the barges loaded with products, and
the boats with families living on them.
Rheinfall
Rizal and Viola then went to Munich to taste its beer, considered the best
in Germany then. They also visited Ulm Cathedral, the tallest building in
Germany at the time, saw the Rin Waterfalls which was widely regarded as the
most beautiful in Europe.
Geneva
Rizal and Viola enjoyed their time in beautiful Geneva. While crossing
Leman Lake, Rizal was reminded of his Calamba childhood. But upon
arrival, news from Madrid about the degrading treatment of the Igorots at
the Madrid Exposition saddened Rizal deeply. He resented the mockery and
degradation inflicted on his fellow Filipinos by the Spaniards.
Italy
On June 23, 1887, Rizal and Viola parted ways. Viola returned to Barcelona,
and Rizal journeyed through Italy, visiting cities like Turin, Milan,
Venice, Florence, Rome, and the Vatican. He marveled at St. Peter's
Basilica, admired artwork, and experienced the grandeur of St. Peter's
Square. After a week of exploration, he decided to return to the
Philippines, having informed his father of his impending homecoming.
Rizal's decision to return
to the Philippines
Rizal's Noli Me Tangere copies reached the Philippines,
attracting attention from authorities and making him a target.
Despite warnings from friends and family, he decided to return
due to epidemics, his father's property issues, his mother's
cataracts, and news about his fiancée Leonor Rivera.
Rizal had planned to marry Leonor Rivera and leave with his sister Sisa, but
circumstances changed. His father, Paciano, and Leonor's mother opposed
their union. He also encountered challenges related to his novel "Noli Me
Tangere," which he attempted to retrieve from the Ateneo, where his
professors valued the book greatly. When he presented a copy of the novel to
Governor-General Terrero, he appointed a young Spanish lieutenant, Don Jose
Taviel de Andrade, as his bodyguard and served as his eyes and ears. Rizal
could guess what his enemies demanded; that he be jailed or be placed under
constant surveillance, with the police guard to follow him.
Noli Me Tangere Condemned
Father Pedro Payo, the Dominican Archbishop of Manila, sent a copy of "Noli
Me Tangere" to the University of Santo Tomas for examination. A committee of
three members, Father Matias Gomez, Norberto del Prado, and Fernandes Arias,
found the novel heretical, impious, scandalous from a religious perspective,
and antipatriotic, and subversive. They submitted their report on August 30,
1887, stating that the book was subversive against the Spanish government.
Father Vicente Garcia, a Catholic theologian, defended the novel under the
pen name Justo Desiderio Magalang. He refuted the claims made by Father
Rodriguez and emphasized that Rizal's work criticized immoral Spanish
officials and friars rather than attacking the church and Spain. Garcia's
defense was published in Singapore in 1888.
Calamba's Agrarian Unrest
The issue arose when Governor-General Terrero initiated an investigation into the friars'
estates to address agrarian problems, including land taxes and tenant relations. One of the
affected estates was the Dominican-owned hacienda in Calamba. Rizal assisted in collecting
facts and grievances against the management of the hacienda. The tenants of Calamba sought
Rizal's help to represent their interests. The findings were presented to the government for
action.
The Dominican-owned hacienda encompassed not just the lands around Calamba but extended to
other areas.
1. The tenants faced arbitrary increases in their rent payments.
2. The hacienda owner did not contribute to the town fiesta, education of tenants' children,
or agricultural improvements.
3. Tenants who had worked hard to clear the lands were unjustly dispossessed for trivial
reasons.
4. Excessive interest rates were imposed on delayed rental payments, leading to the
confiscation of carabaos, tools, and possessions when tenants couldn't pay.
These issues highlighted the struggles faced by the tenants and the injustices perpetrated by
the hacienda management.
Rizal Leaves the Philippines
Governor-General Terrero summoned Rizal and advised him to leave the
country for his safety. Rizal promised to leave but didn't specify a
departure date. Despite having a fever, Rizal left Calamba with the
support of his cousins and brothers-in-law, who pledged to protect him
if needed. He departed Manila on February 3, 1888, driven by his
concern for the safety of his family and friends. Rizal wasn't afraid
to face his enemies and was willing to die for his cause. He believed
that he could better fight for his country's interests by writing from
abroad.