Miscellaneous Letters Exchanged Between Jose rizal and Others in 1885

027. José M. Cecilio, Manila, 9 January 1885

Rivalry over Rizal continues – President of the Section of Literature and Languages at the Universidad Central de Madrid – News about girls – Rizal’s graduation – Gracio Gonzaga admires Rizal’s homage to Luna and Hidalgo published in Los Dos Mundos – Regrets that Rizal will not study law.

028. José M. Cecilio, Manila, 18 April 1885

Love affairs – Which of the two Leonors would you choose? Rizal asks – Reply: Leonor Rivera – Quarrel between Aristón Bautista and six Spaniards.

029. Rizal, 11 August 1885 || to Mr. Mariano Rincon, Madrid

Rizal sympathizes with a Spaniard of long residence in the Philippines – The Filipinos remember only kindness – Thy easily forget insults – Rizal enjoys hearing from those who had been in his country.

030. José M. Cecilio, Manila, 30 September, 1885

Fashion magazine for Leonor – An opinion on Paterno’s novel Ninay – Leonor chosen? – News of the love affairs in Manila – Rizal, Licentiate in Medicine and in Philosophy and Letters – Approaching fiestas.

031. Ceferino de León, Madrid, 29 October 1885

De León receives Rizal’s financial help – Grateful to Rizal – Rizal on his way to Paris.

32. Ceferino de León, Madrid, (October or November of 1885?)

A box of books has been sent to Rizal.

033. Ceferino de León, Madrid, 19 December 1885

Preparing another New Year’s banquet at Madrid, but the Tagalogs have no money – Regards from Govantes – Asks for news of the Filipino colony at Parish – Orders a French novel.

–—

027. José M. Cecilio, Manila, 9 January 1885

Mr. José Rizal y Mercado

My distinguished Namesake, old Comrade, and Friend,

I received your letter of 18 November last, but before answering it, I am going to offer you my new house, number 91, Malinta Street (formerly called Condesa) in the district of Binondo. We left Trinidad Street because we could no longer stand the heat of the small furnace where we lived.

Now that I live near the house of the winsome as well as unaffected O., I visit her more frequently, having been at her house already twice since 10 November when we moved to this street and both times we discussed your literary personality and nothing less than in front of the dear P. of dwarfish love, who asked me if O. is really engaged to you to which I replied, “No.” This girl does not like that lad, but she almost accepted him. As her mother was warned, she remonstrated with her immediately because he was a relative, it seems to me. The first time I visited her she had a fever but nevertheless she talked for many hours. She asked me what it was you told me in your letters and I answered her that you continue loving her. She requested me at the same time to call on her whenever I can. She said that she was not your beloved but the one in Manila [01] whom one day she asked if they were really rivals and she answered in the negative, as she afterwards recounted to me. To this I said that you told me when you were still here that you would prefer her to her, that she could not accept you for the reason that you were jilted by one from Lipa, that if you were only a left-over, it would not be so bad. I replied that laying aside whether you were jilted or not, if I were a woman, I would not mind a jilted man like you. She said that a provincial student told her that if she loved you, she would be pitiful because, when you come, you would marry the little landlady. She did not tell me his name and she requested me not to tell you about it, because you are an alipato [02] and you would look for him when you return. But this is only credible because she knew he wanted to make love to her and had begun to remove everything that might be in his way. Who could this illustrious fellow be who has no love for you?

Tincho, Rosauro, and I had the greatest pleasure in knowing that you were nominated for the presidency of the Section of Literature and Languages of the Ateneo de Filosofia y Letras of that university. Receive then our most enthusiastic congratulations. You will soon be a polyglot, if you are not yet so, and we give you our congratulations in advance.

Our friend Gracio Gonzaga, residing in Cagayan, to whom I sent a copy of Los dos Mundos [03] that was not addressed to anyone, requests me to give you his most sincere thanks as well as his admiration and respect for the most beautiful style and depth of your toast [a toast to the painters Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo – rly]

Our friend Mariano Lopez requested me to tell you that you did not remember him any more in the distribution of copies of your speech and he asked me for my copy to take along with him to Balayan.

Our friend Rosario now has a little boy, though not named Nicolas, like the one in the play.

I observed that for the word harmony you smashed Miciano. Poor friend, he wanted to fight one who is always called upon to preside at literary schools! This man continues with his M . . . . turned into caramel.

I am sorry that our friend Ceferino would return here without knowing how to write. Will he graduate as a doctor?

I do not know if you will study law but it seems that you do not intend to study it, inasmuch as you tell Teong that you are coming next December. All those who esteem you think otherwise.

This time your Comadre Miguela will write you as well as Teong.

T. does not give me trouble but it is something to think about, as we have not see each other for a long time because she lives in the house of Mrs. R.R. on San Vicente Street, Binondo. I believe that the day will come when this young woman would marry anyone else except me, inasmuch as I have just begun but I have not finished, nor do I intend to this affair with her nor do I know with whom I can finish it.

Zamora requests me to tell you that he has received the books and music to which you refer in your letter and he thanks you for them.

M. is now engage in giving dances in her house, that is, paid for y others, and according to the information I have, many attend them.

According to what they say, M., at her own accord, broke her engagement to s. for having received information that he has already many children by different mothers in Camarines. S. of Balayan, brother of M., seems to be engaged to O., and T. continues with M. C., who will need 12 years to finish his professional course, inasmuch as he does it in duplicates, that is, one copy and one original every course.

Our friend Arcadio is less obstinate than before. Is he again engaged in discussing whether the sea was salty since the beginning or not as much as now?

During the supper of the 31^st of last month we remembered you and the little landlady was seated beside Lasam whom she reminded of times past.

It is not that the little landlady is vexed when we talk about her but that she very much respects her love for you. Not so O. who only asks me what you write me, to whom I reply, that in all your letters there is always a paragraph devoted to her. She is convinced that you like her.

I almost lost my father for so many diseases attached his poor body at the same time – anthrax [an infectious hemorrhagic disease of wild and domesticated animals, esp. cattle and sheep, which is caused by a bacillus (Bacillus anthracis) and can be transmitted to people: it is characterized by black pustules – rly], lesion in the heart, inflammation, and I don’t know what else. But thanks be to God and to physician Zamora, he is now almost a convalescent.

I send my compliments of Captain José Valenzuela who is stout and happy. Who would be sad in his place?

Through a telegram from London dated 29 of last month it was learned here that there was an earthquake in Malaga and other places in Andalusia and, because of this news, those who have families in that province are trembling with tear, because it is said that 1,000 persons died and the earthquake continues.

Your Compadre Rosauro is now a first class aspirant with a salary of 800 pesos, like the one who has the honor to sign this eternal chronicle.

Today ends the novena at Quiapo, though this year the fiesta is not very animated, perhaps because we are going through a financial crisis on account of the severe competition between sugar produced from sugar beets and our own [sugarcane - rly] sugar.

Mariquita Lecaros must be from this country. Though I don’t know her, give her my congratulation on her wedding.

When you come, in what a specialty will you announce yourself? That is now the fashion. When will you graduate as a doctor in medicine? When will you become a licentiate in philosophy and letters?

I wish you a Happy New Year and I will try to induce our good friends, who are certainly scarce, to go there.

Has your brother written you? He was here in Manila about a month ago and he looked for me on Trinidad Street, according to Ubaldo’s sister, but we did not se each other. I am sorry that I did not have a little talk with him.

You know you are esteemed by your very affectionate Co-Babylonian,

José M. Cecilio

_______________

[01] Manila, as used here, means the Walled city. Popularly, only the walled city was Manila, the outlying districts being called by their own names, as Binondo, Sta. Cruz, etc.

[02] Alipato is a Tagalog term meaning a flying spark or a flash.

[03] A magazine published in Madrid in which Rizal’s speech first appeared.

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028. José M. Cecilio, Manila, 18 April 1885

Love affairs – Which of the two Leonors would you choose? Rizal asks – Reply: Leonor Rivera – Quarrel between Aristón Bautista and six Spaniards.

Mr. José Rizal y Mercado

My Distinguished Namesake, Old Comrade, and Esteemed Friend,

I received your cheery letter of 26 February last on the 5^th instant by the ship that brought our governor general, Mr. Terrero. In it you tell me that you would be glad to see our winsome O. married to me some day instead of to P. or c., as he is called in the house of Valenzuela. But I see that what you wish is difficult, if not impossible, to happen inasmuch as that young lady and her sisters consider me your legal proxy in your boasted love affair with her. This pretty girl was very much courted at the procession of Good Friday in Santa Cruz, which was attended by all the girls of the smartest bracket of that district. I was one of those who formed her court, in the first place as your proxy, Pepe Javier, Ramon Lontoc, and S. L. who is quite dizzy about O., so dizzy that in order to get the favorable answer of this girl, he would bring to Manila B. together with his renowned estates. Does that seem to you a little? Our friend Sixto lives in the house of Veloso, next to that of Valenzuela, where they held the wedding feast of Titay and Candeng and Lazaro Veloso and Ramon, employee of a foreign firm, respectively these men regard O. with the eyes of conquerors and me with inquisitive eyes since they learned that I was your proxy. I make all these young men completely dizzy. They cannot extract anything from me while I see them as clear as the potable water of this capital city and which you do not know.

When O. read your letter to Titay – who it seems will answer you by this mail – she did so with such ease that none of them could do it. Her sisters and cousins teased her by saying that it was understandable why she could read your writing so well for she is accustomed to read your letters. This young woman tells me that her ears are already full of the phrase “that she is going to marry Rizal.” She asked me if it was true that C. would arrive here in June to which I replied, no, but in the coming December, and now I see by your letter that you are still remaining there for a year and a half.

The entire family of the landlord is now in Dagupan. They left with deep regret for they liked Manila very much. According to my information, the little landlady is not contented in that province, though her health is good, and I believe she will be here by June to enter La Concordia College.

In reply to your question as to whom I would choose of the two L’s, if I were in your place, I am going to tell you that I favor the old question of the Oriente, [01] because she is more feminine, more docile, more tractable, sweeter, gentler, more scrupulous, and above all more educated. This does not mean that the other one is detestable, for she also has her merits. Like almost all women in my district, she is industrious, hardworking, and she is not stupid, in regard to earning a living. This one is a little stout now, and it is very natural that she is, because your coming is approaching. This young lady celebrated her birthday on the 12^th instant and she invited me to eat at her house. Unfortunately, it was impossible for me to attend it as I had other engagements. The lass received many gifts on that day, among them a statue of Pope Leo done by a sculptor, a friend of hers and her family.

I have not received Ceferiono’s reply to the letter I sent him. Perhaps he is very busy with his C . . . .

It seems that the Rosarios, uncle and nephew, are engaged only in fishing and hunting. These folks spend an easy life there.

S.L., who arrived very sick, has completely recovered now in the warmth of the glances, though not favorable, that he gets from neighbor O.

Ariston Bautista, the foremost naughty kid of Sta. Cruz, is now Licentiate in Medicine and surgery. Six Spanish Filipinos made fun of him because he was wearing a cutaway coat. They came to blows and poor Bautista was mauled; but I do not want to say with this that they won, just the opposite, for Ariston was the first to deal a fisticuff on the face of one of them. They went to the station in Intramuros (Walled City, Manila) of the Veteran Guard and there the rogues were insulted by Monasterio, intimate friend of Ariston and his colleague. Aristron vows to take revenge, but I do not know when it will take place.

I will take care of R., but is he so bad that he does not even deserve a greeting?

I have already delivered your letters to Teong and Miguela who read them with great pleasure and they hope to soon see you. When you come, you will find them with another little boy or girl, that is, if the child does not die immediately, as happened to the others. They designate you as sponsor for the baptism in case it is a boy.

I. M., my presumed brother-in-law, brother of no less than my presumed fiancée I., is now very sad on account of the departure for Dagupan of the question of the Oriente, as he loves her very much, though not without of any hope of being loved by her. He is continually asking me if the current talk that she is engaged to you is true to which I replied no.

Tincho, Lopez, Apacibeles, and Gella send their respects. Angel Cortez left this month for that city in order to continue his medical course.

Lasam continues strayed, for I always see him with Orros, whom you know very well.

You know your very affectionate friend, who esteems you sincerely,

Chengoy

_______________

[01] Leonor Rivera.

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029. Rizal, 11 August 1885 || to Mr. Mariano Rincon, Madrid

13-2^nd right, Pizarro, Madrid

11 August 1885

Mr. Mariano Rincon

Vich

My dear and most distinguished Sir,

Yesterday, upon my arrival at this capital city from an excursion to the neighboring towns, I received your esteemed letter of the 28^th July which I am now going to answer in my name and in that of my friend Mr. Pedro Paterno.

This gentleman has not been in Madrid for a month. The found . . . (illegible) now and consequently . . . (illegible) so that he may make himself take an interest in the matter.

I very much regret the misfortune and persecutions you had suffered and I believe you have profoundly learned to bear your misfortunes in your heart. Those who, like you, have been in the Philippines nineteen years can struggle with advantage against adverse fate. The sight of the misfortunes of others can assuage the spirit of a sensible man and prepare him to defy them.

If you would indicate to me the town where you stayed for such a long time, perhaps I may be able to do something more than offer you my good intentions, unless I could not achieve them. I would write there in case I have a friend; I would remind them of the name of the parish priest about whom they undoubtedly have very good memories. The Filipino people – you must have observed – remembers only the kindness it has received; it easily forgets resentments, and if it has only smiles and tears for those who have treated it harshly when it sees them in depart, what would it have for one who had been good to them when it sees him in misfortune?

It gives me much pleasure to correspond with men who have come from my country because (perhaps I may not go back there) they usually remind me of many things and awaken in me dormant sensations. I would appreciate it if you would write me from time to time . . . . (illegible)

You already know where our house is. If you feel encouraged and you come to this capital city this month or the next, you’ll have at your disposal a student’s lodging and a hospitable friend. I may probably be abroad at the beginning of October.

I am your affectionate servant. Don’t doubt that you will find in me the same respect and esteem that my grandmother, Doña Basila and my uncle Don Antonio Rivera, profess you.

Yours,

José Rizal

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030. José M. Cecilio, Manila, 30 September, 1885

91 Malinta, Binondo

30 September 1885

Mr. José Rizal

My very distinguished Friend and old Comrade,

In my possession are your two esteemed letters of 28 June and 12 August last which I have the pleasure to answer.

I’ll begin with the second, informing you that Gonzagaand Tincho are out of the city, the former in Cagayan with a law office and the latter in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan, as Directorcillo del Tribunal [01] of that town, and consequently it is not possible to speak with them of . . . . (illegible). Cayetano de Arellano is one whom neither you nor I have the honor to know. In order to comply with what you desire, I went to Pandacan to see Arcadio del Rosario who promised to look carefully for the “objects” that you ask us and sent them directly to you, though without any accompanying letter.

I received some numbers of the magazine Salon de Modas, addressed to the “Question of the Orient” and three copies of Paterno’s novels and I thank you for the present of one copy of them. If this work is called novel, I see neither plot nor puzzle in it and consequently it has no merit for me, and, indeed, it is only an exposition of the customs of the country. I do not understand the purpose of the author.

I congratulate you on your works that will be published which I hope will not be of the class of the aforementioned Ninay.

The port works I believe will be seen by our children, if we get married very soon. I feel the same about the Palace of Manila, whose construction has not yet begun.

I congratulate you on your wise selection of the woman who will be your faithful companion. She is not at La Concordia College but in Dagupan, Pangasinan, beside her parents and I believe that she will not come to Manila until next December, and I do not know if she will again enter La Concordia to finish her education.

It is heard that Orang is getting married to one J.J., employee of a commercial firm and nephew-in-law of Attorney F. G. This is what the aunts of the young man say at the house of a relative of mine. This lad is a friend of mine and I know that he loves the mysterious Orang, as you call her, but I do not know if they know this news in that place, so that it is only the aunts of the man who say so, whom I suppose are well informed about the love affairs of their nephew with the girl.

My presumed brother-in-law has his eyes fixed on B. E., daughter of the secretary of the University, A. E., but he does not go up the house, speaking with the young woman from the street by pure signs and creating scandal with his walking to and fro, which led the brother to beat his sister, thus disturbing the neighbors. But in spite of this he has not forgotten the “Question of the Orient,” because sometimes he asks me when would that family come back, but I answer him not to worry . . . . . . (destroyed portion).

I have stopped going to the Mouse of M. for a long time. I do not know if she is still waiting for G., her old fiancée. I believe T. continues with her. . . and O. with S. de C., brother of Fr. Luis and Crispiniana.

It is about three months ago that D. H. died and therefore T., your intimate friend, is a widow who is at present in the family way. Nevertheless, she has suitors. According to what they say, one of the aspirants is a widower also, called M.L, present gobernadorcillo [02] of the mestizos [03] of Binondo.

My love affairs with I.M. neither advance nor recede. I am almost ready not to marry another woman unless it is she. I like her so much that I, myself, cannot explain why I do.

Pacita of Quiapo, that is Salgado by surname, was married two or three weeks ago with a noted lawyer who is surnamed Siquia, son of a rich Chinese man of Binondo.

Mr. P.O. is now married to J.Z. of San Sebastian. This gathered much attention as he abducted her at two o’clock in the afternoon, that is, two minutes after she had left her house on her way to the Quiapo Church. Much can be said against our friend O.

I congratulate you on obtaining the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters.

After the aforesaid marriages, I do not know what more to tell you.

SIXT Lopez is in Manila and it seems that he continues frequenting the house of O., but I do not know if he has already declared his love.

Our Compadre Rosauro continues to suffer from constipation but not as much as before, nor does he fight much with the gunners. He looks better in a coat than in a shirt.

Your comadre Miguela gave birth to a boy weeks ago. Teong, in order to try if his son will live by having a fool for his sponsor, choose one whose surname s D. The boy is named Amado.

Nena Salcedo, wife of Veloso, already has a little boy. N.C., the winsome lass of San Jacinto, seems to have a fiancée who is captain of the artillery, called Diaz Lavanderas, but, it seems he does not go up to her house but stands only in front of it.

It seems that that many weddings take place here.

I am glad that Ceferino has already taken his examination and passed it. So he is a Doctor also.

We are on the eve of novenarios. [04] What pleasant memories they give us! Holy Rosary of Manila, Our Lady of the Pillar in Sta. Cruz, Holy Rosary of Binondo, and what attendance, what lasses!

I am going to enjoy these fiestas while you are abroad and studying diseases; such is the world.

Tincho offers you his services at San Miguel de Mayumo, as directorcillo and resident of the said town.

Perez, pharmacist, who has a drugstore in sta. Cruz, is also the father of a girl and, I believe, the godmother. . . . of Chengoy.

I can write of nothing more for the present; keep in good health, and command your very affectionate friend and sincere servant.

Cecilio

P.S.

I send the regards of friends and compadres.

________________

[01] Secretary, municipal office.

[02] Gobernadorcillo is a municipal executive.

[03] In the Philippines a mestizo is a Filipino of mixed blood such as a Spanish-Filipino, a Chinese-Filipino, etc.

[04] Novenarios are the daily prayers for nine consecutive days proceeding the day of the saint to be celebrated. Held in the Church they are attended by people from all walks of life. They are an occasion to meet friends.

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031. Ceferino de León, Madrid, 29 October 1885

De León receives Rizal’s financial help – Grateful to Rizal – Rizal on his way to Paris.

Madrid, 29 October 1885

Mr. José Rizal

Dear Pepe,

Yesterday I received a notice from the post office of a letter with a declared value and I got it today and I saw that it was your letter.

Thanks for remembering me. You know my situation, so I am grateful to you for your kindness in having sent me money.

Not long ago Mino [01] wrote me asking me to matriculate for him and advance the money. As you know I have no money even to pay the office on the 1^st of the month, it was fortunate that your help arrived. As you said in your letter that should I have no money at all I can pawn your books, I was going to do it in order to matriculate for him.

Write me the date of your departure from there so that I can send to Paris the box of books. Likewise do not forget to tell Valentin [02] the reason why I could not send him the money and to pardon me for not fulfilling my promise.

Send me a copy of Publicidad [03] when your article appears so that I can read it. I am sure it will be meaty.

Your letter contains 250 pesetas and when you need something I have money. Besides this letter, I wrote you three days ago to find out how you are there.

Two Portuguese explorers are here. There was a program at the Alhambra when we attended. Moret again recited a new poem.

Mr. Fernandez is sick. There was a medical consultation, for his sickness was serious, but now he is better and he is leaving for Manila immediately.

Desmont requested me to tell you not to forget to see that Madame and therefore I wait for the result. This gentleman is intending to transfer to another city which I suppose will not be long.

We are all well and I send regards from your friends.

Ceferino

Write me the name of the street where Mr. Antonio Rodriguez lives. I don’t know where he lives.

Send my regards to Viola. [04] His letter will be delivered.

Give many regards to all in Paris.

May you have a happy voyage. Farewell.

_____________

[01] Maximo Paterno

[02] Valentin Ventura

[03] Name of the newspaper published by Miguel Morayta, friend of the Filipino reformers.

[04] Dr. Maximo Viola.

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032. Ceferino de León, Madrid, (October or November of 1885?)

A box of books has been sent to Rizal.

13 Pizarro, Madrid

(No date is given, perhaps 9^th of October to 19^th of November, 1885)

Friend Pepe,

Here is the check of the box of books which I sent you today. I take advantage of this opportunity when “Gladsome” writes you to put this inside his letter. He was here to ask for your address.

I sent to Barcelona the letter to Candido as soon as I received it.

All the suyas [01] – Acevdo, Tiangco, Graciano, and others – send you their regards.

An embrace from

Ceferino de Leon y Santiago

Lete [02] is very well but Fernandez is very sick.

I sent to Valentin the 50 pesos.

Farewell and regards to all.

_______________

[01] Suya in Manila is a colloquial term for Chinese.

[02] Eduardo de Lete.

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033. Ceferino de León, Madrid, 19 December 1885

Preparing another New Year’s banquet at Madrid, but the Tagalogs have no money – Regards from Govantes – Asks for news of the Filipino colony at Parish – Orders a French novel.

Madrid, 19 December 1885

Mr. José Rizal

Friend Pepe,

For a long time I have not received a letter from you and I have not answered your last letter. We are well. The mail boat arrived and there was no letter for you. Hence I do not know if the letters have been sent there to you directly.

The end of the year is approaching and likely we shall hold a banquet. The Tagalogs have no money and probably not all of them will be able to attend it.

The colony sends you many regards. Govantes [01] sends you his regards. One afternoon I met him and I gave him your regards. It seems that he will attend the banquet if it will be held, according to what he said.

If you can find a house, I am going to get out of here. I will tell you later about it. My condition here is not very good. That is why I am looking for another house.

How are your studies? I guess you will become a specialist. I will see if I shall overtake you there in summer so that we can travel together.

Please tell me what the condition of the colony there is and if Mr. Luna and others are well.

Please send me the dialogue of Florencio and Lydia which I have forgotten.

If you meet Intin, [02] give him my regards and tell him I have not forgotten him. I should like to know if he has moved to another house so that I can write him.

Perhaps you already know that “Gladstone” is not going to be married and he has moved to another house. Fernandez is not yet well. The rest of us are the same as when you left us and each one has his own business.

Julio is well. I have read your letter to him. I am often at his house. He is studying at a free school.

Command your friend who is like your brother who does not forget you.

Ceferino

How much is an ordinary camera?

Send me a French novel, either by [Emile?] Zola or Daudet’s Theodora. [sic. perhaps Victorien Sardou’s Theodora {written the previous year} – rly]

The Same.

_______________

[01] Pedro de Govantes, Spanish lawyer.

[02] Valentin Ventura.