Intellectual, moral conversion, and consciousness of Jose Rizal, 1861-1896, a Filipino patriot.

Filipino national hero Jose Rizal wrote The Social Cancer in Berlin in 1887. Upon his return to his country, he was summoned to the palace by the Governor General because of the subversive ideas his book had inspired in the nation. Rizal wrote of his consequent persecution by the church: "My book made a lot of noise; everywhere, I am asked about it. They wanted to anathematize me ['to excommunicate me'] because of it ... I am considered a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, they say I am a Protestant, a freemason, a sorcerer, a damned soul and evil. It is whispered that I want to draw plans, that I have a foreign passport and that I wander through the streets by night ..."

Classic story of the last days of Spanish rule in the Philippines.

What did Jose Rizal eat? What food did he write about? Did he hunger for bagoong or mango jam while overseas? This book shares stories collected from Rizal’s autobiography, works penned by him, biographies written about him by admirers, interviews of people who knew him, and accounts written about the Philippines, Europe, and Hong Kong during his lifetime. As it gives glimpses into the man’s everyday life, this little tome reveals sacrifices made to keep patriotic advocacies his priority. Rizal’s nobleness and supreme sacrifice for his love of Filipinas becomes all the more worthy of never-ending praise.