* _Noli Me Tangere_ (1887)
>* First Filipino novel
>* Criticized Spanish colonial governance
>* Banned in the Philippines
* _El filibusterismo_ (1891)
>* Sequel to _Noli Me Tangere_
>* Depicts Simoun's attempt to overthrow the Spanish colonial government
>* Also banned
Political Activism
* Co-founded La Solidaridad, a reformist newspaper
>* Promoted Filipino rights and representation in the Spanish Cortes
>* Called for reforms in education, religious freedom, and legal equality
* Founded the Liga Filipina
>* Aimed to unite Filipinos and fight for their rights
>* Banned by Spanish authorities
Medical Practice
* Studied medicine in Europe
>* Earned a medical degree from the University of Madrid
>* Specialized in ophthalmology
* Established a medical practice in Hong Kong
>* Provided free medical care to the poor
>* Used his medical skills to help Filipino rebels
National Hero
* Considered the national hero of the Philippines
>* His writings and activism helped inspire the Philippine Revolution
>* His birthday (June 19) is a national holiday in the Philippines