Jose Rizal 'returns' to Madrid with exhibit of literary works

Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, a gifted artist and writer who has lived during his lifetime in various countries including Spain, is "returning" to Madrid with an exhibit of his literary works. The Directorate of Cultural and Scientific Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the National Library of Spain launched the "Entre España y Filipinas: Jose Rizal, escritor," an exhibit at the National Library building of Madrid.   Launched on November 28, the exhibit features various curios that give visitors a peek at the 19th century Philippines that Rizal lived in. The exhibit runs until February 12, 2012. Some of Rizal's personal items are on display, along with those of other heroes such as the first Philippine President, Emilio Aguinaldo. These were provided by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.   Also featured are a number of Rizal’s works, particularly two letters addressed to Ferdinand Blumentritt and his family, and an article, “La verdad para todos,” which was published in a May 1889 edition of La Solidaridad.  The issue of the publication was provided by Rizal expert and historian, Dr. Ambeth Ocampo.    Jose Rizal

José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda was a Filipino polymath and patriot who advocated for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era.

Rizal was born to a rich family in Calamba, Laguna on June 19, 1861. He was the seventh child in the family which had 11 children.

He attended various schools: 

• Ateneo Municipal de Manila (earning a Bachelor of Arts);
• University of Santo Tomas (medicine);
• Universidad Central de Madrid in Madrid, Spain (Licentiate in Medicine);
• University of Paris, and
• University of Heidelberg.

Rizal was a polyglot who was conversant in 22 languages.

He was also a poet and novelist and his two most famous works were the "Noli me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."

On December 30, 1896, Rizal was executed by the Spanish in Bagumbayan.

The date of his death is remembered every year as "Rizal Day." - with Amanda Lago, VVP, GMA News