Rizal’s

FIRST AND SECOND HOMECOMING

Rizal’s First
Homecoming
1. Reasons For Coming home
2. Arrival to Manila
3. What He Did During His Stay
4. Emilio Terrero
5. Noli Me Tangere controversy
6. Reasons for Leaving
Noli Me Tangere
Rizal published Noli Me Tangere in Berlin, Germany in March 1887 to expose the
abuses, corruption and injustices of the Spanish friars and colonial government in
the Philippines. Rizal wanted to see firsthand how the Filipinos reacted to his novel
and if it stirred national awareness.

The novel inspired many Filipinos to see their oppression and call for change, but it
faced backlash from the Spanish government because it criticized the abuses of the
Spanish authorities and the clergy. The government censored the book, fearing it
could incite rebellion. Despite the persecution, it played a key role in raising Filipino
national awareness and helping start the revolutionary movements.
Serve The Filipino People
Studying medicine and completing his studies in Europe, Rizal wanted to use his
medical knowledge to help his fellow FIlipinos and establish medical practice. He was
the first to establish an ophthalmology clinic in Calamba, Laguna.

Cure His Mother

Rizal’s Mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda, was suffering from eye problems. Rizal,
being an ophthalmologist, wanted to return home to treat his mother, operating on
her eyes to restore vision.
Inquire Why Leonora Rivera Remained Silent
Leonor Rivera was Rizal’s longtime sweetheart whom he exchanged letters with
during his stay in Europe. Leonor suddenly stopped writing him letters leaving Rizal
confused and wanting to see her. He later learned that Leonor’s mother disapproved
of their relationship and had intercepted his letters.

Leonor Rivera’s mother, Adelaida Rivera, opposed her daughter’s relationship with
José Rizal due to his nationalist views and political activism. She saw Rizal’s foreign
education and lack of financial stability as risks for Leonor’s security, fearing his
involvement in reform movements could bring instability. Influenced by cultural
norms and possibly the friars, Adelaida blocked the relationship, believing Rizal’s
future didn’t fit traditional family life.
When Rizal returned to Manila, the Spanish government closely watched him due to his
novel's criticism of Spanish friars, corruption, and the suffering of Filipinos. Noli Me Tangere
was seen as a threat because it challenged the Church and Spanish rule, inspiring Filipinos
to question their oppression and sparking national discontent. Though written in Europe, the
novel's impact was felt strongly in the Philippines, leading to strict surveillance of Rizal.

Despite heavy surveillance, Rizal was invited to meet Governor-General Emilio Terrero, who
had heard Noli Me Tangere criticized for attacking the friars and colonial government.
Instead of condemning it, Terrero showed interest in reading the book himself. However, his
curiosity didn’t change the government’s view, and Rizal remained under close watch as a
potential leader of the reform movement, seen as a threat to Spanish rule.
 Rizal’s Activities in the
Philippines
01 Medical Practice in Calamba
Upon returning to Calamba in 1887, Rizal quickly opened a medical clinic, where he began offering his
services to the local community. One of the first and most personal cases he attended to was his
mother, who had been suffering from cataracts. But Rizal’s medical practice was not just about
helping his family. He treated many other patients in Calamba, providing medical care to those did not
have access to it.
The people in Calamba also called him the nickname "Doctor Uliman". The term "Uliman" comes from
the local dialect, meaning German, reflecting Rizal's education in Germany, where he specialized in
ophthalmology. The locals, impressed by his medical expertise and compassionate care, began calling
him "Doctor Uliman" as a way to acknowledge both his professional skills and his foreign background.
 Rizal’s Activities in the
Philippines
02 Opened a gymnasium
Rizal used the earnings from his clinic to open a gymnasium in Calamba. This was part of
his broader vision to improve the health and well-being of his fellow Filipinos, not only
through medicine but also through physical fitness. Inspired by European ideas of sports
and physical education, Rizal introduced new activities such as fencing, gymnastics, and
other forms of exercise that were uncommon in the Philippines at the time. He believed that
a well-rounded education—including both the mind and body—was essential for the overall
development of a person and society.
Emilio Terrero
Emilio Terrero y Perinat was a 33rd degree Mason who became
the Governor-General of the Philippines from 1885 to 1888
Noli Me Tangere caused a huge dispute with the Spanish
government. The other friars reacted negatively and wanted
Rizal to be arrested while Terrero was intrigued by the novel
and invited him to the Malacanang for a meeting.
More liberal-minded and agreed with the contents of the novel.
Despite pressure from the Spanish friars, Governor Terrero
assigned a young Spanish lieutenant, Don José Taviel de
Andrade, to act as Rizal’s personal bodyguard. This security
measure was a clear sign of Terrero’s commitment to keeping
Rizal safe from potential threats.
 Noli Me Tangere
controversy
Noli Me Tangere caused an uproar in the Philippines, particularly
among Spanish friars, who condemned the novel for exposing their
corruption and influence. The colonial government banned it, fearing
it would spark rebellion. Despite this, the book spread underground,
becoming a symbol of resistance and awakening Filipinos to the
injustices they faced. It ignited Filipino nationalism, inspiring calls for
reform and freedom, and helped lay the foundation for the Philippine
Revolution in 1896 by shaping a shared identity among
revolutionaries.
 REASONS FOR LEAVING
Pressure From Authorities and Family Safety
The publication of Noli Me Tangere sparked outrage among Spanish authorities and friars,
who saw it as a direct threat to their power. Rizal received anonymous death threats,
putting both him and his family at risk. The Spanish authorities began to scrutinize Rizal’s
family, and his mother and his siblings were also subjected to harassment and
intimidation by the colonial government since they saw his family as potential threats,
fearing that any connection to him might encourage rebellion or opposition to Spanish rule.
With growing danger, Governor-General Emilio Terrero and Rizal's family urged him to
leave the Philippines for his safety, recognizing the serious threat from those who viewed
his novel as a call for revolution.
Rizal’s Second
Homecoming
1. Decision to Return
2. Arrival
3. Reform Movements
4. Arrest
On May 1982, Rizal decided to return to Manila.
Rizal sought to meet with the newly appointed Governor-General Eulogio
Despujol to discuss his ambitious Borneo colonization project—an idea to
establish a Filipino colony that would provide a safe haven for Filipinos.
Secondly, Rizal wanted to establish La Liga Filipina, an organization that
would unite Filipinos for social reforms and work towards national
solidarity against injustice.
Lastly, Rizal was determined to prove Eduardo de Lete, a critic of his work,
wrong by addressing his baseless criticisms published in La Solidaridad.
Rizal and his sister, Lucia arrived in Manila on June 26, 1892, a Sunday at noon. Some
of the civil guard officials and Spanish soldiers came to the pier to assess them.
Following this customs inspection, Rizal and his sister were granted the all clear to
depart.
In the afternoon, he went to Malacanang Palace to seek audience with the Spanish
Governor General, General Eulogio Despujol, Conde de Caspe. He was told to come
back at the night at 7:00. Promptly at 7:00 pm, he returned to Malacanag and was
able to confer with Governor Genetal Despujol, who agreed to pardon his father but
not the rest of the family and told him to return on Wednesday (June 29).
After his brief interview with the governor general, he visited his sisters in the city- first
Narcisa and later Saturnina.

Rizal boarded a train in Tutuban Station and visited his friends in Malolos Bulacan,
Tarlac, San Fernando Pampanga, and Bacoor Pampanga on June 27.

The following day, Rizal returned by train to Manila whether he knew it or not, he was
shadowed by government spies who was carefully watching his every movement.

The homes he had visited were raided by the Guardia Civil which seized some copies
of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo and some “subversive pamphlets”
 REFORM MOVEMENTS
On the evening of July 3, Rizal spearheaded the meeting in the house of Doroteo
Ongjunco on Ylaya Street, Tondo, Manila attended by at least 20 Filipinos,
including Andres Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini.

Rizal outlined the objectives of the La Liga Filipina, a civic league in the
Philippines. He gave the Liga Constitution, which he had written in Hong Kong, to
the gathering. Patriots were impressed and endorsed The Liga’s creation.
AIMS OF LA LIGA FILIPINA

To unite the archipelago into one compact

and homogenous body
Mutual protection in every want and
necessity
Defense against all violence and injustice
Encourage of Education, agriculture and
commerce
Study of application and reforms
Just three days after the meeting, Rizal was arrested during his interview with the governor-
general. Despujol showed him anti-friar leaflets, Pobres Frailes (Poor Friars) allegedly
discovered in his sister Lucia’s pillow cases.

He was placed under arrest and escorted to Fort Santiago by Ramon Despujol, the nephew and
aide of Governor General.

On July 7 1892, The Gaceta de Manila - the official Spanish colonial newspaper, published the
story of Rizal’s arrest when produced indignant commotion among the Filipino people.
Particularly the member of newly organized liga filipina.

The same issue of the Gaceta contained Governor General Despujol’s decree deporting Rizal to
“one of the islands in the South”. The gubernatorial decree gave the reason for Rizal’s
deportation as follows:
Rizal had published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty to Spain
and which were “frankly anti Catholic” and imprudently anti-friar”
A few hours after his arrival in Manila “there was found in one of the packages a
bundle of handbills entitled Pobres Frailes in which the patient and humble
generosity of Filipinos.
His novel El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the memory of GOMBURZA.
The end which he pursued in his efforts and writing is to tear from the loyal
Filipino breasts the treasures of our holy Catholic Faith.
On July 15, 1892, Rizal was brought under heavy guard to
the steamer Cebu which was sailing for Dapitan. This
steamer under the Capitan Delgras, sailing south, passing
Mindoro and Panay.

On July 17, 1892, Rizal began his exile in Dapitan which

lasted until July 31, 1896 a period of four years.
 First and
Second
Homecoming
Comparison
 First Homecoming
Rizal’s first homecoming in 1892 was marked by optimism, as he was warmly
welcomed by his family, with his brother Paciano playing a protective role. The
political climate seemed favorable, particularly with Governor-General Emilio Terrero,
who was more sympathetic to Rizal’s reformist ideas. However, the initial optimism
quickly faded as the colonial government and the church, despite Terrero’s personal
support, began to view Rizal’s ideas as a threat, leading to increased surveillance and
eventually his exile.
 Second Homecoming
Rizal’s second homecoming in 1892 was grim. After fleeing to Hong Kong in February 1888
due to political pressure, his family faced persecution from the friars, forcing them to
move to Hong Kong as well. On June 26, 1892, only his sister Lucia accompanied him back.
The political climate had worsened with the replacement of the liberal Governor-General
Terrero by the more conservative Eulogio Despujol. Despujol reportedly sent spies to
monitor Rizal and, upon discovering satirical pamphlets ("Pobres Frailes") in Lucia’s
baggage, used them as grounds to imprison Rizal.
Thank you!