Segunda Katigbak

Profile: Segunda Katigbak was Rizal's first love. She was a young woman from Lipa, Batangas, whom Rizal met while studying in Manila. Their relationship was brief but significant in Rizal's formative years.

Love Letters: Unfortunately, there are no surviving letters from Rizal to Segunda Katigbak. His letters during this period mainly focused on his studies and early thoughts on nationalism. 

Leonor Rivera

Profile: Leonor Rivera was Rizal's cousin and his second love. They met in Manila and corresponded over the years. Leonor's parents disapproved of their relationship, which greatly affected Rizal.

Love Letters: Rizal wrote numerous letters to Leonor Rivera, expressing his deep affection and longing for her. One notable excerpt includes Rizal's lamentation over their separation due to her parents' disapproval: "Without you, I find no joy in life." 

Consuelo Ortiga y Rey

Profile: Consuelo Ortiga was a young woman from a prominent Spanish family. Rizal met her during his time in Madrid. They became close, but their relationship did not progress beyond friendship due to circumstances.

Love Letters: Rizal wrote passionate letters to Consuelo, expressing his admiration and respect. In one excerpt, he wrote: "You are the ideal that my imagination tries to conjure." 

O-Sei-San (Seiko Usui)

Profile: O-Sei-San, or Seiko Usui, was a Japanese woman Rizal met during his stay in Japan. They developed a close friendship based on mutual respect and admiration for each other's culture.

Love Letters: Rizal wrote affectionate letters to O-Sei-San, expressing his fascination with Japanese culture and his appreciation for her friendship. In one letter, he wrote: "Your friendship is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received."