RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL

RIZAL’S LIFE ABROAD o Rizal wasted no time in Madrid. He began

writing for the Diariong Tagalog under the
 On May 3, 1882, Jose Rizal secretly left the
pseudonym Laong Laan which means “ever
Philippines aboard the S.S. Salvadora.
prepared.” o On August 20, 1882, his essay
Only his brother Paciano, two sisters, and
“El Amor Patrio” (Love of Country) was
a few close friends knew about his
published. This work focuses on the author’s
departure.
perceptions of the Philippines, both tangible
 Rizal knew that his parents would not
and imagined. It paints the Philippines as
approve of his decision to leave, as they
homeland, worthy of love and protection. o In
feared for his safety.
his essay, Rizal wrote: “Love is and extremely
 When Rizal’s parents learned of his
powerful force behind most noble activities.
departure, they were heartbroken. His
Of all loves, the love of country has inspired
father, especially, was devastated.
the grandest, the most heroic, and the most
 In a letter to Rizal, his brother Paciano
selfless of deeds. We need only read history
wrote: “When the telegram was received
books, historical records, or traditions to see
in Calamba, telling us of your departure,
this.”
our parents were distracted, but especially
o After writing “El Amor Patrio,” Rizal suspended
our old father, who became silent, stayed
writing articles about the country because of
in his room and wept, and refused to be
his mother’s opposition. The essay had
consoled by his family, the priest, or
alerted Spanish officials to Rizal’s nationalistic
anybody else. I had to go down to Manila,
tendencies, and his mother feared that he
to find out what means you had
would be arrested.
succeeded in making the journey to satisfy
o Rizal also had a difficult time gaining fame,
him, and on my return, I assured him that
and he decided to focus on his studies
your way was paid by some of your friends
instead. Jose Rizal enrolled in Universidad
in Manila, expecting that this would make
Central de Madrid, he took Medicine and later
him more content; but despite everything,
on took Philosophy and Letters. He also
I saw that he remained disconsolate.
enrolled in the Academy of San Carlos to learn
Seeing this and fearing that his silence
painting and sculpture. And drawing at
might develop into an illness, I told him
Academia de Ballas Artes de San Fernando.
the whole story, but to him alone, asking
He also found time to learn and to be
him to keep the secret, which he promised
proficient in French, German, and English.
to do; then he seemed to become a little
o During his first year in Madrid, Jose Rizal
content and returned to usual activities.
joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a Filipino
As for you other friends, acquaintances
student organization that met regularly to
and strangers in the community, for many
discuss political issues and to voice out the
days you were the theme of their
concerns of Filipinos. The organization was
conversation; they conjectured and
able to publish the newspaper Revista del
prophesied, but nobody guessed the
Circulo Hispano-Filipino, which aimed to
truth.”
express thoughts about the abusive Spanish
 Jose’s primary goal in leaving for Europe in
government. However, the publication was
1882 was to complete his education.
short-lived due to lack of funds and conflicting
However, he also had a secret mission. His
political issues. This led to the dissolution of
secret mission was to observe the lives,
the organization. Notable members of the
cultures, laws, and governments of the
organization included Jose Rizal, Marcelo H.
countries in Europe, in preparation for
del Pilar, Juan Luna, and Graciano Lopez
liberating the Philippines from Spain’s
Jaena.
tyrannical rule.
o Jose Rizal had a difficult time financially
 Rizal’s journey took him through several
countries, including Singapore, Sri Lanka, during his stay in Madrid. His family’s financial
Italy, and France. He arrived in Barcelona status had been declining due to crop failures
on June 16, 1882, after a month and a half and the increase in rentals of the Dominican
of travel. hacienda lands in his hometown.
o As a result, the monthly allowance that Rizal
In BARCELONA… received from the Philippine was often
delayed or not enough.
o It was summer vacation, so he was able to
o As a student in Spain, Rizal relied on money
meet and socialize with acquaintances and
sent to him by his brother Paciano. He was
former classmates from the Ateneo.
instructed not to work so that he would not be
In MADRID… distracted from his mission of studying
medicine and learning about the cultures and
o Jose Rizal went to Madrid in 1882, where his societies of Europe in order to help bring
brother Paciano wanted him to stay because it reforms to the Philippines.
was the (1) center of all the provinces of o Rizal lived on a tight budget for food, clothes,
Spain and (2) where he could learn the most. and housing. He spent his money on
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
education. In fact, there were times when he diploma because he was not able to submit
attended his classes on an empty stomach. the thesis required for graduation nor pay the
He skipped many meals just to pay for his corresponding fees. However, during Rizal’s
exam fees and to buy the required books and time, a licentiate was enough to practice
tools. medicine. (1884)
o In his free time, he frequently visited o At the age of 24, Jose also finished his
museums and read books. He often walked licentiate in Philosophy and Letters in 1885.
around restaurants and cafes, hungry, and
In PARIS…
satisfied his hunger with the smell of food. o
He also complained about not being able to o In November 1885, Rizal moved to Paris to
take a bath every day because every bath specialize in ophthalmology. He worked as an
had a fee. He quipped that he had not taken a assistant to Dr. Louis de Wecker, a renowned
bath for at least a month. French ophthalmologist who was known for
o On the evening of June 25, 1884, after a day using a pair of scissors in performing
of not eating, Jose Rizal attended a banquet in surgeries.
Madrid to celebrate the success of two Filipino o As a result, Rizal’s skills in the field vastly
painters, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion improved. He learned how to conduct eye
Hidalgo, at the Exposicion Nacional de Bellas operations, diagnose eye ailments, and use
Artes. Luna’s painting “Spoliarium” won a different techniques of eye surgery.
gold medal, while Hidalgo’s painting o Rizal also took the time to meet up with
“Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho” friends, including painter Juan Luna and
won a silver medal. fellow writer and medical student Maximo
o At the banquet, Rizal gave a speech that Viola.
would make history. “Sina Luna at Hidalgo ay o During his stay with Luna, Rizal became a
parehong kaluwalhatian ng Espanya at model and posed for two historical paintings:
Pilipinas. Isinilang sila sa Pilipinas, ngunit (1) The Blood Compact (as Sikatuna); and (2)
maaaring isinilang sila sa Espanya dahil ang Death of Cleopatra (as priest).
pagiging henyo ay walang kinikilalang bansa. o Also at this time, Rizal’s novel Noli Me
Sumisibol ito kahit saan. Gaya ng liwanag, Tangere was half finished.
gaya ng hangin, ang patrimonya ng lahat,
kosmopolitan na gaya ng kalawakan, gaya ng In GERMANY…
buhay, gaya ng Diyos. Ang panahon ng
o Due to the high cost of living in Paris, Rizal
patriyarka sa Pilipinas ay pawala na. Ang mga
left for Germany in February 1886.
gawain ng kaniyang mahuhusay na anak ay
o He arrived in Heidelberg, an old university
hindi na masasayang pa sa kaniyang tahanan.
At higit sa lahat, ipinagdarasal ko ang town, where he worked as an assistant to Dr.
kaligayahan ng mga magulang na hindi Otto Becker, an eminent German
nakadarama ng pagmamahal ng kanilang ophthalmologist at the University Eye
mga anak. Nasa malalayong lugar. Hospital. Rizal mastered the technique of
Nagsasakripisyo para sa kapakanan ng lahat diagnosing eye ailments under Dr. Becker,
ng matamis na konsolasyon na kapos sa which he had first learned from Dr. Louis de
bukang liwayway ng buhay.” Wecker.
o Rizal’s speech was recorded by the reporters o However, the program placed less emphasis
who attended the banquet, and it was on actual operations. Rizal’s experience with
published in the magazine “Los Dos Mundos.” actual patient operations in Paris helped him
Overnight, Rizal became famous. become one of Dr. Becker’s best students.
o Paciano told his brother, “You are the cause of Rizal stated, “At the hospital, I practice and
examine patients who come every day. The
her sickness. I’ll tell you why. About that time,
professor corrects our mistakes in diagnosis;
the talk here was the speech you delivered at
I help in the treatment, and although I don’t
the banquet in honor of the Filipino painters.
see as many operations as I did in Paris, I
Some people said that you would not be able
study the practical side more here.”
to come back; others said that it would be
o While studying in Germany, Rizal heard of an
desirable for you to remain there; still others
said that you have made enemies; and there Austrian scholar (Blumentritt) who was
were those who asserted that you have lost interested in the Philippines. He has never
friends. In short, 1 all were unanimous in seen the country, but he was eager to learn
saying that it was not convenient for you to more about it.
return here. These gratuitous suppositions o Rizal was eager to share his knowledge
were the ones that afflicted our mother very about his motherland with the curious
much and made her sick.” Austrian scholar. Upon learning that
o Despite the controversy caused by his Blumentritt was studying the Tagalog
speech, Rizal continued his studies for a language, Rizal sent him a letter.
doctorate in medicine. He finished the o In his letter, Rizal expressed his gratitude for
coursework but was not granted the Doctor’s Blumentritt’s interest in the Philippines and
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
sent him a Spanish-Tagalog arithmetic book independence. He was not satisfied with
as a gift. He wrote, “Esteemed Sir, Having simply translating one work, however. He
heard that Your Lordship is studying our went on to translate several fairy tales of
language and that you have already Hans Christian Andersen (The Fir Tree,
published some works on the subject, I take Thumbelina, The Little Matchgirl, The Ugly
the liberty of sending you a valuable book Duckling).
written in that language by a countryman of
In BERLIN…
mine. The Spanish version is mediocre
because the author is only a modest writer, o Jose Rizal moved to Berlin, the capital of
but the Tagalog version is good.” Germany, in November 1886. He wanted to
o Blumentritt was delighted to receive Rizal’s learn more about ophthalmology, German
letter and gift, and he reciprocated by culture and government, and to meet with
sending Rizal two books. In his letter, scientists. He worked as an assistant in the
Blumentritt wrote, “Very esteemed Sir, I clinic of Dr. Schweigger in the morning, and
received your letter together with the two attended classes at the University of Berlin in
books that I value very much. I read them the evening.
with great pleasure and satisfaction. I o He intended to publish his novel, Noli Me
appreciate your kindness, and I shall not Tangere, but he was sick, sad, and penniless.
forget your courtesy in accepting my o His brother Paciano was unable to send him
insignificant gift.” his monthly allowance due to crop failures in
o Rizal and Blumentritt became close friends, Calamba. Rizal had to pawn his diamond ring
and they corresponded regularly for many and sell his books to bookstores in order to
years. They wrote to each other about the eat. His poor nutrition led to him contracting
Philippines, Europe, government, Science, tuberculosis.
Technology, different cultures and personal o Rizal stated, “I did not believe that Noli Me
matters. They even exchange books, Tangere would ever be published. I was in
manuscripts, and maps. Berlin, heartbroken, weakened, and
o After four months of correspondence, Rizal discouraged from hunger and deprivation. I
mustered the courage to suggest that they was on the point of throwing my work into the
exchange photographs. Blumentritt readily fire as the thing accursed and fit only to die.”
obliged, while Rizal sent a self-portrait in o When Maximo Viola learned of Rizal’s
crayon. troubles, he lent him money for allowance and
o According to Ambeth Ocampo, “...Ferdinand 300 pesos, a huge sum of money at that time,
Blumentritt is not known to the average for the printing of Noli Me Tangere.
Czech citizen today, but his name is familiar o In 1887, two thousand copies of Noli Me
to most Filipinos, who know him from Tangere were produced and distributed to
textbook history, as Jose Rizal’s BFF. In the Filipinos in Europe, including Dr. Blumentritt.
age before texting, Facebook, Twitter, and o Bound copies were boxed and sent to some
Viber, theirs was a virtual friendship friends in Barcelona and Madrid. These friends
maintained through an exchange of over 200 employed a clever ruse for getting them into
letters documenting a decade, from the time the Philippines disguised as merchandise.
Rizal began writing the “Noli me tangere” in o With Viola, Rizal visited lovely sections of
1886 to his death in 1896. There is no
Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. After a
bromance, no gay angle to the relationship
visit to Vienna, Rome, and few other cities of
viewed with raised eyebrows by people
Italy, Rizal took a ship from Marseilles and
today, who cannot understand why two
started home on July 5, 1887. He was finally
grown men would exchange personal letters
ready to operate on his mother’s cataracts.
that sometimes signed off with courteous
Spanish valediction or closing “s.s.q.b.s.m” The Propaganda Movement
(su seguro servidor que besa su mano) - in
- The movement emerged as a reform and
English, “your sure servant who kisses your
national consciousness movement among
hand.”
young Filipino expatriates in the late 19th
In LEIPZIG… century. 2
- The group primarily consisted of Ilustrados
o Rizal arrived in Leipzig on August 14, 1886,
- Filipino intellectuals studying abroad -
and attended lectures conducted by a who had awakened to liberal and
German historian and a well respected nationalistic ideas.
anthropologist. He quickly mastered German, - The early students who participated in the
which is a difficult language to learn. He not Propaganda Movement came from well-to-
only learned the language, but also translated do families, as the expense of travel and
some German works into Tagalog. studying abroad were considerable.
o Rizal translated William Tell into Tagalog so - The Propaganda Movement published its
that his countrymen would know of, and own newspaper, La Solidaridad, which saw
perhaps draw inspiration from, the tale of print every two weeks.
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
- Graciano Lopez Jaena was the first editor, exploiting the tenants and taking advantage
and Marcelo H. del Pilar took over in late of their poverty:
1889. Del Pilar managed the publication 1. The hacienda of the Dominican Order
until the newspaper folded due to lack of comprised not only the lands around
funds. Calamba but the whole town of Calamba.
- This was an assimilationist movement that 2. There was increased profit for the
sought to fully incorporate Philippines into Dominican order because of the arbitrary
Spain. They also wanted to empower a increase of the rentals paid by the
native Filipino clergy and showcase Filipino tenants.
intellectual sophistication to the world. 3. The hacienda owner never contributed for
the celebration of the town fiesta, for
In PHILIPPINES…
education of the children, and for the
o Jose Rizal returned to the Philippines in improvement of agriculture.
August 1887 after five years of living abroad. 4. Tenants who spent more labor in clearing
He was greeted by controversy, as the Jesuits the lands were dispossessed of the said
at the Ateneo attempted to get him to return lands for a weak reason.
to his old faith. 5. For delayed payment of rentals, high
o Padre Faura, the priest who had taught Rizal rates of interest were charged to the
to carve the Sacred Heart of Jesus, told him tenants.
that he had made some mistakes in his novel, 6. Work animals, tools, and farm
Noli Me Tangere. However, Rizal stood by his implements of the tenants were
work, believing that he had told the truth. confiscated by the hacienda
o The novel had already caused a stir in the management if the rentals were not paid
Philippines, and the friars were determined to by the tenants.
silence Rizal. They preached sermons against o The friars were furious with Rizal’s findings.
him in church and wrote pamphlets They demanded that Terrero order Rizal to
denouncing him and his work. Rumors spread leave the country.
that Rizal was a German spy, a mason, and o Terrero refused, but he did advise Rizal to
other dangerous things. As a result, Rizal leave for his on safety. Rizal’s family and
received death threats daily. relatives also advised him to leave. After six
o His family was so worried about him that they months in the Philippines, Rizal left for Hong
made him eat with silver utensils, as it was Kong.
believed that poison would react with silver. In HONG KONG…
o Rizal’s brother, Paciano, accompanied him
everywhere he went, and even their father, o In Hong Kong, he met Filipino exiles Jose Maria
Don Francisco, was hesitant to let him leave Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriarte.
the house. o He also studied the Chinese language, drama,
o Nevertheless, Rizal kept himself busy while in and theater, and Chinese culture and values.
Calamba. He established a medical clinic, and He also visited the botanical garden, casino,
his first patient was his mother. cathedral and churches, pagodas, and
o He cured the sick, and soon he was known as bazaars.
an eye specialist and surgeon. In the town, o He even met with some leading Spaniards,
Rizal was called Doctor Uliman, because he including the Governor-General’s secretary,
was mistaken for a German. Jose Joaquin Barranda.
o On August 30, 1887, Rizal left Calamba for
Manila to meet with Governor-General Emilio
Terrero, a liberal-minded Spanish official to
talk about his novel. When he read the novel,
he found nothing wrong with it.
o But the archbishop of Manila that time, who In JAPAN…
was Bernardo Nozaleda, doesn’t like what
Rizal stated. He recommended that the o Rizal arrived in Yokohama, Japan, and stayed
importation, reproduction, distribution, and at the Tokyo Hotel for a few days. He was then
possession of the novel be stopped. invited by Juan Perez Caballero to live at the
o Terrero, concerned for Rizal’s safety, assigned Spanish legation for a month.
Lieutenant Jose Taviel de Andrade to protect o During his stay in Japan, he studied the
him. The governor general also requested that Japanese language, culture, theater, and
Rizal leave the country, but Rizal refused. martial arts. He also visited Japanese
o At about the same time, Governor-General provinces and appreciated the cleanliness,
Terrero ordered an investigation into the politeness, and industry of the Japanese.
Calamba agrarian problems. Rizal was asked o While living at the Spanish legation, Rizal met
to lead the group of Calamba tenants in the O-Sei-San, a Japanese woman. They became
investigation. He presented these findings to friends and eventually fell in love. It was no
Terrero, which showed that the friars were surprise that Jose fell for the charming,
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
modest, pretty, and intelligent daughter of a created a defense letter that cited praises
samurai. from the novel to prove that Rizal was not
o Rizal considered staying in Japan for good, but a heretic or blasphemer as accused by the
he had duties to fulfill for his country. He said friars.
goodbye to O-Sei-San and left Japan. - The compatriots of Jose Rizal who
o On the eve of his departure, Rizal’s diary supported the Anti Friar Petition of 1888
entry reflected on what he had given up by faced persecution, it includes the tenants
leaving O-Sei-San. “Japan has enchanted me. of Calamba (including Rizal’s family and
The beautiful scenery, the flowers. the trees, relatives). Rizals’ brother-in-law, Manuel T.
and the inhabitants - so peaceful, so Hidalgo was exiled to Bohol, and Rizal’s
courteous, and so pleasant. O-Sei-San, friend Laureano Vida was arrested for
sayonara, sayonara! I have spent a happy keeping the copies of Noli Me Tangere in
golden month; I do not know if I can have his home.
another one like that in all my life. Love,
In PARIS…again
money, friendship, appreciation, honors -
these have not been wanting. To think that I o Reluctantly, Rizal left the wonderful library of
am leaving this life for the uncertain, the the British Museum and departed for Paris in
unknown, there I was offered an easy way to the middle of March 1889 to continue working
live, beloved and esteemed. on El Filibusterismo.
o In the National Library of Paris, he continued
In USA…
his research on the history of Philippines. He
o Rizal’s ship was quarantined in San Francisco also polished the annotated version of Antonio
when it arrived on April 28, 1888. The ship Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas.
was suspected of carrying cholera, but Rizal
In BELGIUM…
knew that the real reason was because it was
carrying Chinese and Japanese laborers, who o In January 1890, Jose Rizal moved to Brussels,
were seen as a threat to American jobs. Belgium, to escape the high cost of living in
o After a week of quarantine, some passengers Paris and the distractions of social life. He was
were allowed to disembark, but the Chinese concerned that the social life in Brussels
and Japanese passengers were quarantined would interfere with his writing, so he limited
for a longer period. his social engagements.
o Rizal was able to leave the ship and travel to o Rizal was troubled by reports that some
different cities in the United States, including Filipinos in Spain were gambling too much,
Reno, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, and he feared that this was giving the friars in
Albany, and New York City. the Philippines ammunition to discredit the
o Rizal was impressed by the natural beauty of Propaganda Movement. He wrote to Marcelo
the United States, the hardworking H. del Pilar, asking him to remind the Filipinos
Americans, and the material progress of the in Madrid that they were not in Europe to
country. He also saw the opportunities that gamble, but to work for the freedom of the
were available for poor immigrants to improve Philippines.
their lives. However, he was also critical on o Rizal said, “Luna in Paris complains about the
the lack of racial equality in the United States. gambling of the Filipinos in Madrid, and so
does Ventura. They tell me that reports come
In LONDON…
from the Philippines that the older people are
o After his trip to the United States, Rizal very unhappy about it; it seems that Don
arrived in London on May 24, 1888. Felipe Roxas is the one who learned that these
o There are many reasons why he decided to gamblers are known in Manila. I fear we are
live here. (1) He wanted to improve his playing in the hands of the friars. Is there
English (2) to study the Sucesos de las Islas nothing to remind them that the Filipino did
Filipinas by Antonio Morga. (3) To research not come to Europe to gamble and enjoy
Philippine History and (4) to continue writing himself, but to work for our liberty and for the
for La Solidaridad to defend other Filipino honor of his race? To gamble, it is not
against Spanish tyranny. o Rizal met Dr. necessary to leave the Philippines, for there is
Reinhold Rost, the librarian of the Ministry of too much gambling there. If we are the ones
Foreign Affairs in England. called upon to do anything, if we, in whom the
o Dr. Rost allowed Rizal to undertake research poor country reposes its little hope, pass our
at the British Museum, where he had the time in these ways, just when the years of
opportunity to read Morga’s Sucesos. youth ought to be utilized in some nobler and
o And then… there were good news and bad grander manner for the very reason that
news. youth is noble and generous, I very much fear
- Not all people in the church hated his that we will be fighting for a futile illusion, and
Noli, Filipino priest Vicente Garcia that in place of being worthy of liberty we will
defended the novel against the friars. He be worthy only of slavery.”
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
o Jose Rizal was living in Europe when he - On the third day, Mariano Ponce urged
received news that his family and relatives some Pilaristas to support Rizal, and the
had been evicted from their land in Calamba. election resulted in Rizal’s becoming the
o The Dominican friars, who owned the land, legal Responsable. However, Rizal
had raised the rents, and the Rizals and the declined the position because he knew
other tenants could not afford to pay. The that there were people who did not like
friars then filed a case to strip the Rizals of either his views or personality.
their ownership of the land. - Rizal then left Madrid and no longer
o Rizal was deeply angered and saddened by contributed to La Solidaridad. He arrived
this news. He felt that the friars were taking in Hong Kong on November 20, 1891.
advantage of the poor tenants, and he was o Rizal decided to practice medicine in Hong
determined to help them. He wrote a poem Kong, and he was granted a license to
entitled “A Mi Musa” (To My Muse) that was practice.
published on La Solidaridad to express his o His family also went to Hong Kong and they
disappointment and to call for justice. spent their Christmas together.
o Rizal tried to defend his family in court, but he o In a letter to his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt
was unsuccessful. The friars won the case, in Vienna, he expressed his emotions: “Here
and the Rizals were forced to leave Calamba. we are all living together, my parents, sisters,
o This was a major blow to Rizal, and it made and brother, in peace and far from the
him even more determined to fight for the persecutions they suffered in the Philippines.”
rights of the Filipino people. o While in Hong Kong, Jose Rizal began writing
the constitution of La Liga Filipina, with the
In MADRID… again
help of Jose Maria Basa.
o Rizal spent about a year in Brussels. In o The league’s goals were to: (1) Unite the
Biarritz, he completed the manuscript of El entire archipelago into one body. (2) Provide
Filibusterismo. mutual protection in times of need. (3) Protect
o In August 1890, he traveled to Madrid, where against all forms of violence and injustice. (4)
he attended a gathering of Filipinos. Promote education, agriculture, and
o At the gathering, Rizal had a fight with commerce. (5) Study and implement reforms.
Antonio Luna over a girl named Nellie o During his time in Hong Kong, Rizal penned
Boustead. Luna felt that he had the first claim two articles: (1) To the Spanish Nation (A La
on Boustead, but she was clearly infatuated Nacion Espanola) (2) To My Countrymen (Sa
with Rizal. After they had been drinking, Luna Mga Kababayan)
made some nasty comments about Boustead. o During his journey to Hong Kong from
Rizal was furious and they had a duel. When Marseilles, Rizal met William Pryer, who
Luna regained his sobriety, he realized his managed the British North Borneo Company.
mistake and apologized to Rizal. This company had a lease to oversee North
Borneo.
In HONG KONG… again o When Rizal heard about Pryer’s plans for the
o Rizal left Madrid and went to Hong Kong after British colony, he suggested creating a Filipino
colony in North Borneo for the evicted
publishing El Filibusterismo in Europe. He was
Calamba tenants. Pryer like the idea and
unhappy with the political situation there,
welcomed Rizal’s proposal. Together with
especially his disagreements with del Pilar
Pryer, Rizal met with the governor of North
and other Filipino expatriates.
Borneo to talk about leasing at least 5,000
- (IN MADRID) The rivalry between Rizal and
acres of land, with an option to buy even
del Pilar arose in 1890, when del Pilar took
more for 950 years.
over as editor of La Solidaridad. The two
o But there was a problem - the Calamba
men had different political visions, and del
Pilar’s editorial policies alienated Rizal. tenants couldn’t leave the Philippines without
- In an attempt to resolve their differences, permission from the Spanish Governor-
about 90 Filipinos met to elect a leader, General, Eulogio Despujol.
called the Responsable. The Responsable o To address this, Rizal wrote to Despujol asking
would be responsible for unifying the for permission to change their nationality, sell
group and ensuring that their work was their property in the Philippines, and let those
coordinated. facing trouble leave the country.
- Unfortunately, the election produced a - Despujol got angry and thought Rizal
division among the group: The Rizalistas might use the Filipino colony in North
and Pilaristas. Borneo to start a revolution against Spain.
- The election was held two times, and each Instead of replying directly, he asked the
time Rizal won most votes. However, he Spanish Consul in Hongkong to invite Rizal
did not receive the required two-thirds back to Manila to discuss the matter.
majority, so he was not declared the o Rizal’s family and friends advised him to
Responsable. decline Despujol’s invitation, considering it a
trap. However, Rizal was resolute in his
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
determination to improve the lives of the seditious language in its constitution. In
evicted Calamba tenants. addition, Rizal had just published his
o If meeting Despujol in Manila was necessary controversial novel, El Filibusterismo.
to achieve this goal, he was willing to do so.  Just three days after founding La Liga Filipina,
o On June 20, 1892, Rizal wrote a letter to his Rizal faced arrest at Malacañang. The Spanish
countrymen explaining his decision to return cited a prior, unrelated reason.
to Manila, “The step which I have taken or  JUNE 26, 1892 – Manila. Rizal and his sister
which I am about to take is very hazardous, were greeted by carabiniers and a major upon
no doubt, and I need not say that I have arrival in Manila. Their luggage was inspected
thought much about it. I know that almost at the customs house. After that, the officials
everybody is against it; but I know also that let them pass without any issues.
almost nobody knows what is going on in my  A package of “seditious paper” satirizing
heart. I cannot live knowing that many are wealthy Dominican friars was confiscated and
suffering unjust persecutions on my account; I brought to the attention of Governor-General
cannot live seeing my brother, sisters, and Despujol.
their numerous families pursued like  Rizal denied that the leaflets belonged to him
criminals; I prefer to face death, and I gladly or his sister but was arrested anyway and
give my life to free so many innocents from escorted to Fort Santiago.
such unjust persecution.  Manila newspapers published the Governor
General’s decree, outlining four charges that
 Once more, Rizal shall set foot upon the led to Rizal’s exile.
cherished land of the Philippines, where 1. “During his “voluntary exile,” he had
destiny beckons him to weave his final published books and proclamations of very
chapter, immersing himself in its embrace doubtful loyalty to Spain, which are not
until the final whispers of mortality claim only frankly anti-Catholic, but impudently
him. anti-friar, and introduced these into the
archipelago.”
RIZAL’S EXILE 2. A few hours after his arrival in the
 Rizal’s friends and relatives warned him Philippines, there was found in one of the
against returning to the Philippines. packages belonging to the said subject a
 Antonio Lopez wrote to him, “Nearly everyone bundle of handbills entitled “The Poor
opposes your coming, and I am of the same Friars” in which the patient and humble
opinion.” generosity of the Filipinos were satirized
 Rizal’s sister was hysterical when she heard and in which accusation was published
the news. “She cried and begged me to against the customs of the religious
advise you not to return, for you would be orders.
killed.” 3. His last book EL Filibusterismo was
 But despite their warnings, Rizal, firmly dedicated to the memory of three traitors
believing that the battlefield was in the to their country (Gomes, Burgos, and
Philippines, sailed to Manila on June 21, 1982, Zamora), but extolled by him as martyrs,
with his sister Lucia. while in the epigraph of the title page of
 Upon his arrival in Manila on June 26, 1892, said book was the doctrine that because
Rizal was greeted by a group of patriots of the vices and errors of the Spanish
including Apolinario Mabini, Deodato Arellano, administration, there was no other
Andres Bonifacio, and many more. Together, salvation for the Philippines than
they founded La Liga Filipina, which means separation from the mother country.
“The Filipino League.” 4. The end which he pursued in his efforts
writings was to tear from the loyal Filipino
I. LA LIGA FILIPINA breasts the treasure by our holy Catholic
 The Liga’s constitution outlined five purposes: faith.
o To unite the entire archipelago into a  Now that Rizal is gone, La Liga Filipina
compact, vigorous, and homogenous became inactive and began to fell apart.
body.
o To provide mutual protection in every II. LIFE IN DAPITAN
 From 1892 to 1896, Rizal lived in exile in
grievance and need.
Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao.
o To defend against violence and
 Dapitan was inaccessible, underdeveloped,
injustice.
and under the control of the Jesuits, who
o To encourage educational, industrial,
hoped to reform his Catholic faith.
and agricultural enterprises.
 This island sounds like a paradise, but it was
o To study and implement reforms.
remote and unfamiliar, far from the
 La Liga Filipina also has a motto in Latin: Unus
civilization to which Rizal was accustomed.
Instar Omnium which means “One like all.”
 Good thing, Rizal found a silver lining. While
 Liga’s Masonic roots and secrecy are enough
they curbed his political rights, Spanish
to arouse Spanish suspicion, even without
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
authorities still allowed him to move freely academic friends in Europe in exchange of
and participate in civic activities. Their goal books.
was to “tame” him so that he would be less o Rizal also had a passion for conchology, the
likely to entertain ideas of “subversion.” study and collection of shells.
 Instead of losing hope in life, Rizal o Rizal also discovered new species of animals,
transformed his exile into a period of which were named after him: Flying dragon –
meaningful contribution. Draco rizali; Small beetle – Apogonia rizali;
 Rizal was a teetotaler and non-smoker, but he Flying lizard – Rhacophorus rizali. o The
had a fondness for the lottery. Wenceslao influence of Rizal's education at Ateneo were
Retana, called the lottery Rizal's "only vice.” also evident in his teaching methods during
 Months after being exiled to Dapitan, Rizal, his exile in Dapitan. To effectively manage his
along with two other people, bought a lottery classroom, he divided his students into two
ticket, winning the second prize of P20,000. groups based on their height: "grandes" (big)
Their combined winnings were divided, and "pequenos" (small).
leaving Rizal with a substantial sum of P6,200. o Using his Ateneo-honed surveying skills, he
 Rizal spent a portion of his winnings on buying also constructed a water system in Dapitan,
agricultural lands along the coast of Talisay. providing clean water to homes lacking
On his purchased land, he built a house, access before.
established a farm, set up a school, and even o Rizal, with Ateneo professor Fr. Sanchez's
opened a clinic. help, created a significant relief map of
 Through these endeavors, he seamlessly Mindanao.
embraced the roles of a farmer, a teacher, o Rizal's school in Talisay served as a model for
and a physician. the type of education he believed was
necessary for the country's progress.
o “Dapitan reminds us that Rizal is much more
Rizal as a FARMER than a hero who wrote two novels for a nation
that does not read and got shot for them.
o Rizal’s upbringing as a member of an inquilino
Dapitan reminds us of the promise of youth
family instilled in him a deep connection to
and education.” – Ambeth Ocampo
farming.
o Rizal bought farmland in Dapitan, initially
growing rice and corn. He later partnered with
his brother-in-law to sell abaca, a profitable
crop in Manila. Rizal as a PHYSICIAN
o When Rizal found the locals' agriculture and
fishing methods outdated, he helped them. o In Dapitan, Rizal continued his medical
o Rizal achieved notable success as a farmer in practice, offering free care to those in need.
Dapitan. “His total landholdings reached 70 He extended his reach by making house calls,
hectares, comprising 6,000 hemp plants, ensuring that healthcare was accessible to
1,000 coconut trees, and an abundance of the sick and infirm. Even when paid for his
fruit trees, sugarcane, corn, coffee, and services, Rizal found ways to channel his
cacao.” (Gregorio Zaide) earnings for the betterment of Dapitan.
o Rizal held the profession of farming in high o As Rizal’s biographer and former enemy
esteem. He actively engaged in agricultural Wenceslao Retana recounts, “There was a rich
practices, not only to sustain himself but also Englishman who came to consult him: Rizal
to uplift the lives of the local community. removed his cataract and charged him 500
duros, which the Englishman gladly paid.
Rizal as a TEACHER Those 500 duros Rizal donated to Dapitan for
public lighting which it did not have.”
o Rizal’s vision of a modern and progressive
o Rizal's medical profession also led to a
education materialized during his exile.
remarkable encounter. As the story goes, Rizal
o In Talisay, he founded a school that
had become one of the most respected
emphasized school based management and
ophthalmologists in the Philippines.
community-based education, defying 19th
o Hoping for Rizal's healing touch, ailing George
century norms.
Taufer journeyed from Hong Kong to Dapitan
o Rizal’s Curriculum: Spanish, English,
with adopted daughter Josephine Bracken.
Mathematics, Geography, Geometry, Proper
- Josephine, an 18-year-old Irish woman,
Conduct, Physical Education – Gymnastics,
was likely captivated by Rizal's intellect,
Fencing, and Swimming
charm, and wit, and fell deeply in love
o As an agriculturist, Rizal incorporated nature
with him.
study into his school's curriculum, fostering
- Rizal, in turn, was smitten by Josephine's
appreciation for the natural world.
beauty and eagerness.
o Rizal and his students collected various flora
and fauna, which he then sent to his
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
- After just one month of romance, they o After months of waiting, a letter arrived from
expressed their desire to marry each Governor General Blanco: Rizal's offer was
other. accepted.
- However, their relationship was met with o Finally, after four years, Rizal was no longer in
disapproval from others. Tauffer attempted exile.
suicide due to his strong disapproval of o However, the Philippines was also
their planned marriage. Rizal's family also experiencing its own revolution, spearheaded
disapproved, possibly because of by Bonifacio and the Katipunan.
conservative views on marriage and Rizal
hinting at cohabitation with Josephine RIZAL’S TRIAL
without marriage.  Upon arriving in Manila on November 3rd,
- We can see this disapproval when Rizal was promptly imprisoned in Fort
Josephine lived with the Rizals. Josephine Santiago.
wrote to her dear Joe, “Ah, my dear, I am  A mere two weeks later, on November 20th, a
suffering a great deal with them in Trozo five-day preliminary investigation began
(house of Teodora Alonso). They ought to under Colonel Francisco Olive.
be ashamed of me, as they say to my face  While informed of the charges against him
and in the presence of Sra. Narcisa and and allowed to respond to questions, Rizal
their children, because I am not married to was not given the opportunity to directly
you.” confront those who testified against him.
- Despite their opposition, Rizal and
Josephine continued to be with each other EVIDENCES AGAINST RIZAL
and even had a child together that sadly
 Fifteen documentary pieces and thirteen
passed away.
testimonial pieces of evidence were presented
o In a letter to his dear friend Ferdinand
against Rizal. However, it is worth noting that
Blumentritt on December 19, 1893, Jose Rizal
some required documents and testimonies
painted a vivid picture of his idyllic life in
from Laguna were not yet received during his
Dapitan.
trial.
o Rizal's exile coincided with the burgeoning
 Final papers were only obtained in April 1898,
revolutionary movement. While attempts
sixteen months after Rizal's execution.
were made to reorganize Rizal's organization,
 Documentary Pieces
the La Liga Filipina ultimately split into two
1. A letter of Antonio Luna to Mariano Ponce,
groups: (1) Conservatives (peaceful; advocate
dated Madrid, October 16, 1888, showing
reforms); and (2) Radicals (drastic solution
Rizal's connection with the Filipino reform
like revolution.)
campaign in Spain.
o To inform Rizal of Katipunan's founding and
2. A letter of Rizal to his family, dated
planned revolution, Pio Valenzuela and
Madrid, August 20, 1890, stating that the
Raymundo Mata visited him in Dapitan.
deportations are good for they will
During their conversation, Valenzuela
encourage the people to hate tyranny.
informed Rizal of the Katipunan's plans and
3. A letter from Marcelo H. del Pilar to
their plan to help him escape. However, Rizal
Deodato Arellano, dated Madrid, January
declined the offer and stated that the people
7, 1889, implicating Rizal in the
were not ready for a revolution.
Propaganda campaign in Spain.
- According to the historian Zaide, Rizal
4. A poem entitled Kundiman, allegedly
objected to Bonifacio's project to plunge
written by Rizal in Manila on September
the country into a bloody revolution
12, 1891.
because of his "sincere belief that it was
5. A letter of Carlos Oliver to an unidentified
premature" and that "arms and funds
person, dated Barcelona, September 18,
must be collected first before raising the
1891, describing Rizal as the man to free
cry of revolution."
the Philippines from Spanish oppression.
o During their meeting, Rizal suggested both
6. A Masonic document, dated Manila,
obtaining support from Manila's wealthy and February 9, 1892, honoring Rizal for his
acquiring ships/weapons from Japan. Rizal patriotic services.
also suggested that the Katipunan’s seek help 7. A letter signed Dimasalang (Rizal's
from the Lunas in order to build relationship pseudonym to Tenluz (Juan Zulueta's
with the elite. pseudonym), dated Hongkong, May 24,
o Dr. Blumentritt suggested that Rizal offer his 1892, stating that he was preparing a safe
services as a military doctor in Cuba in refuge for Filipinos who may be
exchange for ending his exile. This is because persecuted by the Spanish authorities.
in Cuba, a revolution against Spain was 8. A letter of Dimasalang to an unidentified
unfolding alongside an epidemic of yellow committee dated Hongkong, June 1, 1892,
fever. soliciting the aid of the committee in the
"patriotic work."
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
9. An anonymous and undated letter to the  Rizal's defense noted that if he were the
Editor of the Hongkong Telegraph, leader of the revolution, then how come when
censuring the banishment of Rizal to he said yes, his followers said no? And if he
Dapitan. were involved, then how come he was not
10. A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal, dated there even in the beginning?
Manila, September 3, 1892, saying that  Following the preliminary investigation,
the Filipino people look up to him (Rizal) Colonel Francisco Olive transmitted the
as their savior. records to Governor-General Ramon Blanco.
11. A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal, dated  Captain Rafael Dominguez was then
Manila, September 17, 1893, informing an designated as the special judge advocate,
unidentified correspondent of the arrest tasked with determining the appropriate
and banishment of Doroteo Cortes and course of action regarding Rizal. After
Ambrosio Salvador. Dominguez provided a concise summary of
12. A letter of Marcelo H. del Pilar to Don Juan the accusations, he returned the papers to
A. Tenluz (Juan Zulueta), dated Madrid, Blanco. Blanco, in turn, forwarded them to
June 1, 1893 recommending the Judge Advocate General Don Nicolas de la
establishment of a special organization, Peña for his legal opinion.
independent of Masonry, to help the cause  Peña recommended the following actions: (1)
of the Filipino people. Rizal should be immediately brought to trial,
13. Transcript of a speech of Pingkian (Emilio (2) he should be kept in prison, (3) an order of
Jacinto), in a reunion of the Katipunan on attachment must be issued against his
July 23, 1893, in which the following cry property for the amount of one million pesos
was uttered "Long Live the Philippines! as indemnity, and (4) instead of a civilian
Long live Liberty! Long live Doctor Rizal! lawyer, only an army officer is allowed to
Unity!" defend him.
14. Transcript of a speech on Tik-Tik (Jose  On December 8, a list of names was shown to
Turiano Santiago) in the same Katipunan Rizal for him to choose his defender. None of
reunion, where in the katipuneros shouted: them were lawyers, as he was given a list of
"Long live the eminent Doctor Rizal! Death military officers. He selected Lieutenant Luis
to the oppressor nation!" Taviel de Andrade, brother of his former
15. A poem by Laong Laan (Rizal), entitled A bodyguard in Calamba, Jose Taviel de
Talisay, in which the author makes the Andrade.
Dapitan schoolboys sing that they know  On December 11th, after the formal reading
how to fight for their rights. of his accusations, Rizal pleaded not guilty to
 Testimonial Evidences charges of rebellion.
1. Martin Constantino  On December 13th, Governor-General Blanco,
2. Aguedo del Rosario who was not convinced of Rizal's guilt of
3. Jose Reyes being a traitor and who possessed a humane
4. Moises Salvador character, was replaced by Governor General
5. Jose Dizon Camilo G. de Polavieja, "the blood and iron
6. Domingo Franco governor," who was more ruthless in nature.
7. Deodato Arellano  On December 15th, Rizal penned a manifesto.
8. Ambrosio Salvador In it, he vehemently denied any involvement
9. Pedro Serrano Laktaw in the revolution, clarifying that his name was
10. Dr. Pio Valenzuela merely used to recruit others. While he may
11. Antonio Salazar have been approached about the planned
12. Francisco Quison uprising, he firmly condemned it. He believed
13. Timoteo Paez the rebellion was ill-timed, should be stopped,
and argued that reforms should come from
the authorities, not initiated by the citizens.

Rizal’s Defense and Plea

 Rizal insisted that he had no knowledge of his

identity being used in the revolution. He did
not consent to the Katipunan using his
pictures and as a password, nor did he have
The Trial of the Century
any idea that he was named their honorary
president.
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
 Jose Rizal stood a formal trial before a military Bernad states in his article "The Trial of Rizal,
court on December 26, 1896. Historian Zaide “Rizal was far away in Dapitan when those
notes that the day before the court trial was cries were raised. Yet his name was invoked.
Rizal's saddest Christmas, as he "found In his absence and without his consent he was
himself alone and depressed in a dreary declared honorary president of the Katipunan.
prison cell." His portrait was on the wall of their meeting
 The prosecuting attorney urged the court to place. This was the real reason why Rizal was
sentence the accused to death. Andrade did sentenced to death. Not because (as alleged
his best to defend Rizal's innocence. in the indictment) he had anything to do with
 The court also asked Rizal if he would like to the Katipunan or the Revolution, but because
add anything, to which Rizal responded by without him, there might not have been any
reading his supplementary defense, outlining revolution. Without his doing anything, he was
twelve points proving his innocence. (as the prosecution accurately said) "the very
o The following twelve points were presented to soul" of the movement that led to the
demonstrate his innocence: (Zaide & Zaide, revolution."
1999)  It is surprising that the Spanish officials did
1. He could not be guilty of rebellion, for he not learn from their mistakes. As Bernad
advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan not notes, "Rizal's death did not quench the
to rise in revolution. revolutionary fire. It added fuel to it... Only
2. He did not correspond with the radical, twenty-four years earlier, they had rushed
revolutionary elements. through the execution of three priests,
3. The revolutionists used his name without Burgos, Gomez and Zamora, hoping thereby
his knowledge. If he were guilty, he could to make an example of them and thus
have escaped in Singapore. intimidate the Filipinos into submission. But
4. If he had a hand in the revolution, he you can kill a person: you cannot kill an idea
could have escaped in a Moro vinta and by firing squad or strangulation."
would not have built a home, a hospital,
and bought lands in Dapitan. RIZAL’S DEATH
5. If he were the chief of the revolution, why
Mother’s Tears
was he not consulted by the
revolutionists?  On December 29th, at 6 in the morning,
6. It was true he wrote the by-laws of the Captain Rafael Dominguez spoke to Rizal,
Liga Filipina, but this is only a civic reading the details of his execution. He
association—not a revolutionary society. declared that Rizal would be shot by a firing
7. The Liga Filipina did not live long, for after squad in Bagumbayan at 7 o'clock the
the first meeting he was banished to following morning, December 30th.
Dapitan and it died out.  Later that day, Rizal received a visit from his
8. If the Liga was reorganized nine months mother, Teodora, and his sister, Trinidad. They
later, he did not know about it. were also accompanied by other family
9. The Liga did not serve the purpose of the members, yet they were not allowed to enter
revolutionists, otherwise they would not the cell.
have supplanted it with the Katipunan.  The following scene was heart-wrenching.
10. If it were true that there were some bitter Teodora and Rizal wept openly, while Rizal
comments in Rizal's letters, it was knelt before his mother, pleading for her
because they were written in 1890 when forgiveness. The Spanish guards, however,
his family was being persecuted, being remained unmoved, preventing any physical
dispossessed of houses, warehouses, contact between the family members.
lands, etc. and his brother and all his  As Trinidad entered the cell to fetch their
brothers in-law were deported. mother, Jose gave her an alcohol stove. He
11. His life in Dapitan had been exemplary as whispered, "There's something inside," in
the politico-military commanders and English, since the guards wouldn't understand
missionary priests could attest. the language. Inside the stove was an untitled
12. It was not true that the revolution was and undated poem, later given the name "Mi
inspired by his one speech at the house of Ultimo Adios" ("My Last Farewell").
Doroteo Ongjunco, as alleged by o Despite popular belief, it was not an
witnesses whom he would like to confront. alcohol lamp but an alcohol stove used
His friends knew his opposition to armed for reheating food.
rebellion. Why did the Katipunan send an
emissary to Dapitan who was unknown to Rizal's Last Letters
him? Because those who knew him were  Even in the face of death, Rizal still had the
aware that he would never sanction any sound mind to write. This is the letter he
violent movement. wrote to his friend Blumentritt: "Prof.
 However, the trial was ultimately Ferdinand Blumentritt: My dear brother: When
meaningless, as the Spaniards had already you receive this letter, I shall be dead.
predetermined the outcome. As Miguel A.
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
Tomorrow at seven, I shall be shot; but I am his request to forego a blindfold but denied
innocent of the crime of rebellion. I am going his request to face the firing squad.
to die with a tranquil conscience. Goodbye,  Rizal agreed to turn his back to the firing
my best, my dearest friend, and never think ill squad but requested to be shot in the back
of me." (toward the heart) rather than the head, to
 On the next day, in the morning, more than which the commander agreed. After the
an hour before his death, Rizal still found the request, Rizal thanked Lieutenant Andrade for
strength to write. Here's his letter to Paciano: his valiant efforts defending him in the
"My dear brother: It has been four years and a military court.
half that we have not seen each other nor  Rizal remained calm. A Spanish military
have we communicated with each other. I do doctor checked Rizal's pulse and found it to
not think it is due to lack of affection on my be strangely normal.
part nor on yours, but because, knowing each  Jesuits were the last people to leave Rizal's
other so well, we do not need to talk to company. They raised a crucifix to Rizal's face
understand each other. Now I am about to die, and lips, but he turned his head away and
and it is to you that I dedicate my last lines, to prepared to meet his death.
tell you how sad I am to leave you alone in  The captain raised his saber in the air,
life, burdened with the weight of the family ordered his men to get ready, and barked the
and our old parents. I am thinking now how commands: "Preparen!" "Apunten!" "Fuego!"
hard you have worked to give me a career; I
The Aftermath
believe I have tried not to waste my time.
Brother of mine, if the fruit has been bitter, it  The Captain did not keep his word. As Rizal
is not my fault, but the fault of circumstances. lay down, one man approached and
I know that you have suffered much on my administered a "tiro de gracia," or mercy shot,
account, and I am sorry." to his head.
 Through writing, Rizal also relayed to his  His time of death was recorded at 7:03 a.m.
family his wishes for what should happen  As he breathed his last, Spanish soldiers
after his death. "Bury me in the ground. Place shouted, "Long live Spain! Death to the
a stone and a cross over it. My name, the date traitors!"
of my birth, and of my death. Nothing more. If  Rizal's final wishes regarding his burial were
later you wish to surround my grace with a ignored. He was not returned to his family,
fence, you can do so. No anniversaries. I nor was he given a proper funeral or burial.
prefer Paang Bundok. Have pity on poor Instead, he was interred in an unmarked
Josephine." grave.
 Later, his body was exhumed and placed in an
Rizal's Final Walk
ivory urn. In 1912, the urn was finally
 Rizal, dressed in black, walked towards his entombed at the base of the Rizal monument.
execution at Bagumbayan. Accompanied with  Ironically, annual celebrations honoring him
his lawyer and two priests, and escorted by continue, even though he had expressly
soldiers and military men, his eyes traced opposed such commemorations.
familiar sights.  Relatives of Rizal also created malicious
 His gaze fell upon the serene landscape - stories about Josephine Bracken.
Cavite's mountains and Corrigidor bathed in  As the podcast Rizal on Air points out,
the morning light. He reminisced to a priest, "Ultimately, he doesn't really have a choice in
"How beautiful it is today, Father. On mornings the matter, since he's deceased. The people,
like this, I used to take a walk with my in the end, decided what Rizal stood for."
sweetheart."  After Rizal died, Josephine gave his last poem
 Passing the Ateneo, its towers peeking over to Andres Bonifacio. She did this so that it
the walls, he inquired, "Is that the Ateneo? My could be translated into Tagalog and
happy years were spent there." distributed to the revolutionaries.
 Crowd lined the execution area. “Some were  According to historian Xiao Chua, Rizal was
sympathetic to him, others, especially the ambivalent or hesitant about the rebellion.
Spaniards, wanted nothing less than to see However, through his last poem, in which he
him die. Some observed that his family or the praises the revolutionaries on the battlefield
Katipuneros would make a last-minute effort and their courage in not minding dying for
to sprint him from the trap.” their motherland, we can say that in the end
 Eight Filipino soldiers formed the firing squad he also agreed with the revolution.
facing José Rizal. Behind them stood a line of  When studying Rizal, we realize we are not
Spanish troops, ready to kill any Filipino just exploring what he lived, but also how his
soldier who hesitated or missed their mark. experiences resonate with our own. Each of us
 Recognizing his impending fate, Rizal made develops our own understanding and
his final requests. He asked to be executed perception of Rizal based on our biases,
without a blindfold and face his executioners. beliefs, and experiences.
The commander of the firing squad approved
 RIZAL: LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS SEMI FINAL
While we continue to revisit his life and
discuss the life he lived, it is important that
we ensure he does not experience another
death.