FIRST HOMECOMING 1887-1888
- Decision to return home.
Because of the publication of the Noli Me Tangere and the uproar it caused among the friars. Rizal was warned by Paciano (his brother).Silvestre Ubaldo (his brother in- law), Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio) and other friends not to return home. But he did not heed their warning. He was determined to return to the Philippines for the following reason: 1) to operate his mother’s eyes, 2) to serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrants; 3) to find out for him how the Noli and his other writings were affecting Filipinos & Spaniards in the Philippines; 4) to inquire why Leonora Rivera remained silent.
- Delightful Trip to Manila
Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles. He boarded the streamer Djemnah.The same steamer which brought him to Europe five years ago. There were about 50 passengers including 4 Englishmen, 2 Germans, 3 Chinese, 2 Japanese, many Frenchmen and 1 Filipino (Rizal). On July 30, he transferred to another steamer Haiphong which was Manila-bound.
- Arrival in Manila
August 5, the Haiphong arrived in Manila. He stayed in the city for a short time. He
found Manila the same as when he left it 5 years ago.
- Happy Homecoming
On August 8, he returned to Calamba. His family welcomed him affectionally, with plentiful tears of joys. His family became worried about his safety. Paciano did not leave him to protect him from any enemy assault.
He establish a medical clinic in Calamba, his mother was his first patient. He could
not perform any surgical operations because her eyes cataracts were not yet ripe.
Patients from Manila and other provinces flocked to Calamba. Rizal who came to be called “Dr. Ulman” his professional fees were reasonable. By February 1888, he earned P5,000 as medical fees. Rizal did not selfishly devote all his time to enriching himself. He opened a gymnasium for young folks and introduced European sports.
He failed to see Leonora Rivera. Leonora’s mother did not like him to be son in-law.
- Storm Over Noli
Few weeks after his arrival, Rizal received a letter from Governor General Emelio Terrero requesting him to come to Malacanang Palace. When Governor General Terrero informed him of the charge, he denied it. Gov. Gen. Terrero was pleased by Rizal’s explanation and curious about his book.