The Gombursa Martyrs and the Rise of Jose Risal

This chapter discusses the refusal of the Archbishop of Manila to defrock three priests prior to their executions, indicating his disapproval. These priests, known as Gombursa, are considered martyrs by Filipinos. The chapter then introduces Jose Risal, a bright and precocious child from a middle-class family in the Philippines. Risal showed exceptional talent in various fields, including languages, and excelled in his studies.