Calamba Rizal Shrine: A Sweet Retreat into History

The first time I visited the Calamba Rizal Shrine was when I was looking for a job in Laguna way back in 2006. Since then, much have changed, but history remains interesting. 

I got interested in this house because it was discussed much in school. One can only surmise the story of the moth and the growing up years of our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.  

Me at the entrance of Dr. Jose P. Rizal's House.

Our national hero belongs to an affluent family as evidenced by their house having a garage for their kalesa. It was a status symbol back then. 

The garage for the kalesa.

The kalesa owned by Rizal family.

There are exhibits on the clothing of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.  

Long john of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal's formal vest and pants.

In Rizal's residence, you will also get to know the patriarch and the matriarch, and the family values they hold dear.  

Portraits of Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso, the
parents of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Sculpture of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Inside the house, you will appreciate antique furniture in ornate style. They were witnesses to the life experiences of our national hero which shaped his world views and later on manifested in his patriotism and nationalism.    

The grand staircase of the house.

Bedroom occupied by the Rizal sisters.

Receiving area of the house.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Maximo Viola, and Ferdinand Blumentritt

The dining area with that large fan hanging overhead.

Kitchen and old cooking tools.

Latrine in the olden times.

Bath area.

This is how they transport water to their bathroom
in those times.

The grounds of the Rizal house is spacious. You can find there a bahay kubo, a museum, and a souvenir shop. You can also see there a depiction of the hero as a young boy as well as the grave of his parents.  

Dr. Jose P. Rizal portrayed as a child playing in their yard.

Grave of Dr. Jose P. Rizal's parents.

What I can glean from my visit there is that human beings are mortal. But the cause of their existence renders them eternal gratitude of those they have served well. In the case of Dr. Rizal, it is the Filipino people.