Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary leader born on June 19, 1861. He is best known for his writings, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which exposed the injustices faced by Filipinos under Spanish colonial rule. Rizal's work inspired many Filipinos to seek independence and reform. Rizal was also a skilled polymath, excelling in various fields such as medicine, literature, and the arts. He was executed by the Spanish government on December 30, 1896, which further fueled the desire for freedom among Filipinos. Today, he is celebrated as a national hero in the Philippines.