Early Travels in the Philippines

Before going abroad, José Rizal traveled to different parts of the Philippines, which helped shape his understanding of the country and its people. As a young student, he visited nearby towns like Biñan, Laguna, where he studied under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz, and later moved to Manila to study at Ateneo Municipal and the University of Santo Tomas.

He also joined educational and family trips, including a pilgrimage to Antipolo with his mother and visits to Malolos, Bulacan, where he met reform-minded Filipinos. His most significant stay in the country was during his exile in Dapitan (1892–1896), where he practiced medicine, taught students, and helped improve the local community.

Secret Mission to Europe

In 1882, José Rizal secretly left the Philippines for what he called his “Secret Mission to Europe.” The purpose of this journey was to observe European societies and discover ideas that could inspire reforms in the Philippines. He left under the name “José Mercado” to avoid Spanish surveillance.

In Spain, he studied at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning degrees in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. Rizal also traveled through France, Germany, and England, immersing himself in European culture and scientific learning. He trained in ophthalmology under Dr. Louis de Wecker in Paris and Dr. Otto Becker in Heidelberg to help cure his mother’s eyesight.

During his travels, Rizal met many influential figures, including Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt, who became his lifelong friend, and reformists like Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano López Jaena, and Juan Luna. His experiences in Europe deepened his belief that education and peaceful reform were the true paths to progress and later inspired his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Studies Abroad

Madrid, Spain
Rizal studied at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning degrees in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. There, he learned about liberal ideas and joined Filipino reformists pushing for social reforms.

Paris, France
He trained under Dr. Louis de Wecker in ophthalmology while deepening his knowledge in art, science, and literature. He became friends with Juan Luna and other artists.

Heidelberg, Germany
Rizal continued his medical training under Dr. Otto Becker at the University of Heidelberg, where he honed his surgical skills. He wrote A las Flores de Heidelberg, expressing homesickness and patriotism.

Wilhelmsfeld, Germany
He stayed with Pastor Karl Ullmer, who became a close friend. This peaceful period inspired him to finish Noli Me Tangere.

Berlin, Germany
Rizal joined scientific societies, including the Berlin Ethnological Society, and published Noli Me Tangere. Despite financial struggles, he gained respect among European scholars

Professional Work Abroad

Opthalmology

Rizal pursued ophthalmology to cure his mother’s failing eyesight. His training under Dr. Louis de Wecker (Paris) and Dr. Otto Becker (Heidelberg) earned him recognition as a skilled and compassionate physician.

Writing

While in Europe, he wrote his two groundbreaking novels — Noli Me Tangere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891) — which exposed the abuses of Spanish colonial rule. He also contributed essays and articles to La Solidaridad, advocating for education, equality, and reform.

Activism

Rizal became active in the Propaganda Movement, joining reformists like Del Pilar, López Jaena, and Mariano Ponce. Through his writings and leadership, he called for peaceful change and inspired the rise of Filipino nationalism.

Return to the Philippines and Exile in Dapitan

After years of studying and working in Europe, Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892, despite warnings that his writings had angered Spanish authorities. He founded La Liga Filipina, a civic organization promoting education, unity, and peaceful reform. However, the group was seen as a threat, leading to his arrest soon after.

He was exiled to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, from 1892 to 1896, where he lived a productive and meaningful life. Rizal practiced medicine, taught young students, engaged in farming, conducted scientific research, and built a water system for the community. His work earned him great respect from the locals.

Although far from political activity, Rizal remained a moral and intellectual leader. His Dapitan years showed his commitment to service, education, and reform — values that continued to define his legacy.

Disclaimer: Images used on this website are sourced from online references and are intended for educational and illustrative purposes only. Some visuals may not represent actual photographs or events from José Rizal’s time due to the limited technology of that era. All image credits go to their respective owners and Google Images.

SOURCES

Zaide, G. F., & Zaide, S. M. (1999). Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National Hero. Quezon City: All Nations Publishing. https://dokumen.pub/jose-rizal-life-works-and-writings-of-a-genius-writer-scientist-and-national-hero-second-edition-9712733238-9789712733239.htmlOcampo, A. (1990). Rizal Without the Overcoat. Anvil Publishing. https://archive.org/details/rizalwithoutover0000ocamGuerrero, L. M., & Guerrero, L. M. (2010). The first Filipino: a biography of José Rizal. Guerrero Publishing. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=o5UU2gSFxgsC&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=The+First+Filipino:+A+Biography+of+Jos%C3%A9+Rizal&ots=gOsPumgDj4&sig=NGmiYpEhiCV91Ye0eBF_Bf3GSrgZaide, G. F., & Zaide, S. M. (1999). Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National Hero. Quezon City: All Nations Publishing. https://dokumen.pub/jose-rizal-life-works-and-writings-of-a-genius-writer-scientist-and-national-hero-second-edition-9712733238-9789712733239.html

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