Last June 19, 2025 could have been our national hero’s 164th birthday. In commemoration to the life of one of the most celebrated Filipinos of all the time, if not the most, this week’s column shall center on the often discussed, studied and scrutinized life of Dr. Jose Rizal. To make it more interesting, I opted to include some of the most bizarre and absurd tales and conspiracies about Dr. Rizal.
Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born in Calamba, Laguna on June 19, 1861 to parents, Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda. Rizal family is a relatively big family having 11 children, Rizal being the seventh child.
Famous for his wit and intelligence even as a child, Jose Rizal was home schooled by his mother, Teodora, during his early years. It was his mother who taught him his ABCs and how to read and write. This fact was immortalized by the account where his mother, Teodora, told the story of the Moth and the Flame to a young Rizal. Such story was said to inspire the heart of the young Rizal and taught him that pursuit of freedom and reform entails sacrifice.
Noli Me Tangere (“Touch Me Not”) and El Filibusterismo (“The Reign of Greed”) were Rizal’s most notable works. It dwells on the Spanish abuses, injustices and corruption. These novels awaken the heart of the Filipinos, both reformist and revolutionist, which ultimately led to our much coveted freedom and independence. These novel were also the primary reason why the name Jose Rizal was forever etched in the history of the Philippines.
Most Bizarre Tales and Conspiracy Theories pertaining to Gat. Jose Rizal
Now, let us tackle the most hilarious and absurd urban legend that were told about our national hero. The tales that I will discuss hereinunder were the most mind-blowing narratives that I have heard about Rizal while I was in college.
First. That he is the father of the German dictator, Adolf Hitler.
This claim that our national hero fathered the most notorious persona of World War Two was based on the following premises: (1) Hitler was born on April 1889, thus, was perceived sometimes in 1888. Some claim that Rizal was in Germany during such time but some evidence show otherwise; and (2) The name of Adolf Hitler’s mother is Klara Polzl which sounds like the main female protagonist in Rizal’s novel, Maria Clara. No substantial evidence, however, was presented by the proponent and support of this narrative to support their claim.
Second. That Rizal is Jack the Ripper. London’s 19th century serial killer.
I learned about this mind-blowing story about Rizal when I was in college and personally, I consider this conspiracy theory as the most interesting and capturing.
To begin with, Jack the Ripper was a notorious serial killer who was responsible for numerous murders of women, particularly prostitutes, in Whitechapel district of London, England during the 19th century. The carnage made by Jack the Ripper was considered case unclosed and up until today no one knows the true identity of these murderer. Extensive investigations were made the London Police by none was fruitful.
There is no shortage as to speculations and allegations as to who Jack the Ripper was. Famous individuals were also pointed to be this killer – from Alice in Wonderland’s author, Lewis Caroll, to our very own Pepe, Dr. Jose Rizal.
Many enthusiastic conspiracy theorists presented several supposed proof that linked Jack the Ripper to our national hero. Here are some of their contentions, to state a few.
First, Rizal arrived in London on May 1888, conspiracy theorists claimed that this was the precise moment Jack the Ripper’s carnage started. And when Rizal left London on January 1889, such murders ceased.
Second. Jack the Ripper dissected her victims with precision which are mostly women and prostitutes. Our hero was a great doctor and was also famous for having a heart for women.
And lastly, the pseudonym Jack the Ripper is the same as the initial of our hero, Jose Rizal.
No definite proof was ever presented to show that Pepe is indeed Jack the Ripper. All we have is this conspiracy for us to ponder and give a thought to.
Anyway, belated Happy Birthday, Gat. Jose Rizal! Mabuhay ka!