Rizal, Jose

Rizal, Jose (1861-96), Filipino writer and hero.

In Rizal's time, the Philippine Islands in the Pacific Ocean belonged to Spain.

Rizal was born on the island of Luzon. He went to Spain and studied to be a doctor at the University of Madrid.

Back in Luzon, he wrote a book, Noli me Tangere.

The book said that the Spaniards ought to leave the Philippines. Because of this, Rizal was sent into exile.

He went to Hong Kong and worked as a doctor. Then he wrote a second book, El Filibusterismo, again attacking the Spaniards.

In 1896, he returned to the Philippines and the Filipinos rose in revolt against the Spaniards.

The revolt failed, and Rizal was arrested and shot.

See The Reign of Greed: Complete English Version of 'El Filibusterismo' ~ José Rizal