Rizal

16. Rizal played a key role in
the identification of Oncomelania
cuadrasi, a Philippine snail
that harbors the parasite that
causes schistosomiasis. The said
snail was named after a certain
Mr. Cuadrasi, a known naturalist in
Manila and to whom Rizal sent his
specimens of animals and insects
for identification.
17. Rizal composed a farewell song for Leonor Rivera just before his
departure for Europe. The song, entitled “Leonor”, became very popular
“that many were heard singing it in the streets and during social gatherings. The
moment they saw Leonor, the children would sing the song.” Here is the English
translation of the song:
And so it has arrived: the fatal instant, the dismal injunction of my cruel
fate; and so it has come at last: the moment, the date, when I must separate
myself from you.Goodbye, Leonor, goodbye! I take my leave, leaving behind
with you my lover’s heart! Goodbye, Leonor: from here I now depart. O melancholy
absence! Ah, what pain!
18. “A la Senorita C.O. y R.”, one of Rizal’s
best poems, was dedicated to Consuelo
Ortiga y Rey, a pretty daughter of Don Pablo
Ortiga whom Rizal fell in love with when he
was in Madrid. However, Rizal backed out of
the blossoming relationship because he was
good friends with Eduardo de Lete who was in
love with Consuelo. He also wanted to remain
loyal to Leonor Rivera who would eventually
marry Englishman Henry Kipping.
19. Rizal once sent a love letter
written in invisible ink to
Leonor Valenzuela, a tall girl
from Pagsanjan. The message
could only be deciphered if you
put the letter over a lamp or candle.
Leonor Valenzuela was one
of Rizal’s first sweethearts. Unfortunately,
they parted ways
when Rizal had to leave for Spain.
20. While in Dapitan, Rizal wrote an extensive
written discourse on kulam. Entitled “La curacion
de los hechizados” (The treatment and cure of the
bewitched), this lesser-known work of Rizal explores
the psychological treatment for kulam and even explained
that witches were not always women who are
old or ugly. He also discussed the difference between
hiloanon of the Visayas, who gives poison to
her victims, and the manggagaway, the ‘traditional’
witch who uses rag doll and pins.
Facts
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