Divine Word College of Legazpi

School of Education, Arts and Sciences

Legazpi City

GE MS: The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

Student’s Handouts for the following topics:

1) The Entrapment of Rizal and His Exile in Dapitan

 Rizal’s Arrest
 Decree of Deportation
 Rizal in Fort Santiago
 Rizal Bound for Dapitan
 Rizal and Ricardo Carnicero
 Rizal’s Sadness while in Exile
 Rizal in Dapitan
 Rizal Met Josephine Bracken
 Changes in the Philippines
Objectives:
1. Discuss Rizal’s life and achievements in Dapitan; and
2. Determine the cause of Rizal’s word of honor against the escape attempt from Dapitan.

2) Rizal’s Last Trip Abroad, his Trial, and Martyrdom at Bagumbayan

 Rizal Volunteered as Military Doctor in Cuba (Topic for June 2020, week 1)
 Rizal Leaves Dapitan
 Arrival in Manila
 On His Way to Cuba
 Rizal Arrived in Spain
 Rizal Back at Fort Santiago
 The Trial of Rizal (Topic for June 2020, week 2)
 Rizal’s Sentence to Death
 The Execution of Rizal
 I Saw Rizal Die :https://web.facebook.com/Judah.Singzon.Aliposa/posts/10156195181518753
Objectives:
1. Discuss the reasons of Rizal in moving as a military doctor in Cuba;
2. Enumerate the accusations and evidences thrown to Rizal;
3. Explain Rizal’s view on death and religion; and
4. Explain why death has become an important element in defining “heroism” in Filipino culture.

3) All the girls Rizal loved before (Topic for June 2020, week 3)
Objectives:
1. Describe Rizal as a lover; and
2. Distinguish the difference between real love and superficial love;

4) Rizal’s Writings
 A LA Juventud Filipina (To The Filipino Youth)
 Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell)

Objectives:
1. Interpret the selected poem of Jose Rizal and its impact to socio-political situation during the past and the present time; and
2. Construct a poem dedicated to Rizal.

The Entrapment and His Exile in Dapitan

Rizal’s Arrest

Rizal went back to Malacañang palace on July 6 for his scheduled meeting with the Governor General. He did not know that this would be
his last meeting with Despujol. During their meeting, the Governor General once again asked Rizal of his intension to go back to Hong
Kong. Rizal again answered affirmatively.

The next question of the Governor General surprised Rizal. He was asked whether he had in his possession leaflets that were anti-friars.
Rizal, of course, responded no to the query of the Governor General. Consequently, he was shown one leaflet entitled “Pobres Frailes’
(Poor Friars), and his Excellency informed him that his leaflets were found in his baggage in the hotel. Despujol showed him pillows and
sleeping-mat where leaflets were alleged to have been hidden and asked whether it belonged to him. Rizal answered that those belongs to
his sister Lucia.

Mostly probably, the Governor General was not convinced of the answer of Rizal. As a result, he informed Rizal that he would be placed
under arrest for the moment. The Governor General dispatched his nephew and aide Ramon Despujol to escort Rizal to Fort Santiago. He
was detained at the Fort for the meantime.

It was rather unfortunate that Governor General Despujol did not make a full investigation of the leaflets and how it was discovered in
Rizal’s baggage. It came out later that the said leaflets were printed at a press of the Augustinian. It was alleged that the same was placed
in Rizal’s baggage upon orders of the friars by the nephew of Archbishop Nozaleda.

Decree of Deportation

Many were surprised that on the next day after his arrest, the Governor General ordered Rizal to be deported in Dapitan. The decree of
deportation was published in the Gaceta de Manila on July 7, 1892. It was believed that the decision of the Governor General was
prompted by the advice of the Jesuits to banish Rizal in Dapitan where they were in-charge of the parish. In fact, when Rizal was finally
brought to Dapitan, he had with him a letter from Father Pablo Pastells, the superior of the Jesuit Mission in the Philippines addressed to
Father Antonio Obach. The letter authorized Rizal to live at the Jesuit Mission House.
The decree of deportation provided that Rizal had published several books that were openly anti-Catholic and anti-cleric. It also
mentioned the discovery of the leaflets in Rizal’s possession upon his arrival in Hong Kong. To justify the verdict of the Governor
General, the decree provided that this was an obvious attempt to discredit the friars and de-catholize which was equivalent to de-
nationalize the ever-Catholic Philippine Island.

Despujol in the decree also banned the entrance and circulation into the Island of Rizal’s writings and admonished those in possession
thereof to surrender the same to authorities. Failure to do so would be meted with penalty.

Rizal in Fort Santiago

Though the decree deporting to Dapitan came out on July 7, 1892, he was not immediately exiled but stayed temporarily in Fort Santiago.
He stayed incommunicado at the Fort for eight days before he was banished to Dapitan. Fortunately, he was treated well at Fort Santiago
while under temporary detention. He was given a room furnished in the usual fashion with a cot, a dozen chairs, a table, and wash basin
and mirror. In his own account, Rizal mentioned that the room had three windows, one unbarred looking out at the courtyard, another one
barred looking out on the city wall and the Bay Shore, and a third which served as a door and was locked.

The Commandant at the Fort gave Rizal a good reception very much different from an ordinary prisoner. The good officer served Rizal
good meals and even lent him some books from his very own private library.

Rizal Bound for Dapitan

Ramon Despujol personally visited Rizal in Fort Santiago informing him that he would be taken to Dapitan. It was 10:00 in the evening of
July 14 that he was scheduled to leave the Fort. Rizal then prepared himself and fixed his things. His escorts, however, did not arrive at
the appointed time. Rizal then went to sleep, and they woke him up at midnight.

Rizal was taken to the Port using the same Palace coach that brought him to Fort Santiago. It was the ferryboat “Cebu” that would take
him to Dapitan. General Ahumada, together with several persons, were present at that past midnight where Rizal would board the
ferryboat. Finally, at one o’ clock in the morning, the ferryboat left the port bound for Dapitan.

At the ferryboat, Rizal was given a special treatment as if he was a high ranking official. The Captain gave Rizal a prime cabin marked as
“jefes” which means commanding officers. He was guarded by a sentinel and a corporal. He ate his meals at the officers’ mess and the
Captain personally accompanied Rizal in going around the deck of the ship.

“Cebu” arrived in Dapitan in the evening of July 17, 1892. Upon arriving at the town, Rizal was met by Ricardo Carnicero, the politico-
military commander of the district. He was given two options where to settle, either to stay at Carnicero’s house or at the Jesuit Mission
House.

Rizal and Carnicero

Rizal opted to stay at the house of Ricardo Carnicero. The latter was given the duty to oversee the activities of Rizal and with instructions
to report to the Governor General. The Spanish Commander knew that Rizal was not an ordinary deportee, and so placed him under close
surveillance. But owing to the natural charisma of Rizal, he and Carnicero ended up being good friends. Rizal was grateful to the kind
treatment he received from Don Carnicero. In return, our hero had high respect to the local Governor.

Carnicero allowed Rizal to go around the town. He required him to report only once a week. The two usually ate together at the house of
Carnicero. The latter came to know more of Rizal with their frequent conversation. In fact, the first report of Carnicero to Governor
General Eulogio Despujol, he reproduced one of his conversations with Jose Rizal. In that report dated August 30, 1892, he asked what
reforms Rizal would like for the Philippines. Rizal answered what Carnicero wanted.

In that same conversation, Rizal was also asked if he favored the expulsion of the friars from the island, to which he answered in the
negative. The report was an opportunity for Rizal to let the Government knew the political reforms he wanted for the Philippines. For
sure, he knew that whatever he would say to Carnicero would reach Governor General Despujol.

On September 21, 1892, Carnicero submitted another report to Governor General Despujol. This report contained two or more reforms
that Rizal wanted. Those freedom of religion and of the press.

Rizal’s Sadness while in Exile

Rizal’s exile in Dapitan gave much sadness to him as well as to his family. He failed to spend time with his family since his arrival from
Hong Kong. It was only his second homecoming then, while being away for many years. Now being alone in Dapitan, Rizal felt that he
had been separated again from his love ones. Rizal wrote to her mother in Hong Kong, his first while exiled in Dapitan. In that letter dated
July 25, 1892, Rizal expresses his profound happiness. The letter reads:

In these days of lack of communication, travel, and deportation, I’m greatly distressed thinking of you, and for this reason I hasten to
write to you to tell you that I am well here as if I were on vacation in this politico-military district. I don’t miss anything except the
family and freedom.

His agony was further aggravated because he was uncertain as to how long he would stay in Dapitan as deportee. The Governor General
gave no pronouncement as to when he would be freed. Don Carnicero likewise could not give a precise date when Rizal could leave
Dapitan. Rizal told her mother, “I still do not know how long I shall be in Dapitan.” This letter he wrote at the same day he was brought to
Dapitan from Fort Santiago on July 14, 1892.

Rizal in Dapitan

When Rizal was about to start his life as an exiled in Dapitan, he had his taste of good luck by winning a lottery. Rizal, Carnicero, and
Equilor bought lottery ticket no. 9736. Each had a share of one third on the total purchase price of the ticket. The mail boat “Butuan”
brought the good news in Dapitan on September 21, 1892. Ticket no. 9736 won the second prize amounting to P20,000.00. The three
shared this amount and Rizal’s price amounted to P6,200.00

The money came at the right time for Rizal needed funds to start his life in Dapitan. In fact, he even planned to borrow money from his
family if he had not won in the lottery. Rizal then used the money to buy a piece of land in Dapitan. He wanted to cultivate this land and
 plant fruit bearing trees. He sent P2,000.00 to his father in Hong Kong and the remaining amount he intended to use for the construction
of his own house.
By January of 1893, Rizal moved to his own land and left Carnicero. As his original plan, a house was built on the land he bought and
planted fruit trees in the vacant area. The construction of this house was completed in March and he was able to cultivate his land with 50
Lansones trees, Macopa trees, some 50 Lanka trees, Santool trees, 18 Mangosteen, and Coffee and Cocoa seedlings. He also tendered
some animals like chicken, rabbits, dogs, and cats.

Rizal became a teacher to some poor children in Dapitan. He started with 3 students and later on increased to 21. Rizal taught them
Spanish, English, Mathematics and how to work he went to his class after his luncheon at noon until four o’clock. In a letter to
Blumentritt, Rizal described how he admired his students.

Some members of his family visited and joined Rizal in Dapitan. His mother and sister Trinidad and a nephew arrived in August. He had
the chance to operate again on his mother’s ailing eye. When her mother left with Trinidad, his two sisters Maria and Narcisa together
with his nephews arrived in Dapitan. Unfortunately, his father could not travel because of his deteriorating condition. Rizal told
Blumentritt in a letter that his father “was growing weaker and weaker by the day.” He missed his father so much. To his siter Josefa he
said; “Tell our father that I should like to see him; I hope we shall see one another very soon. Kiss him the hand for me.”
As a physician, Rizal had many patients not only from Dapitan but from the neighboring towns as well. Most of his patients were poor but
he also earned from some of his patients who afforded to pay him. He told his brother-in-law Manuel through a letter that his land was
“dotted with little hospital houses.” Attending to his patients became part of his daily routine.

Rizal continued writing on his friends in Europe while living as an exile in Dapitan. He had correspondence with Dr. Meyer, Prof.
Kluschak, Dr. Jpest, Kheil, Dr. Rost, and Dr. Blumentritt. To those named scientists, Rizal sent collection of specimens he found in
Dapitan. These included butterflies, reptiles, seashells, birds, insects etc. in the process, he discovered rare species that were scientifically
named after him such as flying dragon (Draco rizali), small beetle (Apogonia rizali) and a toad (Rachaphorous rizali).

Rizal Met Josephine Bracken

After a hard day work in the silent homes of the night Rizal was after sad. He missed his family and relations and of his good friends in
foreign land. His heart was void after the death of Leonor Rivera on August 28, 1893. He felt somebody who needed to cheer his
loneliness.

It was God’s time to send Josephine Bracken to Dapitan. Josephine was an Irish eighteen-year-old lady, “a chest-nut blond, with blue
eyes, simple yet slender and gayety in atmosphere.” She was born in Hong Kong of Irish parents on October 3, 1876. His father was
James Bracken, a corporal in British garrison and her mother was Elizabeth Jane MacBride, who died in childbirth. Mr. George Taufer
adopted her at birth. Later Mr. Taufer became blind.

Since there was no ophthalmic specialist in Hong Kong during that time who could cure Mr. Taufer’s blindness, he was accompanied by
Josephine, his adopted daughter to Manila to seek the services of famous ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Rizal. Because Rizal was in exile in
Dapitan, a Filipina companion, Manuela Orluc, accompanied them in Dapitan. A friend and classmate of Rizal, Julio Llorente, gave
Taufer a letter of recommendation. Upon arrival, Rizal and Josephine fell in love with each other at first sight. It was a whirlwind romance
of one month for they agreed to marry immediately; however, they were refused to marry without the permission of the Bishop of Cebu.

Changes in the Philippines

While Rizal was in Dapitan, many changes took place in the municipal administration of Spain in the Philippines. It started with the take
over of Don Antonio Maura as Minister of Colonies. He is described as the most liberal minded colonial minister. He asked for the
resignation of Despujol as governor-general. The latter refused and consequently, he was dismissed by Maura and was temporarily
replaced by Federico Ochando. Eventually, Ramon Blanco took over the post from Ochando.

The new governor-general is not a stranger in the Philippines having served in 1866 as military governor of Mindanao. Later, he helped
Rizal to volunteer in the Spanish Medical Corps in Cuba and refused to implicate Rizal in the Katipunan uprising. During his incumbency,
Rizal write a petition for his freedom through his brother-in-law Manuel Hidalgo. In that petition he strongly condemned his deportation
in Dapitan.

Unfortunately, he received no reply from Gen. Blanco. He had a chance to speak to the governor general, when the latter visited to
Dapitan following his campaign against the Muslim in Mindanao. In their conversation, his Excellency promised to transfer Rizal either in
Ilocos or La Union.

Reference:

Castañeda, Sherwin Prose et. al. Jose Rizal The Martyr and National Hero. Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc., 2007

Rizal’s Last Trip Abroad, his Trial, and Martyrdom at Bagumbayan

Rizal Volunteered as Military Doctor in Cuba

o Rizal’s stay in Dapitan remained uncertain. He received no word from the governor general as to when his deportation would be lifted.
o He made efforts to leave Dapitan by writing to Gen. Blanco asking him permission to go to Spain. As expected, he received no answer
form the general.
o The Katipunan had thought of a plan to rescue Rizal. However, he did not approve this idea, as he refused to join and lead the
organization.
o In Hong Kong, Jose Ma. Basa wrote Antonio Ma. Regidor to help Rizal obtain pardon in Spain. Despite all the efforts, a pardon could
only be secured not in Madrid, Spain but in Manila.
o Regidor shared to Blumentritt a plan for Rizal to volunteer as a military doctor in Cuba.
o Rizal accepted the suggestion of Regidor. In fact, he believed that it was an excellent idea. He told Blumentritt through a letter dated
November 20, 1895 that he was writing immediately to governor general for his enlistment.
o On November 17, 1895, Rizal wrote a petition to Gen. Blanco to volunteer as a physician in the Spanish Army in Cuba. Unluckily, he
received no reply.
o On July 1, 1896, Rizal received an approval letter from Gen. Blanco.
 Rizal Leaves Dapitan

o According to Rizal, he had been to Dapitan for “four years, thirteen days and a few odd hours.” With this long stay, the town folks learn to
love Rizal.
o Rizal left Dapitan at midnight of July 31, 1896 aboard España bound for Manila.
o The trip was rushed because of their desire to catch Isla de Luzon docked in Manila scheduled to leave for Spain.
o Stopovers: Dumaguete, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz and Romblon

Arrival in Manila

o He arrived in Manila on August 6, 1896. Unfortunately, the mail boat Isla de Luzon that would take him to Spain already left a few hours
before their arrival.
o He was transferred to Castilla anchored at a port in Cavite.

On His Way to Cuba

o On August 30, 1896, Governor General Blanco gave Rizal three letters. Two of these were addressed to the Ministers of war and of the
Colonies. The other was addressed to Rizal.
o On September 2, Rizal was transferred to the steamer Isla de Panay. On the next day, the steamer left Manila.
o The trip to Spain was difficult. According to Rizal there had been much sickness. A Captain of the Military Administration died aboard,
and his remains was thrown into the sea.
o On September 30, the Captain of Isla de Panay came to Rizal and informed him that he would be confined to his cabin.

Rizal Arrived in Spain

o Isla de Panay arrived in Barcelona on October 3, 1896. The ship was quarantined for 3 days.
o He was treated badly. He learned that when he left for Spain in September 3, charges were filed against him in connection with insurgency
in the Philippines.
o On October 6, the passengers and crew of Isla de Panay could land. Rizal was awakened by an officer and was instructed to pack all his
things.
o He was detained temporarily at Montjuich Castle.
o At the prison Fort, he was notified that he would be taken later to the headquarters of the commanding officer-in-charge of Montjuich,
General Eulogio Despujol.
o The general informed him that upon order of authorities, he would be taken back to the Philippines. He would return to Manila via the
steamer Colon.
o At eight o’clock in the evening of October 6, Colon left Barcelona for Manila.

Rizal Back at Fort Santiago

o On November 3, 1896, Colon arrived in Manila. Rizal was back in the Philippines as a prisoner.
o He was taken to Fort Santiago and was held incommunicado.
o The man responsible for the return of Rizal was Col. Francisco Olive. It was he who requested Governor- General Blanco to immediately
order the return of Rizal.
o He was accused of organizing insurrection against the authorities in Manila.
o On November 30, he summoned Rizal to appear before him for a preliminary investigation of his case. There he was informed of the
offense charged against him as well as the evidence to support the charges. The evidence consisted of documentary and testimonial
evidences.
o Evidences:
 Documentary Evidences
 Masonic documents
 Letters of Rizal
 Lyrics of Kundiman allegedly written by Rizal
 Oral Testimonies
 Sworn statements of Aguedo Del Rosario And Francisco Quizon
 Statements from Salvador Dizon, Deodato Arellano and Timoteo Paez
o After the investigation, Col. Olive submitted his findings to his Excellency.
o Gen. Blanco appointed Captain Rafael Dominguez to act as a special judge advocate.
o Gen. Blanco forwarded the case to the auditor general, Nicolas Peña. The latter order the accused should face trial before a military court.
o Rizal chose Lt. Taviel de Andrade.
o On December 11, the charges were formally read to Rizal. The crime charged were rebellion, sedition, and illegal association.
o Rizal pleaded not guilty.

The Trial of Rizal

o General Camilo Polavieja arrived in the Philippines on December 3, 1896, replaced General Blanco.
o The arraignment took place on December 15.
o On December 17, Peña endorsed that the case of Rizal was ready for trial.
o The case was turned over to Capt. Dominguez and Lt. Alcocer, who would act as prosecutor of the case.
o On December 26, a court martial with 7 members was convened at the Cartel de España, converted into a temporary courtroom.
o Military Tribunal:
 Lt. Col. Jose Togores Arjona - President
 Capt. Ricardo Muñoz Arias - members
 Capt. Manuel Reguera
 Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio
 Capt. Manuel Diaz Escribano
 Capt. Fermin Perez Rodriguez
  Capt. Braulio Bodriguez Nuñez
o Present at the trial were Rizal and his counsel, the prosecutors Dominguez and Alcocer, Josephine Bracken, officers of the Army,
peninsulares, some natives and correspondents of newspapers.
o The trial started with the prosecution presenting the case against Rizal. Dominguez and Alcocer presented the evidence to establish the
case. After they rested their case, Andrade took the defense of Rizal.
o Andrade’s defense centered on a provision in the Penal Code of Spain in the Philippines. The provision provided that the guilt of an
accused could only be stablished by means of ocular inspection, official documents, credible witnesses, and ocular inspection among
other. According to the defense, the prosecution failed to prove Rizal’s guilt by any of these means.

Rizal’s Sentence to Death

o After the defense of Rizal, the case was submitted to the court for resolution. The members of the tribunal deliberated the case, but as the
case of Rizal had already been prejudged, the decision was affirmative.
o The military court found Rizal guilty of the crime charged and was sentenced to die.
o The dispositive portion of the decision was of follows:
“In the plaza of Manila on the 26th day of the month, December 1896, the Council of the War presided over by Lt. Col. D.
Jose Togores Arjona having met this day, to investigate and pass sentence on the case against D. Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso,
accused of the crimes of rebellion, sedition, and illegal association, has carefully and thoroughly examined the said case, after a
reading of his accusations by the Judge Advocate, and have seen the Fiscal’s accusation, heard the allegation of the defense and
declarations of the accused, hereby declares that the punishable acts consist of the crimes of illegal association and of
promoting and inducing to execute the latter; Jose Rizal is, therefore, found guilty of being the author of said rebellion. By virtue
of its powers, the council dictates the following sentence: D. Jose Rizal should be, and is hereby condemned to death…”
o With this decision, Rizal’s fate was sealed. The next days that followed would be his execution.
o Gen. Polavieja upon affirmation of Peña approved the sentence of Rizal on December 28. He ordered that the convict be executed through
a firing squad in the morning of December 30.

Rizal’s Last Moment

o The Archbishop of Manila, Fr. Bernardino Nozaleda requested the Jesuits of Ateneo to give spiritual consolation to Rizal as well as to
convince him to retract from Masonry.
o Visitors of Rizal:
 Frs. Saavedra and Viza – morning of December 29
 Frs. Balaguer and Villaclara
 Frs. March and Faura – they kept on urging Rizal to return to the church and retract all his errors
 Doña Teodora and Trinidad – seven o’clock in the evening of December 29
 Rizal wept upon seeing his mother. He asked for forgiveness for the troubles he had brought to the family.
 He gave Trinidad a cooking lamp and told her that there was something inside, the poem, Mi Ultimo Adios.
 Sisters and nephews
 Josephine Bracken
o He wrote two letters, one for his brother Paciano and the other letter was for his family whom he wanted to see before his death. He wrote:
“I should like to see some of you before I die, though it may be very painful. Let the bravest come over. I have to say some
important things.”

The Execution of Rizal

o Rizal wake up early in the day of his execution.

o He took his breakfast at 5:30 AM.
o Josephine and Josefa came. This was his last moment with Josephine. He gave her a devotional book Imitacion de Cristo.
o Rizal wrote his last words to his parents. It was written at 6 o’clock in the morning of December 30, 1896. The letter was as follows:

My Most Beloved Farther,

Forgive me for the pain with which I pay you for your struggles and toils in order to give me
Education. I did not want this nor did I expect it.

Farewell, father, farewell!

To my very beloved Mother,

Mrs. Teodora Alonso

At 6 o’clock in the morning of the 30th of December 1896

Jose Rizal

o At 6:30, the artillery of soldiers was ready to escort Rizal. He was tied from elbow o elbow and present to accompany him in the march
was Fathers March and Villaclara and his counsel Lt. Taviel de Andrade. He told the two priests, “We are on the road to Calvary.”
o A bugle and a drum together with an escort of artillery of soldiers accompanied the march to Bagumbayan.
o Rafael Palma described Rizal during the walk as follows:
“He walked with noble bearing; his body was upright, erect yet without affection. To me, that represented his whole character –
inflexible, daring – I could understand why he did not bend neither to tyranny nor to death…”

o The place of execution was crowded with people, many of whom were Spaniards wanting to see Rizal die.
o Upon reaching the square formed by soldiers, he bade farewell to Andrade and to two Jesuit priests.
o He walked at the middle of the square.
o He requested to face the firing squad, but he was not considered by the Captain of the artillery.
o The military doctor checked the pulse of Rizal and was surprised to find out it was normal.
o The Captain shouted the order to fire.
o Rizal was hit in body and died at about 7:03 AM.
o Many Spaniards shouted, “Long Live Spain” and “Death to traitors.”
 o The artillery band played Marcha de Cadiz.

Reference:

Castañeda, Sherwin Prose et. al. Jose Rizal The Martyr and National Hero. Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc., 2007

"I Saw Rizal Die"

There is one eyewitness to Rizal’s execution whose observation was told to a journalist in 1949, or 53 years after the event. A man named
Hilarion Martinez, then 72 years old, relayed to Alberto Mendoza of the Sunday Times Magazine what he witnessed during Rizal’s
execution.
In 1896, a then 20-year old Martinez was a member of the Leales Voluntarios de Manila (Loyal Volunteers of Manila) and was assigned
to the drum corps. Martinez and his fellow drum corps members accompanied the condemned man from the time he left Fort Santiago
until he reached Bagumbayan. Because of his role in the drum corps, it is said that he occupied a good vantage point from which to
observe the execution. Martinez’ complete account is reproduced below:
"It was six o’clock in the morning of December 30, 1896, when we woke up at our quarters at the corner of Sta. Potenciana and
Magallanes Streets, in Intramuros, to attend the execution of Jose Rizal, about which we had been briefed the day before. We were in the
Leales Voluntarios de Manila, a semi-military organization under the command of Capt. Manuel Leaño. Our immediate officer was a
youthful Spanish lieutenant named Juan Pereira. I was twenty years old then, and a member of the drum corps.
"We marched out of Intramuros through the Puerta Real, or where Nozaleda (now General Luna) Street out through the walls on the
south, clad in our cañamo uniforms and with our cajas vivas strapped around our waists. We proceeded to what is now Padre Burgos
Street, under an overcast sky and a biting December morn.
"Bagumbayan is not the Luneta now. The waters of Manila Bay still reached the other side of Malecon Drive (now Bonifacio Drive)
where the new Luneta is located. The Luneta of those days was as far back as the site of the old Bagumbayan police station, near which
lush bamboo thickets grew.
"As we rounded the corner of P. Burgos and General Luna Streets, we got a glimpse of the cuadro, a square formation of about ten
companies of Filipino and Spanish soldiers. The former occupied the inner portion of the quadrangle, while the latter were at the rear. This
formation was strategic because the Filipino soldiers’ position within the cuadro signified that the Spanish authorities wanted Rizal to die
in the hands of the Filipino soldiers. If the latter disobeyed the command to fire upon Rizal, the Spanish soldiers positioned at the rear
would fire upon them.
"There were civilian spectators, too. The side of the cuadro near the bay was open.
"As we approached the quadrangle, we saw some Spanish military officers earnestly talking in low voices. Rizal was nowhere to be seen –
yet. Not having had a glimpse of the man before, I began to wonder what he looked like. I remembered how my mother told me Rizal was
so learned, nobody could poison him as he always carried with him his own spoon and fork with which he could detect whether his food
was poisoned or not. I heard too, of his fighting for our (Filipino) cause aside from legends that were beginning to be woven around him.
"Soon the small crowd heard the muffle sound of our approaching vivas draped with black cloth during execution ceremonies. A slight
commotion broke out at the right end of the cuadro near the bay as some soldiers with fixed bayonets entered followed by a man in black,
his arms tied at the elbows from the back, on his head, a derby hat or chistera, on his sides, a Spanish officer and a Jesuit priest.
"When I saw the man, I knew he was Rizal.
"A group of Spanish officers who were standing nearby opened into a semicircular formation or media luna. Then a Spaniard (we would
learn later he was Lt. Luis Andrade, one of Rizal’s popular Spanish defenders and sympathizers) affectionately shook the latter’s hand.
When Rizal was near the center of the quadrangle, the mayor de la plaza, a colonel, announced at the bandillo: “En el nombre del Rey, el
que se levante la voz a favor del reo sera ejecutado.” (In the name of the King, he who raises his voice in favor of the criminal will be
executed.)
"A deep silence enshrouded the whole assembly.
"We in the drum corps were about seven paces behind Rizal who then faced the bay. Our commanding officer approached us and told us
should Rizal attempt to speak aloud, we should beat our drums hard to drown out his voice. I looked at Rizal. He was of regular build,
unshaven, quite pale, perhaps as a result of his confinement but he was visibly composed and serene. A Jesuit approached him, said a
prayer and blessed him. Then a colonel approached him too, as our commanding officer ordered us to move two paces backwards, and the
firing squad of six Filipinos came forward and took our former position behind Rizal. With visible effort, Rizal raised his right hand
which was tied and took off his chistera or derby hat. My heart beat fast, as in all other executions I had witnessed before, I felt tense and
nervous. Amidst the silence, Rizal moved his head very slowly up and down, his lips moving as if in prayer.
"Then the commanding officer by means of his saber, signaled the firing squad to aim. Then the saber dropped and there was a
simultaneous crack of rifle fire that shattered the stillness of the morning. Jose Rizal wheeled in one last effort and toppled forward with a
thud, his face towards the sky and his derby hat thrown ahead. He had fallen in the direction of the bay.
"Many of the reos [condemned criminals] had been caused to kneel and be hoodwinked before they were shot on the head. But Rizal was
spared that humiliation.
"Suddenly, as if from nowhere, a small dog appeared and ran in circles around Rizal’s fallen body, barking and whimpering. This incident
would much later be the subject of our talk in our quarters. Some of my comrades were quick to conclude that it was a premonition of a
coming misfortune.
"Then the capitan militar de la sanidad (medical officer) stepped forward, knelt before the fallen man, and felt his pulse. Looking up, he
beckoned to a member of the firing squad to come forward and give the final tiro de gracia, another shot done at close range. I thought I
saw a faint haze rise from Rizal’s coat, but it might be a wisp of the morning mist. Seeing the body before me, I felt weak.
"The officers began to show animation again. They fell in formation and marched to the tune of the Spanish national air, the Paso Doble
Marcha de Cadiz.
"As was customary in past executions, we filed past the body to view it for the last time. When we were commanded 'eyes left,' I did not
shut my eyes as I did at the sight of the several reos whose heads were blown off by rifle fire. I wanted to see the face of the man for one
last time. Rizal lay dead on the dewy grass. The day had started and I realized that I was gazing on the face of the great Malayan; that I
was witnessing history in the making."
[Source: Alberto Mendoza, “I Saw Rizal Die,” Sunday Times Magazine 29 December 1949, pp. 10-11.]
#RizalDay2018
Reference
https://web.facebook.com/Judah.Singzon.Aliposa/posts/10156195181518753

All the girls Rizal loved before

In which the stories behind his dalliances reveal a high-level bolero, master in mabulaklak na mga pangungusap, how you can make
friends with an ex, and why he was not the type to put a ring on it
Bam Abellon | Dec 30 2018 facebook twitter
It can only be with true passion that one can conquer and accomplish what Filipino hero Jose Rizal had in his thirty-five-year life. He
stopped at nothing when it came to expressing his love not just for his country but also his women. His travels across the Philippines and
the world swayed him into multifarious relationships that colored almost half his life. There are nine women on record. It’s not to say that
all those relationships were serious, but he did pursue when he wanted to pursue, cared, at least, and displayed his attentiveness and charm
unapologetically.

He documented his affairs, too, using his much-praised grandiloquence. And based on those documents, let’s just say the man is a high-
hiiigh-level bolero. And he wrote them letters (a dying art, so forgive us waxing poetic about it). And let’s not forget he almost fought in a
duel with the Filipino army general Antonio Luna, when a drunk Luna made nasty comments about a girl named Nellie Boustead. He was
grand when he needed to be, and smooth without trying; an expert playboy—or lover—if you will. Could he be the original GOAT?

But amidst the flirting, he was a big believer that women should be empowered. This was evident in his essay, “To the Young Women of
Malolos,” which he wrote for the 20 women of Bulacan who fought to have a night school so they could study Spanish.

He wrote, in part, “No longer does the Filipina stand with her head bowed nor does she spend her time on her knees, because she is
quickened by hope in the future; no longer will the mother contribute to keeping her daughter in darkness and bring her up in contempt
and moral annihilation.  And no longer will the science of all sciences consist in blind submission to any unjust order, or in extreme
complacency, nor will a courteous smile be deemed the only weapon against insult or humble tears the ineffable panacea for all
tribulations.”

A supporter of women empowerment—who has that swagger? It’s not so hard to imagine anyone flirting back
after he inks his first sentence.

As proof of his “ways,” here are the recorded stories of the nine women of Dr. Jose Rizal.

1 Segunda Katigbak

First love never dies they say—unless your first love is already engaged to be married when you meet. Then you
have to let it go really fast. Such was the case of Jose Rizal and Segunda Katigbak, a Batangueña, whom Rizal
met when he was only a 16-year-old boy.

They met when the young hero visited his grandmother with his friend, Mariano Katigbak, Segunda’s brother. The Katigbaks were close
to Rizal’s grandmother, and coincidentally, Segunda was at the grandma’s house when Rizal and Mariano arrived. It was attraction at first
sight. Segunda was also a close friend of Rizal’s sister, Olympia, whom he visited every week at the La Concordia College. The two
became very close. However, Segunda was already engaged to be married to a man who lived in her town, and Rizal had to stop pursuing
her.

Rizal wrote about the incident years later, “Ended, at an early house, my first love! My virgin heart will always mourn the reckless step it
took on the flower-decked abyss. My illusions will return, yes, but indifferent, uncertain, ready for the first
betrayal on the path of love.”

Our heartache-filled, hugot-induced breakup films would be put to shame.

2 Leonor Valenzuela

Leonor “Orang” Valenzuela, Rizal’s second object of affection, is literally the girl-next-door. They met
when Rizal was a sophomore medical student at the University of Santo Tomas, during which time he also
lived at Doña Concha Leyva’s boarding house in Intramuros, Manila. Orang, who was then 14 years old,
was his neighbor.

During the courtship, Rizal was said to have sent Leonor private and secret love letters, which he wrote using invisible ink made with
water and salt—he was adept in chemistry, too. To read the letters, Orang had to heat the letter over a candle or a lamp. (How did we get
from this intricate, labored way of courting someone to pressing that heart icon on Instagram? Just wondering.) Rizal also frequented the
Valenzuelas’ home, which was a hang out place of the students in the area.

There are, however, documents that may serve as proof that Rizal’s efforts were not effective.  Some accounts say he was courting Leonor
Valenzuela and and his second cousin Leonor Rivera at the same time—thus the need for invisible letters. (Still, we need to appreciate the
effort that went with it.) Rivera apparently knew of this and gave way to Rivera’s attraction for Rizal. When Rizal left for Spain in 1882, it
was said that he did say goodbye to Orang, but kept in touch with the help of Rizal’s close friend, Jose “Chenggoy” Cecilio.

Chenggoy was the ultimate teaser—and maybe wingman?—who was amused with the “rivalry” of the namesakes.  On one of
Chenggoy’s letters to Rizal, he wrote, “…nagpipilit ang munting kasera (Leonor Rivera) na makita si Orang, pero dahil natatakpan ng
isang belong puti, hindi naming nakilala nang dumaan ang prusisyon sa tapat ng bahay. Sinabi sa akin ni
O(rang) na sabihin ko raw sa munting kasera na hindi siya kumakaribal sa pag-iibigan ninyo. Que gulay,
tukayo, anong gulo itong idinudulot natin sa mga dalagang ito!”  (Manebog 2013)

Lest it be forgotten, while he was pursuing the two Leonors, Rizal was in Europe taking courses in medicine at
Universidad Central de Madrid and painting at Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Calle Alcala.
Maybe he still had time on his hands?

3 Leonor Rivera

Leanor Rivera and Jose Rizal lived the tragedies of Shakespeare’s poems.
They met when Rizal was 18 and Leonor was 13, at the boarding house of Rizal’s uncle in Intramuros, Manila. Leonor was Rizal’s second
cousin.

It was a perfect love story in the beginning: he, the intelligent charmer, and she, the beautiful student who had a beautiful singing voice
and was a talented piano player. Soon, they fell in love. But as tragic love stories go, they were besieged by obstacles. Leonor’s parents
highly disapproved of their relationship as they were wary of Rizal being a “filibuster.” In his letters, Rizal called Leonor “Taimis” to hide
her identity.

Before leaving for Europe in 1882, Rizal said that he had found the woman he wanted to marry. But even his brother, Paciano Rizal,
disagreed with the idea, saying that it would be unfair to Leonor if he were to leave her behind after getting married.

But their love—as young loves are—wanted to go against all that stood in the way. Although they did not get married, they tried to
continue sending each other love letters, a lot of which were intercepted and kept hidden by Leonor’s mother. In 1890, Leonor wrote a
letter to Rizal saying that she was engaged to be married to a British engineer named Henry Kipping. That same year, the wedding pushed
through.

Upon the coercion of her mother, Leonor burned Rizal’s letters to her—but it was said she kept the ashes of those letters. A story goes that
she hid some of these ashes in the hem of her wedding gown.

But their dark romance didn’t end there.  

In 1893, Leonor died during second childbirth. Documents show that when Rizal heard of the news through his
sister, Narcisa, he didn’t speak for a few days. It is believed that Rizal immortalized Leonor through the
character Maria Clara in Noli Me Tangere. Like we said, it’s a Shakespearean kind of dark—and no love story
is more intense than the one that lost the battle with circumstances. 

4 Consuelo Ortega Y Rey

Consuelo Ortega Y Rey was the daughter of Don Pablo Ortiga Y Rey, who was Mayor of Manila when Maria
dela Torre was the governor. While Rizal was in Madrid, he would hang out at Don Pablo’s house, which
became a place where Filipino students would often get together. Through one of these gatherings, Rizal met Consuelo.

He showed affection towards Consuelo but was not serious in his pursuit as he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera at the time. Yes, he
loved the company of women, but during that brief period, he too was lonely and yearning for the physical void left by Leonor.

Photo from Pablo Trillana III, The Loves of Rizal and other Essays on Philippine History, Art, and Public
Policy via positivelyfilipino.com

Although most accounts say the dalliance didn’t turn serious, Rizal wrote a poem for her, entitled, “A La
Señorita C.O.y.P.” Of course, these days, when you write a poem for someone, that’s like a marriage
proposal. In the end, Consuelo got engaged to Rizal’s friend, Eduardo de Lete. It is said that Eduardo’s love
for Consuelo was also the reason Rizal didn’t pursue the mestiza. Or maybe, in modern parlance, theirs was a
classic case of a rebound fling.

5 Seiko Usui

In many of his diary entries, Rizal wrote about how he was charmed by Japan’s beauty, cleanliness, and peace
and order. But if there was one thing that almost kept him in the country where cherry blossoms bloom most
beautiful, it was a woman named Seiko Usui, affectionately called O-Sei-San.

It was in 1888. Rizal had just arrived in Japan from Hongkong upon an invitation to take a job offer at the Spanish Legation. One day,
while he was in the office grounds, he saw O-Sei-San walk past the legation’s gate and was immediately enthralled by her beauty. With
the help of a Japanese gardener, he asked to be introduced to the woman who captured his eyes—and the gardener acquiesced. Rizal
spoke little Japanese at the time, so the gardener had to serve as a translator. However, a few minutes into the conversation, they both
found O-Sei-San spoke English and French, which was a relief as Rizal spoke both languages. When the language barrier broke, they
started to build a relationship.

As days went by, O-Sei-San taught Rizal the ways of the Japanese. They went gallivanting, visiting
museums, galleries, and universities. They talked about the arts and culture, switching their language from
French to English and back as they pleased. Their love was childlike and spirited. According to
many accounts, Rizal was ready to move to Japan, stay with O-Sei-San, and live a peaceful life with his
love.

Unfortunately for this relationship, country-saving duties would call and he had to leave Japan for San
Francisco. He never saw O-Sei-San again. Their affair lasted for around two months. It’s shorter than an
average season of a Netflix series, but you know Rizal and his intensity.

6 Gertrude Beckett

In the same year he began and ended his relations with O-Sei-San, our JR, then 27, went to London and met
a woman named Gertrude Beckett, the eldest daughter of his landlord. Gertrude showered Rizal with all the
love and attention of a girl who is hopelessly in love. She even assisted Rizal as he finished some of his
popular sculptures, “Prometheus Bound,” “The Triumph of Death over Life,” and “The Triumph of Science over Death.” He called her
Gettie, she called him Pettie. But all documents lead to say one thing: the feelings weren’t mutually shared.
In 1889, Rizal left London, and left Gettie a composite carving of the heads of the Beckett sisters. Marcelo del Pilar, Rizal’s friend, said
Rizal left London to move away from Gertrude, whose idea of their relationship was more than what it really was—the most tormenting
kind: an unrequited love.

7 Suzanne Jacoby

Maybe Rizal was repulsed with the idea of having an idle mind. With all the loneliness and anxiety from the turmoil of his country and
family, he was even able to fill his resting moments learning new things—like flirting with women. When he arrived in Belgium in 1890,
he lived at a boarding house that was run by two sisters whose last name was Jacoby. The sisters had a niece
named Suzanne. You probably can guess now what happens with Rizal and his caretaker’s kin. If it’s not a
neighbor, it’s a caretaker’s kin. Are we seeing a trend here? Obviously the guy is too busy to explore beyond
a one-kilometer radius.   

The relationship was probably a fling, too, as Rizal made no mention of Suzanne when he wrote letters to his
friends about his stay in Belgium. Rizal left the country in August that year. Suzanne was heartbroken. Rizal
continued writing El Filibusterismo, writing for La Solidaridad, and worrying about his family back home.
It was said that Suzanne wrote Rizal letters. Rizal may have replied once. In 1891, Rizal went back to
Belgium—not for Suzanne—but to finish writing El Filibusterismo. He stayed for a few months, left, and
never returned. Maybe she got the point after that.

8 Nellie Boustead

Remember that famous time when Antonio Luna and Jose Rizal almost got into a duel because of a girl? The girl in the middle of that
madness was Nellie Boustead. Rizal and Nellie met in Biarritz, where Nellie’s wealthy family hosted Rizal’s stay at their residence on the
French Riviera. Before Biarritz, Rizal already made friends with the Boustead family a few years back, and even played fencing with
Nellie and her sister.

During his stay at the beautiful Biarritz vacation home, Rizal learned of Leonor Rivera’s engagement and thought of pursuing a romantic
relationship with Nellie, who was classy, educated, cheerful, and athletic. After strengthening their relationship, Rizal wrote letters to his
friends, telling them about his intention to marry her. They were all supportive, including Antonio Luna.  

Although they seemed like the ideal couple, marriage for Rizal was still not meant to be. First,
Nellie’s mother did not think Rizal had the resources to be a good provider for her daughter.
Second, Nellie wanted Rizal to convert to Protestantism. Rizal refused. But their friendship must
have been strong enough because they ended up being friends after all the drama.

Before Rizal left Paris in 1891, Nellie wrote him a letter: “Now that you are leaving I wish you a
happy trip and may you triumph in your undertakings, and above all, may the Lord look down on
you with favor and guide your way giving you much blessings, and may your learn to enjoy! My
remembrance will accompany you as also my prayers.” 

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you become friends with your ex.

9 Josephine Bracken

Josephine Bracken was the woman who stayed with Rizal until his execution in 1896. She was also, allegedly, the woman whom Rizal
married. However, accounts of their marriage have been much-debated over the years.

Josephine was the adopted daughter of one George Taufer, whom she lived with in Hongkong for years before she needed to seek help
from an ophthalmologist due to George’s blindness. They then sought the help of Jose Rizal, who was already exiled in Dapitan,
Zamboanga del Norte at the time. Rizal and Josephine fell in love and in a month made the announcement that they wanted to get married.
But just like the other Rizal great loves, this one was once again complicated. No priest would marry the two, for reasons that are still
unclear—but perhaps it was because of Rizal’s status in politics. Without a legal paper, Rizal and Josephine lived together, and had a son,
who died a few hours after birth. Rizal named his son after his father, Francisco.

Up to this day, there is no legal proof that Josephine and Rizal ever got married.

In retrospect, maybe Rizal was not meant for a long commitment, like marriage—with all his travels and freedom-fighting obligations.
Maybe heroes can only be alone with their thoughts. Left alone, they will naturally think too much, and thinking for an entire country, we
assume, can be exhausting. Maybe Rizal just always needed a companion.

But if there’s one thing his dalliances and longings and pursuits remind us, it is that heroes are humans, too. Humans have needs. And he
did die for our country. He gets a pass—even when he was a master in ghosting. 

Photographs from www.joserizal.ph

Reference:

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/12/30/18/all-the-girls-rizal-loved-before

 
My Last Farewell

by Jose Rizal
Farewell, dear Fatherland, clime of the sun caress'd
Pearl of the Orient seas, our Eden lost!,
Gladly now I go to give thee this faded life's best,
And were it brighter, fresher, or more blest
Still would I give it thee, nor count the cost.

On the field of battle, 'mid the frenzy of fight,

Others have given their lives, without doubt or heed;
The place matters not-cypress or laurel or lily white,
Scaffold or open plain, combat or martyrdom's plight,
T is ever the same, to serve our home and country's
need.

I die just when I see the dawn break,

Through the gloom of night, to herald the day;
And if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take,
Pour'd out at need for thy dear sake
To dye with its crimson the waking ray.

My dreams, when life first opened to me,

My dreams, when the hopes of youth beat high,
Were to see thy lov'd face, O gem of the Orient sea
From gloom and grief, from care and sorrow free;
No blush on thy brow, no tear in thine eye.

Dream of my life, my living and burning desire,

All hail ! cries the soul that is now to take flight;
All hail ! And sweet it is for thee to expire ;
To die for thy sake, that thou mayst aspire;
And sleep in thy bosom eternity's long night.

If over my grave some day thou seest grow,

In the grassy sod, a humble flower,
Draw it to thy lips and kiss my soul so,
While I may feel on my brow in the cold tomb below
The touch of thy tenderness, thy breath's warm power.

Let the moon beam over me soft and serene,

Let the dawn shed over me its radiant flashes,
Let the wind with sad lament over me keen ;
And if on my cross a bird should be seen,
Let it trill there its hymn of peace to my ashes.
Let the sun draw the vapors up to the sky,
And heavenward in purity bear my tardy protest
Let some kind soul o 'er my untimely fate sigh,
And in the still evening a prayer be lifted on high
From thee, 0 my country, that in God I may rest.

Pray for all those that hapless have died,

For all who have suffered the unmeasur'd pain;
For our mothers that bitterly their woes have cried,
For widows and orphans, for captives by torture tried
And then for thyself that redemption thou mayst gain.

And when the dark night wraps the graveyard around

With only the dead in their vigil to see
Break not my repose or the mystery profound
And perchance thou mayst hear a sad hymn resound
'T is I, O my country, raising a song unto thee.

And even my grave is remembered no more

Unmark'd by never a cross nor a stone
Let the plow sweep through it, the spade turn it o'er
That my ashes may carpet earthly floor,
 Before into nothingness at last they are blown.

Then will oblivion bring to me no care

As over thy vales and plains I sweep;
Throbbing and cleansed in thy space and air
With color and light, with song and lament I fare,
Ever repeating the faith that I keep.

My Fatherland ador'd, that sadness to my sorrow lends

Beloved Filipinas, hear now my last good-by!
I give thee all: parents and kindred and friends
For I go where no slave before the oppressor bends,
Where faith can never kill, and God reigns e'er on high!

Farewell to you all, from my soul torn away,

Friends of my childhood in the home dispossessed !
Give thanks that I rest from the wearisome day !
Farewell to thee, too, sweet friend that lightened my
way;
Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest !

Translated by Charles Derbyshire

Document
created: June 13, 1996
updated: March 20, 1998
APSIS Editor Johann Stockinger

Reference:

https://www.univie.ac.at/Voelkerkunde/apsis/aufi/rizal/rzpoem2.htm

To the Philippine Youth

by Jose Rizal
  Hold high the brow serene,
O youth, where now you stand;
Let the bright sheen
Of your grace be seen,
Fair hope of my fatherland!

Come now, thou genius grand,

And bring down inspiration;
With thy mighty hand,
Swifter than the wind's violation,
Raise the eager mind to higher station.

Come down with pleasing light

Of art and science to the fight,
O youth, and there untie
The chains that heavy lie,
Your spirit free to blight.
See how in flaming zone
Amid the shadows thrown,
The Spaniard'a holy hand
A crown's resplendent band
Proffers to this Indian land.

Thou, who now wouldst rise

On wings of rich emprise,
Seeking from Olympian skies
Songs of sweetest strain,
Softer than ambrosial rain;
Thou, whose voice divine
Rivals Philomel's refrain
And with varied line
Through the night benign
Frees mortality from pain;

Thou, who by sharp strife

Wakest thy mind to life ;
And the memory bright
Of thy genius' light
Makest immortal in its strength ;

And thou, in accents clear

 Of Phoebus, to Apelles dear ;
Or by the brush's magic art
Takest from nature's store a part,
To fig it on the simple canvas' length ;

Go forth, and then the sacred fire

Of thy genius to the laurel may aspire ;
To spread around the fame,
And in victory acclaim,
Through wider spheres the human name.

Day, O happy day,

Fair Filipinas, for thy land!
So bless the Power to-day
That places in thy way
This favor and this fortune grand !

Translated by Charles Derbyshire

Document
created: June 13, 1996
updated: March 20, 1998
APSIS Editor Johann Stockinger

Reference:

https://www.univie.ac.at/Voelkerkunde/apsis/aufi/rizal/rzpoem2.htm