José 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 of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Rizal's work inspired many Filipinos to seek independence and reform. Rizal was also a polymath, excelling in various fields such as medicine, literature, and the arts. He was executed by the Spanish colonial government on December 30, 1896, which further fueled the Philippine Revolution. Today, he is celebrated as a national hero in the Philippines.