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925 views44 pagesChapter 4 Rizal
Essay
Uploaded by
Remson B. AutilloCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
60 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
=n ife Abroad
Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life A
Overview
‘als life in relation to his higher
the Ateneo de Municipal,
He spent his education in
This Chapter presents Dr. Jose Riz
education in the Philippines, specifically his time at
University of Santo Tomas and his education abroad. Mn
Manila for 1872-1882. Ateneo de Municipal is a school run by the Spanish Jesuit
Congregation. Following his education at Ateneo, he went on to the University
of Santo Tomas. The Spanish Dominican Congregation ran the institution. This
Chapter will also discuss his life in other countries, specifically his achievements,
higher education and travels.
Rizal enrolled and began studying at Ateneo de Municipal when he was
eleven years old. He was a member of organizations and had written significant
poems. He completed his secondary education while also earning a Bachelor
of Arts degree from Ateneo. The educational system of the Jesuits taught him
discipline, character development and religious instruction, As a result, he
learned the true value of education in a person's life, as well as the importance
of remaining strong in the face of adversity. Rizal studied Philosophy and Letters
at UST, as well as a preparatory medical course. Unfortunately, after finishing his
fourth year of medical school, Rizal decided to study in Spain.
This section will also go over Dr. Jose Rizal's life when he went abroad
to further his education. He was able to travel to various parts of Europe in order
to complete his mission of observing the various aspects of development in
those countries. It also compelled him to join organizations and pen a number of
essays and poems. Above all, Rizal was able to write and produce novels such as
Noli Me Jangere and El Filibusterismo, which are stil significant and relevant to
Filipinos today. Chapter 4 - Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
By
eR cece alu,
¥©) Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
A
t the end of this Chapter, the students should be able to”
© examine the educational system that Rizal encountered during his
formal education at Ateneo and UST;
explain Rizal's reasons for leaving the Philippines in relation to his
mission and secret pact with Paciano; and
discuss Rizal's accomplishments and sacrifices while pursuing his
education abroad
Summary of the Chapter
Dr. Jose Rizal's pursuit of higher education is presented in this Chapter.
From 1872 to 1882, he spent nearly ten years in Manila to complete his secondary
and tertiary education. His father sent him to Manila to continue schooling after
completing his early education in Binan and it was his older brother Paciano who
accompanied him. His father's first choice of school was the College of Juan de
Letran, but he changed his mind, so he told Paciano to bring Rizal and enrol him
instead at the Ateneo de Municipal. Despite the fact that his mother, Teodora, had
been imprisoned, Rizal was able to bring honor to his family. He was involved
in a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities and was retuming home with
medals to commemorate his achievements at Ateneo. His skills and talents
were honed and he embraced the virtues and values of the Jesuit education. He
“excelled in all subjects and was recognized as the “Pride of the Jesuits’ and the
*Most brilliant Atenean of his time.”
‘After his graduation in Ateneo, Rizal decided to continue his studies at
University of Santo Tomas. He started with Philosophy and Letters as his course
‘then later on proceeded to take up preparatory course for medicine. In addition,
‘he was stil preoccupied with joining extracurricular activities. During his first year
at UST, he experienced Spanish brutality. He met Leonor Rivera, with whom he
immediately fell in love. He won in the literary contest competition and had done
several writings. He left UST after four years and went on to study abroad
This Chapter also discussed Rizal's travels and education abroad. He
left the country twice and was able to further his education and specialized in
medicine in Europe. He also kept himself busy by learning about European sports
He was involved in various organizations that helped the country and Filipinos
‘abroad, such as the Propaganda Movement, the Masonic Lodge, the Kidlat Club,
La Solidaridad and many others, He also met and adored a number of women.
61 eee senmnnestonanenansesnstan—nNTNCEOil
1s wall as with historia
He collaborated with experts and scientists in his fields a:
: ‘a number of poems, esse
anthrepologists and ethnographers. He had written
e, America and Asia
and novels and was able to travel to countries of Europe, cae ore itl
lad to or i
\wrote the constitution of the La Liga Filipina, which he intended 10 org
country during his second homecoming,
- Motivational Activity
Guide questions
1. How did Rizal become the best student at Ateneo?
2, What prompted Rizal to leave the country and travel to different
places?
3. What was Rizal's take on education and socieyy?
Rizal's Education in Manila (1872-1882)
Ateneo de Municipal Experience
The Ateneo de Municipal
Jose was sent fo Manila fo study at the Ateneo de Mi
by Spanish Jesuits, four months after the martyrdom of G
his motier was stil in prison. This school was lator
‘and was run by highly qualified educators, It had a go
‘schoo! for boys. On his first day in Manila, Jose was
Paciano, The first school where he took the entrance
of San Juan de Letran. He passed all subjects. Foto
luricipal, a school run
}OM-BUR-ZA and while
renamed Ateneo de Manila
0d reputation as an excellent
accompanied by his brother,
‘examination was the Coleg?
wing that, he and his brother | i Chapter 4 Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad — 63
fetumed to Calamba to participate in the
town fiesta. Don Francisco, who had
Griginally planned for Jose to attend Letran, changed his mind and enrolled ti
$07 af Ateneo. So, when Jose and his brother retumed to Manila, they enrolled at
Ateneo de Municipal. He was initially denied admission to the said school for two
feasons: (1) he was already late for registration and (2) he was frail and sickly. in
addition £0 being too small for his age (Bagolong 2018, p 28). However, Jose was
finally admitted because of the intervention of Manuel Xeres Burgos, the nephew
‘of one of the martyred priests
The Jesuits were regarded as the best educators in Spain and when
they were allowed fo return to the Philippines their power to administer parishes
was limited except in the remote regions of Mindanao. Their privilege of founding
‘colleges was limited and they had to apply to the City of Manila for subsidies. As
@ result, when they were granted permission to build a school, they named it the
‘Ateneo Municipal and it first opened its doors in 1865. A candidate for admission
fo the Ateneo had to pass an entrance examination in Christian doctrine, reading,
‘writing, grammar and elementary arithmetic. When Jose enrolled in Ateneo, he
“took the sumame Rizal because the family name Mercado had raised suspicions
‘among authorities. Paciano used the sumame Mercado while studying and
“working with Father Burgos, in whose house he lived. Father Jose Burgos was
‘one of the priests that was executed through a garrotte at Bagumbayan on
“February 17, 1872.
Paciano accompanied Jose and found him a house in the Walled City of
la, but Jose was reluctant fo stay there because ofits cheerless atmosphere,
they looked for a lodging house outside of Intramuros. They found a house
Calle Carballo in Sta Cruz. He became acquainted in that house with various
s who were mestizos. The Jesuit educational system was thought to be
‘advanced than that of other colleges at the time. Its discipline was strict and
were more mechanical It incorporated physical culture, as well as the
of the arts such es music, drawing and painting into its program. AS
institute, it also established vocational courses in agriculture, commerce
‘mechanics. Its main goal was to shape the character and will of the boys so
‘they could more easily comply with the Church's teachings. Prior to the start
the students heard mass. Classes opened and closed with prayers.
into Interos and extemos for the fist two terms,
Empire and the second representing the
Emperor, Tribune, Decurion, Centurion, and Standard-
dignitaries of each empire (Baloo! 2018 p 31-32), Individual
these honours, in which one had to catch one’s 64
" played a cruel joke on her. The judge, who had been a domestic for the friars,
The Ue ond Ws fs Rite
‘opponent in error three times. When an individual from one empre aS caught
jn error by one from the opposing empire, a point was awarded (0 the later At
the end of each week or two, the points in favour of each empire were added,
and the empire with the most points was declared the winner. Only those who
distinguished themselves in the class for their piety and diligence coud Jolnitig
fraternity of Mary and Saint Louis Gonzaga, This fraternity met on Sundays and
held public programs after mass, such as poetry recitations or debates. With al
of these incentives, it was only natural that there would be a spin of emulation, @
striving to outperform one's colleague. Jose took private Spanish lessons during
recess at Santa Isabel College to improve his knowledge and fluency. Despite
being the class's brightest student.
Jose had Fr. Bech as his first teacher. Jose Bech is described as a
tall man with a lean body and a quick gait; ascetic physiognomy, severe and
inspired; smail, sunken eyes; sharp Grecian nose; thin lips forming an arch with
its sides directed toward the chin. He was a bit of a lunatic with 2 sporadic sense
of humour; at times he was harsh and intolerant, and at others he was gay and
playful as a child (Craig 1918, p 21). The sons of Peninsulares were among
Jose's classmates. Jose leamed to systematize his work from the beginning and
fhe devised a plan for what he needed fo do during the twenty-four hours of the
day and did not deviate from it in the least. As.a result, he disciplined his wil and
subjected it to the dictates of his reason. As a newcomer, Jose was placed at
the back of the class at first, but he was quickly promoted and continued to be
Promoted until, at the end of one month, he had attained the rank of Emperor.
At the end of the semester, he received excellent grades in all subjects and
examinations,
Rizal had reason to be pleased with his advancement, so when he
returned home for the summer vacation in March of 1873, he went alone to visit
Dona Teodora in prison and inform her of the good news. He must have said this
after leaming from his mother that the prosecutor of the charge against her had
told her that if she confessed fo her gui he would immediately release her. She
pleaded guilty in order to see her chidren again, but instead of releasing her
the judge convicted her. After a few months, the judge begged her forgiveness
for what he had done, claiming that it had hurt his conscience, but the case was
already on appeal, so there was no recourse. The second year, Jose had thé
same professor as in the previous year; but instead of lodging outside the City, he
resided at No. 6 Calle Magallanes. At the end of the term he obtained @ medal,
and upon returning to his town, he again visited his mother jn jail alone, This was
three months before her release. The joy thal her release caused in his sprit had Chapter 4 - Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad 65
| @ significant impact on the outcome of his studies inthe third year, as he began to
| win prizes in the quortery examinations
| Around that time, he began reading novels, and one of his favourites was
‘Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The first foreign book read
‘by Rizal, in o Spanish translation, was Dumas's great novel, “The Count of Monte
| Cristo,” and the story of the wrongs suffered by the prisoner of the Chateau dif
| recalled the injustice done his mother. Then came the book which had greatest
| influence upon the young man's career; this was a Spanish translation of Feodor
Jagor's “Travels in the Philippines,” the observations of a German naluralist who
had visited the Islands some fifteen years before. This latter book, among other
‘comments, suggested that it was the fate of the North American republic to
develop and bring to their highest prosperity the lands which Spain had conquered
and Christianized with sword and cross. Sooner or later, this German writer
"believed, the Philippine Islands could no more escape this American influence
5 had the countries on the mainland, and expressed the hope that one day
’@ Philippines would succumb to the same influence; he felt, however, that
s desirable first for the Islanders to become better able to meet the strong
of the vigorous young people of the New World, for under Spain the
es had dreamed away its past (Craig 1913, p 95). Jose's family, seeing
a natural ability to learn, decided to enro! him as an intern or boarding
in college the following year. Jose completed his two years of internship in
of the dormitory facing the sea and the pier.
Father Francisco Paula de Sanchez was his professor in the fourth year
; studies. Jose describes him as a model of decency, solicitude, and love
‘student, and he studied mathematics, rhetoric, and Greek, and he must
made significant progress, aS he received five medals at the end of the
ar. His talent for pootry was evident from an early age, and he never stopped
ting it. He majored in philosophy, physics, chemistry, and naturel history, but
for poetry was so strong that his philosophy professor once advised him
bandon i, which made him ory. In his spare time, however, he continued to
fe the Muses with the help of his old professor, Father de Sanchez.
‘Jose was considered short in stature, and he attempted to correct this
artcipating in gymnastics on a regular basis. He aiso did other physical
‘such as fencing. Following his baccalaureate, he surprised his family
sword+handling abiliy when he competed in an exhibition bout with
town’s best swordsman. He also devoted time to painting and sculpture.
awing and painting he was under the quidance and direction of the Ateneo
the Peninsula Don Augustin Saez, who honoured him with his affection
Sideration because of his progress. In sculpture his instructor was @ ay
66
The Life and Works of Jose Rizal j
Metinnnnenriiananemmattineeinisusaumamnnmtils DDN
Fillpino, Romuaido de Jesus, who felt proud in the fast years of ps bas! on
had such an excellent pupil. Besides the interest he took in clay model a fo
which reference has already been made, Rizal was expert in carving. When
hhe was in the Ateneo he had carved an image of the Virgin of such one and:
beauty that one of the Fathers asked him to try an image of the Sacra ip
Rizal complied, and produced the carving thal played 50 importent part in hi
future life. The Jesuit Father had intended to take the image with him to Spain, but
mm some way it was left behind and the schoolboys put it up on the door of their
dormitory (Craig 1913, 100).
Rizal's carving of the Sacred Hear,
Under the guidance of Professor Father Francisco Pay
Rizal honed his poetic language i tis fourth year at Ateneo, leading him
te numerous poems on the theres of histor, childhood memories, ro
eveation, and the war, They were all pro-Spanish, Folicitacion (Felicitation):
Ce Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to Magelan
Daye Espanyol: Eleano, El Primero en dar la Vuelta del Mundo and Hel
leet)
la de Sanchez, Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad 67
Chapter 4 - Riza
ements
jpanish: Ele e >
Be Ps ae: i First to Circumnavigate the World); El Combate: Urbiztondo,
ie: io ‘or la Educacion Recibe Lustre de Patria (Through Education, the
ge lani en Enlightenment); Alianza Intima Entra ta Religion y la Buena
Fducacion (Intimate Alliance Between Re ss
¢ Between Religion and Good Education); (In Memo
ee cca ucation); (In Memory
Rizal's favorite Ateneo teacher. Fathor de Sanchez paid @ visit to Rizal in
‘exile in Dapitan and assisted him in establishing @ schoo! for the Dapitan boys.
junda Katigbak
: ‘Segunda Katigbak is @ Lipa gi from a wealthy clan who was sent fo La
= jia at a young age by her parents. ‘She has a close friendship with Olimpia,
Meise picars sister, and he nas. a fiendship win Mariano Katigbak, Segunda's
“irother. She was 14 years old when she met Pepe, who was 16 at the time. They
first met at Rizal's grandmother's house in Trozo, Manila, which is now known
“ae Tutuban, infatuation grew, and they were both unawere that love was already
‘ach other frequently, and Rizal, who was smitien by
"enveloping them. They Saw o%
or eu sete er and wre poems about he, Bul, even Der he could make
ove, he was aware that Segunda had bean promised f0 mary Manuel Luz Y 6B The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
ecacsmnuncmmmniitianays
Motra, a tall and wealthy man from Lipa. He couldn't muster the courage t0 label
them be
ause She was bound to many someone. He had several chances, but his
immature heart and mind tet it all sip through his fingers
Segunda Katigbak
University of Santo Tomas Experience 1 3 Chapter 4 Rizal's Lie: Higher Education and Lite Abroad 6
metres
¥
Rizal enrotied in the Univers
‘sity of Santo Tomas in April 1877, when he was
nearly 16 years old, to study Philosophy and Letters. He enrolled in this course
for two reasons: first, his fath
ier liked it, and second, he was stil ‘unsure of what
career fo pursue.” He wrote to Father Pablo Ramon, the Rector of Ateneo, who
had been kind to him during his time as
a student there, seeking advice on a
career choice.
Unfortunately, the Father Rector was in Mindanao, and it took
several months for a letter to travel from Manila to Mindanao in those days. As
@ result, he studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and Philosophy History
during his first year at the UST (1877-1879). Rizal began studying medicine the
following school year (1878-1879), enrolling in both the preparatory medical course
and the regular first year medical course. He pursued medicine for the following
reasons: (1) He desired to be a physician in order to cure his mother's failing
‘eyesight, and (2) Father Pablo Ramon, Rector of Ateneo, whom he consulted for a
career choice, finally responded to his letter, recommending medicine. He enrolled
in the Ateneo vocational course — perito agrimensor (expert in surveying) while
studying at the University of Santo Tomas (Obias 2018, p 46).
Rizal at 18
hips with Other Women
ee plenty of time for love despite his academic studies at the
ic ictivities at the Ateneo, He was
Santo Tomas and extracurricular a
a eee ersoree who sipped the “nectar of love." His painful experience 70
The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
ean Yy,
ways of romance. He
Segunda Katighs
eid court to a young woman in Calamba shortly after losing Segunda Kalighak,
vibing her as "Tair with
abruptly ceased
a Concha
‘wth his frst love had tought him a valuable lesson in he
In his memoirs, he simply referred fo her as Miss L, 4086
Seductive and attractive eyes." After several visits (0 her home, fe
ded al Dona
fis wooing, and the romance died of natural causes. He board
Leyva's house in Intramuros a few months later, during his sophomore year al the
University of Santo Tomas. Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela, the
Parents of a lovely girl named Leonor, lived next door to Dona Concha. Rizal, a
medical student from Calamba, was a welcome visitor at the Valenzuela home,
Where his devious sleight-of-hand tricks made him the iife of the party. He courted
Leonor Valenzuela, a tall girl with a regal bearing who was “almost as tall as Jose
himself." He wrote her love letters in invisible ink and sent them to her. Water and
common table salt were used to make this ink. There was no trace of it on the
paper. Rizal, who was well-versed in chemistry, taught Orang (Leonor Valenzuela's
pet name) how to read any note written in invisible ink by heating it over a candle
or lamp until the lettering appeared. He did not, however, propose marriage to
Orang, as he did to Segunda,
Rizal's next relationship was with Leonor Rivera, his cousin from Camiling.
in 1878, when he began his junior year at the University, he resided at No. 6
Celle Santo Tomas, Intramuros, in “Casa Tomasina,” a boarding house run by his
uncle, Antonio Rivera. His landlord's uncle had a lovely daughter, Leonor, who was
a student at La Concordia College at the time, where Soledad (Rizal's younger
sister) was enrolled. Leonor, who was born on April 11, 1876, in Camiling, Tarlac,
was @ frail, beautiful woman described as “tender as a budding flower with kindly
wistful eyes." A tenderly beautiful romance blossomed between Jose and Leonor.
They decided to get married, To keep their intimate relationship hidden from theit
parents and friends, Leonor signed her letters to Rizal as “Taimis.” rr
Chapter 4 - Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad 71.
Leonor Rivera
Victim of Brutality by a Spanish Officer
Rizal first encountered Spanish brutality as a freshman medical student at
the University of Santo Tomas. During his summer vacation in Calamba in 1880,
he was walking down the street on a dark night. While passing him, he vaguely
noticed the figure of a man. Because he didn't recognize the person due to the
darkness, he didnt salute or say @ polite “Good Evening.” The enigmatic figure
was a Guardia Civil lieutenant. With a snarl, he fumed on Rizal, drew his sword,
‘and slashed the latter on the back. Although the wound was not serious, it was
painful, When Rizal recovered, he informed General Primo de Rivera, the Spanish
Govemor-General of the Philippines at the time, about the incident. But because
he was an Indio and the abusive lieutenant was a Spaniard, his complaint went
nowhere. “I went to the Captain-General but | could not obtain any Justice; my
Wound lasted two weeks,” he wrote fo Blumentritt in a letter dated March 21, 1887. 72
The Life and Works of Jose Ri =
Of Jose Rizal snnscnnnssi o4
Prize won by Rizal in his poem A La Juventud Filipina at the age of in a public
competition open to “Indians and Mestizos.”
In the year 1879, Rizal, entered a literary contest sponsored by Artistico-
Literario (Artisitc-Literary Lyceum) and submitted his poem A La Juventud Filipina
(To the Filipino Youth). Fortunately, he won first place and was presented with a
feather-shaped and gold ribbon-decorated silver pen. In the poem, Rizal implored
the Filipinos to rise from their slumber, to lot their genius fly faster than the
wind, and to descend with art science fo break the chains that had long bound
the people's spirit. For two reasons, the poem is considered a classic: 1. It was
the first great poem written in Spanish by a Filipino whose worth was recognized
by Spanish lierary authorities. 2. it articulated for the first time the nationalistic
‘notion that Filipinos, not foreigners, were the “rue hope of the Fatherland.” The
“Antstic-Literary Lyceum held another ilerary contest to commemorate the fourth
centennial of the death of Cervantes, Spanish author of Don Quixote, to which Chapter 4 ~ Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad 73,
RRMA NLL LLL NNN
Rizal submitted an allegorical drama, EI Consejo de fos Di
8 (The Council of
the Gods). The allegory was inspired by Greek mythology. When Rizal entered the
competition, Father Rector of the Meneo assisted him in obtaining the necessary
reference materials. The contest had a number of competiors. It was attended by
priests, laymen, UST professors, newspapermen, and scholars. Fortunately, Rizal
received the first prize, a gold ring engraved with a bust of Cervantes.
Rizal published other works, including Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma in 1879.
Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig), a zarzuela performed by the Aleneans on the
Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo, on December
8, 1880. It was written by Rizal while he was President of the Academy of
Spanish Literature. Rizal wrote A Filipinas, a sonnet, for the album of the Society
of Sculptors in 1880. Rizal urged al Fillpino artists to glorify the country. Finally, in
1881, he wrote Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon, @ poem in tribute to the Ateneo's rector,
Father Pablo Ramon.
Rizal was widely regarded as a champion of Filipino students. It happened
during a period when there were frequent student brawls between Filipino
and Spanish students. As a result, in 1880, Rizal established Companerismo
(Comradeship), a secret society of Filipino students at UST. The members were
known as the “Companions of Jehu.” Rizal was the society's chief, and his cousin,
Galicano Apacible, was the secretary. Rizal was wounded on the head during one
‘of the skirmishes. His friends toak him to Casa Tomasina, where Leonor Rivera
ccared for him.
His triumph made it still more unpleasant for Rizal in the university with
whose methods of instruction he had been dissatisfied ever since his first year
jin physics. His old instructors, the Jesuits, had encouraged their pupils to ask
questions, to hold opinions of their own and to defend them, but in the higher
institution this was not permitted. Finally one day in a class in medicine the
professor made statements directly contrary to the textbooks and then refused to
permit discussion or fo give any explanation, so Rizal decided he was wasting his
time to remain in the university. He made up his mind to go to Europe to study
‘and curiously enough some years later had the pleasure of sending back to Manila
2 class photograph which showed this instructor and himself, as the teacher had
‘gone to Spain fo finish his incomplete medical studies (Craig 1919, p 15).
Rizal's academic performance in UST was not as impressive as that in
‘Ateneo, He was a good student in Medicine but not as gifted as he was in Ars
‘and Letters. Despite this, he was stil one of the seven students who remained in
the course in his last year at UST out ofthe orginal batch of twenty four (Qbias
2018, p 46).
Rizal decided to continue his studies in Spain shorty after firishing his
fourth year of medical school. Despite his enormous literary successes, he was
‘dissatisfied with his stay at tne Dominican-owned soho! these reasons: 1. The
e eel Ua
The Life and Works of Jose Riza eonnnnancncn wna
sncunanarananannanmenmanannaniiinnnnnnn viminated th
Dominican professors were hostite to him. 2 The eee aia
Filipino students based on thoir race. 3. The (02 nn Sag sth ri
oa Ce ee ee
iends. They agree
Antonio Rivera and some of his close th oe i monthly allowance c
from his parents’ knowledge. Paciano ag ‘rend for othr xDENSES
35.00, and his Uncle Antonio would seek help from Oa aan
‘And, in. addition to studying in Spain, he was on
mission was to closely observe the We and cufture, languages iM
industries and commerce, government and laws of the European natfo! ie a
to prepare himself for the monumental task of liberating his: oppressed people from
Spanish tyranny. Rizal's journey begins with a travel to Spain.
Source: Craig, A. (1913). Lineage, Life and Labors of Jose Rizal: Philippine Patriot.
Manila: Philippine Education Company.
RIZAL’S FIRST TRAVELS ABROAD (1882-1887)
Rizal’s journey to Spain
To avoid detection by the Spanish authonties and the friars, Rizals
departure for Spain was kept secret. Even his own parents didn't know because
his mother wouldn't Jet him. Only his older brother, uncle, sisters Neneng ard
Lucia, the Valenzuela family, Pedro Palermo, Mateo Evangelista, the Ateneo Jesut
fathers, and 2 few close friends were present. The Jesuit priests recommended
him to the members of their Society in Barcelona, He went by the name Joss
Mercado, Before leaving, he wrote farewell letters to his beloved parents and tis
sweetheart Leonor Rivera.
Rizal boarded the Spanish steamer SS Salvadora bound for Singapore
on May 3, 1862. With tears in his eyes and gloom in his heart, he. gazed a!
Menila’s receding skyline. At fist he was lonely. He was the only Filipino among
the shio’sthiry seven passengers; the rest, except for a tall thin Englishman who
mumbled but otherwise spoke Spanish quite well, were Spaniards retuming 0
the Peninsula with ther families (Guerrero 1974, p87). He then grabbed a pend!
and paper and sketched it as it faded from view. Throughout the voyage, ne pad
close attention to the people and things on board the steamer. There were sixteen
people on board, He was the only Filpino among a group of Spaniards, Britons
and inion Negroes. Donato Lecha, the ship's captain, befianded Rize). Rizal and
his fellow passengers played chess to pass the time on the Jong journey. He the?
defeated them numerous times because he was an excellent chess player TE
$5 Salvadora arrived in Singapore on May 8. He then stayed at tho Pay deb
Paz fortwo days ard went on @ slahtseeing tour of the city. He saw the tmoe®
SR Chapter 4- Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad — 7S
WR emer a0
Botanical Garden, the beautiful Buddhist tomplates, the busting shopping district,
and the statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Thomas Stanford Rate
After he embarked for Singapore on the mail steamer SS. Salvadora
and after the six days of the joumey then he transferred fo a foreign passenger
ship which carried him to Barcelona (Craig 1909, p 12). Rizal boarded the ship
Djemnah, a French steamer, and set sail for Europe. It was a bigger, cleaner ship
that carried more passengers. On board, Frenc!
was spoken, and Rizal alternpted
to converse with his fellow passengers in French. However, he discovered that
his words on French could not be understood, so he spoke a mix of Spanish
and Latin. He was able to improve his French by conversing with the French
passengers on a daily hasis. The Djomnah arrived in Point Galle, a seacoast town
jin southern Ceylon, on May 17. This town did not impress Rizal. The nox! day.
the ship set sail for Colombo, Ceylon's capital. Rizal arrived in the city after a
few hours of sailing. Rizal was awestruck by Colombo’s scenic beauly and elegant
architecture.
k From Colombo, the Djemnah continued its journey across the Indian
| Qcean to the African coast. For the first time, Rizal saw Africa's barren coast.
| which he described as a ‘inhospitable but famous land.” The following stopover
j was in Aden. He found the city to be hotter than Manila, and he was amused
fo see camels for the first time. The ship sailed from Aden to Suez. the Red
‘Sea terminal of the Suez Canal, Rizal disembarked and went sightseeing ypon
‘arrival. What struck him the most was the lovely moonlight, which reminded him
‘of Calamba and his family. The Suez Canal was traversed by the Djemnant in five
days. Riza! was overjoyed because it was his firs trp through the canal, which
Ferdinand de Lasseps hed built Rizal arrived in Port Said to see the interesting
sights. He was enthralled 10 hear multiracial residents speak in 2 variety of
Ianguages.
‘The ship left Port Said on its way fo Europe. Rizal arrived in Naples on
June 11. Rizal was impressed by this ciy’s business activi lively people and
‘sconis beauty, He was captivated by the Vesuvius Mouth, the Caste of St Teimo,
‘and other histone sites inthe city, The eleamer arived io Marseilles, France, 0”
the night of June 12, 1882. Rizal dsembarked at Marsoiles, sow & file of that
famous port, and then went by rail to Barcelona, crossing the Pyrenees, the
desolate ruggedness of which contrasted with the picturesque luxuriance of his
tropical home, and remained a day at the frontier town ‘of Port-Bou. The customary
‘Spanish disregard of tourists compared very unfavourably with the courteous
ationion which he hid remarked on his arrival at Marseiles, for the custom house
‘offers on the Spanish frontier rather reminded him of the class of employees
found in Mania (Craig 1913, p 117). Rizal said hs goodbyes (0 his fellow es
7B The Ute and Works of tose toa Mt,
ecnncncaainnenmmmnnanmnmiiti ;
EPSSengers. He Went to the fabled Choteau dt, where Dantes was imprisoned He
Stayed in Marseilles for two and a half days,
Barcelona, Spain
Rizal left Marseilles Rizal and continued his journey by rail, arriving jn
Barcelona on June 16, 1882, His inal impression of Barcelona was negate, Hy
‘garded it @8 unsightly and sithy, and as inhabitants as unwelcoming, Later, hy
changed his mind and came to ike the oily. He discovered i 10 be a wondery
oly with a libertarian and free-spirited atmosphere. He alsc discovered ils people
{0 ‘be oper-hearted, hospitable, and brave, He enjoyed promenading down
Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas street. Flipinos in Barcelona, including some
Of his Ateno classmates, welcomed him. They threw a party for him at Cats
Plaza de Cataluna. Following the toasts, Rizal updated them on the latest news
and gossip in the Philppines. Rizal wrote his first written article on Spanish soi,
@ nationalistic essay called "E| Amor Patrio,” in Barcelona. £1 Amor Patrio clearly
Signals a qualitative shift in Rizal's nationalism, From anthropological perspective, |
Rizal's voyage to a new world can be seen as bringing about displacement and
the experience of othemess (Dumul 2018, p 48). He then sent his article to
Diariong Tagalog publisher Basilio Teodoro Moran. Basilio vas so taken with the
article that he congratulated Rizal and asked him to publish more.
Rizal received bad news about the cholera outbreak ravaging Manila and
the provinces while living in Barcelona. Many people died, and more died every
day. The bad news was that his beloved Leonor Rivera was becoming thinner as
result of her loved one’s absence. Paciano also advised Rizal to continue his
‘medical studies in Madrid. Rizal followed his advice and left Barcelona in the fall
1882. SS UUEEEEEEnnneeemeeeeeeeeee
. Chapter 4 Rizal's Life: High
Madrid, Spain
Higher Education
Education and Life Abroad 777.
cnsseannmmmananan
Rizal at 22. The first photo taken after his arrival in Spain.
Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid on November 3,
1882, He enrolled in courses in Medicine, Philosophy, and Letters. Aside from the
two major courses, he also studied painting and sculpture at the San Femando
‘Academy of Fine Arts; he took private lessons in French, German, and English;
‘and he diligently practiced foncing and shooting at the San Fernando Hall of Arms.
Rizal led a simple life in Madrid, Knowing that he had come to study and prepare
‘for service to his fatherland. He budgets his money and his time and has never
“squandered @ paseta on gambling, wine, or women, Rizal fnished his medical
‘studies in Spain on June 21, 1884. The Universidad Central de Madrid awarded
him the degree of Licentiate in Medicine. During the folowing academic year, he
studied and passed all of the subjects required for the Doctor of Medicine degree. 7B The Life and Works of ton
enti
Rizal
unable to receive the
also completed his studies in Philosophy and Letters with honours. Ho was
fein Medicine and the
diploma for the degree of Licent
Aiploma for the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters because Me did no
present his thesis or pay the corresponding fees.
Consuelo Ortiga y Perez
On Saturday evening, he pays a visit to Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey's home,
where he lives with his son and daughter. Don Pablo fas served as the mayor
of Manila. Rizal then had an affair with Don Pablo's daughter, Consuelo Ortiga y
Perez. Rizal, a lonely man in a foreign country far from his birthplace, was drawn
to Consuelo’s beauty and vivacity. Their lave did not blossom because he was stil
engaged to Leonor Rivera, and Rizal's friend was also in love with Consuelo.
Masonry
In Spain, he became close to prominent Spanish liberal and republican
Spaniards, the majority of whom were Masons. Rizal was impressed by how
openly and freely the Spanish Masons criticized government policies and
lambasted the friars. In March 1883, he became a member of the Acacia
Masonic Lodge in Madrid. His motivation for joining was to gain the assistance
of Freemasonry in his fight against the friars in the Philippines. On November
15, 1890, he was transferred to Lodge Solidaridad, where he became a Master
Mason. Later, in Paris, he was awarded the diploma of Master Mason by Le Grand
Orient de France. After departure for Spain, things tumed from bad to worse in
Calamba. Harvests failed on account of drought and locusts. The Dominican-
‘owned hacienda also increased the rentals of the Rizal family's lands. Because of
these crises, Rizal's allowances were frequently late or never arrived, causing him
undue hardship.
The Propaganda Movement
Between 1872 and 1892, the Filipino liberals and students who had settled
in Europe developed a sense of national identity. These liberals who were exiled in
1872, as well as students attending European universities, formed the
Movement in the freer atmosphere of Europe. The Propagandists, who
dpperclas Filpinos, simed (0 “awaken the sleeping intolect of the Spaniard
the needs of our country” and fo create a closer, more equal association
the islands and the motherland. Equally for all Fiipinos and Spaniards
iul liberties and freedom of speech, press and redress of griev
Return of Filipino representation the Spanish Cortes. Filipinization of Philiopit® ee
Chapter 4 - Rizats
apter 4 - Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad 7.9)
parishes. Incorpor
ation of i
Pe ich " the Philipines as a regular province of Spain, Institution
“eeded government reforms in the Islands (Ungson 1979, p 143). The
most outstanding Propagandist was José Rizal, a physician, scholar, scientist, and
writer. He be
ee ie ean ie and eloquent spokesman among small communitios
eee i id and other European cites, and in the wader world
'ee and scholarship—particularly in Germany—he formed close
relationships with prominent natural and social scientists. He was particularly
interested in the new discipline of anthropology, and he was determined to use
Scientific evidence to refute the friars’ stereotypes of Filipino racial inferiority
His greatest contribution fo the formation of a Filipino national consciousness,
however, was the publication of two novels, Noli Me Tangere (Do Not Touch
Me) in 1886 and EI Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) in 1891. Rizai depiced
the conditions of Spanish rule in the islands, particularly the abuses of the
friars, based on his personal experiences. Although the friars had Rizal's books
banned, they were smuggled into the Philippines and quickly became popular.
Other important Propagandists included Graciano Lopez Jaena, a noted orator
‘and pamphleteer who had left the islands for Spain in 1880 after the publication
of his satirical short novel, Fray Botod (Brother Fatso), an unflattering portrait of
@ provincial friar. in 1889, he launched La Solidaridad, a biweekly newspaper
in Barcelona (Solidarity), which grew to be the main organ of the Propaganda
Movement, with audiences in both Spain and the islands. Lastly was Marcelo de!
Pilar, @ lawyer who advocates for social change. Del Pilar was active i, the anti-
friar movement in the islands until he was forced fo flee to Spain in 1888, where
he became the oditor of La Solidaridad and took over leadership of the Filipino
community in Spain.
The Circulo Hispano-Filipino
Jn 1882, a new organization called the Circulo-Hispano Filipino was
formed (Association of Hispanic-Filpinos). This new organization was founded by
Filipinos and Spaniards who are pushing for goverment reform. The group also
established the Revista del Circulo Hispano-Filipino to address all of the abuses
‘and harsh treatment meted out to the Philippines, as well as the changes they
desired, to the Spanish government authorities. The newspaper, however, did not
ast long due to a lack of leadership and a lack of funds fo operate When Rizal
‘had first arrived in Madrid he found in existence a small Circulo Hispano-Filipino,
whose moving spit was Juan Ateyde, A Spaniard from Mania, of mature age, in
fact @ retired major of infontry. The club publish a review; Rizal contributed to i
his travel article originally written for the Diaryong Tagalog. Lopez Jaene had also 80
The Life and Works of Jose Rizal ed
ita tele nealee
written fori. Bul there had boen inevitable disagreoments on Policy beIweeN the
fetired colonials and the expatriate students between age and youth. between
prudence and idealism. A last desperate effort was made fo keep the club alieg
with a splendid ball and Rizal was asked to contribute a few verses he had writen
in his poem ented They asked Me for Verses. Soon there was nothing left in the
circle. On the 29" of January 1883 Rizal wrote to his family: Our society Nas deg,
' proposed its dissolution myself although J was one of the staunchest supporters
A years later they were stil trying to re organize il. Bul as Rizal noted in code, ‘the
‘majority talk a lot but when it comes to putting up money they back out” (Guerrers
1974, p 108-109)
School Demonstration
Rizal was also involved in student demonstrations on November 20, 21,
and 22, 1884. They were fighting for Dr. Miguel Morayta, who declared that ‘the
freedom of science and the teacher’ should be protected. The Catholic bishops
of Spain condemned such a liberal viewpoint. Some students and other students
from other colleges took part in the demonstration, which left the majority of them
hurt and injured. This demonstration was thought to be supported by the Rector
until he was replaced by Dr. Creus. As a result, Jose Rizal was almost deteined
by police authorities if it hadn't been for his plan to flee with his friend Valentin
Ventura,
Financial Problem
His two years in Spain were filed with memories, but things did not
go well in the Philippines. This caused him financial problems as a result of
the low harvest due to drought and locusts. Aside from these, his family in the
Philippines faced strict Dominican control due to high rentals on the lands his
family cultivated. His father was once unable to give a turkey to a hacienda
manager because he feared it would be affected by the locust. As a result of the
overcharging of the rentals, Jose Rizal's allowance was sometimes late. During
the day, he frequently went without eating. Despite this, Jose Rizal finds a way to
earn money by participating in competitions, which he usually wins. REE
Wenn Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Luna and Hidalgo’s Victory
Juan Luna Felix Resureccion Hidalgo
After the victory of Filipino painters Juan Luna and Felix Resureccion
Hidalgo in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid, Jose Rizal was invited
fo speak at a banquet on behalf of the Filipino community in Madrid's Restaurant
Ingles on the evening of June 25, 1884. Hidalgo won second place for this
“Christian Virgin Exposed to the Populace,” while Luna won first place for his
“Spolarium.” In his speech, he emphasized the significance of their achievements
‘as artists in the Philippines. He stated that “genius knows no country, genius is
everywhere, and genius is like light, air, the patrimony of everybody, cosmopolitan
fixe space, fre, and God.” His speech made a remark to his comrades, Including
some Spaniards present at the banquet. In fact, he gave a mordant message
fo Dominican priests in the Philipines on purpose, but some Spaniards did not
‘mind because they saw the relevance of his thoughts, which were full of nobility,
sincerity, and eloquence. Here is the English translation of the full text of Rizal's
speech at a banquet in honour of Juan Lune and Felie Resursecion Hidalgo,
Madrid, Spain, June 25, 1884
iy rei, 1. epank |). have, 0, faa, del youl sen, fee with
SP eorciiousness, for you have. come, jterg to 200 Jo OWS, Your enthusiasm, the
stimulus of youth, and you cannot but be indulgent ‘Sympathetic currents pervade
the air, bonds of fellowship radiate in ‘all directions, generous souls listen, and so |
do not fear for my humble personality, nor d0 | doubt your kindness. Sincere men
yourselves, you seek only sinceiy, and from that height, where noble sentiments
preval, you give no heed fo sordid tries. You survey the whole field, you weigh
the cause and extend your hand 10 whomsoever ike myself, desires to unite
‘with you in a single thought, In a sole aspiration: the gorification of genius, the
81 82 The Lite and Works of Jose
Ul nanan ty
grandeur of the fatherianc!
Such is, ering. In the history of manking
indeed, the reason for this gat
there are names which in themselves signify an achievement which call up
reverence and greatness; names which, like magic formulas, invoke agreeable
and pleasant ideas; names which come to form a compact, a token oF peace, 4
bond of love among the nations. To such belong the names of Lune and Hidalgo:
their splendour illuminates two extremes of the globe-the Orient and the Occident,
Spain and the Phippinos. As 1 utter them, 1 seem fo see {wo luminous arches
that rise from either region to blend there on high, impelled by the sympathy of
@ common origin, and from that height to unite two peoples with eternal bonds;
two peoples whom the seas and space vainly separate; two peoples among whom
do not germinate the seeds of disunion blindly sown by men and their despotism,
Luna and Hidalgo are the pride of Spain as of the Philippines-though born in
the Philippines, they might have been bor in Spain, for genius has no country
genius bursts forth everywhere; genius is like light and air, the patrimony of alt:
cosmopolitan as space, as life and God.
The Philippines’ patriarchal era is passing, the illustrious deeds of
its sons are not circumscribed by the home; the oriental chrysalis is quitting its
cocoon; the dawn of a broader day is heralded for those regions in brilfant tints
and rosy dawn-hues; and that race, lethargic during the night of history while the
sun was illuminating other continents, begins to wake, urged by the electric’ shock
produced by contact with the occidental peoples, and begs for light, life, and the
civifzation that once might have been its heritage, thus conforming to the eternal
laws of constant evolution, of transformation, of recurring phenomena, of progress.
This you know well and you glory in it. To you is due the beauty of the
gems that circle the Philippines’ crown; she supplied the stones, Europe the polish
We all contemplate proudly: you your work; we the inspiration, the encouragement,
the materials fumished.
They imbibed there the poetry of nature-nature grand and terrible in her
cataclysms, in her transformations, in her conflict of forces; nature sweet, peaceful
‘and melancholy in her constant manifestation-unchanging; nature that stamps het
seal upon whatsoever she creates or produces. Her sons camry it wherever they
go. Analyse, if not her characteristics, then her works; and litle as you may kroW
that people, you will see her in everything moulding its knowledge, as the soul
that everywhere presides, as the spring of the mechanism, as the substantial form
as the raw material. tis impossible not 10 show what one feels; tis impossible
fo bo one thing and (0 do another. Contradictions are apparent only: they a
‘meray paradoxes. 19 E/ Sport -on that canvas which is not mutes head
the ‘umult of the throng, the ory of slaves, the metallic rattle of the armour on the a ea
mcs ee ae ee eee
corpses, the sobs of orphans, the hum of prayers, with as much force and realism
as is heard the crash of the thunder amid the roar of the cataracts, or the fearful
and frightful rumble of the earthquake. The same nature that conceives such
phenomena has also a share in those lines, yereten
On the other hand, in Hidalgo’s work there are revealed feelings of the
purest Kind: ideal expression of melancholy, beauty and weakness-victins of
brute force. And this is because Hidalgo was born beneath the dazzling azure of
that sky, f0 the murmur of the breezes of her seas, in the placidity of her lakes
the poetry of her valleys and the majestic harmony of her hills and mountains.
So in Luna we find the shades, the contrasts, the fading lights, the mysterious
and the terrible, like an echo of the dark storms of the tropics, its thunderbolts,
and the destructive eruptions of its volcanoes. So in Hidalgo we find all is light,
color, harmony, feeling, cleamess; like the Philippines on moonlit nights, with her
horizons that invite to meditation and suggest infinity. Yet both of them-although
so different-in appearance, at least, are fundamentally one; just as our hearts beat
in unison in spite of striking differences. Beth, by depicting from their palettes the
dazzling rays of the tropical sun, transform them into rays of unfading glory with
which they invest the fatheriand. Both express the spint of our social, moral and
politcal life; humanity subjected to hard trials, humanity unredeemed; reeson and
‘aspiration in open fight with prejudice, fanaticism and injustice; because feeling
"and opinion make their way through the thickest walls, because for them all bodies
‘are porous, all are transparent; and if the pen falls them and the printed word
‘does not come to their aid, then the palette and the brush not only delight the view
but are also eloquent advocates. If the mother teaches her child her language in
order to understand its joys, its needs, and its woes; so Spain, ike that mother,
‘also teaches her language to Filipinos, in spite of the oppesition of those purblind
pygmies who, sure ofthe present, are unable fo extend their vision ino the futuro,
who do not weigh the consequences.
Like sickly nurses, corrupted and corrupting, these opponents of progress
pervert the heart of the people. They sow among them the seeds of discord, to
reap later the harvest, a deadly nightshade of future generations.
But, away with these woes! Peace {0 the deed, because they are dead
breath and soul are lacking them; the worms are eating them! Let us not invoke
D thot cad’ remembrance; let us not drag their ghastingss' ino the midst of our
rejoicing! Happily, brothers are rore-ganerosiy and nobility are Innate under the
‘sky of Spain-of this you are all patent proof. You have unanimously responded,
Weuiheve ‘cooperated, ‘and’ you would have done. more, Red more been asked.
Seated at our festal board and honouring the lustrous sons of he Philippines,
You also honour Spain, because, as you are well aware, Spain's boundaries are
| —————SESE 7
84
The Life and Works of Jose Rizal &
aecconcencnntinammnmmnmancnireiaD
an-a shame WOUIK it be for
fot the Alantic or the Bay of Biscay or the Medtoranear™® hare where
in
water fo place a bamer to her greatness, her thought (SP2
ea id disa
her Beneficent infuence is exerted and oven tough nerf SP TRG
fatters @ strip Of re
there would remain her memory-ctosnal, imperishable. What me
remain her memory-etemal, fmpet oirore a feoleg of al
and yellow cloth; what matter the guns and cannon: there
of aecton ose no Sershtara ar thee 10 fb (0°78) TES
opinion?
Luna and Hidalgo befong fo you as much
see in them noble fee ae Sie The Filipino youth of Europe always
enthusiastic-and some other persons whose hearts remain ever Young through the.
disinteestedness and enthusiasm that characterize their ations, fender Lune a
crown, @ humble tribut-smelt indeed compared fo our enthusiasm-but the mad
‘spontaneous and freest of all the tributes yet paid to him.
But the Phiippines' gratitude toward her ilustrious sons Was Yet
unsatisfied; and desiring to give free rein to the thoughis that seethe her mind, to
the feelings that overflow her hear, and tothe words that escape from her is, we
have all come together here at this banquet to mingle our vows, fo give shape fo
that mutual understanding between two races which love and care for each other
united morally, socially and polticaly for the space of four centuries, so that they
‘may form in the future a single nation in spirt, in duties, in aims, in rights. | drink
then, to our artists Luna and Hidalgo, genuine and pure glories of two peoples. |
drink to the persons who have given them aid on the painful road of art!
J drink that the Filipino youth-sacred hope of my fatherland may imitate
such valuable examples; and that the mother Spain, soliitous and heedful of the
welfare of her provinces, may quickly put into practice the reforms she has so long
planned. The furrow is laid out and the land is not sterile! And finally, | drink tt
the happiness of those parents who, deprived of their sons’ affection, from thost
distant regions follow them with moist gaze and throbbing hearts across the sea
and distance; sacrificing on the altar of the common good, the sweet consolation
that are so scarce in the decline of life — precious and solitary flowers that sprin
up on the borders of the fomb (Craig 1924, p 24-27).
‘as to us, You fove them, you
Rizal's Specialization in Medicine and his other Achievements
Rizal went to France and Germany for his opnihalmology specializatic
after finishing his studies In Spain. He chose this path of medicine because t
wanted to cure his mother’s deteriorating eye condition. He hasn't forgotten
secret mission, which was to observe European customs and lifestyles in order
sone day serve his faerland. Affer finishing his studies atthe Central University ‘Madrid, he travelled to Patis in 1885 to further his knowledge of ophthalmology.
He was 24 at the time. On his way to Paris, he stopped in Barcelona to see his
friend Maximo Viola, a medical student from a woalthy family in Bulacan, And
in November of that year, Rizal was in Paris, where he had been for about four
months. He worked as an apprentice for Dr. Louis de Weoker, a leading French
ophthalmologist at the time. And his ophthalmology knowledge grew as he worked
with his master. Rizal visited friends such as the family of Pardo de Taveras, vuan
Luna, and Felix Resurreccion in Hidalgo when he was not working at Dr Wecker's
alinic. Rizal spent many happy hours in Luna's studio. Luna discussed various art
problems with Rizal and improved his own painting technique. Rizal posed in ‘ront
of @ painting of Luna. In Luna's painting “The Death of Cleopatra,” he was ore of
the Egyptian priests.
On February 1, 1886, after gaining enough experience in Dr. Wecker’s
linic. He was scheduled to travel to Germany. He went to Strasbourg and other
German cities. He arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany known for
its old university and romantic surroundings, on February 3, 1886. He shared a
boarding house with @ group of German law students. When the German students
discovered that Rizal was an excellent chess player, they inducted him into the
| Chess Player's Club. He was transferred to a boarding house near the University
| of Heidelberg afer a tow days. He worked at the Universty Eye Hospital under
[> the arecton of Dr. Otto Becker and attended Dr Becker's and Prof. Withelm
Kuehne’s lectures at the university. At weekends he visited the scenic spots
around Heidelberg which includes the Heidelberg Castle, the romantic Neckar
Rivera, the theatre, and the old churches. Rizal noticed that the German Catholics
‘and the Protestants practiced ecumenism wherein they live together in harmony
‘and cordialty. On April 22, 1886, in the springtime of Heidelberg, he wrote a poem
fo the lovely blooming flowers along the Neckar River. His favourite flower was
‘among them: the forget me-not.
Rizal then spent three months of his summer vacation in Wiihelrsfeld,
‘a mountainous vilage near Heidelberg. He stayed at the vicarage of Dr. Karl
Ulmer, a kind Protestant pastor. He thoroughly enjoyed his stay at the Ullmers.
Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt on July
"31, 1886. Rizal became aware of Blumentritt's interest in Philippine languages.
‘Antmetica, a book, was included withthe letter. lumentit, who adored Rizal, sent
‘him a git of books. This was the start oftheir fong and frequent correspondence.
"Rizal was fortunate fo be sojourning in Heidelberg when the famous University of
Heidelberg held its fith centenary celebration on August 6 of 1886. It was three
days before his departure and he was sad because ie had come fo love the land
Fi
85 86
The Life ard Works of Jose ia
ilies
and the beaut ety
Riza eft Herdelberg on August 9, 1886, thveo days after the Univers of
Heidelberg celetvated is fith conianrial. He boarded tram and traveled though
Germany, arriving in Leipzig on Augusl 14, 1886. He attended some lecture at
the University of L e1pzig and became acquainted with Professor Friedrich Ratzel, g
well-known German historian, and Dr. Hans Meyer, a German anthropologist. Rizal
translated Wiliam Tels story from German to Filipino $0 that Filpines courd eam
about the champion of Swiss independence. He also translated Hans Christian
Andersen's Fairy Tales into Filipino, Because the cost of living in Lempzig is the |
fowest in Europe, he stayed for two and a half months. During his stay, he hag
time to exercise and corrected some chapters in tis second novel. He also worked
8 @ proof-reader for a publishing company, where he eamed some money
Dresden isa city in Germany. On October 29, 1886, Riza! eft Leipzig for Dresden
Rizal met Dr. Adolph Meyer, the director of the Anthropological and Ethnotogcal
Museum, in Dresden. He was only in town for two days. He experienced the Holy
Mass in a Catholic church, and he wrote, “Truly, | have never in my Ife heard @
Mass whose music had greater sublimity and intonation.” Rizal left Dresden by
train on November 1st, arriving in Berlin in the evening.
Rizal liked Berlin because of its scientific atmosphere and lack of racial
prejudice. In addition, he met Dr. Feodor Jagor, the author of Travels in the
Philippines, @ book Rizal admired for its keen observations in the Philippine
setting. In tum, Dr. Jagor introduced Rizal to Dr, Rudolf Virchow, a well-known
anthropologist, and his son, Dr. Hans Virchow, a professor of Descriptive Anatomy.
Dr. Karl Ernest Schweiger, 2 well-known German ophthalmologist, hired Rizal to
work in his clinic. Rizal was the first Asian to be honored for membership in the
Anthropological Society, Ethnological Society, and Geographical Society of Beri.
Dr. Virchow recognized Rizal's genius and invited him to speak before the Berin
Ethnographic Society. Rizal published @ scholarly paper titled Taglische Verkunst
(Tagalog Metrical Art) that received positive feedback from all scientific circles.
In Barlin, Rizal led a methodical life. He worked as an assistant during
the day and went to lectures at night. He maintained his physical fitness through
daily exercises and by speaking German, French, and ttalian. In order to master
the French language, Rizal took private lessons from Madame Lucie Cerdole. He
spends his free time touring Berlin's country sides and observing the ceoples
culture and way of fe. He also drew sketches of what he saw. Regarding culture
Rizal admired the German Yuletide custom, in which Germans would tgke bushes
from a pine tree and decorate them with lanterns, papers and candies. anothet
fom in Germany is that if a man does not have anyone to introduce
interesting cus
him to the other guess, he bows his heed othe guests andinradvceshinsel © —_—_—_——_—
