Jos Rizal's Early Life

1848
Jos Rizals mom, Teodora Morales Alonso-Realonda y Quintos, and dad,
Francisco Rizal-Mercado y Alejandra, marry on June 28th.
1861
On June 19th Jos Rizal is born to become the seventh child born to his
parents. Three days later Rizal was christened with the name Jose Protasio
Rizal-Mercado y Alonso-Realonda.
1870
Jos begins school under the instruction of Justiniano Aquin Cruz at just nine
years of age.
1871
Jos continues his education under the instruction of Lucas Padua.
1872
Rizal is examined by those in charge of college entrance to St. Tomas
University in Manila; he enters the school system as a scholar.
1875
Rizal enters the Ateneo as a boarder at just 14 years of age.
1876
At the age of 15, Rizal receives a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Ateneo de
Manila. He not only receives this degree, but receives it with the highest
honors possible.
1877
In June Jos begins to go to school at St. Tomas University in Manila where he
studies philosophy.
Writing Career
1877
In November Rizal writes a poem and receives recognition for his writing from
the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country, also known as Amigos
del Pals. The recognition comes in the form of a diploma of merit and
honorable mention.
1878
In June Rizal decides to switch gears in his educational pursuits and transfers
into the medical courses at St. Tomas University. During this time he also
writes an additional two poems that win him further recognition.
1880
At the age of 19 Rizal writes another poem for a competition where he should
have won first prize. However, he was not given this prize due to
discrimination.
In December Rizal produces his first Operetta called On the Banks of the
Pasig.
1881
Rizal creates the commemorative medal in wax for the Royal Economic
Society of Friends centennial celebration.
Emigrating
1882
In May Rizal gets money from his brother and travels secretly from Manila to
Spain aboard a French ship and railroad entering Spain at the Port Bou.
In June St. Tomas University realizes Rizal is nowhere to be found and
threatens to take land away from his father who is a tenant even though his
father has no idea of his whereabouts.
June 15 Rizal makes his arrival in Barcelona and begins to study again in
Madrid in October of that same year.
1886
Rizal receives a degree in medicine from the Central University of Madrid at
the age of 23. He then becomes an assistant to Dr. L. de Wecker and visits
many universities in Berlin, Leipzig, and Heidelberg in the country of
Germany.
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Fame... Then Death and Legacy
1887
Rizal finishes his first novel titled Noli Me Tangere while staying in Berlin. The
novel offends Catholic officials and Rizal is deemed to be a troublemaker
He then travels to Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
On July 3 Rizal leaves from Mersailles in Italy and arrives in Manila on August
5th. He travels to nearby areas escorted by a Spanish Lieutenant.
1888
In February Rizal leaves Spain and sets sail for Hong Kong in Japan. He
continued to travel practice medicine and write.
1892
In August Rizal was detained aboard a ship traveling back to Spain. Rizal was
charged with treason, sedition, and the formation of illegal societies. He was
sent to an island and held.
He taught for four years while being held.
He met a girl named Josephine Bracken who he wanted to marry but the
church refused to give him a license to marry.
He penned his last piece of writing called My Last Farewell and wrote an
address to Filipino insurgents to lay down their arms against the Spanish. The
address was never made public, but was added to the list of charges against
him.
1896
His request to go to Cuba was approved. On the way to Cuba he was arrested
and charged with conspiracy and sedition.
On December 27 he was condemned to death in a Spanish court
On December 30th he was permitted to marry Josephine two hours before he
was shot by a firing squad.
He was buried in a secret grave.
1912
On December 30th the ashes of Rizal were transferred to the Rizal Mausoleum
and December 30th is declared a national holiday in honor of his memory.
Jos Rizal's life and works were critical to those from the Philippines who were
looking for an end to Spanish colonization.
Departure for Spain
Rizals departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid detection by the Spanish authorities and the friars.
Even his own parents did not know because his mother would not allow him to do so. Only his older
brother, his uncle, his sisters Neneng and Lucia, the Valenzuela family, Pedro Paterno, Mateo Evangelista,
the Ateneo Jesuit fathers, and some intimate friends. The Jesuit priests gave him letters of
recommendation to the members of their Society in Barcelona. He used the name Jose Mercado.
Before his departure he wrote a farewell letters for his beloved parents and another for his sweetheart
Leonor Rivera.
On May 3, 1882, Rizal departed on board the Spanish steamer Salvadora bound for Singapore. With tears
in his eyes and gloom in his head, he gazed the receding skyline of Manila. He then took his pencil and
paper and sketched it as it vanished in view.
Singapore
(May 3, 1882) During the voyage he carefully observed the people and things on board the steamer.
There were sixteen passengers. He was the only Filipino and the rest were Spaniards, British, and Indian
Negroes. The captain of the ship, Donato Lecha befriended Rizal. To kill boredom of the voyage, Rizal
played chess with his fellow passengers. He then defeated them many times, for he was a good chess
player.
On May 9, the Salvadora docked at Singapore. He then stayed at Hotel de la Paz and spent two days on
a sightseeing soiree of the city. He saw the famous Botanical Garden, the beautiful Buddhist templates,
the busy shopping district, and the statue of Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles, who was the founder of
Singapore.
To Colombo
After days of staying in Singapore, Rizal boarded the ship Djemnah, which was a French steamer and left
Singapore for Europe on May 11. It was a larger and cleaner vessel which carried more passengers.
French was spoken on board and Rizal attempted to converse with his fellow passengers in French, but
he found out that his book French could not be understood, so he spoke a mixed Spanish-Latin and with
the help sketching on paper. By conversing daily with the French passengers, he then was able to
improve his knowledge of the French language.
On May 17, the Djemnah reached Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern Ceylon. Rizal was
unimpressed by this town. The following day the voyage resumed towards Colombo, the capital of
Ceylon. After a few hours of sailing, Rizal reached the city. Rizal was amazed by Colombo because of this
scenic beauty and elegant building.
Through Suez Canal
From Colombo, the Djemnah continued the voyage crossing the Indian Ocean to the Cape coast of Africa.
Rizal sighted the barren coast of Africa, for the first time, which he called an inhospitable land but
famous.
The next stopover was in Aden. He found the city, hotter than Manila and was amused to see the camels
for it was also his first time seeing them.
From Aden the ship proceeded to the city of Suez, the Red Sea terminal of Suez Canal. Upon arrival, Rizal
disembarked and went sightseeing. What impressed him most was the beautiful moonlight which
reminded him of Calamba and his family.
The Djemnah took five days to traverse the Suez Canal. Rizal was thrilled because it was his first trip
through this canal which was build by Ferdinand de Lasseps. At Port Said, Rizal landed in order to see the
interesting sights. He was fascinated to hear multi-racial inhabitants speaking a wide variety of language.
Naples and Marseilles
From Port Said, the ship proceeded on its way to Europe. On June 11, Rizal reached Naples. This city
pleased Rizal because of its business activity, its lively people and its scenic beauty. He was fascinated by
the Mouth Vesuvius, the Castle of ST. Telmo and other historic sights of the city.
The night of June 12, the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles. Rizal bid farewell to his
fellow passengers. He visited the famous Chateau dlf where Dantes, was imprisoned. He stayed two and
a half days in Marseilles.
Barcelona
On the afternoon of May 15, Rizal left Marseilles to proceed to Spain via train. He crossed the Pyrenees
and stopped for a day at the frontier town of Port Bou.
After the passport inspection at Port Bou, Rizal continued his trip by rail, finally reaching Barcelona on
June 16, 1882. His first impression of Barcelona was unfavorable. He thought of it as an ugly, dirty and
its residents are inhospitable. Later, he changed his impression and liked the city. He found it as a great
city, with an atmosphere of freedom and liberalism. He also found its people were open-hearted,
hospitable, and courageous. He enjoyed promenading along Las Ramblas which was the famous street in
Barcelona.
Filipinos in Barcelona were some of his classmates in Ateneo, welcomed him. They gave him a party at
caf Plaza de Catalua. After toasts, Rizal in turn gave them the latest news and gossips in the
Philippines.
In Barcelona, Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled Amor Patrio which was his first written article on
Spains soil. He then sent his article to Basilio Teodoro Moran, publisher of Diariong Tagalog. Basilio was
deeply impressed by the article congratulated Rizal and asked Rizal to publish more articles.
While living in Barcelona, Rizal received bad news about the cholera outbreak ravaging Manila and the
provinces. Many people died and more were dying daily. Sad news was that his beloved Leonor Rivera
was getting thinner because of the absence of her loved one. Also, Paciano advised Rizal to continue his
medical course in Madrid. Heeding his advice, Rizal left Barcelona in the fall of 1882 and proceeded to
Madrid.
Madrid
On November 3, 1882, Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid. He took up took courses
Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. Aside from the two major courses, he also studied painting and
sculpture in the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando; he took lessons in French, German, and English
under private instructors; and assiduously practiced fencing and shooting in the Hall of Arms of Sanz y
Carbonell.
Rizal lived a simple life in Madrid and knew that he came to Spain to study and prepare himself for the
service of his fatherland. He budgets his money and time and never wasted a peseta for gambling, wine
and women. On Saturday evening, he visits the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey who lived with his son
and daughter. Don Pablo has been city mayor of Manila.
Rizal then had a love affair with Consuelo Ortiga y Perez, the daughter of Don Pablo. Rizal, being a lonely
man in a foreign country and far from his natal land, was attracted by Consuelos beauty and vivacity.
Their love did not flourish because he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera and a friend of Rizal is also in-
love with Consuelo.
First Visit to Paris
On June 1883, Rizal left Madrid to visit Paris. He stayed at the Hotel de Paris but then moved to a
cheaper hotel. Like all tourists, Rizal was charmingly titillated by the attractive scenery of Paris such as
the beautiful boulevards, the Opera House, the Place de la Concorde, the Arch of Triumph, the Bois de
Boulogne, the Madelaine Church, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Column of Vendome, the Invalides,
and the Versailes. Rizal closely observed the French way of life and spending many hours at the
museums.
In Spain, he became close with prominent Spanish liberal and republican Spaniards, who were mostly
Masons. Rizal was impressed by the way the Spanish Masons openly and freely criticized the government
policies and lambasted the friars. In March 1883, he joined the Masonic lodge called Acacia in Madrid. His
reason for joining was to secure Freemasonrys aid in his fight against the friars in the Philippines. Later
he was transferred to Lodge Solidaridad where he became a Master Mason on November 15, 1890. Still
later, he was awarded the diploma as Master Mason by Le Grand Orient de France in Paris.
After departure for Spain, things turned from bad to worse in Calamba. Harvests failed on account of
drought and locusts. Also the Dominican-owned hacienda increased the rentals of the lands cultivated by
the Rizal family. Due to these crises, allowances of Rizal were many times late or sometimes never
arrived, causing too much suffering to him.
And on November 20, 21 and 22, 1884, Rizal was involved in student demonstrations. They were fighting
for Dr. Miguel Morayta who proclaimed that the freedom of science and the teacher. Such liberal view
was condemned by the Catholic bishops of Spain.
On June 21, 1884 Rizal completed his medical course in Spain. He was conferred the degree of Licentiate
in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid. In the next academic year, he studied and passed al
subjects leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Rizal also finished his studies in Philosophy and
Letters with excellent ratings.
Paris to Berlin
After completing his studies in Spain, Rizal went to Paris and Germany for his specialization in
ophthalmology. He chose this course of medicine because he wanted to cure his mothers growing eye
ailment. He still hasnt forgotten his secret missionto observe the customs and lifestyle of the
Europeans so that someday he will render service to his fatherland.
In 1885, after completing his studies at Central University of Madrid, he went to Paris in order to acquire
more knowledge in ophthalmology. He was 24 then. He stopped over at Barcelona, on his way to Paris,
to visit his friend Maximo Viola who is also a medical student and a member of a rich family in Bulacan.
And on the November of that year, Rizal was living in Paris where he sojourned for about four months.
He worked as an apprentice of Dr. Louis de Weckert, who is a then, a leading French ophthalmologist.
And with his master, his knowledge in ophthalmology improved.
While not working at Dr. Weckerts clinic, Rizal visited his friends, such as the family of Pardo de Taveras,
Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion, Hidalgo.
Rizal spent many happy hours in the studio of Luna. Luna discussed with Rizal various problems on art
and improved his own painting technique. Rizal posed to some painting of Luna. He was one of the
Egyptian priests in Lunas painting The Death of Cleopatra.
At Heidelberg
Rizal left Paris on February 1, 1886, after acquiring enough experience in the clinic of Dr. Weckert. He
was set to go to Germany. He visited Strasbourg and other German towns.
On February 3, 1886, he arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old university and
romantic surroundings. He lived in a boarding house with some German law students. The German
students found out that Rizal was a good chess player and made him a member of the Chess Players
Club. After a few days, he was transferred to a boarding house which was near University of Heidelberg.
He worked at the University Eye Hospital under the direction of Dr. Otto Becker and attended the lectures
of Doctor Becker and Prof. Wilhelm Kuehne at the university.
At weekends he visited the scenic spots around Heidelberg which includes the Heidelberg Castle, the
romantic Neckar Rivera, the theater, and the old churches. Rizal noticed that the German Catholics and
the Protestants practiced ecumenism wherein they live together in harmony and cordiality.
On April 22, 1886, spring on Heidelberg, he wrote a poem to the beautiful blooming flowers at the
Neckar River. Among those was his favorite flowerthe forget-me-not.
Rizal then spent three-month summer vacation at Wilhelmsfeld, a mountainous village close to
Heidelberg. He stayed at the vicarage of a kind Protestant pastor, Dr. Karl Ullmer. He was very delighted
in his stay at the Ullmers.
On July 31, 1886, Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt. Rizal heard
that Blumentritt was interested in the Philippine languages. Along with the letter was a book entitled
Aritmetica. Delighted with Rizal, Blumentritt send gift books to Rizal. This marked the beginning of their
long and frequent correspondence.
Rizal was fortunate to be sojourning in Heidelberg when the famous University of Heidelberg held its fifth
centenary celebration on August 6 of 1886. It was three days before his departure and he was sad
because he had come to love the land and the beautiful city.
Leipzig and Dresden
On August 9, 1886, three days after the fifth centenary of the University of the Heidelberg, Rizal left the
city. He boarded a train and visited various cities of Germany until arriving in Leipzig on August 14, 1886.
He attended some lectures in the University of Leipzig and befriended Professor Friedrich Ratzel, a
famous German historian, and Dr. Hans Meyer, German anthropologist.
Rizal translated William Tell from German to Filipino so that Filipinos might know the story of that
champion of Swiss independence. He also translated into Filipino Hans Christian Andersens Fairy Tales.
Cost of living in Leipzig is the cheapest in Europe so he stayed there for two months and a half. During
his stay, he corrected some chapters in his second novel and also had time for exercise. He also worked
as a proof-reader in a publishing firm and earning some money.
Dresden
Rizal left Leipzig to set course on Dresden on October 29, 1886. At Dresden, Rizal met Dr. Adolph Meyer,
the director of the Anthropological and Ethnological Museum. He stayed only two days in the city. He
heard the Holy Mass in a Catholic church which greatly impressed him, for he wrote Truly I have never
in my life heard a Mass whose music had greater sublimity and intonation.
Morning of November 1, Rizal left Dresden by train reaching Berlin in the evening.
Berlin
Rizal liked Berlin because of its atmosphere which was very scientific and the absence of race prejudice.
Also, here he met Dr. Feodor Jagor author of Travels in the Philippines, a book that Rizal admired
because of its keen observances in the Philippine setting. Dr. Jagor in turn, introduced Rizal to Dr. Rudolf
Virchow, a famous anthropologist and to his son, Dr. Hans Virchow, professor of Descriptive Anatomy.
Rizal worked in the clinic of Dr. Karl Ernest Schweigger, a famous German ophthalmologist.
Rizal was the first Asian to be accorded with honors for being a member of the Anthropological Society,
the Ethnological Society, and the Geographical Society of Berlin. Dr. Virchow recognized Rizals genius,
invited him to give a lecture before the Ethnographic Society of Berlin. Rizal wrote a scholarly paper
entitled Taglische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art) which elicited favorable comments from all scientific
quarters.
Rizal led a methodological life in Berlin. He worked as an assistant by day, and attended lectures at night.
He kept himself physically fit by daily exercises and speaking German, French and Italian. Rizal took
private lessons in the French language under Madame Lucie Cerdole in order to master the French
language.
He spends his leisure moments touring the country sides of Berlin and observing the culture and life of
the people. He also made sketches of the things he saw. About observing culture, Rizal greatly admired
the German Yuletide custom, wherein Germans would take bushes from a pine tree and dress it up with
lanterns, papers and candies. Another interesting custom in Germany is that, when a man has nobody to
introduce him to the other guests, he bows his head to the guests and introduces himself to the other
guests and shakes hands of everyone in the room.
Not all the experiences of Rizal in Germany were good, there is this one winter time wherein he lived in
poverty because no money arrived from Calamba and he was flat broke. During that time, he only eats
one meal a day and had to wash his clothes himself because he could not afford to pay the laundry. On
Calamba, Paciano tried to raise money but crops have failed due to locusts and the sugar market
collapsed.
Noli Me Tangere published in Berlin
Noli Me Tangere during Rizals stay in Berlin was unable to be published. But with the help of Maximo
Viola, who gave him the necessary funds to publish the novel, Noli Me Tangere was published. Viola
loaned Rizal money for publishing and for Rizals living expenses. With that, Rizal and Viola happily
celebrated the Christmas of 1886 in Berlin.
During the printing of the Noli, the chief of police Berlin paid a sudden visit to Rizals boarding house. The
chief asked for Rizals passport, but Rizal couldnt show any. The chief told him to secure a passport
within four days, otherwise he would be deported.
Rizal failed in obtaining his passport and presented himself at the German police office, politely
apologizing for his failure. The police then told him that Rizal was suspected as a French spy because he
came fro Paris and knew the language of the French people so well. Rizal explained in German to the
police that he was not a French spy, but a Filipino physician and scientist. With that, he was allowed to
stay freely in Germany.
On March 21, 1887, the Noli Me Tangere came off the printing press. Rizal immediately sent copies to his
intimate friends, including Blumentritt, Dr. Antonio Jaena, Mariano Ponce, and Felix R. Hidalgo. As a
token of his appreciation and gratitude, Rizal gave Viola the galley proofs of Noli carefully rolled around
the pen that he used in writing. It also has a dedication To my dear friend, Maximo Viola, the first to
read and appreciate my workJose Rizal.
Noli Me Tangere was solely dedicated to the Philippines. He described the Philippines as a patient with
cancer that even with the most careful touch; it awakens in it the sharpest pains.
The friends of Rizal hailed the novel, appreciated its content and deeply touched and awakened by its
fine truth. Of all the congratulatory letters received by Rizal about Noli, that from Blumentritt was
significant. First of all wrote Blumentritt, accept my cordial congratulations for your beautiful novel
about customs which interests me extraordinarily. Your work, as we Germans say, has been written with
the blood of the heart, and so the heart also speaks. I continue reading it with much interest
Grand Tour of Europe
After the publication of Noli, Rizal planned to visit the important places in Europe. Rizal received his
money from Paciano worth 1,000 pesos. He immediately paid viola the sum of 300 pesos from his kind
loan.
At dawn of May 11, 1887, Rizal and Viola left Berlin by train. Spring was in the air and Europe is blooming
with flowers. Their destination was Dresden, One of the best cities in Germany.
Dresden
Rizal and Viola spent some time in Dresden. Their visit coincided with the regional floral exposition. Rizal
studied different plants because he was interested in botany. They visited Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, who was
overjoyed to see them. They also visited the Museum of Art and Rizal was deeply impressed by the
painting of Prometheus Bound, a Greek mythological tragedy.
While strolling at the scene of the Floral Exposition, they met Dr. Jagor. Dr. Jagor advised them to wire
Blumentritt of their coming because the old professor was of a nervous disposition and he might suffer a
shock at their sudden visit.
Their next stopover was Teschen. Rizal and Viola sent a wire to Blumentritt, as suggested by Dr. Jagor.
Blumentritt and Leitmeritz
At 1:30 p.m. of May 13, 1887, the train with Rizal and Viola on board arrived at the railroad station of
Leitmeritz, Bohemia. Professor Blumentritt waited for them in the station after he received the wire. He
was carrying a pencil sketch of Rizal which the letter had previously sent him, so that he could identify his
Filipino friend. He warmly welcomed Rizal and Viola.
For the first time, Rizal and Blumentritt met each other. They greeted each other in fluent German. Upon
seeing the talented Rizal, the old professor immediately took him into heart, loving him as a son.
Rizal had beautiful memories of his visit to Leitmeritz. He enjoyed the warm hospitality and enjoyed the
cooking of the professors wife Rosa. Blumentritts children were Dolores, Conrad, and Fritz. Blumentritt
showed the scenic sights and historical spots of Leitmeritz.
One afternoon he invited them to a beer garden where the best beer of Bohemia was served. At the beer
garden, they met the burgomaster or the town mayor. Blumentritt introduced the two to the
burgomaster. Rizal talked in fluent German, for which the burgomaster and his friends were amazed.
On another afternoon, Rizal and Viola were invited to a meeting o the Tourists Club of Leitmeritz, of
Blumentritt was secretary. The members of the society were amazed by the fluency of Rizal in German.
Rizal painted a portrait of the kind professor and gave it to him as a commemoration of his happy hours
at the professors home.
Rizal also met another renowned scientist of Europe namely, Dr. Carlos Czepelak. Rizal had a nice
conversation with the Polish scholar. Blumentritt also introduced Rizal to Professor Robert Klutschak, an
eminent naturalist.
On their last night in Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola, reciprocated Blumentritts hospitality with a banquet. On
May 16, at 9:45 A.M., Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train. Blumentritt and his family were at the
railroad station to see them off, and they all shed tears in parting as the train departed. Rizal carried
with him all the beautiful memories of his visit to Leitmeritz.
History City of Prague
After their stay at Leitmeritz, Rizal together with Viola visited the city of Prague. They carried
recommendation letters from Blumentritt to Dr. Willkomm, a professor of natural history in the University
of Prague. The kind-hearted professor together with his wife and daughters welcomed them and showed
them the citys historic spots.
Rizal and Viola visited the tomb of Copernicus, the museum of natural history, the bacteriological
laboratories, the famous cave where San Juan Nepomuceno was imprisoned, and the bridge from which
the saint was hurled into the river.
After their stay at the home of the Willkomms, Rizal and Viola left Prague and went to Brunn.
Queen of the Danube
On May 20, Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful Vienna. Famous in songs and story, this city very
much fascinated Rizal because of its beautiful buildings, religions images and charm. Rizal and Viola
presented a letter of recommendation, from Blumentritt, to Norfenfals, one of the greatest novelists in
Europe during that time. The great novelist was impressed by Rizals genius. Later he spoke highly of
Rizal.
Also in Vienna, Rizal received his lost diamond stickpin. It was found by a main in Hotel Krebs and was
given to Blumentritt who, in turn, forwarded it to Rizal.
The two stayed at Hotel Metropole. They visited the citys interesting places, such as churches, museums,
art galleries, theaters and parks.
Lintz
On May 24, Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat to see the beautiful sights of the Danube Rivera. As
they both travel with boat, Rizal observed the different sights like the barges loaded with products, the
flowers and plants growing along the river banks, the boats with families living on them, and the quaint
villages on the riversides. They also noticed that the passengers were using paper napkins during meals.
To Rheinfall, To Salzburg, To Munich & Nuremberg
The river voyage ended in Lintz. They traveled overland to Salzburg and from there to Munich where they
sojourned for a short time to savor the famous Munich beer, reputed to be the best in Germany.
From Munich they went to Nuremberg, an old city of Germany. Among the sights were the horrible
torture machines used by the Inquisition, in which Rizal examined carefully. Viola and Rizal were greatly
impressed by the manufacture of dolls in Nuremberg.
After Munich, they visited Ulm. The cathedral of this city was the largest and the tallest in all Germany.
Viola related that he and Rizal climbed its many hundred steps. Viola getting dizzy, but Rizal was not.
From Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden and then Rheinfall. At Rheinfall, they saw the waterfall which
was the most beautiful waterfall of Europe.
Switzerland
From Rheinfall, they crossed the frontier to Schaffhausen, Switzerland. They stayed in this city from June
2 to 3, 1887. They then continued their tour to Basel, Bern, and Lausanne.
After sightseeing in Lausanne, Rizal and Viola left on a little boat, crossing the foggy Leman Lake to
Geneva.
Geneva
Rizal and Viola visited Geneva. This Swiss city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe which was
visited by world tourist every year. The people of Geneva were linguists, speaking French, German, and
Italian. Rizal conversed with them in these three languages.
Rizal and Viola also went boating on the lake. Rizal showed his rowing prowess which he acquired during
his boyhood days in Calamba.
On June 19, 1887, it was Rizals 26th birthday and treated Viola to a blow-out. Rizal and Viola spent
fifteen days in Geneva. On June 23, they parted ways. Viola decided to return to Barcelona while Rizal
continued his tour to Italy.
Madrid Exposition
During his tour in Europe, Rizal received sad news from his friends in Madrid of the deplorable conditions
of primitive Igorots who were exhibited in this expositions, some of whom died and whose clothing are
inappropriate for the climate of Madrid, and crude weapons were objects of mockery and laughter by the
Spanish people and press. Rizal being a champion of human dignity was outrageous.
Italy
Rizal went to Italy. He visited Turin, Milan, Venice and Florence. On June 27, 1887, he reached Rome. He
was thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal CityRome.
On June 29th, Rizal visited for the first time the Vatican, the City of the Popes and the capital
Christendom. He was impressed by the magnificent edifices, particularly of St. Peters Church which was
also his feast day during that time.
Every night, after sightseeing the whole day, Rizal returned to his hotel, very tired. I am tired as a dog,
he wrote to Blumentritt, but I will sleep as a god.
After a week of staying in Rome, he prepared to return to the Philippines. He had already written to his
father that he was coming home.
First Homecoming
From 1882 to 1887, Rizal was in Europe studying. There he was allured, fascinated and have all the
beautiful memories throughout his sojourn. But this will not make Rizal forget his fatherland and his
nationality. After 5 years of memorable adventure in Europe, he returned to the Philippines in August
1887 and practiced medicine in Calamba.
Although his life is threatened because his Noli Me Tangere caused uproar especially among the friars, he
insists on returning home. He has his reasons of coming home, one is that he wants to operate his
mothers eyes; another is that he wants to know how his novel affected the life of the Filipino.
Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles and on July 3, 1887 he boarded the steamer Djemnah which was
the same steamer he boarded five years ago. The steamer was enroute to the Orient via the Suez Canal.
Rizal saw this canal for the second time.
On July 30, he transferred to another steamer in Saigon to steamer Haiphong which was bound to
Manila. On August 2, the steamer left Saigon for Manila.
Arrival at Manila
On August 5, the Haiphong arrived in Manila and he went ashore with a happy heart for he was once
again in Filipino soil. He stayed in the city for a short time to visit some friends and observed that Manila
was the same five years ago.
Home in Calamba
On August 8, he returned to Calamba. His family welcomed him affectionately. The rejoicing returns over
when his family became worried of his safety. Paciano did not leave him during the first days because he
wants to protect him from any enemy assault. Even his own father would not let him go out alone.
In Calamba he established a medical clinic and his first patient was his mother, who was that time almost
blind. The news of a great doctor from Germany spread far and wide. Patients from Manila and the
provinces flocked to Calamba to have a consultation to Rizal. His fees were reasonable, within a month
he was able to earn about 900 pesos.
He also opened a gymnasium for young folks where he introduced European sports. He tried to interest
his townies in gymnastics, fencing, and shooting and discourage cockfights and gambling.
Rizal failed to see Leonor Rivera, his loved one.
A few weeks after his arrival, he received a letter from Governor General Emilio Terrero requesting him to
come to Malacaan Palace. Rizal went to Manila and appeared before [Link]. Terrero and denied the
acquisitions of the Governor General. He explained that it was merely an exposition of truth, but he did
not advocate rebellious ideas. The governor was pleased by his explanation and asked for a copy of Noli
so that he could read it. Rizal had no copy that time but promised it to the governor general once he
secured a copy of it.
Rizal found a copy in the hands of a friend. He was able to give it to governor general Terrero. The
governor general knew that Rizals life was in jeopardy because the friars were powerful. He then
assigned a young Spanish lieutenant as a bodyguard of Rizal.
Farewell Again
Rizals novel caused uproar among the friars. Anonymous threats against Rizals life were received by his
parents. Feeling uneasy with the situation, they advised him to go away for his life was in danger.
Governor General Terrero summoned Rizal and advised him to leave the Philippines for his own good. He
was giving Rizal a change to escape the fury of the friars wrath.
Rizal really needs to go because he could not disobey the governor generals orders. Rizal left Calamba in
1888.
Hong Kong
Haunted by enemies and threatened by friars, Rizal was forced to leave Philippines for the second time.
It was February 1888 then. Rizal at 27 was an embittered victim of human iniquities, a disillusioned
dreamer, and a frustrated reformer. This was the start of Rizals second travel.
On February 3, 1888, after six months of stay in Calamba, Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong on board the
Zafiro. He was sad and sick during the crossing of the choppy China Sea. He did not get off the ship
when it made a stopover at Amoy, because he was sick, it was raining and the city was dirty. He arrived
in Hong Kong on February 8.
In Hong Kong, Rizal stayed at Victoria Hotel. He was welcomed by the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
During this time, a Spaniard, Jose Varanda, was shadowing Rizals movements in Hong Kong. It is
believed that he was ordered to spy on Rizal.
Macao
On February 18, Rizal accompanied by Basa, boarded the ferry steamer Kiu-Kiang for Macao. He was
surprised to see a familiar figure among the passengersSainz de Varanda.
Rizal described Macao as a small, low and gloomy. There are many junks, sampans, but few steamers, it
looks sad and is almost dead-like.
The two stayed in at the home of Don Juan Francisco Lecaros who was married to a Portuguese lady.
During his two day stay in Macao, he visited the theater, casino, cathedral and churches, pagodas and
botanical gardens and the bazaars. He also saw the famous Grotto of Camoens.
In the evening of February 19, he witnessed a Catholic procession wherein the devotees were dressed in
blue and purple dresses and were carrying unlighted candles.
On February 20, Rizal and Basa returned to Hong Kong on board the ferry steamer Kiu-Kiang.
Hong Kong

A Landmark in Honor of Rizals Visit in Hong Kong
Rizal stayed in Hong Kong for two weeks. There he studied the Chinese way of life, language, drama and
customs.
Rizal noticed some experiences and wrote them in his diary. Some of them include the noisy celebration
of the Chinese New Year which lasted from February 11th to 13th. There were continuous explosion of
firecrackers and he himself fired many at the window of his hotel. He also observed the boisterous
Chinese theater, the marathon Lauriat party, which was the longest meal in the world; the Dominican
Order was the richest religious order in Hong Kong, and the cemeteries.
On February 22, 1888, Rizal left Hong Kong on board the Oceanic, an American steamer and his
destination was Japan. Rizal did not like the meals on board but liked the ship because it was clean and
efficiently managed.
Japan
Among the happiest moments of Rizal in his life was his sojourn in the Land of the Cherry Blossoms. He
stayed in Japan for one month and a half from February 28 to April 13, 1888. He was charmed by the
natural beauty of Japan, the manners of the Japanese people and the picturesque of shrines. He also fell
in love with a Japanese girl, who loveliness infused joy and romance in his sorrowing heart.
Morning of Tuesday, February 28, 1888, Rizal arrived at Yokohama and stayed in the Grand Hotel. The
following day, he moved to Tokyo and took a room at the Tokyo Hotel where he stayed from March 2 to
7. He was impressed by the city of Tokyo.
After his arrival in Tokyo, Rizal was visited by Juan Perez caballero, secretary of Spanish Legation. The
latter invited him to live at the Spanish Legation. Rizal knew that this was the Spanish governments way
of monitoring Rizal but he accepted anyways.
On March 7, he moved out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish Legation. He and Perez Caballero
became good friends and described him as a young, fine and an excellent writer.
During his first day in Tokyo, Rizal could talk the Japanese language. He had a hard time for shopping for
he could not be understood and children laughed at him. With his situation, Rizal decided to study the
Japanese language. He was able to speak within a few days.
At Japan he studied the Japanese drama, arts, music, and judo. He also visited museums, libraries, art
galleries, and shrines. He visited Meguro, Nikko, Hakone, Miyanoshita, and the charming villages of
Japan.
During one time, Rizal went to the park and heard the Tokyo band playing a classical work of Strauss. He
was impressed by the great performances of the Western music. He thought to himself how admirable
their renditions are and wondered how they have assimilated the modern European music to the extent
of playing the beautiful masterpieces of the European composers so well. The band stopped playing and
to his surprised they were speaking Tagalog. He approached them and conversed with them. The
musicians were delighted and also surprised to meet him.
Rizal was greatly impressed by Japan. Among of which are the natural beauty of the country, the
cleanliness and politeness of the people, the picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese
women, there were few thieves in Japan, and beggars were rarely seen in the city streets. However, he
disliked the rickshaws drawn by men.
Sayonara Japan and Seiko Usui
Rizal met a pretty Japanese girl. Her name was Seiko Usui. Rizal fell in love with Seiko. He affectionately
called her O-Sei-San. Both found happiness in each others company. Affinity of interest in the arts paved
the way for their romance. Rizal saw in lovely O-Sei-San the qualities of his ideal womanhoodbeauty,
charm, modesty, and intelligence.
O-Sei-Sans beauty and affection almost tempted Rizal to settle down in Japan. At the same time, he was
offered a good job by the Spanish Legation. But then, his love for the fatherland and his mission to free
his oppressed people made him think again.
Rizals great love for Seiko Usui and Japan will be memories that he will always cherish, but it was his
time to go.
On April 13, 1888, Rizal boarded the Belgic, an English steamer, at Yokohama, bound for the United
States. He left Japan with a heavy heart for he knew that he will never see this beautiful land again, so
as his beloved O-Sei-San. His sojourn in Japan for 45 days was one of the happiest interludes of his life.
Across the Pacific
Despite his sorrowing heart, Rizal enjoyed the pleasant trans-Pacific voyage to the United States. One
day one of the children on board the ship asked Rizal if he knew a man in Manila named Richal. Rizal
replied that he was Richal. In his amazement, the boy rushed to his mother and informing her that the
famous man is their fellow passenger, the mother felt proud that they were travelling with a celebrity.
Another passenger Rizal befriended on board was Tetcho Suehiro, a Japanese journalist, novelist and a
champion of human rights, who was forced by the Japanese government to leave the country. He was
alone at the beginning of the voyage for he knew that he was only person in the ship who speaks
Japanese. Rizal knew about this and befriended him and acted as his interpreter during their long trip
from Yokohama to San Francisco, across the U.S. to New York until they reached London, where they
parted.
Rizal told Tetcho the story of his life and his mission to emancipate his oppressed fellowmen from
Spanish tyranny. Tetcho was fascinated by Rizals admirable character and influenced him to fortify his
own crusade for human rights in his own country.
On December 1, 1888 after a last handshake of their eight months of friendship and bidding each other
goodbye, Rizal and Tetcho parted waysnever to meet again.
Visit to the United States
Rizal first saw America on April 28, 1888. His arrival was marred by racial prejudice for he saw the
discriminatory treatment of the Chinese and the Negroes by the white Americans.
Rizal had good and bad impressions of the United States. The good were the material progress of the
country, the drive and energy of the American people, the natural beauty of the land, the high standard
of living and the opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants. On bad impression was the lack
of racial equality. There existed racial prejudice which was inconsistent with the principles of democracy
and freedom of which Americans talk so much but do not practice.
Rizals trip to America started on April 28, 1888 to May 16, 1888.
San Francisco
The steamer Belgic docked at the San Francisco on Saturday morning, April 28, 1888. All passengers
were not allowed to land. The American health authorities placed the ship under quarantine on the
ground it came from the Far east where a cholera epidemic was alleged to be raging. Rizal was surprised
because he knew there was no Cholera epidemic at that time. He joined other passengers protesting the
unjustifiable action of the health authorities. Later, the American consul in Japan had given the ship a
clean bill of health.
He soon discovered that the quarantine was motivated by politics because the ship was carrying 653
Chinese coolies.
On Friday afternoon, May 4, 1888, he was permitted to go ashore and then he registered for a room at
the Palace Hotel. Rizal stayed in San Francisco for two days from May 4 to 6.
On May 6, Rizal left San Francisco for Oakland, nine miles across San Francisco Bay by ferry boat. On
May 7, he awoke and had a good breakfast at Reno, Nevada.
On May 8, Rizal was in the state of Utah. From Ogden, they went to Denver.
On May 9, they were passing through the mountains and rocks along the river. They woke up at
Colorado, which he described as a state with a lot of trees.
On May 10, they arrived at Nebraska then to Omaha, which was a big city. They passed the Missouri
River and arrived at Illinois.
On May 11, they arrived at Chicago. He observed that every store in Chicago are selling cigars and has
Indian figures.
May 12 they arrived at Wagner Car which he described as beautiful and well populated. They arrived at
the English territory in the afternoon, and saw the Niagara Falls. They had a stopover to see some sights
and went to the side below the Niagara Falls.
On May 13, they arrived at Albany which was a big city. The Hudson River runs along and carries many
boats. The sights here were beautiful although more solitary than those of Pasig.
The grand transcontinental trip ended on Sunday, May 13, at 11:00 A.M.
On Sunday morning, May 13, Rizal arrived at New York, which marks the end of his trip to America. He
stayed three days in this city and visited some scenic and historic places. He was awed and inspired by
the memorial of George Washington.
On May 16, 1888 he left New York for Liverpool on board the City of Rome. He was onboard in a steamer
which was the second largest ship in the worldthe Great Eastern. He saw the colossal Statue of
Liberty on Bedloe Island as the ship steamed out of New York.
Once Again in London
Rizal lived in London from May, 1888 to March 1889. He chose this English city because of three reasons:
1. To improve his knowledge of the English language,
2. To Study and annotate Morgas Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, which he heard to be available in the
British Museum and
3. London was a safe place from the attacks of Spanish tyranny.
Across the Atlantic
The trans-Atlantic voyage was a pleasant one. He won many friends of different nationalities on board
the palatial City of Rome because of his ability as linguist. Rizal entertained the passengers with his
marvelous skill with the yo-yo. He used it as an offensive weapon instead of a toy.
Rizal arrived at Liverpool, England on May, 1888. He stayed one day in Liverpool spending the night at
Adelphi Hotel. He described it as a big and beautiful city.
Life in London
On May 25, 1888, Rizal went to London. For a short time, he stayed at the home of Dr. Antonio Ma.
Regidor a lawyer in London. By the end of May he was a boarder of the Beckett family. His home was
located near public parks and within easy walking distance to the British Museum. He spent most of his
time in the British Museum studying the book of Morgas Sucesos and other rare historical books about
the Philippines.
Gertrude Beckette, Rizal's Love Interulde in London
He spent his Sundays at the house of Dr. Rost, the librarian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an
authority on Malayan languages and customs. Dr. Rost was greatly impressed by Rizals knowledge and
character and gladly recommended him to the authorities of the British Museum. He called Rizal a pearl
of a man.
For ten months, Rizal was deeply immersed in his historical studies in London. During that time, his
compatriots in Spain were waging the crusade for Philippine reforms.
Visiting Paris & Spain
In September of 1888, he visited Paris for a week for him to search for more historical materials in the
Bibliotheque Nationale. He was entertained by Juan Luna and his wife. After reading over the old books,
he returned to London.
On December 11, 1888, he went to Spain visiting Madrid and Barcelona. He contacted his compatriots
and surveyed the political situation. For the first time, he met Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Mariano Ponce,
the two titans of Propaganda Movement. He exchanged ideas with these new friends and promised to
cooperate in the fight for reforms.
Christmas in London
Rizal returned to London on December 24 and spent Christmas and New Years Day with the Becketts.
Rizal liked Christmas Eves because it reminded him of many good days of his infancy and also Christ was
born. Rizal received from Mrs. Beckett a book entitled The Life and Adventures of Valentine Vox, the
Ventriloquist.
During his stay at London, he became the honorary president of a patriotic society cooperating for
reforms called Asociacion La Dolidaridad. It was inaugurated on December 31, 1888. Rizal also wrote his
first article in La Solidaridad, a patriotic newspaper founded by Graciano Lopez Jaena, entitled Los
Agricultores Filipinos which was published on March 25, 1889.
Rizal wrote several works while in London. These writings includes: La Vision del Fray Rodriguez, Letter
to the Young Women of Malolos, and he also contributed some articles to Dr. Rosts journal entitled
Specimens of Tagal Folklore and Two Eastern Fables. Rizal also fell in-love with one of the three Beckett
sistersGertrude.
On March 19, 1889, Rizal bade goodbye to the Beckett family and left London for Paris. He was sad as he
crossed the English Channel for he cherished many beautiful memories in London.
Universal Exposition of 1889
Rizal went to Paris on the spring of 1889. The city was full of excitement because of the Universal
Exposition and it was hard to look for an inn to stay. The landlords are taking advantage of the great
demand for living quarters, raised the rents of their rooms. For a short time, Rizal lived in the house of
his friend, Valentin Ventura. There he also published his annotated edition of Morgas book. He
transferred from one hotel to another. Finally, he lived in a little room together with two other Filipinos
Capitan Justo Trinidad and Jose Albert.
On June 24, 1889, Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera had a baby girl. They made Rizal as her baptismal
godfather and named her Maria de la Paz.
Rizal was fascinated by the Universal Exposition of Paris. It opened on May 5, 1889. The greatest
attraction of the exposition was the Eiffel Tower, which was built by Alexander Eiffel. Rizal also
participated in an art competition but got no prize.
During one time, Rizal together with the Kidlat Club was amazed by the proud American Indians. He told
his friends they are not ashamed of their name. Let us be like them
Another society founded by Rizal in Paris was the R.D.L.M. Society. The aim of the secret society is the
propagation of all useful knowledge in the Philippines. Another aim is the redemption of the Malay race.
During his stay in Europe, he was deeply immense by his historical studies about the Philippines. Rizal
wants to learn more about the history of his Fatherland.
Another work of Rizal was The Indolence of the Filipinos. He also became a member of International
Association of Filipinologists with Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt as the President. In the fall of 1889, he
wrote another satirical work entitled Por Telefono; it is a reply to Fr. Salvador Font, who masterminded
the banning of his Noli.
December 25, 1889, Rizal celebrated his Christmas in Paris. Rizal and Jose Albert planned to have a
sumptuous Christmas dinner. They scraped enough money to celebrate Yuletide. They prepared a
Christmas dinner with friend chicken, rice and vegetables.
Shortly after the New Year, Rizal made a short visit to London. His purpose may be because he wants to
see Gertrude Beckette for the last time, and check up his annotated edition of Morgas Sucesos.
By the mid of January 1890, he was back in Paris, during that time influenza was epidemic throughout
Paris. He complained of a terrible headache but he was not stricken with flu.
Belgian Brussels
On January 28, 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Rizal was accompanied by Jose
Albert when he moved to Brussels. They lived in a boarding house on 38 Rue Philippe Champagne which
was run by two Jaceby sisters.
In Brussels Rizal was busy writing his second novel El Filibusterismo. Aside from writing its chapters, he
wrote articles for La Solidaridad. He also spent some of his time in a medical clinic, and had gymnastics
at the gymnasium. Rizal stayed with Jose Alejandro at the boarding house when Jose Albert left the city.
Rizal loved his own native language. He was the first to advocate the Filipinization of its orthography. As
an example the Tagalog letters k and w should be used instead of the Spanish c and o.
Rizal received news that the Filipinos in Spain were destroying the good image of their nation y gambling
too much. He wrote a letter to the Filipinos in Spain and the gambling Filipino and the gambling Filipinos
in Madrid were angry when they learned of Rizals moralizing.
Rizal also received letters from home that worries him. The Calamba agrarian trouble was getting worse.
The management of the Dominican hacienda continually raised the land rents.
In the face of the sufferings which afflicted his family, Rizal planned to go home. He could not stay in
Brussels writing a book while his family was being persecuted.
Rizal ignored the warning of his friends and did not change his plans.
But there are some things that cheered Rizals life. One was the summertime festival of Belgium. Second
was his romance with Petite Jacoby, the pretty niece of his landladies.
Madrid
Rizals life in Madrid could be described as full of misfortunes. In August 1890, Rizal arrived in Madrid. He
tried all legal means to seek justice for his family and the Calamba tenants, but to no avail. Also, Leonor
Rivera married a British engineer.
Rizal sought the help of the Filipino colony to protest the injustices of the Dominicans against the
Calamba folks. More terrible news reached Rizal in Madrid, his brother-in-law; Silvestre received a copy of
eviction order by the Dominicans. He also learned of the deportation of Paciano, Antonio, Silvestre, Teong
and Dandoy to Mindoro. He further learned from Saturninas letter that their parents had been forcibly
ejected from their home.
Adding to his misfortunes was the death of Jose Panganibanhis co-worker in the Propaganda
Movement.
Rizal almost had a duel with Antonio Luna when Luna was saying unsavory remarks about Nellie. Rizal
heard him and challenged him into a duel. But later on, they realized that their duel would damage their
cause in Spain.
Biarritz
Rizal took a vacation in the resort city of Biarritz on the fabulous French Riviera. He was the guest of the
Boustead family. It was in Biarritz where he had finished the last chapter of his second novel, El
Filibusterismo.
Rizal was in-love with Nellie Boustead, a daughter of the Boustead family. With the encouragement of his
close friends, Rizal courted Nelly, who in turn, reciprocated his affection. Rizal had plans of marrying
Nellie, but failed. Nelly wanted Rizal to espouse Protestantism before their marriage. Rizal, being a man
of firm conviction, refused. Another problem was Nellys mothers, who do not wish to entrust Nelly to a
man who was poor in material things.
On March 30, 1891, Rizal proceeded to Paris by train. Rizal retired from the Propaganda Movement and
retired also from La Solidaridad.
In Brussels Rizal worked day after day revising the finished manuscript of El Filibusterismo and readied it
for printing.
Ghent
On July 5, 1891, Rizal left Brussels for Ghent a famous university city in Belgium. He stayed at Ghent
because the cost of printing is cheaper. Rizal had limited funds and lived in a cheap boarding house.
After his arrival, Rizal searched for the printing shop that could give him the lowest quotation for the
publication of his novel. He found out that F. Meyer-Van Loo Press was willing to print his book on
installment basis. He pawned all his jewels to pay the down payment and early partial payments. He had
received money from Basa and 200 pesos from Arias for the copies of Morgas Sucesos which were sold
in Manila.
Ventura learned of Rizals predicament and immediately sent him the necessary funds. With his financial
aid, the printing of Fili was resumed. The El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the martyrdom of the Gom-
Bur-Za.
Hong Kong
After the publication of El Filibusterismo, Rizal left Europe for Hong Kong. He lived there from November,
1891 to June 1892.
On October 18, 1891, Rizal boarded the steamer Melbourne in Marseilles bound for Hong Kong. During
the voyage he began writing his third novel in Tagalog. Makamisa, Dapitan, and another untitled novel
were some of the unfinished novels of Rizal.
Rizal described his trip as heavenly. In the ship were over 80 passengersmostly Europeans, and two
Spaniards who were going to Amoy. Rizal was the only Asian among them, and amazed his fellow
passengers with his knowledge of many languages.
Rizal arrived in Hong Kong on November 20, 1891. He was welcomed by Jose Basa and lived at Number
5 D Aguilar Street where he also opened his medical clinic.
Before the Christmas of 1891, he was gladdened by the arrival of his father, brother and Silvestre Ubaldo
in Hong Kong. Not long afterwards, his mother and sisters Lucia, Josefa and Trinidad also arrived. This
Christmas was one of the happiest moments in Rizals life for he had a happy family reunion.
Rizal also practiced his ophthalmology in Hong Kong. There he became a well-known medical
practitioner.
Second Homecoming
In May, 1892, Rizal made up his mind to return to Manila. He gave two letters, which were sealed and
inscribed on it to be opened after my death, to his friend Dr. Marques for safekeeping.
At noon of June 26, 1892, Rizal and his sister Lucia arrived in Manila. He stayed in Hotel de Oriente which
was facing the church of Binondo.
On June 27, Rizal boarded a train in Tutuban Station and visited his friends. And on Wednesday July 6,
Rizal went to Malacaan Palace to resume his series of interviews. The governor general then presented
to him some printed leaflets (Pobres Frailes) which were allegedly found in Lucias pillow cases. Rizal
denied having those leaflets because they were thoroughly searched upon their arrival from Hong Kong
and was found clean. Despite his denial and insistent demand for investigation he was placed under
arrest and escorted to Fort Santiago.
July 15, 1892, Rizal was brought to the steamer Cebu which was sailing for Dapitan. On the 17th of July,
Rizal was handed over to Captain Ricardo Carnicero, the commandant of Dapitan. His exile in Dapitan
lasted until July 31, 1896, a period of four years.
Dapitan
Rizal stayed in Dapitan for a period of four years. He was suppose to live in the Jesuit Church but insisted
on living in the house of Captain Carnicero. The two became close and befriended each other. Carnicero
was impressed with the fine qualities and personalities of Rizal.
On September 21, 1892, Rizal won the Manila Lottery with a sum of 6,200 pesos. He shared his winnings
to his father and to his friend Basa, and the rest he invested by purchasing agricultural lands.
During his stay in Dapitan, he had debates with Father Pastells about religion. They exchanged views and
commented on each other. In spite of their religious differences, Rizal l and Pastells remained good
friends.
He was also able to meet again his teacher from AteneoFather Sanchez. Father Sanchez was assigned
by Father Pastells to persuade Rizal to discard his errors of religion. Rizal and Father Sanchez had
theological arguments but all efforts of Sanchez were in vain.
Rizal practiced medicine in Dapitan and had many patients. He gave free medicine to the poor. He was
also able to operate his mothers right eye. Rizal was also interested in the use of medicinal plants which
he used to some of his poor patients.
Rizal also made a Water System for Dapitan which modern engineers today found it very marvelous. He
also became a teacher and taught to the young boys of Dapitan. He even made a project to beautify the
town plaza.
Rizal was also a farmer. On his farms, he introduced modern methods of agriculture which he observed in
Europe and America. He encourages the Dapitan farmers to discard their primitive system of tillage and
adopt the modern methods. He imported some agricultural machinery from the United States.
Rizal had a relationship with Josephine Bracken. They first met when Josephine accompanied his father
to the clinic of Rizal. Their relationship lasted for one month until they decided to marry. The two lived
happily in Dapitan. They had a son, but only lived for three hours.
On July 31, 1896, Rizals exile in Dapitan came to an end. Rizal, together, with Josephine, Narcisa,
Angelica and his three nephews and six pupils boarded the steamer Espaa. Almost all the Dapitan
townies were at the shore and bid him goodbye.
Last Trip Abroad
August 1, Rizal anchored at Dumaguete. He visited some friends and former classmates. The Espaa left
Dumaguete at about 1:00 p.m. and reached Cebu the following morning. Rizal was fascinated by the
entrance of Cebu.
On August 3, Rizal left Cebu and continued to Iloilo. Then sailed to Capiz and towards to Romblon until
proceeding to Manila.
He missed the ship going to Spain but on the midnight of the same day he was able to right the Spanish
cruiser Castilla.
On September 2, Rizal was transferred to the steamer Isla de Panay which was sailing for Barcelona,
Spain. The next morning the steamer left Manila Bay.
The steamer arrived at Singapore in the evening of September 7. The passengers including Rizal went
shopping and to see some scenery. Rizal observed that there were more Chinese merchants and less
Indians. He bought a Chinese gown. Don Pedro and his son stayed at Singapore. He advised Rizal to stay
behind too and take advantage of the protection of the British law. But Rizal pursued to Spain. The
steamer left Singapore on September 8.
On September 25, he saw the steamer Isla de Luzon, leaving the Suez Canal; it was full of Spanish
troops. On September 28, a day after the steamer Isla de Panay left Port Said, a passenger told Rizal that
he would be arrested by order of Governor General Blanco and would be sent to prison in Cueta. Shocked
by the news, Rizal realized that he was being duped.
Nothing was official yet about his impending arrest. But on September 30, he was officially notified by
Captain Alemany that he should stay in his cabin until further orders from Manila. He obeyed orders.
At the same day, the steamer anchored at Malta but he was not able to land. He saw through a small
window.
October 3, the Isla de Panay arrived in Barcelona, with Rizal as prisoner on board. Rizal was kept under
heavy guard in his cabin for 3 days. On October 4, Rizal noticed the citys celebration of the feast day of
St. Francis of Assisi. At 3:00 a.m. of October 6, Rizal was escorted to the prison-fortress named Monjuich.
After his stay at Monjuich, he was transferred to a ship named Colon. Rizal was aboard the Colon which
was full of soldiers and officers. On October 6, 8:00 p.m., the ship left Barcelona.
Last Homecoming

On November 3, the Colon reached Manila, where it was greeted by the Spaniards and the friars because
it bought more soldiers and supplies. Rizal then was transferred from the ship to Fort Santiago. On
November 20, the preliminary investigation began. He was presented with 15 documentary evidences. On
November 26, Colonel Olive transmitted the records to institute the corresponding action against Rizal.
Rizal was given only the right to choose his defense counsel. He was given a list of lieutenants in the
Spanish Army and one name struck his fancy. It was Don Luis Taviel de Andrade, which was the brother
of Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade who became Rizals bodyguard in Calamba. December 13, General Camilo
G. de Polavieja became the Governor General of the Philippines.
On December 15, Rizal wrote a manifesto to his people too stop the bloodshed and to achieve their
liberties by means of education and industry.
On December 25, 1896, was Christmas. Rizal was alone and depressed in his prison cell.

Trial and Death
December 26, was the day of trial of Rizal. His trial is a proof of Spanish injustice and misrule. His case
was prejudged, he was considered guilty before the actual trial. The court did not give him justice, but
accused and condemn him. It accepted all charges and testimonies against him and ignored all
arguments and proofs in his favor.
After a short deliberation, the military court unanimously voted for the sentence of death. Immediately,
Polavieja sought the opinion of the Judge Advocate. He latter affirmed the death verdict.
On December 28, Polavieja approved the decision of the court-martial and ordered Rizal to be shot at
7:00 oclock in the morning of December 30 at Bagumbayan Field.
December 29, 1896, Rizal was visited by some family members including his beloved Josephine, some
Jesuit priests, a Spanish newspaper correspondent, and some of his friends. He also finished his last
poem and hid it in an alcohol cooking stove. At the same time he wrote his farewell letter to his best
friend.
The following day, he heard the mass and confessed his sins. Rizal bade goodbye to Josephine and gave
her a last gift which was a religious book entitled Imitation of Christ in which he autographed.
6:30 A.M., a trumpet sounded at Fort Santiago. The soldiers aligned formations and moved to their
designated place for the execution. Rizal was dressed in black suit, a black derby hat, black shoes, white
shirt and a black tie.
One of the priests blessed him and offered him a crucifix to kiss. Rizal reverently bowed his head and
kissed it. Then he requested the firing squad commander that hed be shot facing the firing squad but his
request was denied. Unwillingly, Rizal turned his back to the firing squad and faced the sea. Rizal was not
afraid to die.
The death ruffles of the drum filled the air. Above the drum-beats, the sharp command Fire was heard,
and the guns of the firing squad shoot Rizal. It was exactly 7:03 in the morning. Rizal fell on the ground
and dead with his face upward facing the morning sun.