RIZAL

Birth and Family Life:

Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861. It was a Wednesday evening in Calamba, Laguna, and his
mother nearly died in the process. He was baptized three days later, on June 22, by the parish priest of
the Catholic church in his town, Fr. Rufino Collantes from Batangas. His godfather, Fr. Pedro Casanas,
was a close family friend. Rizal's mother named him after St. Joseph, to whom she was ardently devoted.
RIZAL'S BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
His baptismal certificate reads:
"I, the undersigned parish priest of Calamba, certify that from the investigation made with proper
authority, for replacing the parish books which were burned September 28, 1862, to be found in
Docket No. 1 of Baptisms, p.49, it appears by the sworn testimony of competent witnesses that
Jose Rizal Mercado is the legitimate son, and of lawful wedlock, of Don Francisco Rizal Mercado
and Dona Teodora Realonda, having been baptized in this parish on the 22nd day of June in the
years 1861, by the parish priest Rev. Rufino Collantes, Rev. Pedro Casanas being his godfather. -Witness my signature."
(Signed): Leoncio Lopez
RIZAL'S FAMILY
Francisco Mercado Rizal was born on May 11, 1818 in Binan, Laguna. He was a graduate of the College
of San Jose in Manila, studying Latin and Philosophy. Francisco moved to Calamba to become a tenantfarmer of a hacienda owned by the Dominicans. He died at the age of 80 on January 5, 1898 in Manila.
About his father, Jose Rizal says that he is "a model of fathers."
Teodora Alonso Realonda was born on November 8, 1826 in Manila. She was a graduate of the College
of Santa Rosa. She died at the age of 85 on August 16, 1911 in Manila. About his mother, Jose Rizal
says, "My mother is a woman of more than ordinary culture; she knows literature and speaks Spanish
better than I. She corrected my poems and gave me good advice when I was studying rhetoric. She is a
mathematician and has read many books."
Rizal is the seventh of eleven children:
1.
Saturnina
2.
Paciano
3.
Narcisa
4.
Olimpia
5.
Lucia
6.
Maria
7.
Jose
8.
Concepcion
9.
Josefa
10.
Trinidad
11.
Soledad
Rizal's family was a mixture of races. They were a combination of Negrito, Malay, Indonesian, Japanese,
Chinese, and Spanish, though Jose was predominantly Malayan.

THE SURNAME
Mercado was the original surname of the Rizal family. Domingo Lamco, Jose's great-great-grandfather,
adopted the name Rizal in 1731 and it became a second surname of the family. In Jose's letter to
Ferdinand Blumentritt, he says:
"I am the only Rizal in because at home my parents, my sisters my brother, and my relatives have always
preferred our old surname Mercado. Our family name was in fact Mercado, but there were many
Mercados in the Philippines who are not related to us. It is said that an alcalde mayor, who was a friend
of our family added Rizal to our name. My family did not pay much attention to this, but now I have to use
it. In this way, it seems that I am an illegitimate son."
-- But of course, we all know that he is not.

Childhood in Calamba:

Rizal's childhood was the happiest period of his life.

Calamba, the hero's hometown, belonged to the Dominican Order.

A few kilometers south of Calamba lies mount Makiling.

East of the town is Laguna de Bay.

Rizal was a student in the Ateneo de Manila in 1876 when he was 15 years old.

When he was fifteen, he wrote the poem entitled In Memory of My Town (Un Recuerdo A Mi
Pueblo)

Rizal was sickly, underweight, undersized, and frail as a child.

He had his own nipa cottage where he played in the day, built by his father.

He had an aya (nurse maid) who has a kind old woman and who took care of him and his health.

He began birdwatching at the age of 3, observing the culiauan, the maya, the maria capra, the
martin, and the pipit.
He recited the Angelus prayer daily.
Of all his sisters, Jose loved little Concepcion best. She was only a year younger than him, and
fell ill and died at the age of 3.
The death of his sister was Jose's first grief.

Jose and his father went on a pilgrimage to Antipolo on June 6, 1868 so that they could fulfill his
mother's vow, which she made when Jose was born. Teodora could not join them on this pilgrimage
because she had given birth to Jose's sister Trinidad.

After the pilgrimage, Jose went with his father to Manila where they visited his sister Saturnina,
who was then a boarding student at La Concordia College in Santa Ana.

On "The Story of the Moth," Rizal thought that the creature's death was justified because he
believed that to sacrifice one's life for one's ideals is worthwhile.

He began sketching at the age of five.

He had a black dog named Usman.

At the age of eight, Jose wrote his first poem entitled Sa Aking Mga Kababata (To My Fellow
Children).

When he was also eight years old, Rizal write his first dramatic work, which was a Tagalog
comedy. It was staged in a festival in Calamba, and was later sold to a gobernadorcillo from Paete for
two pesos.

Jose was skilled in operating marionettes.

He used to meditate by Laguna de Bay with his pet dog, Usman.

Education

Education in Binan
During the time of Rizal, education was characterized by the 4Rs: reading writing, arithmetic, and
religion.

Rizal, although he was born a physical weakling, became an intellectual giant.

His first teacher was his mother.

At the age of 3, Rizal learned to recite the alphabet and prayers.

Jose had private tutors to teach him lessons at home: Maestro Celestino, then Maestro Lucas
Padua.

Leon Monroy, who as a former classmate of Jose's father, taught the young boy Spanish and
Latin.

When Leon Monroy died, Jose's parents decided to send him to a private school in Binan.

When Jose left for Binan, he was accompanied by his brother Paciano.

Jose lodged at his aunt's house in Binan.

Rizal's school in Binan was in the house of his teacher, Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz.

Pedro, the teacher's son, was not very fond of Jose. He bullied Rizal, and this led to Jose's first
school brawl.

Jose also took painting lessons in Binan, and was taught by an old painter named Juancho, his
schoolteacher's father-in-law.

He was the best student in school, beating all the Binan boys.

His schooling in Binan lasted for a year and a half.

Education in the Ateneo de Manila

Jose was sent to Manila four months after the friars Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora were martyred.

He studied in the Ateneo Municipal, which was under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuit
priests.

The Ateneo Municipal was later named Ateneo de Manila.

Jose's father had intended him to study at Letran, but changed his mind and sent him to the
Ateneo instead.

At first, the college registrar, Fr. Magin Ferrando, refused Jose's admission because the boy had
registered late and he was sickly and small for his age.

Rizal was nonetheless admitted to the Ateneo with the help and intercession of Manuel Xeres
Burgos, a nephew of the martyred priest.

Jose adopted the name Rizal to escape suspicion. His brother Paciano had used the
name Mercado, and was now known to the authorities as Jose Burgos' favorite student.

The quality of education in the Ateneo was more advanced.

Students were divided into two groups: the "Roman Empire" (boarders) and the "Carthaginian
Empire" (non-boarders).

The best student in each empire was the emperor, followed by the tribune, then the decurion, the
centurion, and the fifth best was the standard-bearer.

The Romans had red banners, and the Carthaginians had blue.

Jose's first professor at the Ateneo was Fr. Jose Bech.

To improve his Spanish, Jose took private lessons in Santa Isabel College at noon breaks.

Rizal's first favorite novel was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.

He won a medal in Latin.

Jose considered Fr. Sanchez as his best professor in the Ateneo.

He obtained the highest grades in all subjects and graduated with the highest honors.

When Rizal was 16 years old he had his first romance with Segunda Katigbak. Unfortunately, the
lady was already engaged to be married. Rizal, as a shy and timid lover, failed to propose despite her
encouragement.
Medical Studies at the University of Santo Tomas
After finishing one year in Philosophy and Letters, Jose transferred to the medical course.

He enrolled in UST for two reasons: (1) to appease his father, and (2) because he was still
unsure of what career he should pursue.

Rizal took up medicine following the advice of Fr. Pablo Ramon, the Rector of the Ateneo. He
also did so to be able to cure his mother's growing blindness.

He finished a surveying course in the Ateneo, but was not given the title of Surveyor because he
was still 17 and underage.

After finishing four years in the medical course, Rizal decided to study in Spain. He did not seek
his parents' permission for this, because he knew they would not allow it.

Rizal's Family: Genealogy and Bloodline

Shown below are the genealogies of the Rizal children (pictures taken at Fort Santiago, Intramuros):

Saturnina Rizal's Genealogy

Saturnina "Neneng" was the oldest of the Rizal children. Her husband, Manuel T. Hidalgo, hailed from
Tanawan, Batangas.

Paciano Rizal's Genealogy

Paciano was Jose Rizal's confidant. Though he died a bachelor, Paciano had two children by Severina
Decena, his mistress.

Narcisa Rizal's Genealogy

Narcisa "Sisa" was a schoolteacher. She married Antonio Lopez, the nephew of Fr. Leoncio Lopez.

Olympia Rizal's Genealogy

Olympia "Ypia," the fourth of the Rizal children, married Silvestre Ubaldo, a telegraph operator who
hailed from Manila.

Lucia Rizal's Genealogy

Lucia married Mariano Herbosa, who was the nephew of Fr. Casanas, Jose Rizal's godfather. When her
husband died of cholera he wasn't given the honor of a Christian burial because he was Rizal's brother-inlaw.

Maria Rizal's Genealogy

Maria "Biang" married a man from Laguna, Daniel Faustino Cruz.

Jose Rizal's Genealogy

Jose "Pepe" Rizal had an only son in Dapitan with Josephine Bracken. The boy, named Francisco after
Jose's father, lived only a few hours.

Concepcion "Concha," Jose's younger sister, died at the age of 3 when she fell severely ill. Her death
was Rizal's first sorrow in life.

Josefa "Panggoy" and Trinidad "Trining" both died old maids.

Soledad Rizal's Genealogy

Soledad "Choleng" was the youngest of the Rizal children. Her husband, Pantaleon Quintero, hailed from
Calamba.

Rizal's Romances
There are nine (9) recorded women in Rizal's life, however some historians suggest that
there have been more. Below are brief accounts of Jose Rizal's romances:

SEGUNDA KATIGBAK: RIZAL'S FIRST LOVE

Segunda Katigbak

Jose Rizal was only a young boy of sixteen (16) when he first fell in love, and it was with
Segunda Katigbak, a girl from Lipa, Batangas and two years his junior. According to
Rizal,"She was rather short, with eyes that were eloquent and ardent at times and languid at
others, rosy-cheeked, with an enchanting and provocative smile that revealed very beautiful
teeth, and the air of a sylph; her entire self diffused a mysterious charm."

Stolen Glances

Rizal went to Trozo, Manila one day to visit his grandmother. His friend, Mariano Katigbak,
accompanied him. Mariano's family were close with Rizal's grandmother, and upon arrival at
Lipa, Mariano's sister Segunda was there at the old woman's house along with other
guests.Rizal was drawn to hear instantly.

Some of the other guests knew that Rizal was a skilled painter and asked him to draw a
portrait of Segunda. He obliged, and reluctantly worked on a pencil sketch of the
girl. "From time to time, she looked at me, and I blushed."

A Blossoming Love

Rizal's sister Olympia was a close friend of Segunda and a student at La Concordia College,
and Rizal went to visit her every week, during which he came to know Segunda more
intimately. Their affection for each other grew deeper with every meeting, one that began
with "love at first sight."

Hopeless from the Beginning

Unfortunately, Segunda was already engaged to be married to her townmate, Manuel Luz,
and although Rizal had gotten hints of the lady's affection for him, he timidly decided to
back away and did not propose. Years later Segunda returned to Lipa and wed her
betrothed, leaving a frustrated Rizal to the mercy of his nostalgic memories. Rizal said while
recording his first romance three years later, "Ended, at an early hour, my first love! My
virgin heart will always mourn the reckless step it took on the flower-decked abyss. My
illusions will return, yes, but indifferent, uncertain, ready for the first betrayal on the path of
love."

LEONOR VALENZUELA: PRIVATE LETTERS

Leonor Valenzuela

When Rizal was a sophomore at the University of Santo Tomas and was boarding in the
house of Dona Concha Leyva in Intramuros he met Leonor "Orang" Valenzuela, his next-door
neighbor and daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela. She was a tall girl
who
carried
herself
with
grace
and
elegance.
Exchanging Love Notes

Rizal was always welcome at the Valenzuela home. He eventually courted Leonor by
sending her love notes, which he wrote in invisible ink made from a mixture of water and
table salt. He taught Leonor how to read his letters by heating them over a lamp or a candle
to allow the words to surface.

Unfortunately, as with his first love, Jose failed to ask for the lady's hand in marriage.

LEONOR RIVERA: THE FIRST ENGAGEMENT

Leonor Rivera

Leonor Rivera was a young lady from Camiling, and a cousin of Jose Rizal. Leonor's father had provided
room and board in Casa Tomasina, Intramuros for Rizal when the youth was still starting his third year at
the university. The young girl was then a student at La Concordia College where Soledad, Rizal's little
sister was also studying.

A Secret Relationship

Leonor was "tender as a budding flower with kindly, wistful eyes." She and Rizal eventually became
engaged. In her letters, she signed her name as "Taimis" in order to hide their intimate relationship from
the girl's parents.

A Lady's Infidelity

In the autumn of 1890, however, Rizal received a letter from Leonor telling him of her coming marriage to
a man whom her mother chose to be her mate -- an Englishman -- and begged for his forgiveness. This
broke Rizal's heart deeply.

CONSUELO ORTIGA Y PEREZ: A SACRIFICE FOR FRIENDSHIP

Consuelo Ortiga y Perez

In 1882, when Rizal was a student at the Universidad Central de Madrid, he frequented the home of Don
Pablo Ortiga y Rey, the former city mayor of Manila. He lived with his son Rafael and his daughter
Consuelo.

Taken by Charm

Rizal, though he wasn't a handsome man, possessed a great deal of charisma and was gifted with many
talents and a deeply noble character. For this reason, it is of no surprise that Consuelo, the prettier of
Don Pablo's daughters, was very taken with him.

An Escape from Loneliness

Being lonely and somewhat isolated in a foreign country, Rizal found comfort in Consuelo's vivacious
company. He wrote her a poem entitled A La Senorita C.O. y P. (To Miss C.O.y P.), in which he
expressed his great admiration for the lady.

Backing Out

Rizal's romance with Consuelo did not turn into a serious affair; he decided to take a step back for two
reasons: first, he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera at that time; and second, he was aware of his
friend's (Eduardo de Lete) affection for the girl and he did not want to ruin their friendship over her.

O-SEI-SAN: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

O-Sei-San

When Rizal was in Tokyo a few days after he had moved to the Azabu district in 1888, he spotted a pretty
Japanese girl walking past the legion gate. He was captured by the lady's regal air and charisma and
endeavored to find ways to meet her. The girl's name was Seiko Usui. She lived with her parents and
often took afternoon walks by the legation. Rizal waited by the gate one afternoon and introduced
himself.

An Exploration of Beauty

Rizal and O-Sei-San, as he fondly called her, met almost daily. They toured the beautiful city spots,
enjoyed the scenery, and visited the picturesque shrines. Rizal was then a lonely young physician,
disillusioned by his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera and burdened by soured hopes for justice in
his country. O-Sei-San provided the beautiful escape that he deeply needed, and he saw in her the
qualities of his ideal woman. He was her first love.

Sayonara

Because of his deep affection for her, Rizal was almost tempted to settle down in Japan. Conveniently
enough, he was also offered a good position at the Spanish Legation during that time. Rizal, however,
had set his sights on other matters. He decided to leave Japan and forget his romance, which pained him
gravely as attested by an entry in his diary. His 45-day sojourn in Japan was one of the happiest
interludes in his life.

GERTRUDE BECKETT: A CHISELED BEAUTY

Gertrude Beckett

In May 1888 Rizal visited London for a short time, boarding the house of the Beckett family: Mr. & Mrs.
Beckett, their two sons, and their four daughters. The eldest daughter was named Gertrude.

The Artist's Right Hand

Gertrude was a buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair. She fell in love with Rizal and gave
him all of her attention during the family picnics and gatherings. When Rizal stayed indoors during rainy
days painting and sculpting, she helped him mix his colors and prepare his clay.

Rizal enjoyed her company. Eventually their flirtatious friendship drifted towards a blossoming romance.
He affectionately called her "Gettie," and in return she called him "Pettie."

Leaving for a Higher Cause

Rizal withdrew before his relationship with Gettie could become more serious, realizing that he had a
greater mission to fulfill and that in order to accomplish it he could not yield to the option of marrying her.
He suppressed the yearnings of his heart and decided to leave so that the lady may forget him. Before
he did, however, he finished a number of sculptural works, one of which was a carving of the heads of the
Beckett sisters.

SUZANNE JACOBY: A LOVE UNREQUITED

Suzanne Jacoby

On January 28, 1890, Rizal left for Brussels, Belgium. He stayed for a considerable time, paying for room
and board. His landladies had a pretty niece named Petite Suzanne Jacoby. She was taken by Rizal's
charm and gallantry, and provided him good company. Rizal could have flirted with the lady, considering
that his beloved Leonor was far away and he was a lonely man in a strange and foreign land, but he
realized he could not deceive her.

A Broken Heart

Suzanne fell in love with Rizal, and wept when he left for Madrid in July 1890. She wrote to him in
French:

"Where are you now? Do you think of me once in a while? I am reminded of our tender conversations,
reading your letter, although it is cold and indifferent. Here in your letter I have something which makes
up for your absence. How pleased I would be to follow you, to travel with you who are always in my
thoughts.

You wish me all kinds of luck, but forget that in the absence of a beloved one a tender heart cannot feel
happy.

A thousand things serve to distract your mind, my friend; but in my case, I am sad, lonely, always alone
with my thoughts -- nothing, absolutely nothing relieves my sorrow. Are you coming back? That's what I
want and desire most ardently -- you cannot refuse me.

I do not despair and I limit myself to murmuring against time which runs so fast when it carries us toward
a separation, but goes so slowly when it's bringing us together again.

I feel very unhappy thinking that perhaps I might never see you again.

Goodbye! You know with one word you can make me very happy. Aren't you going to write to me?"

NELLIE BOUSTEAD: A FAILED PROPOSAL

Nellie Boustead

In 1891, Rizal took a vacation in Biarritz in order to find reprieve from his troubles in Madrid. He was a
guest of the Boustead family in their winter residence, Villa Eliada. Mr. and Mrs. Boustead had two
beautiful daughters, Adelina and Nellie.

An Emotional Rebounce

After having lamented his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera on account of the lady's engagement to
another man, Rizal came to develop considerable affection for Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of
Mr. Eduardo Boustead. He found her to be intelligent, morally upright, and full of life. Rizal wrote to his
closest friends about his intention to marry her.

Consent from the Lady's Past Love

Rizal's friends were delighted to hear that he had found a suitable girl whom he at last wished to settle
down with. Even Antonio Luna, who had previously loved Nellie, encouraged Rizal to court her and ask
for her hand in marriage. With all the encouragement from the friends he held dear, Rizal wooed Nellie
(also called Nelly) who, in turn, returned his affections.

A Broken Engagement

Rizal's marriage proposal failed for two reasons: first, Nellie demanded that he give up his Catholic faith
and convert to Protestantism, which was her religion. Rizal did not like this idea. Second, Nelly's mother
did not approve of Rizal, as she had no desire to entrust her daughter to a man who was wanting in
wealth and persecuted in his own country. In spite of the circumstances, Rizal and Nellie parted as good
friends.

JOSEPHINE BRACKEN: TRUE LOVE IN EXILE

Josephine Bracken

Rizal's exile in Dapitan was one of the most lonesome and sorrowful periods of his life. He missed the
company of his friends and family, and the death of Leonor Rivera on August 28, 1893 left a gaping void
in his heart.

Josephine Bracken arrived at the shores of Dapitan accompanying her blind adoptive father, Mr. George
Taufer. No ophthalmologist in Hong Kong, their home country, could cure the man's blindness and so
they sought the services of the famous Dr. Jose Rizal.

Overcoming Barriers

Rizal and Josephine fell in love at first sight. Their romantic interlude went on for about a month, after
which they decided to marry. The priest of Dapitan, however, refused to conduct the ceremony without
consent from the Bishop of Cebu.

When Mr. Taufer heard of his daughter's plan to marry he became so enraged at the thought of losing
Josephine that he attempted to kill himself with a razor to his throat. Rizal prevented this tragedy by
holding the man's wrists back. Josephine left with her father on the first available steamer to Manila in
order to avoid more trouble. Since Mr. Taufer's blindness was venereal in nature, it was incurable.

Exchanging Vows

Mr. Taufer went back to Hong Kong alone, and Josephine stayed in Manila with Rizal's family. At length,
she returned to Dapitan. Since no priest would marry them, Rizal and Josephine held hands, exchanged
vows, and married themselves before God.

The Loss of a Child

Rizal and Josephine lived together in Dapitan as husband and wife, and in early 1896 they were
expecting a baby. Unfortunately, Josephine had to go into premature labor after Rizal played a prank and
frightened her. A little boy of eight months was born, who lived for only three hours. Rizal named him
Francisco in honor of his father, and buried the child in Dapitan.

Rizal in Dapitan

Exiled to the frontier town of Dapitan in northwestern Mindanao on July 17, 1892, Jose Rizal used his
time and skills productively to ease his solitude and improve the Dapitanons' lives. For four years, Rizal
busied himself with various pursuits and occupations -- as an educator, doctor, farmer, artist, architect and
engineer, entrepreneur, scientist, and scholar.
Rizal Shrine Dapitan reflects the diligent lifestyle led by Rizal through the rebuilt structures of his nipa hut

residence, hospital, and dormitory, dam and waterworks. The Rizaliana Museum exhibits Rizal's original
clothing, blackboard and desk he used in his boys' school, and reproductions of sculptures, paintings, and
select manuscripts. The Shrine affirms the hero's patriotism through his prolific industry and selfless
service to his fellowmen.

Rizal in Dapitan's Consciousness

In four productive years, Rizal transformed the lives, attitudes, and consciousness of the Dapitanons. His
exemplary life was dictated by simple pleasures -- cultivating the land, enriching the minds of the young,
encouraging thrift and industry, developing artistry and ingenuity, and showing compassion to communal
health and welfare. On his departure, the people of Dapitan turned out en masse to see him off and the
occasion was marked by solemnity, made more so by the presence of a small Dapitan band which played
Chopin's "Marche funebre."
"...I do not aspire either for eternal fame or eternal renown; I do not aspire to equal others whose
conditions, faculties, and circumstances could be and are in effect different from mine. My sole wish is to
do what is possible, what is in my hands, the most necessary. I have glimpsed a little light and I believe
that it is my duty to teach it to my countrymen."

Rizal's Code of Ethics

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Don't gamble.
Don't be a drunkard.
Don't break the laws.
Don't be cruel in any way.
Don't be a rabid partisan.
Don't be merely a fault finding critic.
Don't put yourself in the way of humiliation.
Don't treat anyone with haughtiness or contempt.
Don't condemn anyone without first hearing his side.
Don't abandon the poor man who has right on his side.
Don't fail those without means who show application and ability.
Don't associate with immoral persons or with persons or bad habits.
Don't overlook the value to our country of new machinery and industries.
Don't ever cease working for the prosperity and welfare of our native land.

On the Confiscation of His Diary

November 2, 1896
Monday, 2 November -- Today, they returned to me this notebook which they took away on the 11th of last
month before reaching Port Said. For this reason my diary was interrupted. They searched me and
inspected thoroughly my luggage. They took away all my papers and afterward they put me behind bars
and they did not take me out until we reached the Red Sea. That was what they did to me in 16 hours
before our arrival. Also twice they put me in four or six hours before and they take me out when we are
already in the high seas. However, at Singapore they put me in 16 hours before our arrival. Also twice
they put handcuffs on me.

On Life in Dapitan
December 19, 1893
I shall tell you how we live here. I have three houses: one square, another hexagonal, and a third
octagonal, all of bamboo, wood, and nipa. In the square house we live, my mother, sister Trinidad, a
nephew and I; in the octagonal live my boys or some good youngsters whim I teach arithmetic, Spanish
and English; and in the hexagonal live my chickens. From my house I hear the murmur of a crystal, clear
brook which comes from the high rocks; I see the seashore, the sea where I have small boats, two
canoes or barotos, as they say here. I have many fruit trees, mangoes, lanzones, guyabanos, baluno,
nanka, etc. I have rabbits, dogs, cats, etc. I rise early -- at five -- visit my plants, feed the chickens,
awaken my people and put them in movement. At half-past seven we breakfast with tea, pastries,
cheese, sweetmeats, etc. Later I treat my poor patients who come to my land; I dress, go to the town in
my baroto, treat the people there, and return at 12, when my luncheon awaits me. Then I teach the boys
until 4 PM and devote the afternoon to agriculture. I spend the night reading and studying.

On His Arrest in Fort Santiago

July 6, 1892
They assigned me a fairly furnished room with a bed, a dozen chairs, one table, a wash basin, and a
mirror. The room had three windows; one without grill which opens on a patio, another with grills which
looks out on the city walls and the beach and another which was the door closed with a padlock. Two
artillery men as sentinels guarded it. They had orders to fire on anyone who might signal from the beach.
I could not write nor speak with anyone except the officer on duty.

On Finishing the El Filibusterismo

I have finished my book! Oh no, I have not written it in my idea of revenge against my enemies by only
what is for the good of those who are suffering, for the rights of the Tagalog race, though brown and may
not have good features!

Surely I will leave tomorrow for Paris, and from there I don't know where I am going.

On Madrid
Madrid is one of the gayest cities of the world which combines the spirit of Europe and the East, which
has adopted the orderliness, the convenience, the bon ton of civilized Europe without disdaining, without
repelling, the brilliant colors, the ardent passions, the primitive customs of the African tribes, of the
chivalrous Arabs whose traces are still recognizable everywhere, in the look, feelings, and prejudices of
the people, and even in their laws.

On Preparing to Go Home
July 18, 1890
I want to go back to the Philippines, and although I know it would be daring and imprudent, what does
that matter? The Filipinos are all very prudent, and that is why our country is going the way she is. As it
seems to me that we are not making any progress by following prudence, I am going to look for another
pathway! The only thing that can detain me is a doubt whether my parents agree. I am afraid to disturb
their last years. In case they should object to my homecoming, I would work for a livelihood in some
other part of the world.

On Gambling Filipinos in Madrid

May 28, 1890
Luna in Paris complains of the gambling of the Filipinos in Madrid, so does Ventura. They say that,
according to news from the Philippines, the parents are very much disgusted... I am afraid we are serving
the friars' scheme. There is nothing at home to remind them that the Filipino does not come to Europe to
gamble or amuse himself, but to work for his liberty and for the dignity of his race. It is not necessary to
leave the Philippines to gamble, for there they already gamble very much. If we who are called upon to do
something, if we in whom the poor people place their modest hopes, spend our time in these things
precisely when the years of youth should be employed in something more noble and lofty for the reason
that youth is noble and lofty, I fear much that we are fighting for a useless illusion and that, instead of
being worthy of liberty, we are worthy of slavery.

On Paris
May 16, 1889

My daily life in Paris is spent in the following manner: one or two hours in the gymnasium and in fencing,
three or four hours in the library, the rest I use up in writing and visiting friends... Every other night from

8:00 to 11:00 we meet in a cafe where we play chess. On Saturdays I am invited to eat at Luna's house,
on Sundays at Mrs. Juliana's, and on Fridays I visit the family of Boustead (also a Filipino) where
sometimes I take tea.

On America
Monday, May 7. I saw an Indian attired in semi-European suit, and semi-Indian suit, leaning against a
wall. Wide deserts without plants nor trees. Unpopulated. Lonely place. Bare mountains. Sands. A big
extension of white land, like chalk. Far from this desert can be seen some blue mountains. It was a fine
day. It was warm, and there was still snow on the top of some mountains.
Tuesday, May 8. This is a beautiful morning. We stop from place to place. We are near Ogden. I believe
with a good system of irrigation this place could be cultivated. We are at Utah state, the 3rd state we
passed over. In approaching Ogden the fields are seen with horses, oxen, and trees. Some small
houses are seen from a distance. From Ogden to Denver. The clock is set one hour ahead of time. We
are now beginning to see flowers with yellow color on the way. The mountains at a distance are covered
with snow. The banks of Salt Lake are more beautiful than other things we saw. The mules are very big.
There are mountains in the middle of the lake like the island of Talim in Laguna de Bay. We saw three
Mormon boys at Farminton. There were sheep, cows, and horses in the meadows. This region is not
thickly populated. A flock of ducks in the lake... Children greeted us at Salt Lake City. In Utah, the women
serve at the table... We changed train at Ogden, and we still not have any change until Denver. In Provo I
ate much for 75 cents. We are passing between two mountains through a narrow channel.
Wednesday, May 9. We are passing through the mountains and rocks along a river; the river is noisy and
its noise gives life to the lifeless territory. We woke up at Colorado, the 5th state we crossed over. At
10:30 we climb up a certain height, and this is why snow is seen along the way. There are many pines.
We passed through tunnels made of wood to protect the road against snow. Icicles in these tunnels are
very bright which gave majestic effect. The porter of the Pullman Care, an American, is sort of thief.
Colorado has more trees than the three states we passed over. There are many horses.
Thursday, May 10. We woke up in Nebraska. The country is a plain. We reached Omaha, a big city -- the
biggest since we left San Francisco. The Missouri River is twice as wide as the Pasig River in its widest
part. It is marshy... The train passed over the Missouri bridge for 2 and 1/2 minutes; the train goes slowly.
We are now in Illinois.

Friday, May 11. We woke up near Chicago. The country is cultivated. It shows our nearness to Chicago.
We left Chicago at 8:14 Friday night. What I observed in Chicago is that every cigar store has an Indian
figure, and always different.

Saturday, May 12. A good Wagner Car -- we were proceeding in a fine day. The country is beautiful and
well populated. We shall arrive at the English territory in the afternoon, and we shall soon see Niagara
Falls. We stop for some time to see the points that are beautiful; we went to the side below the Falls; I
was between two rocks and this is the greatest cascade I ever saw. It is not so beautiful nor so fine as
the falls at Los Banos; but much bigger, more imposing... The cascade has various falls, various parts.
We left the place at night. There is a mysterious sound and persistent echo.

Sunday, May 13. We woke up near Albany. This is a big city. the Hudson River which runs along carries
many boats. We crossed over a bridge. The landscape is beautiful; and it is not inferior to the best in
Europe. We are going along the banks of the Hudson. They are very beautiful although a little more
solitary than those of the Pasig... The Hudson is wide. Beautiful ships. Sliced granite rocks were paved
along the railroads... There were beautiful houses between trees. Day fine. Our grand transcontinental
trip ended on Sunday, May 13, at 11:10 A.am.

On O-Sei-San
Japan has enchanted me. The beautiful scenery, the flowers, the trees, the inhabitants -- so peaceful, so
courteous, and so pleasant. O-Sei-San, Sayonara, Sayonara! I have spent a happy golden month; I do
not know if I can have another one like that in all my life. Love, money, friendship, appreciation, honors -these have not been wanting.

To think that I am leaving this life for the uncertain, the unknown. There I was offered an easy way to life,
beloved and esteemed...

To you I dedicate the final chapter of these memoirs of my youth. No woman, like you, has ever loved
me. No woman, like you has ever sacrificed for me. Like the flower of the chodji that falls from the stem
fresh and whole without falling leaves or without withering -- with poetry still despite its fall -- thus you fell.
Neither have you lost your purity nor have the delicate petals of your innocence faded -- Sayonara,
Sayonara!

You shall never return to know that I have once more thought of you and that your image lives in my
memory; and undoubtedly, I am always thinking of you. Your name lives in the sight of my lips, your
image accompanies and animates all my thoughts. When shall I return to pass another divine afternoon
like that in the temple of Meguro? When shall the sweet hours I spent with you return? When shall I find
them sweeter, more tranquil, more pleasing? You the color of the camellia, its freshness, its elegance...

Ah! Last descendant of a noble family, faithful to an unfortunate vengeance, you are lovely like...
everything has ended! Sayonara, Sayonara!

On Rome
June 27, 1887
I am in Rome! Everything I step on is the dust of heroes. Here I breathe the same air which the Roman
heroes have breathed. I salute every statue with reverence, and to me, a humble native of a small island,
it seems that I am in a sanctuary. I have already seen the Capitolium, the Tarpeian Rock, the Palatinum,
the Forum Romanum, the Amphitheatre, etc. Everything here is glorious except the cafes and the cafe
singers. I do not enter these [cafes] because I loathe to hear their French songs or see modern

industries. My favorite places are the Amphitheatre and the Roman Forum; there I remain seated for
hours, contemplating everything and restoring life to the ruins... I have also visited some churches and
museums, like the Capitoline Museum and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which is also grandiose.

On Heidelberg University
August 6, 1886
For its fifth centenary the famous University of Heidelberg celebrated its Festung this morning, and we
attended. I liked the picture better than the original itself. There were, however, many elegant and
brilliant costumes; Bugmuller, the famous student of Heidelberg, was dressed as Frederick the Victorious;
Lieberman, as a gentleman of the seventeenth century; Gregoire, wolf of Schwahen, etc. Last night was
Schlorsfest. When will these gaieties enjoyed in this poetic and beautiful city come back? When will the
foreigners return there? When shall I return after I shall have left? Inquire the fate of the molecules of
water that the sun evaporates.. Some fall as dew on the bosoms of the flowers; others are converted to
ice and snow; others into mud or swamp or torrential cascade -- they are not lost but continue to live in
nature. Will my soul have the fate of water -- never being lost into nothingness?

On the Tumultuous Riotings to His Family

When the new Rector went to assume office next day [November 21,1884], feelings were much irritated,
we were still seeing red, it was resolved not to return to classes as long as they did not give us
satisfaction, and remove the Rector. There were repeated shouts of "Down with Creus!" I was there also.
On that day there were new encounters, new fights, wounded, cane blows, imprisonment, etc. It was on
this same day, the 21st, when a police lieutenant and a secret service man wanted to seize Ventura and
me, but he and I escaped. Two Filipinos were taken prisoners.
On the third day, Saturday, the 22nd, the new Rector Creus called the police to occupy the University, to
the great disgust of the professors and the great indignation of the students. On this day, because the
agent of the law were staring very much at me, and I do not know why, I had to disguise myself three
times. None entered the classes. More blows, wounded, etc. More than 80 guards occupied the
University up and down; they had their guns and bugles in the lecture hall. The boulevard Del Prado was
occupied by the cavalry, cannons, and soldiers. On this day we swore not to return to this dishonored
University, whose Rector was imposed on it by force and threat, and in which we are treated as persons
without dignity; and we have sworn not to go back until they give us complete satisfaction, and reinstate
the old Rector, remove Creus who is a disgrace to the physicians who wanted to expel him from the
Academy [of Medicine and Surgery] for lacking in dignity and self-respect... This Rector; to avoid the
catcalls and insults of the students, leaves and enters the University though a secret door in the garden.
All the papers of Madrid and in the provinces, except those of the Ministry, are in our favor, severely
accusing the Government; the people also are on our side, and the students of the provinces are
adhering to us. A rich banker offered ten thousand duros to the ex-Rector to bail out the imprisoned
students, so much so that they take our cause as theirs. I had the luck of not having received even a
cane blow, nor taken prisoner, nor arrested despite my two roles as student of medicine and of
philosophy and letters... Whether it was luck or not, the case is that there were wounded old men,
women, children, soldiers, strangers; I did not even have to run... No Filipino was wounded, but Cubans
and Spaniards, many.

On Leaving for Spain

But as God has not made anything useless in this world, as all beings fulfill obligations or a role in the
sublime drama of Creation, I cannot exempt myself from this duty, and small though it be, I too have a
mission to fulfill, as for example: alleviating the sufferings of my fellow-men. I realize that all this means
sacrifices, and terrible ones. I imagine the pain which I must give you (parents), but I feel something that
obliges and impels me to leave. I shall strive with fate, and I shall win or lose... God's will be done.

On the Martyrdom of GomBurZa

Without 1872 there would not be now either a Plaridel or Jaena, or Sanciangco, nor would there exist
brave and generous Filipino colonies in Europe; without 1872 Rizal would be a Jesuit now and, instead of
writing Noli Me Tangere, would have written the opposite. At the sight of those injustices and cruelties
while still a child my imagination was awakened and I swore to devote myself to avenge one day so many
victims and with this idea in mind I have been studying, and this can be read in all my works and writings.
God will someday give me an opportunity to carry out my promise.

On Memories at Laguna de Bay

I spent many, many hours of my childhood down on the shore of the lake, Laguna de Bay. I was thinking
of what was beyond. I was dreaming of what might be over on the other side of the waves. Almost every
day, in our town, we saw the Guardia Civil lieutenant caning and injuring some unarmed and inoffensive
villagers. The villager's only fault was that while at a distance he had not taken off his hat and made his
bow. The alcalde treated the poor villagers in the same way whenever he visited us.
We saw no restraint put upon brutality. Acts of violence and other excesses were committed daily... I
asked myself if, in the lands which lay across the lake, the people lived in this same way. I wondered if
there they tortured any countryman with hard and cruel whips merely on suspicion. Did they there respect
the home? Or ever yonder also, in order to live in peace, would one have to bribe tyrants?

On The Story of the Moth

One night, all the family, except my mother and myself, went to bed early. Why, I do not know, but we two
remained sitting alone. The candles had already been put out. They had been blown out in their globes
by means of a curved tube of tin. That tube seemed to me the finest and most wonderful plaything in the
world. The room was dimly lighted by a single light of coconut oil. In all Filipino homes such a light burns
through the night. It goes out just at day-break to awaken people by its spluttering.
My mother was teaching me to read in a Spanish reader called "The Children's Friend" (El Amigo de los
Ninos). This was quite a rare book and an old copy. It had lost its cover and my sister had cleverly made
a new one. She had fastened a sheet of thick blue paper over the back and then covered it with a piece
of cloth.

This night my mother became impatient with hearing me read so poorly. I did not understand Spanish
and so I could not read with expression. She took the book from me. First she scolded me for drawing
funny pictures on its pages. Then she told me to listen and she began to read. When her sight was
good, she read very well. She could recite well, and she understood verse-making, too. Many times
during Christmas vacations, my mother corrected my poetical compositions, and she always made
valuable criticisms.
I listened to her, full of childish enthusiasm. I marvelled at the nice-sounding phrases which she read from
those same pages. The phrases she read so easily stopped me at every breath. Perhaps I grew tired of
listening to sounds that had no meaning for me. Perhaps I lacked self-control. Anyway, I paid little
attention to the reading. I was watching the cheerful flame. About it, some little moths were circling in
playful flights. By chance, too, I yawned. My mother soon noticed that I was not interested. She stopped
reading. Then she said to me: "I am going to read you a very pretty story. Now pay attention."
On hearing the word 'story' I at once opened my eyes wide. The word 'story' promised something new
and wonderful. I watched my mother while she turned the leaves of the book, as if she were looking for
something. Then I settled down to listen. I was full of curiosity and wonder. I had never even dreamed
that there were stories in the old book which I read without understanding. My mother began to read me
the fable of the young moth and the old one. She translated it into Tagalog a little at a time.
My attention increased from the first sentence. I looked toward the light and fixed my gaze on the moths
which were circling around it. The story could not have been better timed. My mother repeated the
warning of the old moth. She dwelt upon it and directed it to me. I heard her, but it is a curious thing that
the light seemed to me each time more beautiful, the flame more attractive. I really envied the fortune of
the insects. They frolicked so joyously in its enchanting splendor that the ones which had fallen and been
drowned in the oil did not cause me any dread.
My mother kept on reading and I listened breathlessly. The fate of the two insects interested me greatly.
The flame rolled its golden tongue to one side and a moth which this movement had singed fell into the
oil, fluttered for a time and then became quiet. That became for me a great event. A curious change
came over me which I have always noticed in myself whenever anything has stirred my feelings. The
flame and the moth seemed to go further away and my mother's words sounded strange and uncanny. I
did not notice when she ended the fable. All my attention was fixed on the face of the insect. I watched it
with my whole soul... It had died a martyr to its illusions.
As she put me to bed, my mother said: "See that you do not behave like the young moth. Don't be
disobedient, or you may get burnt as it did." I do not know whether I answered or not... The story revealed
to me things until then unknown. Moths no longer were, for me, insignificant insects. Moths talked; they
know how to warn. They advised just like my mother. The light seemed to me more beautiful. It had
grown more dazzling and more attractive. I knew why the moths circled the flame.