SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE
FOR
GE 119: LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

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WEEK 7

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

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 COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE CODE :GE 119

TITLE : Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal
TARGET POPULATION :All First Year Student
INSTRUCTOR : Rommel A. Sorongon, LPT
Enrico G. Balbanida

Overview:

This course deals with the life, works and writings of national hero Jose P. Rizal. It puts
emphasis on the impact of his martyrdom and to present a critical view of the social order
in which he lived, his opinions on nationalism, government, religion as well as his
philosophy of life through an analysis of his works and letters and relevance of these
ideas to contemporary Philippine scene.

Objectives:

General Objective

 Learn and understand the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal from his birth to his martyrdom.
 Analyze the impact of Rizal’s life in relation to his contribution on the socio-political
situation of the Philippines then and the present time.
 Critically understand Rizal’s heroism and realize the significance of his ideas in the
present time
 Interpret the selected poem, essays and novels and its impact to socio-political situation
during the past and present time.

The following are the topics to be discussed

Week 7 2ND TRAVEL ABROAD AND SECOND HOMECOMING

Week 8 4TH MAJOR PERIOD 1892-1896 (DAPITAN EXILE, TRIAL, AND
EXECUTION)
Week 9 TRIAL
Week 10 MARTYRDOM
Week 11 CRITICISM AND CONTROVERSIES

Instruction to the Learners

Each chapter in this module contains a major lesson involving the Rizal’s life and works.The
units are characterized by continuity, and are arranged in such a manner that the present unit is
related to the next unit. For this reason, you are advised to read this module. After each unit,
there are exercises to be given. Submission of task will be given during your scheduled class
hour.

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 WEEK 7

SECOND TRAVEL ABROAD

“The righteous man pays the sinner’s bill”

-Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)

1888

11 May He arrived at Chicago, after four days crossing the America.

4 March He wrote Blumentritt about the honesty, courtesy, cleanliness and

industry of the Japanese people. However, he also expressed his
disgust on the use of the mandrawn jinrikisha.
7 March Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and moved to the Spanish
Legation where he was offered free board and lodging.
15 March Rizal first saw O-Sei-san walking past the gate of the Spanish
Legation.
7 April Rizal wrote his family and envisioned that in the future the
Philippines would have more contact and relations with Japan.
13 April Rizal left Yokohama of San Francisco, on board the Belgic.

RIZAL IN AMERICA

28 April Rizal arrived at San Francisco, California.

28 April- He was placed in quarantine for 6 days on board the Belgic anchored off
4 May San Francisco Bay.
5-6 May Rizal boarded at the palace Hotel, San Francisco, California. He went
around for observation of the city.
8 May He started his trip across the American continent. He passed through
Reno, Ogden, Denver, Farmington, Salt Lake City and Provo.
9 May Rizal continued his trip, passing the territory of the State of Colorado.

10 May He passed thru the territory of Nebraska, Illinois.

13 May He reached Albany and later traveled along the bank of the Hudson River.
This day was the end of his transcontinental trip. Arriving to New York in
the morning, he boarded at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.

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 Leland Stanford
Rizal saw in the board for quarantine

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 RIZAL BOUND FOR ENGLAND

16 May Rizal departed from New York City on board the City of Rome,
bound for Liverpool.
16-24 May It took him nine days to travel aboard the City of Rome from New
York of Queenstown, where he arrived at 2: 00 A.M. late in the afternoon
of May 24th , he arrive at Liverpool, England, and boarded at Adelphi
Hotel.
25 May He left Liverpool for London, England.

A librarian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liverpool, England. Recommended Rizal to the
Authorities of the British Museum and famously called him a pearl of a man.

BRITISH MUSEUM

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 RIZAL IN LONDON

 2 JUNE Dr. Rienhold Rost and family tendered their houses a tea party in
Rizal’s honour Rizal saw in the Rost’s house a good Filipiniana library.
(Dr. Reinhold Rost, a book lover, librarian of the minister of foreign
Relations of England and famous Malayalogist had especial preditions
for rizal whom used to call hombre perla.)
 23 JUNE He thought a publishing the second edition of the Noli Me Tangere with
the illustrations of Juan Luna and with slight changes. He wanted to
correct the typographical errors and the erroneous citation of the
Shakespeare which should be that of Schiller.
 27 JUNE In a letter, he requested Mariano Ponce, to send more copies of Noli in
the Philippines. He told Ponce that the question of writing with more or
less literature is just secondary; what is essential is to think and to feel
rightly, to work for an object and the pen will take charge of
transmitting the ideas.
 12 JULY The Hispano-Filipino association was recognized by the Filipinos in
Madrid and by the Spaniards sympathizing the cause of Filipinos,
headed by Sr. Morayta.
 26 JULY It was decided to write in the press an article which teach Senator Vida
courtesy and honesty. Earlier, he had written a letter to the Senator in
Madrid whose answer he was waiting for.
 27 JULY Rizal wrote a letter to Mariano Ponce (Naning) in Barcelona telling
the latter of his experience in his travel from Manila via Hong Kong,
Japan, and North America, and the people he met in Hong Kong, who,
he said, are enthusiastic about the Noli and studious and Patriots.
 16 August Rizal was admitted to the reading room of the British Museum of
London.
 AUGUST He was busy with the Morga. He thought of copying the whole book
and annotating it for publication as gift to the Filipinos. Dr. Antonio
Regidor, one of the exiles of the 1872 event, promised to be his
capitalist. Along with the Morga he wanted also to publish Blumentritt’s
“Tribe of Mindanao” including some new documents which he found in
the British Museum.
18 August With the intention of writing the continuation of his first novel, rizal ask
Mariano Ponce in a letter to send him two or more copies of the Noli.
Rizal plan to have a picture taken: one copy to be sent to Ponce and
the other to be included in the publication of the second novel.

Dr. Anotnio Ma.Rigodor

A practicing lawyer where Rizal stayed at his home as
a guest.

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 Adelphi Hotel

RIZAL IN PARIS

4 SEPTERMBER
Rizal arrived at Paris and boarded at the Hotel del Restaurant de Rome. Because of the bad news he
received from home, he thought of preceding to Spain. However the plan was not realized.

9 SEPTEMBER
With other invited Filipinos he took his lunch in Luna’s house on the occasion of the anniversary of the
painter’s son. They ate Filipino food.

10 SEPTEMBER
He left Paris for London to continue copying the book of Morga in the British Museum.

Rizal in Juan’s Luna Studio in Paris The Death of Cleopatra

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 In Paris home of Juan Luna with Rizal and
Valentin while practicing fencing.

RIZAL IN LONDON
19 SEPTEMBER Rizal finished copying the book of Morga.

20 SEPTEMBER In a letter, he requested Mariano Ponce to forward to Hong Kong the box of
Noli so that Jose Ma. Basa could send them to the Philippines where the
Filipinos needed them.
12 OCTOBER He was admitted to study in the Department of Greek and Roman
Antiquities in the British Museum of London. In a letter, he told Mariano
Ponce that he was working hard day and night in the British Museum in
London in order to be able to fight and defeat the enemies. He
contemplated of going to Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and passing thru
Holland, Germany and Denmark.
13 OCTOBER At 7:30 in the evening, he received a telegram from Hong Kong with the
information the Manuel Hidalgo, husband of his sister Saturtina, was
deported to Bohol without being informed of the cause.
OCTOBER He was busy reading all the old sources of the Philippine history. He wanted
to read them all before leaving London. He had already copied all parts of
Pigafetta, likewise, a summary of Chirino.
1 NOVEMBER In a letter, he was invited by the Filipinos in Madrid to direct the newspaper
which they planned to put up, telling him that the newspaper would not
proper without him.
8 NOVEMBER He was very happy to know that an old Filipino priest whom he did’t know
personally, a Doctor in Theology and who copied a high position in the
Manila Cathedral, defended him against Fr. P. Rodriguez, declaring that
Noli is very Chritian.
14-18 NOVEMBER He was busy reading the book of Gaspar de San Agustin about the
Philippines. He found the book full of pessimism especially that the part
which refers to the Indios. The book would have been one of the best
references on the Philippine literature if not for these defects, according to
Rizal.
6 DECEMBER Rizal received the news that in spite of his opposition, he was elected
director of the new newspaper. He was only candidate who met less
adversaries. With this outcome, he planned to go to Madrid to see the
members of the Filipino Colony.
6 DECEMBER He wrote an extensive article on the meaning and determination of the
Island Ma-Yi described by Chao Jukua, the Chinese chronicler, in his old
Chinese codex.
8 DECEMBER Rizal sent to Dr. Carlos Czepelack his sculptural work Eevancha in
exchange for beautiful landscape he received from the letter. During the
previous days he read the book similar to his Noli with difference, however,
on the strength of attack. Rizal’s attack are most violent than those of
Multatuli’s.`
11 DECEMBER He left for Barcelona and Madrid.

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 In Madrid, Spain were Rizal became a pioneer member of Kilusang Repormista. Alongside with
Marcelo del Pilar, Mriano Ponce, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Juan and Antonio Luna and among Other
Filipinos.
RIZAL IN SPAIN

13 DECEMBER

In Barcelona, he saw the members of the Filipino colony: Mariano Ponce, Fernando Canon,
Graciano Lopez-Jaena, and others. They talked much about Filipinism of Prof. Blumentritt.

Group photo of Filipino ILLUSTRADOS (enlightened ones) in

Madrid.

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 Central University of Madrid
(Rizal Study Medicine and Philosophy)

1889

February 6 In a letter, he requested Prof. Blumentritt to talk with Dr. A. B. Meyer concerning
the association of Filipinologists. The latter was elected member of the
organization.
February 14 In a letter, he requested Dr. A. B. Meyer to the International Association of
Filipinologists.
February 22 He wrote the famous letter to the women of Malolos, as per request by Marcelo
H. del Pilar.
February 27 In a letter, he informed Dr. A. B. Meyer that Dr. Niuman from Holland not
accept the position of the adviser-member of the association due to lather’s
many Occupations.
March 5 In a letter, Rizal congratulated Graciano Lopez Jaena for the excellent speech
which the latter delivered.
March 15 Rizal’s article “El Solfeo de La Defensa” was published in the La Solidaridad.

MARCH 19 Rizal arrived at Paris and Immediately founded the Kidlat Clud. Since he
had no time to publish immediately the annota-tions to the Morga’s
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, he planned to edit the ethnography of
Mindanao together with Blumentritt’s Defense. On te same day, Rizal, in
Paris, permitted Mariano Ponce to publish the poem “ En El Bosque”
advising the latter to pay attention to the signature Laon Laan. Likewise, he
advised Ponce to buy Filipino books and to mention its author from time to
time.
MARCH 27 He received a table cloth gift from Mrs. Rosa.

JULY At 8:55 in the evening, Rizal left Paris for Dieppe. He arrived at Vernon at
10:15 and at Rouen at 11:30 in the same evening. In his travel he was very
disturbed by a loquacious American who was always boasting of things
American.

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JULY 12 Rizal arrived at Paris from London where he spent a few days confronting
the proofs of the Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas with the original book found
in the British Museum. He resided now at 45 Rue de Manbenge and
attended to the finishing touches of his annotation.
JULY 23 He sent to the printing press his annotation to Morga’s Succesos de las
Islas Filipinas and requested Prof. Blumentritt in a letter to keep secret the
publication of the book because with it he wanted to surprise his
compatriots.
JULY 30 He was very busy the past days and on this day he was going to the
printing press Garnier Hermanos, reading and correcting the proofs and
adding new annotations to the work.
JULY His “Two Eastern Fables,” a comparative study of the Japanese and
Philippine folklore, appeared in Trubner’s Record (London-).
JULY 30 His article “Verdades Nuevas” was published in the La Solidaridad.

AUGUST 13 He was admitted to make studies in the “Bibliotheque Nationale” of Paris.

His admission ended on December 31, 1889.
Rizal was very much occupied. He had much work to do and he felt blank.
AUGUST 14 He received a telegram from Hongkong with the information that Paciano
Mercado, Silvestre Unaldo, Antonio and Leandro Lopez. Mateo Elejord
and others were accused and threatened of deportation.
SEPTEMBER 9 Rizal was very buy in Paris putting the Morga in the final form. With five or
six young men from Lipa, who were in Paris and who were willing to go
with him, he planned to visit Prof. Blumentritt in Leitmeritz the following
year. Rizal wanted to show Blumentritt that (Blumentritt) was not defending
in vain the Filipino people. He attended the baptismal party of the child of
Juan Luna.
SEPTEMBER 10 In Paris he met Sr. Moret,the ex-minister of Spanish Government. The
ex-minister purposely went to Paris to meet and talk with the author of the
Noli Me Tangere which he liked very much.
SEPTEMBER 15 His article “Differencias” was published in the La Solidaridad.

SEPTEMBER 21 Rizal instructed Jose Ma. Basa to do away with pseudonyins in the articles
he (Basa) was publishing in the newspapers in Hong Kong. He requested
Basa to pay especial attention to the packages or letters with with the
initials Rd. L.M. written on the envelope.
SEPTEMBER 22 In a package, he sent to Blumentritt two statues: a beggar with a hat and a
maid with bilao on her hands. He sent, too, a wallet made of into vines. All
these things came from one of Blumentritt’s admirers in the Philippines.
SEPTEMBER 30 His essay “Filipinas dentro de cien anos” was published in the La
Solidaridad (first instalment).
OCTOBER 10 Rizal was believed to have written in Paris a proclamation carrying this
date, in which a bloody revolution was being announced. Part of it follows:
“caudo se le arranca del Corazon hasta la ultima esperanza… entonces..
queda otro remedio sino sangriento y suicida de la revolution!!!
OCTOBER 20 He insistently requested Prof. Blumentritt to write the prologue to his
annotations to Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, giving him the
freedom to criticizing him eulogizing the work. Rizal said: “I want to give my
countrymen an example that I do not write for myself nor for my glory, but
for my country and that’s why I prefer the truth than my face. God grant
that my countrymen also sacrifice their passions for the welfare of the
country.”
OCTOBER 22 He attended the nuptial ceremony of Felix Pardo de Tavera. Because of
this event, he postponed his plan of going to London for the confrontation
of the proofs with the original Morga in the British Museum.
OCTOBER 31 His essay “Filipinas dentro de cien anos” was published in the La
Solidaridad (Second instalment.)
NOVEMBER 4 |A secret member of the R.L.M with the no. 2 grade was introduce to
Marcelo H. del Pilar in the letter by Rizal. This secret member went to
Madrid with the object of securing a high position in the Cathedral and
avenging injustices of which he was a victim in the Philippines.
NOVEMBER 11 He erased the name of Quioquiap from the prologue written by Blumentritt

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 for the printed with the Rizal annotation.
NOVEMBER 22 Rizal sent back to Blumentritt the original of the prologue and the proofs
with his corrections. He expressed his sentiments to Blumentritt to be
imploring and asking the confraternity of the Spaniards. - From Paris Rizal
sent to Marcelo H. del Pilar in Madrid the article about Blumentritt to be
published the La Solidaridad. Filipinos before the coming of the Spaniards
used to drink “arak” or wine of nipa or coconut tree, and were chewing
buyo. The opium, according to him, was introduced after the arrival of the
Spaniards.

1890
March 31 His editorial article “Filipinas en el congreso” was published in La Solidaridad.
He planned of establishing on top of a hill in Calamba a school which would be
directed by him. He hoped the Filipino youth would study in this school.
April 15 Rizal’s letter to his countrymen, “sobre la nueva ortografia de la lengua tagala.” Was
produced in the La Solidaridad.
His article “ Seamos justo” was published in the La Solidaridad.

April 17 Rizal didn’t believe that Filipinos came from Sumatra. After reading the book of
Marsden, Sumatra, he found many similarities about the two people incostume; but
he didn’t draw the conclusion that the Filipinos came from Sumatra. He said that
from two similar peoples no conclusion could be drawn that one came from other.
The two might be the sons of a dead father.
April 30 His editorial article “Cosas de Filipinas” was published in the La Solidaridad.

May 15 His article “Mas sobre el asunto de Negros” was published in the La Solidaridad.

May 26 He came to know that his annotations of Morga’s nwork was very much searched
and read in the Philippines. A copy reached twice the original price of 12.50 francs.
May 28 In a letter, he complained to M.H del Pilar about the Filipinos indulging in gambling in
Madrid. He said that Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura in Paris were complaining
about it, as it became known already in the Philippines.
June 6 In a letter Rizal wanted his sister Soledad to be virtuous and possessed of good
qualities in order to serve as a model among her pupils.
June 11 He informed M.H del Pilar that he was not separating from the La Solidaridad but
was only resting and giving others the opportunity to use their pen. Rizal was going
to continue the second part of Noli.
June 28 Persecutions against Rizal’s family in Calamba were intensified. These were
communicated him in Brussels by his brother. People were driven from Calamba by
the Friars aided by the civil guards.
July 3 In order that Antonio Luna would know about his activities in Brussels, Rizal
informed the former that he was working and studying, going to the clinic, reading
and writing, and going to the gymnasium and the “Sala de Armas” for practice.
July 5 In a letter Rizal reminded Dr. Blumentritt he had received already the two sculptural
works which were send on September 22, 1899.
July 9 In a letter to M. Ponce, he oppose Graciano Lopez Jaena’s going to Cuba. He said it
is useless: “If one has to die let him die at least in his own country, for the cause of
his country and for the welfare of his people.” He informed Mariano Ponce about
this.
July 15 His essay “ Sobre la indolencia” in the La Solidaridad (first instalment)
Also his editorial article “Una Esperanza” was published in the La Solidaridad.

July 18 Rizal received from Mariano Ponce, who in Barcelona, 125 francs. The money
arrived at a time when Rizal had had just one franc left in his pocet for his existence
in Brussels. He planned to go to Madrid.
In letter he promised to Marcelo h. del Pilar that he was leaving Brussels before the
end of the month. He wanted to present before the Supreme Court in Madrid the
lawsuit against the friars of Calamba.
July 20 He sent to Madrid the continuation of the “Sobre la indolencia de los Filipinos.” He
also sent the authority for the presentation of the case before the Supreme Court.

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 He planned of leaving Brussels at the end of the month. His family lost the case in
Calamba agaist the friars and Paciano elevated the case of the Supreme Court in
Madrid.
July 29 Rizal informed Mariano Ponce of his departure for Madrid on the 1 st of August and
his arrival thereon the 3rd place of the 4th of the same month.
July 31 His essay “Sobre la indolencia de los Filipinos: was published in the La Solidaridad
(second instalment).

15-AUGUST
His essay “Sobre la indolencia de los Filipinos” was published in the La Solidaridad (Third instalment).

20 AUGUST

-He wrote to his brother and sisters advising them not to be exasperated about the persecution among
the noble persons of Calamba, but to have patience since he was going to consult the Minister of Pardon
and Justice of the Spanish government in Madrid.

23 AUGUST

-He reported to Juan Luna what transpired between him and Antonio Luna in Madrid, Rizal and Antonio
had a quarrel and they almost had a duel.
31 AUGUST
-His essay “Sobre la indolencia de los Filipinos” was published in La Solidaridad (Fourth instalment).
15 SEPTEMBER
-His essay “Sobre la indolencia de los Fiipinos” was published in the La Solidaridad (Fifth instalment).
31 OCTOBER
-His article “una constestaction a Don Isabelo de los Reyes” was published in La Solidaridad.
-His article “El amor patrio” with his pen name Laong Laan, was published in La Solidaridad.

5 NOVEMBER
-His comments on D.F. Pi Y Margall’s articles “Las luchas de nuestros dias” was published in the La
Solidaridad (First instalment).

15 NOVEMBER
-He was issued the diploma of Mason-teacher of the Lodge “Solidaridad” By the Grand Oriente Español.

23November
N OV
-He wrote the legend of “Mariang Makiling” which was published in the La Solidaridad in December 31,
EMBER
1890.

30 NOVEMBER
-Jose Rizal’s comment on D.F. Pi y Margalls’ article “Las luchas de nuestro dias” was published in the La
Solidaridad (Second Installment.

15 DECEMBER
-His article “Como se gobiernon las Filipinas”was established in the La Solidaridad.

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1891

January 7 Rizal wrote a very inspiring and interesting letter to P. Vicente Garcia, seeking from
the latter a light with which to prepare himself (Rizal) to thread the path of the future.
He said that the experience of the old who has seen much of the world and studied
more can supplement the youth’s few years and little knowledge.
January 21 In a letter, he broached to Jose Ma. Basa his idea of founding a college in Hongkong
where they would teach languages, sciences, and arts, patterned after the Jesuits
Colleges.
January 27 Rizal left Madrid for Paris via Biarritz, after encountering all failures and difficulties in
Madrid.

RIZAL IN BIARRITZ, FRANCE

11 FEBRUARY From Biarritz, Rizal wrote Mariano Ponce in Madrid that he was to occupied
and could not send articles for the La Solidaridad. He offered his services of
answering the attacks hurled against them in case Marcelo H. del Pilar and
Antonio Luna could not answer.
29 March He finished writing his book El Filibusterismo. He planned, however, of revising
some chapters.
30 March He left Biarritz for Paris.

9 Rue de Hinaut Jose Ma. Basa of Hongkong

Landmark in Brussels Maisonduroi, Local

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 Prof. Ferdinand Blummentritt Vlanderestraat

APRIL 8 – Rizal arrived at Brussels, from Paris. He immediately wrote a letter of

congratulation to Antonio Luna in Madrid.

APRIL 19 – In a letter, he reiterated to Jose Ma. Basa his attention of borrowing some
amount so that he could leave immediately for Hongkong. He sent two letters to the
Philippines through Jose Ma. Basa: one for Buencamino and the other for his family in
Calamba.

APRIL 23 – He was revising some chapters of the Fili. He thought of sending it soon
to the printing press

MAY 1 –In a letter sent to Basa, Rizal reiterated (again) his desire to be in Hong
Kong, reminding the former of the amount him was borrowing for his fare. He also
informed Deodato Arellano of his plan to move from Europe to either Hongkong,
Philippines or Japan, and to renounce the receiving of pension from the Propaganda.

MAY 30 – Rizal set ready for printing 20 chapters of the manuscript of the El
Filibusterismo. He was writing for an amount to defray the publication expense.

JUNE 13 – Rizal finished reviewing and correcting the manuscript of the Fili, except
for the last three chapters.

APRIL 8 – He left Brussels for Ghent.

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 Marseillies

Marcelo
H.del Pilar

Marseillies
Island, France

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 RIZAL INGHENT, BELGIUM

July 3 Rizal received from Jose Ma. Basa the amount he was borrowing for his trip
to Hongkong from Marseilles, as well as the letter for the Director of the
Messageries Martimes. He was boarding at 9 Rue De Hinaut.
July 9 He was financially hard up. He did not receive for three months up to this
date any pension from home. He was living in the most difficult situation,
renting a small room and eating the modest food in order to economize and
be able to publish the Fili. He had already pawned all his jewels.
JULY 29 Rizal informed Eduardo Late about the details of the two agricultural
colonies in Belgium, telling the latter that the Hoogstragen colony is for men
and that of Brujas, for women. To know the details about this request of
Lete, Rizal personally went Brussels.
AUGUST 4 In a letter, he thank Prof. Blummentritt for the two books: the first Volume of
El Sacerdocio and the beautiful treatise of Mal Epos. He planned about
these but the El Filibusterismo consumed his time.
AUGUST 6 The printing of the- Fili, had already reached page 112 when Rizal
suspended its printing for lack of money. –in a letter he sent to Basa, he
gave the latter the power to own, in case something would happen to him
and his parents could no reimburse the amount, the boxes of books he sent
to Hongkong, worth more than P600.00
AUGUST 12 He informed Marcelo H. del Pilar the cause why he stopped writing for the
La Solidaridad. First, he said, because his second novel consumed all his
time; second, he wanted other Filipinos to work also; and the third, he
wanted the latter to be alone on top of the association, in order to insure
unity.
AUGUST 14 He told Juan Zalueta that it was never his habit to provoke conflicts, that the
idea which precipitated the conflict among the members of colony in Madrid
did not come from him but from other persons, and that he never had the
desire under his leadership to subordinate neither the La Solidaridad not its
director.
AUGUST 23 In a letter, Rizal informed Blumentritt that Padre Leoncio Lopez, the old
parish priest of Calamba who wanted to see and shake hands with him
again in Calamba before eternally leaving the valley of tears, but who died
before publication of the Noli, is described in the Fili as Padre Florentino.
AUGUST 24 Rizal wrote a letter to Mariano Ponce in Madrid informing the latter that he
was deeply hurt by the false accusations coming from Manila. However, he
reiterated his adherence to the cause of movement.
AUGUST 26 In a letter, he informed Basa in Hongkong that the Fili was coming out in
September.
SEPTEMBER The Fili was about to come off the press of F.Meyer-Van Loo at No. 66
16 Vlanderestraat. He was elated, together with Jose Alejandro who was
staying with him at no.32 Vlanderestraat, near the printing press.
SEPTEMBER The Fili came off the press and Rizal sent to Hongkong two copies: one for
18 Jose Ma. Basa and other for Sixto Lopez

SEPTEMBER He sent one copy of his El Filibusterismo to Marcelo H. del Pilar. He

22 informed the latter at the same time that he was completely retiring from
politics since he said was going home. Likewise, he a copy to Antonio M.
Regidor, one of his countrymen living in London. He planned of writing the
third novel during his travel back home. He wanted to write about the
customs and usages of the Filipinos in a humorous and satirical style.
SEPTEMBER Valentin Ventura sent to Rizal in Ghent 200 francs for the publication
25 expenses of the Fili.

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 RIZAL IN PARIS, FRANCE

OCTOBER 3- From Paris, Rizal sent letter with 600 copies of the El
Filibusterismo, to Jose Ma. Basa in Hongkong saying that he was definitely
taking the next trip of Melbourne for Hongkong from Marseilles.

OCTOBER 7- Since January up to this date the whole amount Rizal received
as help from the “propaganda” amounted to three hundred peso (P300) only.
Because of discontent, he informed Marcel H. del Pilar that he was not writing
“ anymore for the La Solidaridad, and was renouncing the receiving of pensions
from the “propaganda”.

OCTOBER 9- He confessed to Blumentritt that he would not write anymore for

the La Solidaridad. He said he was leaving the filed to others to manage the
policy of the Newspaper in order to avoid schism among the Filipinos in Madrid.

OCTOBER 33- Rizal made clear the cause of the conflict between him and and
Marcelo del Pilar. He wrote Del Pilar about the details of the cause of their
misunderstanding and the reason why he could not return to Madrid.

OCTOBER 17- He arrived at Marseilles with boxes of Morga and Fili.

RIZAL BOUND FOR HONGKONG

18 OCTOBER- Rizal left Marseilles for Hongkong aboard the Melbourne. On board, he was amused by
the beauty of Mme. De Block.

19 OCTOBER he woke up near Corcega. The day was beautiful, fresh and carried mild breeze. He was
surprised to hear Bishop Volenteri talk much about the Philippines. The Bishop had stayed in the
Philippines for 23 years.

23 OCTOBER he arrived at Alejandrria where the boat was invaded by the vendors offering the
passengers their services. He was irked by the native’s behaviours.

24 OCTOBER- at six o’clock in the morning, he left Port Said to start his trip along Suez Canal.

25 OCTOBER in the evening, while travelling in the Red Sea, Rizal had a long discussion about the
religion with Bishop Volonteri. The Bishop was so intolerant.

29 OCTOBER he visited Aden and found the place more beautiful now than before. He saw slave
cargoes.

31 OCTOBER he passed the point of Guardafui. This was his fourth tenth day on the sea on board the
S.S. Melbourne since he departed from Marseilles.

1 NOVEMBER he had a conversation with a Russian naturalist who asked him whether he was a patriot,

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whether his country was unfortunate. In return, Rizal asked the Russian what consist the misfortune of a
nation.

2 NOVEMBER it was on this day that, on board the Melbourne, he made mention of Mr. W.B. Prayer
who later became Rizal’s correspondent regarding North Borneo settlement project.

3 NOVEMBER -The sky was cloudy when Rzial woke up. Many passengers became sick on board. His
clothes became wet. In evening, he heard an Englishman san ballads, among them the “Diver” and the
“I’m Khulen Keller”.

6 NOVEMBER – He took a walk around the town of Colombo, He went to see the Museum, the Hospital,
the Temple of Buddha, and other places of interest. Here he made a detailed observation of the different
people he met on the street.

8 NOVEMBER-On board, Rizal had a conversation with the Franciscans whom he informed about the
Franciscans in the Philippines. They told him that if they are no Franciscans of the Philippines are rich,
they are no longer Franciscans.

10 NOVEMBER- Rizal had a talk with Mr. W.B. Pryer about the colonization of North Borneo.at four
o’clock in the afternoon, he arrived at Singapore where he came to know about the departure of General
Despujol for the Philippines.

14 NOVEMBER He arrived at Saigon. He went ashore to visit the town. He saw the Museum and the
Zoological Garden

15 NOVEMBER-He arrived at Saigon on this day. He made so many visits around the town with his
co-passengers. He went to Chelong, a city hall, an hour travel from Saigon, for observation.

16-19 NOVEMBER Rizal was again on board the S.S Melbourne travelling from Saigon to Hongkong.

RIZAL IN HONGKONG

19 November In the evening Rizal arrived at Hongkong.

26 November from Hongkong Rizal sent to Manuel Camus in Singapore 20 copies of the Fili, 6 of the
Morga and 4 of the Noli. He gave Camus 25 percent commission for the books sold.

1 December He asked permission from this parents to join them in Manila in their sacrifices and at the
same time, encourage them to have a little endurance. He said “I have learned of the exile of four town
mates to Jolo and of the return to my brother to Manila. I have also taught that mother, Pangoy and
Trining, have been summoned again by the civil government. I am burning with desire to embrace you.
Patience, a little patience! Courage!

6 December –Francisco Mercado, Paciano and his brother-in-law, Silvestre Ulbano, escaped from the
Philippines to avoid persecution, and arrived at Hongkong to join him.

12 December In a letter sent to Maria, one of his sister in the Philippines, Rizal broached his plan of
establishing a Filipino colony in North British Borneo.

17 December-On this day Governor General Eulogio Despujol assumed his office in the Philippines.

23 December –Rizal wrote to Governor General Despujol, offering his services and cooperation for the
common good. He wanted to point to the latter the ills of country in order to help cure the wounds of
maladministration.

27 December- An article was published in the La Ecopa carrying false news about Rizal’s stay in the
Philippines and his influence among the natives. This article carries no author’s name and was believed
to have been inspired by a Dominican friar.

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28 December-Rizal was visited by an Augustinian friar in his house. The friar pulled his ears and wanted
to attack him. But Rizal stopped the intruder by twisting the latter’s hand.

1882

25 January- The duplicate of his diploma in Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery was issued by the
Ministry of Development in Madrid.

30 January In a letter, Juan Luna favourably endorsed Rizal’s plan of establishing a Filipino colony in
Borneo. He wished Rizal luck and success in this project.

January- Everyday, after his medical practices in his clinic, he continues writing his third novel. It treats
exclusively about the Tagalog customs, usages, virtues and defects. Meanwhile, his brother Paciano
translated the Noli into tagalog.

1 February Rizal paid thirty-five pesos (P35.00) to D. Mallunko for the rent on the premises of A-2
Rednaxela from January 1st to 31st.

6 February Rizal wrote a letter addressed to “My beloved friend” and signed it with the name Cabisa.

15 February The Hongkong Telegraph published the letter of Rizal signed Philippines in with he
denounced the Vandalistic actions of the friar manager of the Dominicans in destroying the houses of
those who refused to pay the exorbitant rentals demanded of them in Calamba.

23 February Rizal wrote a letter to Blumentritt in which h informed the letter of his plan of immigrating to
Borneo where he could establish another Calamba free from abuses of the Friars and the civil guards.

2 March he visited Victoria Gaol in Hongkong. He was accompanied by Dr. Lorenzo Pereira Marques
who was the physician of the state prison.

MARCH 7- Rizal left North Borneo on board the boat Memon for Hongkong. In the
morning, he was travelling in the Philippine waters near Cagayan de Oro.

MARCH 8- He was travelling along from Mindoro Straight on his way back to
Hongkong from North Borneo. Mindoro, according to him is mountainous on the
southeastern part, with few tress and uninhabited.

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 RIZAL BACK IN HONGKONG

MARCH 11 Rizal received the duplicate copy of his Licentiate in Medicine, which allowed
him to practice his medical profession in the Crown Colony. Governor-General Despujol
issued a decree of pardon for some Rizal’s followers and friends who were departed to far
places.

MARCH 17 He thanked the staff members of the La Solidaridad for the campaign
undertaken for the Calamba case. The La Solidaridad carried articles about the troubles is
Calamba whose people were stripped off of the land they were cultivating by friars.

MARCH 21 In a letter, he asked permission from Governor-General to change his nationality

and to gather the few properties of his family left Calamba. He informed the latter of his plan of
establishing a Filipino Colony in Borneo.

MARCH 22 Rizal received a receipt for $88.28 from Weynon and Robinson of Hongkong in
payment for the account of Sixto Lopez which was paid by him.

MARCH 23 The Rector of the Universidad Central de Madrid wrote to the Minister of the
State, requesting that the representative of the Spanish government in Hongk0ng deliver
personally the diploma of Rizal at the instance of Baldomero Roxa y Luz.

APRIL 20 He abandoned the idea of continuing to write in Tagalog the third part of his third
novel.

MAY 23 He sent a letter of protest to Mariano Ponce against the article of Eduardo Lete
published in the La Solidaridad. He wondered why Marcelo H. Del Pilar permitted the
publication of such article. He feared that it would lead the Filipinos to believe the existence of
schism among them. He was angry and furious at the attack of Lete.
MAY 24 In Hongkong, Rizal wrote a letter to Juan Zulueta complaining of the article of Lete
published in the La Solidaridad. He said that the article of Lete is highly impolite and
prejudicial to the Philippines.

JUNE 15 He urged Mariano Ponce to establish a portable Tagalog printing press in Manila to
handle the publication of news and articles whenever necessary.

JUNE 20 He wrote two letters which he left sealed in the in that custody of Dr. Lorenzo P.
Marques, with instructions that these letters “be made public after my death”. One of these was
addressed to his parents, brother, sisters, and friends; and other, to his countrymen.

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 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka

TEMPLE OF BUDDHA

Franciscans

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 Ships going to Colombo

Board of the Ship

Mr. W.B. Pryer

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 ACTIVITY #1

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Fill in the boxes with the impression or important event that Dr. Jose Rizal
made in every country he visited during his second tour abroad. (5 points each)

RIZAL’S SECOND TOUR TO ABROAD

JAPAN USA ENGLAND FRANCE

SPAIN BELGIUM VIETNAM HONGKONG

End of seventh week

-------------------------------------Nothing Follows--------------------------------------

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 SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE
FOR
GE 119: LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 8

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 WEEK 8
4th Major Period in the Life of Dr. Jose Rizal (1892-1896)
Dapitan Exile, Trial, & Execution

“On this battlefield, man has no weapon than

his intelligence, no other force but his heart.”
- Dr. Jose P. Rizal

LIFE IN DAPITAN

Rizal lived in exile in far-away Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao, which was under the missionary
jurisdiction of the Jesuits, from 1892 to 1896. This four-year interregnum in his life was tediously
unexciting, but was abundantly fruitful with varied achievements. He practices medicine, pursued
scientific studies, continued his artistic and literary works, widened his knowledge of languages,
established a school of boys, promoted community developments projects, invented a wooden machine
for making bricks, and engaged in farming and commerce. Despite his multifarious activities, he kept an
extensive correspondence with his family, relatives, fellow reformists, and eminent scientists and
scholars of Europe, including Blumentritt. Reinhold Rost, A.B. Meyer, W. Joest of Berlin, S. Knuttle of
Stuttgart, and N.M Keight of Prague.

Beginning of Exile in Dapitan. The steamer Cebu which brought Rizal to Dapitan carried a letter
from Father Pablo Pastells, Superior of the Jesuit Society in the Philippines, to Father Antonio Obach,
Jesuit parish priest of Dapitan. In this letter, Father Superior Pastells informed Father Obach that Rizal
could live at the parish convent on the following conditions:

1. “That Rizal publicly retract his errors concerning religion, and make statements that were
clearly pro-Spanish and against revolution.
2. “That he performs the church rites and makes a general confession of his past life.
3. “That henceforth he conducts himself in an exemplary manner as a Spanish subject and a
man of religion.”
Rizal did not agree with these conditions. Consequently, he lived in the house of the commandant,
Captain Carnicero. The relations between Carnicero (the warden) and Rizal (the prisoner) were warmed
and friendly. Carniceros was charmed by Rizal’s fine qualities and personalities. They ate together at the
same table and had many friendly conversations. Carnicero came to know that Rizal was not a common
felon, much less a Filibustero. He gave good reports on his prisoner to Governor Despujol. He gave him
complete freedom to go anywhere, reporting only once a week at his office, and permitted Rizal, who
was a good equestrian, to ride his chestnut horse.

Rizal, on his part, admired the kind, generous Spanish Captain. As evidence of his esteem, he wrote
a poem, A Don Ricardo Canicero, on August 26, 1892, on the captain’s birthday.

Wins in Manila Lottery

On September 21, 1892, the sleepy town of Dapitan burst in hectic excitement. The mail boat
Butuan was approaching the town, with colored pennants flying in the sea breezes. Captain Canicero,
thinking that a high Spanish official was coming, hastily dressed in gala uniform, ordered the town folks
to gather at the shore, and himself rushed there, bringing a brass band.

The mail boat, Butuan, brought no Spanish officials but the happy tidings that the Lottery Ticket No.
9736 jointly owned by Captain Carnicero, Dr. Rizal, and Francisco Equilor (Spanish resident of Dipolog,
a neighboring town of Dapitan) won the second prize of P20, 000 in the government-owned Manila
Lottery.

Rizal’s share of the winning lottery ticket was PHP6, 200.00. Upon receiving this sum, he gave
PHP2, 000.00 to his father and PHP200.00 to his friend Basamin Hong Kong, and the rest he invested

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well by purchasing agricultural lands along the coast of Talisay, about one kilometer away from Dapitan.
Rizal’s winning in the Manila Lottery reveals an aspect of his lighter side. He never drank hard liquor and
never smoked, but he was a lottery addict. During his first sojourn in Madrid from 1882 to 1885, he
always invested at least three pasetas every month in lottery tickets. “This was his only vice,”
commented Wenceslao Retana, his first Spanish Biographer and former enemy.

Rizal-Pastells Debate on Religion

During his exile in Dapitan, Rizal had a long and scholarly debate with Father Pastells on Religion. It
started when Father Pastells sent him a book by Sarda, with advice that the latter (Rizal) should desist
from his majaderas (foolishness) in viewing religion from the prism of individual judgment and
self-esteem.
This interesting religious debate may be read in four letters written by Rizal, as flows: (1) September
1, 1892; (2) November 11, 1892; (3) January 9, 1893; and (4) April 4, 1893; and in Father Pastells’
replies dated: (1) October 12, 1892, (2) December 8, 1892, (3) February 2, 1893, and (4) April (no exact
date), 1893.
In all his letters to Father Pastells, Rizal revealed his anti-Catholic ideas, which he had acquired in
Europe and embitterment at his persecution by the bad friars. It is understandable why he was bitter
against the friars who committed certain abuses under the cloak of religion. As he wrote to Blumentritt
from Paris on January 20, 1890: “I want to hit the friars, but only friars who utilized religion not only as a
shield, but also as a false and superstitious religion in order to fight the enemy who hid himself behind it.”
According to Rizal, individual judgment is a gift from God, everybody should use it like a lantern to
show the way, and that self-esteem, if moderated by judgment, saves man from unworthy acts. He also
argued that the pursuit of truth might lie in different paths, and thus “religious may vary, but they all lead
to the light.”
Father Pastells tried his best to win back Rizal to the fold of Catholicism. Divine faith, he told Rizal,
supersedes everything, including reason, self-esteem, and individual judgment. No matter how wise a
man is, he argued, his intelligence is limited; hence, he needs the guidance of God. He refuted Rizal’s
attacks on Catholic dogmas as misconceptions of rationalism and naturalism, errors of misguided souls.
This interesting debate between two brilliant polemicists ended inconclusively. Rizal could not
convince by Pastells arguments so that he lived in Dapitan beyond the pale of his Mother Church.
In spite of their religious differences, Rizal and Pastells remained good friends. Father Pastells gave
Rizal a copy of the Imitacion de Cristo (Imitation of Christ), a famous Catholic book by Father Thomas a
Kempis. And Rizal, in grateful reciprocation, gave his Jesuit opponent in debate a bust of St. Paul, which
he had made.
Although Rizal did not subscribe to Pastells’ religious interpretation of Catholic dogmas, he
continued to be a Catholic, and celebrate Christmas and other religious fiestas in the Catholic way. His
Catholicism, however, was the Catholicism that inquires and enlightens, the “Catholicism of Renan and
Teilhard de Chardin.”

Rizal Challenges a Frenchman to a Duel

While Rizal was still debating with Father Pastells by means of exchange of letters, he became
involved in a quarrel with a French acquaintance in Dapitan, Mr. Juan Lardet, a businessman. This man
purchased many logs from the lands of Rizal. It so happened that some of the logs were a poor quality.
Lardet, in a letter written to Antonio Miranda, a friend of Rizal, expressed his disgust with the
business deal and stated that "if he (Rizal - Z) were a truthful man, he would have told me that the
lumber not included in the account were bad.
Miranda forwarded Lardet's letter to Rizal making Rizal flared up in anger for the Frenchman's
unsavoury comment as an affront to his integrity. Immediately, he confronted Lardet and challenged him
to a duel.
Carnicero, a commandant, told the Frenchman to apologize rather than accept the challenge
quoting, "My friend, you have not a Chinaman's chance in a fight with Rizal on a field of honour. Rizal
is an expert in martial arts, particularly in fencing and pistol shooting."
Heeding commandant's advice, Lardet wrote to Rizal in French apologizing for the insulting
comment. Rizal, as a gentleman and well-versed in pundonor (Hispanic chivalric code) accepted the
apology, and good relations between him and the Frenchman were restored.
It is interesting to recall that twice before his sensitivity caused him to challenge people to a duel -
Antonio Luna in 1890 and W.E. Retana in the same year.

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 Rizal and Father Sanchez

Fr. Francisco de Paua Sanchez, Rizal's favourite teacher at the Ateneo de Manila, to Dapitan. He
was the only Spanish priest to defend Rizal's Noli Me Tangere in public. Many Jesuits tried their best to
bring back Rizal within the Catholic fold, discarding his "errors of religion". Father
Sanchez used to argue theologically in a friendly manner with Rizal but all the efforts of Sanchez were
in vain. Despite his failures to persuade Rizal, Fr. Sanchez enjoyed the latter’s company and he even
assisted Rizal in beautifying the town plaza.

Idyllic Life in Dapitan

Since August 1893, members of his family took turns in visiting him in order
to assuage his loneliness.He built his house by the seashore of Talisay, surrounded by fruit trees and
another house for his school boys and a hospital for his parents. Describing his life in Dapitan, Rizal
wrote to Blumentritt on Dec. 19, 1893:
I shall tell you how we live here. I have three houses; one square, another hexagonal, and 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 whom I teach arithmetic,
Spanish and English; and in the hexagonal live my chickens.
From my house I hear themurmur of a crystal clear brook which comes from the high rocks; I see the se
ashore, the sea where I have small boats, two canoes or barotos, as they say here. I have many
fruit trees, mangoes, lanzones, guayabanos, baluno, nangka, etc. I have rabbits, dogs, cats, etc. I raise
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 myland; I dress, I go to the town in my baroto, treat the people there, and return at 12 when
myluncheon awaits me. Then I teach the boys until 4 P.M. and devote the after- noon to agriculture. I
spend the night reading and studying.

House of Rizal in Dapitan

Rizal used to cut logs in this area

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 Rizal’s Encounter with the Friar’s Spy

Pablo Mercado- assumed name of the spy whose real name was Florencio Namanan. He was a
native of Cagayan de Misamis, single and about 30 years old.
Hired by the Recollect Friar’s to a secret mission:
1. Introduce himself to Rizal as a friend and relative to spy on his activities.
2. Filch letters and writings of Rizal
3.
Captain Juan Sitges- succeeded Captain Carnicero on May 24, 1893 and instructed Anastacio
Adriaticofor the investigation.

Available documents on the failed mission of the spy have been quoted by three Rizalisst
biographers_Retana (1907), Palma (1949) and Jose Baron Fernandez (1982)
The secret mission of the spy was an espionage plot concocted by the friars.

As Physician in Dapitan

Due to poverty of the people in Dapitan, Rizal gave them free medicines.
August 1893- the operation of Doña Teodora. His fame as physician particularly as eye specialist spread
far and wide.

Don Ignacio Tumarong paid Rizal P3000 for restoring his eyesight.
Don Florencio Azacarraga, a rich haciendero of Aklan cured of eye ailment paid Rizal a cargo
of sugar.

Water System for Dapitan

Rizal having the title of perito agrimensor applied his knowledge of engineering by constructing a
system of water works given inadequate tools and without aid from the government. He was praised by
an American Engineer, Mr. M. F. Cameron

Community Projects for Dapitan

 Spent many months draining the mashes in order to get rid of malaria
 Lighting system
 Beautification of Dapitan

Rizal as Teacher

During his travels abroad he observed the education system of modern nations because he knows
how important education is.

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Casa Qudrada- this house was Rizal’s workshop with his students.

CASA CUADRADA was built to serve the growing population of his pupils. Area underneath served as
their workshop place.
- In 1883 Rizal established a school, with 16 pupils and later to 21;
- Subjects taught: reading, writing, languages (Spanish and English), geography, history, mathematics
(arithmetic and geometry), industrial work, nature study, morals and gymnastics; He trained them how to
collect specimens of plants and animals, to love work, and to "behave-like men."
- Formal classes were conducted from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- After class hours: pupils play games in order to strengthen their bodies (gymnastics, boxing, wrestling,
stone-throwing, swimming, arnis, and boating.)
- Language used: Spanish and English on every day (alternatively)
- As in the Ateneo, the best pupil was called "emperor" and he sat at the head of the bench; the poorest
pupil occupied the end of the bench.
- Instead of charging the students with tuition fees, he made them work in his garden, fields, and
construction projects in the community.

Contribution to Science

There was no question to Rizal's versatility when it comes to science.

Rizal conducted anthropological, ethnographical, archaeological, geological and geographical studies
Rizal was able to explore the jungles and coasts of Dapitan and nearby areas seeking specimens
of insects, birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, shells, and plants.
Rizal built up a rich collection of oncology, which consisted of 346 shells representing 203 species.

Artistic Works in Dapitan

Rizal helped the Sisters of Charity in painting an image for their sanctuary of the Holy Virgin. He
modelled the right foot of the image, the serpent and the apple in the serpent’s mouth. He also designed
the curtain in the painting.

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 He drew the three rare species he discovered in animal life: the dragon, the
frog and the beetle. He also drew fishes are caught in Dapitan.

He drew “The Mother’s Revenge”. It shows a

mother-dog killing a crocodile. It was when his pupils
secretly visited him in Dapitan and his puppy
followed them but was eaten by a crocodile.

Sculptural works: bust of Father Guenico (one of his ateneo professor) a statue of a girl called “The
Dapitan Girl”, a woodcarving of Josephine Bracken, and a bust of St. Paul.

Model head of Dapitan Girl Father Guenico

Rizal as Farmer

He acquired 16 hectares of land in Talisay. He built his home, school and hospital there. He also
planted cacao, coffee, sugarcane, coconuts and fruit trees in his land. He had total landholdings of about
70 hectares.

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There he introduced modern methods of agriculture.
He wanted to establish an agricultural colony in the sisio of ponot near Sindagan Bay but failed to
materialize due to lack of support from the government.

Rizal as Businessman

He partnered with Ramon Carreon, a Dapitan merchant in business ventures such as fishing, copra
& hemp industries. On May 14, 1893, they became partners in lime manufacturing.
In his letter to Hidalgo dated January 19, 1893, he planned to improve the fishing methods in Dapitan
through the use of big net for trawl fishing (pukutan) and teaching them better methods of fishing.
Hemp (he cannabis plant, esp. when grown for fibre.) was the most profitable business venture of Rizal.
On January 1, 1895, he organized the Cooperative Association of Dapitan Farmers to break theChines
monopoly business in Daptian.

Rizal and Josephine Bracken

The death of Leonora Rivera on August 28, 1893 due to child birth left a painful nothingness in
Rizal's life
A lady came to Dapitan, who is Josephine Bracken an Irish girl of sweet eighteen, she accompanied his
step-father, George Taufer, who later became blind, to seek for the ophthalmic services of the famous
Rizal.
They went to manila because no ophthalmic surgeon could cure his father's blindness in Hong Kong,
their hometown

After hearing that Rizal was in Dapitan, they proceeded together with Manuela Orlac and they bring
together with them a card of introduction from Julio Llorente, Rizal’s friend and school mate
Rizal and bracken fell in love with each other at first sight and after a month of romance they agreed to
marry but father Obach, priest of Dapitan, refused to marry them without the permission of
Cebu's bishop

When taufer heard about the marriage, he attempted to commit suicide by cutting of his throat but
rizal grabbed his wrist and prevented the attempted suicide

Mr. taufer's illness was not cured because his ailment was incurable

To avoid tragedy, Josephine went to manila with Taufer. But Josephine stayed at manila with Rizal’s
family while his father was returning home to Hong Kong
Later she returned to Dapitan and lived with Rizal and marries themselves in the eyes of GOD
Rizal made a poem for his lady in titled “Josephine, Josephine”
In the 1896, the couple were so happy about the said pregnancy of bracken
Unfortunately, Rizal played a prank on bracken which result to a premature birth to an eight month baby
boy who lived only for 3 hours and died
Rizal named his son “Francisco” in honour to his Father, Don Francisco

Rizal and Katipunan

Andres Bonifacio, the “great plebeian”, found the revisionary society called Katipunan on July 7, 1892
In a secret meeting of the Katipunan on May 2, 1896, Dr. Pio Valenzuela was named emissary to
Dapitan, in order to inform Rizal about the launching of revolution.
To disguise his mission, he brought with him a blind man named Raymundo Mata and a guide, which is
ostensibly going to Dapitan to seek Rizal’s medical advices
Valenzuela arrived at Dapitan on June 21, 1896
After talking to Rizal about the rebellion, Rizal objected Bonifacio's project to plunge in bloody revolution
for two reasons:
1. the people are not ready for the revolution
2. and the arms and funds must first be collected before raising the cry of revolution
He also disapproved of the plan of the Katipunan to rescue him because he had given his words to the
Spanish authority and he did not want to break it

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 Adios Dapitan

Rizal’s four year exile in Dapitan ended on July 31, 1896

At midnight on that date he embarked on board the streamer España
As farewell music, the town brass band played a funeral song.
When he could no longer see the shoreline, he went to his cabin and wrote in his diary: “I have been in
that district for four years, thirteen days, and a few hours.”

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 ACTIVITY #2

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

General Direction: Provide what is being asked. Use the Rubric below as your guide. Write
your answer in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the last page of this module.

TASKS:
1. Read the constitution of La liga Filipina and write a short essay about it.
20 points Rubric

Level Description
Outstanding Well written and very organized. Excellent grammar mechanics. Clear and concise
statements. Excellent effort and presentation with detail. Demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the topics.
Value: 18-20
Level Description
Good Writes fairly clear. Good grammar mechanics. Good presentation and organization.
Sufficient effort and detail.
Value: 15-17
Level Description
Fair Minimal effort. Good grammar mechanics. Fair presentation. Few supporting details.
Value: 10-14
Level: Description
Poor Somewhat unclear. Shows little effort. Poor grammar mechanics. Confusing and
incomplete sentences. No organization of thoughts.
Value: 5-9
Level: Description
Very Poor Lacking effort. Very poor grammar mechanic. Very unclear. Doesn’t address topic.
Limited attempt.
Value: 1-5

End of eighth week

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 SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE
FOR
GE 112: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 9

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 WEEK 9

TRIAL

1896 – the last homecoming of Rizal and the saddest return to his beloved native land - He
knew that he will be facing the supreme test, the sacrifice of his life but he’s unafraid - He
welcome it gladly, that he is sure that his blood will water the seeds of Filipino freedom

A Martyr’s Last Homecoming

Rizal’s home coming in 1896,the last in his life was his saddest return to his beloved native
land .He knew he was facing the supreme test, which might mean the sacrifice of his life, but he
was unafraid. • October 6.1896 Rizal conscientiously recorded the events in his diary. He was
given a good cabin in the scrod class and although strictly guarded he was courteously treated
by the army officers.” The officers on duty” seems amiable, refined and polite, consistent with
his seriousness of his duty”. • October 8 a friendly officer told Rizal that Madrid newspaper were
full of stories about the bloody revolution in the Philippines and were blaming him for it. He
wrote in his diary on the same date (October 8).

“I believe that what God is doing to me is a blessing, allowing me to go back to the Philippines
in order to be able to destroy such accusations. Because ,either they do me justice and recognize
my innocence and when I be rehabilitated or they sentence me to death and thereby, before the
eye so of society will forgive me and later , without any doubt, justice will be done me and I will
be one more martyr. At any rate, instead of dying abroad or in Managua (Jungle in Cuba), I’ll die
in my own country. I believe that what is happening is the best that can happen to me .Always let
Gods will be done! I feel more calm with regard to my future…I feel that the peace has
descended upon me, thank God! Thou art my hope and my consolation! Let your will be
condemned or absolved. I’m happy and ready.”

Confiscation of Rizal’s Diary

It was known to the Spanish authorities on board the colon that Rizal was keeping track of the
daily events in his diary. • October 11 before reaching Port, said Rizal’s diary was taken away
and was critically scrutinized by the authorities. • November 2 the diary was returned to him.

Arrival in Manila

November 3, the colon reached Manila. And Rizal was transferred in Fort Santiago.
Meanwhile, tha Spanish authorities fished for evidence against Rizal. Many Filipinos patriots,
including Deodato Arellano, Dr Pio Valenzuela, Moises Salvador, Jose Dizon, Doroteo Franco,
Temoteo Paez and Pedro Serrano Laktaw, were brutally tortured to implicate Rizal. Rizal’s own
brother Paciano was arrested and cruelly tortured but they never signed any damaging
statement incriminating Rizal. Although, their body was shattered on the torture rack and his left
hand crushed by the screw, their valiant Asian Spirit remained unbroken.

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 Rizal Chooses His Defender

The only right given to Rizal by the Spanish authorities was to choose his defence council
out of 100 presented to him. The name was familiar to him. • Luis Taviel de Andrade , was the
brother of Lt. Jose Taviel Andrade his former “body guard in Calamba”.

Rizal’s Manifesto to His People

On Dec 15, Rizal wrote a manifesto to his people appealing to them to stop the necessary
shedding of blood and to achieve their liberties by means of education and industry. •
Fortunately for Rizal, Judge Advocate Gen. Nicolas dela Peña recommended to Gov. Gen.
Polavieja that the manifesto be suppressed. The latter heeded the recommendation so that
Rizal’s manifesto was not issued to the people. Thus Rizal was “saved from the shame of his
manifesto being misinterpreted and disobeyed by the Filipinos in arms”.

Rizal’s Saddest Christmas

Dec 25, 1896 his last on earth, was the saddest in Rizal’s life. He was despair for he had no
illusions about his fate.
• It was a dark and cheerless Christmas for Rizal as he found himself alone and depressed in a
dreary prison cell.
• Brooding over his hopeless case, he wrote a letter to Lt. Taviel de Andrade, as follows:

Fort Santiago, December 25, 1896

My Very Distinguished Defender:
The Investigating Judge has informed me that tomorrow my case will be heard before the
court. I was waiting for you this morning to tell you of an important matter, but undoubtedly
the pressure of your work did not permit you to come as expected by the Investigating Judge.
If you have time, I should like to speak to you before I appear the court; I shall be grateful if
you come this afternoon, this evening, or tomorrow.
Wishing you “Merry Christmas” I reiterate, always your attentive and affectionate servant
and client.
Jose Rizal.

The Trial of Rizal

The trial of Rizal was very eloquent proof of Spanish injustice and misrule. His case was pre
judge he was considered guilty before the actual trial. The military court met not to give justice
but to condemn him.
At 8:00 am Dec 26, 1896 the court-martial of Rizal stated in the military building called Cuartel

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de Espana. Lt. Col. Jose Togores Arjona (president) Capt. RicardoMunoz Arias, Capt. Manuel
Reguera, Capt. Santiago IzquirdoOsorio, Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nunez, Capt. Manuel Diaz
Escribano, and Capt. Fermin Perez Rodriguez.
Also present at the courtroom were Dr Rizal (accused) Lt. Taviel de Andrade (his defence
counsel) Capt. Rafael Dominguez (Judge Advocate) Lt Enrique de Alcocer (Prosecuting Atty.)
and the spectators. Among the spectators were Josephine Bracken, some newspaper men, and
many Spaniards.
When Lt. Taviel de Andrade took his seat, the court asked Rizal whether he had anything to say.
Rizal when read a supplement to his defence which he wrote in his prison cell. In this
supplementary defence he further proved advised his innocence by twelve points:
1. He could not be guilty of rebellion, for he advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan to raise
revolution.
2. He did not correspond with the radical, revolutionary elements.
3. The revolutionists used his name without his knowledge. If he were guilty he could have
escaped n Singapore.
4. If he had a hand in the revolution, he could have escaped in a Moro vinta and would not
have built a home, a hospital, and bought land Dapitan.
5. If he were the chief of the revolution, why was he consulted by the revolutionists?
6. It was true he wrote the by-laws of the La Liga Filipina but this is only a civic
association-not a revolutionary society.
7. The Liga Filipina did not live long, for after the first meeting he was banished to Dapitan
and it died out.
8. If the Liga was recognized nine months later, he did not know about it.
9. The Liga did not serve the purpose of the revolutionists; otherwise they would not have
supplanted it with the Katipunan.
10. If it were true that there were some bitter comments in Rizal’s letter, it was because they
were written in 1890 when his family was being persecuted, being dispossessed of
houses, warehouse, lands, etc. and his brother and all his brothers-in-law were
deported.
11. His life in Dapitan had been exemplary as the politico-military commanders and
missionary priests could attest.
12. It was not true that the revolution was inspired by his one speech at the house of Doroteo
Ongjungco, as allegedly witnesses whom he would like to confront. His friends knew his
opposition to armed rebellion. Why did the Katipunan send an emissary to Dapitan who
was unknown to him? Because those who knew him aware that he would never sanction
any violent movement.
The military court, prejudiced as it was remained indifferent to Rizal’s pleading. After a short
deliberation, the military court unanimously voted for the sentence of death.
December 26th – the court decision was submitted to Governor General Polavieja. Immediately,
Polavieja sought the opinion of Judge Advocate General Nicolas de la Peña on the court
decision. The latter affirmed the death verdict.

Polavieja Signs Rizal’s Execution

On Dec 28, 1896 approved the decision of the court martial and ordered Rizal to be shot at
7:00 o’clock in the morning on Dec 30 at Bagumbayan Field (Luneta).
• The decree runs like this:

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 Manila, December 28, 1896:
Comfortably to the foregoing opinion. I approve the sentence dictated by the Court Martial in
the present case, by virtue of which the death penalty is imposed on the accused Jose Rizal
Mercado, which shall be executed by shooting him at 7:00 o’clock in the morning of the 30th of
this month in the field of Bagumbayan. For compliance and the rest that may correspond, let
this be returned to the Judge Advocate, Captain Don Rafael Dominguez.
Camilio G. de Polavieja

For signing the fatal document ordering the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal, Governor General
Polavieja won the eternal odium of the Filipino people. He and other Spanish officials who were
responsible for the death of Rizal will evermore remain as obnoxious villains in the Philippine
history.

Mi Ultimo Adios

The poem is more aptly titled, "Adiós, Patria Adorada" (literally "Farewell, Beloved
Fatherland"), by virtue of logic and literary tradition, the words coming from the first line of the
poem itself. It first appeared in print not in Manila but in Hong Kong in 1897, when a copy of the
poem and an accompanying photograph came to J. P. Braga who decided to publish it in a
monthly journal he edited. There was a delay when Braga, who greatly admired Rizal, wanted a
good facsimile of the photograph and sent it to be engraved in London, a process taking well
over two months. It finally appeared under 'Mi último pensamiento,' a title he supplied and by
which it was known for a few years. Thus, the Jesuit Balaguer's anonymous account of the
retraction and the marriage to Josephine was published in Barcelona before word of the poem's
existence had reached him and he could revise what he had written. His account was too
elaborate for Rizal to have had time to write "Adiós."

Impact of Mi Ultimo Adios

Six years after his death, when the Philippine Organic Act of 1902 was being debated in the
United States Congress, Representative Henry Cooper of Wisconsin rendered an English
translation of Rizal's valedictory poem capped by the peroration, "Under what clime or what
skies has tyranny claimed a nobler victim?" Subsequently, the US Congress passed the bill into
law, which is now known as the Philippine Organic Act of 1902.
This was a major breakthrough for a U.S. Congress that had yet to grant the equal rights to
African Americans guaranteed to them in the U.S. Constitution and at a time the Chinese
Exclusion Act was still in effect. It created the Philippine legislature, appointed two Filipino
delegates to the U.S. Congress, extended the U.S. Bill of Rights to Filipinos and laid the
foundation for an autonomous government. The colony was on its way to independence.The
United States passed the Jones Law that made the legislature fully autonomous until 1916 but
did not recognize Philippine independence until the Treaty of Manila in 1946—fifty years after
Rizal's death. This same poem, which has inspired independence activists across the region
and beyond, was recited (in its Indonesian translation by Rosihan Anwar) by Indonesian
soldiers of independence before going into battle.

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 ACTIVITY #3
Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Read and understand this module. Provide what is being asked. Use the Rubric below as
your guide. Write your answer in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the last page of this
module.

Tasks:
1. Read the constitution of La liga Filipina and fill out the table (graphic organizer) with the aims
of La liga Filipina in one column and examples of how these aims could be attained in other
column.
20 points rubric

End of nineth week

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 SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE
FOR
GE 112: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 10

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 WEEK 10

MARTYRDOM

Martyrdom at Bagumbayan

After being court- martialed, Rizal returned to his cell in Fort Santiago to prepare his rendezvous with
destiny.
He was also able to write his last poem- his final contribution for the emancipation of the Filipino people.

Last Hours of Rizal

On December 26, 1896, the military court tried Jose Rizal and later found him guilty of rebellion, sedition,
and conspiracy. The Spanish authorities believed that Rizal’s writings “fatally and necessarily” incited the
rebellion which, by 1896, had already become a revolution. On December 29 at 6 a.m., Capt. Rafael
Dominguez read before Rizal his death sentence. His execution was scheduled the following day.
At around 7 a.m. of December 29, Rizal was transferred to his death cell in Fort Santiago. There he
received numerous visitors, including his counsel; some Spanish officials; and several priests, his former
professors, with whom he supposedly discussed reason and religion. The Archbishop of Manila, Rev.
Bernardino Nozaleda, recalled: “During that day, although Rizal did not reject [the Jesuits], he persisted
in his errors contrary to the Catholic faith.… However, at the last hour, Rizal abjured, in writing, his
religious errors.” In other words, Rizal, a Mason, was said to have recanted his statements against the
Church and to have returned to the Catholic faith.
The controversy over Rizal’s retraction has not been settled. The “original” document of Rizal’s
“retraction” was found in the archdiocesan archives in 1935, 39 years after having disappeared the day
Rizal was shot. There was no record of anybody seeing this “original” document in 1896, except the
publishers of La Voz Española, which published its contents on the day of Rizal’s execution: “We have
seen and read his (Rizal’s) own handwritten retraction which he sent to our dear and venerable
Archbishop….” Most experts think that the handwriting on the document is authentic. However, scholars
are baffled as to why Rizal, who courageously faced persecution for most of his life, and who was finally
sentenced to death for his beliefs, would suddenly balk at the last, futile moment. (For more discussion
on Rizal’s retraction, see Garcia, 1964; Guerrero, 1998; and Vaño, 1985).
In his last hours Rizal read the Bible and Thomas à Kempis’s Imitation of Christ, which he later
dedicated to Josephine Bracken. He also wrote the poem “Mi Ultimo Adiós,” which he concealed in an
alcohol burner. When his family came to see him, he asked pardon from his mother and talked to his
sisters as they entered his cell one by one. He also wrote letters. In his last letter, addressed to Paciano
Rizal, he asked his brother to ask their father for forgiveness for all the pain he had caused him. To his
friend Ferdinand Blumentritt, he wrote: “When you receive this letter, I shall be dead by then….
Tomorrow at seven, I shall be shot; but I am innocent of the crime of rebellion…. I am going to die with a
tranquil conscience.”
At 7 a.m. on December 30, 1896 at Luneta, Manila, the 35-year-old patriot was shot in the back by a
firing squad. He hesitated, turned halfway around to face his executioners, and fell on his back to face
the Philippine sun.

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 Rizal’s Last Letter to Paciano

To Paciano, he said:

It has been four years a half that we have not seen each other, addressed each other in writing
or orally. I don't think this is due to a lack of affection on my part or you but, knowing each
other so well, we have no need of words to understand each other.
... I think of how you have worked to enable me to have a career. I believe I have not tried to
waste my time. Brother, if the fruit has been bitter, it's not my fault, it is the fault of
circumstances. I know that you have suffered much because of me, I am so sorry.
I assure you that I am innocent of this crime of rebellion. If my former writings had
contributed this, I should not deny it but then I believe I have cleansed myself of this with my
exile.
Tell our father I remember him, but how? I remember my whole childhood, his tenderness,
his love. Ask him to forgive me for the pain I caused him unwillingly.

Jose Rizal bids his family farewell — "It is better to die than to live suffering" — How he wishes to be
buried.

A Letter to His Parents

To my family,
I ask you for forgiveness for the pain I cause you, but someday I shall have to die and it is
better that I die now in the plenitude of my conscience.
Dear parents and brothers: give thanks to God that I may preserve my tranquillity before my
death. I die resigned, hoping that with my death you will be left in peace. Ah! It is better to die
than to live suffering. Console yourselves.
I enjoin you to forgive one another the little meanness of life and try to live united in peace and
good harmony. Treat your old parents as you would like to be treated by your children later.
Love them very much in my memory.
Bury me in the ground. Place a stone and a cross over it. My name, the date of my birth and of
my death. Nothing more. If later you wish to surround my grave with a fence, you can do it.
No anniversaries. I prefer Paang Bundok.
Have pity on poor Josephine.

Death March to Bagumbayan

By 6:30am, Rizal's march to Bagumbayan commenced. He – in his black suit, black necktie, black hat,
black shoes and white vest – calmly walked from his prison cell in Fort Santiago to the execution site,
with Lt. Taviel de Andrade on one side and Fathers Estanislao March and Jose Villaclara, on the other
side. They walked behind four advanced guards armed with bayonets.

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 Martyrdom of a Hero

Rizal, knowing that his rendezvous with destiny was imminent, bade farewell to Fathers march and Villa
Clara and to his gallant defender, LT.Luis Taviel de Andrade although his arms were tied, he firmly
clasped their hands in parting one of the priest blessed him offered him a crucifix to kiss. Rizal recently
bowed his head and kissed it. Then he requested the commander of the firing squad, that he be shot
facing the firing squad. His request was denied; force captain had implicit orders to shot him in the back
ABOUT 6:30 a.m.

Rizal was dressed elegantly in a black suit, black shows, white shirt, and black tie his arms were tied
behind from elbow to elbow, but the rope was quite loose to give his arms freedom of movement.
To the muffled sounds of the drums, the cavalcade somnolently marched slowly. There was a handful of
spectators lining the street from ort Santiago to the plaza del Palacio in front of the manila cathedral.
A trumpet sounded at fort Santiago, a signal to begin the death march to Bagumbayan, the designated
place for the executions. The advance guard of four soldiers with bayoneted rifles moved. A few meters
behind, Rizal walked calmly, with his defence counsel (Lt.Luis Taviel de Vilaclara).

Aftermath of a Hero-Martyr’s Death

An hour or so after the shooting a dead-wagon from San Juan de Dios Hospital took Rizal's body to
Paco Cemetery. The civil governor of Manila was in charge and there also were present the members of
a Church society whose duty it was to attend executions.
Rizal had been wearing a black suit which he had obtained for his European trip, and a derby hat, not
only appropriate for a funeral occasion because of their somber color, but also more desirable than white
both for the full day's wear, since they had to be put on before the twenty-four hours in the chapel, and
for the lying on the ground which would follow the execution of the sentence. A plain box inclosed the
remains thus dressed, for even the hat was picked up and encoffined.
No visitors were admitted to the cemetery while the interment was going on, and for several weeks after
guards watched over the grave, lest Filipinos might come by night to steal away the body and apportion
the clothing among themselves as relics of a martyr. Even the exact spot of the interment was intended
to be unknown, but friends of the family were among the attendants at the burial and dropped into the
grave a marble slab which had been furnished them, bearing the initials of the full baptismal name, Jose
Protasio Rizal, in reversed order.
The entry of the burial, like that of three of his followers of the Liga Filipina who were among the dozen
executed a fortnight later, was on the back flyleaf of the cemetery register, with three or four words of
explanation later erased and now unknown. On the previous page was the entry of a suicide's death,
and following it is that of the British Consul who died on the eve of Manila's surrender and whose body,
by the Archbishop's permission, was stored in a Paco niche till it could be removed to the Protestant
(foreigners') cemetery at San Pedro Macati.
The day of Rizal's execution, the day of his birth and the day of his first leaving his native land was a
Wednesday. All that night, and the next day, the celebration continued the volunteers, who were
particularly responsible, like their fellows in Cuba, for the atrocities which disgraced Spain's rule in the
Philippines, being especially in evidence. It was their clamor that had made the bringing back of Rizal
possible, their demands for his death had been most prominent in his so-called trial, and now they were
praising themselves for their "patriotism." The landlords had objected to having their land titles
questioned and their taxes raised. The other friar orders, as well as these, were opposed to a campaign
which sought their transfer from profitable parishes to self-sacrificing missionary labors. But probably
none of them as organizations desired Rizal's death.
Rizal's old teachers wished for the restoration of their former pupil to the faith of his childhood, from
which they believed he had departed. Through Despujol they seem to have worked for an opportunity for
influencing him, yet his death was certainly not in their plans.
Some Filipinos, to save themselves, tried to complicate Rizal with the Katipunan uprising by palpable
falsehoods. But not every man is heroic and these can hardly be blamed, for if all the alleged
confessions were not secured by actual torture, they were made through fear of it, since in 1896 there
was in Manila the legal practice of causing bodily suffering by mediaval methods supplemented by
torments devised by modern science.

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Among the Spaniards in Manila then, reenforced by those whom the uprising had frightened out of the
provinces, were a few who realized that they belonged among the classes caricatured in Rizal's
novels-some incompetent, others dishonest, cruel ones, the illiterate, wretched specimens that had
married outside their race to get money and find wives who would not know them for what they were, or
drunken husbands of viragoes. They came to the Philippines because they were below the standard of
their homeland. These talked the loudest and thus dominated the undisciplined volunteers. With nothing
divine about them, since they had not forgotten, they did not forgive. So when the Tondo "discoverer" of
the Katipunan fancied he saw opportunity for promotion in fanning their flame of wrath, they claimed
their victims, and neither the panic-stricken populace nor the weak-kneed government could withstand
them.
Once more it must be repeated that Spain has no monopoly of bad characters, nor suffers in the
comparison of her honorable citizenship with that of other nationalities, but her system in the Philippines
permitted abuses which good governments seek to avoid or, in the rare occasions when this is
impossible, aim to punish. Here was the Spanish shortcoming, for these were the defects which made
possible so strange a story as this biography unfolds. "Jose Rizal," said a recent Spanish writer, "was the
living indictment of Spain's wretched colonial system."
Rizal's family were scattered among the homes of friends brave enough to risk the popular resentment
against everyone in any way identified with the victim of their prejudice.
As New Year's eve approached, the bands ceased playing and the marchers stopped parading. Their
enthusiasm had worn itself out in the two continuous days of celebration, and there was a lessening of
the hospitality with which these "heroes" who had "saved the fatherland" at first had been entertained.
Their great day of the year became of more interest than further remembrance of the bloody occurrence
on Bagumbayan Field. To those who mourned a son and a brother the change must have come as a
welcome relief, for even sorrow has its degrees, and the exultation over the death embittered their grief.
To the remote and humble home where Rizal's widow and the sister to whom he had promised a parting
gift were sheltered, the Dapitan schoolboy who had attended his imprisoned teacher brought an alcohol
cooking-lamp. It was midnight before they dared seek the "something" which Rizal had said was inside.
The alcohol was emptied from the tank and, with a convenient hair pin, a tightly folded and doubled
piece of paper was dislodged from where it had been wedged in, out of sight, so that its rattling might not
betray it.
It was a single sheet of notepaper bearing verses in Rizal's well-known handwriting and familiar style.
Hastily the young boy copied them, making some minor mistakes owing to his agitation and unfamiliarity
with the language, and the copy, without explanation, was mailed to Mr. Basa in Hongkong. Then the
original was taken by the two women with their few possessions and they fled to join the insurgents in
Cavite.

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 ACTIVITY #4

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Read and understand this module. Provide what is being asked. Use the Rubric
below as your guide. Write your answer in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the
last page of this module.

Tasks:

1. What did Dr. Castillo find out when he felt Rizal’s pulse?
2. Why has Rizal’s request that he be shot facing the firing squad been denied? Explain.

Rubric
Level Description
Outstanding Well written and very organized. Excellent grammar mechanics. Clear and
concise statements. Excellent effort and presentation with detail. Demonstrates a
thorough understanding of the topics.
Value: 18-20
Level Description
Good Writes fairly clear. Good grammar mechanics. Good presentation and
organization.
Sufficient effort and detail.
Value: 15-17
Level Description
Fair Minimal effort. Good grammar mechanics. Fair presentation. Few supporting
details.
Value: 10-14
Level: Description
Poor Somewhat unclear. Shows little effort. Poor grammar mechanics. Confusing and
incomplete sentences. No organization of thoughts.
Value: 5-9
Level: Description
Very Poor Lacking effort. Very poor grammar mechanic. Very unclear. Doesn’t address
topic. Limited attempt.
Value: 1-5
Level Description
Outstanding Student uses 3 or more sentences in their own words to describe clearly what the
main points are about.
Value: 45-50
Level Description
Good Student uses 3 or less sentences to describe the main points, but not all is in their
own words.
Value: 35-44
Level Description
Fair Student summarizes most of the main points accurately, but has some
misunderstanding and may need to reread or seek tutoring for understanding.
Value: 28-34
Level: Description
Poor Student has difficulty summarizing the main points and needs to see the teacher.
Value: 20-27

End of tenth week

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 SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE
FOR
GE 112: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 11

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 WEEK 11

Criticism and Controversies

Attempts to debunk legends surrounding Rizal, and the tug of war between free thinker and
Catholic, have kept his legacy controversial.

National Hero Status

The confusion over Rizal's real stance on the Philippine Revolution leads to the sometimes
bitter question of his ranking as the nation's premier hero. But then again, according to the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Section Chief Teodoro Atienza, and
Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo, there is no Filipino historical figure, including Rizal, that was
officially declared as national hero through law or executive order. Although, there were laws
and proclamations honouring Filipino heroes.

Made National Hero by Colonial Americans

Some suggest that Jose Rizal was made a legislated national hero by the American forces
occupying the Philippines. In 1901, the American Governor General William Howard
Taft suggested that the U.S. sponsored Philippine Commission name Rizal a national hero for
Filipinos. Jose Rizal was an ideal candidate, favourable to the American occupiers since he was
dead, and non-violent, a favourable quality which, if emulated by Filipinos, would not threaten
the American rule or change the status quo of the occupiers of the Philippine islands. Rizal did
not advocate independence for the Philippines either.[96] Subsequently, the US-sponsored
commission passed Act No. 346 which set the anniversary of Rizal's death as a “day of
observance.”
Renato Constantino writes Rizal is a "United States-sponsored hero" who was promoted as the
greatest Filipino hero during the American colonial period of the Philippines – after Aguinaldo
lost the Philippine–American War. The United States promoted Rizal, who represented peaceful
political advocacy (in fact, repudiation of violent means in general) instead of more radical
figures whose ideas could inspire resistance against American rule. Rizal was selected
over Andrés Bonifacio who was viewed "too radical" and Apolinario Mabini who was considered
"unregenerate."

Made National Hero by Emilio Aguinaldo

On the other hand, numerous sources quote that it was General Emilio Aguinaldo, and not the
second Philippine Commission, who first recognized December 30 as "national day of mourning
in memory of Rizal and other victims of Spanish tyranny. As per them, the first celebration of
Rizal Day was held in Manila on December 30, 1898, under the sponsorship of the Club
Filipino.
The veracity of both claims seems to be justified and hence difficult to ascertain. However, most
historians agree that a majority of Filipinos were unaware of Rizal during his lifetime, as he was
a member of the richer elite classes (he was born in an affluent family, had lived abroad for
nearly as long as he had lived in the Philippines) and wrote primarily in an elite language (at that
time, Tagalog and Cebuano were the languages of the masses) about ideals as lofty as
freedom (the masses were more concerned about day to day issues like earning money and
making a living, something which has not changed much today).

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Teodoro Agoncillo opines that the Philippine national hero, unlike those of other countries, is not
"the leader of its liberation forces". He gives the opinion that Andrés Bonifacio not replace Rizal
as national hero, like some have suggested, but that be honored alongside him.
Constantino's analysis has been criticised for its polemicism and inaccuracies regarding Rizal.
The historian Rafael Palma contends that the revolution of Bonifacio is a consequence wrought
by the writings of Rizal and that although the Bonifacio's revolver produced an immediate
outcome; the pen of Rizal generated a more lasting achievement.

Rizal’s Role in the Philippine Revolution

Upon the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution in 1896, Valenzuela surrendered to the Spanish
authorities and testified in military court that Rizal had strongly condemned an armed struggle
for independence when Valenzuela asked for his support. Rizal had even refused him entry to
his house. Bonifacio, in turn, had openly denounced him as a coward for his refusal.
But years later, Valenzuela testified that Rizal had been favorable to an uprising as long as the
Filipinos were well-prepared, and well-supplied with arms. Rizal had suggested that
the Katipunan get wealthy and influential Filipino members of society on their side, or at least
ensure they would stay neutral. Rizal had even suggested his friend Antonio Luna to lead the
revolutionary forces since he had studied military science. In the event that the Katipunan was
discovered prematurely, they should fight rather than allow themselves to be killed. Valenzuela
said to historian Teodoro Agoncillo that he had lied to the Spanish military authorities about
Rizal's true stance toward a revolution in an attempt to exculpate him.
Before his execution, Rizal wrote a proclamation denouncing the revolution. But as noted by
historian Floro Quibuyen, his final poem Mi ultimo adios contains a stanza which equates his
coming execution and the rebels then dying in battle as fundamentally the same, as both are
dying for their country.

Legacy

Rizal was a contemporary of Gandhi, Tagore and Sun Yat Sen who also advocated liberty
through peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. Coinciding with the appearance of
those other leaders, Rizal from an early age had been enunciating in poems, tracts and plays,
ideas his own of modern entire nation hood as a practical possibility in Asia. In the Noli he
stated that if European civilization had nothing better to offer, colonialism in Asia was doomed.
Though popularly mentioned, especially on blogs, there is no evidence to suggest that
Gandhi or Nehru may have corresponded with Rizal, neither have they mentioned him in any of
their memoirs or letters. But it was documented by Rizal's biographer, Austin Coates who
interviewed Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi that Rizal was mentioned, specifically in Nehru's
prison letters to his daughter Indira.
As a political figure, José Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that
subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andrés Bonifacio, a secret society which would
start the Philippine Revolution against Spain that eventually laid the foundation of the First
Philippine Republic under Emilio Aguinaldo. He was a proponent of achieving Philippine
self-government peacefully through institutional reform rather than through violent revolution,
and would only support "violent means" as a last resort. Rizal believed that the only justification
for national liberation and self-government was the restoration of the dignity of the people,
saying "Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?" However,
through careful examination of his works and statements, including Mi Ultimo Adios, Rizal
reveals himself as a revolutionary. His image as the Tagalog Christ also intensified early
reverence to him.
Rizal, through his reading of Morga and other western historians, knew of the genial image of
Spain's early relations with his people. In his writings, he showed the disparity between the
early colonialists and those of his day, with the latter's injustices giving rise to Gomburza and

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the Philippine Revolution of 1896. The English biographer, Austin Coates, and writer, Benedict
Anderson, believe that Rizal gave the Philippine revolution a genuinely national character; and
that Rizal's patriotism and his standing as one of Asia's first intellectuals have inspired others of
the importance of a national identity to nation-building.
The Belgian researcher Jean Paul "JP" Verstraeten authored several books about Jose
Rizal: Rizal in Belgium and France, Jose Rizal's Europe, Growing up like Rizal (published by
the National Historical Institute and in teacher's programs all over the
Philippines), Reminiscences and Travels of Jose Rizal and Jose Rizal "Pearl of Unselfishness".
He received an award from the president of the Philippines "in recognition of his unwavering
support and commitment to promote the health and education of disadvantaged Filipinos, and
his invaluable contribution to engender the teachings and ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal in the
Philippines and in Europe". One of the greatest researchers about Rizal nowadays is Lucien
Spittael.
Several titles were bestowed on him: "the First Filipino", "Greatest Man of the Brown Race",
among others. The Order of the Knights of Rizal, a civic and patriotic organization, boasts of
dozens of chapters all over the globe. There are some remote-area religious sects who
venerate Rizal as a Folk saint collectively known as the Rizalista religious movements, who
claim him as a sublimation of Christ. In September 1903, he was canonised as a saint in
the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, however it was revoked in the 1950s.

Historical Commemoration

 Although his field of action lay in politics, Rizal's real interests lay in the arts and sciences,
in literature and in his profession as an ophthalmologist. Shortly after his death, the
Anthropological Society of Berlin met to honor him with a reading of a German
translation of his farewell poem and Dr. Rudolf Virchow delivering the eulogy.
 The Rizal Monument now stands near the place where he fell at the Luneta in
Bagumbayan, which is now called Rizal Park, a national park in Manila. The monument,
which also contains his remains, was designed by the Swiss Richard Kissling of
the William Tell sculpture in Altdorf, Uri. The monument carries the inscription: "I want to
show to those who deprive people the right to love of country, that when we know how to
sacrifice ourselves for our duties and convictions, death does not matter if one dies for
those one loves – for his country and for others dear to him."
 The Taft Commission in June 1901 approved Act 137 renaming the District of Morong
into the Province of Rizal. Today, the wide acceptance of Rizal is evidenced by the
countless towns, streets, and numerous parks in the Philippines named in his honor.

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 ACTIVITY #5
,
Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Read and understand this module. Provide what is being asked. Write your answer
in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the last page of this module.

Tasks:
1. Explain why independence, the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?
2. Why do you think Rizal was made hero by Colonial Americans? By General Aguinaldo? Justify
your answer.

Level Description
Outstanding Well written and very organized. Excellent grammar mechanics. Clear and concise
statements. Excellent effort and presentation with detail. Demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the topics.
Value: 18-20
Level Description
Good Writes fairly clear. Good grammar mechanics. Good presentation and organization.
Sufficient effort and detail.
Value: 15-17
Level Description
Fair Minimal effort. Good grammar mechanics. Fair presentation. Few supporting details.
Value: 10-14
Level: Description
Poor Somewhat unclear. Shows little effort. Poor grammar mechanics. Confusing and
incomplete sentences. No organization of thoughts.
Value: 5-9
Level: Description
Very Poor Lacking effort. Very poor grammar mechanic. Very unclear. Doesn’t address topic.
Limited attempt.
Value: 1-5
Level Description
Outstanding Student uses 3 or more sentences in their own words to describe clearly what the main
points are about.
Value: 45-50
Level Description
Good Student uses 3 or less sentences to describe the main points, but not all is in their own
words.
Value: 35-44
Level Description
Fair Student summarizes most of the main points accurately, but has some misunderstanding
and may need to reread or seek tutoring for understanding.
Value: 28-34
Level: Description
Poor Student has difficulty summarizing the main points and needs to see the teacher.
Value: 20-27

End of eleventh week

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