Rizal's Journey Through London, Paris, and Belgium

Rizal's Stay in London (1888-1889)

  • Reasons for choosing London:
    1. To improve his English language skills.
    2. To study and annotate Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas at the British Museum.
    3. London as a safe base to combat Spanish tyranny.
  • Arrival in England:
    • Rizal arrived at Liverpool on May 24, 1888, and moved to London the following day.
    • Initially stayed with Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, an exile from the Cavite Mutiny.
Living Arrangements
  • Later boarded with the Beckett family in Primrose Hill.
    • The Beckett family had three daughters; the eldest, Gertrude (Gettie), developed a fondness for Rizal.
    • The Beckett home was walking distance to the British Museum, facilitating his studies.
  • Meeting Influential People:
    • Met Dr. Reinhold Rost at the British Museum, sharing interests in Malay culture, fostering a lasting friendship.
Events and Contexts
  • News from Home:
    • Reports of persecution against Filipino farmers who signed anti-friar petitions.
    • Notable figures affected included Manuel Hidalgo (exiled) and Laureano Viado (jailed).
  • Research on Philippine History:
    • Focused on studying Philippine history as crucial for advocating national pride and dignity.
    • Engaged in extensive research at the British Museum, focusing on Morga's work.

Annotation and Analysis of Morga's Work

  • Antonio de Morga:
    • Spanish official and historian; his accounts were viewed as objective.
    • His book illustrated early Filipino civilization, including trade practices and governance.
  • Rizal's Intentions:
    • Aimed to counter impressions of Filipinos as savage by the friars.
    • Annotated Morga's work, acknowledging its reliability and superior perspectives on Filipino heritage.
    • Contributed to La Solidaridad, critiquing attacks on Noli Me Tangere and asserting Filipino cultural identity.

Paris Universal Exposition (1889)

  • Departure to Paris:
    • Left London to attend the Paris Universal Exposition experiencing a vibrant international atmosphere.
  • Eiffel Tower Inauguration:
    • Attended the inauguration ceremony presided by President Sadi Carnot, marking the historic construction by Gustave Eiffel.
  • Social Engagement:
    • Founded the Kidlat Club to unite Filipinos, later renamed to 'Indios Bravos' to reflect pride in identity.
Competitions and Events
  • Artistic Achievements:
    • Competed in painting events; Felix Hidalgo won first prize while Juan Luna secured second.
  • Cultural Experiences:
    • Participated in Western cultural events, like Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, drawing parallels with Filipino bravery and pride.

Time in Brussels, Belgium

  • Relocation to Brussels:
    • Moved to Brussels due to financial constraints in Paris, staying with Suzanne and Catherine Jacoby, who welcomed him warmly.
  • Focus on Literature:
    • Dedicated time to completing El Filibusterismo, the sequel to Noli Me Tangere, alongside managing various personal and professional affairs.

Contributions to La Solidaridad

  • Roles and Responsibilities:
    • Engaged with the publication as the editor and wrote numerous articles.
    • Contributions highlighted social injustices, called for reforms, and discussed the future of the Philippines.
  • Aims of the Propaganda Movement:
    • Advocated for Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes, secularization of clergy, legal reforms, and basic rights.
Key Articles Written
  • Articles to Note:
    1. Filipinas Dentro de Cien Años - Predicting the future course of the Philippines under colonial rule.
    2. Various articles addressing social issues, farmer conditions, anti-friar sentiments, and cultural criticism.

Conclusion

  • Rizal's experiences in London, Paris, and Brussels reflect his commitment to Filipino identity,-driven research and literature that countered colonial narratives and aimed at reforming social conditions in the Philippines.
  • Upcoming notes will cover Rizal's experiences in Europe and his aspirations for the Filipino people, including his medical practice and other projects after his return home.