First Homecoming

FIRST HOMECOMING From 1882 to 1887, Rizal was in Europe studying. There he was allured, fascinated and have all the beautiful memories throughout his sojourn. But this will not make Rizal forget his fatherland and his nationality. After 5 years of memorable adventure in Europe, he returned to the Philippines in August 1887 and practiced medicine in Calamba. Although his life is threatened because his Noli Me Tangere caused uproar especially among the friars, he insists on returning home. He has his reasons of coming home, one is that he wants to operate his mother's eyes; another is that he wants to know how his novel affected the life of the Filipino. Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles and on July 3, 1887 he boarded the steamer Djemnah which was the same steamer he boarded five years ago. The steamer was enroute to the Orient via the Suez Canal. Rizal saw this canal for the second time. On July 30, he transferred to another steamer in Saigon to steamer Haiphong which was bound to Manila. On August 2, the steamer left Saigon for Manila. ARRIVAL AT MANILA On August 5, the Haiphong arrived in Manila and he went ashore with a happy heart for he was once again in Filipino soil. He stayed in the city for a short time to visit some friends and observed that Manila was the same five years ago. HOME IN CALAMBA On August 8, he returned to Calamba. His family welcomed him affectionately. The rejoicing returns over when his family became worried of his safety. Paciano did not leave him during the first days because he wants to protect him from any enemy assault. Even his own father would not let him go out alone. In Calamba he established a medical clinic and his first patient was his mother, who was that time almost blind. The news of a great doctor from Germany spread far and wide. Patients from Manila and the provinces flocked to Calamba to have a consultation to Rizal. His fees were reasonable, within a month he was able to earn about 900 pesos. He also opened a gymnasium for young folks where he introduced European sports. He tried to interest his townies in gymnastics, fencing, and shooting and discourage cockfights and gambling. Rizal failed to see Leonor Rivera, his loved one. A few weeks after his arrival, he received a letter from Governor General Emilio Terrero requesting him to come to Malacañan Palace. Rizal went to Manila and appeared before Gov.Gen. Terrero and denied the acquisitions of the Governor General. He explained that it was merely an exposition of truth, but he did not advocate rebellious ideas. The governor was pleased by his explanation and asked for a copy of Noli so that he could read it. Rizal had no copy that time but promised it to the governor general once he secured a copy of it. Rizal found a copy in the hands of a friend. He was able to give it to governor general Terrero. The governor general knew that Rizal's life was in jeopardy because the friars were powerful. He then assigned a young Spanish lieutenant

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