José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

June 19, 1861

Calamba, Laguna, Philippines

Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo

Wealthy, influential family; instilled strong moral and intellectual values; exposure to both indigenous and Spanish cultures

Ateneo Municipal de Manila (excellent grades); University of Santo Tomas (philosophy and letters, medicine)

Painting, sculpting, poetry, writing; reflected in his annotations and personal works

Limited opportunities in the Philippines; desire for advanced education in ophthalmology; exposure to liberal ideas

Spain (University of Madrid, Central University of Madrid), Germany (University of Heidelberg), France (Paris), England (London)

Ophthalmology, University of Central Madrid

1887

Exposed abuses of the Spanish colonial system; critique of the Catholic Church; ignited Filipino nationalism

1891

More radical than Noli Me Tangere; depicted revolution as a potential solution; continued critique of colonial injustices

1892

Promote social reforms; protect Filipino rights; unite Filipinos

Dapitan, Mindanao

Practiced medicine; built a school; conducted scientific studies; engaged in community development

Initially opposed armed revolution; his writings and ideas inspired revolutionaries

Accused of rebellion and sedition; unfair trial; lack of due process

December 30, 1896

Bagumbayan Field (now Luneta Park), Manila

Varied accounts exist; generally interpreted as expressing patriotism and love for the Philippines

National hero of the Philippines; symbol of Filipino nationalism; inspiration for independence movements; advocate for social reform

Inspired Filipino nationalism; exposed colonial abuses; contributed to the development of Filipino identity and literature

Critical of Church abuses; advocated for religious freedom; complex and nuanced relationship

Initially advocated for peaceful reforms; later accepted the possibility of revolution as a last resort

Colonialism, oppression, social injustice, corruption, nationalism, patriotism, love of country

Rizal's scholarly work that challenged the Spanish version of Philippine history

December 30th, a national holiday in the Philippines commemorating Rizal's death