2nd_TRAVEL_ABROAD

Rizal's Second Travel Abroad

• Destinations: Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, USA, England, Spain, France, Belgium

Hong Kong

• Departure: February 3, 1888, Rizal left Manila in the Zafiro after a six-month stay in Calamba.

• Crossing: Rizal felt sick during the choppy sea crossing and did not disembark at Amoy for three reasons:

  • Poor health

  • Heavy rain

  • The uncleanliness of the city

• Arrival: February 8, 1888, Rizal arrived in Hong Kong.

• Accommodations: Stayed at the Victoria Hotel and was welcomed by Filipino residents (Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, Manuel Yriarte).

• Surveillance: Jose Sainz de Veranda, a Spanish agent, tracked Rizal's movements under suspicion from authorities.

• Correspondence: February 16, 1888, Rizal expressed bitterness about treatment in Calamba in a letter to Blumentritt.

• Departure for Macau: February 18, 1888, Rizal, accompanied by Basa, boarded the Kiu-Kiang ferry, encountering Sainz de Veranda there.

Macau

• Stay: Rizal and Basa stayed with Don Juan Francisco Lecaros, a Filipino gentleman married to a Portuguese woman.

• Exploration: Explored various sites including the theater, casino, cathedral, and more. Notable visit to the Grotto of Camões, dedicated to Portugal's national poet.

• Return to Hong Kong: February 20, 1888, returned on the Kiu Kiang ferry and witnessed a Catholic procession on February 19.

Japan

• Arrival in Japan: February 22, 1888, left Hong Kong for Japan on the Oceanic, arriving in Yokohama on February 28, 1888.

• Stay in Yokohama: Registered at the Grand Hotel, found food lacking but praised the ship’s cleanliness.

• Tokyo Stay: From March 2 to March 7, he stayed at the Tokyo Hotel.

• Observations: Noted Tokyo's expense compared to Paris and its large, cyclopean construction.

• Spanish Legation: Invited by Juan Perez Caballero to live at the Spanish Legation, accepted to save on costs and having nothing to hide.

• Friendship: Developed a friendship with Perez Caballero, described him as a fine writer.

• Cultural Engagement: Dedicated to studying Japanese culture, including language and arts, explored various Japanese landmarks.

• Romance: Met O-Sei-San, a well-educated daughter from a Japanese noble family, who inspired him deeply.

United States

• Departure for the USA: April 13, 1888, Rizal boarded the Belgic, leaving Japan with regrets.

• Meeting in Steamer: Met Tetcho Suehiro, a Japanese journalist opposing unjust policies, fostering a friendship.

• First Impressions: April 28, saw America for the first time, stayed at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

• Travel Across America: Left San Francisco on May 6, traveling through several states including Utah, Colorado, and New York.

• Departure for England: Left New York on May 16 aboard the City of Rome to Liverpool.

England

• Arrival and Stay: May 25, 1888, Rizal arrived in London to improve his English and work on Morga's annotated edition.

• Boarding Situation: Stayed with Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor briefly before moving to Becket family's boarding house.

• Research: Spent time in the British Museum researching Philippine history, consulted with Dr. Rost on related matters.

News from Home

• Good News: Support for Noli from Rev. Vicente Garcia.

• Bad News: Injustices from Spanish authorities, persecution of Filipino patriots, and attacks against him in Spanish media.

• Key Achievement: Annotated Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, published 1609.

Short Visits to Paris and Spain

• Paris (September 1888): Sought historical materials, socialized with Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera.

• Spain (December 11, 1888): Met key figures in the Propaganda movement (Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Mariano Ponce), collaborated for reforms.

• Return to London: Spent Christmas and New Year’s with the Becket family.

La Solidaridad Association

• Formation: Inaugurated December 31, 1888, with Rizal as honorary president, significant recognition of his leadership.

• La Solidaridad Newspaper: Founded February 15, 1889, aimed at reform, portraying Filipino conditions, and championing democracy.

• Rizal’s Contributions: Early articles addressed the natural conditions in the Philippines, asserting the need for reform.

Second Sojourn in Paris and Universal Exposition of 1889

• Relocation to Paris (March 19, 1889): Faced housing challenges due to the exposition, resided with friend Valentine Ventura.

• Writing and Friendship: Continued to write and network with friends while maintaining intellectual pursuits.

• Formation of Kidlat Club: Founded for young Filipinos during the exposition, temporary but important.

• Indios Bravos: Replaced Kidlat Club; aimed at uplifting the Filipino image.

Brussels and Publishing El Filibusterismo

• Move to Brussels: Left Paris for lower living costs (December 25, 1889), focused on writing and defending the oppressed.

• Articles Written: Contributed articles to La Solidaridad addressing Spanish rule and Filipino socio-political issues.

• Publication Event: El Filibusterismo was published on September 18, 1891.

Return to Hong Kong

• Departure from Europe: Left for Hong Kong in November 1891.

• Opthalmic Surgeon: Worked in medical clinic, gained patients, and reunited with family at Christmas 1891.

• Decision to Return to Manila: Made plans based on family welfare and the establishment of La Liga Filipina despite friends’ warnings.