The Woman in Rizal's Life

O Sei San
O Sei San
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1.0 Jose Rizal The Martyr and National Hero (2013 Edition) ( Sherwin Prose
C. Castaeda, Petra S. Ornos, Vivian O. San Felife, Luvismin S. Aves, Janry
B. Colonia, Hazel D. Cao, Loida D. Zaide)
When Rizal left the country for second time, he went to Japan. He
moved to the Spanish Legation in Tokyo where he saw a pretty Japanese girl
passing the legation gate. He was so attracted by her regal beauty and
charm that he eagerly craved to meet her. With the help of a Japanese
gardener, Rizal was introduced to O-Sei-San. He saw in her the qualities of an
ideal woman beauty, charm, modesty and intelligence. Eventually, Rizal fell
madly in love with O-Sei-San who was also impressed of Rizal's gallant and
gentleman manner that she had fallen in love with him too.
Everything in their relationship seemed perfect and Rizal was almost
tempted to settle down in Japan, but he loved his country more than
anything else and his strong desire to help his people was stronger so he
bade farewell to lovely O-Sei-San.
He paid tribute about his stay in Japan and to O-Sei-San by writting in his
diary that his experience in Japan was one of the happiest interludes he had
in his life. It read.
"Japan has enchanted me. The beautiful scenery, the flowers, the trees,
and the inhabitants, so peaceful, so courteous and so pleasant. O-Sei-San,
Sayonara, Sayonara ! I havr to spent a happy golden month: I do not know if
I can have another one like that in all my life. Love, money, friendship,
appreciation, honors these have not been wanting...."
"To you I dedicate the final chapter of these memories of my youth. No
woman like you has ever loved me. No woman like you has ever sacrificed
for me. Like you, the flower of the chodji that falls from the stem fresh and
whole without falling leaves or without withering with poetry still despite its
fall thus you fell. Neither have you lost your purity nor have the delicate
petals of your innocence faded-- Sayonara, Sayonara !"
1.1 Jose Rizal Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and
National Hero (Centennial Edition) (Second Edition) (Gregorio F. Zaide,
Sonia M. Zaide)
Romance with O Sei San. One spring afternoon, a few days after he had
move to the Spanish legation in Azabu district of Tokyo, Rizal saw a pretty Japanese
girl walking past the legation gate. Rizal saw in lovely O Sei San the qualities of his
ideal womanhood. Beauty, charm, modesty, and intelligence. No wonder, he fell
deeply in love with her. O Sei San reciprocated his affection for it was the first time
her heart palpitated with joys to see a man gallantly, dignity, courtesy and versatile
talent.
1.2 Internet source:
http://ourhappyschool.com/history/seiko-usui-joserizals-japanese-girlfriend-0
Seiko Usui: Jose Rizal's Japanese Girlfriend
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If only Jose Rizal had no patriotic mission and no political will, he would have
married her and settled in Japan for good.
It was during Rizals second trip abroad when he met Seiko Usui. From Hong
Kong, he arrived in Japan in February 1888 and moved to the Spanish Legation in
the Azabu district of Tokyo upon the invitation of an official in the legation.
One day, Rizal saw Seiko passing by the legation in one of her daily afternoon
walks. Fascinated by her charm, Rizal inquired and learned from a Japanese
gardener some basic information about her. The next day, Rizal and the Japanese
gardener waited at the legation gate for Seiko. Acting as a go-between and
interpreter, the gardener introduced the gracious Filipino doctor and the pretty
Japanese woman to each other. The gardeners role as intermediary was cut short
however when Seiko spoke in English. She also knew French, and so she and Rizal
began to converse in both languages.
1.3
Internet
source:
http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2012/02/rizals-romances.html
O-SEI-SAN: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
When Rizal was in Tokyo a few days after he had moved to the Azabu district
in 1888, he spotted a pretty Japanese girl walking past the legion gate. He was
captured by the lady's regal air and charisma and endeavored to find ways to meet
her. The girl's name was Seiko Usui. She lived with her parents and often took
afternoon walks by the legation. Rizal waited by the gate one afternoon and
introduced himself.
An Exploration of Beauty
Rizal and O-Sei-San, as he fondly called her, met almost daily. They toured
the beautiful city spots, enjoyed the scenery, and visited the picturesque shrines.
Rizal was then a lonely young physician, disillusioned by his frustrated romance
with Leonor Rivera and burdened by soured hopes for justice in his country. O-SeiSan provided the beautiful escape that he deeply needed, and he saw in her the
qualities of his ideal woman. He was her first love.
1.4 Newspaper: http://opinion.inquirer.net/86364/japanese-with-adifferent-face
If you walk around the shopping areas of Tokyo or Osaka these days, you will
probably bump into Filipinos on tour. It would seem that Japan has replaced Hong
Kong as the new preferred destination for short getaways since the Japanese
Embassy made it easier to get long-term, multiple-entry tourist visas. It also helps
that the Japanese yen is down, making it easier to stretch the shopping budget a bit
more. All first-time visitors to Japan return with rave reviews about cleanliness,
safety, and efficient public transport that seem to be disappearing in Manila.
When I ask Filipino travelers what they remember of Japan in our history, the two
things that always come up are: The atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial
Army during World War II (this includes the comfort women), and O Sei-san (or
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Usui Seiko in some textbooks), who was Rizals Japanese girlfriend. Younger
people who cant look too far back in history associate Japan with more
contemporary culture: electronic gadgets and games, anime, cosplay, manga and
ramen. Recently many Japanese companies have opened branches in Manila, with
Uniqlo being the most popular because of efficient marketing. Then there are Muji,
Family Mart, and a growing number of food establishments like Yabu, Ginza Bairin
and, soon, Maisen for tonkatsu (breaded pork), Ippudo for ramen, and Yoshinoya for
gyudon (beef on rice bowl).
The country hated so much for what its soldiers did to our country and people
during World War II is back, but with a different face. Even I cannot understand why
such a civilized and cultured country could act so viciously during the war.
Gertrude Beckett
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Gertrude Beckett
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After his visit in the United States, Rizal lived in London. He boarded with
the Becket family, where he met Gertrude, the eldest of the four sister. The
Becket children where composed of two sons and four daughters. Gertie or
Tottie to her friends was describe as a buxom girl with a brown eyes and
rosy chicks who fell in love in Rizal. Gertie tried her best to make Rizal
happy and comfortable with her, showering him all her attention and care.
Like any other men, Rizal was happy in her company and their relationship. It
had almost blossomed into a more serious relationship but for some other
women whom he had loved and admired before; he did not marry her for he
had a mission to full fill.
Sonia M. Zaide)
Romance with Gertrude Beckett. Rizal had a romantic interlude with

the oldest of the three Beckett sisters - Gertrude. Gertie, as she was
affectionately called, was a buxom English girl with brown hair, blue eyes,
and rosy cheeks. She fell in love with Rizal. On cold winter mornings she had
a sunny smile for him, chattering gaily lke a humming bird. During the family
picnics, she was particularly very happy because Rizal was with them and
she gave him all her attention. And in rainy days when Rizal stayed at home.
She helped him by mixing his colors for painting or assisted in preparing the
clay for sculpturing.
Rizal, being a man of normal emotions, found exhilarating joy in
Gertrude's company. Their friendship drifted towards romance. Rizal
affectionately called her "Gertue," in reciprocation, she fondly called him
"Pettie" As their flirtation was fast approaching the point of no return, and
Rizal suddenly realized that he could not marry Gettie for he had a mission to
fulfill in life.
2.2 Internet source: http://ourhappyschool.com/music-and-arts/gertrudebeckett-jose-rizals-fling-london
Gertrude Beckett: Jose Rizal's Fling in London
SHE HELPED JOSE RIZAL mix his colors for painting and prepared the clay for
his sculpturing, hoping that a colorful romantic relationship would be formed
between them.
Gertrude was the daughter of Rizals landlordCharles Beckett who is an organist at
St. Pauls Church in London. Coming from brief stay in Japan and the United States
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of America, Rizal chose to live in the capital city of the United Kingdom on May,
1888.
The oldest of the three (some say four) Beckett sisters, Gertrude (also called
Gettie or Tottie) was a curvy lady with cheerful blue eyes, brown hair, rosy
cheeks, and thin lips. (Based on the pictures of Rizals girlfriends now available
over the internet, one can even argue that Gertrude is the most beautiful.)
2.3
Internet
source:
In May 1888 Rizal visited London for a short time, boarding the house of the Beckett
family: Mr. & Mrs. Beckett, their two sons, and their four daughters. The eldest
daughter was named Gertrude.
The Artist's Right Hand
Gertrude was a buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair. She fell in love
with Rizal and gave him all of her attention during the family picnics and
gatherings. When Rizal stayed indoors during rainy days painting and sculpting,
she helped him mix his colors and prepare his clay.
Rizal enjoyed her company. Eventually their flirtatious friendship drifted towards a
blossoming romance. He affectionately called her "Gettie," and in return she called
him "Pettie."
Leaving for a Higher Cause
Rizal withdrew before his relationship with Gettie could become more serious,
realizing that he had a greater mission to fulfill and that in order to accomplish it he
could not yield to the option of marrying her. He suppressed the yearnings of his
heart and decided to leave so that the lady may forget him. Before he did,
however, he finished a number of sculptural works, one of which was a carving of
the heads of the Beckett sisters.
2.4 Newspaper: http://www.philstar.com/fashion-and-beauty/700496/thesejewels-might-have-worked-wonders-rizals-women
These jewels might have worked wonders on Rizal's women
Barbara, a Philippine STAR columnist who was for many years an advertising
executive, and Mia, who is the founder of the Michelis jewelry line, thought of
coming up with the collection as it was Rizals 150th birthday and we thought we
could do something special for him. This was also our way of letting more people
know more about him.
Yzabelles line of Rizal-inspired jewelry was launched in April beginning with the
Only Love Will Work Wonders collection, which consists of sterling silver earrings,
necklaces, lockets and pendants, bracelets, and rings molded into modern, edgy
designs with inscriptions of the quotation.
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The collection also features symbols of Rizals life and times: his plume, a vintage
key with his initials, a Noli Me Tangere book, and the caduceus, which represents his
medical practice.
Mia first came across the quote in Pablo S. Trillana IIIs Rizal and Heroic Traditions: A
Sense of National Destiny. She was moved by Simouns dialogue in El Filibusterismo:
Hate only creates monsters, crime, criminals. Only love will work wonders, only
virtue can redeem. If the country is to be set free someday, it will not be through
vice and crime, it will not be through corruption. It will only be through love.
The collection inspired by O Sei San, the daughter of a samurai whom Rizal fell in
love with during his stay in Japan, was launched this month. The collection features
cherry blossom designs, which represent her demure personality and Japanese
heritage.
Shoppers can look forward to more such jewelry during the next few months. These
include pieces inspired by his European loves Gertrude Beckett, Suzanne Jacoby,
Nellie Boustead, and Josephine Bracken; as well as Rizals mother Doa Teodora
Alonzo and sisters including Maria, who is Barbara and Mias great grandmother.
2.5 Magazine:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/221680/publicaffairs/iwitness/ang
-mahiwagang-ngiti-ni-rizal-documentary-by-howie-severino
"Ang Mahiwagang Ngiti ni Rizal" ( Documentary by Howie Severino)

No Filipino hero of his time was as photographed as Jose Rizal. Each
photograph reveals facets of his personality and sheds light on the relationships
that were very much a part of who Rizal was. One of these photos is a group photo
in Paris from the 1880s that shows Rizal wearing a mischievous half-smile. Could it
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be because he was foolishly in love with someone in the picture. But he would soon
break her heart and have his own broken too. Also in the picture is Rizal's best
friends' sister Paz Pardo de Tavera, who would soon meet a tragic end at the hands
of another of Rizal's illustrious amigos. The picture captures the short-lived joy in
Rizal's happy-go-lucky life in Paris , before he himself would descend into a chain of
sad events. There is more to every photo than meets the eye. Join Howie Severino
as he discovers the stories behind these photographs on I-Witness this Monday, May
30, at 11:30 pm after Saksi.
Nelly Bousted
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Although Madrid may be considered one of the most beautiful city of

the world, Rizal has so many disappointments and sad experienced in the
city. To find comfort and a little solace for all his frustration, Rizal decided to
take a vacation in the resort of Biarritz o the French Riviera, an ideal setting
for Romance. He became a guest of the rich Bousted family and befriended
Mr. Eduardo Bousted his wife and two charming daughters. Adelina and Nelly.
He found relief for his grieving heart with the Bousted family who warmly
welcomed and admired him because of his talent. In the romantic gardens
and panoramic beauties of Biarritz which was an excellent setting for
romance, Rizal was entertained by Nelly's affection and charming beauty. He
found her to be "a real Filipina, highly intelligence, vivacious in temperament
and morally upright." This time, He proposed marriage to Nelly, However,
Rizal marriage proposal did not materialize of two reason: 1) he refused to
give up the Catholic faith and converted to Protestantism. Nelly was
Protestant and 2) Nelly's mother disapproved of Rizal as son-in-law.
Although Rizal and Nelly could not get married, their parted as friends.
Sonia M. Zaide)
Romance with Nelly Bousted. Biarritz, with its romantic gardens, delightful
villas, and panoramic beauties , is an ideal setting for romance. On an emotional
rebounce, Rizal having lost his beloved Leeonor, came to entertain considerable
affection for Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of his host. He found her to
be a real Filipina, highly intelligent, vivacious in temperament, and morally upright.
He wrote to his intimate friends, except Prof. Blumentritt, of his love for Nellie, also
called Nelly, and his intention to propose marriage to her.
As early as on Feb. 4 1891, M.H. del Pilar teased him about changing the "0"
in Noli to an "e", which means Noli to Nelly. Antonio Luna, who had previously loved
and lost Nelly, encouraged Rizal to woo and marry her. From Madrid, he wrote to
Rizal.
With the encouragement of his close friends, Rizal courted Nelly who, in turn
reciprocated his affection. Unfortunately. happy fairy tale finale, Rizal's marriage
proposal failed for two reasons: 1) He refused to give up his Catholic faith and be
converted to Protestantism and 2) Nell's mother did not like Rizal as son-in-law.
Although they could not get married, Rizal and Nellie parted as good friends,
When she learned that Rizal was leaving Europe, she send him a farewell letter,
saying "Now that you leaving I wish you a happy trip and may you triumph in you
undertakings, and above all, may the Lord look down on you with favor"
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3.2
Internet
source:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/232387/news/nation/in-real-lifesituation-rizal-chose-religion-over-love
In real-life situation, Rizal chose religion over love
In the final portion of the Miss Universe pageant, Shamcey Supsup was
asked a now-famous hypothetical question about whether she would change her
religion for the man she loves. And she gave a hypothetical answer.
In 1891, Jose Rizal was faced with just that choice. He and his sweetheart at the
time, the wealthy half Pinay-half English Nelly Boustead, had talked about getting
married. But Nelly asked Rizal to first convert. We will let Austin Coates remarkable
biography of Rizal tell the rest of the story.
Nelly Boustead was a Protestant though whether her parents were is uncertain
and she held decided views on the subject. She disliked what she seems to have
taken to be agnosticism in Rizal, and seeing him as being far-strayed from the
Roman Catholic fold, believed he should re-think his ideas and become a Protestant.
Actually, to a young woman of such conviction as Nelly, difference of faith was an
impediment to be avoided in choosing a husband.
Desiring now to marry him, but still unsure of his motives, she did a sensible thing.
She promised that she would wait till he was ready to raise with her father the
question of a formal engagement, but on one condition: that he "embrace
Christianity as I understand it and as it should be understood by all who cannot do
anything good without His help and His grace."
3.3
Internet
source:
In 1891, Rizal took a vacation in Biarritz in order to find reprieve from his
troubles in Madrid. He was a guest of the Boustead family in their winter residence,
Villa Eliada. Mr. and Mrs. Boustead had two beautiful daughters, Adelina and Nellie.
An Emotional Rebounce
After having lamented his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera on account of the
lady's engagement to another man, Rizal came to develop considerable affection for
Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of Mr. Eduardo Boustead. He found her to
be intelligent, morally upright, and full of life. Rizal wrote to his closest friends
about his intention to marry her.
Consent from the Lady's Past Love
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Rizal's friends were delighted to hear that he had found a suitable girl whom he at
last wished to settle down with. Even Antonio Luna, who had previously loved
Nellie, encouraged Rizal to court her and ask for her hand in marriage. With all the
encouragement from the friends he held dear, Rizal wooed Nellie (also called Nelly)
who, in turn, returned his affections.
3.4 Newspaper: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/144041/scholars-divided-onjose-rizal%E2%80%99s-true-love

Playing the field
The question remains: Who was Rizals true love?
Guerrero chided Rizal for playing the field in Europe, likening his behavior to the
lordly Victorian male who expected Leonor to wait patiently and faithfully at
home while he wrote his novels and cavorted with the Consuelos, O-Sei-Sans,
Suzannes and Nellies of the world.
What did he do right after Leonor broke up with him? He cried buckets, then
proposed marriage to Nellie Boustead!
That Rizal loved Josephine could be gleaned from his tender regard of his dear
unhappy wife, his dulce extranjera amiga alegra (sweet stranger, friend,
joy).
But did he truly love her? Or was the union with Josephine, as Coates inferred,
merely a companionship of desolation, having found in her, and she in him, a
buffer against outrageous fortune?
Or perhaps the issue is rendered moot by the popular idea that Rizals true love was
his country.
Blumentritt believed so. In a letter consoling Rizal after he lost Leonor, the Austrian
said: I know your heart is aching; but you are one of those heroes who overcome
the pain of wounds caused by woman because they pursue higher ends. You have a
stout heart and a nobler woman looks upon you with love: your native country. The
Philippines is like one of those enchanted princesses in the German fairy tales who
is kept in captivity by a foul dragon until she is rescued by a valiant knight.
Just as well
Perhaps at the back of his mind, Rizal knew that he would never marry.
There were two clear episodes in his lifewith Leonor and Nellywhen he could
have tied the knot had he so desired. And he told Blumentritt as much in a letter
dated October 1891, nearly a year after he and Leonor parted ways.
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It is believed that men and women with a mission should never marry because their
cause, whatever it is, is a demanding and jealous lover. Perhaps it was just as well
that Rizal took the solitary road. His legacy to the nation attests to the wisdom of
his decision.
3.5 Magazine: url: http://ourhappyschool.com/history/nellie-boustead-joserizals-almost-wife
Nellie Boustead: Jose Rizal's Almost Wife
Perceiving Jose Rizals imminent courtship to her, his compatriot Marcelo H. del Pilar
teased the lover boy by suggesting that his first novel should be renamed Nelly Me
Tangere.
Nellie Boustead, also called Nelly, was the younger of the two pretty daughters of
the wealthy businessman Eduardo Boustead, son of a rich British trader, who went
to the Orient in 1826. The Bousteads hosted Rizals stay in Biarritz in February 1891
at their winter residence, Villa Eliada on the superb French Riviera. Rizal had
befriended the family back in 1889-90 and used to fence with the Anglo-Filipino
Boustead sisters (Adelina and Nellie) at the studio of Juan Luna.
Having learned Leonor Riveras marriage to Henry Kipping, Rizal entertained the
idea of having romantic relation with the highly educated, cheerful, athletic,
beautiful, and morally upright Nellie. He wrote some of his friends (though
remarkably except Ferdinand Blumentritt) about his affection for Nelly and his idea
of proposing marriage to her. His friends seemed to be supportive of his intentions.
Tomas Arejola, for instance, wrote him: if Mademoiselle Boustead suits you,
court her, and marry her, and we are here to applaud such a good act. (Zaide, p.
184).
Though very much ideal, Nelly-and-Joses lovely relationship unfortunately did not
end up in marriage. Nellys mothera Filipina who came from the rich Genato family
in Manilawas not in favor of taking as a son-in-law a man who could not provide a
sure stable future for her daughter. On top of this, Rizal refused to be converted in
Protestantism which Nellie demanded. Later in his life, Rizal would state in his letter,
had I held religion as a matter of convenience or an art getting along in this life
I would now be a rich man, free, and covered with honors. (Zaide, p. 185)
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Suzanne Jacoby
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In 1890, because of high cost of living in Paris, Rizal moved to

Brussels. He boarded in the house of the two Jacoby sisters when he met
Suzanne Jacoby. She was lovely young lady niece of Jacoby sisters. After
several meetings, Jose Rizal and Jacoby had fallen deeply in love with each
other. It was a short sojourn in Brussels, so Rizal had to leave the place.
Suzanne grieved and cried so much when Rizal left the place. When he was
already in Madrid, Suzanne wrote a letter stating; "I feel very unhappy
thinking that perhaps I might never see you again."
Sonia M. Zaide)
Jose Rizal and Susanne Jacoby
Two things brought some measure of cheer to the despondent Rizal, as he

was preparing for his trip to Madrid. First was the summertime festival of Belgium,
which was celebrated in carnival stylewith colorful costumes, fantastic floats,
many days of merritment. Second was his romance with Petite Jacoby, the pretty
niece of his landladies.
Rizal was charming and a dignified gentleman the Petite Susanne was
attracted to him. He was lonely in a strange country and Leonor Rivera was so far
away. Naturally, being a normal young man, he found certain bliss in the company
of a pretty Belgian girl. He might have flirted with Petite Susanne, but he could not
stoop low to a deceptive amorous relationship.
Like other womenSegunda Kagbak, Orang Valenzuela, Leonor Rivera, O SeiSan, Gettie Beckett, Consuelo Ortiga y Perez and the Nellie BoustedSusanne fell in
love with Rizal. She cried when he left toward the end of july, 1890 for Madrid,
stopping for a few days in Paris.
jose-rizals-fling
http://ourhappyschool.com/history/suzanne-jacobySuzanne Jacoby: Jose Rizal's Fling
When Jose Rizal left her place, her dream was to follow him and to travel with the
Filipino lover boy who was always in her thoughts.
Suzanne Jacoby was a Belgian lady whom Rizal met when he was 29. To somewhat
economize in his living expenses, he left the expensive city of Paris and went to
Belgium in January 1890. Along with his friend Jose Albert, Rizal arrived in Brussels
on February 2 and stayed in the boarding house managed by two Jacoby sisters,
Suzanne and Marie (some references say Catherina and Suzanna). It was said that
Rizal had a transitory romance with the petite niece of his landladies, Suzanne.
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In Rizals 6-month stay in the boarding house, Suzanne, also called Petite, got to
know and was attracted to the skillful and enigmatic Filipino doctor. Jose might have
had a somewhat romantic intimacy with Petitea relationship which was probably
comparable to todays mutual understanding (like what Rizal possibly had with
Gertrude Beckett). Presumably, Petite and Jose (who was at one time called Pettie
by Beckett) had together enjoyed the merriments of Belgiums summertime festival
of 1890 with its multicolored costumes, animated floats, and lively crowds.
But the relationship was most likely not that serious as Rizal did not mention her in
his letters to his intimate friends. Informing Antonio Luna of his life in Brussels, Rizal
just talked about going to the clinic, working and studying, reading and writing, and
practicing at the Sala de Armas and gymnasium. Historically, his affair with
Suzanne could not possibly blossom as Rizal, that time, was busy writing the Fili,
contributing for La Solidaridad, and worrying for his family as regards the worsening
Calamba agrarian trouble.
Suzanne shed tears when Rizal left Belgium toward the beginning of August, 1890.
He was said to have made Suzannes sculpture which he unexplainably gave to his
friend Valentin Ventura. Leaving Brussels, Rizal left the young Suzanne a box of
chocolates. Two months later, she wrote him a letter, saying: After your departure, I
did not take the chocolate. The box is still intact as on the day of your parting. Dont
delay too long writing us because I wear out the soles of my shoes for running to
the mailbox to see if there is a letter from you. There will never be any home in
which you are so loved as in that in Brussels, so, you little bad boy, hurry up and
come back
4.3
Internet
source:
SUZANNE JACOBY: A LOVE UNREQUITED
Suzanne Jacoby
On January 28, 1890, Rizal left for Brussels, Belgium. He stayed for a considerable
time, paying for room and board. His landladies had a pretty niece named Petite
Suzanne Jacoby. She was taken by Rizal's charm and gallantry, and provided him
good company. Rizal could have flirted with the lady, considering that his beloved
Leonor was far away and he was a lonely man in a strange and foreign land, but he
realized he could not deceive her.
A Broken Heart
Suzanne fell in love with Rizal, and wept when he left for Madrid in July 1890. She
wrote to him in French:
"Where are you now? Do you think of me once in a while? I am reminded of our
tender conversations, reading your letter, although it is cold and indifferent. Here in
your letter I have something which makes up for your absence. How pleased I
would be to follow you, to travel with you who are always in my thoughts.
You wish me all kinds of luck, but forget that in the absence of a beloved one a
tender heart cannot feel happy.
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A thousand things serve to distract your mind, my friend; but in my case, I am sad,
lonely, always alone with my thoughts -- nothing, absolutely nothing relieves my
sorrow. Are you coming back? That's what I want and desire most ardently -- you
cannot refuse me.
I do not despair and I limit myself to murmuring against time which runs so fast
when it carries us toward a separation, but goes so slowly when it's bringing us
together again.
I feel very unhappy thinking that perhaps I might never see you again.
Goodbye! You know with one word you can make me very happy. Aren't you going
to write to me?"
4.4 GMA Newspaper
During Nelly there was also Suzanne
Rizals relationship with Nelly was his most intense in Europe, according to
most accounts. But perhapsthe most intriguing was his affair in Brussels, Belgium,
during a low point in his overseas years.
When Rizal's family lost their Calamba estate to the friars and his brother Paciano
could no longer send him a regular allowance, Rizal left Paris in 1890 and moved to
Brussels, Belgium which had a lower cost of living. He stayed in a boarding house in
a quiet neighborhood and this is where the historical accounts get interesting.
From existing letters, it has been established that Rizal had carried on an affair with
a certain Suzanne, while still carrying a torch for Nelly.
Most historical accounts assume that this Brussels love interest was Suzanne
Jacoby, one of the middle-aged spinster sisters who managed the boarding house.
This May-October relationship was asserted by historians long ago and accepted as
gospel truth by many since, but it has been debunked by more recent scholars,
including Rizal enthusiasts from Belgium who have researched those days in our
hero's life in minute detail.
Unless Rizal suddenly developed a taste for older women, it's unlikely that he would
have chosen the 45-year-old Ms. Jacoby over the other Suzanne living in the same
boarding house, the spinster's 18-year-old niece Suzanne Thill, who like her aunts
was originally from Luxembourg.
The proof of this relationship is found in pining letters to Rizal where he is called
endearingly "my little bad boy" by a certain "petite Suzanne."
4.5 Magazine: Positively Filipino Magazine 1889. Seventh Love: Suzanne
Thill, age 18, Clean Fun re: The Naughty Boy of Brussels
19 | P a g e
In Brussels, Rizal lived in the house of the Jacoby sisters: Marie and Suzanne.
Marie was 48 and Suzanne, 45. Both were besotted with Rizals gallant and
charming manners. Their 18-year-old niece named Suzanne Jacoby Thill lived with
the sisters during Rizal's time. Our historians say Aunt Suzanne Jacoby became
Rizals girlfriend. Why would Rizal, age 27, go for a 45- year-old, when there was a
young 18-year-old (called Petite Suzanne) who was also enjoying his attention?
Theres a letter signed by a Suzanne J. Thill saying, in effect: I wear out the soles of
my shoes going to the mailbox waiting for a letter from you. Why don't you write,
you naughty boy?
In a recent talk at the San Francisco Public Library, I heard historian Ambeth
Ocampo explain what naughty boy really meant--something lustful or naughty
doings, while other historians make it appear like forbidden love between the two.
But I disagree.
Last summer 2012, in Brussels, I visited the apartment of the Jacobys where
Rizal was a lodger. Rizals room was facing the street on the first floor. Theres a
Rizal Historical Marker on that building. Susanne Thills room was on the same floor
facing the street, next to Rizals room. The two aunts lived on the second floor
above. The house was a few walking blocks away from the famous fountain, a twofeet bronze statue of the Manneken Pis.
I could picture Petite Suzanne and Rizal enjoying each others company,
walking down that street, sitting in bistros enjoying the passersby, who were
admiring and giving naughty judgments of that statue of the naked little urchin boy
relieving himself in front of a crowd. Then I discovered to my great amusement, that
actually, the local name for that beloved cutie is Naughty Boy. Now, lets suppose it
was Rizal and Petite Suzanne (not the elderly Tante Suzanne) who enjoyed each
others company and used the naughty boy line to recall strolling down the streets
of Brussels, wouldnt that be a personal private little joke between them? Rizal, age
28, was then waiting for his novel El Filibusterismo in the printing press in nearby
Ghent.
Little Suzanne and Rizal could easily have had a healthy boyfriend-girlfriend
relationship, but it was just that. Clean fun and very tentative, spent under the
watchful eyes of two elderly aunts within the same roof, while strolling by the
streets, where a naughty boy is shamelessly urinating in public. Yes, for a very
short-lived, lovely experience. Not a great, shattering love affair.
20 | P a g e
JOSEPHINE BRACKEN -The Last Woman in Rizal Life
21 | P a g e
22 | P a g e
In his solitary life during his exile in Dapitan, Rizal felt so lonely that
something had been missing in his life. After a day of hard work, he felt sad.
He missed his family and relatives, his good friend in Calamba and in foreign
lands, his happy and memorable moment in Europe, but the most painful of
all was the death of Loenor Rivera.
One of these days when Jose Rizal sickening heart was very low and
depressed, came Josephine Bracken who accompanied his foster father, Mr.
George Taufer, to seek the services of the famous opthalmic surgeon, Dr.
Jose Rizal. Josephine Bracken describe as "slender" a chesnut blonde with
blue eyes, dress with elegant simplicity, with an atmosphere light gaiety",
came into his life when he needed somebody to cheer him up in jis lonely
exile in Dapitan. She was born in Hong Kong on Oct 3,1876 fifteen years after
Rizal was born. Her parents were Irish; her Father is corporal a British
garrison, and her mother Elizabeth Jane MacBride died in childbirth.
Josephine was later adopted by Mr. George Taufer, who later become blind.
No opthalmic surgeon could be found in Hong Kong during on those days,
and they heard of the famous surgeon in the Philippines. That was the reason
why they came to the country to seek the services of Dr. Jose Rizal. They
learned that Rizal was in Dapitan, so they proceeded, accompanied by the
Filipino by the name of Manuel Orlac who presented a card of introduction by
Julio Laurente, a friend and school mate of Rizal.
Rizal and josephine fell in love and, after a whirlwind engagement, the two
decided to get married. Howeever, Father Obach, priest of Dapitan, refused
to solemnized their marriage without the permission of the Bishop of Cebu.
When Mr. Taufer heard this, he flared up violently and attempted to commit
suicide by cutting off his throat by a razor. Rizal, however was able to
prevent this in time. To avoid further injury, Josephine went with Mr. Taufer to
Manila without being cured, for his ailment was venereal in nature and
incurable.
When Mr. Taufer returned in Hong Kong, Josephine was left behind and
stayed with the Rizal family. Later, she returned in Dapitan. Since there was
no one priest to marry them, they marry themselves before the eyes of God;
holding both their hands, they made vows before God. Rizal and Josephine
had lived happily in Dapitan much to the ire of Father Obach.
Rizal found his life complete with Josephine. In fact, he wrote a poem
dedicated to her:
23 | P a g e
Josephine, Josephine
Who to these shores have come
Looking for a nest, a home,
Like a wondering swallow;
If your faith is taking you
To Japan, China or Shangrai
Don't forget on these shores
A heart for you beats high.
In 1896, Rizal was extremely happy for the coming of their baby.
Unfortunately, Josephine delivered their baby prematurely. She gave birth to
an eight month old who had lived for three hours. Rizal named his child
'Francisco' in honor of his father Don Francisco. The baby was buried in
Dapitan.
On July 31, 1896 Rizal's exile ended. Immediately, on the eve of the same
day, they left the place with heavy hearts after a teary farewell from the
natives.
Shortly, after the arrival in Manila, Rizal was arrested and impriosoned in
Fort Santiago. During his trial, Josephine had always stood by his side.
At 5:30 A.M. On December 30, 1896, Josephine Bracken accompanied by
a sister of Rizal (Josefa), arrived to his prison cell. Josephine with tears in her
eyes bade him farewell. Rizal embraced her for the last time and gave her
the last gift - a religion book entitled "Imitation of Christ" by Father Thomas
Kempis which he wrote:
To my dear unhappy wife. Josephine.
December 30, 1896
Rizal
Sonia M. Zaide)
Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken
In the silent hours of the night after the days hard work, Rizal was often sad ,
He missed his family and relatives, his good friends in foreign lands, the exhilarating
life in the cities of Europe, and his happy days in Calamba. The death of Leonor
Rivera on August 28, 1893 left a poignant void in his heart. He needed somebody to
cheer him up in his lonely exile.
In Gods own time, this somebody came to Dapitan, like a sunbeam to
dispel his melancholy mood. She was Josephine Bracken, an Irish girl of sweet
eighteen, slender, a chestnut blond, with blue eyes, dressed with elegant
24 | P a g e
simplicity, with an atmosphere of light gayety. She was born in Hong Kong on
October 3, 1876 of Irish parentsJames Bracken, a corporal in the British garrison,
and Elizabeth Jane MacBride. Her mother died in childbirth, and she was adopted by
Mr. George Taufer. Who later became Blind.
No ophthalmic specialist in Hong Kong could cure Mr. Taufers blindness so
that he, accompanied by his adopted daughter Josephine went to Manila to seek the
services of the famous ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Rizal. They heard in the city that Dr.
Rizal was in Dapitan, where they proceededaccompanied by a Filipina companion,
Manuela Orlac. They presented to Rizal a card of introduction by Julio Llorente, his
friend and schoolmate.
Rizal and Josephine fell in love with each other at first sight. After a whirlwind
romance of one month, they agreed to marry. But Father Obach, the priest of
Dapitan, refused to marry then without the permission of the Bishop of Cebu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Bracken
Josephine Bracken
Josephine was born in Victoria Barracks in Hong Kong on October 3, 1876

toIrish parents.James Bracken, a corporal in the British Army, and Elizabeth Jane
McBride, who were married on May 3, 1868 in Belfast, Ireland. After her mother died
shortly after childbirth, her father gave her up for adoption. She was taken in by her
godfather, American George Taufer, a blind fairly well-to-do engineer of the
pumping plant of the Hong Kong Fire Department, and his late Portuguese wife. He
later remarried another Portuguese woman from Macau, Francesca Spencer, with
whom he had another daughter.
In 1891, the second Mrs. Taufer died and the two young women managed the Taufer
home. After on, Mr. Taufer decided to remarry again but the new wife turned out to
be difficult to deal with for Josephine. She spent two months in the Convent of the
Canossian Sisters, where she previously attended early years of school. She decided
to go back only after Mr. Taufer called at the Convent's door pleading her to go back
home as his third wife turned out to be a bad housekeeper. Shortly after a few
months, she had trouble again with the third Mrs. Taufer and haunted her out of the
house.
5.3
Internet
source:
JOSEPHINE BRACKEN: TRUE LOVE IN EXILE
Rizal's exile in Dapitan was one of the most lonesome and sorrowful periods of his
life. He missed the company of his friends and family, and the death of Leonor
Rivera on August 28, 1893 left a gaping void in his heart.
Josephine Bracken arrived at the shores of Dapitan accompanying her blind
adoptive father, Mr. George Taufer. No ophthalmologist in Hong Kong, their home
country, could cure the man's blindness and so they sought the services of the
famous Dr. Jose Rizal.
25 | P a g e
Overcoming Barriers
Rizal and Josephine fell in love at first sight. Their romantic interlude went on for
about a month, after which they decided to marry. The priest of Dapitan, however,
refused to conduct the ceremony without consent from the Bishop of Cebu.
When Mr. Taufer heard of his daughter's plan to marry he became so enraged at the
thought of losing Josephine that he attempted to kill himself with a razor to his
throat. Rizal prevented this tragedy by holding the man's wrists back. Josephine
left with her father on the first available steamer to Manila in order to avoid more
trouble. Since Mr. Taufer's blindness was venereal in nature, it was incurable.
Exchanging Vows
Mr. Taufer went back to Hong Kong alone, and Josephine stayed in Manila with
Rizal's family. At length, she returned to Dapitan. Since no priest would marry
them, Rizal and Josephine held hands, exchanged vows, and married themselves
before God.
5.4 Newspaper: http://opinion.inquirer.net/87988/josephine-brackenrevolutionary#ixzz3pOr9yEMO
Three decades ago, while researching in the archives of the Spanish Foreign
Ministry in Madrid, I came across the dispatches of Jose de Navarro, Spanish consul
in Hong Kong, that contained reports on expatriate Filipinos considered anti-Spanish
and sympathetic to the revolution in the Philippines. The dispatches from 18971898 were particularly engaging because they contained raw intelligence
information gathered by the consul and his spies who monitored the homes of
prominent Filipinos described as the Junta Filibustera.
Josephine Bracken was the subject of a number of dispatches from her arrival
in Hong Kong in May 1897, her stay in the home of Jose Ma. Basa, and the press
interviews she gave, which attacked Spain and provided her version of conditions in
the Philippines.
Two copies of Navarros clippings from the China Mail regarding the Widow of
Rizal existone sent to the governor general in Manila, the other to Madrid. These
yellowing and brittle clippings were damaged along the folds, so when I transcribed
them, I referred to the missing texts as illegible. Now that the Hong Kong papers
are available online, I should update my notes. Since we are all familiar with the
romantic angle of Josephines life with Rizal, I conclude with material after Rizals
death, when Josephine slowly began to fade from history. Before she returned to
Hong Kong in May 1897, Josephine was with the rebels in Cavite, having travelled
there on the afternoon of Dec. 30, 1896, the day Rizal was executed in Luneta:
OFF TO THE REBELS
26 | P a g e
Bibliography
Jose Rizal The Martyr and National Hero (2013 Edition) ( Sherwin Prose C.
Castaeda, Petra S. Ornos, Vivian O. San Felife, Luvismin S. Aves, Janry B.
Colonia, Hazel D. Cao, Loida D. Zaide)
Jose Rizal Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and
Sonia M. Zaide)
Internet source: http://ourhappyschool.com/history/seiko-usui-jose-rizalsjapanese-girlfriend-0
Internet
source:
O-SEI-SAN: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Newspaper:
face
http://opinion.inquirer.net/86364/japanese-with-a-different-
Internet source:
http://ourhappyschool.com/music-and-arts/gertrudebeckett-jose-rizals-fling-london
Internet
source:
Newspaper:
http://www.philstar.com/fashion-and-beauty/700496/thesejewels-might-have-worked-wonders-rizals-women
Magazine:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/221680/publicaffairs/iwitness/ang
-mahiwagang-ngiti-ni-rizal-documentary-by-howie-severino
27 | P a g e
Internet source:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/232387/news/nation/in-real-lifesituation-rizal-chose-religion-over-love
Internet
source:
Newspaper: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/144041/scholars-divided-on-joserizal%E2%80%99s-true-love
Magazine: http://ourhappyschool.com/history/nellie-boustead-jose-rizalsalmost-wife
Internet source:
rizals-fling
http://ourhappyschool.com/history/suzanne-jacoby-jose-
Internet source:
Internet source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Bracken
Internet
source:
Newspaper: http://opinion.inquirer.net/87988/josephine-brackenrevolutionary#ixzz3pOr9yEMO
28 | P a g e

The Woman in Rizal's Life

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O Sei San

Romance with Gertrude Beckett. Rizal had a romantic interlude with

"Ang Mahiwagang Ngiti ni Rizal" ( Documentary by Howie Severino)

Although Madrid may be considered one of the most beautiful city of

3.4 Newspaper: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/144041/scholars-divided-onjose-rizal%E2%80%99s-true-love

In 1890, because of high cost of living in Paris, Rizal moved to

Jose Rizal and Susanne Jacoby

Two things brought some measure of cheer to the despondent Rizal, as he

http://ourhappyschool.com/history/suzanne-jacobySuzanne Jacoby: Jose Rizal's Fling

JOSEPHINE BRACKEN -The Last Woman in Rizal Life

December 30, 1896

Josephine was born in Victoria Barracks in Hong Kong on October 3, 1876

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