José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
- Born:
- June 19, 1861, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
- Died:
- December 30, 1896, Bagumbayan (present-day Rizal Park), Manila, Philippines
- Nationality:
- Filipino
- Profession(s):
- Polymath, Physician, Writer, Nationalist, Reformist
Early Life and Education
- Received early education from his mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda.
- Attended Ateneo Municipal de Manila, graduating with honors.
- Studied ophthalmology at the University of Santo Tomas and later at the Universidad Central de Madrid.
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe, broadening his knowledge and perspectives.
Career and Major Achievements
- Advocated for reforms in the Philippines through his writings and peaceful activism.
- Founded La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that aimed to unite Filipinos and promote progress.
- Exposed the abuses of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.
- His extensive body of work related to understanding rizal work and life contributed significantly to Philippine national identity.
- His writings inspired the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonizers.
Notable Works
- Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not): A novel that exposes the social ills of the Philippines under Spanish rule.
- El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed): A sequel to Noli Me Tangere, depicting a more revolutionary approach.
- Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell): A poem written on the eve of his execution.
- Annotation of Antonio de Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas: A historical study re-evaluating pre-colonial Philippine history.
Legacy and Impact
José Rizal is considered the national hero of the Philippines. His writings and activism inspired a revolution and contributed significantly to the formation of Philippine national identity. He remains a symbol of Filipino patriotism and intellectual prowess.