The other sides of Rizal

I recently bought a book entitled Rizal Without the Overcoat, a very interesting book about Rizal by well-respected historian, teacher and Philippine Inquirer columnist, Mr. Ambeth Ocampo. To commemorate Jose Rizal’s 147^th birthday, here are some interesting facts taken from the book about our national hero that somehow made him more human and “reachable”:

1. Rizal’s usual breakfast fare is rice, sardinas secas or tuyo and a cup of hot chocolate.
2. Segunda Katigbak was Rizal’s first love and Rizal’s last love was Josephine Bracken.
3. Josephine Bracken was an illegitimate child of an Irishman and an unknown Chinese mother..
4. Jose Rizal was already considered a hero by the Filipinos long before he was executed as evidenced by:
• Bonifacio’s declaration of him as honorary President of Katipunan.

• In 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo declared December 30 an annual “day of national mourning” in honor of Rizal.

5. Rizal was stingy (kuripot) and was not afraid to show it although he was not adverse to indulge from time to time.
6. Rizal was known to be a good cook and his specialty was “pancit”.
7. Rizal’s elder brother, Paciano Rizal, was a general in the Philippine Revolution and was instrumental in sending Jose Rizal to Europe to avoid persecution by the Spanish government in the Philippines.
8. Jose Rizal and his brother, Paciano, had a secret pact to dedicate themselves to helping the country and agreed that only one of them could get married
9. Jose Rizal could’ve married his cousin-fiancee, Leonora Rivera, if not for the interference done by Rivera’s parents.
10. We could’ve lost one or two Philippine heroes had Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna pushed through with their duel in Paris. The reason for their quarrel was Nelly Boustead, a pretty mestiza they were both courting.

There are more inside stories about Rizal in the said book and all of them are very informative and interesting; also, the book confirmed the fact that our national hero is indeed a multi-talented man. It is a must read for every Filipino.