Dr. Reinhold Rost: The Other German


 


If Jose Rizal regarded Ferdinand Blumentritt as "Bruder" (brother) and found in him a deep bond, then Reinhold Rost undoubtedly assumes the role of Rizal's "Ersatzvater" (a surrogate father). Though Rost spent most of his life in England and served as the head librarian at the India Office Library in London, his origins trace back to Germany. Like Jagor, Virchow, Meyer, Blumentritt, Schuchardt, and Schadenberg, Rost belongs to the esteemed ranks of the German intelligentsia who had the privilege of knowing Rizal. The only distinction lies in the language of their communication - Rost corresponded with Rizal in English. That's why Filipinos would never ever need translation to understand the deep admiration Rost had with Rizal .

One of Rost's letters to Rizal, dated April 26, 1895, reads: "Your letter was received with jubilant rejoicing by the family. If we could but do something towards bringing you back here to settle permanently among us and be always with us, it would make all of us very happy."

In another letter, possibly his final one to Rizal, dated August 9, 1895, Rost wrote: "The arrival of your letter was a high festival to me. Jagor and I had only been speaking about you a few days ago (he came here to attend the Geography Congress, though he is 80 years old), and Blumentritt also spoke much about you in his last letter. I wish and pray that heaven may grant me before I die the great blessing that I may behold your dear face once more."

What unique charm did Jose Rizal possess that garnered the affection and esteem of these luminaries of science and literature? There must have been an exceptional quality about Pepe.

Dr. Reinhold Rost, a German Orientalist, specialized in Philology, Asian languages, and Sanskrit. Notably, he was a devoted family man with seven children, a fact he often shared in his correspondence with Rizal. One of his sons, Ernest Reinhold Rost, pursued a career in the Indian Medical Service (IMS) and later became the director of Yangon General Hospital in Rangoon (Yangon), Burma, in 1899. Following in his father's footsteps, Ernest Reinhold Rost delved into Oriental Studies with a focus on Buddhism.

It was Reinhold Rost who facilitated Jose Rizal's access to the British Museum Library as a reader. This connection led Rizal to acquire and annotate Morga's "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas," which the Spaniards later used as evidence against Rizal during his trial, alongside the Noli and the Fili. The introduction between Rizal and Rost was made possible through the recommendation of none other than Ferdinand Blumentritt.

Perhaps it was during casual conversations or afternoon tea at the Rost household that a genuine fondness developed between Rizal and the Rost family. Interestingly, the place where Rizal rented a room in London was situated not far from the Rost residence.

Upon learning of Dr. Reinhold Rost's passing in 1896 from Blumentritt, Jose Rizal responded with a poignant line in German: "If I did not believe in the immortality of the soul, I would invent it in order to entertain myself with the hope of seeing him again!"

Indeed, the story of the overlooked German, Dr. Reinhold Rost."

Top of Form

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: Rizal's Batman

Image
   Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez (1849-1928) Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, a Spanish Jesuit, held a special place in Rizal's heart as his favorite teacher at Ateneo, where the priest taught Literature. It was under Fr. Sanchez's guidance that the young Rizal delved into the treasures of Greek and Latin Classics. The priest's encouragement led Rizal to hone his literary talents, engaging in the crafting of essays and poetry. The relationship between mentor and student was characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Father Sanchez even staunchly defended Rizal's work, 'Noli Me Tangere.' However, in a letter to Blumentritt dated May 1890, Rizal shared a nuanced description of the priest: "Father Sanchez is a keen observer, albeit somewhat pessimistic, often inclined to view the darker aspects of life. During our school days, he was often playfully referred to as a 'dark spirit,' and students affectionately nicknamed him 'Paniki,' a...
Read more

Jose Rizal's Bomb Plot

Image
Victorian lamp The Plot Even before international terrorists adopted the horrific tactics of suicide bombers and bomb couriers in their campaigns of vengeance, Philippine national hero José Rizal conceived a plot in his novel El Filibusterismo that involved a catastrophic explosion to ignite a revolution. In Chapters 34 and 35, Simoun arrives at the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez bearing a seemingly innocuous gift – a lamp. However, concealed within it is a potent explosive: nitroglycerin. The reception takes place at the former residence of the deceased Captain Tiago, which Simoun has meticulously rigged with explosives beforehand. According to his plan, the lamp will remain lit for only twenty minutes before flickering. If anyone attempts to adjust the wick, a catastrophic explosion will ensue, claiming the lives of all those gathered – a significant portion of Manila's elite, including prominent figures from both civil society and the church hierarch...
Read more

Pinagbuhatan Fiesta -- San Sebastián

Image
Every year on January 20, the typically monotonous streets of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in the City of Pasig transform themselves into a vibrant place of merrymaking and festivities. The focal point of the Mardi Gras-like atmosphere in the barangay is always the parish church, as January 20 marks the feast day of its revered patron saint—San Sebastian. "Viva San Sebastian!" At the break of dawn on the said day, brass bands parade the streets, as if calling the people to start the festivities—the traditional early morning rounds called "djana" (or diana to some bands). Now and then, that heroic sound of martial music would be broken by the distant sounds of exploding fireworks. The formal celebration starts with the morning mass officiated by the parish priest. In truth, the building excitement would not be found inside the church where mass is being held but instead outside. In the church grounds, the brewing festivities heat up. People gather outside, young and old ali...
Read more