Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna: A Look into the Hero’s Life

You may have read about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in your history books, but have you actually tried to learn more about him and his life by visiting the historic spots he lived in? If you want to learn and travel simultaneously, visit the Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna.

The current house that you’ll see standing in Calamba is actually not the original house. The original establishment was sold and destroyed during World War II, and was reconstructed in 1949 using materials from the old building on the same site. Reconstruction was finished in 1950.

Inside the Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba

The house is a bahay na Bato, a typical house of middle-class families during the Spanish colonial period. Outside, the house is repainted in a striking green shade, making it easily recognizable. The green shade apparently symbolizes the surname of Jose Rizal. Going inside, you’ll find a traditional design, with narra flooring, capiz shell windows, and a red ceramic roof.

You’ll see the servant’s room, workroom, and food supplies room on the ground floor. It contains memorabilia from Jose Rizal’s life, from his childhood through adulthood. Originally, the ground floor of the house was built as a horse stable. Currently, it houses Rizal’s writings, certificates, and more.

The second floor is historically where the family’s rooms, library, dining area, and bathrooms are. Their backyard was previously filled with various plants and fruits, such as atis, santol, makopa, plum, and kasoy. There was also a small nipa hut, which was said to be the national hero’s hideout in his younger years.

In 1890, the family was evicted from their home after an altercation with friars. It was then that the demolition started. Thankfully, with donations from schoolchildren, National Artist Juan F. Nakpil reconstructed the house in 1950.

The Galleries

The establishment also serves as a museum with six galleries that’ll tell you more about Rizal’s interesting life.

The Kaliwanagan gallery depicts Rizal’s family life in Calamba. The Kapaligiran gallery depicts Calamba as an agricultural town, highlighting the birthplace where our hero once lived. In the Karunungan gallery, you’ll learn about Jose Rizal’s education from his education at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and Universidad de Santo Tomas.

The fourth gallery, the Bahay-na-Bato, would be perfect for those who would like to learn more about Rizal’s house and what makes it a home. Another gallery, called the Unang Paglalakbay sa Europa, exhibits Rizal’s life in Europe, highlighting his studies and writings on his novel Noli Me Tangere. The last gallery, the Pangalawang Paglalakbay sa Europa, highlights Rizal’s second journey to Europe, which tells about the propaganda and his second novel, El Filibusterismo.

You’ll find other interesting memorabilia and activities in the museum, from holograms to interactive booths to e-learning. This museum will surely entice you to learn and know more about Jose Rizal in a fun and interesting way.

How to go to the Rizal Shrine in Calamba

Here’s a commute guide (bus/jeep only) from Manila (Quiapo area) to the
Rizal Shrine:

Option 1: Bus via Buendia or One Ayala (Easiest)

Step-by-step:

1. From Quiapo / Manila
   Ride a jeep, bus, or UV going to:
   • Buendia (Gil Puyat), or
   • One Ayala / Glorietta (Makati)
2. Ride a bus to Calamba
   Look for buses with signboards:
   • SM City Calamba
   • Calamba Crossing
3. From SM Calamba / Crossing
   Ride:
   • Tricycle directly to Rizal Shrine, or
   • Jeep with signboard “Calamba Bayan.”

   Ask to be dropped near:

   • St. John the Baptist Church

   From there, it’s a short walk to the shrine.

Option 2: UV Express / Van

1. Go to Buendia or Makati terminals
2. Ride a van bound for Calamba
3. From the terminal, take a tricycle or jeep to Rizal Shrine

Key notes

• Travel time: about 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic
• You can tell drivers: “Rizal Shrine” or “bahay ni Rizal.”
• The shrine is in Calamba Poblacion, near the church

Details

Address: Francisco Mercado St. cor. Jose P. Rizal St., Brgy. Poblacion, Calamba, Laguna
Contact: 0917 553 7198 or 834-1599
Entrance fee: FREE admission
Email address: museonijoserizalcalamba@gmail.com

Note: The Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna, is currently closed to visitors during the community quarantine. You may email or contact the details above to ask about its reopening date.

Source: National Historical Commission of the Philippines

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