Jose Rizal : Back in Calamba

Decision to return home

After the publication of Noli Me Tangere and the popularity of it in the Philippines, Rizal was warned by Paciano, Silvertre Ubaldo, Chengoy, and some of his friends not ti return home because he was hunted by the friars. But he didn’t listen, he has obligations and priorities. One of these obligations was the operation of his mother’s eye and to serve his people against the Spanish tyrants. His priorities in how the Filipinos touch by his writing and how his beloved Leonor remained silent. He wrote 2 letters for his arrival in the Philippines; a letter to Blumentritt, written in Geneva that he wanted to see his parent and his parents want to see him also, and a letter to his father, saying that they will meet half way sooner or later with a date presented.

Delightful Trip to Manila

He left Rome to Marseilles, a French port, which he reached without mishap. He rode in Djemnah, which is the same vessel he used from Philippines to Spain. The vessel was occupied by many Frenchmen and a few blend of some euro Asian people. Rizal was the only Multilanguage speaking, he act as an interpreter. And when he reached Saigon, he rode another vessel namely Hayfong which is heading to manila.

Arrival in Manila

His experience in the new vessel is impressive. It was full at night when he starred in the crystal clear sky with the illuminated vision by the moon. On August 6, he arrived in Manila with grace. He stayed there do a meet and greet with his friends before. He watched and observed the place; he noticed that nothing changed even the holes in some roads.

Happy Homecoming
Because he sent a letter to his father about his decision to go home. His parents prepared a lot of security for him. His not allowed to go out without a chaperon. In Calamba, Rizal established a Medical Mission for his fellowmen.

Storm of Noli

As Rizal spend too much happiness with his family, his enemies planned for his doom. But he spends time for doing medical mission, attending several conferences and taking part in the Towns civic affairs. But a bad wind blowned up his mind, he received from Governor General Terrero requested him to go to Malacanan. A person whispered in the Governor General that the letter/ novel contains malicious and a subversive ideas.

Attackers of Noli

Father Font printed his report and circulates a copy, believing that his publish will discrete the novel. Another Augustinian friar, Fr. Jose Rodriguez published Beware, a counter part of Noli, which contains that if you read Noli, you will experience a heavy mortal sin. Another attacker was Vicente Barrante.

Defenders of Noli

Father Francisco Sanchez defended the novel to the public. Also, Don Segismundo Moret liked the novel. A brilliant defend was created by Rev. Vicente Garcia in July 18, 1888. With this defend, Rizal cried because of his gratitude was overwhelming. Rizal also defended himself toward the ‘Anti-Noli’ people.

Rizal and Andrade

Governor General Terreros generosity, he sent Rizal a bodyguard. He was Lt. Andrade, he became a friend of Rizal. They find many things common during their travel. Hunting, fencing, shooting, painting and hiking. During this amazing friendship travel they also faved problems? They heard rumors that they waved the flag of Germany in the top of mountain, the death of Rizal’s sister Olimpia, and the undying speculations that he’s a German Spy, a mason, a witch and a beyond soul salvation.

Calamba Agrarian trouble and his farewell

Because the whole Calamba was owned by the Dominican friars, these friars collect high rentals, not paying taxes, some hacienderos never contributed for the improvement of the place and the high rate interest for some small businessmen. He bid his farewell because of his parents decision. His parents can no long endure the critic and threats to Rizal. He listened to them and he was really advised by Governor Terrero to forcely live the Calamba for his own good.

A Poem to Calamba

Before he left Calamba, his friend requested to write a poem for Lipa. With his willingness, he truly wrote a poem to it. This was entitled Himmo Al Trabajo (Hymm to Labor). He finished it and sent to Lipa before his departure.