Life and Works of Rizal | THE TRAVELS OF RIZAL

Summary

This video explores the remarkable journey of Filipino hero José Rizal, highlighting his travels across multiple countries in pursuit of education and personal growth. Rizal's secret mission to observe Spanish governance, combined with his medical studies and growing involvement in political reform, took him through Spain, France, Germany, and several other nations. Along the way, he studied ophthalmology, learned new languages, and connected with key figures in Europe. His travels ultimately shaped his revolutionary ideas for Philippine independence, leading to his arrest and execution in 1896.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Jose Rizal's journey was a crucial aspect of his education, helping him learn about different cultures and politics.
• 🎓 Rizal left the Philippines secretly to continue his medical studies in Spain, with a limited budget of 356 pesos.
• 🚢 Rizal's first stop was in Singapore, where he visited botanical gardens, Buddhist temples, and landmarks.
• 🇫🇷 Rizal improved his French language skills during his ship journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and admired the city for its beauty.
• 🗼 Rizal was fascinated by his travels in Europe, especially in Naples, Marseilles, and France, where he visited famous historical sites.
• 🇩🇪 In Germany, Rizal became inspired by the flowers of Heidelberg, writing a poem, and spent time with a local family, improving his German.
• 📚 Rizal collaborated with European scholars in Leipzig and became an ophthalmology apprentice under Dr. Otto Becker.
• 🇨🇿 He visited Prague and other European cities, meeting intellectuals and touring historical landmarks like Copernicus's tomb.
• 🇯🇵 In Japan, Rizal stayed at the Spanish Legation and admired the discipline of the Japanese people, forming a romantic relationship with a local woman.
• 🔫 Rizal’s return to the Philippines led to his eventual execution after his advocacy for Philippine reforms and criticism of colonial rule.

Q & A

Who was Tasha Rizal Mercado, and why is he significant in Filipino history?

Tasha Rizal Mercado, better known as José Rizal, is regarded as the most revered national hero of the Philippines due to his contributions to the country's fight for independence from Spanish colonization. His journey was critical for his education and understanding of global politics, which shaped his role as a reformer.

What motivated Rizal to travel to Spain, and how did he manage to do so?

Rizal traveled to Spain to continue his medical studies and to secretly observe the country's political and social climate. Despite his parents' disapproval, his brother gave him a budget of 356 pesos, allowing him to embark on this journey aboard the ship Salvadora.

What was Rizal's experience during his stopover in Singapore?

During his two-day stay in Singapore, Rizal visited the Botanical Garden, Buddhist temples, and the statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. He stayed at the Hotel de la Paz and explored the local culture.

Which European city marked Rizal's first step in Europe, and what was his impression of it?

Rizal's first step in Europe was in Naples, Italy. He was impressed by the local people and the beautiful scenery. He visited Chateau d'If, which was significant to him due to its connection to his favorite novel, 'The Count of Monte Cristo.'

What was the significance of Rizal's stay in Heidelberg, Germany?

In Heidelberg, Germany, Rizal was captivated by the local flora and wrote the poem 'A las Flores de Heidelberg.' He further honed his skills in ophthalmology by working under Dr. Otto Becker, exploring his career in medicine while immersing himself in German culture.

What did Rizal do during his stay in France, and how did it contribute to his development?

In France, Rizal worked as an apprentice at the iconic Iron Hospital and joined Freemasonry, where he was impressed by the freedom to openly criticize the government. He also learned more about French architecture and culture, which further broadened his world view.

How did Rizal react to racial discrimination in the United States?

During his stay in San Francisco, Rizal witnessed the racial discrimination faced by Chinese and African Americans. He noted the contrast in how white Americans treated people of different ethnic backgrounds, which impacted his views on equality and human rights.

What was Rizal's contribution during his time in London?

While in London, Rizal manually copied and annotated 'Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas,' a rare book by Antonio de Morga, at the British Museum. This was part of his effort to document Filipino history and challenge the Spanish narrative about the Philippines.

Why did Rizal move to Belgium, and what was he able to accomplish there?

Rizal moved to Brussels, Belgium, because it was more affordable than Paris. During his time there, he continued his work, publishing 'El Filibusterismo' and writing articles for the newspaper 'La Solidaridad,' contributing to the propaganda movement for Philippine reforms.

What ultimately led to Rizal's execution in 1896?

Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, after being accused of sedition for his role in promoting Philippine reform and independence through his writings and actions. His trial was swift, and he was sentenced to death by firing squad, cementing his status as a martyr.