Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero had many wonderful talents. Here is his abilities in alphabetical order.

1. ABC’s Of Rizal
A – rchaeologist
Rizal was an archaeologist. During his exile in Dapitan, Rizal explored the caves, inlets, and mountains near
the town and excavated several relics of the past. Also, he studied monuments and antique currency everywherehe
went. He drew most of the monuments he saw.
B – ibliophile
Rizal loved books. Some of these books are the “Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexander Dumas and “Uncle
Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Wemust not forget that the Bible is the first book where Rizal learned to
read and know the prayers.
C – onchologist
Conchology is the study of shells and mollusks. As a conchologist, Rizal had collecteda total of 346 shells
representing 203 species during his exile in Dapitan.
D – ramatist
Evenif he’s still eight years old, Rizal already had the knowledge in drama. He created a Tagalog comedy
and it was staged in Calamba festival. The gobernadorcillo from Paete had witnessed the drama and he bought the
manuscript fortwo pesos.
E – ngineer
In Dapitan, Rizal applied his knowledge in Engineering by constructing a system of waterworksin order to
furnish clean water to the townspeople.
F – armer
Much of Rizal’s time in Dapitan is allocated to Agriculture. He bought 16 hectares of land in Talisay, where
he built his home, school and hospital and planted cacao,coffee,sugarcane, coconutsand fruit trees.
G – eographer
Rizal had a very large knowledge in Geography. In fact,it is of the subjects he taught to his students in
Dapitan during his exile. Also his geographical studies in Dapitan are contributed to the field of Science as revealed
by his correspondence withhis scientist friends in Europe.
H – ero
We regard Rizal as our National Hero. It is because of his great contribution to the Philippine
Independence.
I – nventor
Rizal showed his inventive ability when he made the “Sulpukan”, s cigarette lighter he gave to Blumentritt
as a gift.
J – ourneyer
Rizal’s life was fullof journeys and sojourns. He had traveled Europe with Viola. In his second departure
from Philippines, he passed Hong Kong, Japan, United States and up to Europe again.
K – eeper (diary and letters)
Along withRizal’s journey, he kept withhim a diary. It is where he kept every detail of his observations to
every place he visited. This diary is where he put all his sentiments in life. Also, he kept with him letters from
friends, compatriots and family.
L – inguist
A born linguist, Rizal could rank with the world’s great linguist. He knew a total of 22 languages – Tagalog,
Ilokano, Bisayan, Subanin, Spanish, Latin, and many more.
M – agician
Since early manhood, Rizal had been interested in magic. He learned differenttricks like making a coin
appear and disappear in his fingers and making handkerchief vanish in thin air. The concept of magic is also
portrayed in the chapter XVIIand XVIIIin his novel ElFilibusterismo.

2. N – ationalist
Rizal showed the spirit of Nationalism. He lovedPhilippines next to God. He even sacrificedhis own
happiness forthe sake of the country.
O – phthalmic Surgeon
Rizal is an eye specialist. He had a clientele in Hong Kong with the help of Dr. Lorenzo P. Marques. He had
cured many patients including his mother.
P – hilosopher
Rizal loved wisdom. He studied abroad to gain more knowledge. He even conducted his ownstudies. Some
of his teachings are what weare followingtoday. Say forexample, the story about the turtle and the monkey, in
whichwe learned that it is bad to be greedy.
Q – uester
Rizal is considered to be a seeker. He ventured to other countries in search of knowledge that he can use in
his profession and also to alleviate his people in his country.Not just knowledge, he also searched fortruth and
reality and we regard him as "seeker after truth”.
R – eformer
Rizal is a member of the Propaganda Movement whichis a peaceful reform campaign in Spain. His fellow
reformers were M. H. Del Pilar, Mariano Ponce,Graciano Lopez Jaena and many more.
S – urveyor
Rizal held the title of expert surveyor(perito agrimensor), whichhe obtained from Ateneo. Together with
his knowledge in engineering, he was able to build the first water system in Dapitan.
T – ranslator
Since Rizal is a great linguist, he became an interpreter to fellow passengers in his travel abroad. He
translated words in order that his fellow could communicate to each other.
U – niversalist
Rizal was part of the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1889. He had created associations and clubs during
the said event. These are the Kidlat Club, Indios Bravos and the R.D.L.M. Society.
V – acationist
As part of his travels, Rizal tookvacations. One these vacations is his stay in the resort city of Biarritz on the
fabulous French Riviera, where he was a guest of the rich Boustead family at its winter residence, Villa Eliada.
W – riter
Rizal is a great writer. He wrote novels, poems, essays and many more writings. His two novels, Noli Me
Tangere and ElFilibusterismo stand as proofs to his great writing ability.
X – ylographer
Rizal had made many woodcarvings.In Dapitan alone, he had made a woodcarvingof Josephine Braken
whichhe called “The Dapitan Girl”, a bust of Father Geurrico (one if his Ateneo professors) and a bust of St. Paul
whichhe gave to Father Pastells.
Y – outh’s model
Being an upright man, Rizal should be the model of the youth today. His steps should be followed.His
bravery must be the spirit of the Filipinos nowadays in showing love to the country, Philippines.
Z – oologist
Rizal had contributed to the Science of Animals. He discovered some rare specimens which were named
after him. These are: Dracorizali (a flying dragon), Apogonia rizali (a small beetle), and Rhacophorus rizali (a rare
frog).