The Life and Work of Jose Rizal Page 1 of 6
General Education 9
Topic: Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education
III. LESSON PROPER
Rizal – Mercado Family
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Full name: Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda.
His first name was derived from San Jose (St. Joseph) because his mother was a devout Catholic.
The name “Protacio” came from the Catholic calendar.
Nick name: Pepe
Birth date: June 19, 1861
Baptism date: June 22, 1861
Birth Place: Calamba, Laguna
Date of death: December 30 1896 at the age of 35 years old.
Uzman – his black dog; Alipato – pony
More or less 22 Language he can speak
Pen name used in newspaper “La Solidaridad”: Laong Laan, means ever ready
Family background of Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Parents:
Francisco Mercado Rizal: Rizal’s father was a prosperous farmer who owned land in Calamba,
Laguna. Born in Biñan, Laguna, Francisco was a well-respected figure in their community. He was
known for his strong sense of duty, integrity, and industriousness, values he passed on to his
children.
Teodora Alonso Realonda: Rizal’s mother, Teodora, was an educated woman with a deep love for
literature and the arts. Born in Manila, she came from a family that was also well-educated and
influential. Teodora was Rizal’s first teacher and a significant influence on his intellectual
development. Her moral and religious teachings profoundly shaped Rizal’s character.
Siblings: José Rizal was the seventh of eleven children. His siblings were:
1. Saturnina (Neneng) – The eldest sister, who supported Rizal throughout his life.
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General Education 9
2. Paciano – The only brother and a key influence on Rizal’s political ideas. Paciano was closely
involved in the early nationalist movements.
3. Narcisa (Sisa) – Known for her deep affection and care for Rizal.
4. Olympia – Rizal was close to her during his studies in Manila.
5. Lucia – Another sister who played a supportive role in his life.
6. Maria (Biang) – Another sibling who maintained a close relationship with Rizal.
7. Concepcion (Concha) – Died young at the age of three, an event that deeply affected Rizal.
8. Josefa (Panggoy) – Remained single and helped in the family.
9. Trinidad (Trining) – Also remained single and took care of Rizal’s letters and writings after his death.
10. Soledad (Choleng) – The youngest sibling, who outlived Rizal by many years.
Childhood
Birthplace and Early Environment: José Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna,
a town near Manila. Calamba was a small agricultural town surrounded by lush greenery and was
known for its scenic beauty, with Mount Makiling and Laguna de Bay nearby. The natural
surroundings of his hometown had a significant influence on Rizal’s early imagination and artistic
sensibilities.
Family Life: Rizal grew up in a close-knit family that valued education and moral integrity. His family
belonged to the principalia, the educated and relatively wealthy class of Filipinos during Spanish
colonial rule. The family home in Calamba was a center of learning and culture, where discussions
on religion, philosophy, and social issues were common.
Early Tragedy: One of the earliest and most impactful events in Rizal’s childhood was the death of
his sister Concepcion (Concha) when he was only four years old. Concha’s death left a deep scar
on the young Rizal, and he later wrote about the profound sadness he felt at losing his playmate and
sibling.
Early Education
Home Education:
First Teacher – Teodora Alonso: Rizal’s mother was his first teacher. She taught him the alphabet,
basic prayers, and the rudiments of reading and writing. Teodora’s influence on Rizal was
profound; she instilled in him a love for books and learning, as well as strong moral and religious
values.
Reading and Storytelling: From a young age, Rizal showed a voracious appetite for reading. His
mother encouraged this by providing him with books and telling him stories that fed his imagination
and curiosity. He was particularly drawn to stories of great men and heroes, which planted the seeds
of his later patriotic fervor.
Formal Schooling in Biñan:
Biñan, Laguna: At the age of nine, Rizal was sent to Biñan, Laguna, to study under the tutelage of
Justiniano Aquino Cruz, a respected teacher in the town. This was Rizal’s first formal education
outside his home.
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General Education 9
Academic Excellence: In Biñan, Rizal excelled in his studies, particularly in Spanish, Latin, and
arithmetic. However, he also experienced bullying and discrimination, which were common for those
who excelled academically. These experiences of being an outsider and facing challenges would
later be reflected in his writings about social injustice.
Artistic Talents: Even during his early education in Biñan, Rizal’s artistic talents were evident. He
was known for his skill in drawing and sculpture, often impressing his classmates and teachers with
his works.
Ateneo Municipal de Manila:
Enrollment at Ateneo: In 1872, at the age of 11, Rizal enrolled at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila
(now Ateneo de Manila University), one of the most prestigious schools in the Philippines at the time,
run by the Jesuits.
Academic Achievements: Rizal was an exceptional student at Ateneo, consistently ranking at the
top of his class. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors in 1877. He was known for
his diligence, intellectual curiosity, and broad range of interests, which included literature, science,
and the arts.
Development of Values: Ateneo played a crucial role in shaping Rizal’s values, particularly his
sense of discipline, his pursuit of excellence, and his dedication to education. The Jesuits’ emphasis
on reason, logic, and ethics resonated with Rizal and would influence his later philosophical outlook.
Impact of Mother’s Imprisonment:
Injustice Experienced: During Rizal’s time at Ateneo, his mother was unjustly imprisoned on
charges of attempting to poison her sister-in-law. This experience deeply affected Rizal, exposing
him to the harsh realities of Spanish colonial rule and the injustices suffered by Filipinos. It intensified
his resolve to fight for his country’s freedom and fueled his desire to seek reforms.
Conclusion
José Rizal’s family, childhood, and early education were instrumental in shaping his character,
intellect, and sense of purpose. His upbringing in a loving and educated family, combined with early exposure
to social injustices, fostered his development into a passionate advocate for Philippine independence and
reform. These early influences laid the groundwork for his later achievements as a writer, scholar, and
national hero.