4. Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal was a prolific Filipino novelist, correspondent, diarist, essayist and poet; who was conversant in 22 languages. When the Katipunan movement became a full blown rebellion in the Philippines, Rizal went to Cuba and United States to dissociate himself from the militant society.
During his trip to San Francisco in 1888, he correctly predicted that the US will become a troublesome country for the Filipinos with its expanding interest in Pacific and lack of equality to non-whites. Unfortunately for Rizal, Katipunan elected him as an honorary president without his consent and knowledge. After arriving in Cuba, Rizal was arrested by local Spanish authorities and sent back to Philippines to stand trial. Rizal was sentenced to death on conspiracy, sedition and rebellion; and executed by Filipino troops serving under the Spanish Army.
