Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MODULE NO.
Chapter III Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education
MODULE OVERVIEW / LAGOM PANANAW
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba,
Laguna. He was the seventh of eleven children in a prosperous family who lived on land managed
under tenancy by Dominican friars. Growing up during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines,
Rizal was raised in a relatively privileged environment that allowed his talents to flourish at an early
age.
Even as a young child, Rizal exhibited remarkable intellectual and artistic abilities. He quickly
learned the alphabet and was able to read and write at a very young age. Among his early readings
was the Spanish version of the Vulgate Bible, which helped shape his critical thinking and deepened
his love for learning. His artistic flair was also evident in his childhood, he impressed his family with
lifelike sketches, detailed pencil drawings, and creative clay sculptures. As he grew older, he explored
various forms of artistic expression, including painting and sculpture. His creative spirit extended to
literature as well; he wrote a Tagalog play that was performed during a local town fiesta and later
composed a Spanish short play that was staged at his school.
PRETEST / PAUNANG PAGSUBOK
I. True or False (1 point each)
Directions: Write T if the statement is True and F if the statement is False. Read each statement
carefully and write your answer clearly on the space provided.
1. Rizal learned to read and write at the age of 3.
2. Leon Monroy was Rizal’s classmate in Biñan.
1 3. Rizal wrote the poem "Sa Aking Mga Kababata" at age 7.
4. Doña Teodora corrected Rizal’s early novels.
5. Rizal’s first school outside home was in Calamba.
II. Identification (2 points each)
Directions: Write the correct answer or term that best completes the statement or answers the
question. Spelling must be correct for the answer to be considered valid. Write your answer clearly on
the space provide
6. Rizal’s uncle who inspired him to read good books.
[Link]’s tutor who taught Latin and Spanish but died early:
[Link]’s sister who helped fund his studies in Europe.
[Link] of the book Doña Teodora read to Rizal:
[Link] of Rizal’s favorite sister who died young.
INTRODUCTION / PANIMULA
José Rizal stands as a towering figure in Philippine history an intellectual, artist, and patriot
whose life and works ignited the spirit of nationalism among Filipinos during the Spanish colonial era.
Known as the country’s national hero, Rizal's journey began in the quiet town of Calamba, Laguna,
where his brilliance and passion for learning emerged at a remarkably young age. More than just a
writer or reformist, Rizal was a multifaceted individual whose early experiences shaped the foundation
of his lifelong commitment to education, artistic expression, and the pursuit of justice for his fellow
Filipinos. This biography explores the formative years of José Rizal, highlighting the early signs of his
genius and the environment that nurtured the beginnings of a national hero.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES / MGA LAYUNIN SA PAGKATUTO
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Analyze Rizal’s family, childhood, and early education;
2. Evaluate the people and events and their influence on Rizal’s early life.
PRESENTATION OF THE LESSON / PAGLALAHAD NG ARALIN
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Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MODULE NO. 3
Rizal’s Parents: Roots and Influence
José Rizal’s father, Don Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado y Alejandro, was born on May
11, 1818, in Biñan, Laguna. A hardworking and principled man, Don Francisco was known for his
independence, calm demeanor, and progressive mindset qualities that his son José would later mirror.
He managed a productive farm in Calamba, leased from the Dominican friars, and eventually served
as teniente gobernadorcillo (deputy governor) of the town. This civic role earned him the local
nickname “Tiniente Kiko” (Guerrero, 1998).Tracing his ancestry, Don Francisco descended from
Domingo Lam-co, a Chinese immigrant from Fujian province who settled in the Philippines in the late
17th century. Domingo, known for his integrity and concern for the common folk, married Ines de la
Rosa, a Chinese mestiza from Manila. Their lineage continued through their son Francisco Lam-co,
who lived in Biñan and married Bernarda Monicha. Their son, Juan Mercado, became the
gobernadorcillo of Biñan and married Cirila Alejandra, with whom he had twelve children, including
the youngest Francisco Mercado, Rizal’s father (Ocampo, 2012; Bantug & Ventura, 1997).Don
Francisco pursued formal studies in Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila. It
was during this time that he met Teodora Alonso, a student of the prestigious Colegio de Santa
Rosa, an elite school for young women. They married on June 28, 1848, and later settled in
Calamba, where they raised their large family and engaged in agricultural and small-scale business
ventures.
Doña Teodora Alonso Realonda, Rizal’s mother, was born on November 8, 1826, in Santa
Cruz, Manila, although some family sources particularly Asuncion Lopez-Rizal Bantug, a
descendant of Rizal’s sister Narcisa claim she and her siblings were born in Calamba but raised in
the city (Bantug & Ventura, 1997, p. 18). She was baptized at Santa Cruz Church, although
historians have noted that the specific volume of baptismal records covering her birth year is
inexplicably missing (Ocampo, 2012, p. 39).Doña Teodora, known affectionately as "Lolay," was a
1 well-educated, refined, and dignified woman. She was described as business-savvy, deeply religious,
and a firm disciplinarian. Her strong values and cultured background greatly shaped her children's
upbringing. She exposed them to the arts, literature, and music and emphasized the importance of
formal education, eventually sending them to study in Manila (Guerrero, 1998). Teodora also ran
small-scale enterprises, including a home-based store and flour and sugar mills, which helped support
the family [Link]'s maternal ancestry was equally distinguished. His great-grandfather,
Eugenio Ursua, was of Japanese descent and married a Filipina named Benigna. Their daughter
Regina married Manuel de Quintos, a lawyer of Filipino-Chinese heritage from Pangasinan. Their
child, Brigida Quintos, married Lorenzo Alberto Alonso, a Spanish-Filipino mestizo from Biñan.
Teodora was the second of their five children.
Following the Clavería Decree of 1849, which required native Filipinos to adopt standardized
Spanish surnames, the Alonso family adopted the name Realonda, thereby giving Rizal’s mother her
full name: Teodora Alonso Quintos Realonda (Ocampo, 2012).Rizal’s parents, with their strong
sense of education, civic responsibility, and moral uprightness, were instrumental in shaping his early
worldview and moral compass. Their legacy of intellect, integrity, and patriotism would live on in their
son who would grow to become the most celebrated Filipino hero.
The Siblings of José Rizal
José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was the seventh of eleven children born to Don
Francisco Mercado and Doña Teodora Alonso Realonda. Each sibling played a unique role in Rizal’s
life and in the broader historical narrative of the Philippines.
1. Saturnina Rizal (1850–1913) eldest child, affectionately called "Neneng," was instrumental in
José's early education. Together with their mother, she taught young Pepe (José's nickname) the
alphabet, enabling him to read and write by the age of three. Saturnina later supported José’s
education financially and emotionally through letters and encouragement.
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Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MODULE NO. 3
2. Paciano Rizal (1851–1930) only brother of José, was born on March 7, 1851. He studied at the
Colegio de San Jose in Manila and became a farmer, a nationalist, and a revolutionary general.
Paciano greatly influenced José’s political consciousness, especially through his association with
Father José Burgos, one of the martyred Gomburza priests. After José’s execution in 1896, Paciano
joined the Katipunan under General Emilio Aguinaldo, served as a revolutionary general, and was
appointed Secretary of Finance for the revolutionary government in Central Luzon (Guerrero, 1998).
3. Narcisa Rizal (1852–1939) known as “Sisa,” was the third child and one of the most devoted
supporters of José. She actively helped fund his studies in Europe, even pawning her jewelry and
selling her clothes when necessary. She was also known to have memorized many of her brother’s
poems, a testament to her love for his literary works and nationalist ideals.
4. Olympia Rizal (1855–1887) sometimes spelled "Olimpia," was the fourth Rizal sibling. She was
close to José, who fondly teased her about her plump figure. She served as a confidante when José
fell in love with Segunda Katigbak, her schoolmate at La Concordia College. Olympia acted as a
go-between in their teenage romance.
5. Lucia Rizal (1857–1919) the fifth child, married Mariano Herbosa of Calamba. During a cholera
outbreak in 1889, Mariano died but was denied a Catholic burial by the friars because he had not
gone to confession allegedly due to his connection to Rizal. José wrote about the incident in La
Solidaridad in an article titled Una Profanación ("A Profanation"), criticizing the hypocrisy of the
clergy.
6. Maria Rizal (1859–1945) the sixth sibling, was the one José confided in about his plans to marry
Josephine Bracken, a decision that some family members opposed. She also received letters from
him regarding his plan to establish a Filipino settlement in British North Borneo. Maria
married Daniel Faustino Cruz, and their descendants include Gemma Cruz Araneta, the first
1 Filipina and Southeast Asian to win an international beauty pageant Miss International 1964.
7. Concepcion Rizal (1862–1865) nicknamed “Concha,” she was the eighth child and died at the
tender age of three. José was very fond of her and reportedly felt deep sorrow upon her death. His
early experience of loss and grief shaped his sensitivity and depth as a writer and thinker.
8. Josefa Rizal (1865–1945) known as “Panggoy,” was said to suffer from epilepsy and never
married. She was one of the 29 women admitted into the Katipunan, where she actively helped
protect the group's documents. She was even considered for leadership in the women’s wing of the
movement. José once wrote to her in English, addressing her as "Miss Josephine Rizal", a rare and
curious gesture (Bantug & Ventura, 1997).
9. Trinidad Rizal (1868–1951) or “Trining,” was entrusted with José’s final and most famous poem,
Mi Último Adiós. Before his execution, Rizal discreetly handed her a small alcohol stove and
whispered, “There is something inside.” Trining, like other siblings, later joined the Katipunan and
continued supporting the revolutionary movement.
10. Soledad Rizal (1870–1929) nicknamed “Choleng,” Soledad was the youngest of the Rizal
children and became a teacher. José admired her deeply, once advising her through a letter dated
June 6, 1890, to uphold virtue and serve as a role model for her students. However, he mildly scolded
her for marrying Pantaleon Quintero without their parents’ consent. Through this union, the Rizal
family became connected by affinity to General Miguel Malvar, one of the last Filipino generals to
surrender to American forces during the Philippine-American War.
The Surname "Rizal": Origins and Meaning
Had their forefathers not adopted Spanish surnames, José and his brother Paciano might have
been known by a different family name Lam-co, in reference to their Chinese ancestor. Their great-
great-grandfather, Domingo Lamco, a respected Chinese merchant who migrated to the Philippines,
adopted the surname "Mercado" (meaning market) in 1731, during the Spanish colonial
government’s initiative to standardize Filipino [Link], Don Francisco Mercado, José's
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Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MODULE NO. 3
father, opted to adopt "Rizal" a variant of the Spanish word Ricial, which refers to “green fields” or
the “green of young growth.” This name was reportedly suggested by a provincial governor who
was a close family friend. While intended to distinguish their family, the new surname initially caused
confusion in business and legal matters. As a result, Don Francisco began using a hyphenated form,
"Rizal Mercado," although "Mercado" remained the more familiar name in local circles (Guerrero,
1998; Ocampo, 2012).When Paciano entered the Colegio de San Jose in Manila, he retained the
surname Mercado. However, due to his political associations with Father José Burgos of the
martyred Gomburza, Paciano became a person of interest to colonial authorities. To protect his
younger brother, he advised José to register under the surname “Rizal” when entering the Ateneo
Municipal de [Link] on this name change, José once wrote: “My family never paid much
attention to our second surname Rizal, but now I had to use it thus giving me the appearance of an
illegitimate child!” (as cited in Arriza, 2012, para. 8).Ironically, by the time Rizal published El
Filibusterismo in 1891, the name “Rizal” had already become widely known synonymous with anti-
colonial ideals. In a letter to a friend, he remarked:“All my family now carry the name Rizal instead of
Mercado because the name Rizal means persecution! Good! I too want to join them and be worthy
of this family name...” (as cited in Arriza, 2012, para. 8).
The Birth of José Rizal
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born in Calamba, Laguna, on June 19,
1861. His mother, Doña Teodora Alonso, endured intense labor during his birth. According to José’s
sister Narcisa, she vividly remembered the difficult delivery, recalling,“My mother suffered great
pain... Her pain was later attributed to the fact that José’s head was bigger than normal” (as cited in
“Lola Lolay,” 2013, para. 8).The family had settled in Calamba in 1848. The town’s name is believed
to be derived from the Tagalog words kalan (clay stove) and banga (water jar), combining to form
"Kalan-banga", later shortened to Calamba. Nestled between Laguna de Bay and Mount Makiling,
the town was rich in natural beauty something that deeply moved young José. He later immortalized
his love for his hometown in the poem Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town), written in
1 1876 during his time at the Ateneo de [Link] Rizal were writing today, he might have mentioned SM
Calamba, shopping complexes, and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) that now cut through the
once-rural landscape. Since its cityhood in 2001, Calamba has become known as the “Resort
Capital of the Philippines”, boasting over 600 hot spring [Link]é Rizal was born in the first
bahay na bato (stone house) in Calamba. This ancestral home was a large two-story residence made
of adobe, hardwood, and capiz windows, topped with red clay tiles. It featured an azotea and a
water reservoir at the back luxuries uncommon at the time. Its size and proximity to the town church
signified the Rizal family’s affluence and social influence in Calamba society.
The Childhood of a Phenom
A phenom refers to an individual of extraordinary talent or promise especially one who
demonstrates brilliance early in life. In many ways, José Rizal epitomized this term. Even in
childhood, he showed signs of genius that would later define his legacy as the foremost Filipino
nationalist and intellectual of the 19th [Link] of Rizal's earliest memories was of joyful days
spent in their family garden at the age of three. Their home in Calamba, Laguna, was surrounded by
fruit-bearing trees, a poultry yard, and even a stable for ponies. To encourage the fragile and often
sickly young Pepe (Rizal’s nickname), Don Francisco built a nipa hut near the house where the child
could play and be active during the [Link] as a toddler, Rizal demonstrated a vivid imagination. He
remembered enjoying evening walks around town, especially on moonlit nights, and listening to
stories from his yaya (nursemaid). These tales included myths of enchanted trees, buried
treasures, and fairy folk, all of which left a lasting impression on the young boy’s mind and later
surfaced in his writings and creative works.
The daily family prayer, especially the Angelus, became a spiritual and emotional routine.
According to Rizal’s own memoirs, his mother would gather the family each evening to pray. Even at
the age of three, José was already participating in this spiritual tradition (Memoirs of a Student in
Manila, n.d.).Tragedy struck the Rizal household in 1865, when Concepcion ("Concha"), José’s
younger sister and playmate, died at the age of three. José, then only four years old, experienced the
pain of loss for the first time. He later wrote:"When I was four years old, I lost my little sister Concha,
and then for the first time I shed tears caused by love and grief."(Memoirs of a Student in Manila,
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Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MODULE NO. 3
n.d.)By the time he was five, José had already learned to read the Spanish Bible a remarkable feat
for a child his age. In his reflections, he attributed much of his moral grounding and intellectual
discipline to the early education and training he received from his family. His strong interest in
religion was evident in his frequent visits to the chapel and attendance at novenas and religious
processions in town. He also held great admiration for Father Leoncio Lopez, the learned parish
priest of Calamba, whose insightful conversations further sparked José’s early appreciation for
theology and current events.
Artistic talent also emerged early. At age five, Rizal was already creating sketches with pencil
and molding figures from clay and wax. Once, when his sisters laughed at his passion for sculpture,
he boldly declared:“All right, laugh at me now! Someday when I die, people will make monuments and
images of me.”In 1868, when he was seven, his father fulfilled a vow made during his difficult birth by
taking him on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo.
They traveled by casco, a flat-bottomed boat with a roof, and afterwards visited Saturnina, José’s
eldest sister, who was then studying at La Concordia College in [Link] this time, José
received a memorable gift from his father: a pony named “Alipato.” He delighted in riding it across
the open fields of Calamba. He was also often seen walking near Laguna de Bay with his beloved
black dog, [Link]ña Teodora, an educated and cultured woman herself, encouraged José’s
passion for the arts, literature, and the classics. Before turning eight, he had already written a
Tagalog play or comedy, which was staged during a local town festival. The play earned the
admiration of the town’s gobernadorcillo, who purchased the manuscript for two pesos José’s first
literary income (Bantug & Ventura, 1997, p. 23).
However, contrary to popular belief, José did not author the poem “Sa Aking Mga
Kababata.” Though widely attributed to him, modern historians have debunked the claim, noting that
the poem’s repeated use of the word “kalayaan” (freedom) would have been unlikely from a child of
eight. In a letter to his brother Paciano, José admitted that he first encountered the term kalayaan
only when he was already [Link] José was also fascinated by magic tricks, often performing coin
1 and handkerchief vanishing acts. He learned these tricks from books, reflecting both his curiosity and
early exposure to printed [Link] maternal uncles further shaped José’s character. Tiyo
Gregorio fueled his love for reading by encouraging him to consume good books. Tiyo Manuel
promoted physical development, urging him to exercise and strengthen his frail body. Meanwhile, Tio
Jose Alberto recognized José’s artistic inclinations and supported his pursuit of visual arts.
The Moth and the Flame: A Childhood Lesson
Doña Teodora, fondly called Lolay, often read stories to young José Rizal to teach life lessons.
One day, after scolding him for doodling in a book, she read from Amigo de los Niños a story about a
young moth who, despite her mother's warning, flew too close to a flame and [Link] listening,
Pepe saw a real moth doing the same and meeting the same fate. The moment left a deep impression
on [Link] later, Rizal reflected on the story as symbolic of his own life:“He still thinks that light is
the most beautiful thing in creation, and that it is worthwhile for a man to sacrifice his life for it.” (My
First Reminiscence, n.d.)
Education in Calamba
Rizal’s early education in Calamba laid the foundation for his intellectual brilliance, shaped at
home by mentors who nurtured both his mind and character. It is not mere sentimentality to say that
Doña Teodora was José Rizal’s first teacher it is a factual truth. In his memoirs, Rizal wrote:“My
mother taught me how to read and to say haltingly the humble prayers which I raised fervently to
God.”Doña Teodora was a rare woman of her time well-educated, cultured, and capable of teaching
Spanish, reading, poetry, and values through stories. She introduced young José to the alphabet and
prayers by age three, and by five, he had learned to read and write under her guidance. She
corrected his early poems and nurtured his love for rhetoric and [Link] family members also
played important roles. His sister Saturnina and three maternal uncles mentored him:
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Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MODULE NO. 3
Uncle Jose Alberto taught him painting, sketching, and sculpture.
Uncle Gregorio instilled in him a deep love for reading.
Uncle Manuel trained him in physical exercises and martial arts, like wrestling.
To complement his home education, private tutors were hired:
Maestro Celestino was his first tutor, later succeeded by Maestro Lucas Padua.
Eventually, Leon Monroy, a former classmate of Don Francisco, lived with the family to teach
José Spanish and Latin until his untimely death just five months later.
Education in Biñan
In June 1869, at the age of eight, José Rizal was sent to Biñan, Laguna, to pursue formal
education. He was accompanied by his older brother Paciano, who entrusted him to the care of their
relatives. Rizal was enrolled in the private school of Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz, which was
held in a modest nipa hut near the home of Rizal’s [Link] his memoirs, Rizal noted that his teacher
“knew by heart the grammars of Nebrija and Gainza,” referring to the standard Spanish and Latin
textbooks of that time an indication of the classical orientation of Filipino education under Spanish
[Link] his first day at school, the teacher questioned him:“Do you know Spanish?”“A little, sir,”
replied Rizal.“Do you know Latin?” “A little, sir.”These answers provoked laughter from his
classmates, especially from Pedro, the teacher’s own son. Humiliated, young José challenged
Pedro to a fistfight later that day. Having been taught wrestling by Uncle Manuel, Rizal defeated the
older and bigger boy demonstrating courage and physical resilience despite his size. Unlike many
modern students who endure bullying in silence, Rizal chose to defend himself decisively.
Later that day, he engaged in an arm-wrestling match with another student, Andres
Salandanan, which he lost almost injuring himself in the process. It was a humbling moment that
revealed Rizal's willingness to engage with others, even at personal [Link] the days that followed,
Rizal found himself in multiple scuffles with Biñan boys. Though he didn’t win every fight, he quickly
rose above his peers academically. He excelled in Spanish, Latin, and other subjects, eventually
1 earning the respect of his teacher and [Link] some time, Rizal felt he had already learned
everything the school could offer. When he told his father this, Don Francisco was skeptical and sent
him back to school. However, Maestro Cruz confirmed that José had indeed completed the
required curriculum. Convinced, Don Francisco then made arrangements to send his son to a more
advanced school in Manila, despite initial hesitation from Doña Teodora.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES / MGA GAWAIN SA PAGKATUTO
Timeline Activity
Directions : Create a timeline showing the important events in Jose Rizal's childhood and early
education.
GENERALIZATION
Jose Rizal’s childhood and early education highlight the significant role that family, discipline,
and intellectual curiosity play in shaping a person’s future. From an early age, Rizal was surrounded
by a nurturing and scholarly environment. His mother, Doña Teodora, served as his first teacher
introducing him to reading, writing, and prayer. He was also influenced by his uncles and sister
Saturnina, who cultivated his talents in the arts, literature, and physical development. As he grew,
Rizal received private tutoring and eventually studied in Biñan under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz,
where he excelled academically despite early experiences with bullying. These formative years laid a
strong foundation for his future intellectual achievements.
Concept Map
ASSESSMENT
Directions: Create a concept map showing the influences on Rizal’s early life and education. Include
the following elements:
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Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MODULE NO. 3
Family members (parents, siblings, uncles)
Early schooling (Calamba, Biñan)
Personal traits and talents
Important events (e.g., story of the moth, first poem/play)
POSTTEST / PANGWAKAS NA PAGSUBOK
REFERENCES / MGA SANGGUNIAN
Arriza, M. R. (2012). Rizal and the devotion to the Virgin of Antipolo. Kahimyang Project.
[Link]
Guerrero, L. M. (2008). The first Filipino: A biography of José Rizal (Expanded ed.). Guerrero Publishing.
Jose Rizal on Facebook courtship. (2013). Philippine Daily Inquirer. [Link]
Mañebog, J. (2013, June 17). Saturnina Rizal: The hero’s second mother | OurHappySchool. OurHappySchool.
[Link]
1 Ocampo, A. (2012). Rizal without the overcoat (Expanded ed.). Anvil Publishing.
Rizal, J. (n.d.). Memoirs of a student in Manila. In G. Zaide, Jose Rizal: Life, works and writings (Appendix
section).
Rizal, J. (n.d.). Memoirs of a student in Manila [Written under the pseudonym P. Jacinto]. Official Gazette of
the Republic of the Philippines. [Link]
Rizal, J. (n.d.). My first reminiscence. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.
[Link]
The Kahimyang Project. (2013, May 22). Today in Philippine history, June 28, 1848, Francisco Mercado and
Teodora Alonso got married. Kahimyang Project. [Link]
philippine-history-june-28-1848-francisco-mercado-and-teodora-alonso-got-married
Prepared by:
JASMINE JOY S. AQUINO
Instructor
PSU San Carlos City Campus