1. National Hero of the Philippines: Rizal is acclaimed as the national hero of the Philippines. He is recognized for his contributions to Philippine society and his struggle against Spanish colonial rule.
2. El Prócer (The Hero): This title was given to Rizal by his fellow Filipinos as a symbol of respect and admiration for his heroic acts and sacrifices.
3. First Filipino Doctor: Rizal was the first Filipino to obtain a medical degree. He graduated with a Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
4. Polyglot: Rizal was a polyglot, meaning he could speak and understand several languages fluently. Some of the languages he mastered included Spanish, Tagalog, English, French, German, Italian, and Japanese.
5. Poet: Rizal was a gifted poet and wrote extensively in both Spanish and Tagalog. His poems often reflected his love for his country, his criticism of Spanish colonial rule, and his desire for social and political change.
6. Novelist: Rizal wrote two prominent novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which became influential works in Philippine literature. These novels highlighted the social, economic, and political issues of his time and advocated for reforms.
7. Political Activist and Reformist: Rizal was a key figure in the Propaganda Movement, a peaceful reform movement that aimed to achieve political and social reforms within the Spanish colonial government. He advocated for equal treatment, human rights, and the representation of Filipinos in the government.
8. Ophthalmologist: After completing his medical studies in the Philippines, Rizal specialized in ophthalmology in several countries, including Spain, France, and Germany. He became a renowned eye specialist and performed numerous surgeries to help patients with eye problems.
9. Propagandist: Rizal is widely regarded as a propagandist due to his writings and activism in the Propaganda Movement. He used his literary and journalistic talents to spread awareness of the grievances and aspirations of the Filipino people.
10. Martyr: Rizal's execution by the Spanish colonial government on December 30, 1896, marked him as a martyr for the cause of Philippine independence and reform. His martyrdom inspired further patriotic movements and fueled the revolutionary spirit among his countrymen.
José Rizal's titles reflect his diverse contributions and achievements in fields such as medicine, literature, activism, and social reform. He remains a symbol of national pride and continues to be revered for his unwavering dedication to the advancement and liberation of the Filipino people.