Rizal's Higher Education and Life Abroad

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to appreciate how Rizal's education shaped him as a person, appraise Rizal's relationship with other propagandists, and assess Rizal's growth as a propagandist along with his disavowal of assimilation.

Rizal's Journey from the Philippines to Abroad

Rizal embarked on a transformative journey abroad driven by a secret mission, as requested by his brother Paciano, to observe and learn about the life, culture, languages, customs, industries, commerce, and governmental laws of several European nations.

This mission aimed to prepare him for the formidable task of liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny. His departure from the Philippines was marked with emotional turmoil, especially for his parents, particularly Don Francisco. To ease their worries, Paciano revealed Rizal's plans to his father, assuring him that Rizal would not abandon his medicine studies but expand his education in various useful disciplines.

Those Aware of Rizal's Plans

Several individuals were aware of Rizal's departure, including:

Paciano
Antonio Rivera
Neneng and Lucia
Valenzuela family
Pedro A. Paterno
Mateo Evangelista
Ateneo Jesuit fathers and close friends, including Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio).

Before leaving, Rizal wrote letters to his beloved parents and his sweetheart, Leonor Rivera, which were dispatched shortly after his departure.

On May 3, 1882, Rizal boarded the Spanish ship Salvador for Singapore while sketching the ship as it vanished from view, a gesture reflective of his artistic inclinations. During this voyage, he carefully observed 16 fellow passengers, noting that he was the only Filipino among Spaniards, British, and Indian Negroes.

Captain Donato Lecha

Rizal developed a friendship with Captain Donato Lecha from Asturias, Spain, whom he described in his travel diary as more refined than many others he had encountered.

To alleviate boredom, he engaged in chess games with fellow passengers. Upon nearing Singapore on May 8, 1882, he was captivated by the beauty of the island, reminiscent of Talim Island in his homeland.

Exploration of Singapore

Upon arrival in Singapore on May 9, 1882, he checked into Hotel de la Paz and embarked on a sightseeing tour, visiting notable sites including:

The famous Botanical Gardens
Stunning Buddhist temples
The bustling shopping district
The statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore.

Rizal's travels continued as he transitioned to a larger vessel, the Djemnah, moving to Colombo, experiencing language barriers as he struggled with his French, which he had learned at Ateneo.

Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka)

Upon arrival at Ceylon, Rizal expressed disappointment in Point Galle's appearance. However, he was enamored by Colombo's elegance, describing it as more beautiful than Singapore, Point Galle, and Manila.

Through the Suez Canal

Rizal's journey through the Suez Canal was significant, marking his first sight of this remarkable engineering marvel inaugurated on November 17, 1869. He was enthralled by the multicultural atmosphere he encountered upon reaching Port Said, where various languages filled the air.

Arriving in Europe

By June 11, 1882, Rizal had reached Naples, Italy, where he was impressed by the vibrant activity and beauty of the city. He later traveled to Marseilles, France, where he visited historical sites like the setting of Dumas's 'The Count of Monte Cristo.'

Experiencing Barcelona

On June 15, 1882, he arrived in Barcelona, at first unimpressed with its conditions, but subsequently warmed to its atmosphere of freedom and hospitality. Rizal connected with fellow Filipinos, sharing news from home.

Rizal’s Writings in Barcelona

In Barcelona, Rizal began writing significant works, including:

Amor Patrio (Love of Country), under the pseudonym Laong Laan, sent to his friend Basilio Teodoro Moran for publication in Diariong Tagalog.
Los Viajes (Travels) as a response to Moran's request.
Revista de Madrid (Review of Madrid), which was unfortunately returned due to the newspaper’s closure.

News from the Philippines

Through his correspondence, Rizal learned distressing news about the cholera outbreak in Manila and the poor condition of Leonor Rivera.

Heeding Paciano's advice to pursue his medical education, Rizal moved to Madrid in the fall of 1882.

Life in Madrid

In Madrid, Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid on November 3, 1882, undertaking a rigorous academic path that encompassed:

Medicine
Philosophy and Letters
Painting and Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
Private lessons in French, German, and English

With a thirst for knowledge, Rizal immersed himself in various subjects and attended galleries and lectures, maintaining a frugal lifestyle and eschewing lavish expenditures.

Rizal’s Routine in Madrid

His daily activities included reading, writing, attending student reunions at the Paterno household, practicing fencing, and socializing at the Antigua Café de Levante.

Involvement with the Masons

In March 1883, Rizal joined the Acacia lodge in Madrid, motivated by a desire to use Freemasonry as a means to combat the oppressive Spanish friars. Later, he joined the Lodge Solidaridad, where he attained the rank of Master Mason.

Financial Challenges and Achievements

Rizal faced financial difficulties when his family struggled to support him, leading him to skip meals while attending university classes. Despite these hardships, he won a gold medal in a Greek language contest and continued to partake in significant cultural events in Madrid.

Completion of Studies

Rizal graduated with a Licentiate in Medicine on June 21, 1884, although he did not pursue his Doctorate, opting to prioritize practical experiences and contributions to his homeland.

Paris to Berlin (1885-1887)

Rizal chose ophthalmology, motivated by a desire to help cure his mother's eye ailment. He spent time in Paris, Heidelberg, Leipzig, and Berlin, where he furthered his knowledge and established invaluable connections with leading scientists and scholars.

First Visit to Paris

From June 17 to August 20, 1883, Rizal visited Paris, embracing the rich culture and historical sites of the city, despite the high expenses associated with living in one of Europe's most extravagant capitals.

German Influences on Rizal

In Berlin, he engaged with numerous intellectual figures, gaining entry into important scientific societies that acknowledged his contributions and knowledge. Notably, he published a scholarly paper on Tagalog metrical art that received acclaim.

Noli Me Tangere

Rizal commenced writing his novel, Noli Me Tangere, which was inspired by his readings of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin and aimed to illustrate Filipino struggles against Spanish oppression. He faced challenges during its composition, including frustrations with collaborators, which prompted him to write the novel independently.

Publication and Impact

After several revisions and struggles, Noli Me Tangere was published on March 21, 1887, marking a seminal moment in Filipino literature and history. Rizal offered copies to friends and utilized it as a powerful tool against colonial exploitation.

As Rizal traveled Europe, he witnessed various cultures and perspectives, shaping his views on governance, freedom, and national identity. The experiences and education he gained during this time positioned him as a pivotal figure in the fight for Philippine independence.