The Scholar's Journey
On May 3, 1882, Rizal secretly departed from the Philippines aboard the ship S.S. Salvadora.
Only a few knew about this departure, including his brother Paciano, two sisters, and some
close friends. Actually, there were quite a few others who knew as well. However, his parents
were unaware, as he knew they would not approve of his actions. He knew they would worry
about his safety. When Rizal's parents learned of his actions, they were naturally saddened and
hurt, especially his father, who was devastated by his son's actions.
Speaking of Paciano, Rizal's brother played a significant role in ensuring that the hero could
leave the country discreetly, away from the notice of the Spanish authorities, especially the
friars. The main reason Rizal left for Europe was to complete his studies, as his mother's
eyesight was still deteriorating. However, he also had a secret mission.
During the 19th century, direct commercial flights were not yet common. You couldn't just take a
plane from the Philippines directly to Europe because airplanes didn't exist yet. What you
needed to do, like what Rizal did, was to travel through various countries. On June 16, 1882,
after a month and a half of traveling, Rizal finally arrived in Barcelona.
Since it was summer vacation at the time, Rizal first met and mingled with his acquaintances
and former classmates from the Ateneo. There was storytelling, and leisurely strolls... That was
it. After Barcelona, Rizal went straight to Madrid. His brother Paciano wanted him to stay there
because 1) it was the center of all the provinces of Spain, and 2) it was the province where he
could learn the most. Rizal wasted no time in Madrid. He immediately used his talent for writing.
He began writing for the Diariong Tagalog under the pseudonym Laong Laan, which means
"ever prepared."
On August 20, 1882, his essay "El Amor Patrio" or "Love of Country" was published. However,
after "El Amor Patrio," Rizal temporarily stopped writing articles about the Philippines. This was
because his mother opposed it. The essay alerted Spanish officials to Rizal's nationalistic
tendencies, and his mother feared for the possible consequences for her son.
Moreover, Rizal also found it difficult to gain fame. So, he decided to focus on his studies first.
On November 3, 1882, Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid, where he studied
medicine. Later on, he also studied philosophy and letters at the same school. But that wasn't
enough for him. He also found time to study painting and sculpture at the Academy of San
Carlos, and drawing at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. He also found time to
learn and become proficient in French, German, and English.
In his first year in Madrid, Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a Filipino student
organization that regularly met to discuss political issues and voice out the concerns of Filipinos.
The organization aimed to express their sentiments about the abusive Spanish government.
However, the publication did not last long due to lack of funds and conflicting views among its
members. As a result, they disbanded. Some of the notable members of the Circulo Hispano-
Filipino were Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Juan Luna, and Graciano Lopez Jaena.
We talked before about Rizal's family having some wealth. But when the hero was in Madrid, he
seemed to struggle financially. Why? This was because his family's financial status declined.
You'll remember that Rizal's family were tenants. And during these times, their harvests weren't
good. The friars also raised the prices of the lands they leased. But let's discuss that later.
Because of this, Rizal's monthly allowance from the Philippines was often delayed or
insufficient. As a student in Spain, Rizal relied solely on the money sent to him by his brother
Paciano. Although he wanted to work, he was advised not to do so. This was to prevent him
from being distracted from his mission, which was to study medicine and learn about European
culture and societies to help bring reforms to the Philippines.
Most of the money he received went to his education. In fact, there were times when Rizal
attended classes on an empty stomach. He often went without food just to pay for his exam fees
and to buy books and supplies for university. Often, he didn't eat just to be able to pay for his
exam fees and to buy books and supplies for university. He spent his free time visiting
museums, reading books, and exploring restaurants and cafes, relying on their food aromas to
satiate his hunger. Due to financial constraints, he often couldn't afford to bathe daily, as there
was a fee for every bath at his lodging.
Despite financial hardships, Rizal attended a banquet in Madrid on the evening of June 25,
1884, after not eating all day. The event celebrated the success of his two Filipino painter
friends, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, who won awards at the National Exposition
of Fine Arts. Rizal delivered a speech at the banquet, which was recorded by reporters and
published in the magazine "Los Dos Mundos." His speech made history, as Spaniards
supporting equality for Filipinos welcomed it as progressive and timely. Filipino supporters of the
Propaganda Movement sent letters to congratulate Rizal, but critics among the Filipino
Ilustrados, including the clergy, were angered by his speech.
Due to the uproar caused by Rizal's name, his parents worried about the potential impact of his
"toast speech." Rizal's brother Paciano informed him that their mother was upset about his
sudden political involvement. There was also a chance that his family would not accept him if he
returned to the Philippines. Despite the controversy surrounding his speech, Rizal continued his
studies for a doctorate in medicine. He completed the coursework, but he was not awarded a
Doctor's diploma because he failed to submit the required thesis for graduation and did not pay
the corresponding fees. Fortunately, during Rizal's time, a licentiate was sufficient to practice
medicine.
Fast forward to 1885, one year after obtaining a licentiate in medicine, Rizal also completed his
licentiate in Philosophy and Letters. In November 1885, Rizal moved from Madrid to Paris to
specialize in ophthalmology. In Paris, he worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Wecker, a
renowned French ophthalmologist known for using scissors in surgeries. Rizal's skills in the field
improved significantly during this time. He learned how to conduct eye operations, diagnose eye
ailments, and use various eye surgery techniques. Additionally, he had completed half of his
novel Noli Me Tangere by this time.
Because living in Paris was expensive, Rizal left the country and went to Germany in February
1886. There, he worked again as an assistant, this time for Dr. Otto Becker, a renowned
German ophthalmologist at the University Eye Hospital. During this time, Rizal met Blumentritt,
who admired Rizal's homeland even though he had never been to the Philippines. When Rizal
learned that Blumentritt was studying the Tagalog language, he sent him a letter and a gift.
Blumentritt was delighted with Rizal's gift and reciprocated with one of his own. The two became
close friends and exchanged letters for many years.
They discussed various topics, including the Philippines, Europe, government, science,
ethnology, different cultures, and personal matters. They also exchanged books, manuscripts,
and maps. After four months of correspondence, Rizal suggested exchanging photographs, but
according to Ambeth Ocampo, they remained just friends.
Rizal arrived in Leipzig on August 14, 1886, where he attended lectures conducted by a
German historian and a respected anthropologist. He quickly mastered the German language,
which is impressive considering its difficulty. Not content with just learning, he also translated
several German works into Tagalog, including "William Tell" and fairy tales by Hans Christian
Andersen. Rizal ensured that even through translation, abstract concepts and sound effects
were expressed in Filipino expressions understandable to children.
Jose Rizal moved to Berlin, the capital of Germany, in November 1886. During the day, he
worked as an assistant at Dr. Schweigger's clinic, and in the evenings, he attended classes at
the University of Berlin. Life in Berlin was difficult for Rizal as he struggled with illness,
loneliness, and financial constraints due to the irregularity of his monthly allowance sent by his
brother Paciano.
Rizal pawned his ring and sold his books to buy food, but it was still not enough, and he often
resorted to eating only bread. His poor nutrition led to tuberculosis, and he even contemplated
burning the manuscript of his novel "Noli Me Tangere" out of discouragement. Fortunately, his
friend Maximo Viola visited him in Berlin and lent him money for his allowance and 300 pesos, a
significant amount at the time, to have "Noli Me Tangere" printed.
In 1887, two thousand copies of "Noli Me Tangere" were printed and distributed to Filipinos in
Europe, including Dr. Blumentritt and some friends in Barcelona and Madrid. Rizal's friends
devised a plan to smuggle the novel into the Philippines as simple merchandise. With Viola,
Rizal explored parts of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, which lifted his spirits. After visiting
Vienna, Rome, and other cities in Italy, he finally felt ready to operate on his mother's cataracts.
Rizal returned to the Philippines in August 1887 after living abroad for five years. However,
controversy surrounded his return. When he visited Ateneo, Jesuit teachers attempted to
convince him to return to his former faith. Father Faura, who taught Rizal to carve the statue of
the Sacred Heart of Jesus, criticized "Noli Me Tangere," claiming numerous inaccuracies.
Despite this, Rizal stood by his work, believing in the validity of his statements. Church priests
who opposed him preached sermons denouncing Rizal and wrote pamphlets condemning him
and his work. Rumors circulated that Rizal was a spy sent by the Germans and a Mason,
making him a subversive or traitor.
Rizal was considered a dangerous figure due to his ideas, receiving daily death threats.
Concerned for their son's safety, Rizal's parents took precautions, such as not allowing him to
eat with his hands and requiring him to use silver utensils to prevent poisoning. Don Kiko, his
father, forbade his son from traveling alone, so Rizal was accompanied everywhere by his
brother Paciano. Rizal established a medical clinic, with his mother as his first patient, but he
was unable to immediately cure her eye condition. Teodora, his mother, underwent successful
cataract surgery on her left eye in Hong Kong while in exile. However, she removed the
bandage from her right eye prematurely, leading to an infection and permanent blindness. This
experience taught Rizal the importance of not treating family members as patients.
Rizal left Calamba to travel to Manila, intending to meet with Governor-General Emilio Terrero
to discuss his novel. Terrero, a liberal-minded Spanish official, found no fault in Rizal's work
upon reading it. However, Archbishop Bernardo Nozaleda of Manila disapproved of Rizal's
ideas and recommended banning the novel's printing, distribution, and possession.
Governor-General Terrero, concerned for Rizal's safety, assigned Lieutenant Jose Taviel de
Andrade to protect him and advised Rizal to leave the country. Although Terrero refused the
clergy's demand to forcibly expel Rizal, he advised Rizal to leave for his own safety. Despite
having been in the Philippines for only six months, Rizal departed for Hong Kong, where he met
Filipino exiles and studied Chinese language, culture, and martial arts.
In Japan, Rizal studied Japanese language and culture, appreciating the cleanliness,
politeness, and industry of the Japanese people. While residing at the Spanish legation, he
befriended O-Sei-San, a Japanese woman, and eventually fell in love with her. Despite
considering staying in Japan, Rizal believed he had more missions to fulfill for his country,
prompting him to bid farewell to O-Sei-San and leave Japan.
Upon arriving in to America in pursuit of further study abroad, Rizal quarantined in San
Francisco due to suspected cholera on the ship. He traveled to various cities in the United
States, where he admired the country's beauty and material progress but also observed racial
discrimination against African Americans, Chinese, and Japanese immigrants.
After his United States visit, Rizal went to London to improve his English, study Philippine
history, and continue writing for La Solidaridad. In London, he received both good and bad news
from the Philippines. The good news included support for "Noli Me Tangere" from Filipino
priests like Vicente Garcia, while the bad news involved persecution against those who
supported the Anti-Friar Petition of 1888, including Rizal's family and friends.
Reluctantly leaving the British Museum, Rizal traveled to Paris to continue writing "El
Filibusterismo" and conduct research on Philippine history at the National Library. He also
polished the annotated version of Antonio Morga's "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas" during his
time in Paris.
In January 1890, Jose Rizal moved to Brussels, Belgium, to escape the high cost of living in
Paris and focus on his writing for La Solidaridad and El Filibusterismo. While in Belgium, Rizal
received concerning reports about some Filipinos in Spain becoming addicted to gambling. He
wrote to Marcelo H. del Pilar, urging him to remind fellow Filipinos in Madrid that they should be
working for the freedom of the Philippines, not indulging in vices.
During this time, Rizal also received distressing news about his family and relatives being
evicted from their land in Calamba by Dominican friars who raised the land rent. Despite Rizal's
efforts to defend his family in court, the friars won the case, forcing the Rizal family to leave
Calamba. This event deeply angered and saddened Rizal, leading him to express his
disappointment and call for justice through a poem titled "A Mi Musa" (To My Muse), published
in La Solidaridad.
In addition to these personal struggles, Rizal encountered a social altercation with Antonio Luna
over a woman named Nellie during a gathering in Brussels. Luna made derogatory comments
about Nellie, which angered Rizal and led to a challenge to a duel. However, Luna later
apologized, and they remained friends.
Rizal spent about a year in Brussels before completing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo in
Biarritz, France, in August 1890. He then traveled to Madrid, where he became involved in a
leadership dispute with Del Pilar and others. Despite winning the election to become the
"Responsable," or leader, Rizal declined the position, recognizing the division among Filipino
expatriates. He eventually decided to practice medicine in Hong Kong, where his family joined
him for Christmas.
Feeling content in Hong Kong, Rizal wrote to Ferdinand Blumentritt in Vienna, expressing his
happiness with his current situation. However, driven by his principles and concern for his
countrymen's plight, Rizal continued his advocacy work. He wrote articles addressing the
agrarian issues in Calamba and proposed the creation of a Filipino colony in North Borneo for
the displaced Calamba tenants. Despite facing resistance from Spanish authorities, Rizal
remained committed to advocating for justice and reforms in the Philippines.
Title: The Scholar's Journey
---
[The scene opens with a view of a bustling port in the Philippines. The S.S. Salvadora is
docked, and people are milling about. A young man, Jose Rizal, is seen boarding the ship
discreetly.]
Narrator: On May 3, 1882, Jose Rizal secretly departed from the Philippines aboard the ship
S.S. Salvadora.
[ inside the ship's cabin. Rizal is shown with a few close friends and family members.]
Narrator: Only a few knew about this departure, including his brother Paciano, two sisters, and
some close friends.
Paciano: Don't worry about our parents finding out, I'll reason with them. Don't forget your
mission and take care pepe.
Rizal: thank you kuya paciano, I won't forget and take care as well. I'll miss everyone.
[While Rizal's parents at home, looking saddened and concerned.]
Francisco Rizal Mercado (father): My teodora, have you seen pepe?
Teodora Alonso Realonda (mother): pepe is nowhere to be found Francisco!
Narrator: His parents were unaware, as he knew they would not approve of his actions. When
Rizal's parents learned of his actions, they were naturally saddened and hurt, especially his
father, who was devastated by his son's actions.
Teodora Alonso Realonda: paciano! Why did you let pepe go abroad?
Francisco Rizal Mercado (father): Pepe is all alone and its dangerous out there?!
Paciano: It is his wishes and he has a mission. Don't worry about pepe, he will write to us
everytime and pepe is smart.
[Rizal's arrival in Barcelona.]
Narrator: On June 16, 1882, after a month and a half of traveling, Rizal finally arrived in
Barcelona.
[ Rizal mingling with acquaintances and former classmates in Barcelona.]
Narrator: Since it was summer vacation at the time, Rizal first met and mingled with his
acquaintances and former classmates from the Ateneo.
Rizal: Hola como estas mi amigo?
Friends: Qué bueno verte Rizal!
[Rizal arriving in Madrid.]
Narrator: After Barcelona, Rizal went straight to Madrid. His brother Paciano wanted him to stay.
Paciano (writing a letter): Dear pepe, I wish that you study in madrid for it is the center of all
provinces of Spain for their you can learn the most.
(Rizal pretends to read the letter)
[Rizal is studying diligently in Madrid.]
Narrator: Rizal wasted no time in Madrid. He immediately used his talent for writing, began
writing for the Diariong Tagalog under the pseudonym Laong Laan, which means "ever
prepared."
[Rizal attending classes at the Universidad Central de Madrid.]
Narrator: Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid, where he studied medicine. Later
on, he also studied philosophy and letters at the same school. But that wasn't enough for him.
He also found time to study painting and sculpture at the Academy of San Carlos, and drawing
at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. He also found time to learn and become
proficient in French, German, and English.
Narrator: In his first year in Madrid, Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a Filipino student
organization that regularly met to discuss political issues and voice out the concerns of Filipinos.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal facing financial difficulties in Madrid.]
Narrator: Despite financial hardships, Rizal attended a banquet in Madrid on the evening of
June 25, 1884, after not eating all day.
[Cut to a scene showing Rizal continuing his studies despite challenges.]
Narrator: Despite the controversy surrounding his speech, Rizal continued his studies for a
doctorate in medicine.
[The scene fades out as the narrator speaks.]
Narrator: And so, Jose Rizal's journey as a scholar and nationalist continued, marked by
challenges and triumphs, as he pursued his dreams of education and social reform.
[End of scene.]
**Title: The Scholar's Journey Continues**
---
[The scene opens with Rizal arriving in Paris, greeted by the hustle and bustle of the city.]
Narrator: Fast forward to 1885, one year after obtaining a licentiate in medicine, Jose Rizal also
completed his licentiate in Philosophy and Letters.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal working as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Wecker in Paris.]
Narrator: In November 1885, Rizal moved from Madrid to Paris to specialize in ophthalmology.
There, he worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Wecker, a renowned French ophthalmologist
known for using scissors in surgeries.
[Cut to a scene showing Rizal's dedication to learning and improving his skills in
ophthalmology.]
Narrator: Rizal's skills in the field improved significantly during this time. He learned how to
conduct eye operations, diagnose eye ailments, and use various eye surgery techniques.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal leaving Paris and arriving in Germany.]
Narrator: Because living in Paris was expensive, Rizal left the country and went to Germany in
February 1886.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal working as an assistant to Dr. Otto Becker in Germany.]
Narrator: There, he worked again as an assistant, this time for Dr. Otto Becker, a renowned
German ophthalmologist at the University Eye Hospital.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal meeting Blumentritt in Germany.]
Narrator: During this time, Rizal met Blumentritt, who admired Rizal's homeland even though he
had never been to the Philippines.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal studying diligently and mastering the German language.]
Narrator: Rizal quickly mastered the German language, which is impressive considering its
difficulty.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal pawning his ring and selling his books to buy food.]
Narrator: Life in Berlin was difficult for Rizal as he struggled with illness, loneliness, and financial
constraints.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal's friend Maximo Viola visiting him in Berlin.]
Narrator: Fortunately, his friend Maximo Viola visited him in Berlin and lent him money for his
allowance and to have "Noli Me Tangere" printed.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal exploring parts of Europe with Viola.]
Narrator: With Viola, Rizal explored parts of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, which lifted his
spirits.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal returning to the Philippines in August 1887.]
Narrator: Rizal returned to the Philippines in August 1887 after living abroad for five years.
[The scene fades out as the narrator speaks.]
Narrator: And so, Jose Rizal's journey as a scholar and ophthalmologist continued, marked by
perseverance and dedication to his studies and his country.
[End of scene.]
**Title: Rizal's Journey Continues**
---
[The scene opens with Rizal preparing to leave Calamba for Manila, surrounded by his family
and friends.]
Narrator: Rizal left Calamba to travel to Manila, intending to meet with Governor-General Emilio
Terrero to discuss his novel.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal meeting with Governor-General Terrero in Manila.]
Narrator: Terrero, a liberal-minded Spanish official, found no fault in Rizal's work upon reading
it. However, Archbishop Bernardo Nozaleda of Manila disapproved of Rizal's ideas and
recommended banning the novel's printing, distribution, and possession.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal being assigned Lieutenant Jose Taviel de Andrade for protection by
Governor-General Terrero.]
Narrator: Concerned for Rizal's safety, Terrero assigned Lieutenant Jose Taviel de Andrade to
protect him and advised Rizal to leave the country.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal departing for Hong Kong.]
Narrator: Rizal departed for Hong Kong, where he met Filipino exiles and studied Chinese
language, culture, and martial arts.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal in Japan, studying Japanese language and culture.]
Narrator: In Japan, Rizal studied Japanese language and culture, appreciating the cleanliness,
politeness, and industry of the Japanese people.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal in the United States, observing racial discrimination.]
Narrator: Traveling to various cities in the United States, Rizal admired the country's beauty but
also observed racial discrimination against African Americans, Chinese, and Japanese
immigrants.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal in London, studying Philippine history and writing for La Solidaridad.]
Narrator: In London, Rizal improved his English, studied Philippine history, and continued
writing for La Solidaridad.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal in Brussels, receiving distressing news about his family.]
Narrator: While in Belgium, Rizal received distressing news about his family being evicted from
their land in Calamba by Dominican friars.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal completing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo in Biarritz.]
Narrator: Rizal spent about a year in Brussels before completing the manuscript of El
Filibusterismo in Biarritz, France.
[Cut to a scene of Rizal practicing medicine in Hong Kong with his family.]
Narrator: Rizal eventually decided to practice medicine in Hong Kong, where his family joined
him for Christmas.
[The scene fades out as the narrator speaks.]
Narrator: Despite facing personal struggles and social altercations, Jose Rizal remained
committed to advocating for justice and reforms in the Philippines, continuing his journey with
determination and resilience.
[End of scene.]
