Rizal’s First Travel Abroad and European Sojourn (1882-1887)

40 vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key people, places, organizations, writings, and events from Jose Rizal’s first trip abroad, his studies, and his European travels (1882-1887).

Jose Mercado

Alias used by Rizal on his passport when he secretly left the Philippines in 1882.

SS Salvadora

Spanish steamer that carried Rizal from Manila to Singapore on May 3, 1882.

Djemnah

French steamer Rizal boarded in Singapore (May 11, 1882) for the voyage to Europe.

Point (Punta) de Gales

Ceylonese port where Rizal first set foot in South Asia on May 17, 1882.

Aden

Yemeni port city, “hotter than Manila,” where Rizal saw camels for the first time (May 27, 1882).

Suez Canal

Man-made waterway built by Ferdinand de Lesseps; Rizal traversed it on June 2, 1882 en route to Europe.

Château d’If

Marseilles fortress-prison visited by Rizal, famous setting of The Count of Monte Cristo.

Amor Patrio

“Love of Country,” Rizal’s first article written abroad; published Aug 20 1882 in Diarong Tagalog under his pen-name.

Laong Laan

Rizal’s pen-name used for publishing “Amor Patrio.”

Universidad Central de Madrid

Institution where Rizal enrolled (Nov 3 1882) in Medicine and Philosophy & Letters.

Círculo-Hispano Filipino

Madrid association of Filipino students and Spaniards; venue where Rizal recited “Me Piden Versos.”

Me Piden Versos

Poem (“They Ask Me for Verses”) written and declaimed by Rizal at the society’s New Year’s Eve, 1882.

Lodge Acacia

Masonic lodge Rizal joined in March 1883 to gain support for Philippine reforms.

Lodge Solidaridad

Masonic lodge Rizal transferred to in Nov 1883, achieving the rank of Master Mason.

Licentiate in Medicine

Degree awarded to Rizal in June 1884 after completing medical studies in Madrid.

Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters

Degree conferred on Rizal in June 1885 with the rating “Sobresaliente” (Excellent).

Dr. Louis de Weckert

Leading French ophthalmologist in Paris; took Rizal as a clinical assistant.

Dr. Otto Becker

Distinguished German eye specialist with whom Rizal trained at Heidelberg University Eye Hospital.

Feodor Jagor

German scientist and author of “Travels in the Philippines,” met by Rizal in Berlin.

Rudolf Virchow

Renowned German anthropologist whom Rizal consulted during his Berlin stay.

Maximo Viola

Bulacan physician who financed the printing of Noli Me Tangere and accompanied Rizal on a European tour.

Noli Me Tangere

Rizal’s first novel exposing Spanish abuses; printed in Berlin, March 21 1887.

Berliner Buchdruckerei-Action-Gesellschaft

Printing press that produced 2,000 copies of Noli for 300 pesos.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Harriet Beecher Stowe novel that inspired Rizal to portray Filipino sufferings under Spain.

Prometheus Bound

Painting in Dresden that deeply impressed Rizal during his 1887 tour with Viola.

Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt

Austrian scholar and close friend; first met Rizal at Leitmeritz on May 13 1887.

Burgomaster

Town mayor; Rizal addressed Leitmeritz officials including the burgomaster in fluent German.

Danube River

European river Rizal and Viola cruised from Vienna to Lintz, where he noticed the novelty of paper napkins.

Rheinfall

Spectacular Rhine waterfall dubbed “the most beautiful in Europe,” visited by Rizal.

Schaffhausen

Swiss frontier city where Rizal and Viola stayed June 2-3 1887 after leaving Germany.

Geneva

Swiss city where Rizal spent 15 days, celebrating his 26th birthday on June 19 1887.

Exposition of the Philippines (1887)

Madrid fair that displayed Igorots; Rizal condemned it as degrading to Filipinos.

Eternal City

Nickname for Rome, reached by Rizal on June 27 1887.

Vatican

“City of the Popes” visited by Rizal on June 29 1887, Feast of St. Peter and Paul.

Secret Mission (1882)

Rizal’s hidden goal to study in Madrid and observe Europe to help liberate the Philippines.

Naples

First European city Rizal set foot on (June 11 1882); he admired its business activity and beauty.

Barcelona

City where Rizal arrived June 16 1882; initial unfavorable impression later improved.

Diarong Tagalog

Manila newspaper edited by Basilio Teodoro that published “Amor Patrio.”

Doctor’s Diploma

Qualification in Medicine Rizal could obtain only in 1887 after settling university fees.

German Womanhood

Theme of Rizal’s March 11 1886 letter praising German women as serious, diligent, and educated.