1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

UNIT 1: Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early

Education
1.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 Critically assess of the effectiveness of the Rizal course.
 Analyze Rizal’s family, childhood and earl education.
 Evaluate the people and events and their influence on Rizal’s early life.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Hello, my dear student! Welcome to

your course in GE 12 Rizal Life, Works and
Writings of Rizal. Ever wondered why Rizal
subject is included in your curriculum? It is
because the teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works,
and writings is mandated by Republic Act
1425, otherwise known as the Rizal Law.
Senator Jose P. Laurel, the person who
sponsored the said law, said that since Rizal
was the founder of Philippine nationalism and
has contributed much to the current standing
of this nation, it is only right that the youth as
Source: https:// [Link]/en/png-dxajx well as all the people in the country know
about and learn to imbibe the great ideals for
which he died.

Rizal Law, enacted in 1956, seeks to accomplish the following goals:

1. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and

nationalism, for which our heroes lived and died
2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in
shaping the Filipino character
3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s
life, works, and writings.

Aside from the mentioned above there are other reasons for teaching the
Rizal course in Philippine schools:

1. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation

to present conditions and situations in the society.
2. To encourage the application of such ideals in current social and
personal problems and issues.
3. To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of all that Rizal
fought and died for.
4. To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all aspects of
citizenship.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 2

1.2 Lecture/Discussion and Assessment

Now, before going through the discussion below, please answer

this activity first that will develop your understanding.
All you need to do is CREATE AN IMAGE or draw on how well
you know and understand Jose Rizal as a National Hero. You can use
crayons, color pen or any local and indigenous materials.

Good job! I appreciate you were able to answer this task

completely. I believe you are now ready for our lesson. Let’s start.

1.2.1 A Hero is Born

A. The World When Rizal Was Born

 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 3

Dr. Jose Rizal, the greatest hero of the

Philippines was a “many-splendored” genius.
He was richly dowered by God with super
intellectual, moral, and physical qualities.
Truly, he ranks with the world’s geniuses. Near
midnight of Wednesday, June 19, 1861, when
the Philippines was in deep lumber, a frail
baby-boy was born to the Rizal family in
The Portrait of Rizal in 1883 Painted in Oil by Felix
Calamba, Laguna. It was a moonlight night,
Resurrection Hidalgo. being “a few days before the full of the moon.
Source: [Link] The delivery was exceedingly difficult, and the
[Link]
mother almost died.

Her seemingly miraculous survival was attributed to Our Lady of Peace

and Good Voyage. The baby boy was baptized by Rev. Rufino Collantes in
the Catholic Church of Calamba on June 22, 1861, three days after his birth.
His godfather was Rev. Pedro Casañas. He was named “Jose” by her pious
mother, in honor of St. Joseph. The full name of the baby boy, who was
destined to become the greatest genius was Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y
Alonoso Realonda. Protacio came from Gervacio P which came from a
Christian calendar, in consideration of the day of his birth. Rizal came from
the word Ricial in Spanish means field where a wheat, cut while still green,
sprout again. Mercado was adopted by Domingo Lamco which Spanish term
means market. Alonzo was the old name/surname of his mother and
Realonda was used by Doña Teodora from the surname of her grandmother
bas on the culture by that time.

The family name of Rizal’s parents did not coincide with his own as
inscribed in his birth certificate. This can be explained as follows: The name
of Rizal’s mother was Teodora Alonso Quintos, and according to some notes
of Rizal’s brothers, Paciano, the birth certificate of Jose bore the name
Realonda because there was a time when many Filipinos has a custom of
adding the name of the godmother or godfather to child’s name. Thus, when
his mother Teodora was baptized, the name Realonda (her godmother’s) was
added to her name, and later to Rizal’s. Rizal himself gave in a letter to
Blumentritt the complete name of his mother.

As regards the family name, this was a matter of selection, in

conformity with the order in force about the middle of the 19 th century, to the
effect that the natives chose the family name they wished from a list
provided for this purpose. Rizal’s father ignored these orders and reapplied
for the name Rizal. The petition was rejected by the Spanish authorities, but
despite this, the Mercado family used the name Rizal as a second family
name. Jose was the first to use the family name “Rizal” in 1872 when he
went to Manila to enroll at the Ateneo Municpal, directed by the Jesuits.
There was a good reason for the change. Only six months had elapsed since
the Cavite Mutiny in 1972. This event was to have a profound effect on the
ideological genesis of Jose, despite the fact that he was only eleven years old
at that time. His brother Paciano had contacts with Father Burgos, who was
executed as a consequence of the uprisings. The name Mercado thus
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 4

became subject to suspicion. Hence, the adoption of Rizal as the first family
name.

Parents: Jose was 7th of the eleven children of Francisco Mercado Rizal
and mother Teodora Alonzo Realonda. The hero’s father, Francisco (1818-
1898), was worn in Biñan, Laguna, on May 11, 1818 and died in Manila on
January 5, 1898 at the age of 80. He was an educated farmer having studied
Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila. In early manhood
after his mother’s death he moved to Calamba and became a tenant-farmer
of the Dominican estate. He married a college bred- Manileña, Teodora
Alonzo Realonda on June 28, 2848. Dr. Rizal, his greatest child, affectionately
called him “a model of fathers”. He was a quiet, serious, frugal man, taller
than the average Filipino, with wide shoulders, brown complexion, prominent
forehead, large dark eyes, large ears, and firm jaws.

The hero’s mother, Teodora (1826-1911), was born in Manila on

November 8, 1826 and died in Manila on August 16, 1911, at the age of 85. A
graduate of Santa Rosa College, she was a talented woman with high
culture, business ability, and literary gift. She had the most striking
personality in the family circle, due to her intelligence, her upbringing, and
her disposition. A well-read person, she knew how to appreciate literature,
corrected her son’s verses, and had a good knowledge of mathematics.

Rizal Ancestors. Like most Filipinos, Rizal was of mixed racial origin.
In his veins flowed the blood of the East and West. Rizal’s great-great-
grandfather was Domingo Lamco, the intelligent and industrious Chinese
merchant, who married Ines de la Rosa, a Chinese mestiza. From Parian. The
family migrated to Biñan and became tenants in the Dominican estate.
Lamco’s only son, Francisco, who was to be Rizal’s great-grandfather was a
keen, witty, and liberal young man. He became quite well-to-do and popular
enough to be appointed municipal captain of Biñan in 1783. The family
adopted the surname “Mercado” to free the younger generation from the
prejudices that followed those with a Chinese name.

Francisco Mercado’s wife, Bernarda Monicha, was a Chinese mestiza.

They were bless with two children: Juan and Clemente. Juan married Cirila
Alejandra, also a Chinese mestiza. The couple had fourteen children
including who was to be Rizal’s father. Francisco and two of his sister moved
to a Dominican estate in Calamba and became pioneer farmers.

Materially, socially, and professionally, the family of Teodora Alonso

was a better off than the family of her husband. In those days when
professionals were few, the Alonso clan could boast of a number of lawyers,
priests, engineers and government officials. Teodora, Rizal’s mother whose
parents were Lorenzo Alberto Alonso and Brigida Ochoa belonged to a
professionally famous family from Baliuag Bulacan.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 5

Source: [Link]

The Rizal Children. God blessed the marriage of Francisco Mercado

Rizal and Teodora Alonso Realonda with eleven children – two boys and nine
girls. These children were as follows.

1. Saturnina (1850-193). She was the oldest of the Rizal

children, nickname Neneng. She married Manuel T. Hidalgo of
Tanauan, Batangas.
2. Paciano (1851-1930). Older brother of Rizal and become a
general when he joined the revolution. He was immortalized
in Rizal’s first novel Noli Me Tangere as the wise Pilosopong
Tasio. After the revolution, he retired to his farm in Los Baños
and led the life of a gentleman farmer
3. Narcisa (1852-1939). Pet name, Sisa. She married Antonino
Lopez, a school teacher of Morong, Rizal.
4. Olimpia (1855-1887). Pet name, Ypia. She married Silvestre
Ubaldo, a telegraph operator from Manila.
5. Lucia (1857- 1919). She married Mariano Herbosa, a
Batagueño farmer.
6. Maria (1859-1945). She was known as Biang. She married
Daniel Faustino Cruz of Biñan, Laguna.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 6

7. Jose (1861 – 1896). The lucky seven in a family of eleven

children. The greatest hero and peerless genius. His nickname
was Pepe.
8. Concepcion (1862-1865). She died at the age of three. Her
death was Rizal’s first sorrow in life. Her nick name was
Concha.
9. Josefa (1865-1945). She died unmarried at the age of 80;
Panggoy was her nickname.
10. Trinidad (1868-1951). She also died unmarried at the age
of 83; Trining was her nickname.
11. Soledad (1870-1929). She was the youngest of the Rizal
children and known as Choleng. She married Pantaleon
Quintero of Calamba.

Rizal Home. It is one of the distinguished stone houses in Calamba

during the Spanish times. It was rectangular in shape, “of adobe stone and
hardwood with a red-tiled roof. Behind it were the poultry yard and full of
turkeys and chickens and the garden of tropical fruit trees. It was a happy
home where parental affection and children’s laughter reigned. By day, it
hummed with the jubilant noises of the children at play. By night, it echoed
with the dulcet notes of family prayers. Both parents and children were
harmoniously united by strong ties of affection and understanding.

Rizal’s family home in Calamba, Laguna

Source: [Link]
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 7

1.2.2 Rizal’s Childhood

Childhood in Calamba. “Cradle of a

Genius”. At the age of four, he could
recognize the martin, the maya, multi-
coloured kuliawan, and many others. In
the afternoon, protected from the
tropical sub by the shadow of Mount
Makiling, the young Rizal contemplated
at these birds with joy. How happy he
was in that communion with nature.

His mother nurture his mind,

equipped with a great capacity for
assimilation and with exceptional
intelligence. She taught him how to read
and write; she inculcated in him a sense
of duty. She corrected his faults,
especially his obstinacy. To accomplish
this, she used parables, which Jose, like
Rizal at the age of 13.
other children loved to listen to. At the
Source: [Link]
end of each parable, the mother
explaining the symbolism, brought out a
moral lesson.

In hours of leisure, he would return to the orchard where the study of insects
held his interest. Since childhood hobbies are usually those that last, Jose
retained his inclination to botany and zoology in his lifetime.

Rizal continued making progress in his studies. Before the age of three, he
could recite the alphabet; he paid great attention to the lessons that his
sisters received from their tutors. This great diligence was not forced on him
by his mother. It was he, himself, who evinced an innate curiosity for and
interest in learning. In Calamba, he learned how to write. It is said that his
father paid an old man to teach him the elements of Latin. The classes lasted
only five months owing to the death of the old man.

He went to a school in Calamba, but after a short time it was clear that he
had learned all there was to learn from his school teacher. He made to stop
going to school. He was at that time seven years old.

In 1868, shortly after the birth of Trinidad, Jose made his first trip to Manila.
Part of the trip was by boat across the Laguna de Bay and it provided him
with a new and much faceted experience which ten years later, he captured
in poetic prose. He also went to visit the Virgin of Antipolo in fulfilment of a
promise made by his mother on the he was born.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 8

Biñan. Rizal continued his studies at home. But the situation could not
go on, so Francisco thought of sending the boy to Biñan, his native town
bigger than Calamba, along the banks of Laguna de Bay which was an hour-
and-a half ride away. The teachers in Biñan would be more capable to teach
him.

He was at that time nine years old. It was his first time that he was
separated from his family. Accompanied by Paciano, he left Biñan one
Sunday, arriving there at sundown. They went to their aunt’s house where
Rizal was to board, together with six other relative, Paciano introduced him
to his teacher, who was his tutor before. When the teachers asked Rizal,
whether he spoke Spanish, Rizal answered, “A little Sir”. This prompted one
of his co –students, Pedro, to make fun of him. Rizal, although smaller and
younger, challenged him to a fight after class. He himself admitted that he
won by sheer luck. He gained the reputation of being small but strong but his
fame did not last long.

Occasionally, he would take a trip to Calamba, but not as often as he wished.

He was not happy in Biñan. The stronger reason was that he was homesick
for his town and family.

By about the middle of 1870, he received a letter from home announcing

that the boat Talim would pass for him on his return home. Not only was he
going home, but he was also going by boat, an experience he never had
before. Rizal spent Christmas with his family and there it was decided that he
would not return to Biñan. While waiting for the month of June when he
would enrol for secondary school in Manila, they provided him with another
professor, with whom he did not learn anything except the multiplication
table.

The Detention of Teodora Alonso: While Rizal, happy in his family,

awaited the month of July to go to school in Manila, something happened
that darkened the lie in that home. Jose Alberto, cousin of Teodora, was one
of the wealthiest in Biñan. Upon his return from a trip to Europe, he came
home to find his wife gone and his children abandoned. To all appearances,
she had been unfaithful to him. Jose Alberto planes to separate from her, but
Teodora intervened for the sake of the children, and for the reasons based
on the Catholic principle she professed. They succeeded in dissuading him
from his plans and the family was reunited.

Subsequent events proved tragic. Rizal says in his memories. ”A few

days later, the infamous woman, together with a lieutenant of the guardia
civil who had been a family friend, accused him (Jose Alberto) of poisoning”,
and named his mother as the accomplice. His mother was put in prison by
the alcalde, who was a fanatic, a puppet of the friars. From then on, Jose
Alberto doubted all men and lost faith in their friendship.

The detention of Teodora was marked by extreme cruelty and

humiliation. They made her walk barefoot to the prison which was situated
30 kilometers away. When the case reached the Audiencia, the alcalde asked
pardon for Teodora. She was finally absolved, but the case dragged in for
two and a half years before she finally gained release.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 9

Influences on Hero’s Boyhood. In the lives of all men there are

influences which cause some to be great and others not. In the case of Rizal,
he had all the favourable influences, which no other child in our country had
enjoyed. Theses influences are the following:

1. Hereditary influence: According to biological science, there are

inherent traits or qualities which a person inherits from his ancestors
and parents. From his Malayan ancestors, Rizal evidently, inherited his
passionate love for freedom and his serenity of life’s outlook. From his
Chinese ancestors he derived his serious nature, frugality, patience,
and love for children. From his Spanish ancestors, he got his elegance
of bearing, sensitivity to insult, and gallantry to ladies. From his father,
he inherited profound sense of self-respect, the love for work, and the
habit of independent thinking. And from his mother, he inherited his
religious nature, the spirit of self-sacrifice and the passion for arts and
literature.
2. Environmental Influence: According to psychologist, environment, as
well as hereditary, affects the nature of a person. Environmental
influence includes places, associates and events. The scenic beauties
of Calamba and the beautiful garden of the Rizal family stimulated the
inborn artistic and literary talents of Jose Rizal. The religious
atmosphere at his home fortified his religious nature. His brother,
Paciano, instilled in his mind the values of brotherly love. From his
sisters, he learned to be courageous and kind to women. The fairy
tales told by his aya during his early childhood awakened his interest
in folklore and legends. His Uncle Gregorio taught him to love books.
His Uncle Jose inspired him to develop his artistic ability. From his
Uncle Manuel, he learned the importance of good health and sports.
And from Father Leoncio Lopez, parish priest from Calamba, he
acquired the value of intellectual honesty and the love for scholarship.
The sorrows in his family, such as the death of Concha in 1865
and the imprisonment of his mother in 1872-74, contributed to his
melancholy temperament. But such sorrows helped to strengthen his
character enabling him to resist blows of adversity in later years. The
Spanish abuses and cruelties which he witnessed in his boyhood, such
as the brutal acts of the lieutenant of the Guardia Civil and the alcalde,
the unjust torture inflicted on innocent Filipinos, and the execution of
Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora, awakened his spirit of patriotism
and inspired him to dedicate his life to redeem his oppressed people.
3. Aid of Divine Providence: Greater than heredity and environment in the
fate of man is the aid of Divine Providence. Rizal was providentially
destined to be the pride and glory of our people. God had endowed
him with the versatile talents of a rare genius, the unsurpassed spirit
of nationalism, and the valiant heart to sacrifice himself for a noble
cause. He gave us this particular genius and hero during the darkest
period of our history in order that our suffering people might be
emancipated from Spanish tyranny.

1.2.3 Triumphs in Ateneo

Four months after the martyrdom of Gom-Bur-

Za and with Doña Teodora still in prison, Jose, who
had not yet celebrated his 11 th birthday, was sent to
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

Manila. He studied in the Ateneo Municipal, a college

under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits. This
college was a bitter rival of the Dominican-owned
College of San Juan de Letran.

It was formerly the Escuela Pia (Charity

School), a school for boys in Manila which was
established by the city government in 1817. When
the Jesuits, who had been expelled from the
Philippines in 1768, returned to Manila in 1859, they
were given the management of the Escuela Pia,
10
whose name was changed to Ateneo Municipal and
later became the Ateneo de Manila. They had lost all
their properties during

the period of their exile, hence they were given splendid educators, so that
within a few years Ateneo acquired wide prestige as an excellent college for
boys.

Rizal Enter the Ateneo. On June 10, 1872, Jose, accompanied by

Paciano, went to Manila, He took the entrance examinations on Christian
doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at the College of San Juan de Letran, and
passed them all. He returned to Calamba to stay a few days with his family
and to attend the town fiesta. His father, who first wished him to study at
Letran, changed his mind and decided to send him to the Ateneo instead.

Thus, upon his return to Manila, Jose, again accompanied by Paciano,

matriculated at the Ateneo Municipal. At firsts, Father Magin Ferrando, who
was the college registrar refuse to admit him for two reasons: (1) he was late
for registration and (2) he was sickly and undersized for his age. Rizal was
then eleven years old. However upon the intercession of Manuel Xerez
Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos, he was reluctantly admitted to Ateneo.

The system of education given by the Jesuits in the Ateneo was

advanced from that of other colleges in that period. It trained the character
of the student by rigid discipline and religious instruction. On his first day of
class in the Ateneo, in June 1872, Rizal first heard Mass at the College chapel
and prayed fervently to God for guidance and success. Students were
divided into two groups, namely: the Roman Empire consisting of the
internos (boarders) and the Carthaginian Empire composed of the externos
(non-boarders). The best student in each empire was the emperor, the
second best was the tribune; the third best, the decuion; the fourth best, the
centurion; and the fifth best, the standard-bearer.

Rizal’s 1st professor in the Ateneo was Fr. Jose Bech, whom he
describes as “tall, thin man, with a body slightly bent forward, a hurried
walk, an ascetic face, severe and inspired, small deep-sunken eyes, a sharp
nose that was almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose ends fell
toward the chin.

Being a newcomer and knowing little Spanish, Rizal was placed at the
bottom of the class. He was externo, hence he was assigned to the
Carthaginians, occupying the end of the line. After the first week, the frail
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

Calamba boy progressed rapidly. At the end of the month, he became

“emperor”. He was the brightest in the whole class, and he was awarded a
prize. “How pleased I was”, he said, “When I won my first prize, a religious
picture!”

To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel

College during the noon recesses, when other Ateneo students were playing
or gossiping, He paid three pesos for those extra Spanish lessons, but it was
money well spent.

In the second half of his year in the Ateneo, Rizal did not try hard
enough to retain his scholarship supremacy which he held during the first
half of the term. This was because he resented more remarks of his
professor. He placed second at the end of the year, although all his grades 11
were still marked “excellent.” In March 1874, he went to Calamba to spend
his summer vacation.

Nothing unusual happened to Rizal during his second term in the

Ateneo, except that he repented having neglected his studies the previous
year simply because he was offended by the teacher’s remarks, and so, to
regain his lost class leadership, he studied harder. Once more, he became
“emperor”.

Some of his classmates were new. Among them were the three boys
form Biñan, who had been his classmates in the school of Maestro Justiniano.
At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent grades in all subjects
and a gold medal. With such scholastic honors he triumphantly returned to
Calamba in March, 1874 for summer vacation.

Prophecy of Mother’s Release. Rizal lost no time in going to Santa

Cruz in order to visit his mother. He gladdened Doña Teodora’s lonely heart
with his scholastic triumphs in Ateneo and with funny tales about his
professors and fellow students. The mother was very happy to see her
favorite child making such splendid progress in college.

In course of their conversation, Doña Teodora told her son of her

dream the previous night. Rizal, interpreting such dream, said to her, that
she would be released from prison in three months’ time. Doña Teodora
smiled, thinking that her son’s prophecy was a mere boyish attempt to
console her.

But Rizal’s prophecy became true. Barely three months passed, and
suddenly Doña Teodora was set free. By that time, Rizal was already in
Manila attending his classes in Ateneo.

Teenage Interest in Reading. The first novel of Rizal was The Count of
Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. This thrilling novel made a deep
impression on him. His boyish imagination was stirred by the sufferings of
Edmond Dantes (the hero) in prison, his spectacular escape from the
dungeon of Chateau d’If, his finding of the buried treasure on the rocky
island od Monte Cristo, and his dramatic revenge on his enemies who
wronged him.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

Third Year in Ateneo (1874-76). In June, 1874, Rizal returned to

Ateneo for his junior years. Shortly after the opening of classes, his mother
arrived and joyously told him that she was released from prison, just as he
predicted during his last visit to her prison cell in Santa Cruz, Laguna.
However, despite the family happiness, Rizal did not make an excellent
showing in his studies as in the previous year. His grades remained excellent
in all subjects, but he won only one medal – Latin. He failed to win the medal
in Spanish because his spoken Spanish was not fluently sonorous. He was
beaten by a Spaniard who, naturally, could speak with fluency and with right
accentuation. At the end of the school year (March, 1875), Rizal returned to
Calamba for summer vacation, He, himself, was not impressed by his
scholastic work.

Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-76). On June 14, 1875, he became an

internee in the Ateneo. One of his professors this tie was Fr. Francisco
Sanchez, a great educator and scholar. He inspired young Rizal to study
harder and write poetry. He became an admirer and friend of the slender
Calamba lad, whose God-given genius. Inspired by Father Sanchez, Rizal
resumed his studies with vigor and zest. He topped all his classmates in all
12
subjects and won five medals at the end of the school term. He returned to
Calamba for his summer vacation (March 1876) and proudly offered his five
medals and excellent ratings to his parents.

Last Year in Ateneo (1876-77). After the summer vacation, Rizal

returned to Manila in June, 1876 for his last year in Ateneo. He finished his
last year in the Ateneo in a blaze of glory. He obtained the highest grades in
all subjects. Rizal graduated at the head of the class. On Commencement
Day, March 23, 1877, Rizal who was 16 years old, received from his Alma
Mater, Ateneo Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with the highest
honors. It was a proud day for his family. His scholastic records at the Ateneo
from 1872-1877 are as follows:

Arithmetic …………………. Excellent

Latin 1 …………………. Excellent
Spanish 1 …………………. Excellent
Greek 1 ………………… Excellent

1873-1874
Latin 2 ………………… Excellent
Spanish 2 ………………… Excellent
Greek 2 ………………… Excellent
Universal Geography ………. Excellent

1874-1875
Latin 3 ……………….. Excellent
Spanish 3 ………………. Excellent
Greek 3 ……………….. Excellent
Universal History ……….. Excellent
History of Spain in the Phil’s. Excellent
Arithmetic & Algebra ……… Excellent
1875-1876
Rhetoric & Poetry …………… Excellent
French ……………. Excellent
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

Geometry & Trigo ……………. Excellent

1876-1877
Philosophy 1 ………….. Excellent
Mineralogy & Chemistry ……. Excellent
Philosophy 2 …………… Excellent
Physics …………… Excellent
Botany & Zoology ……………. Excellent

Extra-Curricular Activities at Ateneo. An “emperor” inside the

classroom, he was a campus leader outside. He was an active member, later
secretary, of a religious society, the Marian Congregation. He was accepted
as member of this sodality not only because of his academic brilliance but
also because of his devotion to Our Lady. Only Ateneans who distinguished
themselves in class for their piety and good scholarship could be members of
this society. Rizal was also a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature
13
and the Academy of Natural Sciences. These “academies” were exclusive
societies in the Ateneo, to which only Ateneans who were gifted in literature
and sciences could qualify for membership.

In his leisure hours, Rizal cultivated his literary talents under the
guidance of Father Sanchez. Another professor, Father Jose Vilaclara,
advised him to stop communing with the Muses and pay more attention to
more practical studies, such as philosophy and natural sciences. Rizal did not
heed his advice. He continued to solicit Father Sanchez’ help in improving his
poetry.

Aside from writing poetry, he devoted his spare time in fine arts. He
studied painting under the famous Spanish painter, Agustin Saez, and
sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus, noted Filipino sculptor. Both art master
honored him with their affection, for he was a talented student.

Furthermore, Rizal, to develop his weak body, engaged in gymnastics

and fencing. He thereby continued physical training under his sports-minded
Uncle Manuel.

Sculptural Works in Ateneo

Image of Virgin Mary made of wood. Jose Rizal carved this Sacred Heart of Jesus when he was 14.
[Link] [Link]

Rizal impressed Jesuit professors in the Ateneo with his artistic skill.
One day he carved an image of Our Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

(Philippine hardwood) with his pocket –knife. The Jesuit Fathers were amazed
at the beauty and grace of the image.

Father Lleonart, impressed by Rizal’s sculptural talent, requested him

to carve for him an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Young Rizal
complied, and within few days he presented it to Father Lleonart. The old
Jesuit was highly pleased and profusely thanked the teenage sculptor.

He intended to take the image with him to Spain, but, being an absent-
minded professor, he forgot to do so. The Ateneo boarding students placed it
14
on the door of their dormitory, and there it remained for nearly 20 years,
reminding all Ateneans for Dr. Rizal, the greatest alumnus of their Alma Mater.
This image played a significant part in Rizal’s last hours at Fort Santiago.

Anecdote on Rizal the Atenean. One of Rizal’s contemporaries in the

Ateneo was Felix M. Roxas. He related an incident of Rizal’s schooldays in the
Ateneo which reveals the hero’s resignation to pain and forgiveness. One day
many Ateneans, including Rizal, were studying their lessons at the study-hall.
Two Ateneans, Manzano and Lasaca, quarrel and violently hurled books at
each other. Rizal, who was busy at his desk poring over his lessons, was hit in
the face by one of the thrown books. He did not raise a cry of protest,
although his wounded face was bleeding. His classmates brought him to the
infirmary where he had to undergo medical treatment for several days. After
the incident, he continued to attend his classes, feeling neither bitterness nor
rancor toward the guilty party.

Another anecdote on Rizal was related by Manuel Xeres Burgos, in

whose house Rizal boarded shortly before he became an internee in the
Ateneo. This anecdote illustrates Rizal’s predilection to help the helpless at
the risk of his own life. One Thursday afternoon, being vacation day, the boys
flew their kites from the azotea. Young Rizal then was busy reading a Spanish
book of fables at the window. After a while he heard Julio Melliza from Iloilo,
one of the smallest boarders, crying –because his kite was caught by the vines
growing on the belfry of the Manila Cathedral which was near the boarding-
house. The bigger boys were laughing, making fun of Julio’s misfortune. Rizal
closed the book he was reading and told Julio not to cry, for he would try to
retrieve the kite. True to his promise he courageously climbed the high
cathedral tower and successfully recovered the kite.

Poems Written in Ateneo. It was Doña Teodora first discovered the

poetical genius of her son, and it was also she who first encouraged him to
write poems. However, it was Father Sanchez who inspired Rizal to make full
use of his God-given genius in poetry and improved the latter’s poetical arts
by opening his mind to the enriching influences of world’s literature.

The first poem Rizal probably wrote during his days in the Ateneo was
Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) which was dedicated to his
mother on her birthday. It is said that he wrote it before he was 14 years old,
that is, in the year 1874. Before this year he did not write poetry because
there was gloom in his heart owing to his mother’s imprisonment. Upon the
release of his mother in 1874, his poetic heart began to sing with ecstasy and
joy.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

First Romance of Rizal.

Shortly after his graduation from the Ateneo,

Rizal, who was then sixteen years old, experienced
his romance. The girl was Segunda Katigbak, a pretty
fourteen-year old Batagueña from Lipa. In Rizal’s
won words: “She was rather short, with eyes that
were eloquent and ardent at time and languid at
other, rosy-checked, with an enchanting and
provocative smile that revealed very beautiful teeth,
and the air of a sylph; her entire self-diffused a
Image of Virgin Mary made of wood. mysterious charm.”
[Link]
Rizal came to know Segunda more intimately
during

his weekly visits to La Concordia College, where his sister Olimpia was a
boarding student. Olimpia was a close friend of Segunda. It was apparent that
Rizal and Segunda loved each other. Theirs was indeed “a love at first sight.” But
it was hopeless since the very beginning because Segunda was already engaged
to be married to her town mate, Manuel Luz. Rizal, for all his artistic and
15
intellectual prowess, was a shy and timid lover. Segunda had manifested, by
insinuation and deeds, her affection for him, but him, but he timidly failed to
propose.

The last time they talked to each other was on Thursday in December,
1877, when
Christmas vacation was about to begin. He visited Segunda at Concordia College
to say good-bye because he was going home to Calamba the following day. She
on her part told him she was also going home one day later. She kept quiet after
her brief reply, waiting for him to say something her heart was clamoring to hear.
But Rizal failed to come up to her expectation.

The next day Rizal arrived in his hometown. Her mother did not
recognize him at first, due to her failing eyesight. He was saddened to find out his
mother’s growing blindness. His sister gaily welcomed him, teasing him about
Segunda, for they knew of his romance through Olimpia.

That night he demonstrated his skill in fencing to his family. He had a

friendly fencing match with the best fencer in Calamba and bested him.

The following day (Saturday) he learned that the steamer carrying

Segunda and her family would not anchor at Calamba because of the strong
winds; it would stop in Biñan. He saddled his white horse and waited at the road.
A cavalcade of carromatas from Biñan passed by. In one of them was Segunda
smiling and waving her handkerchief at him. He doffed his hat and was tongue-
tied to say anything. Her carriage rolled on and vanished in the distance like a
“swift shadow”. He returned home, dazed and desolate, with his first romance
“ruined by his own shyness and reserve”. The first girl, whom he loved with
ardent fervor, was lost to him forever. She returned to Lipa and married Manuel
Luz. He remained in Calamba, a frustrated lover, cherishing nostalgic memories
of a lost love.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

Three years later, Rizal, recording his first and tragic romance said:
“Ended, at an early hour, my first love! My virgin heart will always mourn the
reckless step it took in the flower-decked abyss. My illusions will return, yes, but
in different, uncertain, ready for the first betrayal on the path of love.”

1.2.4 University of Santo Tomas

After graduating with the highest honors from

the Ateneo, Rizal had to go to the University of Santo
Tomas in order to prepare himself for a career. The
Bachelor of Arts degree during the Spanish time was
equivalent to a high school diploma today. It merely
qualified its holder to enter a university. Bothe Don
Francisco and Paciano wanted that Jose should
pursue higher learning. But Doña Teodora did not
want him to study more. Evidently, she had
premonition that too much knowledge would imperil
hers son’s life.

Source: [Link]
In a family council in Rizal home in Calamba, 16
she vigorously objected to have her beloved Jose
q=rizal+in+santo+tomas&sxsrf=ALeK
acquire higher education. She was thinking of the
safety of her son. She knew
the fate of the Filipino intellectuals- Father Burgos, Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor,
Jose Ma. Basa, and other exiles of 1872 who were either executed or exiled by
the Spanish authorities, and she blames their sad fate to their learning.
Evidently, Don Francisco and Paciano were able to overcome Doña Teodora’s
objection. It was finally that Jose would study in the University of Sto. Tomas.

Rizal Enters the University. In April 1877, Rizal, who was then nearly 16 years
old, matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas taking Philosophy and Letters.
He enrolled in this course for two reasons: (1) his father liked it and (2) he was
“still uncertain as to what career to follow.” He had written to Father Pablo
Ramon, Rector of the Ateneo, who had been good to him during his student days
in that college, asking for advice on the choice of career. Unfortunately, the
Father Pablo Ramon, was in Mindanao and during those days it took several
months for a letter to travel between Manila and Mindanao. Consequently
during his first year team (1877-78) in the University of Santo Tomas, he studies
Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of Philosophy.

It was during the following school term (1878-79) that Rizal took up
medicine, enrolling simultaneously in the preparatory medical course and the
regular first year medical course. The reason why he studied medicine were: (1)
he wanted to be a physician so that he might cure his mother’s failing eyesight
and (2) The Father Rector of the Ateneo, whom he consulted for a choice of
career, finally answered his letter, recommending medicine.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

Finishes Surveying Course in Ateneo (1878). During his first school term in
the University of Santo Tomas (1877-78), Rizal also studied in the Ateneo. He
took the vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor (expert
surveyor). In those days it should be remembered, the colleges for boys in
Manila offered vocational course in agriculture, commerce, mechanics, and
surveying.

Rizal, as usual, excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in the Ateneo,
with gold medals in agriculture and topography. At the age of 17, he passed the
final examination in the surveying course, but he could not be granted the title
surveyor because he was below age. The title was issued to him on November
25, 1881.

Romances with Other Girls. Notwithstanding his academic studies in the

University of Santo Tomas and extra-curricular in the Ateneo, Rizal had ample
time for love. He was romantic dreamer who like to sip “nectar of love”. His sad
experience with his first love had made him wiser in the ways of romance.

Shortly after losing Segunda Katigbak, he paid court to a young woman in

Calamba. In his memories, he called her simply Miss L, describing her as “fair
with seductive and attractive eyes”. After visiting her house several times, he
suddenly stopped his wooing, and the romance died naturally. Nobody today 17
knows who this woman ws. Rizal himself, did not give her name. Hence her
identity is lost to his history.

Several months later, during his sophomore year at University of Santo

Tomas, he boarded in the house of Doña Concha Leyva in Intramuros. The next
door neighbors were Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela, parents of a
charming girl names Leonor. Rizal, was welcomed visitor in the Valenzuela
home, where he was the life of the social parties because of his clever sleight-of-
hand tricks. He courted Leonor Valenzuela, who was a tall girl and had a regal
bearing. He sent her love note written in invisible ink. The ink consisted of
common table salt and water. It left no trace on the paper. Rizal, who knew his
chemistry, taught Orang (pet name of Leonor) the secret of reading any note
written in the invisible ink by heating it over a candle or lamp so that the
lettering may appear. But as with Segunda, he stopped short of proposing
marriage to Orang.

Rizal’s next romance, which modern writer have glamorized, was with
another Leonor – Leonor River – hos cousin from Camiling. IN 1879, at the start
of his junior year at the University, he lived in “Casa Tomasina”, a boarding
house managed by his Uncle, Antonio Riversm at No, 6 Calle Santo Tomas,
Intramuros. His landlord-uncle had a pretty daughter, Leonor, a student at La
Concordia College, where Soledad (Rizal youngest sister) was then studying.
Between Jose and Leonor sprang a tenderly beautiful romance. They became
engaged. In her letters to Rizal, Leonor signed her name as “Taimis”, in order to
camouflage their intimate relationship from their parents and friends.
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

Leonora Valenzuela, Jose Rizal 2nd love at UST and Leonora Rivera, Jose Rizal’s love for 11 years
Source:[Link]

A Poet is born to the People. In 1879, the Liceo Artistico Literario

de Manila held two contests- one for the peninsulares and another for the
natives. Rizal decided to submit a poem entitled “A La Juventad Filipina”. It
won first prize, consisting of a silver pen. The poem cannot claim excellence, 18
but it’s significant in that it was the first public expression of patriotism of
Rizal. It urges the Filipino youth to hold its head high for “it is the fair hope of
my motherland”.

On its third year 1880-1881, the Liceo, in commemoration of the death

anniversary of Cervantes, held a contest, this time without discrimination.
Rizal entered the contest and submitted a piece entitled “El Consejo de los
Dioses”. He was 18 years old. In spite of the fact that the board of judges
was composed of peninsulares, and that there were 14 contestants, among
them friars, journalists, writers, and professors, Rizal got the first prize,
consisting of a gold ring, and the buts of Cevantes carved in cameo on top.
The judges justified their decision with the following declaration: “The idea
and message are of great originality besides the fact that it excels in its
entirely in style, an admirable wealth of details, delicacy of thought, and
figure of speech.” (Bantug and Ventura, 1997)

El Consejo de los Dioses is a play in poetic prose which narrates the

meeting of the gods at Mount Olympus, presided over r by Jupiter to choose
the most important work of universal literature. The dialogue is very
interesting and give evidence to the literary and mythological culture of
Rizal. After a heated debate, Jupiter, advised by Justice, decides that Homer,
Virgil, and Cervantes are of equal excellence. Rizal exalted Cervantes and
Hispanism.

During Christmas vacation of 1881, Rizal received a letter in Calamba

from Leonor Rivera, with the signature she usually used (Taimis). She
complained of Rizal’s failure to write. His subsequent conduct indicates,
however, that Rizal’s love for her had not diminished at all.

Jose Rizal was unhappy of his medical studies at the UST. He was
unhappy at this Dominican institution because the Dominican professors
were hostile to him. Filipino students were racially discriminated and their
method of instruction was obsolete and repressive. Because of this, Rizal
failed to win high scholastics honors. In the first year of the Philosophy
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 1

course, Rizal got an excellent rating, but not impressive in the four years of
his medical course. After finishing the fourth year of his medical course, Rizal
decided to study in Spain.

Now that you are done reading, you may

now answer the following questions I have
prepared for you. Answer the questions
according to your understanding based on
what you have read.

(You can use another sheet of paper)

Source: https:// [Link]/en/png-dxajx

19

Assessment:
Source: [Link]

I. Multiple Choice.

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Encircle the correct answer.

1. In a small town in the province of Laguna, Jose Protcaio Rizal Mercado

y Alonso was born on.
b. June 9, 1861 c. June 29, 1861
c. June 9, 1861 d. June 16, 1861
2. Three days after his birth, Rizal was baptized in the Catholic Church by
___.
a. Pedro Casañas c. Fr. Rufino Collantes
b. Domingo Lamco d. Jose Alberto
3. Rizal’s great-great grandfather was ___.
a. Francisco Mercado c. Clemente Mercado
b. Domingo Lamco d. Jose Alberto
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 2

4. The family of Teodora Alonso was better off than the family of her
husband
a. Materially c. Professionally
b. Socially d. All of the above
5. He was the first to use the family name “Rizal” in 1872, when he went
to Manila to enrol at the Ateneo Municipal, directed by the Jesuits.
a. Jose c. Francisco
b. Paciano d. Teodora
6. The oldest of the Rizal children.
a. Saturnina c. Paciano
b. Narcisa d. Olimpia
7. She died unmarried at the age of 83.
a. Trinidad c. Josefa
b. Soledad d. Maria
8. The infamous woman accused his husband of poisoning and names
Teodora as _____.
a. Fanatic c. Suspect
b. Puppet d. Accomplice
9. A cousin of Doña Teodora, one of the wealthiest in Biñan, returned
from a trip to Europe and found his wife gone and his children
abandoned.
a. Justiniano c. Jose Alberto
b. Lucas d. Tio Antonio
10. What was the age of Rizal when his parents sent him to Biñan to
undergo formal schooling?
a. Eight years old c. Seven years old
b. Nine years old d. Four years old
20
11. Who was Rizal’s first professor?
a. Fr. Jose Burgos c. Fr. Jacinto Zamora?
b. Fr. Jose Beach d. Fr. Mariano Gomez

12. Who was the lady in Rizal’s second romance?

a. Leonor Rivera c. Segunda Katigbak
b. Miss L d. Leonor Rivera
13. Leonor Rivera’s screen name used to camouflage her intimate
relationship with Rizal from her parents.
a. Taimis c. Orang
b. Miss L d. Olimpia
14. It is considered as the first great poem in Spanish written by a
Filipino.
a. A La Juventad Filipina c. The Count of Monte Cristo
b. El Consejo de los Dioses d. To my Countrymen
15. Who was Rizal’s first professor in Ateneo?
a. Manuel Xerex Burgos c. Father Jose Bech
b. Maestro Justiniano Cruz d. Father Rufino Collantes
16. What was the first poem Rizal wrote in Ateneo and was
dedicated to her mother‘s birthday?
a. Mi Primera Inspiracion c. El Embarque
b. Felicitation d Y Es Español
17. Who was the Atenean who gives an illustration to Rizal’s
predilection to help the helpless at the risk of his own life?
a. Manuel Xeres Burgos c. Julio Melliza
b. Father Lleonart d. Felix M. Roxas
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 2

18. At what age did Rizal passed the final examination in the
surveying course (perito agrimensor)?
a. 14 c. 17
b. 12 d. 18
19. It is a boarding house managed by Antonio Rivera at Santo
Tomas, Intramuros.
a. Casa Tomasina c. Casa Y Capitana
b. Casa Liceo d. Casa Concha Lleva
20. What was the secret of reading the love notes written in the
invisible ink sent to Leonor Valenzuela?
a. Heating over a candle or lamp c. Heating the invisible ink
b. Heating over the sun d. All of the above
 21
1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 2

B. Essay. Answer the questions comprehensively.

1. Did the sisters of Rizal contribute to his moral and spiritual life? How?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Was there any manifestation of unusual intelligence on the part of Rizal at a very young
age? Cite examples.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What was the unusual event in the family when Rizal was preparing to study in Manila?
Describe the incident.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What conditions and events influenced Rizal’s life?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. How would you describe Jose Rizal’s childhood in Calamba?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Did Rizal have a happy childhood? Explain it.
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. How do you differentiate an externo from an emperor? Did Jose Rizal pass these stages in
his studies? Explain
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. Was Rizal already a perfect student when it comes to his studies? Why?
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Which day should Rizal Day be celebrated? His birthday June 19, or his death anniversary
December 30? Justify your answer.
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. What was the system of education given by the Jesuits?
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 22
1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 2

Performance Rubric
Your essay will be graded based on this rubric. Consequently, use this
rubric as a guide when working on your essay and check it again before you
submit it.
Criteria VGE GE SE LE N
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

1. The introduction is inviting and it gets the

reader’s attention. Opinion statement is clear.
2. There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main
ideas are clear and are well supported by
detailed and accurate information.
3. The purpose of writing is very clear, and there
is strong evidence of attention to audience.
4. The author uses vivid words and phrases. The
choice and placement of words seems
accurate, natural, and not forced.
5. All sentences are well constructed and have
varied structure and length. The author
makes no errors in grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Legend:
VGE – To a very great extent; GE – To a great extent; SE – To some extent;
LE – To a little extent; N – Not at all

Rubrics for Drawing

Your drawing will be graded based on this rubric. Consequently, use
this rubric as a guide when working on your drawing and check it again
before you submit it.
Criteria VGE GE SE LE N
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

1. Craftsmanship/Use of Materials. The

control, adaptations, and understanding
of the chosen medium. Technique
understanding.
2. Creativity. Resourcefulness, expression of
ideas and imagination portrayed in the
construction of project. Challenge level of
the project.
3. Behavior/Effort. Work ethics, the time
dedicated to the output.
4. Level of understanding about instructions
and concepts used.
Legend:
VGE – To a very great extent; GE – To a great extent; SE – To some extent;
LE – To a little extent; N – Not at all
 1 | Life, Works and Writings of Rizal 23 2

1.3 REFERENCES

 The Life and Works of Rizal, accessed 01 April 2021, 11:30 PM

<[Link]
[Link]>
 Republic Act No. 1425/Official Gazette of the Republic of the
Philippines, accessed on 01 April 2021, 12:04 AM
<[Link]
1425/>
 Purino, Anacoreta P., Rizal the Greatest Filipino Hero, Revised
Edition: Rex Bookstore, Inc., 2014
 Zaide, Gregorio F., Jose Rizal Life, Works and Writings: National
Book Store. 2012
 Zaide, Gregorio F., Zaide, Sonia F., Jose Rizal- Buhay, Mga Ginawa
at mga Sinulat ng Isang Henyo, Manunulat, Siyentipiko, At
Pambansang Bayani. All Nations Publishing Co. Inc. 2013.

1.4 Acknowledgement

This notice is to inform all readers that this learning module does
not claim as the originator of these content. The images, tables,
figures and information contained in this module were taken from the
references cited above. The sole goal of the distribution of this module
is to increase students' learning opportunities and flexibility.