Who is Jose Rizal?

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Realonda, widely known as José Rizal (Spanish pronunciation: [xoˈse riˈsal]; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896), was a Filipino nationalist and polymath during the tail end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. An ophthalmologist by profession, Rizal became a writer and a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement which advocated political reforms for the colony under Spain.

He was executed by the Spanish colonial government for the crime of rebellion after the Philippine Revolution, inspired in part by his writings, broke out. Though he was not actively involved in its planning or conduct, he ultimately approved of its goals which eventually led to Philippine independence.

He is widely considered one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines and has been recommended to be so honored by an officially empaneled National Heroes Committee. However, no law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero.[8] He was the author of the novels Noli Me Tángere and El filibusterismo, and a number of poems and essays

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Realonda, widely known as José Rizal , was a Filipino nationalist and polymath during the tail end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines.
Born: 19 June 1861, Calamba, Laguna
Died: 30 December 1896, Manila
Parent(s): Francisco Mercado Rizal (father); Teodora Alonso Realonda (mother)
Spouse: Josephine Bracken (m. 1896–1896)
Other names: Pepe, Jose (nicknames)
Education: Colegio de San Juan de Letran