José Rizal Reviewer
1. Early Life
Birth: Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines.
Family: Seventh of eleven children of Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso. The
family was well-off and belonged to the principalia class.
Education: Attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree
with high honors in 1877. Later studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas and
continued his medical studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain.
2. Education and Influences
Ateneo Municipal: Excelled in literature, arts, and sciences.
University of Santo Tomas: Studied medicine but faced racial discrimination,
influencing his nationalist views.
Europe: Continued studies in Spain, France, and Germany. Exposed to liberal and
progressive ideas, which shaped his reformist mindset.
3. Literary Works
Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not): Published in 1887, a novel exposing the abuses of
the Spanish colonizers and the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Characters like
Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara symbolize Rizal’s vision for Filipino identity and
reform.
El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed): Published in 1891, a sequel to Noli Me
Tangere. It is darker in tone, depicting the deepening social injustices and calling for
more radical reforms.
Other Works: Essays, poems, and letters advocating for reform and Filipino identity,
such as "Mi Último Adiós," a poem written before his execution.
4. Reform Movement
Propaganda Movement: Part of the group of Filipino expatriates in Europe advocating
for peaceful reforms in the Philippines.
La Solidaridad: Contributed to this reformist newspaper, writing articles calling for
equal rights, representation in the Spanish Cortes, and secularization of the clergy.
Liga Filipina: Founded this organization upon his return to the Philippines in 1892,
promoting solidarity and reforms.
5. Exile in Dapitan
Exile: Arrested and exiled to Dapitan in Mindanao from 1892 to 1896. During this time,
he practiced medicine, pursued scientific studies, and engaged in community projects.
Contributions: Established a school, improved local agriculture, and introduced
innovations in water supply systems.
6. Final Days and Execution
Return to the Philippines: Arrested while en route to Cuba to serve as a volunteer
doctor during the Cuban Revolution.
Trial: Charged with sedition, rebellion, and conspiracy. Convicted and sentenced to
death.
Execution: Executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan (now Rizal
Park), Manila. His martyrdom inspired further revolutionary activities.
7. Legacy and Significance
National Hero: Recognized as the national hero of the Philippines for his role in
advocating for reform and awakening Filipino nationalism.
Symbols of Rizal: Monuments, schools, streets, and provinces named after him. His life
and works continue to be a source of national pride and identity.
Influence on the Philippine Revolution: His writings and ideas influenced the
Katipunan and the broader movement for Philippine independence.
8. Key Themes in Rizal's Works
Social Injustice: Critiqued the abuses and corruption of Spanish authorities and the
friars.
Nationalism: Promoted the idea of a Filipino identity and the need for unity and reform.
Education: Emphasized the importance of education in empowering the Filipino people
and achieving social progress.
Reform vs. Revolution: Advocated for peaceful reforms but his ideas eventually fueled
revolutionary sentiments.
9. Study Tips
Understand Key Concepts: Focus on the social, political, and historical context of
Rizal's life and works.
Analyze His Writings: Study his novels, essays, and letters to understand his views and
advocacy.
Historical Impact: Recognize the impact of Rizal's works on the Philippine revolution
and national identity.
Biographical Details: Familiarize yourself with significant events and influences in his
life.
10. Quotes by José Rizal
"The youth is the hope of our future."
"He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his
destination."
"It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal."
