Chapter II

LIFE AND STUDIES IN ATENEO

Introduction
Rizal’s Studies at Ateneo (1872-1877)
Rizal’s excelled in all subjects and won five medals at the end of the school
term. He proudly offered all his excellent ratings and medals to his parents, a way to
repay them for their sacrifices and love. He was considered, the most brilliant Atenian
of his time, he was truly the “Pride of the Jesuits”. During his stay at the Ateneo,
Rizal’s grades were all excellent (Sobresaliente).On March 1877 he received his
degree of Bachelor of Art with honors. The academic excellence of Rizal and his
literary skills qualified him for membership in two exclusive organizations at the
Ateneo namely:, The academy of Spanish literature and the academy of natural
science “where he became the “Prefect”. He also joined the Marian Congregations;
(Solidarity of our lady and Apostleship of prayer) where he became the secretary of
the Marian congregations. Michael C. Pangilinan, 2016.
Objectives
1. Appreciate the life and studies of Rizal in Ateneo.
2. Know his early and last years in Ateneo.
3. Determine the first Romance of Rizal.

Lesson 1. SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA 1872-77

What was the Scholastic Triumphs of Rizal at the Ateneo de Manila?
Four months after the martyrdom of GomBurZa and with Dona Teodora still in
prison, Jose, who had not yet celebrated his eleventh birthday, was sent to 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 poor 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 1959, they were given the management of the Escuela Pia,
whose name was changed to Ateneo de Manila. They were splendid educators, so that
ateneo acquired prestige as an excellent college for boys.
Rizal enters 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.
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 ateneo instead.
Thus, upon his return to Manila, Jose, again accompanied by Paciano,
matriculated at the Ateneo municipal. At first, Father Magin Ferrando, who was the
college registrar, refused 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 at the ateneo.
Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname “Rizal,” he registered
under this name at the ateneo because their name at the ateneo because their family
name”Mercado” had come under the suspicion of the Spanish authorities. Paciano
had used “Mercado” as his surname at the college of San Jose and he was known to
the authorities as father Burgos favourite student and confidant.
At the time Jose studied in the ateneo, this college was located in Intramuros,
within the walls of Manila. He first boarded in a house outside Intramuros, on
Caraballo Street, 25 minutes’ walk from the college.
This boarding house was owned by a spinster named Titay who owned the
Rizal family the amount of P300. Jose boarded with her in order to collect part of the
debt.
Summary

 On June 10, 1872 Jose accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila. He

took the entrance examinations on Christian doctrine, arithmetic, and
reading
 Father Magin Ferrando, who was the college registrar, refused to admit him for
two reasons; 1) he was late for registration and 2)he was sickly and undersized
at the college of San Juan de Letran, and passed them. 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 at the
ateneo.
 Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname “Rizal,” he registered
under this name at the ateneo because their family name ”Mercado” had come
under the suspicion of the Spanish authorities.
Lesson 2. RIZAL’S FIRST DAY IN ATENEO
What was the First Day of Rizal in Ateneo?
When the school year 1871-1872, opened in June, Rizal like any other
neophytes in a new school environment was fill of excitement and joy. He was
dressed like the others with coat and tie. He went to the school chapel to hear mass
and prayed fervently to God for guidance. When the mass was finished, he went to his
class, where he saw a great number of boys, Spaniards, mestizos, and Filipinos, and a
Jesuit who was the professor.
His first professor in the Ateneo was Father Jose Bech. Rizal related how he
became “emperor” at the Ateneo. in Jesuits colleges, two empires were established to
stimulate the students, a Roman “empire “ constantly at war for supremacy in the
class, whose leading posts are won by means of challenges which are successful if
the opponent committed three mistakes. Rizal was placed at the tail–end of the line
because he was a new comer and knew little Spanish, although he could already
make some sense of it.
After a week, he improved his class standing. After a month, he was already
“emperor” because he was the brightest in the class. Because of his excellent
performance, he was awarded a saint’s picture as his prize.
 To improve his Spanish at that time, he spent the noon recesses in Sta. Isabel
College where he spent three pesos for Spanish lessons.
What was Rizal’s Poem Written during his time at Ateneo?
“My First Inspiration”.
This poem was written by Rizal in Ateneo as an expression of good wishes
was full of endearing filial affection on his mother’s birthday.
The translation from Spanish to English was by Leon Ma. Guerrero, Jr.
My first Inspiration
Why do the scented bowers
In fragrant fray
Rival each other’s flowers
This festive day?
Why is sweet melody bruited?
In the sylvan dale,
Harmony sweet and fluted
Like the nightingale?
Why do the birds sing so
In the tender grass,
Flitting from bough to bough
With the winds that pass?
And why does the crystal spring
Run among the flowers
While lullaby zephyrs sing
Like its crystal showers?
I see the dawn in the East
With beauty endowed.
Why goes she to a feast
In a carmine cloud?
Sweet mother, they celebrate
Your natal day
The rose with her scent innate,
The bird with his lay.
The murmurous spring this day
 Without alloy,
Murmuring bids you always
To live in joy.
While the crystalline murmurs glisten,
Hear you the accents strong
Struck from my lure, listen!
To my love’s first song.
Being a brilliant student, Rizal obtained excellent grades and received many
prizes offered by the school. He was very active in Co–curricular activities. He
participated in literary and religious affairs, took lessons in solfeggio and in drawing
and painting under Don Agustin Saez. He read many good books like Alexandre
Duma’s The count of Monte Cristo and Cesar cants” universal history. His prize-
winning pieces were “To the Filipino Youth” (a poem) and (The council of God’s (an
allegory). He also wrote a melodrama entitled “along the Pasig” which was staged at
the Ateneo auditorium on December 8, 1880.
What was Rizal’s Poem on Education?
Rizal’s Poem on Education
Rizal wrote this poem when he was only fifteen years old. At an early age , he
was already aware of the value of education and its significant role in the intellectual ,
physical, and moral development of an individual in particular and the progress and
welfare of a nation in general.
He believed that the ultimate goal of education is the effective participation of
the individual in the total process of social interaction in its society. This
interpersonal relation may be the improvement of basic knowledge, intellectual and
manual skills, power of reasons and criticism, acquisition of desirable values and
attitudes, power of creativity and innovation, cultural appreciation, sense of
responsibility and understanding of the modern world.
The translation from Spanish to English was by Dr. Frank C. Laubach.
Education under the Jesuits. The system of education under the Jesuits in the
Ateneo was probably more advanced from that of other colleges in that period. The
students were trained by rigid discipline and the character development. Religious
instruction was given emphasis to acquire the manners and morals of Christian
gentlemen. The students heard mass in the morning before classes begun and
classes in all subjects were opened and closed with prayers. Prizes were given for
outstanding and impeccable department. Penalties were meted out for disorderly
conduct.
The government subsidized the school from the municipal treasury. Students
who belonged to the wealthy group paid a monthly fee of 2.00; and those who are
classified poor, paid nothing.
The curriculum includes Christian Doctrine, Spanish, Latin, Greek and French;
world geography and history, the history of Spain and the Philippines; arithmetic,
algebra and geometry, mineralogy, chemistry, physics, botany and zoology, poetry
and rhetoric and philosophy. Jose consistently received the grade of excellent.
Rizal started Medical Studies at Sto. Tomas. At the outset, Dona Teodora
believed that her son had enough education after graduating with highest honors
from Ateneo and so she opposed Jose’s going back to Manila for further studies.
However, Don Francisco thought otherwise. So his son enrolled in the University of
Sto. Tomas, taking the first course of philosophy in June 1877.
Simultaneously he studied at the Ateneo those subjects that would entitles him
to a diploma in surveying. Dona Teodora did not approve his son to acquire more
knowledge because she had apprehension that this might endanger Jose’s life, like
the faith of Filipino intellectuals, e.g. Father Burgos, Dr. Antonio Regidor and other
Filipino exiles and executed by the Spanish authorities. But inspite of her objection,
Don Francisco and Paciano were able to persuade Dona Teodora about Jose’s further
studies.
Summary

 His first professor in the Ateneo was Father Jose Bech. Rizal
related how he became “emperor” at the Ateneo.
 In Jesuits colleges, two empires were established to stimulate the
students, a Roman “empire “ constantly at war for supremacy in
the class, whose leading posts are won by means of challenges
which are successful if the opponent committed three mistakes.
 Rizal was placed at the tail–end of the line because he was a new
comer and knew little Spanish, although he could already make
some sense of it.
 To improve his Spanish at that time, he spent the noon recesses
in Sta. Isabel College where he spent three pesos for Spanish
lessons.
 Rizal’s Poem Written at Ateneo “My First Inspiration”.
 This poem was written by Rizal in Ateneo as an expression of
good wishes was full of endearing filial affection on his mother’s
birthday.
 Being a brilliant student, Rizal obtained excellent grades and
received many prizes offered by the school.
 He was very active in Co–curricular activities.
 He participated in literary and religious affairs, took lessons in
solfeggio and in drawing and painting under Don Agustin Saez.
 He read many good books like Alexandre Duma’s The count of
Monte Cristo and Cesar cants” universal history.
 His prize-winning pieces were “To the Filipino Youth” (a poem)
and (The council of God’s (an allegory).
 He also wrote a melodrama entitled “along the Pasig” which was
staged at the Ateneo auditorium on December 8, 1880.
 Rizal’s Poem on Education. Rizal wrote this poem when he was
only fifteen years old.
 At an early age , he was already aware of the value of education
and its significant role in the intellectual , physical, and moral
development of an individual in particular and the progress and
welfare of a nation in general.
  He believed that the ultimate goal of education is the effective
participation of the individual in the total process of social
interaction in its society.
 This interpersonal relation may be the improvement of basic
knowledge, intellectual and manual skills, power of reasons and
criticism, acquisition of desirable values and attitudes, power of
creativity and innovation, cultural appreciation, sense of
responsibility and understanding of the modern world.
 The translation from Spanish to English was by Dr. frank C.
Laubach.
 The government subsidized the school from the municipal
treasury. Students who belonged to the wealthy group paid a
monthly fee of 2.00; and those who are classified poor, paid
nothing.
 The curriculum includes Christian Doctrine, Spanish, Latin, Greek
and French; world geography and history, the history of Spain
and the Philippines; arithmetic, algebra and geometry,
mineralogy, chemistry, physics, botany and zoology, poetry and
rhetoric and philosophy.
 Jose consistently received the grade of excellent.
 Rizal started Medical Studies at Sto. Tomas. At the outset, Dona
Teodora believed that her son had enough education after
graduating with highest honors from Ateneo and so she opposed
Jose’s going back to Manila for further studies.
 However, Don Francisco thought otherwise. So his son enrolled in
the University of Sto. Tomas, taking the first course of philosophy
in June 1877.
 Simultaneously he studied at the Ateneo those subjects that
would entitles him to a diploma in surveying.
 Dona Teodora did not approve his son to acquire more knowledge
because she had apprehension that this might endanger Jose’s
life, like the faith of Filipino intellectuals, e.g. Father Burgos, Dr.
Antonio Regidor and other Filipino exiles and executed by the
Spanish authorities.
 But inspite of her objection, Don Francisco and Paciano were able
to persuade Dona Teodora about Jose’s further studies.

Lesson 3. LAST YEAR IN ATENEO

What was Rizal’s Last Year in Ateneo?
• Rizal returned to Manila in June 1876.
• He was “the pride of the JESUITS ’’.
• He obtained the highest grades in all subject
• Graduation with Highest Honors
• * March 23, 1877 – Commencement Day
• Excellent scholastic records from 1872 to 1877
 • * Received the degree of Bachelor of Arts with the highest honor

Extra-Curricular Activities in Ateneo

 Marian Congregation – secretary : devotion to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
 Father Sanchez – literature
 Father Jose Villaclara – practical studies
 Agustin Saez – painting
 Romualdo de Jesus – sculpting
Sculptural Work in Ateneo
 Image of the Virgin Mary – batikuling (Phillippine Hardwork using a pocket knife.
 Father Leonart – requested him to carve the image of Sacred Heart of Jesus
Poems Written in Ateneo
• Mi Premera Inspiration (My First Inspiration)
• El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Depature: Hymn to
Magellan’s Feet)
• Through Education Our Motherland Receives Light
• The Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good
• Education
• To the Child
• To the Virgen Mary
Dramatic Work in Ateneo
• Father Sanchez – requested Rizal to write a drama based on the prose story of
St. Eustace the Martyr.
• June 2, 1876 finish the manuscript

Summary

 Rizal returned to Manila in June 1876.

 March 23, 1877 – Commencement Day
 Excellent scholastic records from 1872 to 1877
 Received the degree of Bachelor of Arts with the highest honor
 Image of the Virgin Mary – batikuling (Philippine Hard work using a pocket
knife.
 Father Leonart – requested him to carve the image of Sacred Heart of Jesus

 Through Education Our Motherland Receives Light

 Father Sanchez – requested Rizal to write a drama based on the prose
story of St. Eustace the Martyr.
 June 2, 1876 finish the manuscript
Lesson 4. FIRST ROMANCE OF RIZAL
Who was the first romance of Rizal?
Shortly after his graduation from the Ateneo, Rizal, who was then sixteen years old,
experienced his first romance that painful experience which comes to nearly all adolescents’.
The girl was Segunda Katigbak, a pretty fourteen-year old Batanguena from Lipa.
In Rizal’s own words; “she was rather short, with eyes that were eloquent and ardent
at times and languid at others, rosy-checked, with an enchanting and provocative smile that
revealed very beautiful teeth, and the air of a sylph; her entire self-diffused a mysterious
charm.’
One Sunday Rizal visited his material grandmother who lived in Trozo, Manila. He
was accompanied by his friend of the Katigbak family of Lipa. When he reached his
grandmother’s house, he saw other guests. One of whom was an attractive girl, who
mysteriously caused his heart to palpitate with strange ecstacy. She was the sister of his
friend Mariano, and her name was Segunda.
His grandmother’s guests, who were mostly college students, knew of his skill in
painting, so that they urged him to draw Segunda’s portrait. He complied reluctantly and
made a pencil sketch of her. ”from time to time,” he reminisced later,” she looked at me, and
I blushed.”
Rizal came to know Segunda more intimately during his weekly visits to La
Concordia College, where his sister Olimpia was a boarding student. Olympia 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 intellectual prowess, was a shy and timid lover. Segunda had manifested, by insinuation
and deeds, her affection for him, but he timidly be failed to propose.
The last time they talked to each other one Thursday in December, 1877 when the
Christmas vacation was about to begin. He visited Segunda at la Concordia College to say
goodbye because he was going home to Calamba the following day later. She kept quiet
after her brief reply, waiting for him to say something which her heart was clamouring to
hear.
But Rizal failed to come up to her expectation. He could only mumble; “well,
goodbye. Anyway-I’ll see you when you pass Calamba on your way to Lipa.”
The next day Rizal arrived by steamer in his hometown. His mother did not recognize
him at first, due to her failing eyesight. He was saddened to find out about his mother’s
growing blindness. His sisters gaily welcomed him, teasing him about Segunda, for they
knew of his romance through Olympia.
That night he demonstrated his skill in fencing to his family. He had a friendly fencing
about 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 wrong winds; it would stop in Biṅan. He
saddled his white horse and waited at the road. A cavalcade of Carromatan from Binan
passed by.
 In one of whom 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 fervour, was lost to him forever. She
returned to Lipa and later married Manuel Luz. He remained in Calamba, a frustrated lover,
cherishing nostalgic memories of a lost love.
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 on the
flower-decked abyss. My illusions will return, yes, but indifferent, uncertain, ready for the first
betrayal on the path of love.
Summary
Rizal friend in Europe

 Maximo Viola
 Don Miguel Morayta
 Sr. Eusebio Coronieva
 Dr. Love’s de Weekert

 May 3,1882-Singapore
 Nov. 3, 1882-enrolled in Universidad de Madrid
 June 21, 1884-rizal completed his medical course
 June 24, 1884-enable to take breakfast
 1884-1885-he studied and passed the subjects.
 June 19, 1885-Rizal finished his study in philosophy and letter.
 Feb. 3, 1886-he left and went to Heidelberg Germany
 April 22, 1886- Rizal wrote titled alas Flores de Heidelberg.
 Aug. 06, 1886-Rizal had witnessed 5th century
 Aug. 14, 1886-he arrived in Leipzig.
 Shortly after his graduation from the Ateneo, Rizal, who was then sixteen
years old, experienced his first romance that painful experience which comes
to nearly all adolescents’.
 The First Romance of Rizal was Segunda Katigbak, a pretty fourteen-year
old Batanguena from Lipa.

Test Yourself
Chapter II. Question
Test I. Filling the Blanks: Direction: Select the correct answer from the choices below
and fill in the blank provided in each number.

1. His first professor in the Ateneo was _______in which Rizal related
how he became “emperor” at the Ateneo.
2. _______ 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.
 3. _______, who was the college registrar, refused to admit him for two
reasons; He was late for registration and 2) he was sickly and undersized for
his age.
4. Rizal was then________. However, upon the intercession of Manuel
Xerez Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos, he was reluctantly admitted
at the ateneo.
5. His first professor in the Ateneo was_________. Rizal related how he
became “emperor” at the Ateneo.
6. He participated in literary and religious affairs, took lessons in
solfeggio and in drawing and painting under__________.
7. He also wrote a melodrama entitled “along the Pasig” which was
staged at the Ateneo auditorium on ________.
8. Rizal’s Poem on Education. Rizal wrote this poem when he was only
________.

9. The translation of the poem from Spanish to English was

by_________.

10. _______Commencement Day

11. Received the degree of Bachelor of Arts with the _______.

12. _______batikuling (Philippine Hard work using a pocket knife.

13. ____requested him to carve the image of Sacred Heart of Jesus
14. _______requested Rizal to write a drama based on the prose story of
St. Eustace the Martyr.
15. _______Rizal finished the manuscript
16. _______Singapore
17. _______enrolled in Universidad de Madrid
18. _______Rizal completed his medical course
19. ______ Rizal enable to take breakfast
20. ______ Rizal finished his study in philosophy and letter.
21. _______he left and went to Heidelberg Germany
22. _______Rizal wrote titled alas Flores de Heidelberg.

23. _______Rizal had witnessed 5th century

24. The First Romance of Rizal________, a pretty fourteen-year old
Batanguena from Lipa.

Choices

Segunda Katigbak
Nov. 3, 1882
May 3, 1882

March 23, 1877

June 24, 1884.

June 21, 1884

 June 2, 1876
June 19, 1885

June 10, 1872

Image of the Virgin Mary
Highest honor
Fifteen years old.
Feb. 3, 1886-
Father Sanchez
Father Magin Ferrando
Father Leonart
Father Jose Bech.
Eleven years old.
Dr. Frank C. Laubach.
Don Agustin Saez.
(Aug. 14, 1886)
Aug. 06, 1886
April 22, 1886

Test II. Essay: Direction: Briefly explain the following;

1. Why Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname “Rizal”?
2. Why Dona Teodora did not approve his son to acquire more knowledge
in Colleges/Universities?