FIRST VISIT TO PARIS (1883) -During his first summer vacation in - TopicsExpress



          

FIRST VISIT TO PARIS (1883) -During his first summer vacation in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris, gay capital of France -The prices of food, drinks, theatre, tickets, laundry, hotel accommodations, and transportation were too high for Rizal’s slender purse so that he commented in a letter to his family: “Paris is the costliest capital in Europe.” •June 17 to August 20, 1883- Rizal sojourn in Paris •Hotel de Paris- located on 37 Rue de Maubange wherein Rizal billeted but later, he moved to a cheaper hotel on 124 Rue de Rennes in the Latin Quarter •Laennec Hospital- where Rizal observed Dr. Nicaise treating his patients •Lariboisiere Hospital- where Rizal observed the examination of different diseases of women •Rizal was impressed by the way the Spanish Mason openly and freely c riticized the government policies and lambasted the friars, which could not be done in Philippines •March 1883- Rizal joined the Masonic lodge called Acacia in Madrid •Rizal’s reason for becoming a mason was to secure Freemansory’s aid in his fight against the friars in the Philippines •Lodge Solidaridad (Madrid) – Rizal transferred where he became a Master Mason on November 15, 1890 •February 15, 1892- Rizal was awarded the diploma as Master Mason by Le Grand Orient de France in Paris •Science, Virtue and Labor- Rizal’s only Masonic writing; a lecture which he delivered in 1889 at Lodge Solidaridad, Madrid •After Rizal’s departure for Spain, things turned from bad to worse in Calamba: (1) harvests of rice and sugarcane failed on account of drought and locusts (2) the manager of the Dominican-owned hacienda increased the rentals of the lands (3) a dreadful pest killed most of the turkeys. Due to hard times in 12 Calamba, the monthly allowances of Rizal in Madrid were late in arrival and there were times when they never arrived •June 24, 1884- a touching incident in Rizal’s life in Madrid wherein he was broke and was unable to take breakfast -Rizal attended his class at the university, participated in the contest in Greek language and won the gold medal •Evening of June 25, 1884- a banquet was sponsored by the Filipino community to celebrate the double victory of the Filipino artist in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid—Luna’s Spoliarium winning the first prize and Hidalgo’s Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace (Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho), second prize •November 20, 21, and 22, 1884- the serene city of Madrid exploded in bloody riots by the students of the Central University •These student demonstrations were caused by the address of Dr. Miguel Morayta, professor of history, at the opening ceremonies of the academic year on November 20, in which he proclaimed “the freedom of science and the teacher” •The Rector, who also took the side of the students, was forced to resign and was replaced by Doctor Creus, “a very unpopular man, disliked by everybody” •November 26, 1884- Rizal wrote the recounting tumultuous riots to his family •June 21, 1884- Rizal completed his medical course in Spain; he was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid •The next academic year (1884-1885), Rizal studied and passed all subjects leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine but he did not present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees, he was not awarded his Doctor’s diploma •June 19, 1885- on his 24th birthday, Rizal was awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters by the Universidad Central de Madrid with the rating of “Excellent”: (Sobresaliente) •November 26, 1884- a letter to Rizal’s family written in Madrid wherein he said “My doctorate is not of very much value to me… because although it is useful to a university professor, yet, I believe they (Dominican friars—Z) will never appoint me as such in the College of Santo Tomas. I say the same thing of philosophy and letters which may serve also for a professorship, but I doubt if the Dominican fathers will grant it to me.” PARIS TO BERLIN (1885-1887) -Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in ophthalmology—Rizal chose this branch of medicine because he wanted to cure his mother’s eye ailment IN GAY PARIS (1885-1886) •Maximo Viola- a medical student and a member of a rich family of San Miguel, Bulacan, Rizal’s friend •Senor Eusebio Corominas- editor of the newspaper La Publicidad and made a crayon sketch of Don Miguel Morayta, owner of La Publicidad and a stasman •Rizal gave Editor Corominas an article on the Carolines Question, then a controversial issue, for publication •November 1885 , Rizal was living in Paris where he sojourned for about four months •Dr. Louis de Weckert (1852-1906)- leading French ophthalmologist wherein Rizal worked as an assistant from November 1885 to February 1886 •Paz Pardo de Tavera- was a pretty girl, who was engaged to Juan Luna •At the studio of Luna, Rizal spent many happy hours. Rizal helped Luna by posing as model in several paintings •In Luna’s canvas “The Death of Cleopatra,“ Rizal posed as an Egyptian priest. In another of Luna’s great paintings, “The Blood Compact,” he posed as Sikatuna, with Trinidad Pardo de Tavera taking the role of Legazpi •November 27, 1878- Rizal told Enrique Lete that he “learned the solfeggio, the piano, the voice culture in one month and a half” •By sheer determination and constant practice, Rizal came to play the flute fairly well. He was a flutist in various impromptu reunions of Filipinos in Paris •Alin Mang Lahi (Any Race)-a patriotic song written by Rizal which asserts that any race aspires for freedom •La Deportacion (Deportation)- a sad danza which Rizal composed in Dapitan during his exile IN HISTORIC HEIDELBERG •February 1, 1886- Rizal reluctantly left gay Paris fro Germany •February 3, 1886- Rizal arrived in Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for its old university and romantic surroundings •Chess Player’s Club- a club wherein the students made Rizal as a member because of being a good chess player •Dr. Otto Becker- distinguished German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked—University Eye Hospital 13 •April 22, 1886- Rizal wrote a fine poem “A Las Flores de Heidelberg” (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) •In the spring of 1886, Rizal was fascinated by the blooming flowers along the cool banks of the Neckar River. Among them was his favorite flower—the light blue “forget-me-not” •Wilhelmsfeld- a mountainous village near Heidelberg where Rizal spent a three-month summer vacation •Dr. Karl Ullmer- a kind Protestant pastor where Rizal stayed, who became his good friend and admirer •June 25, 1886- Rizal ended his sojourn at Pastor Ullmer’s home •May 29, 1887- Rizal wrote from Munich (Muchen) to Friedrich (Fritz), son of Pastor Ullmer •July 31, 1886- Rizal wrote his first letter in German (which he had improved after his stay with the Ullmers) to Professor Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria •Aritmetica (Arithmetic)-Rizal sent this book he mentioned and was published in two languages— Spanish and Tagalog—by the University of Santo Tomas Press in 1868. the author was Rufino Baltazar Hernandez, a native of Santa Cruz, Laguna •August 6, 1886- the famous University of Heidelberg held its fifth centenary celebration IN LEIPZIG AND DRESDEN •August 9, 1886- Rizal left Heidelberg •August 14, 1886- boarded by a train. Rizal arrived in Leipzig •Professor Friedrich Ratzel- a famous German historian, Rizal befriend with him •Dr. Hans Meyer- German anthropologist, a friend of Rizal •In Leipzig, Rizal translated Schiller’s William Tell from German into Tagalog so that Filipino might know the story of that champion of Swiss independence •Rizal also translated into Tagalog for his nephews and niece Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales •Rizal found out that the cost of living in Leipzig was cheapest in Europe so that he stayed two months and a half •Because of his knowledge of German, Spanish, and other European languages, Rizal worked as proofreader in a publisher’s firm •October 29, 1886- Rizal left Leipzig for Dresden where he met Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, Director of the Anthropological and Ethnological Museum •Rizal heard Mass in a Catholic church; evidently, this Mass impressed him very much, for he wrote on his diary: “Truly I have never in my life heard a Mass whose music had greater sublimity and intonation.” •Morning of November 1, 1886- Rizal left Dresden by train reaching Berlin in the evening BERLIN •Rizal was enchanted by Berlin because of its scientific atmosphere and the absence of race prejudice •Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German scientist-traveler and author of Travels in the Philippines, a book which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila •Dr. Rudolf Virchow- introduced to Rizal by Dr. Jagor; famous German anthropologist •Dr. Hans Virchow- son of Dr. Rudolf Virchow, professor of Descriptive Anatomy •Dr. W. Joest- noted German geographer •Dr. Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905)- famous German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked •Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnological Society, and the Geographical Society of Berlin, upon the recommendation of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer •Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art)- Rizal wrote this scholarly paper in German which he read before the society in April 1887 -this paper was published by the society in the same year, and elicited favorable comments from all scientific quarters •Rizal lived in Berlin, famous capital of unified Germany for five reasons: (1) to gain further knowledge of ophthalmology (2) to further his studies of sciences and languages (3) to observe the economic and political conditions of the German nation (4) to associate with famous German scientists and scholars (5) to publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere •Madame Lucie Cerdole-Rizal’s professor of French in order to master the idiomatic intricacies of the French language •Unter den Linden- the most popular boulevard of Berlin wherein Rizal enjoyed promenading, sipping beer in the city’s inns and talking with the friendly Berliners •March 11, 1886- one of Rizal’s important letters written while he was in Germany that addressed to his sister, Trinidad -in this letter, Rizal expressed his high regard and admiration for German womanhood -The German woman, said Rizal to his sister, is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome •Aside from the German women, Rizal admired the German customs which he observed well NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887) 14 -The bleak winter of 1886 in Berlin was Rizal’s darkest winter because no money arrived from Calamba and he was flat broke. The diamond ring which his sister, Saturnina, gave him was in the pawnshop. It was memorable in the life of Rizal for two reasons (1) it was a painful episode for he was hungry, sick and despondent in a strange city (2) it brought him great joy after enduring so much sufferings, because his first novel, Noli Me Tangere came off the press in March, 1887 •Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin- inspired Dr. Rizal to prepare a novel that would depict the miseries of his people under the lash of Spanish tyrants •January 2, 1884- in a reunion of Filipinos in the Paterno residence in Madrid, Rizal proposed the writings of a novel about the Philippines by a group of Filipinos •Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing the novel in Madrid and finished about one-half of it •When Rizal went to Paris, in 1885, after completing his studies in the Central University of Madrid, he continued writing the novel, finishing one half of the second half •Rizal finished the last fourth of the novel in Germany. He wrote the last few chapters of the Noli in Wilhelmsfeld in April-June, 1886 •In Berlin during the winter days of February, 1886, Rizal made the final revisions on the manuscript of the Noli •Maximo Viola- Rizal’s friend from Bulacan, arrived in Berlin at the height of Rizal despondency and loaned him the needed funds to publish the novel; savior of Noli •After the Christmas season , Rizal put the finishing touches on his novel. To save printing expenses, he deleted certain passages in his manuscript, including a whole chapter—“Elias and Salome” •February 21, 1887- the Noli was finally finished and ready for printing •Berliner Buchdruckrei-Action-Gesselschaft- a printing shop which charged the lowest rate, that is, 300 pesos for 2,00 copies of the novel •March 21, 1887- the Noli Me Tangere came off the press •March 29, 1887- Rizal, in token of his appreciation and gratitude, gave Viola the galley proofs of the Noli carefully rolled around the pen that he used in writing it and a complimentary copy, with the following inscription: “To my dear friend, Maximo Viola, the first to read and appreciate my work—Jose Rizal” •The title Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase which means “Touch Me Not”. It is not originally conceived by Rizal, for he admitted taking it from the Bible •Rizal, writing to Felix Hidalgo in French on March 5, 1887, said: “Noli Me Tangere, words taken from the Gospel of St. Luke, signify “do not touch me” but Rizal made a mistake, it should be the Gospel of St. John (Chapter 20 Verses 13 to 17) •Rizal dedicated his Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines—“To My Fatherland” •The cover of Noli Me Tangere was designed by Rizal. It is a ketch of explicit symbols. A woman’s head atop a Maria Clara bodice represents the nation and the women, victims of the social cancer. One of the causes of the cancer is symbolized in the friar’s feet, outsized in relation to the woman’s head. The other aggravating causes of oppression and discrimination are shown in the guard’s helmet and the iron chains, the teacher’s whip and the alferez’s scourge. A slight cluster of bamboo stands at the backdrop; these are the people, forever in the background of their own country’s history. There are a cross, a maze, flowers and thorny plants, a flame; these are indicative of the religious policy, the misdirected ardor, the people strangled as a result of these all •The novel Noli Me Tangere contains 63 chapters and an epilogue •Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor- Filipino patriot and lawyer who had been exiled due to his complicity in the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, read avidly the Noli and was very much impressed by its author CHARACTERS OF NOLI •The Noli Me Tangere was a true story of the Philippine conditions during the last decades of Spanish rule •Maria Clara-was Leonor Rivera, although in real life she became unfaithful and married an Englishman •Ibarra and Elias- represented Rizal himself •Tasio-the philosopher was Rizal’s elder brother Paciano •Padre Salvi-was identified by Rizalists as Padre Antonio Piernavieja, the hated Augustinian friar in Cavite who was killed by the patriots during the Revolution •Capitan Tiago-was Captain Hilario Sunico of San Nicolas •Dona Victorina- was Dona Agustina Medel •Basilio and Crispin- were the Crisostomo brothers of Hagonoy •Padre Damaso- typical of a domineering friar during the days of Rizal, who was arrogant, immoral and anti-Filipino 15 RIZAL’S GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE WITH VIOLA (1887) •May 11, 1887- Rizal and Viola left Berlin by train •Dresden- one of the best cities in Germany •Prometheus Bound-painting wherein Rizal was deeply impressed •Teschen (now Decin, Czechoslovakia)- next stopover after leaving Dresedn LEITMERITZ •At 1:30pm of May 13, 1887- the train, with Rizal and Viola on board, arrived at the railroad station of Leitmeritz, Bohemia -for the first time, the two great scholars—Rizal and Blumentritt—met in person •Professor Blumentritt- a kind-hearted, old Austrian professor •May 13 to May 16, 1887- Rizal and Viola stayed in Leitmeritz •Burgomaster- town mayor •Tourist’s Club of Leitmeritz-which Blumentritt was the secretary; Rizal spoke extemporaneously in fluent Germany to the officers and members •Dr. Carlos Czepelak- renowned scientist of Europe •Professor Robert Klutschak- an eminent naturalist •May 16, 1887 at 9:45 AM- Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train PRAGUE •Dr. Willkomm- professor of natural history in the University of Prague •According to Viola, “nothing of importance happened” in this city VIENNA •May 20, 1887- Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful city of Vienna, capital of Austria-Hungary •Vienna was truly the “Queen of Danube” because of its beautiful buildings, religious images, haunting waltzes and majestic charm •Norfentals- one of the greatest Austrian novelists was favorably impressed by Rizal, and years later he spoke highly of Rizal, “whose genius he so much admired.” •Hotel Metropole- where Rizal and Viola stayed •In Vienna, Rizal received his lost diamond stickpin DANUBIAN VOYAGE TO LINTZ •May 24, 1887- Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat to see the beautiful sights of the Danube River •Rizal particularly noticed that the passengers on the river boat were using paper napkins during the meals, which was a novelty to him. Viola, commented that the paper napkins were “more hygienic and economical than cloth napkins” FROM LINTZ TO RHEINFALL •Munich- where Rizal and Viola sojourned for a short time to savor the famous Munich beer, reputed to be the best in Germany •Nuremberg- one of the oldest cities of Germany •The Cathedral of Ulm- the largest and tallest cathedral in all Germany •From Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden and then Rheinfall (Cascade of the Rhine). At Rheinfall, they saw the waterfall, “the most beautiful waterfall of Europe” CROSSING THE FRONTIER TO SWITZERLAND •June 2 to 3, 1887- stayed at Schaffhausen, Switzerland GENEVA •This Swiss city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, visited by world tourists every year •June 19, 1887- Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. It was his 26 th birthday •Rizal and Viola spent fifteen delightful days in Geneva •June 23, 1887- Viola and Rizal parted ways—Viola returned to Barcelona while Rizal continued the tour to Italy •Exposition of the Philippines in Madrid, Spain- Rizal was outraged by this degradation of his fellow countrymen the Igorots of Northern Luzon RIZAL IN ITALY •June 27, 1887- Rizal reached Rome, the “Eternal City” and also called the “City of the Caesars” •Rizal was thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal City. Describing to Blumentritt, the “grandeur that was Rome”, he wrote on June 27, 1887 16 •June 29, 1887- the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Rizal visited for the first time the Vatican, the “City of the Popes” and the capital of Christendom •Every night, after sightseeing the whole day, Rizal returned to his hotel, very tired. “I am tired as a dog,” he wrote to Blumentritt, “but I will sleep as a God” •After a week of wonderful sojourn in Rome, Rizal prepared to return to the Philippines. He had already written to his father that he was coming home FIRST HOMECOMING (1887-1888) -Because of the publication of the Noli Me Tangere and the uproar it caused among the friars, Rizal was warned by Paciano (his brother), Silvestre Ubaldo (his brother-in-law), Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio) and other friends not to return home. -Rizal was determined to return to the Philippines for the following reasons: (1) to operate on his mother’s eyes (2) to serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants (3) to find out for himself how Noli and his other writings were affecting Filipinos and Spaniards in the Philippines and (4) to inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent •July 29, 1887- Rizal wrote to his father, announcing his homecoming, “on the 15th of July, I shall embark for our country, so that from the 15th to the 30th of August, we shall see each other” DELIGHTFUL TRIP TO MANILA -Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles, a French port, which he reached without mishap. •July 3, 1887-Rizal boarded the steamer Djemnah, the same streamer which brought him to Europe 5 years ago •July 30, 1887-at Saigon, Rizal transferred to another steamer, Haiphong, which was Manila-bounded •August 2, 1887- the steamer left Saigon for Manila ARRIVAL IN MANILA •August 3, 1887- the moon was full and Rizal slept soundly the whole night. The calm sea, illuminated by the silvery moonlight, was a magnificent sight to him •Near midnight of August 5, 1887 , the Haiphong arrived in Manila HAPPY HOMECOMING •August 8, 1887- Rizal returned to Calamba •In Calamba, Rizal established a medical clinic. His first patient was his mother, who was almost blind. •Rizal, who came to be called “Doctor Uliman” because he came from Germany, treated their ailments and soon he acquired a lucrative medical practice •Rizal opened a gymnasium for young folks, where he introduced European sports •Rizal suffered one failure during his six months of sojourn in Calamba—his failure to see Leonor Rivera STORM OVER THE NOLI •Governor General Emilio Terrero (1885-1888)-requesting Rizal to come to Malacańang Palace •Don Jose Taviel de Andrade-a young Spanish lieutenant assigned by Governor General Terrero to posed as bodyguard of Rizal •Msgr. Pedro Payo (a Dominican)- sent a copy of Noli to Father Rector Gregorio Echavarria of the University of Sto. Tomas for examination by a committee of the faculty •The report of the faculty members of University of Santo Tomas stated that the Noli was “heretical, impious, and scandalous in the religious order and anti-patriotic, subversive of public order, injurious to the government of Spain and its function in the Philippine Islands in the political order” •Permanent Commission of Censorship-a committee composed of priest and laymen •Fr. Salvador Font- Augustinian cura of Tondo, head of the committee -found the novel to contain subversive ideas against the Church and Spain, and recommended “that the importation, reproduction, and circulation of this pernicious book in the islands be absolutely prohibited.” •Fr. Jose Rodriguez- Augustinian priest, published a series of eight pamphlets under the general heading Cuestiones de Sumo Interes (Questions of Supreme Interest) to blast the Noli and other anti-Spanish writings •Vicente Barrantes- Spanish academician of Madrid, who formerly criticized the Noli in an article published in La Espańa Moderna (a newspaper of Madrid) in January, 1890 •What marred Rizal’s happy days in Calamba with Lt. Andrade were (1) the death of his older sister, Olimpia, and (2) the groundless tales circulated by his enemies that he was “a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, a Protestant, a Mason, a witch, a soul beyond salvation, etc.” •Rev. Vicente Garcia-a Filipino Catholic priest-scholar, a theologian of the Manila Cathedral and a Tagalog translator of the famous Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis -writing under the penname Justo Desiderio Magalang, wrote a defense of the Noli which was published in Singapore as an appendix to a pamphlet dated July 18, 1888, he blasted the arguments of Fr. Rodriguez •Rizal, himself defended his novel against Barrantes’ attack, in a letter written in Brussels, Belgium in February 1880. 17 FAREWELL TO CALAMBA •The friars asked Governor General Terrero to deport him, but latter refused because there was no valid charge against Rizal in court. •Rizal was compelled to leave Calamba for two reasons: (1) his presence in Calamba was jeopardizing the safety and happiness of his family and friends (2) he could fight better his enemies and serve his country’s cause with greater efficacy by writing in foreign countries •Shortly before Rizal left Calamba in 1888, his friend from Lipa requested him to write a poem in commemoration of the town’s elevation to a villa (city) by virtue of the Becerra Law of 1888 •Himno Al Trabajo (Hymn to Labor)- a poem written by Rizal dedicated to the industrious folks of Lipa IN HONGKONG AND MACAO (1888) -Hounded by powerful enemies, Rizal was forced to leave his country for a second time in February 1888. He was then a full-grown man of 27 years of age, a practicing physician, and a recognized man-of-letters THE TRIP TO HONGKONG •February 3, 1888-Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong on board the Zafiro •February 7, 1888- Zafiro made a brief stopover at Amoy •Rizal did not get off his ship at Amoy for three reasons: (1) he was not feeling well (2) it was raining hard (3) he heard that the city was dirty •February 8, 1888- Rizal arrived in Hong Kong •Victoria Hotel- Rizal stayed while in Hong Kong. He was welcomed by Filipino residents, including Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriarte (son of Francisco Yriarte (son of Francisco Yriarte, alcalde mayor of Laguna) •Jose Sainz de Varanda- a Spaniard, who was a former secretary of Governor General Terrero, shadowed Rizal’s movement in Hong Kong -it is believed that he was commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on Rizal •“Hong Kong”, wrote Rizal to Blumentritt on February 16, 1888, “is a small, but very clean city.” VISIT TO MACAO -Macao is a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. -According to Rizal, the city of Macao is small, low, and gloomy. There are many junks, sampans, but few steamers. It looks sad and is almost dead. •February 18, 1888- Rizal, accompanied by Basa, boarded the ferry steamer, Kiu-Kiang for Macao •Don Juan Francisco Lecaros- A filipino gentleman married to a Portuguese lady -Rizal and Basa stayed at his home while in Macao •February 18, 1888- Rizal witnessed a Catholic possession, in which the devotees were dressed in blue and purple dresses and were carrying unlighted candles •February 20, 1888- Rizal and Basa returned to Hong Kong, again on board the ferry steamer Kiu Kiang DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG •February 22, 1888- Rizal left Hong Kong on board the Oceanic, an American steamer, his destination was Japan •Rizal’s cabin mate was a British Protestant missionary who called Rizal “a good man” ROMANTIC INTERLUDE IN JAPAN (1888) -One of the happiest interludes in the life of Rizal was his sojourn in the Land of the Cherry Blossoms for one month and a half (February 28-April 13, 1888) •February 28, 1888- early in the morning of Tuesday, Rizal arrived in Yokohama. He registered at the Grand Hotel •Tokyo Hotel- Rizal stayed here from March 2 to March 7 •Rizal wrote to Professor Blumentritt: “Tokyo is more expensive then Paris. The walls are built in cyclopean manner. The streets are large and wide.” •Juan Perez Caballero-secretary of the Spanish Legation, who visited Rizal at his hotel who latter invited him to live at the Spanish Legation •Rizal accepted the invitation for two reasons: (1) he could economize his living expenses by staying at the legation (2) he had nothing to hide from the prying eyes of the Spanish authorities •March 7, 1888- Rizal checked out of Tokyo Hotel and lived at the Spanish Legation •Rizal was favorably impressed by Japan. The things which favorably impressed Rizal in Japan were: (1) the beauty of the country—its flowers, mountains, streams and scenic panoramas, (2) the cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese people (3)the picturesque dress and simple charm of the Japanese women (4) there were very few thieves in Japan so that the houses remained open day and night, and in hotel room one could safely leave money on the table (5) beggars were rarely seen in the city, streets, unlike in Manila and other cities 18 •Rickshaws-popular mode of transportation drawn by men that Rizal did not like in Japan •April 13, 1888-Rizal left Japan and boarded the Belgic, an English steamer, at Yokohama, bound for the United States •Tetcho Suehiro- a fighting Japanese journalist, novelist and champion of human rights, who was forced by the Japanese government to leave the country -passenger which Rizal befriended on board the Belgic •April 13 to December 1, 1888- eight months of intimate acquaintanceship of Rizal and Tetcho •December 1, 1888- after a last warm handshake and bidding each other “goodbye”, Rizal and Tetcho parted ways—never to meet again RIZAL’S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES (1888) •April 28, 1888- the steamer Belgic, with Rizal on board, docked at San Francisco on Saturday morning •May 4, 1888- Friday afternoon, the day Rizal was permitted to go ashore •Palace Hotel- Rizal registered here which was then considered a first-class hotel in the city •Rizal stayed in San Francisco for two days—May 4 to 6, 1888 •May 6, 1888-Sunday, 4:30PM, Rizal left San Francisco for Oakland •May 13, 1888-Sunday morning, Rizal reached New York, thus ending his trip across the American continent •Rizal stayed three days in this city, which he called the “big town.” •May 16, 1888- Rizal left New York for Liverpool on board the City of Rome. According to Rizal, this steamer was “the second largest ship in the world, the largest being the Great Eastern” •Rizal had good and bad impressions of the United States. The good impressions were (1) the material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms, flourishing industries and busy factories (2) the drive and energy of the American people (3) the natural beauty of the land (4) the high standard of living (5) the opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants •One bad impression Rizal had of America was the lack of racial equality: “America is the land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites” RIZAL IN LONDON (1888-1889) -After visiting the United States, Rizal lived in London from May, 1888 to March, 1889 for three reasons: (1) to improve his knowledge of the English language (2) to study and annotate Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, a rare copy of which he heard to be available in the British Museum (3) London was a safe place for him to carry on his fight against Spanish tyranny TRIP ACROSS THE ATLANTIC •The trans-Atlantic voyage of Rizal from New York to Liverpool was a pleasant one. •Rizal entertained the American and European passengers with his marvelous skills with the yo-yo as an offensive weapon. •Yoyo-is a small wooden disc attached to a string from the finger. •May 24, 1888-Rizal arrived at Liverpool, England •Adelphi Hotel-Rizal spend the night here while staying for one day in this port city •According to Rizal, “Liverpool is a big and beautiful city and its celebrated port is worthy of its great fame. The entrance is magnificent and the customhouse is quite good.” LIFE IN LONDON •May 25, 1888- a day after docking at Liverpool, Rizal went to London •Rizal stayed as guest at the home of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, an exile of 1872 and a practicing lawyer in London. By the end of May, Rizal found a modest boarding place at No. 37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill •Dr. Reinhold Rozt- librarian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an authority on Malayan languages and customs -He was impressed by Rizal’s learning and character and he gladly recommended him to the authorities of the British Museum. He called Rizal “a pearl of a man” (una perla de hombre) •Both good and bad news from home reached Rizal in London. Of the bad news, were the injustices committed by the Spanish authorities on the Filipino people and the Rizal Family •The greatest achievement of Rizal in London was the annotating of Morga’s book, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Historical Events of the Philippine Islands), which was published in Mexico, 1609. •September 1888- Rizal visited Paris for a week in order to search for more historical materials in the Bibliotheque Nationale •Rizal was entertained in this gay French metropolis by Juan Luna and his wife (Pas Pardo de Tavera), who proudly showed him their little son Andres (nickname Luling) •December 11, 1888-Rizal went to Spain, visiting Madrid and Barcelona •Rizal met, for the first time, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Mariano Ponce, two titans of the Propaganda Movement 19 •December 24, 1888-Rizal returned to London and spent Christmas and New Year’s Day with the Becketts •Rizal sent as Christmas gift to Blumentritt a bust of Emperador Augustus and a bust of Julius Caesar to another friend, Dr. Carlos Czepelak (Polish scholar) •The Life and Adventures of Valentine Vox, the Ventriloquist-a Christmas gift from Rizal’s landlady, Mrs Beckett RIZAL BECOMES LEADER OF FILIPINOS IN EUROPE •Asociacion La Solidaridad (Solidaridad Association)- a patriotic society, which cooperate in the crusade fro reforms, was inaugurated on December 31, 1888, with the following officers: Galicano Apacible (president); Graciano Lopez Jaena (vice-president); Manuel Santa Maria (secretary); Mariano Ponce (treasurer) and Jose Ma. Panganiban (accountant) •By unanimous vote of all members, Rizal was chosen honorary president •January 28, 1889- Rizal wrote a letter addressed to the members of the Asociacion La Solidaridad RIZAL AND THE LA SOLIDARIDAD NEWSPAPER •February 15, 1889- Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad in Barcelona •La Solidadridad-fortnightly periodical which served as the organ of the Propaganda Movement •Its aims were as follows: (1) to work peacefully for political and social reforms (2) to portray the deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may remedy them (3) to oppose the evil forces of reaction and medievalism (4) to advocate liberal ideas and progress (5) to champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people to life, democracy and happiness •Los Agricultores Filipinos (The Filipino Farmers)- Rizal’s first article which appeared in La Solidaridad which is published on March 25, 1889, six days after he left London for Paris ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN LA SOLIDARIDAD -Rizal wrote articles for La Solidaridad in defense of his oppressed people and to point out the evils of Spanish rule in the Philippines 1. “A La Defensa” (To La Defensa), April 30, 1889- this was a reply to an anti-Filipino writing of a Spanish author Patricio de la Escosura which was published by La Defensa on March 30, 1889 2. “La Verdad Para Todos” (The Truth For All), May 31, 1889- Rizal’s defense against the Spanish charges that the native local officials were ignorant and depraved 3. “Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo”, June 15, 1889- in this article, Rizal exposes Barrabtes’ ignorance on the Tagalog theatrical art 4.“Una Profanacion” (A Profanation), July 31, 1889- a bitter attack against the friars for denying Christian burial to Mariano Herbosa in Calamba because he was a brother-in-law of Rizal. Herbosa, husband of lucia died of cholera on May 23, 1889 5. “Verdades Nuevas” (New Truths), July 31, 1889- a reply to Vicente Belloc Sanchez’ letter published in La Patria, Madrid newspaper, on July 4, 1889, which asserted that the granting of reforms in the Philippines would ruin the “peaceful and maternal rule” of the friars 6. “Crueldad” (Cruelty), August 15, 1889- a brilliant defense of Blumentritt from the scutrillous attack of his enemies 7. “Diferencias’ (Differences), September 15, 1889- a reply to a biased article entitled “Old Truths” published in La Patria on August 14, 1889, which ridiculed those Filipinos who asked for reforms 8.“Inconsequencias” (Inconsequences), November 30, 1889- a defense of Antonio Luna against the attack of Pablo Mir Deas in the Barcelona newspaper El Puieblo Soberano 9. “Llanto y Risas” (Tears and Laughter), November 30, 1889- a denunciation of Spanish racial prejudice against brown Filipinos 10. “Ingratitudes” (Ingratitude), January 15, 1890- a reply to Governor General Valeriano Weyler who, while visiting Calamba, told the people that they “should not allow themselves to be deceived by the vain promises of their ungrateful sons.” •Simultaneous with Rizal retirement from the Propaganda Movement, Rizal ceased writing articles for La Solidaridad •August 7, 1891- M.H. del Pilar wrote to Rizal begging forgiveness for any resentment and requesting Rizal to resume writing for the La Solidaridad •Rizal stopped writing for La Solidaridad, it was because of several reasons: (1) Rizal need to work on his book (2) He wanted other Filipinos to work also (3) Rizal considered it very important to the party that there be unity in the work (4) Marcelo H. del Pilar is already at the top and Rizal also have his own ideas, it is better to leave del Pilar alone to direct the policy WRITINGS IN LONDON •While busy in research studies at the British Museum, Rizal received news on Fray Rodriguez’ unabated attack on his Noli •La Vision del Fray Rodriguez (The Vision of Fray Rodriguez)-pamphlet wrote by Rizal which published in Barcelona under his nom-de-plume Dimas Alang in order to defense his novel 20 -In La Vision del Fray Rodriguez, Rizal demonstrated two things: (1) his profound knowledge of religion (2) his biting satire •Letter to the Young Women of Malolos- a famous letter wrote by Rizal on February 22, 1889 in Tagalog -this letter is to praise the young ladies of Malolos for their courage to establish a school where they could learn Spanish, despite the opposition of Fr. Felipe Garcia, a Spanish parish priest of Malolos •The main points of this letter were: (1) a Filipino mother should teach her children love of God, fatherland, and mankind (2) the Filipino mother should be glad, like the Spartan mother, to offer her sons in the defense of the fatherland (3) a Filipino woman should know how to preserve her dignity and honor (4) a Filipino woman should educate herself, aside from retaining her good racial virtues (5) Faith is not merely reciting long prayers and wearing religious pictures, but rather it is living the real Christian way, with good morals and good manners •Dr Reinhold Rost, editor of Trubner’s Record, a journal devoted to Asian studies, request Rizal to contribute some articles. In response to his request, the latter prepared two articles—(1) Specimens of Tagal Folklore, which published in the journal in May, 1889 (2) Two Eastern Fables, published in June, 1889 •March 19, 1889- Rizal bade goodbye to the kind Beckett Family and left London for Paris RIZAL’S SECOND SOJOURN IN PARIS AND THE UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION IN 1889 -In March, 1889, it was extremely difficult for a visitor to find living quarters in Paris •Valentin Ventura- a friend of Rizal where he lived—No. 45 Rue Maubeuge, where he polished his annotated edition of Morga’s book •Rizal used most of his time in the reading room of the Bibliotheque Nationale (National Library) checking up his historical annotations on Morga’s book •Rizal was a good friend of the three Pardo de Taveras—Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, a physician by vocation and philologist by avocation, Dr. Felix Pardo de Tavera, also physician by vocation and an artist and sculptor by avocation, and Paz Pardo de Tavera, wife of Juan Luna •June 24, 1889- a baby girl was born to Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera, she was their second child •Her baptismal godfather was Rizal, who chose her name “Maria de la Paz, Blanca, Laureana, Hermenegilda Juana Luna y Pardo de Tavera” •May 6, 1889- opening of Universal Exposition of Paris •The greatest attraction of this exposition was the Eiffel Tower, 984 feet high, which was built by Alexander Eiffel, celebrated French engineer KIDLAT CLUB •March 19, 1889-the same day when he arrived in Paris from London, Rizal organized his paisanos (compatriots) into a society called Kidlat Club •Kidlat Club-purely a social society of a temporary nature -founded by Rizal simply to bring together young Filipinos in the French capital so that they could enjoy their sojourn in the city during the duration of the Universal Exposition INDIOS BRAVOS •Rizal was enchanted by the dignified and proud bearing of the American Indians in a Buffalo Bull show •Indios Bravos (Brave Indians)- replaced the ephemeral Kidlat Club -its members pledged to excel in intellectual and physical prowess in order to win the admiration of the foreigners -practised with great enthusiasm the use of the sword and pistol and Rizal taught them judo, an Asian art of selfdefense, that he learned in Japan R.D.L.M SOCIETY •Sociedad R.D.L.M. (R.D.L.M Society)- a mysterious society founded by Rizal in Paris during the Universal Exposition of 1889 -its existence and role in the crusade reforms are really enigmatic -Of numerous letters written by Rizal and his fellow propagandists, only two mentioned this secret society, as follows (1) Rizal’s Letter to Jose Maria Basa, Paris, September 21, 1889 (2) Rizal’s Letter to Marcelo H. del Pilar, Paris, November 4, 1889 •According to Dr. Leoncio Lopez-Rizal, grandnephew of the hero, the society has a symbol or countersign represented by a circle divided into three parts by two semi-circles having in the center the intwerlocked letters I and B meaning Indios Bravos and the letter R.D.L.M. placed outside an upper, lower, left and right sides of the circle •The letters R.D.L.M. are believed to be the initials of the society’s secret name Redencion de los Malayos (Redemption of the Malays)—Redemption of the Malay Race •It was patterned after Freemasonry. It had various degrees of membership, “with the members not knowing each other.” 21 •The aim of the secret society, as stated by Rizal, was “the propagation of all useful knowledge—scientific, artistic, and literary, etc.—in the Philippines. Evidently, there was another aim that is, the redemption of the Malay race •It must be noted that Rizal was inspired by a famous book entitled Max Havelaar (1860) written by Multatuli (pseudonym of E.D. Dekker, Dutch author
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 03:32:39 +0000

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