José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
- Born:
- June 19, 1861, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
- Died:
- December 30, 1896, Bagumbayan (present-day Rizal Park), Manila, Philippines
- Nationality:
- Filipino
- Profession(s):
- Polymath, Nationalist, Physician, Writer, Reformist
Early Life and Education
- Received early education from his mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda.
- Studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, graduating with honors.
- Attended the University of Santo Tomas, studying Philosophy and Letters, and later Medicine.
- Continued his medical studies in Spain at the Universidad Central de Madrid.
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe, gaining exposure to various cultures and ideas.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a prominent figure in the Propaganda Movement advocating for reforms in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule.
- Founded the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization aimed at uniting Filipinos and promoting social and economic progress.
- Practiced medicine and ophthalmology during his time in Europe and upon his return to the Philippines.
- Advocated for education as a means of empowerment and national development.
- His writings and activism played a crucial role in shaping Filipino national identity and inspiring the Philippine Revolution.
- The phrase "talambuhay ni jose rizal sa tagalog buod" frequently appears in searches for summaries of his life, illustrating his lasting importance.
Notable Works
- Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) - A novel that exposed the social ills of the Philippines under Spanish rule.
- El filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) - A sequel to Noli Me Tángere, depicting a more revolutionary approach to achieving reform.
- Annotation to Antonio de Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas - A historical work providing a Filipino perspective on the pre-colonial Philippines.
- "Mi Último Adiós" (My Last Farewell) - A poem written before his execution, expressing his love for his country and his willingness to sacrifice for its freedom.
Legacy and Impact
José Rizal is considered the national hero of the Philippines. His writings and activism ignited a sense of national identity and inspired the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. He remains a symbol of Filipino nationalism, intellectual excellence, and peaceful reform.