LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS OF DR.

JOSE RIZAL

RIZAL IN HONG KONG

From the Philippines, Rizal went to Hong Kong where he stayed for three days. He saw its
shipping and commercial centers. He met Manuel Iriate and Jose Maria Basa who were exiled due to
their alleged involvement in the Cavite Mutiny in 1872. Rizal, through his tour in the place, found out
that the Dominican congregation was also engaged in business, since they owned 750 or more business
houses, earning millions of money in Hong Kong commercial places. On the 19th of February 1888, he
boarded the boat Kiu-Lieng that took him to Macao.

RIZAL IN MACAO

Rizal’s stay in Macao, with his friends Jose Sainz de Veranda and Jose Maria Basa, was short. His
decription of Macao of that time was: The city of Macao is small, low and marshy. He visited the Grotto
of Camoens and the botanical garden. On February 22, 1888, he boarded the S.S Oceanic bound for
Japan.

RIZAL IN JAPAN

On February 28, 1888, Rizal arrived in Yokohama, Japan; he lived in the Charge d’ affaires of
Spain in the country, from February to April 1888. While in Japan, Rizal had a friend who was a
newspaperman and chief editor of some Japanese newspapers. It was there when he studied in his best
capability the Japanese language, visited Japanese theatres and made drawings of flowers and
panoramic views. Rizal also adopted the Japanese technique in drawing. He was also amazed of the
good values of the Japanese people. In his stay in the country, Rizal had a close and intimate relationship
with a Japanese woman named O Sei-San Kiyo. Rizal left Japan in April 13, 1888, and boarded the S.S
Belgic, bound for the United States of America.

RIZAL IN AMERICA

Rizal arrived in the United States of America on April 27, 1888, and after a few days of
quarantine on May 4, 1888, all passengers of the S.S Belgic were allowed to disembark. He registered in
the Palace Hotel, and in his two days stay in San Francisco, he viewed the Golden Gate and the San
Francisco market place. On May 6, 1888, he boarded a regular ferryboat going to Oakland. Then he
transferred to a train heading towards Sacramento, and then to Nevada on May 7, where he saw the
Indian attire and semi-Indian suit. On May 8, the train passed through Ogden where Rizal viewed Salt
Lake City. On May 9, the train arrived at Colorado, where he saw thick pines and tunnels. On May 10,
the train arrived in Nebraska where he saw the Missouri River. On May 11 in Chicago, he saw the
Niagara Falls. On May 13, the train arrived in Albany City and there he viewed the Hudson River. The last
city he visited was New York where he stayed for three days. Rizal toured the memorial of George
Washington and viewed the Statue of Liberty. Rizal toured America before he left and boarded to the S.S
City of Rome bound for Europe in May 16, 1888. Rizal’s impression of America during that time” “It is
the land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites.”
RIZAL IN LONDON

After visiting United States, Rizal lived in London from May 1888 to March 1889 to copy, study
and make the annotation of Dr. Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos delas Islas Filipinas (Events in the Philippine
Islands) to make his people know the past history of their country. He also believed that London was a
safe for him to carry on his fight against Spanish tyranny. In London, he engaged in Filipiniana studies,
wrote many articles for La Solidaridad in defense of his people against Spanish critics, composed the
famous Letter to the Young Women of Malolos, carried on his voluminous correspondence with
Blumentritt and relatives, and had a romance with Gertrude Beckett.

In this city, for a short time, he stayed as guest at the home of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, an exile
of 1872 and a practicing lawyer. By the end of May, he moved to a boarding place No. 37 Chalcoat
Crescent, Primerose Hill. He was a boarder of the Beckett family composed of Mr. Beckett, the organist
of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mrs. Beckett (wife), two sons and four daughters. The oldest of the Beckett
sisters was Gertrude.

Rizal came to know Dr. Reinhold Rost, the librarian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an
authority on Malayan languages and customs. Dr. Rost was impressed with Rizal’s manners and called
him una perla de Hombre (a pearl of a man). Rizal spent much of his time in the British museum looking
for important materials for historical and literature about Philippines. He spent his weekends in the
house of Dr. Rost having many pleasant discussions on linguistics and about London and the Philippines.

RIZAL RECEIVES SAD NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES

On September 1888, Rizal received a cable from his compatriots in Hong Kong, that the Noli Me
Tangere was banned in the Philippines, and that a student who was caught having a copy was
deliberately jailed in Bilibid prisons. Added to this, Spanish ruthless treatment of the Noli in the
Philippines, stores, houses of Filipino priests and officials were searched to rid Manila and Cavite of the
radical novel.

When Rizal left for Europe in February of 1888, the case of Rizal’s family and the people of
Calamba were left to Paciano and his brother-in-law Manuel T. Hidalgo. The family took Ambrocio
Rianzarez to defend them, but he backed out because of fear of the Dominican friars. Felipe
Buencamino Sr. who had connections in the Royal Audencia of Manila accepted the case, and he was
able to get a settlement with the Dominican Corporation. On the conditions that the tenants and family
of Rizal in Calamba would pay the amount asked by the friars. According to the memoir of Buencamino
when the Calamba tenants and the family of Rizal in the Philippines consulted Jose Rizal through a cable
in Europe about the proposed settlement, he disapproved the friar proposal.

Added to this, was the arrival of Governor General Weyler Valiriano, a known staunch supporter
of friars in the Philippines. Governor Weyler used military will to enforce the Dominican Corporation’s
terms to the Rizal family and the tenants of Calamba. The Spanish Government and the Catholic Church
in the Philippines punished Rizal’s family in Calamba. It imposed the following sad incidents:

 Rizal received a letter from his family informing him of the death of Mariano Herbosa,
who was denied of Christian burial for failure to attend confession and he being related
to him.
 On October 6, 1888, the brother-in-law of Rizal, Manuel T. Hidalgo, was banished
without trial by the Spanish government in Tagbilaran, Bohol, together with some town
mates in Calamba.
RIZAL IN PARIS

In the middle of March 1889, Rizal left the Beckett family in London, and proceeded to Paris,
France. His arrival in Paris was the birth of the organization he conceived through his correspondence
with Blumentritt. The name of the organization was International Association of Filipinologist, with the
primary objective was to study the Philippines from the scientific and historical point of view. The proud
project of the organization conceived by Rizal was the exposition of the Philippine islands in August
1889, covering the following topics: Pre-Spanish Philippines, Conquest of Spain, Incorporation of the
Philippines, Cavite Munity and Language in the Philippines.

After the success of the Kidlat, Rizal formed another organization named “I.B.” it’s members
were tasked to manifest physical prowess to gain the inspiration of foreigners and highlight the Filipino
race. Its members were Rafael Ventura, Juan and Antonio Luna, Trinidad Pardo de Tavera and the
Bousted family. After organizing the I.B., Rizal formed another group that aimed for the redemption of
the Malay race, through the help of Filipinos abroad. He named it with the initials RDLM. It was the
stand of the society that education is an important factors towards enlightenment, thus, attain reform in
the country.

RIZAL IN BRUSSELS

On January 28, 1890, Rizal left Paris, France and moved to Brussels. He made the decision to
leave Paris to economize his expenses and finish the sequel of his Noli Me Tangere, which was the El
Filibusterismo. While in Brussels, Rizal was busy writing his second novel, at the same time contributing
articles to the La Solidaridad. According to Jose Alejandrino, Rizal managed his money meticulously due
to lack of funds coming from the Philippines. He also showed his artistic talent by carving two statues
which he sent to Blumentritt. Rizal also composed a poem expressing his anguish, deep in his heart; the
poem was entitled A Mi Musa.

In Brussels, Rizal suffered from financial difficulties and was then taking its effect that he wanted
to go home to the Philippines. In June of 1890, Rizal wrote Mariano Ponce a letter stating his desire to
go home. Rizal stressed in the letter; "I have not received anything from the Philippines, that is why I am
thinking of going back there, as soon as possible, and may God say what will happen next."

His compatriots feared for his life in the Philippines, with this situation, Mariano H. Del Pilar and
Mariano Ponce extended their invitation for Rizal move in Madrid. While Rizal was preparing to go home
to the Philippines, he received a letter from Paciano giving him instructions to proceed to Madrid. Rizal
had no choice but to follow the advice of his elder brother and confidant.

RIZAL's CONTRIBUTIONS WHILE IN BRUSSELS

 Reply to Barrantes' Criticism of the Noli Me Tangere- this article was published in the La
Solidaridad in February 15, 1890, were Rizal argued that Barrante did not read the whole novel
and that he had not written the novel for him but for the Philippines.
 Nameless- this article was published in the La Solidaridad in February 28. 1890, wherein Rizal
stated his bitterness to the unfair treatment of the Spanish government in the Philippines to the
tenants of Calamba, and that he questioned it, for being impotent against the abuses of the
Catholic Corporations.
 The Philippines at the Spanish Congress- this proposal of Rizal which he drafted in the French
language stated 19 propositions of which through his effort, an estate of land will be bought
from the British government in Borneo for Filipinos who intend to live and conduct farming in
the area.
 Cosas de Filipinas- Rizal attacked a local Philippine newspaper named El Porvenir de Vesayas for
highlighting criminal acts of the government and Civil Guards as valid and just and that Filipinos
should be thankful for such actions. He accused the board censors created by the Spanish
government as nod. This article was dated April 30. 1890.
RIZAL IN MADRID

Shortly after arriving in Madrid, Spain on August 1890, Rizal attended the reunion and festive
gathering of Filipinos in Madrid, where an incident happened between him and Antonio Luna. In this
incident, Luna was drunk and in disarray, he stated insulting words against Rizal and blaming him for his
failure to win the love of Nelly Boustead. These statements angered Rizal and challenged him to a duel.
On the other side, Luna was equally courageous and accepted the challenged. Their Filipino compatriots
were shocked with such an incident where two great friends would fight to death. Realizing the danger,
they explained to the two men that their cause for the Philippines was more important than personal
fights. Luna realized he was wrong and immediately apologized to Rizal who accepted the apology.

The second incident that provoked the anger of Rizal was against Wenceslao E. Retana, an
intelligent Spanish scholar who was hired by the Catholic Corporations from the Philippines to counter
the Filipino newspaper in Madrid, the La Solidaridad. Based on the account from the writings of Retana,
he explained that Rizal was a man who loved his family. Retana admitted that he wrote and published
an article about the tenants and family of Rizal in Calamba, which he stated in his article in La Epoca
"Don Jose Rizal arrived in Calamba from Europe and from then on the settlers refused to pay rent,
especially the relatives and friends of Rizal." Retana narrated that, within 24 hours a representative of
Rizal came and informed him that Rizal was challenging him to a duel to death. Retana knew Rizal was
an expert shooter and good swordsman, he found out, that Antonio Luna in his aborted fight with Rizal,
did not accept the challenge of pistols, but opted for the sword, because he knew Rizal's caliber. Retana
also made a realization that Rizal loved his family, more than anything else, and with this reaction,
Retana sent Rizal an apology through a published article. In later years, Retana would be the first to
write the biography of Rizal and recognized his martyrdom.

SORROWFUL EVENTS WHILE RIZAL WAS IN MADRID

On August 19, 1890, two Filipino compatriots of Rizal in Madrid died. On May 1890, Rizal was
informed by the Royal Audencia's decision on the Calamba Hacienda case fought by the tenants,
principales, farmers, and his family. The decision was in favor of the Dominican Catholic Corporation.
Thus, Rizal received the information he feared. Toward the end of September 1890, Rizal received a
letter from his sister Saturnina of the sad events that overtook their family in Calamba. She said that his
brother-in-laws were again arrested and banished to Mindoro. She also stated to Rizal the eviction of
the entire family including his father Don Francisco who was 78 years old in their old house in Calamba.
Rizal recounted the sad events in 1892, and signified his loss of hope in Spain by expressing this through
a letter to Blumentritt.

While this incident affected Rizal's loved family in the Philippines, he attempted to save his family
while in Europe, using connections and friends to help him. He was desperate, that he attempted to get
the help of Spanish politicians such as Don Manuel Becerra to no avail. He thought of seeing her Majesty
Queen Regent Maria Cristina, but he had no influential friends to help him.

It was like bad omen in Madrid, for Rizal, in early December 1890. Received a letter from Leonor
Rivera, his true love in the Philippines, informing him that her other compelled her to marry an
Englishman and their marriage will be on June 17, 1891.
RIZAL's BREAK-UP WITH DEL PILAR

Rizal's conflict with other compatriots never stopped while he was in Madrid. In the traditional New
Year's celebrations and reunion of Filipino compatriots in December of 1890, addressing the division of
the Filipino colony in Madrid, Rizal called for unity. However, division was so strong that resulted to an
approval of a proposal by electing a leader who will represent the Propaganda Movement. Compatriots
of Rizal were divided to two factions, namely the Rizalista representing Jose Rizal and the Pilarista,
representing Marcelo H. Del Pilar the Pilaristas were one strong group that Rizal's group would be hard
to beat.

However, Antonio Luna sided with Rizal, with other loyal compatriots. In the election that ensured,
two inconclusive ballots were held. The next day, Rizal walked out, but Del Pilar knowing the importance
of Rizal in the colony, instructed Mariano Ponce to convince some Pilarista supporters to vote for Rizal.
With this, Rizal was voted as the leader (responsable) of the Filipino colony in Madrid.

On the part of Rizal, it was time for him to leave Madrid and stopped writing for the La Solidaridad
permanently, while preparing to publish his second novel entitled El Filibusterismo. In August 1891, Rizal
wrote to Del Pilar; "If I stopped writing for La Solidaridad, it was because of several reasons: first, I need
time to work on my book; second, I wanted other Filipinos to work also; third, I consider it very
important to the party that there be unity in the work; and as you are already at the top and I also have
my own ideas, it is better to leave you alone to direct the policy such as now you understand it and I do
not meddle in it."

RIZAL's CONTRIBUTION IN THE LA SOLIDARIDAD WHILE IN MADRID

 Cobordo Venganza- this article dated August 31. 1890. Published by Rizal, where he expressed
his bitterness to how the Spanish government in the Philippines treated his two brother-in laws
and his elder brother Paciano. He complained the arbitrary banishment done to them by
Spanish authorities through the provocation of the Dominican friars in Calamba.
 Como Se Gobiernan las Filipinas- Rizal explained that the very Spanish government in Philippines
from whom its officials who said that problem of all sorts existed in the Philippines, were in fact
these officials were the cause of the problem. The friars representing the Catholic Church who
said that everything was well and wonderful, were in fact the ones gaining from their
corporations representing the Catholic Church. The article was published on December 15,
1890.
 F. PI. Y MARGALL: el Luchar Tiempo Nuestro- this was a book review of Rizal, about the book
authored by F. PI. Y. Margall, where he presented a dialog on poverty, soul and the Catholic
religion. The work was published on November 15, 1890.

RIZAL's MASONIC SPEECH IN MADRID

 Masoneria- a lecture prepared and read by Jose Rizal for the members of the Solidaridad Lodge
No. 53, in 1889, in Madrid. Rizal discussed on the fundamental foundations of Masonry (Science,
Virtue and Labor).

RIZAL IN BIARRITZ AND BRUSSELS

In February of 1891, before proceeding to Ghent, Rizal took a one month vacation at Biarritz,
France, where he was received well by the Boustead family. Mr. Boustead liked Rizal for his excellent
literary talents. Rizal also had romance with the Boustead daughter. In late March he visited Paris and
proceeded to Brussels in the house of Marie and Suzanne Jacoby. In late May 1891, Rizal finished his El
Filibusterismo in Brussels.
RIZAL PUBLISHED THE EL FILIBUSTERISMO IN GHENT

In early July 1891, together with Jose Alejandrino and Edelberto Evangelista, left Brussels and
moved to Ghent, a place in Belgium where printing was cheaper. Alejandrino and Evangelista enrolled
and studied in the famous University of Ghent, taking up courses in the field of Engineering. Rizal
suffered financial difficulties in publishing his second novel that the amount of frugality he implemented
in himself was an insurmountable sacrifice. Jose Alejandrino recounted that Rizal had to give up
breakfast to reduce rents and limited himself to biscuits for more than 10 days. Through the following
letters of Rizal to Jose Maria Basa in July 1891, Rizal expressed hid financial difficulties:

 I have pawned all I have in order to print this work and I will continue printing it as long as I can,
and when I no longer have anything to pawn then I will stop and will return to your side (Hong
Kong).
 I am tired of believing in our countrymen; they all seem to have joined together to emit my life;
they have been preventing my return, promising to send me an allowance, and after having
done it one month, they have not remembered me again.
 Enclosed is the bill of lading of the four boxes of books I am sending there; as I have already told
you the charges are payable there. If anything should happen to me, all those books become
your property, in case my family does not pay you the amount I owe you. The books alone are
worth 600 pesos.

VALENTIN VENTURA FUNDS RIZAL's EL FILIBUSTERISMO

Rial was already desperate in resuming the printing of El Filibusterismo, when a compatriot from
Paris learned about his financial problems. Valentin Ventura saved the novel. In the middle of
September 1891, Rizal finally published the novel El Filibusterismo, which he began writing in October
1887. He mentioned this in his letter to Mariano Ponce. The draft of the novel was written in different
cities of Europe such as in London, Paris, Madrid and Brussels. Rizal dedicated this work to the three
martyred priests who were executed in the gallows in Bagumbayan.

The novel was a sequel to Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. In reading the work, there are areas of
humor, romance and revolution. I this work of Rizal, he was judged as separatist in some points.

EL FILIBUSTERISMO SYNOPSIS

It is a sequel to Rizal's Noli Me Tangere, a socio-political novel that depicted the conditions in
the Philippine Islands- a colony of Spain for three centuries- under the Spanish yoke.

Simoun, a mysterious and powerful jeweler who is in good graces with the Captain General plots
a coup d'etat against the Spanish colonial government. He secretly abets the abuses committed against
the natives in the hope of stirring them to rise up in revolt. To weaken the regime, he encourages
corruption, using his immense wealth to foment injustice and provoke massive unrest. Unknown to all,
Simoun is Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, a man who had been wrongfully accused of rebellion and condemned
in a plot instigated by his enemies including a friar who had unchaste feelings for his fiancee, Maria
Clara. Everybody thought that Ibarra had been killed as a fugitive, but in truth he had escaped, enriched
himself abroad and has returned to the Islands to avenge himself. He plans to take Maria Clara who,
believing Ibarra is dead, had entered the convent. In the course of his plans, Simoun comes into contact
with young idealistic Filipinos whom he wants to enlist to his cause. One of these is Basilio, one of the
few who know his secret. He had been adopted by Capitan Tiago, a wealthy landowner and father of
Maria Clara. Basilio is about to graduate as doctor of medicine and plans to marry Juli, his childhood
sweetheart. Juli is the daughter of Cabesang Tales, a homesteader who had been dispossessed of his
lnds by the friars. Turned outlaw, Cabesang Tales and other victims of injustice have been enlisted by
Simoun in his plan to overthrow the government. Another student, Isagani, dreams of a progressive
future for his country but his fiancee, Paulita, who shares his aunt Dona Victorina's prejudices against
the natives, is not interested in them. Simoun's plot is aborted when he learns that Maria Clara had died
at the convent. Student leaders who have been advocating the opening of an academy for the teaching
of the Spanish language hold a party where they lampoon the friars. The nest day, posters are found
encouraging sedition, and those suspected of involvement are arrested including Basilio. His foster
father having died, nobody intercedes for him, while the rich and influential are released. Meanwhile,
Juli is killed in the church after she had sought the help of the parish priest for the release of Basilio. Due
to this tragedy, her grandfather, Tandang Selo, joins the outlaws. Embittered by Maria Clara's death,
Simoun plans another coup to be staged at the wedding reception for Paulita, who has been engaged to
another man: top governments including the Captain general who are to attend would be blown away,
the house being planted with explosives which will be detonated by a device hidden in the lamp given as
gift by Simoun to the newlyweds. Basilion, who had been released and now wants to take revenge, is
ordered by Simoun to lead in the uprising. At the appointed hour, the guests are terrified upon reading a
note signed by Juan Crisostomo Ibarra; his signature is recognized by Father Salvi, the friar who luste
after Maria Clara. Before the lamp could explode, Isagani, who has been warned by Basilio about the
plot, barges in and throws the lamp into the river. Isagani escapes. The uprising again fails to take off,
and the armed followers of Simoun, deprived of leadership or devoid of vision, resort to banditry. The
lawlessness that reigns in the countryside leads to harsh measures by the government in its efforts to
show it is in control. The plot at the wedding is finally traced to Simoun who escapes into a house near
the ocean. After taking poison, he confesses to Father Florentino, a Filipino priest, who tells him: "What
is the use of independence if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?" After the death of
Simoun, Father Florentino throws his treasure into the sea.

This novel, together with the Noli Me Tangere, is said to have sparked by the revolution against
Spain in 1896. In it, Rizal presented the dilemma faced by the country as the people groaned under the
foreign oppressor: to revolt would only lead to a change of masters, while to do nothing would keep the
nation enslaved for generations. Rizal proposes a better way, through Father Florentino as he speaks to
the dying Simoun: educate the natives, and when they shall have reached that stage where they would
be willing to die for their principles, God Himself will supply the weapon, and liberty will shine, like the
first dawn.

CHARACTERS OF THE EL FILIBUSTERISMO

Simoun- the Ibarra of the Noli, now represents new ideas using his wealth and influence to destroy the
government by encouraging corruption and anomalous acts, to attain his plan of a revolution that later
failed.

Maria Clara- she never had Simoun in her life, and after all the sufferings and pains, she had gone
through for 13 years, Maria Clara in the novel finally died in the nunnery.

Basilio- the son of Sisa who finished his medical studies through the financial support of Capitan Tiago.

Isagani- known in the novel as the poet who played the role of young student, whose idealis for the
country is manifested in his action. However, due to his love to Paulita, he aborted the plan of Simoun.

Paulita Gomez- the love of Isagani in the novel, who represented one side of the Filipina womanhood in
Philippines society. Her presence in the wedding feast changed the plans of Simoun, due to the
intervention of Isagani of throwing the destructive lamp outside.

Cabesang Tales- represented the tenants of Calamba: he was stripped of his land by the friars,
disillusioned, he became an outlaw to attain personal revenged. Her daughter Juli the love of Basilio,
committed suicide to her honor against the Catholic Priest Fr. Camorra.
School Master- he disobeyed the orders of the friars and taught Spanish to his students; later he was
jailed and freed from the influence of Simoun on whom he will give his loyalty by supporting his plan of
revolt.

REACTION OF RIZAL's COMPATRIOTS TO THE EL FILIBUSTERISMO

In a letter dated October 2, 1891, Graciano Lopez Jaena stated:

El Filibusterismo is a superior novel to your Noli Me Tangere in its exquisite, delicate literary
style, it’s easy and correct dialogue, its clean, vigorous and elegant phraseology, as much as for its
profound ideas and sublime thoughts.

Mariano Ponce stated in his letter dated October 11, 1891.

It is truly excellent; I cannot find any other praise. It is a very worthy sister of Noli.

RIZAL PROCEEDED TO HONG KONG

After publishing the El Filibusterismo, Rizal was determined to proceed to Hong Kong and there
unite his family, before he faced his enemies in the Philippines.

With his departure from Europe Dr. Jose Rizal arrived in Hong Kong on November 20, 1891. In
this place he recovered from his sadness and frustrating experience in Madrid. Rizal gained new
confidence and strength. He sent his invitation to his family- his father Don Francisco, mother Dona
Teodora, elder brother Paciano, brother-in-law Silvestre Ubaldo, and sisters Lucia, Josefa and Trinidad to
join him in Hong Kong. On December 1891, they arrived in Hong Kong.

To support his family, Rizal through the help of Dr. Lorenzo P. Marquez, opened a medical clinic
at No. 5 D' Aguilar Street No. 2 Rednaxola Terrace. He was then a European trained Ophthalmic Surgeon
practicing in Hong Kong. Rizal was able to apply the training he acquired in Europe, and in just few
months, he became popular Ophthalmologist operating patients of different nationalities such as
Chinese, Portuguese, British, Koreans and Americans. He was not only an eye specialist but also a
general practitioner.

Some friends of Rizal who were in Europe gave him moral and substantial aid in his medical
practice in Hong Kong. Dr. Ariston Bautista Lin from Paris sent him a congratulatory note accompanied
by a book on Diagnostic Pathology. Dr. Antonio Vergel de Dios offered him services for the purchase of
medical books, equipments and instruments which he might need in the practice of his medical
profession. From Biarritz, the wealthy M. Edward Boustead sent him a letter praising him for practice in
medical profession.

After staying in Hong Kong, Rizal was ready to face his enemies in the Philippines, therefore he
decided to go home and risk his life for his country.

RIZAL'S PROFILE WORKS WHILE IN HONG KONG

While in Hong Kong, Rizal never failed to manifest his natural love for writing and composition.
Through the help of his friend he was able to publish the following articles:

 A la Nacion Espanola- in this article Rizal mentioned the abuses of Governor General Weyler and
his wife in amassing large amount of money from Filipinos and Chinese. He also cited how the
Spanish priests abused women, used the civil guards to get rid of persons who opposed of their
will and conspired to disrupt the economic development of the country. This article was
published in December 1891.
  Ang mga Karapatan nang Tao- in this article written in Tagalog language, Rizal wrote the 17
rights of man based from the French Revolution, dealing with freedom, prohibitions of the law,
punishments, citizen's rights and property. This article was published in 1892.
 Justice in the Philippines- in this article, he cited the fear of the Spanish authorities in Manila on
the newspaper Hongkong Telegraph, due to what he presented in its articles. Rizal attacked the
brutality of the Dominican friar, manager of Calamba, and the convenience of Governor General
Weyler by sending soldiers to disperse the tenants and townsfolk in Calamba. This article was
published on February 15, 1892.
 To the Filipinos- this letter-article was written by Rizal before he left for the Philippines. He
strictly stated that the article should be published after his death. As published in the Hongkong
Telegraph, he expressed his preparedness to die for the Philippines. Rizal stressed some striking
lines for the Filipinos to fight, "I should die many will triumph." He continued, "What matters
death if one dies for what he loves, for his land." This article was published in June 28, 1892.

LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

RIZAL'S SECOND HOMECOMING

DECISION TO RETURN TO MANILA

By May 1892, Rizal made up his mind to return to Manila. This was a very difficult decision to
make because it involved risks, but no matter how high the risks were and how costly the sacrifices that
would be, still Rizal didn't change his mind. His sudden decision to return was caused by his immediate
desire to see Governor General Despujol regarding his project in Borneo, to establish the La Liga Filipina
in Manila, and to protest Eduardo de Lete's article published in La Solidaridad on April 15, 1892,
portraying him as a coward and opportunistic for being comfortable and safe in Hong Kong, while he
abandoned country's cause. He approached del Pilar, the editor of La Solidaridad, saying; "I am more
convinced that Lete, in writing the article, was too hasty and you permitted yourself to be carried away.
Friend or enemy, if the article has harmed me, more it would harm the interest of the Filipinos. I am
going to activate the propaganda again and fortify the Liga."

RIZAL FALLS INTO SPANISH TRAP

Immediately after Rizal's departure from Hong Kong, the Spanish consul-general who issued the
government guarantee of safety sent a cablegram to Governor-General Despujol that the victim "is in
the trap." On the same day (June 21, 1892), a secret case was filed against Rizal and his followers for
anti-religious and anti-patriotic agitation. The deceitful Despujol ordered his secretary, Luis dela Torre,
to find out if Rizal was naturalized as German citizen, as was rumored, so that he might take proper
action against one who had the protection of a strong nation. Meanwhile, Rizal and his sister were
peacefully crossing the China Sea. They were fully unaware of Spanish duplicity.

RIZAL IN THE PHILIPPINES

Jose Rizal left Hong Kong with his sister Lucia on June 21, 1892, the Governor General of the
Philippines then was Don Eulogio Despujol who was informed, through a cable that Rizal was going
home to the Philippines. In June 26, 1892, the steamer Don Juan, arrived in Manila. As a sign of courtesy
and respect, Rizal went to Malacanang for a short visit to the Governor General. It was there that Rizal
requested the freedom of his father Don Francisco from exile, which the Governor General granted.

That same night, the compatriots of Rizal visited him; they were Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Domingo
Francisco and Timoteo Paez. In the succeeding days, Jose Rizal traveled with his friends in nearby
provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga and Bulacan, there he met old friends and discussed problems of the
people in their respective areas. Then, in the evening of July 3, 1892, in 176 Ilaya St. Tondo, Manila, Rizal
organized the La Liga Filipina, in the presence of 30 people. Some of them were Doroteo Ongjunco, a
member of Masonic Lodge Luzong, Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Apolinario Mabini, Agustin Dela Rosa and
Andres Bonifacio. In the meeting, Rizal presented the Constitution of the La Liga Filipina that he wrote
while he was in Hong Kong, which was an organization with duties and rights of members and with the
following positions: Chief, Treasurer, Secretary, and Fiscal. The members also included were in the areas
of Forms, Investment of Funds and General Rules. La Liga Filipina holds the following as its aims:

1. The unification of the Philippine archipelago into a compact vigorous and homogeneous body;
2. Mutual protection of members in every want and necessity;
3. Defense against all violence and injustice;
4. Promotion of education, agriculture and business; and
5. Study the application of reforms.

RIZAL EXILED IN DAPITAN

On July 6, 1892, Dr. Jose Rizal received a summon from Governor General Despujol, directing
him to proceed to Malacanang. Upon his arrival, he was confronted with a leaflet entitled Pobres Frailes
written by Fr. Jacinto, allegedly found by inspectors in the luggage of his sister Lucia, when they arrived
in Manila. With this evidence at hand, the Governor General ordered the arrest of Rizal who was
accompanied by Ramon Despujol at Fort Santiago, where he was placed in detention and declared as
"incommunicado" for eight days. Rizal learned that he was to be deported to Dapitan in Mindanao and
would leave Manila on July 14, 1892. His guards received the order to board Rizal at the S.S Cebu bound
for Dapitan. To publicly explain Rizal's exile in Dapitan, Governor General Despujol published in the
Gacela de Manila the following reasons why Rizal meted such fate:

1. Publication of books and proclamations that manifested his disloyalty to Spain, and such articles
were anti-Catholic and anti-friar.
2. The discovery of pamphlet which was found upon Rizal and his sister Lucia's arrival in Manila. It
was where the patience and humble generosity of the Filipinos was satirized and were published
the accusations against the customs of the religious orders.
3. His last novel was dedicated to the three martyrs. He also stated in the novel the weakness of
the Spanish administration in the Philippines, and that there was no other solution but
separation from the motherland (Spain).
4. The end of which he pursued in his efforts and writings was to tear from loyal Filipino breasts
the treasure of our holy Catholic faith.
5. Travelling through different provinces without permit from the Governor-General.

With his deportation to Dapitan, the Liga died its natural death. It split into two branches: the
rightist, Cuerpos de Compromisarios, and the leftists, which later came to be known as the Katipunan or
KKK, a society whose aim was to overthrow colonial rule in the Philippines. In four years of Rizal's
banishment to Dapitan (1892-1896), he demonstrated practical nationalism by living out what he had
preached to his countrymen and fellow reformers.

RIZAL IN DAPITAN

The S.S Cebu anchored in Dapitan in July 17, 1892, at 7pm, Jose Rizal was left in custody of
Ricardo Carnicero, the Politico-Military Governor of Dapitan. He was offered a quarter by Fr. Antonio
Obach, the Jesuit missionary priest assigned in Dapitan, which he respectfully declined; he lived in the
quarters of the Spanish Military Governor. When Rizal arrived in Dapitan, he was already a well-known
man, significantly different from all the men in the area, because Rizal was carrying his education and
experiences from abroad, particularly in Europe. A surveyor, doctor, poet, essayist, novelist, painter, and
a son of a successful farmer, Rizal also knew 22 languages and some of which were Tagalog, Spanish,
Latin, French, German, and English.
 After one week of stay in Talisay, Dapitan, Rizal was satisfied in the place. He gained financial
earnings during his stay in Talisay, Dapitan. Through his personal effort, he cultivated the land given to
him by Governor Carnicero who became his friend. In September 1892, only one month of friendship,
Rizal, Carnicero and a Spaniard each won 6,200 pesos in lottery. He sent a portion of the money to his
family and the rest he invested in his farming activities.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

In Dapitan, Rizal lived a religious life, just like other townsfolk. He regularly attended mass every
Sunday, observed the anniversary of Christ Nativity, and was satisfied in the community especially in
celebrating Christmas and New Year as an exile.

RIZAL AS A PHYSICIAN

He rendered free medical services to the poor townsfolk of Dapitan. Some of his medical tools
came from Europe, which were sent by his friends and doctors who knew him. In his last two years he
became a famed doctor; his patients came not only from nearby places in Mindanao, but in areas such
as Negros, Cebu, Luzon, Panay, Bohol and from foreign countries. He treated an Englishman who paid
him 500 pesos; don Ignacio Tamorong of Misamis was impressed of Rizal restoring his eyesight paid him
3,000 pesos. Another patient he cured was George Taufer who was with his adopted daughter Josephine
Bracken, whom later Rizal courted and married. He also cured other diseases especially among the local
folks of Dapitan.

RIZAL THE FARMER

With the winning in lottery, and other income, he was able to purchase 16 hectares of land in
Talisay, Dapitan. He told his mother that he had more than 50 lanzones trees, 20 mango trees, macupa
trees, 50 lanka trees, santol trees, balonos and 18 mangosteens. He planted 1,400 coffee and 200 cacao
seedlings and he was confident that he would earn 2,000 pesos annually from his plants. He had 6,000
abaca plants and planting 2 cavans of corn seeds.

RIZAL THE BUSINESSMAN

In the area of business, Rizal had several business partnerships like some Spaniards asking them
to supply the town with fish in the market. He also had an agreement with Mariano Hamoy from
Dapitan with regard to buying and selling of abaca and copra. Furthermore, he was engaged in
merchandising by selling shoes and socks.

RIZAL THE TEACHER

Part of the reform called by Rizal from the Spanish government was better education for the
Filipinos, and on his personal capacity in Dapitan, Rizal opened a Community School that started from
January 1894 to July 1896 with 23 students, on whom 16 stayed in the school as his regular students.
The subjects taught were: Spanish, English, Arithmetic, Gymnastics and Swimming. He also gave awards
to his brightest students.

RIZAL THE SCIENTIST

As a man of science, he collected specimens of flora and fauna found in Dapitan, he then sent
this specimen in Ateneo de Manila and his friends in Europe. His scientist friends received unknown
specimens such as collection of reptiles, birds, crustaceans, seashells and butterflies. Some of which
were named after Rizal. Rizal had notable inventions and discovery while in Dapitan. He invented a
Manual machine that could produce 6,000 bricks a day and discovered a formula on making bakhaw
paste.
RIZAL THE LINGUIST AND ARTIST

Despite his tight schedule in Dapitan, Rizal found time to study the Bisayan language and made a
comparison of Tagalog-Bisayan and Malayan languages. Rizal also manifested sculpture prowess, among
the statues his hands produced were: wild boar, the bust of Captain Carnicero and his wife, reclaiming
figure of Josephine Bracken, St. Paul holding on to a cross, dapitan girl cutting grass, mother's revenge
(mother dog biting a crocodile) and head of a Dapitan girl.

RIZAL THE PUBLIC SERVANT

Rizal's patriotism and love for his fellow Filipinos never failed in all facets of his life, especially in
Dapitan. Aside from giving free medical service and medicine to the poor people of Dapitan, he took
charge and initiative in the construction of a dam or water depository near the square house to provide
clean water to local folks living near his area. Through the help of Fr. Sanchez, they made a huge relief
map of Mindanao located in the town plaza of Dapitan, he also assisted Hermano Costa in the
construction of Linao Aqueduct to provide clean and potable water for the natives of Dapitan. When
Rizal treated an Englishman of cataract who paid him well, he used the money to install a town lighting
system for the people. He even asked his brother-in-law to send him a pukutan (wide fishnet) as
prototypes to improve his Dapitan town mates catch of fish in the water areas; he even asked for two
fishermen from Calamba to spend time teaching Dapitan fisher how to use the fishnet.

RIZAL AND THE KATIPUNAN

On June 21, 1896, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Bonifacio's emissary, visited Rizal in Dapitan and informed
of the plan of the Katipunan to launch a revolution. Rizal objected to Bonifacio's bold project stating that
such would be a veritable suicide. Valenzuela, however, warned Rizal that the revolution will break out if
the Katipunan would be discovered. Rizal instructred Valenzuela that it would be for the best interests
of the Katipunan to get first the support of the rich and influential people of Manila to strengthen their
cause. Rizal lamented the possible consequences of the planned armed rebellion. Rizal said: "To die and
to conquer is pleasant, but to die and be conquered is painful."

Rizal also disapproved of the plan of the Katipunan to rescue him from his exile for he had given
his word to the Spanish authorities that he would never escape from Dapitan. Moreover, he informed
Valenzuela of his pending application as a volunteer doctor for the Spanish troops fighting in the Cuban
Revolution. On July 30, 1896, Governor-General Ramon Blanco approved Rizal's petition to go to Cuba.
The next day he left for Manila on board steamer Espana. On his departure, almost all the townsfolk of
Dapitan were present, to salute a man who changed their lives.

POEMS WRITTEN BY RIZAL WHILE IN DAPITAN

 Josefina- this poem was a dedication of Rizal to Miss Josephine Bracken, his love in Dapitan. The
two decided to get married in their own right.
 To Don Ricardo Carnicero- Rizal wrote this poem to greet his friend, the Politico-Military
Governor of Dapitan, as his gift on his birthday.
 El Canto del Viajero- this was described as a pathetic poem of Rizal. He manifested here his idea
of leaving Dapitan as a traveling man.
 Hymn to Talisay- this poetic song was composed by Rizal in Dapitan, which the Spaniards called
as subversive. Thus, this was used against him during his trial in Manila.
 Mi Retiro- in this poem, Rizal expressed his lonely life as an exile in Talisay, Dapitan. This piece
displayed his descriptive power in observing nature and his surroundings
LAST TRIP ABROAD

Rizal left Dapitan on board the steamer Espana. From the steamer that ferried him from
Dapitan, he was transferred to the cruiser Castilla, where he stayed for almost a month, pending the
availability of a vessel bound for Spain. On September 3, 1896, Rizal sailed to Spain for Cuba. While on
travel, the captain of the ship notified him that he was under arrest for being the guiding force of the
Philippine Revolution that broke out in August 1896. On October 3, 1896, Rizal reached Barcelona
heavily guarded and was detained as a prisoner at the steamer Isla de Panay; he was transferred to the
SS Colon bound for Manila. On November 3, 1896, Rizal arrived in Manila under heavy guard. He was
brought to Fort Santiago pending the prosecution of his case and was held incommunicado in his
detention cell.

TRIAL OF RIZAL

Rizal was accused of the complex crime of rebellion as he was the principal organizer and the
living soul of the insurrection, the founder of societies, periodicals, and books dedicated to the
fomenting and propagating the ideas of rebellion. He pleaded not guilty to the crime charged against
him and his case was tried in the jurisdiction of a military tribunal. The evidenced of his guilt had been
gathered by Captain Francisco de Olive. On November 20, 1896, Colonel Rafael Dominguez, a special
judge, conducted the preliminary investigation. Rizal was interrogated without the presence of a
counsel. He was not allowed to meet the witnesses face to face. He was questioned, among other
things, on his participation in various political activities, about his membership in Masonic lodges,
concerning his appointment as honorary president of the Katipunan, about Pio Valenzuela's meeting
with him at Dapitan, and concerning the testimonies of arrested Katipunero's implicating him.

At the trial, Lieutenant Enrique de Alcocer presented a detailed presentation of Rizal's case,
which culminated in his call on the members of the military tribunal to render a decision by imposing
death penalty on the accused. Alcocer's argument rested on Rizal's admission of the founding of La Liga,
which to his mind had something to do with Bonifacio's revolution. He showed that Rizal's writings were
designed to incite anti-friar, anti-Spanish, and separatist sentiments. Alcocer exposed Rizal as the "soul
of the rebellion."

Luis Taviel de Andrade cited the technicality of the law of Rizal's defense: that his client's guilt
had not been proven through any of the following means: ocular inspection, confession of the accused,
credible witnesses, expert opinion, official documents or conclusive evidences. As none of these existed,
Rizal was not guilty of the crime charged against him. As to the charge of founding illegal associations,
Andrade argued that the Constitution of the La Liga Filipina did not specify any illegal objectives.
Furthermore, Andrade said, the Liga was short-lived because Rizal was deported to Dapitan before it
could be fully organized and if it was revived, it was done without Rizal's knowledge.

After Andrade's brilliant defense, Rizal was asked by the judge advocate whether he had
something to add to what his counsel had presented. Rizal stood up and presented his own brief.

1. I am not guilty of rebellion as I even advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan not to rise in
revolution.
2. The revolutionists used my name without my knowledge. If I were guilty, I could have escaped
from Singapore.
3. If I had a hand in the Katipunan revolution, I could have escaped Dapitan and should have not
built a house there.
4. If I were the chief of the revolution, why did they not consult me on their plans?
5. I was not the founder of La Solidaridad and the Association Hispano Filipino.
6. I had nothing to do with the introduction of masonry in the Philippines.
7. The La Liga did not live long. It died a natural death after my banishment to Dapitan.
8. If the La Liga was re-organized nine months later, I was totally unaware of it.
 9. It was true that I wrote the statutes of La Liga. The La Liga, however, is a civic association whose
purpose are unity and development of commerce and industry.
10. While it was true that there were bitter statements in my letters, it was because they were
written when my family was being persecuted, being dispossessed of their houses and lands;
and my brother and brother-in-law were rusticated without due process of law.
11. It was not true that the revolution was inspired in one of my speeches. My friends knew very
well about my vehement opposition to an armed rebellion.
12. Why is the Katipunan sending an emissary to me in Dapitan, who was a total stranger to me?
Because those who knew me were cognizant that I would never sanction any violent movement.
13. My life in Dapitan had been exemplary, as evidenced by my productive activities for the welfare
of the people. Even the politico-military commanders and missionary priests could attest to this.

On the same day, the verdict of the military court, signed by Jose Togores, was submitted to
Governor-General Polavieja. Rizal was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt and therefore should be
condemned to death by firing squad at the place and time to be chosen by the Governor-General.
Polavieja approved Judge Advocate General Nicolas dela Pena's recommendations on December 30 at
7am at Bagumbayan Field.

RIZAL'S EXECUTION

The day before Rizal's execution, he consoled his mother and sisters, then he gave a letter to his
mother that said "To my most beloved father and mother" another, he gave to Josephine a copy of
Kempis with a dedication entitled "To my Dear and Unhappy Wife, Josephine." He also dedicated
another edition of Father Thomas, a Kempis, "De la Imitacion de Cristo y Menosprecio de Mundo"
(Imitation of Christ and Contempt of the World) to his sister Josefa.

Early in the morning on December 30, Rizal and his family consoled each other. Before the
family left Rizal, he gave Trinidad the alcohol lamp then said in English, "There is something inside." At
6:30 am, a picket of soldiers was formed; Rizal dressed in black coat, hat, shoes, tie and white T-shirt, he
was also tied elbow to elbow and was preceded in the march with a bugle and drum. At his side was Fr.
Villaclara and behind was his defender in the military court, Luis Taviel de Andrade and an escort of
artillery.

This march of Rizal was filled with Filipinos and Spanish spectators, as the party moved passing
Paseo de Maria Cristina. While walking, Rizal said to his Jesuit companion, "We are on the road to
Calvary, I can well realize now the passion of Christ; mine is si insignificant." As Rizal proceeded to
Bagumbayan, he was serene and tranquil; his body poised was erect, without affection and eyes that
were glad and bright. Rizal was laughing at times and gazing at all as if looking for a known face among
the crowd unfortunately, all the persons who knew him were in hiding or fighting in the Philippine
Revolution.

Near the place of execution in Bagumbayan, Rizal's plotters, the friars and Spaniards awaited his
fall in the ground. Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja stayed in the Malacanang Palace. He never felt
any compassion to Rizal, whose mother had written a letter of appeal and his sisters, whom a day before
Rizal's execution begged in his knees to spare their brothers life, but Polavieja showed no consolation or
remorse. As Rizal apprached the place of execution, he hastened his steps as if catching the glory he
might miss. While standing, he asked permission that he should be shot facing the firing line, but the
Captain refused, then a short argument aroused.

Even at a dying stage, Rizal wanted to prove that he was not a traitor to Spain and the
Philippines; therefore he needed to fall down face-up to the sky. Rizal had a request to the Captain of
the picket to shoot him at the back and spare his head. The request was granted. He had a strong
handshake to his defender Lieutenant Andrade and to the Jesuits who gave him a crucifix to kiss; then
the Spanish Military Doctor Ruiz Castillo approached him and took his pulse and said, "your pulse is very
good." As informed by the doctor, Rizal was ready to meet his death.

RIZAL'S REMAINS

The body of Rizal was buried in the old and unused Paco cemetery. In his grave, they placed a
plaque with the initials in reverse. R.P.J which means Rizal Protacio Jose. There were no funeral
ceremonies fro Rizal. A few days after the Americans took Manila in August 1898, Rizal's sister, Narcisa,
asked permission of the new authorities to exhume the remains of Rizal. Permission was granted. When
the body was exhumed, it was discovered that Rizal's body had not even been placed in a coffin. The
remains were placed in appropriate condition and reinterred in the proper manner at the Paco
cemetery. Then the sepulcher was well-tended. In 1911, the remains of Rizal were transferred from the
Paco cemetery to the base of the monument which had earlier erected at the Luneta (now Rizal Park).