Rizal to Paris and to Germany

Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in ophthalmology, a branch of medical science dealing
with the anatomy, functions, and diseases of the eye. He has special interest in this branch of medicine so that
he could restore his mother's sight. In Berlin, he met with prominent German scientists.

In Paris. Rizal who was then 24 years old and a full pledged surgeon decided to go to Paris in order to further
his study and acquire adequate knowledge in ophthalmology. On the way to Paris, he first stopped at
Barcelona to visit a friend, Maximo Viola, a medical student belonging to an affluent family of San Miguel,
Bulacan. They planned to tour Europe together after Viola got through with his medical studies.

Rizal stayed in Paris for almost four months. While in Paris, he kept busy writing his novel. He became a
clinical assistant of Dr. Louis de Weckert, a noted ophthalmologist. During his free time, he visited his fellow-
countrymen — Pardo de Taveras (Trinidad, Felix and Paz) and Juan Luna. The Ilocano artist later became the
husband of Paz Pardo de Tavera

Juan Luna painted a historical canvass, The Blood Compact in which Rizal posed as Sikatuna and Trinidad as
Legaspi. He also posed for a group picture called "The Death Of Cleopatra," wherein he dressed as an
Egyptian priest.

In Heidelberg. After working as an assistant in Dr. Weckert's clinic, Rizal left Paris and moved to Heidelberg, a
German City, where he arrived on February 7, 1886.' With some German law students, he lived in a boarding
house, who later found out that Rizal was a good chess player. His German friends recommended him, to be a
member of the Chess Player's Club whose members were mostly law students: While some biographers say
that Rizal studied Law in the University of Heidelberg, others claim that 'he only attended some lectures on
various subjects about law to have a working knowledge on this branch of learning.

'While in Heidelberg, Rizal had the privilege to work in the clinic of a noted Polish ophthalmologist, Dr. Javier
Galezowsky’

Heidelberg is a city in Baden-Wurttemberg in West Germany, is famous for its old universities and beautiful
sceneries in the countryside. 'During his sojourn in this city, Rizal used to take a walk along the cool banks and
crystal-clear water of the Neckar River and marveled at the picturesque sceneries that give character, life and
kaleidoscopic colors in its landscape and, teeming flowers of various sizes, shapes, colors and pleasing
scents.

'On August 6, he attended the celebration of the fifth centenary of the foundation of the University of
Heidelberg. Before leaving the beautiful city, he wrote an ode — a lyric poem expressive of exalted emotion
entitled "A las flores del Heidelberg."

To THE FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG. The translation from Spanish to English was by Charles E. Derbyshire.

To Frankfurt and Leipzig. Frankfurt and Leipzig are cities in East Germany where Rizal visited by boarding a
train. He also went to Manheim and Cologne, where he had some sight-seeing at the Stadel Art Institute, the
zoological garden, and the synagogue at Jew's Alley. In Leipzig City, he came to know Dr. Hans Meyer,
eminent German scholar, who once visited the Philippines in 1882. Rizal stayed in Leipzig for quite some time
from August 14 to October 29, 1886. It was about time that he wrote with Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt of
Leitmeritz, Austria, the noted ethnologist whom he longed to meet.

Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz,
Austrig on July 31, 1886. He had heard of this Austrian ethnologist who had a keen interest on the branch of
anthropology that analyzes cultures, especially in regard to their historical development and the similarities and
dissimilarities between them. Rizal had the perception that one of the Professor's interests was on culture and
about Philippine language. Rizal in his letter said:
I have heard that you are studying our language, and that you had already published some works about it;
permit me to send you a valuable book written by my country man in our language. The Spanish version is
mediocre because the author is only a modest writer but the Tagalog part is good, and it is precisely the
language spoken in our province.

The book he sent with his letter was entitled Arithmetica (Arithmetic), published in two languages — Spanish
and Tagalog. This was published by the University of Santo To Press in 1868. To reciprocate, Blumentritt sent
Rizal books. This was the beginning of their frequent correspondence and eventually blossomed into a
beautiful and lasting friendship.

It was in Leipzig where he was inspired to translate Schller's William Tell from German language to Tagalog
version so that the Filipinos might understand the story of the legendary Swiss patriot who championed its
independence. It might be of interesting to note that William Tell was forced by the Austrian governor to shoot
an apple of his son's head with bow and arrow. He also translated into Tagalog version some of the Danish
author, Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales.

His next trip was Dresden, another city in East Germany on the Elbe River where he met Dr. Adolf B. Meyer,
Director of the Zoological and Ethnographical Museum, who also became his friend.

Life in Berlin. Rizal liked Berlin, because of its healthy environment, the warmth of the people and the
absence of racial discrimination. In this historic city and capital of unified Germany various accomplished
professionals, like Dr. Feodor Jagor, German scientist and author of the book entitled Travels in the
Philippines, which Rizal read with interest during his students’ days in Manila". Mentioned in this book was the
downfall of Spanish rule in the Philippines and the coming of America to her shores. Rizal carne to know Dr.
Rudolf Virchow, a well-known anthropologist and his son, Dr. Hans Virchow, a distinguished professor Of
Descriptive Geometry, and Dr. Joest, a famous German geographer through Dr. Jagor. He also worked in the
medical clinic of Dr. Schulzer, a renowned German eye specialist.

Rizal was also invited to give a lecture on the Tagalogs vs before the Anthropological Society of Berlin. The
paper which he presented in April, 1887, drew encouraging and favorable comments from various professional
scientific journals.

Some biographers deduced that the reasons why Rizal lived in Berlin was because of the following reasons,
e.g., to gain further knowledge in ophthalmology, to gain more insight and understanding in various sciences
and languages, to observe the prevailing political, social and economic conditions, to observe and to learn new
knowledge from German scientists and scholars, and to finish writing his novel, Noli Me Tangere.

Rizal led a realistic life in Berlin as a student and as a tourist. He attended lectures of various interesting
subjects in the University of Berlin. He also did his daily exercises in the gymnasium to keep his body
physically fit. During. his free time, he toured the country side of Berlin and observed with interest the way of
life of the German people. Occasionally, he made some sketches of views and other interesting scenic spots.

On German Women. Rizal was deeply impressed with the qualities of the German women. He has a high
regard and admiration for they were diligent, hardworking, active, educated, kind-hearted and friendly. Their
mode of dressing is modest; they do not give emphasis to expensive clothes and jewelry.

In contrast, regretted that in the Philippines Filipino women more interested in beautiful clothes fine than the
value of education. However, he the fine manners, hospitality, spirituality and devotion Filipino women to their
families.

Other German Way of Living. Rizal noted that the German workers were protected by insurance against the
hardships of sickness, accident, and old age. The laws labor hoped to increase the worker's loyalty on the
government. Railroad were placed under national control. Schools made patriots of German youth, and the
Kaiser (a German emperor: the title used from 1871-1918) tried to make Berlin the center of intellectual life of
the nation by giving large funds to its university and to organizations of writers and scientists.

National unity was further increased by the economic growth of Berlin. Hamburg, at the mouth of the Elbe, was
a busy port in Germany and the chief outlet of various businesses for all central Europe, Berlin was the
economic metropolis of the nation.

Rizal was delighted on the German customs in observance of the Christmas season, when he wrote: "On
Christmas eve, the people take from the bushes a pine tree, selecting one which must not only be straight, but
also must have leaves that do not fall in spring; I mean that dry leaves are not leaves at all in this particular
case, but are a kind Of small needle. It is adorned with lanterns, colored papers' lights, dolls, candies and
fruits; and shown at night to the children (who had not seen it being prepared). Around this beautiful tree is
made the family observance."

In one social gathering Rizal attended, he was amused that his attention was caught of the self-introduction to
guests when a man attends a party or social function. When nobody introduces him to the guests, he bows his
head shakes the hands of everyone in the room. It is considered rude manner for a guest to remain indifferent
or aloof, and wait for the host to make the proper introduction. This is observed and in accordance to the
German code of conventional requirements as to social behavior and appropriate for a person of good
breeding.

Rizal Got Sick. Rizal found himself in Berlin, almost penniless although richer in experience. While he was in
this city from early November, 1886 to the second week of May of the following year, he tried to economize by
placing himself on a strict vegetarian diet. For some time, he failed to receive his monthly allowance from
brother Paciano. In dire need of money, he even loaned the diamond ring given by his sister Saturnina to a
pawnshop and sold some of his books to second-hand book stores. He could not even pay his landlord his
monthly due. Eating only once a day, he soon became sick with chills, fevers and coughs — symptoms of
tuberculosis. He was extremely discouraged and disappointed that he was on. the point of burning the
manuscript of his novel, Noli.

The Noli Is Published. "Noli Me Tangere...means 'do not touch me.' The book contains things of which no one
among ourselves has spoken up to the present; they are so delicate that cannot be touched by anybody... I
have endeavored to answer the calumnies which for centuries had been heaped on us and our country: I have
described the social condition, the life, our beliefs, our hopes, our desires, our grievances, our griefs.., the facts
I narrate are all true and they actually happened; I can prove them."

Rizal was desperately despondent because he had a slim hope of having Noli published for he was penniless.
Winter had set in and his sickness would have been worse were it not for the timely arrival in December of his
wealthy friend, Dr. Maximo Viola. Upon the insistence of thin magnanimous man from san Miguel, Bulacan,
who loaned P300 to Rizal, Noli was finally printed in March, 1887. Th author gave away complimentary copies
to Viola, Blumentritt, Resurreccion, Hidalgo, Lopez Jaena, Juan Luna, Marcelo del Pilar and Regidor.
Blumentritt said: "This is the first impartial and daring book on the life of the Tagalogs... The government and
Spanish friars will probably fight the book, that is, they will attack it, bilt I confide in God and the truth and in the
people, who have seen our sufferings at close range." Rizal was right his novel raised a tempest and he made
more enemies in his country.

Rizal received formal expression of high praise for his novel and these were sent by Antonio Regidor and prof.
Ferdinand Blumentritt. Regidor, a Filipino exile of 1872 in London, said that "the book was superior" and that "if
Don Quijote has made its author immortal because he exposed to the world the sufferings of Spain, your Noli
Me Tangere will bring you to equal glory." Blumentritt, after reading Rizal's Noli, wrote and congratulated its
author, saying... "Your work as we Germans say has been written with blood of the heart. Your work has
exceeded my hopes and considers myself happy to have been honored with your friendship. Not only .1, but
also your country, may feel for having in you a patriotic and loyal son. If you continue so, you will be to your
people one of those great men who will exercise a determinative influence over the progress of their spiritual
life."

Rizal's friends and admirers praised with pride the Noli and its author. On the other hand, his enemies were
bitter in attacking and condemning the san-le. Probably no other work or writing of another Filipino author has
aroused as much acrimonious debate not only among the Filipinos but also among the reactionary foreigners
as the Noli of Rizal. In the Philippines this novel was attacked and condemned by a Faculty Committee in
1887. The Committee said that it found the book "heretical, impious, and scandalous to the religious order, and
unpatriotic and subversive to public order, libelous to the Government of Spain and its political policies in these
Islands, "while the Commission recommended that the importation, reproduction, and circulation of this
pernicious book in the Islands be absolutely prohibited."

It should be noted that coming down to our contemporary political time, during the Congressional discussion
and hearings on the (Noli-Fili) bill in 1956, the proponents and opponents of the bill also engaged themselves
in a heated, bitter and long-drawn-out debate that finally resulted in the enactment of a compromise measure,
now known as Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law) and signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12,
1956.

The attacks on Rizal's first novel were not only confined in the Philippines but were also staged in the Spanish
capital — Madrid Senator Fernando Vida, Deputy and ex-General Luis M. de Pando, and Pramides Mateo
Sagasta were among those who unjustly lambasted and criticized Rizal and his Noli in the two chambers of the
Spanish Cortes in 1888 and 189.93t is interesting and comforting to learn, however, that about thirteen years
later, U.S. Congressman Henry Allen Cooper of Wisconsin delivered on June 19, 1902 an eulogy of Rizal and
he even recited the Filipino martyr's Ultimo Pensamiento (last-thoughts) on the floor of the United States
House of Representatives in order to prove to his colleagues the capacity of the Filipinos for self-government.
The U.S. Congressman said in part: "It has been said that, if American institutions had done nothing else than
furnish to the world the character of George Washington, that alone would entitle them to the respect of
mankind, so, I say categorically to all those who denounce the Filipinos indiscriminately as barbarians and
savages, without possibility of a civilized future, that this despised raced proved itself entitled to their self-
respect and to the respect of mankind when it furnished to the whole world the character of Jose Rizal." Such
statements reverberated in the Halls of U.S. Congress. The results of this speech and the appeal of
Representative Coo in effect, were the resounding approval of what is popularly' known as the Philippine Bill of
1902, which granted the Filipinos a large measure of participation in running the social, economic and political
affairs of their government.

Chapter 6

Touring Europe with Dr. Viola

After the publication of Noli Me Tangere in Berlin, Rizal and Dr. Viola left the City on May 11, 1887. May
is an ideal month for travel since the season of Spring started to fill the air and flowers of various sizes, shapes
and colors with pleasing scents start to bloom that excited admiration. They first visited Potsdam. In this city,
they saw the fantastic and imposing Mausoleum enclosing the marble statues of Frederick the Great and his
consort and the magnificent palaces and the historic windmills.

They next visited Dresden, one of the cities in Germany. The city has botanical gardens were different
plants are exhibited for viewing and scientific study; monuments and landmarks maintained with their aesthetic
and historical significance; museums where beautiful work of art and other objects of paramount importance
and permanent values are displayed and kept; and magnificent buildings adorned with classical splendor.
 Rizal and Viola were impressed with the beautiful and educational things, objects and structures who
were virtually overjoyed to see them. In Teschen (now Decin) a place in central Europe, they wired professor
Blumentritt to inform aim of their arrival at Leitmeritz (Litsmerice), Bohemia. Professor Blumenritt received their
wire and was standing and waiting for Rizal and Dr. Viola at the train station. They and stepped down from the
train and received a very warm welcome from Professor Blumentritt.

Rizal was overwhelmed with joy, because finally he and Blumentritt who came to know each other
through correspondence, met in person as he introduced Dr. Viola to the kind-hearted Austrian professor. The
Professor was delighted to see Rizal and spontaneously embraced him like a loving son.

After an exchange of pleasantries, Blumentritt helped the two Filipino doctors to get a room at Hotel
Krebs, after which he invited them to his house. "And from that time on his home was also ours," wrote Viola in
his diary. "His wife Rosa, whose generosity equaled only that of her husband's, gave us her complete attention
during our stay in the city." In one of their conversations, Blumentritt remarked to Viola, "that Rizal was the
greatest product of the Philippines and that his coming to the world was like the appearance of a rare comet,
whose rare brilliance appears only every other century." It was also Blumentritt who said: "Not only is Rizal the
most prominent man of his own people, but the greatest man the Malayan race has ever produced. His
memory will never perish in his fatherland, and future generations of Spaniards will yet learn to utter his name
with respect and reverence. AN ENEMY OF SPAIN HE HAS NEVER BEEN." During their week's stay at
Leitmeritz, Rizal tutored his kind- hearted host in Tagalog. While in Leitmeritz for a few days, Rizal met another
well-known scientist of Europe, Dr. Czepelak and Dr. Klutschack. Both scientists were highly pleased to meet
the Filipino scholar. They had some pleasant conversations about the Philippines and Leitmeritz.

Rizal and Viola were also invited to a meeting of the Tourists' Club of Leitmeritz, where Blumentritt was
the secretary. In this occasion, Rizal spoke extemporaneously in an almost perfect German to the officers and
members of the club, praising Austria's idyllic scenes favorite subjects of artists, writers and poets and its
warm, hospitable, nature- loving, and noble people. The audience was extremely impressed by his fluency and
eloquence in German that they gave him a resounding applause. Rizal made a pencil sketch of his host and
gave it to him. Blumentritt was pleased with the fine gift as a gesture of their mutual friendship.

Blumentritt was a gentle great tourist guide. He visited and showed the picturesque sceneries and
historical spots of Leitmeritz to Rizal and Viola. On their last night in Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola invited the
Blumentritt family in their hotel and tendered a farewell dinner. The dinner was memorable for it was an
occasion for Rizal and Viola to express their profound gratitude to their host.

The next day, May 17, at around 9:30 in the morning, Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train. Viola
observed "the whole Blumentritt family and their friends were at the railroad station to see us, as the train
moved on slowly. Tears were shed by everyone present as we lett for Prague."

In Prague. From Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola went to Prague, a historic city and the capital of Czechoslovakia
on the western part of the Moldau River. Blumentritt gave the two Filipino doctors letters of recommendation to
Dr. Wellkomm, Professor of History in the University of Prague. The genial Professor welcomed them and after
a while, he accompanied and showed the two, the city's historic places, important landmarks and interesting
spots. They visited the tomb of Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous Polish astronomer, the museum of natural
history; the bacteriological laboratories; the famous and widely celebrated cave where San Juan Nepomuceno,
the Catholic saint and martyr was incarcerated, and the bridge where the saint was thrown into the river.

After staying a few days at Pràgue the two tourists via Brunn. For Viola, "nothing of importance went to
Vienna gue the two tourists happened" in Brunn.

In Vienna. Rizal and Viola arrived in the City of Vienna, capital-of Austria. This beautiful city is famous in
songs and beautiful stories that impressed the two doctors. They spent four days visiting beautiful buildings
and examining sacred images and statues. In Vienna, they lodged at Hotel Metropole. They also visited
interesting places, e.g., art galleries and museums, churches, public parks and recreation centers.

To change the panorama, in the course of their travels, they decided to take a small boat that traveled
along the famous and romantic Danube River to see the beautiful Sceneries. As the boat traversed along the
river, Rizal was astounded' to the river that couldn't help composing beautiful melody. He was so charmed by
the scenario and the lovely. waltzes. As they traveled, Rizal observed interesting spots---the various plants and
flowers growing along the river banks, boats loaded with passengers who were traveling, barges loaded with
passengers and products that are being towed, archaic villages on the riversides that are serene and peaceful,
a favorite subject for photographers, writers, artists, and other lovers of art.

In Lintz (Linz) and Rheinfall. The end of Danube River voyage of Rizal and Viola ended in Lintz. They left
Austria from Salzburg, a city in West Austria and the birthplace of Mozart and re-entered German soil upon
arrival at the beautiful city of Munchen (Munich) on May 27. Since the best beer in all Germany was brewed
there, they drank much. of Munich beer in the famous beer gardens of that city. From Munich, they went to
Nuremberg, a city in central Barabia in West Germany and the site of trials (1945-46) of Nazis accused of war
crimes. They saw the horrible torture machines used by authorities in investigating cases on political or
religious nature, characterized by lack of regard for individual rights, prejudice on the part of the examiners and
recklessly cruel punishments. Rizal and Viola had a close look on this dreadful machine. While in Nuremberg
they visited a factory, whose biggest industry is the fabrication of beautiful dolls that invade all markets of the
world.

From Munich, they went to Ulm, a city in East Baden- Wurttemberg in Germany. At this city, they visited
the biggest and tallest cathedral in Germany. They climbed its many hundred steps. Viola related as they
ascended the steps, he rested twice on the way to the tower to catch his breath, while Rizal climbed
continuously without having a stop until he finally reached the top. The last day of May found them at Stuttgard,
another city in Germany, then Baden and finally, to Bin Waterfall, "the most beautiful waterfall of Europe."

In the part of June, Rizal and Viola crossed the Swiss border, making brief stops successively at
Schafthausen, Basle, Bern, and Lausanne. They disembarked at Geneva, seat of the League of Nations. The
people of Geneva speak French, Italian and German. In this beautiful and most visited city of Switzerland,
Rizal and Viola spent some afternoons on exciting boat trips. It was on these boat trips that Rizal showed his
skills in rowing and steering a boat which he acquired during his boyhood days by the shore of picturesque
Laguna de Bay. The genius from Calamba celebrated his 26th birthday in this wonderful city. On the following
day, the two bosom friends parted at the Swiss border. Rizal went to Italy, while Viola returned to Barcelona.

Rizal in Rome. Rizal was enticed by Rome- capital of Italy, ancient capital of the Roman Empire, site of the
Vatican City, and seat of the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. In one occasion, he went to view St.
Peter's Dome by Michelangelo and Giacomo dela Porta, and St. Peter's Basilica, the first known Christian
church dedicated in 326 A.D. by Emperor Constantine, and there he was very much impress by the fine
example of Renaissance architecture. The splendor and grandeur of Rome did not escape Rizal' s love for
beauty and appreciation. In one of his delightful days in this historic and beautiful city, he also witnessed the
faithful Catholics jam St. Peter's square at the Vatican City to receive the blessings of the Supreme Pontiff. He
was deeply touched by the outpouring manifestation of faith by the Catholics on the Supreme Being. While in
Vatican. He took advantage of attending the fiesta of St. Peter and St. Paul.

On June 27, he wrote two letters from Rome: one to his parents, the other to his friend, Blumentritt. He
said; I was in Turin, in Milan, in Venice, in Florence, and for some days that I have been here, I had already
visited San Juan de Letran, San Clemente, the Roman Forum, the Capitoleum, the Coliseum, the Catacombs,
the Palatinum, the Amphitheatre and other remarkable tourists spots and memories of Rome."
 Describing to Blumentritt, the "grandeur of Rome" part of his letter follows: "I cannot describe the
impression Rome has produced on me; I can only say that my feet are swollen and blistered, but tomorrow I
shall go forth anew on foot to see the ruins. Here, I breathe the same air which Roman heroes have breathed. I
salute reverently each statue and to me, humble inhabitant of a small island, it seems that I am in a sanctuary."

He was extremely delighted with the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. There, he remained seated for
hours, contemplating everything and recreating life to the ruins. He stayed in the Forum until 8 o'clock in the
evening. He was alone contemplating the spot, until it had grown dark. He also visited the Capitoline Museum,
the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and other magnificent edifices. In Rome, the word glorious is inadequate.
He wanted to stay in this city until the last minute and forego visiting other places. For him, the Popes who had
always seemed to him small and quite ridiculous now appear greater after seeing their beautiful churches.

Truly, Ancient Rome attracted and enticed Rizal tremendously and he regretted having spent a long
time in Geneva.

But in spite of his five years sojourn in Europe, Rizal still remained a true Filipino in soul and at heart.
He said, "Still I am not Europearized like other Filipinos in Madrid say: I always like to return to the country of
my birth. Indeed, Rizal was a true Filipino.

Back to Calamba.The fascinating and beautiful places Rizal had seen and the pleasant memories of his
sojourn in various foreign lands could not make him forget the land of his birth and affection. Indeed, there is
no place like home. After almost five years of memorable temporary stay in Europe, he left Rome by train
headed for Marseilles on July 3, 1887.

He boarded Djemnah, the same ship that brought him to Europe five years ago. There were about fifty
passengers- composed of Englishmen, Germans, Chinese, Japanese and Frenchmen. The streamer has
electric light and was very comfortable. He slept on the upper deck, heard soft music and played chess with
other passengers. He was the only passenger in the boat who could speak many languages, so he acted as
interpreter for the Germans, Japanese, Chinese and Italian.

After leaving Men, a seaport in the People's Republic of Yemen, the sea became rough because of bad
weather so he became seasick and some of his books got wet.

At Saigon on July 30, he transferred to the S.S. Haufong (Haiphong) which reached Manila on August
6. He stayed in Manila for a few days to take a rest and later went home to Calamba in the bosom of his
beloved family. He was welcomed affectionately by his family. In his letter to Blumentritt of his homecoming, he
said: "I had a pleasant voyage. I found my family enjoying the best of health and our happiness was great in
seeing each other again. They shed tears of joy and I had to answer the thousand questions at the same time.
"

Rizal's family was apprehensive about his safety, so Paciano did not leave him after his arrival to
protect him from any untoward incident. Even his father did not allow him to go out alone for something bad
might happened.

Rizal kept busy during his entire stay in his hometown. He opened a medical clinic and his first patient
was his mother. With adequate knowledge about the science of ophthalmology and his surgical skill acquired
in the best eye clinics in Europe, he successfully removed the cataract from his mother's eyes. He cured the
sick, performed operations and visited many patients in Calamba and neighboring towns. He became famous
as an eye specialist and surgeon, and even called Doctor Uliman because he was mistaken by the ignorant
folks for a German. His professional fees were reasonable, sometime even gratis to the poor. Within a short
time, he was able to earn $900, as a physician.

Rizal kept himself busy and other times he painted beautiful landscapes in his hometown and even
translated Von Wildernath's poems in Tagalog version.
 Rizal was different from many successful medical practitioners, because he did not selfishly devote all
his time to enrich himself. He opened a gymnasium for the young men in Calamba and introduced various
European sports. He tried to induce his town mates to indulge in gymnastics, fencing and shooting to
discourage them from engaging in cockfighting and other types of gambling because these activities have long
been regarded by many Filipinos to be their favorite pastimes.

Summoned to Malacañan. A month after his return to Calamba, Rizal received a letter from Governor-
General Emilio Terreroto come to Malacañan. Perhaps somebody must have reached his ears that the "Noli"
contained subversive thoughts inciting the Filipinos to go against the government. In the palace, the Governor-
General informed Rizal that the Noli Me Tangere caused much uproar among the government authorities and
that he wanted to have a copy of the book and wanted to read the novel if he could furnish him one. After
having the book and read, apparently, Governor Terrero saw nothing wrong in the novel. He even assigned a
personal bodyguard to protect Rizal during the duration of the author's stay in the Philippines. The Governor-
General who was board- minded was aware that Rizal' s might be in danger because the friars were very
powerful. For security reasons, he was given a bodyguard. This bodyguard was Don Jose Taviel de Andrade,
a Lieutenant of the Civil Guard, of a noble family, who could speak English and French and could draw pretty
well.

Powerful Enemies. A copy of the much-talked about "Noli" was sent to father Rector Gregorio Echavarria of
the University of Santo Tomas by Archbishop Pedro Payo for examination. A committee composed of
Dominican faculty was created to examine and evaluate the novel and finally gave the resuits. The Committee
found the book scandalous to the religious order, impious, subversive to public order and libelous to the
Government of Spain and its political policies in the Philippine.

The enemies of Rizal were happy because the novel was absolutely prohibited. But the banning of the Noli
only served to make it more popular because everybody would like to have a copy and read it. In spite of the
government prohibition, many Pilipinos got hold of the Noli which they read secretly.

Calamba's Agrarian Problem. The Chief Executive ordered a government investigation of the friar estates to
look into the sources of the agrarian problem in Calamba. One of the friar estates affected was the Calamba
Hacienda owned by the Dominican Order. The Governor-General ordered the Civil Governor of Laguna
Province directing the Municipal government of Calamba to investigate the agrarian conditions in their
jurisdiction.

The tenants of Calamba listed their legitimate grievances against the hacienda management and sought the
help of Rizal. The findings which were formally submitted to the government for appropriate action, were as
follows:

1. The hacienda of the Dominican Order comprised not only the lands around Calamba, but the town of
Calamba.

2. The profits of the Dominican Order continually increased

because of the arbitrary increase of the rentals paid by the tenants.

3.The hacienda owner never contributed a single centavo for the celebration of the town fiesta, for the
education of the children, and for the improvement of agriculture.

4. Tenants who had spent much labor in clearing the lands were dispossessed of said lands for ílimsy reasons.

5. High rates of interest were arbitrarily charged the tenants for delayed payment of rentals, and when the
rentals could not be paid, the hacienda management confiscated their work animals, tools and farm
implements.
It should be noted that there was no action taken by the government on the legitimate grievances of the
tenants in Calamba. What was even unfortunate, the Dominican friars, in retaliation, persecuted the helpless
tenants.

The Calamba tenants sought government protection from the friar's wrath and through the help of Rizal
submitted a petition about their helpless plight to Malacañang Palace, but the friars were so powerful at that
time and no government action was made.

Rizal leaves Calamba. Rizal was compelled to leave Calamba because his stay might expose his family and
friends to danger causing worry and anxiety and perhaps, he could better expose the excesses of the
government and the greedy and ruthless friars through his pen in foreign countries. He was also advised by
Governor-General Terrero to leave the Philippines for his own good.

In September, 1887, he wrote his bosom friend, Blumentritt and told him that he was decided to leave his
country again and return to Europe, simply because his powerful enemies made his stay not endurable, He
said: "They take me for a German spy, an agent of Bismarcic a Protestant, a mason, a witch, and a
condemned soul."

Chapter 7

Rizal in Hongkong, Japan and Amerika

Rizal was forced to go abroad for the second time and to part from his family and friends in February,
1888. He was still sick and weak so he did not get off his ship when it made a short stopover at Amoy. He
sailed for Hongkong and Sojourned there for two weeks. Writing to Blumentritt, he said: "I am returning to
Europe by way of Japan and the United States. We should see each other again. I have so much to tell you. At
last I can write freely and express my thoughts without fear of censorship."

In the British colony he was met by Filipino residents, e.g., Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and
other exiles of 1872. Rizal spent much of his stay there with Basa, who accompanied him on a visit to Macao.
He wrote in his diary," Macao is small and gloomy. There are many junks, sampans, and a few steamers. It
looks sad and is almost dead. While in Macao, Rizal visited cathedral and churches, pagodas, temples,
shrines, theaters, botanical garden and bazaars. He studied Chinese way of life - their customs and language
and theatre arts. In his diary, his traditions, experiences were briefly written:

1. The celebration of the Chinese New Year was very noisy because of the continuous explosions of
firecrackers on streets. Rich Chinese had more firecrackers to explode.

2. Chinese theatres are usually boisterous because of the different percussion instruments used by the
participants in addition to the noise created by the audience.

3. The Lauriat party, wherein the guests were served a variety of dishes, such as century eggs, shark fins,
white peking ducks, chicken fried and with vinegar, roasted pigs, fish, shrimps, tea and dried fruits.

4. The Dominican Order was the richest religious order in Hongkong, had millions of dollars deposited in
various banks earning fabulous interests.

5. Hongkong grave yards for the Catholics, Protestants and Muslims are well-kept.

After his brief sojourn in Hongkong, Rizal left the place on board the S.S. Oceania, an American streamer
bound for Japan.

Rizal in Japan. Rizal arrived at Yokohama on February 28, 1888 and stayed at Grand Hotel. The following
day, he proceeded to Tokyo and stayed there for a few days. Upon invitation, he lived in the Spanish legation -
the official headquarters ofa minister in the diplomatic service for about a month, during which period he visited
the provinces, learned Japanese, and dedicated himself to the study of the Japanese theatre, art and
language.

He was very much impressed in the city of Tokyo. In his letter to Blumentritt, he said:Tokyo is bigger than
Paris". The vast walls are built in cyclopean character. The streets are wide and well-lighted.

Rizal, a keen observer and the things which impressed him most about Japan were:

1. The beauty of the country - its plants and flowers along the streets, mountains covered by snow during, the
winter season, the Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) on its peak blooming season, the streams flowing with crystal
clear water, the rivers and lakes that abound with various type of fish and other beautiful sceneries.

2. The Japanese have a great fondness for gardens, stemming perhaps îrom. a sense of having lived in
harmony with nature for so long. They tend to fill any open spaces on their plots with trees and plants no
matter how small these spaces maybe.

3. The Japanese women in Kimono, simple but gracious.

4. In Japan, seeing a guest's needs is an important part of serving as host.

5. Even on simplest occasion, a gift is customarily taken along and presented as an expression of the giver's
respect and good will. Seasonal gifts are important aspects of their culture.

6. The basic form of greeting as a sign of politeness is to bow.

7. There are few thieves in Japan. The houses remained open day and night and other valuable articles on the
table without being lost.

8. There were few beggars and are rarely seen in the city streets.

9. The houses were very clean, have plenty of fresh air and sunlight and multi-functional.

10. The Japanese are happy; fights are not seen in the streets and the people are very industrious.

But in spite of the many beautiful and pleasant experiences he had, be was quite disgusted to see men
pulling rickshaws like horses..

Rizal's Romantic Interlude with 0-Sei-San. Rizal's romance with the Japanese lady named Q-Sei-San
started in early spring of March, 1888, when he entered a department store in Yokohama to buy something. At
the counter, Riza asked the lady whether she knew English. To his surprise she answered him in the English
language. This was beginning of his frequent visits to the department store.

Meanwhile, he came to know the name of the Japanese lady in the succeeding days. Her name was Seiko
Usui and her friends called her O-Sei-San, her pet name. Rizal was already attracted by her beauty, simplicity,
charm and intelligence. Aside from knowing English she was very fluent in French. Their friendship develops
into a beautiful relationship. The cherry blossoms, the sweet cool breeze and the romantic climate in
Springtime contributed immensely to an emotional intimacy.

O-Sei-San loved Rizal and her love was reciprocated by Rizal's sincere affection. They spent
memorable and happy days by visiting magnificent temples, shrines, pagodas, castles, and pavilions, art
galleries, museums, Japanese gardens and parks and other beautiful and historical spots. They walked along
the parks with hands firmly clasped while they shared their experiences. Rizal and 0-Sei-San love theatre arts
and attended Kabuki plays. In one occasion, 0- Sie-San invited him to a Tea Ceremony (cha-no-yu), a
Japanese customary social tradition which signifies harmony, reverence, purity and tranquility.

The irresistible beauty, warmth and affection of O-Sei- San almost made Rizal to stay in Japan for
good, but fate had its own way. His great love for O-Sei-San is reflected and attested in his diary on the day of
his departure to wit: "Japan has pleased me. The beautiful scenery, the flowers, the trees, and the inhabitants-
so peaceful, so courteous, and so pleasant. O-Sei-San-Sayonara, Sayonara! I have spent a lovely golden
month; I do not know if I can have another one like that in all my life. Love, money, friendship, appreciation,
honors- these have not been wanting.

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

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

With these endearing emotional lovely thoughts written in his diary, Rizal bade good-bye to beautiful
and lovely 0- Sei-San.

By the Middle of April 1882, he boarded the Belgic, an English streamer at Yokohama, bounded for the
United States of America. Sayonara, Japan. You have been a part of my life!

Rizal in America. The ship with Rizal onboard docked at San Francisco Port but because of a strict
quarantine, he and the other first-class passengers were not allowed to disembark until May 4, 1888. Later, he
discovered that the ship was placed under quarantine because of racial prejudice. The ship was carrying 643
Chinese coolies - unskilled laborers. At that time cheap coolie labor coming from China and other oriental
countries were not allowed to enter the United States of America because white laborers were being displaced
in the construction of railroad tracks and other infrastructure facilities.

After a few days of quarantine, all first-class passengers, including Rizal, were allowed to land,
however, the Chinese and Japanese passengers remained on board for a longer quarantine period.

In San Francisco. Rizal stayed at Palace Hotel, a first-class hotel in the city. He paid $4 a day with bath
and everything. In his diary, he wrote: "I saw the Golden Gate Bridge-a marvel of engineering and one of the
most beautiful structures of its kind. No stores are open on Sunday. The best street in San Francisco is Market
Street."

Mentioned was also made in his diary, the name of Leland Stanford, the millionaire senator in California
and the founder of Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. After staying in San Francisco for two days he
left for Oakland. In Oakland, he took an overland train-a railroad sleeping car (Pullman) and passed
Sacramento, Reno, Ogden, Omaha, Chicago and Albany bound to New York City. Rizal's diary contained
various interesting and exciting travel observations as be crossed the American Continent to wit:

Wide deserts without plants nor trees. Far from this desert can be seen blue mountains. In Ogden, the
fields are seen with horses, oxen, and trees. The mountains at a distance are covered with snow. The bank at
Salt Lake are more beautiful than other things I saw. There are mountains in the middle of the lake like islands
of Talim in Laguna de Bay. Children greeted us at Salt Lake City. We passed through the mountains and rocks
along a river; the river is noisy and the noise gives life to the lifeless territory. We passed through tunnels made
of wood to protect the road against the snow.

Icicles in these tunnels are very bright which gives majestic effect. Colorado has more trees than the
three states we passed over. There are many horses. Omaha, a city of Nebraska, on the Missouri River is
twice as wide as the Pasig River. In Chicago, there is that every cigar store has an Indian figure. We saw the
Niagra, the most splendid falls I have seen. Albany is a big city. The Hudson River which runs along carries
many boats and very wide. My grand transcontinental trip ended on Sunday, May 13, at 11:30a.m. ".
In New York. Rizal arrived at New York on a Sunday morning and ended his trip across the American
continent full of exciting experiences. He stayed in New York which he called the "big town" for a few days to
visit some scenic and Historical places. In New York, it seemed that everything is new. He visited the
monument of George Washington, a magnificent memorial to a great American. He wrote to Ponce: He is a
great man, the likes of whom I feel this century will have none."

On May 16, 1888, he left New York for Liverpool, a seaport in Southwestern Lancashire in England, on
the Mersey estuary on board City of Rome, the second biggest boat in the whole world, they say. As the boat
moved away from the pier, Rizal saw Brooklyn Bridge and moments later, he was awed by the huge and
majestic Statue of Liberty on Bedloe Island. În the boat, many passengers of different countries were surprised
to hear me speak all their respective languages.

He arrived at Liverpool, England on May 24, and the next day he began his life in London.

The Impressions of Rizal vis-a-vis America. For Rizal, the good impressions include the following:

The tremendous material progress of the country as evidenced in the big cities with tall skyscrapers;
flourishing manufacturing industries; scientific methods of farming and other fields of agriculture; the producing
electric power; good communication and transportation facilities; network of railroad infrastructure, the drive
and energy to increase production level; the high standard of living; the natural beauties of the land and its
mineral deposits; better health and medical care, advanced methods of education and better opportunities for
better life extended to poor immigrants.

While "America is undoubtedly a great country, but it still has many defects, "he wrote Mariano Ponce."
There is no true civil liberty, in some states, the Negro cannot marry a white woman, nor a white man a
negress... nevertheless, as they truly say, American offers a fatherland for the poor who wish to work."

In one occasion, in his brief so journ in Brussels, he met Jose Alejandro who was studying in Belgium.
One day Alejandro asked Rizal: "What impressions do you have of America?

" America," answered Rizal, "is the land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites."

Chapter 8

Rizal in London, Paris, Brussels and Madrid

Rizal in London. Rizal left for London and lived there from May, 1888 to March, 1889,to copy, study and made
the annotation of Dr. Antonio de Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Events in the Philippine Islands) a rare
copy of which he heard to be available and kept in the British Museum in order to make his people know the
past history of their country. He also believe that London was a safe and better place for him to plan and carry
on his determined effort to fight the injustices committed by the Spanish tyranny and misrule. While in London,
he kept himself busy exhausting all available means to conduct research on Filipiniana Studies. He completed
annotating Morga's book, he wrote several articles for La Solidaridad.

In this city, he stayed temporarily as a guest at the residence of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, an exile of
1872 who was a law practitioner. Sometime in May, he moved to a boarding place No. 37 Chalcot Crescent,
Primerose Hill. He was a boarder in the house occupied by Mr. Beckett, organist of St. Paul's Cathedral,
paying two pounds sterling a week. Rizal also came to know Dr. Reinhold Rost, librarian of the India Office and
an authority on Malayan customs and languages. Dr. Rost was impressed with Rizal's manners and called him
una perla de Hombre (a pearl of a man).

Rizal spent much of his time in British Museum looking for valuable pieces of historical literature about
the Philippines. Occasionally, he visited the house of Dr. Rost and exchanged pleasant discussions about
London and the Philippines.
Good and Bad News. While in London, Rizal received some disturbing news from his country. These were the
exile of his brother-in-law, who was denied a Christian burial; the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of
Laureano Viado, a Sto. Tomas medical student, who was found in possession of a copy of Noli Me Tangere;
and the continued Calamba Agrarian problem where the tenants, including the Rizal family were being
persecuted by the Spanish authorities.

One news, however, cheered him-that Father Vicente Garcia, an old Filipino theologian and philosopher, wrote
an able defense of his Noli against the attacks of Fr. Rodriguez and other friars. The good news came from
Mariano Ponce. From London, Rizal made brief visits to Paris and Madrid. Early in September, he was in the
French capital in order to search thoroughly the Bibliotheque Nacionale for any old book on the Philippines.
Before going back to London, Juan Luna and his wife tendered him with a party in which all the Filipinos in
Paris were present. Then on December 11, Rizal made a flying trip of twelve days to Madrid and Barcelona to
survey the conditions among his countrymen in Spain. There, he met for the first time Mariano Ponce and
Marcelo H. del Pilar, pillars of La Solidaridad and the Propaganda Movement. He exchanged ideas about the
Philippines and these two Filipinos promised to cooperate in the struggle for reforms.

Christmas in London. Rizal spent his Christmas in London and New Year's Eve, for the first time in this city
and was extremely delighted to experience the holiday season. In his diary, he wrote: It is the holiday, I like
best to celebrate.It reminds me of the many memorable days not only my early childhood, but also of history."
On this day, a great Genius and prophet was born to preach truth, love, beauty and goodness. He suffered on
His messianic zeal to save the world. "How it shocks me to see some people misuse His name to commit
many crimes."

Rizal spent his Christmas with the Beckett family in Primerose Hill. Gertrude, one of the Beckett girls, was
getting infatuated with him but the gentlemen from Calamba was still faithful to Leonor Rivera. To make her
forget him, he hurriedly left London for Paris in the Middle of March, 1889.

Rizal's Writing in London. In London be annotated Morga's work. He also wrote articles for La Solidaridad.
He wrote La Vision de Fray Rodriguez, where he demonstrated his profound knowledge of religion and his
style in satire. The Letter to the Young Women of Malolos" was written in London. This was written through the
request of Marcelo H. del Pilar to praise the young women of Malolos for their courage and determined effort to
establish a school where they could learn Spanish.

The important points of his letter were: 1) Filipino mothers should teach their children love of God,
country, and fellowmen; 2) Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to offer their
sons in the defense of their country; 3) Flipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor; 4)
Filipino women should educate themselves, aside from retaining their good racial virtues; and 5) Faith is not
merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures, but rather it is living the real Christian way with good
morals and good conduct.

Dr. Rost who specialized on Asian Studies and Culture and editor of Trubner's Record, requested Rizal
to contribute articles for publication which he readily acceded. These were Specimens of Tagal Folklore" and
"Two Eastern Fables," and Were both published. The "Specimens of Tagal Folklore" dealt with Filipino
proverbs and puzzles while the "Two Eastern Fables" dealt with a comparative study of Philippines and
Japanese folklore.

On January 12, 1889, Rizal with some Filipinos and their Spanish friends in Madrid organized a society,
Asociacdon Hispano-Filipina (Spanish-Filipino Association). The primary objective was to work for the needed
reforms which the Propaganda Movement had initiated and continued to carry on. Elected president and vice-
president respectively were Don Miguel Morayta, a Spanish professor and General Felipe de las Cone; while
the secretary was Dr. Domindor Gomez.
 The need for an organ of the Propaganda to neutralize the false, malicious and defamatory articles
designed to injure the reputation of the Filipinos written by Spanish detractors and mercenaries was evidently
felt by the Filipinos in Spain that consequently led to the founding of La Solidaridad. Graciano Lopez Jaena
became the editor of the periodical of the Propaganda. To demonstrate his unwavering support of the Organ,
Rizal contributed articles regularly in the La Solidaridad using his pen names - Dimasalang and Laong Laan.

Rizal Left London. Some inferred that one of the reasons why Rizal left London hastily and moved to Paris,
so that Gertrude Beckett may forget him. But before leaving London, he curved several fine and realistic
sculptural works governed by a great and detailed attention to anatomical shapes and proportions. These were
"promethus Bound", The Triumph of Death over Life," "The Triumph of Science over Death" and the composite
curving of the beautiful faces of the three Beckett sisters. The "Triumph of Death over Life" and "The Triumph
of Science over Death were given to Blumentritt as gifts; while the composite curving of the Beckett sisters'
faces were given to the Beckett family as a farewell gift. As he left London, he could not help reminisced the
beautiful and memorable experiences he had as he crossed the English Channel enroute to Paris. In his diary,
he wrote: London, you've been a part of life. Good bye.

In Paris. Rizal arrived in Paris about two months before the opening of the international Exposition to
comnmemorate French Independence. Wanting to seize this occasion to place his country on the map, he
proposed the formation of an International Association of Filipinologists under the presideney of Blumentritt
and with himself as secretary. His plan called for the holding of a Congress of Filipinologists as a feature of the
Exposition, but the French government limited the number of international conferences; hence Rizal's project
was postponed. However, he organized two societies of Filipinos who were in Paris at that time; one was the
Kidlat Club, the other was the indios Bravos. The Kidlat Club was founded simply to bring together young
Filipinos in the French capital in order that they could enjoy their stay in the city during the international
exposition. On the other hand, Indios Bravos taught its members to be proud of being Filipinos and with
intense desire pledged to their best to excel in intellectual and physical capability to catch the atention of the
Spaniards and win their administration and respect.

Rizal spent most of his time in the reading room of the Biblio Nationale, checking up with accuracy his
historical annotations on Morga's book in order to make the Filipino people know the past of their country. He
spent his leisure hours visiting his Filipino friends, engaged in sculpturing, sketching or painting beautiful
objects and views and attending scientific and cultural lectures, going to theatre, attending parties and decent
diversion. On one occasion, he attended a lecture on Oriental culture in the University of Paris with Dr. Trinidad
H. Pardo de Tavera.

Rizal's Annotated Morga's Book Published. As a matter of record, the publication of Rizal's annotated
edition of Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas which he painstakingly wrote in the British Museum was his
tangible and outstanding achievement in Paris. He dedicated his valuable historical work to his countrymen.
Blumentritt wrote the Prologue commending Rizal for his historical intellectual scholarship. However, he could
not hide his observation and constructive comment about some flaws that should be pointed out as a matter of
record. For Blumentritt, Rizal, like some historians commit the flaw in comparing and appraising the events of
the past against the prevailing conditions which apparently are different; and the virtual attacks on the church
were fundamentally unfair and do not conform to approved standards of ethics because the abuses of friars
should not be construed to mean that Catholicism is bad.

Rizal's annotated Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas was truly an excellent and inspirational piece
of historiography because it can be considered the best of the many histories of the Philippines written by the
early Spanish writers, being accurate in facts and events and unbiased judgment.

Romance with Adelina. In Paris, Rizal became fond of Adelina, a young talented quiet and unaffected lady
with refined manners. The Boustead couple has two daughters Nelly, the older and Adelina the younger. Rizal
and Luna (Antonio) used to visit the Boustead family in Paris. In the course of their frequent visits at the
Boustead home, Nelly was infatuated with Rizal because of his wit, talent and fine manners. But because he
loved Adelina he did not even show any sign of affection for Nelly. On the other hand, Luna had strong feelings
for Nelly, but she (Nelly) did have any iota of love for him.

Luna bécame jealous of Rizal because Nelly was obviously in love with the talented gentleman from
Calamba,Because, she showered him attention. Luna thought all the while that Rizal was deliberately
alienating Nelly's affection for him. To maintain and keep their friendship alive he told Luna that he had no
feelings for Nelly. Luna challenged him to duel but fortunately the matter was settled amicably by their friends.
The saddest episode of his life was the news of the impending marriage of Leonor Rivera, his sweetheart for
eleven years to Mr. Kipping, an English engineer employed in the construction of Manila-Dagupan railway.

To divert his thoughts from the sad news about the approaching marriage of Leonor and feeling
disconsolate and heart-broken, he visited the Boustead family in Biarritz. Biarritz is a beach resort on the Bay
of Biscay and an ideal and romantic place for two people who are in love to express their steadfast devotion
and mutual feelings to one another without any inhibition. His purpose of visiting the Boustead family was the
thought of offering a marriage proposal to Adelina, but it did not materialize. There is a moment in one's life
that one has to ponder and make a decisive decision no matter how difficult, Fate played its role. Perhaps they
were not really meant for each other. C'est la vie (se la ve! ) That's life. However, inspite of his unsuccessful
marital plan, Rizal remain a good friend of the wealthy Boustead family.

Rizal in Brussels. Rizal left Paris and went to Brussels, capital of Belgium because of the high cost of living.
Besides, the city life of merriment and fun, Rizal could not resist the temptation of joining his friends that often
times interferes with his time devoted for writing his second novel, Filibusterismo. Jose Alberto was his
companion when he moved to Brussels and lived in amodest boarding house. Being a surgeon, he spent part
of his time in the medical clinic to attend and treat some patients. Because of the clinical fees he received from
the patients, there was no difficulty meeting the basic essentials he needed in Brussels.

Rizal and the Filipinos in Madrid. While in Brussels, Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura informed Rizal of the
Filipinos passion for gambling. Gambling was the biggest preoccupation of many Filipinos as their favorite past
time. They urged Rizal to do something about this game of chance for stakes because they did not go to
Europe just to gamble, but to work for their country' s freedom.

A part of Rizal's letter to Marcelo H. del Pilar read: There is nothing at home to remind them that the
Filipino does not come to Europe to gamble and amuse himself, but to work for his liberty and for the dignity of
his race. I fear much that we are fighting for a useless illusion and that instead of being worthy of liberty, we
are worthy of slavery. I appeal to the patriotism of all Filipinos to give the Spanish people proof that we are
superior to our misfortune and that neither are we capable of being brutalized, nor can our noble sentiments be
dreadened with the corruption of customs.

Disturbing News at Home. Letters from Calamba which he received in Brussels gave him some disturbing
moments. The agrarian problem in his hometown had not been resolved and even getting worse. The
hacienda management controlled by the Dominican Order continued to arbitrarily increase the annual payment
of the tenant fanners for the land they tilled painstakingly, Don Francisco, Rizal's father refused to pay his rent
to the leased land; and consequently, other tenant farmers also refused to pay their annual rents. The non-
payment of rent of Don Francisco and other tenant farmers resulted in the filing of a case in court by the
Dominican friars to evict them forcibly from the land.

Meanwhile to aggravate the bad news, Paciano and his two brother-in-law, Antonio Lopez (husband of
Narcisa) and Silvestre Ubaldo (husband of Olympia) were deported to Mindoro. This unlawful deportation of his
brothers-in-law to a faraway place, made him feel uneasy and suffered from this disturbing news, that
depressed Rizal. He could hardly sleep, aware of the sad and unfavorable condition of his parents and
brothers-in-law back home, so from Brussels, he’ sent a letter to his sister Soledad on June 6, 1890, a part of
which read:

I have caused much harm to our family,

but at least there remains to us the consolation

of knowing that the motive is not disgraceful

nor does it humiliate anybody.

On the contrary, it raises up and gives us more dignity in the eyes of our enemies. I hope that God will
be merciful enough with me to prevent me from committing one of those faults which would involve my family.

Rizal's Premonition. Rizal in his moment of despair caused by circumstances which seem too much to cope
with, made him restless and sleepless at night, because his family in Calamba was always in his mind. Even if
Rizal did not believe in superstition or irrational belief of the ominous significance of what is unknown, he could
not help entertain the thought he feared that he would not live long. His only wish was to be able to finish his
second novel, The Fili, before he left this world.

This morbid state of mind he manifested indicative of an early death, which he revealed to Marcelo H. del Pilar.
In his letter to del Pilar from Brussels in June, 1898 which he Wrote, the essence of which: "Sad presentiments
assaulted my whole being, even though I do not give them credence. In my early childhood, I had an unusual
feeling that I would not reach thirty years of age. I do not know why this disturbing though, kept on bothering
my mind. I also dreamt that my Brother, friends, and relatives were dead. In succession, they were all dressed
in white, with white faces, silent and surrounded by flashing ray of bright light. I do not believe in this vision
while asleep. For me, the reality of such dream was very remote because my mind and body are healthy. If at
any time this misfortune may come, my only wish was to finish my El Filibusterismo, becauseI believe nobody
else could continue.

Rizal Prepares to go Home. Rizal, full of mental anguish and anxiety decided to go home in the light of the
misfortune, agony and pain his family was suffering. He could not stay in a foreign land writing his novel while
his family, relatives, and friends in the Philippines were in the state of hopelessness. Upon hearing the news
that Graciano Lopez Jaena had plans of going to Cuba, he urged him that instead of going there and die in
yellow fever, he should go to the Philippines and die in defense of his ideals. In a letter he sent to Ponce, he
expressed his uncompromising determination to go back to the Philippines although he knew that it would be
daring and imprudent. But for Rizal, that does not matter.

His friends, including Blumentritt were aghast and horrified of his decision. They could hardly believe,
because they were aware of the impending danger to his life that inevitably awaited him, so they warned him.
His plan to go home did not push through because he received a letter from Paciano informing him that the
case against the Dominicans in Manila, however, an appeal was made to the Supreme Court in Spain. Since
Marcelo H. del Pilar was a lawyer, he requested him to handle the case.

Rizal in Madrid. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of the pleasant cities in the world because of its people
and culture. Upon arrival to this city, Rizal tried to exhaust all available legal means and remedies to seek
justice for his family and tenant farmers in Calamba, but justice on their side seemed elusive. The various
disappointments and frustrations that befell on his family and the betrayal of a woman whom he loved so
dearly with steadfast devotion for a Longtime seemed a heavy cross on his shoulders that seemed unbearable
to carry. Because of the compounded problems he had to bear, he almost engaged into duels-one with Antonio
Luna and the other with Wenceslao Retana which could have been fatal. However, inspite of the tremendous
disappointments, misfortunes, disillusions and other unpleasant experiences in his life, Rizal looked forward
with optimism to continue his mission and lofty ideals with determined effort, fortitude and tenacity of spirit to
relentlessly continue to fight for his oppressed people.
Denied Justice for Rizal's Family. To secure justice for the various incidents of oppression and injustice and
utter lack of human respect and dignity committed by the Spanish authorities on his family and the tenant-
farmers of Calamba, Rizal sought the help of the Filipino community, the Asociacion Hispano-Filipina and
various Spanish newspapers who upheld truth and justice. With the help of his lawyer -Marcelo H. del Pilar and
the Secretary of the Associacion Hispano-Filipina, they sought an audience with the Minister of the Colonies in
order to present the various injustices committed by the Governor-General and the Dominicans against the
poor and helpless tenant-farmers of Calamba. Blumentritt who learned his predicament, urged him to seek an
audience with the Queen Regent of Spain, but he had no friends who wield political power to accompany to
Her Majesty. All these attempts and concerted efforts accorded by his friends to finé solution to the problems
on hand at that time, just turned out to be an exercise of futility.

Background of the Two Duels. The circumstances surrounding the duel between Rizal and Luna stemmed
from a social gathering of the Filipinos in Madrid. The customary practice of serving wine to the guests had
always been a part of merriment and fun. After drinking so many glasses of wine, Luna became intoxicated
and as a consequence, his rationality was quite impaired so he became loquacious. He accused Rizal for his
failure to win the heart of Nelly. At the height of jealousy, he uttered unsavory words about Nelly. Rizal's
respect for any woman's honor is a virtue that he valued, so he would not tolerate any disparaging remarks,
against the lady. Rizal could not control his temper by the unchivalrous and demeaning remarks Luna uttered,
so he challenged him to a duel. The Filipinos were shocked by this unfortunate episode. They tried to pacify
the two that such a duel would not do any good and in effect, damage their cause in Spain.

When Luna became sober, he realized that the incident should not have happened, so he begged an apology
for the remarks he made unbecoming of a gentleman. Rizal readily accepted his apology, and the two became
friends again. Rizal, a man of principle and virtue epitomized righteousness, and prudence. He is by nature
even-tempered and not easily disturbed. However, when the honor of his family, women, friends and the
Filipinos were being assailed for malicious and unfounded accusations, he would never hesitate to defend and
fight, even at the expense of his own life.

Wenceslao Retana, a talented Spanish scholar and an accomplished writer used to contribute articles
in an anti-Filipino newspaper in Madrid. One of his articles that came into print in La Epoca, a widely circulated
newspaper in Madrid at that time, asserted that the relatives and friends of Rizal had not paid their annual
rents for the land they tilled so they were ejected by the Dominicans. Rizal would not take an insult sitting
down, so he challenges Retana. to a duel. Retana did not accept the challenge. For Rizal, the only rational
thing for Retana to do was to publish a retraction and an apology in the same newspaper for the articles he
wrote which he did. The incident made Retana developed a great admiration for Rizal. Years after, he wrote
the first book-length biography of the greatest Filipino hero whose talents he recognized and whose martyrdom
he glorified.