National Hero • Visionary Writer • Global Thinker

Dr. José Rizal is a name that echoes through Philippine history as a symbol of courage, intellect, and patriotism. Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Rizal rose to become one of the most influential figures in the country’s fight against Spanish colonial rule. A physician by profession and a writer by passion, his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed the injustices of the time and ignited the Filipino spirit toward reform and eventual independence.

This website offers a closer look into Rizal’s remarkable journey—not only as a hero but as a man who lived, loved, and learned across continents. In 1882, he sailed to Europe to study medicine in Madrid, later honing his skills in Paris and Germany. His years abroad shaped his reformist ideals, inspired his writings, and introduced him to global movements that further deepened his advocacy for freedom and justice.

Beyond the revolution and reform, Rizal also had a deeply human side—one filled with stories of love. From Segunda Katigbak to Leonor Rivera, and finally to Josephine Bracken, Rizal’s romantic life reflected the passion he held not just for women, but for life, truth, and his beloved country.

Explore his world—his works, his travels, his loves, and his legacy—and discover why Dr. José Rizal remains a timeless icon of the Filipino identity.