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Top 15 Interesting Facts about Jose Rizal

*Originally published by Vanessa M on July 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R on May 2023 and Updated by Diana K in February 2024

Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born on Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda in Calamba, Laguna, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire.

He was a polymath, writer, and nationalist of the Philippines who was active at the conclusion of the Spanish colonial period and was also considered the national hero of the Philippines.

He became a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement, which advocated political reforms for the colony under Spain.

Following the start of the Philippine Revolution, which was sparked by his writings, he was put to death by the Spanish colonial authorities for the crime of insurrection.

Although he did not actively participate in its organization or execution, he ultimately supported its objectives, which led to the independence of the Philippines.

Rizal is widely regarded as one of the greatest Filipino heroes, and an official appointed National Heroes Committee has recommended that he be given this title.

He wrote the novels  Noli Me T谩ngere (1887) and el filibusterismo (1891), along with several poetry and articles. Here are 15 interesting facts about Jose Rizal.

1. His full name was Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

The Rizals were of mestizo origin. His patrilineal lineage could be traced to Fujian in China through his father’s ancestor Lam-Co.

On the advice of his brother Paciano and the Mercado family, he eliminated the last three names that made up his complete name before enrolling at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, changing his name to “Jos茅 Protasio Rizal.”

The title made him look like an illegitimate child since his family never paid any attention to it but by 1891, his second surname had become so well known that his family carried the name Rizal instead of Mercado.

2. Rizal has a land surveyor and assessor’s degree

Before being brought to Manila, Rizal originally studied under Justiniano Aquino Cruz in Bian, Laguna. As his father had desired, he took the Colegio de San Juan de Letran admission exam.

Nonetheless, he enrolled at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila where he graduated as one of the nine students in his class declared sobresaliente or outstanding.

He continued his study at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he earned a degree in land surveying and assessment, and together at the University of Santo Tomas, where he completed a pre-law course with an excellent grade.

He successfully completed the pre-law philosophy course.

3. He joined medicine when he discovered his mother was going blind

He changed his major to medicine at the Santo Tomas Medical School after learning that his mother was losing her vision and eventually chose to focus on ophthalmology.

He traveled with the support of his brother to Madrid in May 1882 and studied medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid where he earned a degree.

He completed his eye specialization in 1887 at Heidelberg under the renowned professor, Otto Becker and later used his skills to operate his mother’s eyes.

4. He wrote a lot of poetry, essays, and novels

Rizals most famous works were his two novels, Noli Me T谩ngere (1887) and its sequel, El filibusterismo (1891).

These societal commentaries written during the country’s Spanish colonial era served as the foundation of literature that encouraged both pacifist reformers and armed revolutionaries.

5. Rizal had the ability to master various skills and subjects

He was an eye doctor as well as a writer, sculptor, painter, educator, farmer, historian, and journalist.

In addition to poetry and creative writing, he was also immersed in a variety of subjects with varying degrees of proficiency.

These include architecture, cartography, economics, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, theater, martial arts, fencing, and pistol shooting.

Skilled in social settings, he became a Freemason and in 1884, he attained Master Mason status.

6. He is widely considered the greatest national hero of the Philippines

Rizal is one of the most revered figures in Philippine history. He was a multifaceted intellectual and a political activist, best known for his political writing.

Which inspired the Philippine revolution and eventually led to his execution by the Spanish colonizers.

He is considered a national hero because he fought for freedom in a silent but powerful way and expressed his love for the Philippines through his writings rather than through the use of force or aggression.

7. Jose Rizal had Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese ancestors

 Rizals were of Filipino Mestizo origin, a name used to refer to people of mixed native Filipino and any foreign ancestry.

On his mother’s side, Rizal’s ancestry included Chinese, Japanese, and Tagalog. He also had Spanish ancestry.

Regina Ochoa, a grandmother of his mother, Teodora, had mixed Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog blood.

8. He was deported to Dapitan

Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina civic movement upon his return to Manila in 1892. The governor disbanded the league after it used legal measures to promote these moderate social reforms.

Because of the publication of his novel at the time, he had already been designated an enemy of the state by the Spanish government.

As a result of his involvement in the early rebellion’s actions, Rizal was exiled to Dapitan in the province of Zamboanga on the peninsula of Mindanao in July 1892.

9. He was executed by a squad of Filipino soldiers of the Spanish Army

Rizal was arrested en route to Cuba via Spain and was imprisoned in Barcelona on October 6, 1896.

He was tried before a court-martial for rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy, and was convicted on all three charges and sentenced to death.

He was executed on December 30, 1896, by a squad of Filipino soldiers of the Spanish Army. His last words were those of Jesus Christ, it is finished.

10. Rizal was linked with at least nine women

 He was associated with Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Valenzuela, Leonor Rivera, Consuelo Ortigia, O-Sei San, Gertrude Beckett, Nelly Boustead, Suzanne Jacoby, and Josephine Bracken.

11. He experimented with drugs for the sake of science 

Rizal never used drugs, to be fair. For the sake of science, he still decided to give some a try. Rizal once smoked hashish that he bought from a pharmacy while still a young adult (18 years old). The drug, a stronger psychedelic than marijuana, was readily available at the time over the counter along with cocaine, morphine, and heroin.

12. The Luneta Rizal Monument was made by a foreigner

Richard Kissling, a Swiss sculptor, came in second place in a 1907 art contest to identify the best scale model for the future Rizal monument. It was Kissling who came up with the design.

However, the second-place winner received the commission to erect the monument. The first prize was awarded to Italian sculptor Carlo Nicoli of Carrara. Compared to Nicoli’s, Kissling’s design would use bronze and unpolished stone.

13. He fought against the Chinese traders and businessmen 

Rizal would eventually wage a battle against what he believed to be Chinese exploitation of his people in addition to his campaigns against Spanish persecution. The Chinese, in his opinion, were mostly dishonest traders and businesspeople who enjoyed exploiting the Filipinos for their own financial gain, even if it meant bowing to the Spaniards.

His letter to his mother, in which he bemoaned being involved in a legal dispute with a Chinese and vowed never to purchase anything from him, and his novel El Filibusterismo, in which he featured the character of Quiroga as a cunning and shrewd man (who was reportedly based on a real Chinese businessman), show Rizal’s distaste for the Chinese.

14. He might have been psychic 

In a journal entry from January 1, 1883, he recounted a “frightful nightmare” he had the previous two nights (i.e. December 30). When Rizal was imitating a dying actor in his dream, he felt as though his “breath was failing” and his vision was becoming very dim.

It is interesting to note that Rizal would be executed on the same day, thirteen years later. In addition, Rizal’s biographer Austin Coates emphasised that many of the situations depicted in both Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo ultimately occurred to Rizal in real life.

15. He Experienced paranormal Activity 

It seems that not even the greatest hero of the Philippines was immune to paranormal events. Rizal wrote to a Jesuit priest about one of his homes being plagued by paranormal activity while he was living in exile in Dapitan. According to reports, the ghost in this case, was allegedly aiming for his girlfriend Josephine Bracken, who shared his belief that it was the ghost of her dead husband. Several items from their home had been broken by the ghost, according to Rizal. 

Jose Rizal is one of the most revered figures in Philippine history. He was a political activist, best known for his political writings that inspired the Philippine revolution.

His contributions to numerous advancements in numerous fields, including the Filipino people’s fight for independence, are numerous.

In addition, Rizal contributed contributions to Philippine literature, art, and medicine, which still interest his native people today.

 

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Filipino People

1. Filipinos are World-Famous for Hospitality and Warmth

With smiles as bright as the tropical sun, Filipinos have become globally renowned for their gracious hospitality and heartfelt warmth. Upon arriving in the islands, visitors are often caught off guard by the genuine joy and kindness displayed by the local people. Complete strangers take on the role of welcoming hosts, ensuring guests feel right at home with the utmost care and attention. It’s this tangible spirit of goodwill that makes the Philippines such an uplifting destination for travellers from around the world. 

2.  The Vibrant Fiesta Culture – A Nation That Knows How to Party

The fiesta is the pulsating heart of the Filipino community, a vibrant explosion of music, dancing, and mouthwatering food. Nearly every town and village has its own unique celebration, honouring a local patron saint or commemorating a pivotal event in history. The plazas overflow with laughing families and friends bringing food to share in a potluck feast.

Games and contests liven the streets as the aroma of traditional dishes like lechon, pancit, and lumpia fill the air. The lively fiestas showcase the Filipino passion for revelry and bring people together in joyous camaraderie. For a taste of how this nation truly knows how to throw a party, time your visit to coincide with the next local fiesta.

3. For Filipinos the Bonds of Kinship are Strong 

At the core of Filipino identity lies the indispensable value of family. Especially in rural areas, it’s still common for extended families across multiple generations to live together under one roof. Even family members who have migrated abroad maintain tight bonds and send back remittances. Respect for elders holds utmost importance in the family structure, evident in gestures like 鈥渕ano po鈥� where children gently press their elders’ hand to their forehead. Through all of life’s ups and downs, good times and bad, family remains the unbreakable foundation. All occasions, whether ceremonies, feasts, or even funerals, become lively reunions that strengthen familial bonds.

4.  The Spirit of Bayanihan is a Universal for All Filipinos

The ancient tradition of 鈥�Bayanihan鈥� powerfully reflects the Filipino spirit of communal harmony and mutual aid. Though originally referring to an entire rural village physically carrying a family鈥檚 home to a new location, it has evolved to symbolize any united effort to support those in need. In the face of all manner of struggles – from natural disasters to poverty – Filipinos come together in a spirit of bayanihan.

They pool money, donate supplies, share food packages, and volunteer side by side rebuilding their communities. This cultural practice of helping one鈥檚 neighbor manifests the Philippines鈥� underlying compassion and prioritization of the collective good. Bayanihan represents the apotheosis of the Filipino people鈥檚 exceptional resilience, forged by standing strong and united.

5. Filipinos are Very Religious

With over 80% of Filipinos identifying as Roman Catholic, devotion rings through the islands thanks to over 300 years of Spanish colonial influence. Yet the Philippines remains a canvas of spiritual diversity. Muslim communities reside in Mindanao. Ancient animist beliefs still pulse through northern tribes like the Ifugao. There are small pockets of Buddhists and Hindus as well.

This rich religious tapestry fosters tolerance and mutual understanding between faiths. In a nation often beset by natural disasters, people frequently unite in prayer. While fervent in their varied beliefs, Filipinos generally share an underlying spirituality that shapes daily life and culture.

6.  Karaoke – Filipinos’ Favorite Pastime 

 

The quintessential Filipino pastime, karaoke permeates the culture as naturally as rice at mealtimes. Karaoke machines reside in many households, offering musical escape and stardom fantasies for all ages. Even tone-deaf singers belt heartfelt ballads in shacks and shopping malls alike, crooning classics from Frank Sinatra to Bruno Mars.

Long bus rides turn to rolling concerts as passengers grab the communal mic. Karaoke exemplifies the Filipino penchant for social joy, creative expression, and turning the mundane into lively celebration. For first-time visitors this cultural phenomenon may surprise, but joining in song makes fast friends.

7. People from The Philippines love Basketball  and Boxing

Walk any city street and you’re sure to discover pickup basketball, as quintessential to Philippines as jeepneys. Make shift hoops made from crates or strings abound, with barangay tournaments rallying communities. The professional Philippine Basketball Association captivates the nation too, where courtside seats resemble rowdy boxing matches.

But that pugilistic spirit still resides in boxing. Legends like Manny Pacquiao represent the Pinoy fighter ethos – speed, resilience, heart. Their rags to riches tales inspire all towards pursuing dreams with passion and determination no matter the odds. Sports here have become woven into cultural identity.

8.  Texting Capital of the World

A mobile phone in practically every hand has cemented Philippines‘ status as the text messaging capital. An astounding 600 million texts fly across the nation daily. Long before smartphones, the simple act of texting enabled many rural towns to connect and stay in touch with overseas kin. Today social media dominates with 73* million Filipinos scrolling Facebook and vlogging their lives. This interconnectedness has strengthened bonds across seas and archipelagos. More importantly texting and tweeting keep communal spirit afloat through all of life鈥檚 ups and downs.

9. Balikbayan Boxes – Care Packages of Love from Afar

Scattered across the globe, over 10% of the total Philippine population works overseas in jobs ranging from healthcare to construction. Their remittances have ballooned to over 10% of the GDP. Yet the real lifeline resides inside balikbayan boxes shipped with love to families yearning for home. Named for the Tagalog term meaning 鈥渞eturn to country,鈥� these care packages overflow with chocolates, clothes, shoes, and other treasures from new worlds. More than material goods, they allow Overseas Filipino Workers to bridge the distance, share a piece of their journey, and deliver a heartfelt hug across oceans. For those receiving them, the sight of an arriving box elicits pure Filipino Christmas morning joy. 

10. Some Filipinos are Obsessed with Skin Whitening

 

In the sweltering tropical heat, one might expect deep bronze skin tones. Yet many Filipinos aspire towards fair complexions, fuelling a now billion dollar whitening industry. The origins of this obsession trace back to historical class divides and colonial mentalities that venerated lighter skin. Today, creams, soaps, and injectables promise transformation for as low as $2* to over $200*.

Some take drastic and damaging measures like glutathione IV infusions to reach snow white ideals. However, recent years have brought the beginnings of a shift towards self-love and embracing natural beauty across the full spectrum of skin. 

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The vibrant culture of the Philippines springs from a tumultuous yet triumphant history that forged the cheerful resilience and communal bonds of the Filipino people. Though beset by natural disasters, poverty, and other struggles, it is the indomitable Filipino spirit that prevails鈥攅vident in welcoming smiles, families standing shoulder-to-shoulder, karaoke songs rising in times of grief and joy alike. The nation鈥檚 heroes range from towering statesmen like Jose Rizal  to overseas workers sacrificing in foreign lands to send small pieces of themselves back in balikbayan boxes.