CHAPTER 6
IN SUNNY SPAIN (1882-1885)
GROUP 5
Arvin C. Pagpaguitan Automotive 2H
Guile A. Paloma Automotive 2H
Chapter 6: In Sunny Spain (1882-1885)
After completing his fourth year at the University of Santo Tomas, Jose Rizal decided to pursue further
studies in Spain due to dissatisfaction with the outdated teaching methods and racial discrimination in
his university. Spain, at the time, was a constitutional monarchy that allowed freedoms such as speech
and press.
Rizal's Secret Mission
Beyond studying, Rizal’s true purpose was to observe European societies—their culture, laws, industries,
and government—to prepare himself for the liberation of the Philippines from Spanish rule. This mission
was planned with his older brother Paciano. Before leaving, Rizal wrote farewell letters to his parents
and Leonor Rivera, expressing his deep emotions.
Journey to Spain
May 3, 1882: Rizal sailed from Manila on the Spanish steamer Salvadora, heading for Singapore.
During the voyage: Observed his fellow passengers, played chess, and befriended the ship captain
Donato Lecha.
May 9, 1882: Arrived in Singapore, where he stayed at Hotel de la Paz and toured the Botanical Gardens,
Buddhist temples, and Sir Stamford Raffles' statue.
May 11, 1882: Transferred to the French steamer Djemnah, which was larger and cleaner. He struggled
to communicate in French and had to use a mix of Spanish, Latin, and gestures.
Arrival in Barcelona and First Writings
Rizal reached Barcelona, where fellow Filipinos welcomed him with a gathering at Plaza de Cataluña.
In Barcelona, he wrote "Amor Patrio" (Love of Country)—his first nationalist essay in Spain, published in
Diariong Tagalog on August 20, 1882. It emphasized patriotism and the deep love for one's homeland,
even when far away.
Rizal’s Early Travels and Life in Spain (1882–1884)
Journey to Spain
May 17, 1882: Rizal’s ship, Djemnah, reached Point Galle, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), which he found picturesque
but lonely.
May 18, 1882: Arrived in Colombo, which he admired for its beauty and elegant buildings.
Crossing the Suez Canal: He was fascinated by the canal and the diverse languages spoken in Port Said.
June 11, 1882: Reached Naples, Italy, where he admired Mount Vesuvius and other historic sites.
June 12, 1882: Arrived in Marseilles, France, and visited Château d’If, inspired by The Count of Monte
Cristo.
June 16, 1882: Arrived in Barcelona, Spain, initially unimpressed but later grew to appreciate the city's
liberal atmosphere and lively streets.
Life in Madrid
Education: Enrolled at Universidad Central de Madrid, studying Medicine and Philosophy & Letters.
Extracurricular Activities: Studied painting, sculpture, languages (French, German, English), and practiced
fencing and shooting.
Frugal Living: Despite financial difficulties, he avoided gambling and vices, spending his money on books
and education.
Writing & Patriotism:
Published Amor Patrio (Love of Country) in Diariong Tagalog, encouraging nationalism.
Wrote Me Piden Versos (They Ask Me for Verses), expressing homesickness and love for his country.
Joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a society of Filipinos and Spaniards.
Romantic Involvement
Consuelo Ortiga y Perez: Rizal admired her but chose to withdraw from the relationship due to his
engagement to Leonor Rivera and out of respect for his friend Eduardo de Lete, who was also in love
with Consuelo.
Freemasonry and Advocacy
Joined Freemasonry in March 1883 to oppose the friars’ abuses in the Philippines.
Became a Master Mason (1890) and received a diploma in Paris (1892).
Delivered a Masonic lecture titled Science, Virtue, and Labor, advocating for human dignity and justice.
First Visit to Paris (1883)
June 17 – August 20, 1883: Explored Paris, visited museums, libraries, art galleries, hospitals, and historic
landmarks.
Was mistaken for a Japanese due to his appearance.
Financial Struggles
Family in Calamba faced economic hardship due to poor harvests and increased land rents.
Rizal suffered from late or missing allowances, sometimes going without food.
June 24, 1884: Despite being broke, he won a gold medal in a Greek contest at the university.
Tribute to Filipino Artists (June 25, 1884)
Speech honoring Juan Luna and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, who won prestigious awards in Madrid’s art
exposition.
Described genius as universal, beyond race or nationality.
Criticized the ignorance of some Spaniards who looked down on Filipinos.
His speech was met with great applause, showcasing his eloquence and patriotism.
Rizal's Speech and Events in Madrid (1884-1885)
Speech Honoring Luna and Hidalgo (1884)
José Rizal delivered a speech in Madrid in 1884 to honor the achievements of Filipino painters Juan Luna
and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo. He highlighted:
The role of art in expressing national identity and struggles.
The unity between Spain and the Philippines despite colonial rule.
The significance of Luna's Spoliarium and Hidalgo's works in reflecting Filipino resilience and aspirations.
The progress of Filipino intellectuals and their contributions to global culture.
A call for continued unity and recognition of Filipino talent in Spain and beyond.
Student Demonstrations in Madrid (November 1884)
Rizal, alongside Filipino and other foreign students, participated in protests supporting Dr. Miguel
Morayta, a professor advocating academic freedom.
Spanish bishops condemned Morayta, leading to student riots against religious bigotry.
Violent clashes occurred between students and government forces, resulting in injuries and arrests.
Rizal narrowly avoided capture by disguising himself multiple times.
Despite the suppression, students gained public support, including from university professors and
newspapers.
Rizal’s Academic Achievements
Medicine: Earned a Licentiate in Medicine from Universidad Central de Madrid (June 21, 1884). He
completed all requirements for a Doctorate in Medicine but did not submit a thesis or pay the fees, so
he was not awarded the degree.
Philosophy and Letters: Earned a Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters (June 19, 1885), graduating
Excellent (Sobresaliente).
Despite his qualifications, Rizal foresaw that racial discrimination would prevent him from securing a
teaching position in the Philippines' friar-controlled universities.