Museo ni Jose Rizal (Bahay ni Rizal) — Attraction in Calamba

The relationship between the Philippines and Spain began when Magellan, who was supported by the Spanish royal family, landed in Cebu in 1512. Later, the Philippines was renamed Las Islas Filipinas after King Philip II of Spain, and became a Spanish colony from 1571 to 1898. The Philippines remained a Spanish colony for over 320 years.

Jose Rizal was a Filipino revolutionary, independence activist who inspired the nationalist movement, journalist, physician, inventor, translator, businessman, educator, and writer. Along with Ramon Magsaysay, he is revered as the father of the Philippines. He was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Philippines and died on December 30, 1896 in Manila.

Rizal went to Spain to study medicine. He also learned German and French in a short period of time and studied at the University of Paris and Berlin. Here, he was also recognized by many European scholars. He was fluent in many languages ​​at the time and could speak and write the rest at a basic level. He obtained his medical license at the age of 25 and was a genius who was also well-versed in pharmacy and showed outstanding abilities in sociology, economics, history, anthropology, mathematics, architecture, and literature.

However, his experience in Europe made upper-class youth aware of the contradictions of colonial rule. The discrimination he experienced abroad awakened his national and revolutionary consciousness and gave him a desire for reform and liberation of the Philippines. Rizal led the enlightenment movement by publishing “To Compatriots” in the form of a letter to his compatriots residing in Spain, asking them to refrain from gambling and laziness and to be recognized as honest and hard-working people.

He also published a rebuttal to a book (sucesos de las islas filipinas, Success of the Philippines) that praised the legitimacy of the Spanish colonial rule for bringing civilization to the "lazy and barbaric" Filipinos, and published a novel (Noli Me Tángere, Don't Touch Me) that exposed the reality of colonialism in which Spanish colonial officials, plantation owners, and Spanish priests distorted the image of Filipinos as stupid to justify their colonial rule. It sharply criticized the contradictions of colonial rule, and vividly depicted the Spanish giving special privileges only to their own people and discriminating against the Filipinos in the colony. This article, published by a young student from the colony, rapidly spread among the cultural circles of Spain, the intellectual class in Madrid, and students, where an open and liberal atmosphere was spreading at the time, and led to public opinion criticizing Spain's colonial rule in Spain. Eventually, he was exiled by order of the Spanish government, returning to the Philippines.

After his forced exile, he gave up his dream of becoming a doctor and began a full-fledged revolution and independence movement. Rizal demanded democratic reform of colonial rule from the Spanish government, and at the same time, he fought for self-government with the Filipino people. Unlike the armed independence movement of Andres Bonifacio, who was an independence activist at the same time as Rizal, he pursued a pacifist independence movement.

Afterwards, the Spanish government arrested Rizal on false charges of being behind the armed struggle for independence, and at the trial held in Manila, he defended himself without a lawyer, but was eventually falsely accused. Afterwards, he was transferred to the Fort Santiago prison in Intramuros, where he was imprisoned. He was publicly executed by firing squad in Manila on December 30, 1896, on charges of treason, sedition, and conspiracy to commit sedition by military law. To prevent his body from becoming a trigger for the independence movement, his body was buried secretly, and to this day, it is unknown where Rizal is buried. Rizal's death became a catalyst for the Filipino people's will for independence, and he came to be revered as the father of independence by...

Worth a visit with friends and family. Brings you back in time and allows you to understand how people (specially Dr. jose Rizal and his family) used to live and what they were using in their day to day lives. Expect some reading, analyzing and thinking. Don’t expect a lot of parking.

The PLACE Finding place and driving there wasn’t too difficult. However, it would have helped if there were signs. I thought there would be parking somewhere close but I was told that I could just park on the street in front of the place. This got me a bit nervous but people and drivers there assured me that it is okay. If you accommodation isn’t too far, it might be better to go there via trike or jeep

The place is next to 2 famous landmarks and the street can get pretty busy. It is not a big as I thought but it is a house after all.

I didn’t notice any prominent souvenir shops.

The experience Entrance is free so I am definitely happy! And because we went on a weekday, there were only a few visitors. I also thought that with a small entrance fee, maybe that would allow the place to improve a little bit. One reviewer of this place noted that we need to level up our museums and I would agree. People managing these tourist places need to go and visit other tourist places (in and outside of PH) to see what is possible.

I found myself reading a lot of things and although it was alright, I also wanted some interaction - someone I can ask questions. A tour guide might help or a voice over.

It was pretty interesting to see how small those beds were and that there were no cushions. I cant imagine how people would use those toilets and those things they have in the kitchen.

I am pretty impressed with how they have kept the place tidy and looking good.

Some ideas that might help: Rent a costume appropriate for the era and dress up for photographs Guided tour for a minimal fee or tip Re-enactment or show at certain times of the day - entrance fee would help with this Video starter to...

The Bahay ni Rizal, also known as the Museo ni Rizal, is situated in Calamba, Laguna. Visitors to this historic site are transported back to the era of José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. The museum evokes the charm of Vigan, with its quaint old houses constructed from wood and bricks. Entry is free, with the museum open from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Stepping inside, the ambiance vividly brings Rizal's time to life. The interior design, with its predominant use of wood and bricks, exudes a classic and elegant charm. Visitors can view various artifacts, including Rizal's personal belongings, bed, and even his clothes.

The staircase leading to the second floor is particularly captivating. Imagine walking on the same steps that Rizal and his family once used, and marvel at how well it has been preserved through the generations. The rooms, though ancient, retain an air of elegance. The spacious dining room offers a glimpse into the affluence of Rizal's family.

To enhance the experience and promote tourism, it would be beneficial to have guides dressed in traditional attire, speaking in the manner of Rizal's time. This immersive approach could make the visit more engaging for contemporary audiences, allowing them to feel even more connected...