House of Jose Rizal | Photos and Info

I’m a big fan of Jose Rizal, our national hero. Recently, we visited his ancestral house in Calamba, Laguna and I’ve shot some photos of the lovely house and some memorabilias of the greatest genius Filipino I’ve known. I love ancient, vintage and history so I put them in my hubs. Have a tour and enjoy.

This is the frontal view of Jose Rizal’s house in Laguna. It’s a smaller replica of their house. Rizal’s family was rich and his parents, Don Francisco Mercado and Donya Teodora Alonso were amongst the first people who built a house of stone and hardwood in Calamba. If you’ve passed by their main street, you’ll notice the houses were from the elite. The house obviously signifies the Spanish era by looking at its design and architecture style. The said design was famous among the ilustrados and the wealthy people of the 19^th century.

This is the back view photo of Rizal’s house. Notice that the house was painted in green. This repainting by the way has caused much controversies and debates. The NHI historical division explained that the green paint is a reminder of Rizal’s middle name. Many critiques and fans protest preserving the treasure is to preserving the original form and not changing it. For whatever intentions, I think they should just bring back the original color, which is white…

Dr. Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago when they captured him for execution. Writing was a big part of his life. He almost had been all the professional careers and possessed all skills of a genius. Well except that of Michael Scofield from Prison Break.

This painting shows the last hours of Jose Rizal in Bagumbayan. The last day before his execution.

Mi Ultimo Adios also known as "My Last Farewell..." This was his last poem and it was written before he was executed. That was how he said goodbye and how he wrote his last words. Another letter was found in his shoe after his death. The text from the note couldn't be read anymore so it still remains a big mystery.

Noli Me Tangere – Jose Rizal’s famous novel. This is one of my favorite books. I love the way he used the characters and put the story all together. Reminds me of Da Vinci and the free masons…This is like a manuscript of the book.

El Filibusterismo – his second novel, a sequel of Noli…this book has threatened the friars and Spaniards so they did everything to execute Rizal for being a filibuster.

Visiting Jose Rizal's house in Laguna.

It takes about two hours from Manila to reach Calamba. The ancestral house of Dr. Jose Rizal is in the town proper. It is being called 'Rizal's Shrine' too. That is the place where Jose Rizal was born and grew up as an exceptional boy. If you wanna avoid crowded tourists, avoid the weekends and holidays. It is allowed to take photos wherever and whatever inside and outside the famous house. But it's not allowed to touch any thing and any item inside.

Jose Rizal’s life was so short. If he had lived longer, I wonder what he might have done and written. For what it’s worth, he was a hero and immortal here in our beloved country. Have you heard about his secrets and controversies? You have to read that article I've linked at the end of this hub. It discusses Rizal’s controversies and mysteries.

All in all, I loved the house. Jose Rizal’s family was indeed so rich to have a house like that in the Spanish regime. The house has complete rooms for all the family members. I didn’t able to capture the well and the other parts because there are lots of people viewing the popular house. It was weekend and lots of students were on tour. The house displayed some posters and flaglets in commemorating Rizal’s birthday, on June 19, 1861. The young hero will be 150 on June 19, this year 2011. Because I’m a huge fan of this genius novelist and poet, I couldn’t go home without a souvenir. Though he lived in the 19^th century, at least I had this pose with him. lol

Related article: Jose Rizal's Controversies

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