42 Interesting Facts about Jose Rizal

Dan August 26, 2023

Jose Rizal, born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, is widely regarded as a national hero and a pivotal figure in the Philippine struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. He was a polymath—writer, poet, nationalist, and ophthalmologist—whose intellectual contributions and writings inspired a movement for change in the Philippines during the late 19th century.

Rizal’s most renowned work is “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not) and its sequel “El Filibusterismo” (The Reign of Greed). These novels, written in Spanish, exposed the injustices and corruption within the Spanish colonial regime and highlighted the sufferings of the Filipino people under Spanish rule. Rizal’s novels were instrumental in awakening national consciousness and fostering a sense of identity among Filipinos.

Rizal’s commitment to education and advocacy for reform extended to his membership in La Liga Filipina, a civic organization aimed at seeking reforms through peaceful means. However, his association with the group drew the suspicion of Spanish authorities, leading to his arrest and subsequent exile to Dapitan in Mindanao.

Despite his exile, Rizal’s influence continued to grow, and his ideas inspired the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary society that ultimately led to the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Rizal’s martyrdom—he was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896—marked a turning point in the fight for Philippine independence, serving as a catalyst for the revolution that would eventually lead to the country’s freedom from Spanish colonial domination.

Jose Rizal’s legacy lives on as a symbol of Filipino patriotism, intellectual prowess, and a driving force behind the Philippines’ pursuit of sovereignty. His dedication to education, literature, and reform reverberates in the hearts of Filipinos, reminding them of the enduring power of ideas and the unyielding quest for self-determination.

If you are interested in knowing more about Jose Rizal, I’m sure that it’s a good idea to look at these 42 interesting facts about Jose Rizal.

1. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines.
2. He was the seventh of eleven children in a well-to-do family.
3. Rizal’s parents were Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo, who were both highly educated and influential in his upbringing.
4. Rizal showed exceptional intellectual abilities at an early age and began his formal education at the age of three.
5. He was a polymath, excelling in various fields including literature, medicine, architecture, and agriculture.
6. Rizal had a fascination with languages and was proficient in more than 20 languages, including Latin, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese.
7. At 17, he pursued a degree in medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain.
8. During his studies in Madrid, Rizal became active in the Propaganda Movement, advocating for political reforms and social justice in the Philippines.
9. Rizal was inspired by liberal and nationalist ideas from Europe, and his experiences abroad shaped his perspective on colonial oppression.
10. He wrote the novel “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not) while in Berlin, Germany, which was published in 1887.
11. “Noli Me Tangere” is a scathing critique of Spanish colonial society and a call for social change in the Philippines.
12. Rizal also penned the sequel, “El Filibusterismo” (The Reign of Greed), which further highlighted the injustices under Spanish rule.
13. He is often referred to as the “Pride of the Malay Race” due to his contributions to Philippine literature and nationalism.
14. Rizal was an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. He recognized the important roles that women played in society.
15. In 1887, he returned to the Philippines but was exiled to Dapitan in Mindanao due to his involvement in the reform movement.
16. During his exile, Rizal continued his studies in various fields, established a school, and engaged in community service.
17. Rizal was an accomplished artist and sculptor, creating various artworks during his exile.
18. He conducted scientific studies in Dapitan, including the study of plants, animals, and various subjects in natural sciences.
19. Rizal wrote a series of letters to his family and friends collectively known as the “Letters to the Family.”
20. He coined the term “Indios Bravos” to refer to the native Filipinos who resisted colonial oppression.
21. Rizal was a Freemason and joined the Masonic Lodge Acacia in Madrid.
22. He used various pen names in his writings, including Laong Laan, Dimas Alang, and Dimas Ilaw.
23. Rizal was an advocate for education and believed that education was crucial in achieving national progress.
24. He coined the phrase “Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang wika ay higit sa hayop at malansang isda” (He who does not love his own language is worse than a beast and a putrid fish).
25. Rizal’s legacy in medicine lives on; he contributed to the advancement of ophthalmology and used his medical knowledge to help the needy.
26. He was known for his sense of humor, often incorporating wit and satire into his writings.
27. Rizal was fond of sports and physical activities such as fencing and boxing.
28. He was an advocate for peaceful reform but also recognized the necessity of armed resistance against oppression.
29. Rizal was a prolific writer, producing essays, poems, novels, and letters that addressed various aspects of Philippine society.
30. The Jose Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, Manila, stands as a national symbol of Filipino nationalism and identity.
31. His famous poem “Mi Ultimo Adios” (My Last Farewell) was written shortly before his execution and is considered a masterpiece of Filipino literature.
32. Rizal’s execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896, marked him as a martyr and a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution.
33. He was only 35 years old when he was executed, but his legacy far outlived his short life.
34. Rizal’s life and works inspired generations of Filipino leaders, thinkers, and activists in their pursuit of national independence.
35. He advocated for reforms not only in the Philippines but also within the context of the broader Spanish empire.
36. Rizal’s ideals of nationalism and love for the Philippines are celebrated every year on Rizal Day.
37. He expressed a belief in the capacity of Filipinos to achieve greatness and contribute to the progress of their nation.
38. The Rizal Law (Republic Act No. 1425) mandates the study of Rizal’s life and works as a required subject in the Philippine educational curriculum.
39. His life story has been depicted in numerous films, literature, and artistic interpretations.
40. Rizal’s devotion to his country and the sacrifices he made in pursuit of freedom continue to inspire Filipinos to this day.
41. His writings remain relevant as they tackle issues such as colonialism, social inequality, and the struggle for self-determination.
42. Jose Rizal’s legacy lives on as an enduring symbol of Filipino pride, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a nation striving for justice and liberation.

Jose Rizal, a beacon of intellectual brilliance and unwavering nationalism, remains a timeless figure whose legacy is etched into the heart of the Philippines. His transformative influence, fueled by his intellect, artistry, and passion for justice, continues to reverberate through the annals of history. Rizal’s courage to challenge oppression and his dedication to igniting the flame of patriotism have united generations of Filipinos, inspiring them to uphold his ideals of freedom, education, and the inherent worth of their culture. As a symbol of resilience and sacrifice, Rizal stands not just as a hero of his time, but as an enduring symbol of a nation’s determination to rise above adversity and shape its own destiny.