Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal
UNIT I. INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE: REPUBLIC ACT 1425
Overview
This unit will give you center thoughts about the Republic Act 1425, which enacts the
incorporation of the Life and Works of Rizal within the educational program of schools, colleges,
and universities: aims to instill the standards of freedom and patriotism and to honor the national
legend and nationalist, Dr. Jose Rizal.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the unit, I am able to:
1. explain the history of the Rizal Law and its historical background;
2. enumerate the other laws related to Republic Act 1425; and
3. critically assess the effectiveness of the Rizal Course.
Lesson proper
Senator Claro M. Recto was the main proponent of the Rizal Bill. Catholic Church claimed
that it would violate freedom of conscience and religion. Catholic Bishops conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) “Such bill is a violation of 1939 Canon Law which prohibits books that attacks
the Catholic Doctrine and practices. Among the 333 pages of Noli Me Tangere, 25 of the passages are
nationalistic while 120 are anti-Catholic. AGAINST: Catholic Action of the Philippines, the
Congregation of the Mission, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Teachers Guild.PRO:
Veteranos de la Revolucion (Spirit of 1896), Alagad ni Rizal, the Freemasons, and the Knights of Rizal
Senate Committee on Education sponsored a bill co-written by both José P. Laurel and Recto, with
the only opposition coming from Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Mariano Jesús Cuenco, and Decoroso
Rosales.
REPUBLIC ACT 1425 This is the act that mandates to include in the curricula of all
public and private schools, colleges and universities courses on the life, works and writings of our
national hero Rizal, particularly his two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo and
authorizing the printing and distribution thereof, and for other purposes.
Then Senator Claro M. Recto- the fundamental defender of the Rizal Bill- was even named
as a socialist and an enemy of Catholicism. The bill mandates all private and public educational
institutions in the country to offer a course on the hero’s life, works, and writings, especially the
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The first section of the law concerns in the mandating the
students to read Rizal’s novels. The last two sections involve making Rizal’s writings accessible
to the general public- they require the schools to have a sufficient number of copies in their libraries
and mandate the publication of the works in the major Philippine languages. Jose P. Laurel- the
co- author of the law, has explained that since Jose Rizal was the founder of the country’s
nationalism and had significantly contributed to the current condition of the nation, it is only right
that Filipinos, especially the youth, know about and learn to imbibe the high ideals for which the
hero died.
Motivations behind Republic Act 1425
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To rededicate the lives of youth to the beliefs of opportunity and patriotism, for which our
heroes lived;
To pay tribute to our national legend for giving his life and works in molding the Filipino
character; and
To increase arousing wellspring of nationalism through an incredible investigation, works,
and compositions.
Historical Timeline of Republic Act 1425
Date
During the
1950s
April 03, 1956
April 17, 1956
April 19, 1956
April 23, 1956
May 02, 1956
Action Taken
One of the prominent recommendations during the
1950s was Jose Lansang's proposition to make a "common
patriot program for building the country." (Schumacher,
2011)
Committee on Education filed Senate Bill No. 438,
which was then supported only by three members of the
upper house.
Chairman of the Committee on Education Jose P,
Laurel supported the measure; its goal was to scatter the
thoughts and standards of Jose Rizal through his books,
Noli Me Tangere and EI Filibusterismo.
The Catholic components declared that the bill was
an endeavor to ruin their religion and that it disregards
strict opportunity. As per them, the bill hurts the
estimations of the Catholic faith, particularly the two
books that Jose Rizal composed.
The conflict reached the House of Representatives
when Congressman Jacobo Z. Gonzales proposed House
Bill No. 5561, which was very similar to Senate Bill 438.
The discussions On Senate Bill 438 started.
Representative Claro M. Recto upheld Senator Laurel's
Bill, contending that the goal of the bill is just to value
Rizal's job in fighting the Spanish oppression.
The report of the Committee on Education suggested
endorsement without revision.
Notable defenders of the bill are the bill author Jose
P. Laurel, Congressman Emilio Cortez. Joaquin R. Rotes,
and W. Rancap Lagumbay.
Notable opposers of the bill are Congressman
Ramon Durano, Jose Nuguid, Marciano Lim, Manuel
Lucas Paredes, Godofredo Ramos, Miguel Cuenco,
Congresswoman Carmen Consing, and Tecla San Andres
Ziga.
May 09, 1956
Debates in the Senate gained more public and media
attention, and they're almost was a fistfight on the floor in
the Upper Chamber.
May 14, 1956,
The amendment of the bill was approved in its
second reading.
The House of Representatives, House Majority
Floor Leader Congressman Tolentino, sponsored an
amendment similar to Laurel's.
President Elpidio Quirino declined to ensure that the
measure was prompt. With just a couple of days left before
the Congress dismisses for the year, the Constitution
commands printed duplicates must be dispersed to the
Congressmen three days before its last endorsement.
Senate Bill 438 was approved on third reading, with
23 votes. House Bill No. 5561 was also passed on third
reading with 71votes (6 against, two abstained, 17 absent)
and was sent to the Senate on the same day.
May 17, 1956
The bill was later passed in Senate
June 12, 1956
The Rizal bill was signed into the law by thenPresident Ramon Magsaysay, this becoming Republic Act
1425.
May 12, 1956
Action Taken: One of the prominent recommendations during the 1950s was Jose Lansang’s
proposition to make a “common patriot program for building the country.” (Schumacher, 2011)
Committee on Education filed Senate Bill No. 438, which was then supported only by three
members of the upper house.
Chairman of the Committee on Education Jose P. Laurel supported the measure; its goal was to
scatter the thoughts and standards of Jose Rizal through his books, Noli Me Tangere, and El
Filibusterismo. The Catholic components declared that the bill was an endeavor to ruin their
religion and that it disregards strict opportunity. As per them, the bill hurts the estimations of the
Catholic faith, particularly the two books that Jose Rizal composed. The conflict reached the House
of Representatives when Congressman Jacobo Z. Gonzales proposed House Bill No. 5561, which
was very similar to Senate Bill 438. The discussion on the Senate Bill 438 started. Representative
Claro M. Recto upheld Senator Laurel’s Bill, contending that the goal of the bill is just to value
Rizal’s job in fighting the Spanish oppression. The report of the Committee on Education
suggested endorsement without revision. Notable defenders of the bill are the bill author Jose P.
Laurel, Congressman Emilio Cortez, Joaquin R. Rotes, and W. Rancap Lagumbay. Notable
opposers of the bill are Congressman Ramon Durano, Jose Nuguid, Marciano Cuenco,
Congresswoman Carmen Consing, and Tecla San Andres Ziga. Debates in the Senate gained more
public and media attention, and they’re almost was a fistfight on the floor in the Upper Chamber.
The amendment of the bill was approved in its second reading. The house of
Representatives, House Majority Floor Leader Congressman Tolentino, sponsored an amendment
similar to Laurel’s. President Elpidio Quirino declined to ensure that the measure was prompt.
With just a couple of days left before the Congress dismisses for the year, the Constitution
commands printed duplicates must be dispersed to the Congressmen three days before its last
endorsement. Senate Bill 438 was approved on third reading, with 23 votes. House Bill No. 5561
was also passed on third reading with 71 votes (6 against, two abstained, 17absent) and was sent
to the Senate on the same day. The bill was later passed in Senate The Rizal bill was signed into
the law by then- President Ramon Magsaysay, this becoming Republic Act 1425, May 17. 1956,
June 12, 1956.
Other Rizal Laws:
Memorandum Order No. 247- former Pres. Fidel Ramos coordinated the Secretary and
CHED Chairman to entirely execute the RA 1425 because there been reports that the law had still
not been thoroughly done. CHED Memorandum No. – was given upholding exacting consistency
on Memorandum Order No. 247 out of 1995.
Republic Act No. 229- a demonstration disallowing cockfighting, horse husting and jaialai on December 30 of every year and make a board of trustees to assess responsibility for the
best possible festival of Rizal Day in each district contracted city, and for some other purposes
Assessing Learning Activity 1
Name:
Date:
Course/Year/Section:
Module
#:
Essay: Reflection on My Rizal Studies in High School
Directions: Reflect on your secondary education: Did your school comply with RA 1425? How
effective is the Rizal Law in instilling patriotism among secondary school students?
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Activity 2
Name:
Date:
Course/Year/Section:
Module
Directions: Read and answer each question base on what you have learned. Support your answer.
1.
Explain
the
significance
of
Rizal’s
Law
to
the
present
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time.
2. What do you think were the reasons the Catholic Church opposed the Rizal Bill intensely?
Explain.
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References: Francisco, V., Francisco, P.H. Rizal: A Modular Approach Based On The New CHED
Curriculum Galicia, R., Solmerano, T., Palencia, M. The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Obias, R.,
Mallari, A., Estella, J. The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
Unit II Advent of a National Hero
Overview
This unit presents Dr. Jose Rizal’s ancestry, family, and life. His personality
and profile likewise his brother and sisters who are very supportive during his time.
The Rizal family of Calamba, Laguna was typical of the middle-class families of the
19th century. Only theirs was with a social status, their family being the principalia.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the unit, I am able to:
1. know Jose Rizal thoroughly through his biography;
2. analyze Rizal's parents, brothers and sisters and life abroad;
3. discuss his life abroad
4. evaluate the people's influence on Rizal's life.
Lesson Proper
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June 19, 1861 – birth date of Jose Rizal
Born in Calamba, Laguna Province
June 22, 1861 – baptismal of Rizal
nickname “Pepe”
the greatest Filipino hero and peerless genius
Father Rufino Collantes - baptized Rizal
Father Pedro Casañas Rizal‟s godfather
Mariano Herbosa – nephew of Casañas and will marry Lucia
“Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Alonzo Realonda”
Lieutenant-General Jose Lemery – the governor general of the Philippines when Rizal was
born
Meanings of name
• Jose - was chosen by his mother who was a devotee of the Christian saint SanJose (St.
Joseph)
• Protacio - from Gervacio P. which come from a Christian calendar
• Mercado- adopted in 1731 by Domigo Lamco (the paternal great- great-grandfather of
Jose Rizal) which the Spanish term mercado means „market‟ in English
• Rizal - from the word „Ricial‟ in Spanish means a field where wheat, cut while stillgreen,
sprouts again
• Alonzo- old surname of his mother
• Y - and
• Realonda - it was used by Doña Teodora from the surname of her godmother based on the
culture by
Rizal’s Parents
Francisco Mercado Rizal
• Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado y Alejandra II
• Born on May 11, 1818
• Born in Biñan, Laguna
• June 28, 1848, he married Teodora
• the youngest of the 13 children of Cirila Alejandro and Juan Mercado
Teodora Alonzo Realonda
• Teodora Morales Alonzo Realonda y Quintos
• Born on November 9, 1827
• Rizal‟s first teacher
• second child of Lorenzo Alonso and Brigida de Quintos
• went to College of Sta. Rosa
The Rizal Children
F r an ci s o R i z al
Te o d o r a Al onso
Sa tur n ina, P a ci a no , Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia, M ar ia , J O S E ,
C o n c ep c ion (died at 3), Josefa, Tr inid ad (un ma r ried ), Soled ad
Jose Rizal’s Siblings: How His Brother and Sisters Affected the Life of the Filipino Hero
Not known to many, ‘Jose Rizal siblings’ contributed much to his personality and to the success
of his endeavors. Are you familiar with Jose Rizal’s brother and sisters? Let’s get to know each
one of them:
Saturnina Rizal
Saturnina Rizal Hidalgo (1850-1913) is the eldest child of Don Francisco and Teodora Alonso.
She and her mother provided the little Jose with good basic education that by the age of three,
Pepe (Jose’s nickname) already knew his alphabet. Saturnina had always been a loving ‘Ate’
Neneng to Jose. When their mother was imprisoned, Saturnina brought the young Jose to Tanauan
during the summer vacation of 1873 just to cheer up the sad little brother.
On his way to Marseilles in May 1882, Jose Rizal—perhaps missing her ‘ate’—dreamed that he
was traveling with Neneng.
Paciano Mercado Rizal
Paciano Rizal, Jose’s only brother, was born on March 7, 1851 in Calamba, Laguna. He was fondly
addressed by his siblings as ‘Ñor Paciano,’ short for ‘Señor Paciano’. The 10-year older brother
of Jose studied at San Jose College in Manila, became a farmer, and later a general of the Philippine
Revolution. After Jose Rizal’s execution in December 1896, his ‘kuya’ Paciano joined the
Katipuneros in Cavite under General Emilio Aguinaldo. As Katipunero, Paciano was
commissioned as general of the revolutionary forces and elected as secretary of finance in the
Department Government of Central Luzon. (For Jose and Paciano’s collaboration and connection
to Emilio Aguinaldo.
Narcisa Rizal
Narcisa Rizal (1852-1939) or simply ‘Sisa’ was the third child in the family. Later in history,
Narcisa (like Saturnina) would help in financing Jose Rizal’s studies in Europe, even pawning her
jewelry and peddling her clothes if needed. It was said she could recite from memory almost all of
the poems of our national hero
Olympia Rizal
Olympia Rizal (1855-1887) is the fourth child in the Rizal family.
Jose loved to tease her, sometimes good-humoredly describing her as his stout sister. Jose’s first
love, Segunda Katigbak, was Olympia’s schoolmate at the La Concordia College.
Rizal confided to Olympia (also spelled ‘Olimpia’) about Segunda, and the sister willingly served
as the mediator between the two teenage lovers.
Lucia Rizal Herbosa
Lucia Rizal (1857–1919) is the fifth child in the family. She married Mariano Herbosa of Calamba,
Laguna. Charged of inciting the Calamba townsfolk not to pay land rent and causing unrest, the
couple was once ordered to be deported along with some Rizal family members. Lucia’s husband
died during the cholera epidemic in May 1889 and was refused a Catholic burial for not going to
confession since his marriage to Lucia. In Jose Rizal’s article in La Solidaridad entitled Una
profanacion (A Profanation), he scornfully attacked the friars for declining to bury in ‘sacred
ground’ a ‘good Christian’ simply because he was the “brother-in-law of Rizal”.
Maria Rizal Cruz
Maria Rizal (1859-1945) is the sixth child in the family. It was to her whom Jose talked about
wanting to marry Josephine Bracken when the majority of the Rizal family was apparently not
amenable to the idea.
In his letter dated December 28, 1891, Jose Rizal wrote to her sister Maria, “I’m told that your
children are very pretty.” Today, we have a historical proof that Maria’s progenies were indeed
nice-looking (‘lahing maganda’).
Maria and her husband, Daniel Faustino Cruz had five children: Mauricio, Petrona, Prudencio,
Paz, and Encarnacion. Their son Mauricio married Conception Arguelles, and the couple had a son
named Ismael Arguelles Cruz. Ismael was the father of Gemma Cruz Araneta, the first Filipina to
win the Miss International title, also the first Southeast Asian to win in an international beauty
pageant title.
Concepcion Rizal
Also called ‘Concha’ by her siblings, Concepcion Rizal (1862-1865) was the eight child of the
Rizal family. She died at the age of three. Of his sisters, it was said that the young Pepe loved most
little Concha who was a year younger than him. Jose played games and shared children stories
with her, and from her he felt the beauty of sisterly love at young age.
Josefa Rizal
Josefa Rizal’s nickname is Panggoy (1865-1945). She’s the ninth child in the family.
Panggoy died a spinster. Among Jose Rizal’s letters to Josefa, the one dated October 26, 1893 is
perhaps the most fascinating. Written in English, the letter addressed Josefa as “Miss Josephine
Rizal.”After Jose’s martyrdom, the epileptic Josefa joined the Katipunan and was even said to
have been elected the president of its women section. She was one of the original 29 women
admitted to the Katipunan along with Gregoria de Jesus, wife of Andres Bonifacio.They
safeguarded the secret papers and documents of the society and danced and sang during sessions
so that civil guards would think that the meetings were just harmless social gatherings.
Trinidad Rizal
Trinidad Rizal (1868-1951) or ‘Trining’ was the tenth child. Historically, she became the custodian
of Rizal’s last and greatest poem.
Right before Jose’s execution, Trinidad and their mother visited him in the Fort Santiago prison
cell.
As they were leaving, Jose handed over to Trining an alcohol cooking stove, a gift from the Pardo
de Taveras, whispering to her in a language which the guards could not understand, “There is
something in it.”
That ‘something’ was Rizal’s elegy now known as “Mi Ultimo Adios.” Like Josefa, Paciano, and
two nieces, Trinidad joined the Katipunan after Jose’s death.
Soledad Rizal
Also called ‘Choleng,’ Soledad Rizal (1870-1929) was the youngest child of the Rizal family.
Being a teacher, she was arguably the best educated among Rizal’s sisters.
In his long and meaty letter to Choleng dated June 6, 1890, Jose Rizal told her sister that he was
proud of her for becoming a teacher. He thus counseled her to be a model of virtues and good
qualities “for the one who should teach should be better than the persons who need her learning.”
Rizal nonetheless used the topic as leverage in somewhat rebuking her sister for getting married
to Pantaleon Quintero of Calamba without their parents’ consent. “Because of you,” he wrote, “the
peace of our family has been disturbed.”
Choleng’s union with Pantaleon, nonetheless resulted in Rizal family’s becoming connected by
affinity to Miguel Malvar, the hero who could have been listed as the second Philippine President
for taking over the revolutionary government after Emilio Aguinaldo’s arrest in 1901.
Copyright © 2014-present by Jensen DG. Mañebog
Jensen DG. Mañebog, the contributor, is an author of textbooks and professorial lecturer emeritus
in the graduate school of a state university in Metro Manila. His unique e-books on Rizal
(available online) comprehensively tackle, among others, the respective life of Rizal’s parents,
siblings, co-heroes, and girlfriends. (e-mail: jensenismo@gmail.com)
Questions
for
Discussion:
What are the basic facts about Rizal? Who is Jose Rizal (summary)
https://myinfobasket.com/jose-rizal-siblings-jose-rizal-brother-and-sisters/ April 18, 2021
Ancestry Paternal Side
• Domingo Lameo – great-great grandfather
–A Chinese immigrant from Chang chow “China‟s City of Spring”, he was married to Ines De la
Rosa
• 1731 – he adopt the name „Mercado‟ meaning market
• Francisco Mercado – Domingo Lameo‟s son
• Juan Mercado – Francisco‟s son, married to Cirila Alejandro
• Francisco Mercado – Rizal‟s father (son of Juan Mercado)
Ancestry Maternal Side
• Lakan Dula – descendant
• Eugenio Ursua – great-great grandfather of Rizal – he was married to Benigna
• Regina – daughter of Eugenio, married to Manuel De Quintos
• Brigida – daughter of Regina, married to
Lorenzo Alberto, mother of Narcisa,
Teodora, Gregorio, Jose and Manuel
• Rizal – “racial”; meaning “new pasture” and “green field”
Unit III Childhood Years in Calamba
Overview
The scenic beauty of Calamba, the admiration of Rizal’s mother and other
people provided themes of his literary talent and artistry
The childhood of Rizal The people, events that may influence nor inspired
Rizal to his decisions and life during and before the exile and exile, trial
Learning Objectives
At the end of the unit, I am able to:
1. To be able to know the childhood years of Jose Rizal in Calamba
2. To know what he achieved in a young age
3. To be able to know what events in his life made him love his nation and fight for freedom.
Lesson Proper
Rizal learned his alphabet at the age of three. At the age of nine, Rizal begins formal
education in Binan, Laguna in 1869. As a boy he took avid interest in reading and literature because
the family’s extensive library provided him with the necessary incentives. He loved to read books
while his mother listened. In addition to reading, he also manifested skills in sculpture, sketching
and painting.
Childhood in Calamba
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Rizal's childhood was the happiest period of his life.
Calamba, the hero's hometown, belonged to the Dominican Order.
A few kilometers south of Calamba lies mount Makiling.
East of the town is Laguna de Bay.
Rizal was a student in the Ateneo de Manila in 1876 when he was 15 years old.
When he was fifteen, he wrote the poem entitled In Memory of My Town (Un Recuerdo A
Mi Pueblo)
Rizal was sickly, underweight, undersized, and frail as a child.
He had his own nipa cottage where he played in the day, built by his father.
He had an aya (nurse maid) who has a kind old woman and who took care of him and his
health.
He began birdwatching at the age of 3, observing the culiauan, the maya, the maria capra,
the martin, and the pipit.
He recited the Angelus prayer daily.
Of all his sisters, Jose loved little Concepcion best. She was only a year younger than
him, and fell ill and died at the age of 3.
The death of his sister was Jose's first grief.
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Jose and his father went on a pilgrimage to Antipolo on June 6, 1868 so that they could
fulfill his mother's vow, which she made when Jose was born. Teodora could not join
them on this pilgrimage because she had given birth to Jose's sister Trinidad.
After the pilgrimage, Jose went with his father to Manila where they visited his sister
Saturnina, who was then a boarding student at La Concordia College in Santa Ana.
On "The Story of the Moth," Rizal thought that the creature's death was justified because
he believed that to sacrifice one's life for one's ideals is worthwhile.
He began sketching at the age of five.
He had a black dog named Usman.
At the age of eight, Jose wrote his first poem entitled Sa Aking Mga Kabata (To My
Fellow Children).
When he was also eight years old, Rizal write his first dramatic work, which was a
Tagalog comedy. It was staged in a festival in Calamba, and was later sold to a
gobernadorcillo from Paete for two pesos.
Jose was skilled in operating marionettes.
He used to meditate by Laguna de Bay with his pet dog, Usman.
Jose Rizal grew up in a happy home, ruled by good parents, bubbling with joy, and sanctified
by God’s blessings. His native town is Calamba. Its scenic beauties and industrious, hospitable,
and friendly folks impressed him during his childhood years and profoundly affected his mind and
character.
Calamba, the Hero’s Town
Calamba was a hacienda town which belonged to the Dominican Order, which also owned all the
lands around it.
House of Jose Rizal in Calamba
Earliest Childhood Memories
The first memory of Rizal, in his infancy, was his happy days in the family garden when he was
three years old. Because he was a sick child, he was given the tenderest care by his parents. His
father built a little nipa cottage in the garden for him to play in the day time. Another childhood
memory was the daily Angelus prayer. By nightfall, his mother gathered all the children at the
house to pray the Angelus. Another memory of his infancy was the nocturnal walk in the town.
The maid took him for a walk in the moonlight by the river.
The Hero’s First Sorrow
Jose loved most the little Concha (Concepcion). He was a year older than Concha. He played with
her and from her he learned the sweetness of a sisterly love. Unfortunately, Concha died of
sickness in 1865 when she was three years old. Jose, who was very fond of her, cried bitterly at
losing her. “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…”
Devoted Son of the Church
At the age of three, he began to take part in the family prayers. His mother was a devout Catholic,
taught him the Catholic prayers, when he was five years old, he was able to read haltingly the
Spanish family Bible. Father Leoncio Lopez- he is the town priest. Jose Rizal used to visit him
and listen to his stimulating opinions on current events and sound philosophy of life.
Pilgrimage to Antipolo
On June 6, 1868, Jose and his father left Calamba to go on a pilgrimage to Antipolo, in order to
fulfill his mother’s vow which was made when Jose was born. It was the first trip of Jose across
Laguna de Bay.After praying at the shrine of the Virgin of Antipolo, Jose and his father went to
Manila. It was the first time Jose saw Manila. They visited Saturnina, who was then a boarding
student at La Concordia College in Sta. Ana.
Artistic Talents
Since early childhood Rizal revealed his God-given talent for art. At the age of five, he began to
make sketches with his pencil and to mold in clay and wax objects.
“All right laugh at me now! Someday when I die, people will make monuments and images of
me!”
First Poem by Rizal
Rizal possessed a God-given gift for literature. Since early boyhood he had scribbled verses on
loose sheets of paper and on the textbooks of his sisters. His mother who was a lover of literature,
noticed his poetic inclination and encouraged him to write poetry. At the age of eight, Rizal wrote
his first poem in the native language entitled Sa Aking mga Kababata (To My Fellow Children).
TO MY FELLOW CHILDREN
Whenever people of a country truly love
The language which by heav’n they were taught to use That country also surely liberty pursue
As does the bird which soars to freer space above.
For language is the final judge and referee
Upon the people in the land where it holds sway; To make our human race resembles in this way
The other living beings born in liberty.
Whoever knows not how to love his native tongue Is worse than any beast or evil smelling fish.
To make our language richer ought to be our wish The same as any mother loves to feed her young.
Tagalog and the Latin language are the same
And English and Castilian and the angels’ tongue;
And God, whose watchful care o’er all is flung,
Has given us His blessing in the speech we claim,
Our mother tongue, like all the highest that we know Had alphabet and letters of its very own;
But these were lost --- by furious waves were overthrown Like bancas
in the stormy sea, long years ago.
First Drama by Rizal
Rizal, who was eight years old, wrote his first dramatic work which was in Tagalog comedy. It is
said that it was staged in a Calamba festival and was delightfully applauded by the audience.
Rizal as Boy Magician
Since early manhood Rizal had been interested in magic. With his dexterous hands, he learned
various tricks. He entertained his town folks with magic-lantern exhibitions. In later years when
he attained manhood, he continued his keen predilection for magic. He read many books on magic
and attended the performances of the famous magicians of the world.
Influences on the Hero’s Boyhood
1. Hereditary Influence
2. Environmental Influence
3. Aid of Divine Providence
From his Malayan ancestors, Rizal inherited his love for freedom, his innate desire to travel,
and his indomitable courage. 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 a profound sense of selfrespect, 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.
Hereditary Influence
From his Malayan ancestors, Rizal inherited his love for freedom, his innate desire to travel, and
his indomitable courage. 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 a profound sense of selfrespect, 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.
Environmental Influence
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 love for freedom and justice. From
his sisters, he learned to be courteous and kind to women. His three uncles, inspired him to develop
his artistic ability, to develop his frail body and intensified his voracious reading of good books.
Father Leoncio Lopez, fostered Rizal’s love for scholarship and intellectual honesty. The death of
his sister Concha and the imprisonment of his mother, contributed to strengthen his character,
enabling him to resist blows of adversity in later years. The Spanish cruelties and abuses awakened
his spirit of patriotrism and inspired him to consecrate his life and talents to redeem his oppressed
people.
Aid of Divine Providence
Rizal was providentially destined to be the pride and glory of his nation. God had endowed him
with the versatile gifts of a genius, the vibrant spirit of a nationalist, and the valiant heart to
sacrifice for a noble cause.
Unit IV School Day’s in Biñan
Overview
“This is the town where my father first saw the light of day, and where he sent me to continue
studying the rudiments of Latin, which I started to learn” - Jose Rizal
Learning Objectives
HERO’S FIRST TEACHER - DOÑA TEODORA ALONZO REALONDA - Jose Rizal’s
mother and her first non – formal teacher
-At 3 years old he learned the alphabet and prayers
3 NON – FORMAL TEACHER OF RIZAL
MAESTRO CELESTINO – first private tutor
MAESTRO LUCAS PADUA – second private tutor
MAESTRO LEON MONROY – a classmate of Don Francisco Mercado Rizal
- became Rizal’s tutor in Spanish and Latin
- he died 5 months later
- Sunday afternoon in June, 1869- Rizal left Calamba for Binan accompanied by Paciano
- Then after Leon Monroy’s
death Rizal was sent to Biñan
FIRST DAY IN BIÑAN SCHOOL
- MAESTRO JUSTIANO AQUINO CRUZ - Rizal’s teacher in a private school in Binan,
Laguna
JOSE GOES TO BIÑAN
June 1869 – Rizal goes to Biñan with his brother Paciano
CARROMATA – the mode of transportation At Biñan, Rizal lodged to his Aunt’s house together
with his cousin Leandro
RIZAL’S CLASSMATES
Pedro (teacher’s son) Andres Salandanan Jose Guevarra
FIRST SCHOOL BRAWL
PEDRO – wrestling, Pedro- the teacher’s son which Rizal challenged to a fight
ANDRES SALANDANAN – challenged Rizal to an arm-wrestling match
PAINTING LESSONS IN BIÑAN
OLD JUANCHO – a painter who was the father in law of the school teacher gave free lessons in
painting and sculpture to Rizal and Jose Guevarra.
Jose Guevara- Rizal’s classmate who also loved painting, became apprentices of the old painter.
Rizal became the best student in Biñan and the favorite painter of the class, because of his artistic
talent
Christmas in 1870- Rizal received a letter from his sister Saturnina, informing him of the arrival
of the Steamer Talim which would take him from Binan to Calamba.
DECEMBER 17, 1870 – Rizal left Biñan with steamer Talim after one year and a half of
schooling.
ARTURO CAMPS - a French friend of Rizal’s father who is with him on his way back to Calamba
Life in Binan- Heard the four o’clock mass then at ten o’clock went home at once and went at
school at two and came out at five. The day was unusual when Rizal was not laid out on a bench
and given five or six blows Rizal dedicated his second novel, El Filibusterismo, to Gom-Bur-Za
INJUSTICE TO HERO’S MOTHER
DOÑA TEODORA - was arrested on a malicious charge that she aided his brother JOSE
ALBERTO in trying to poison his wife.
JOSE ALBERTO’S WIFE - had a relationship with the lieutenant of the GUARDIA CIVIL
ANTONIO VIVENCIO DEL ROSARIO – gobernadorcillo
SANTA
CRUZ – capital of Laguna province where Doña Teodora was jailed
ROYAL AUDENCIA – supreme court
DON FRANCISCO DE MARCAIDA & DON MANUEL MAZANO– prominent barristers of
Manila
MARTYRDOM OF GOMBURZA
JANUARY 20, 1872 –
Cavite flared up the mutiny followed execution FATHER
MARIANO GOMEZ, FATHER JOSE BURGOS, and FATHER JACINTO ZAMORA.
EL FILIBUSTERISMO – novel dedicated to GOMBURZA: It was published in GHENT during
1891.
Chapter 5 Triumphs in the Ateneo (1872 – 1877)
SAN JUAN DE LETRAN
- Dominican owned college and a rival of Ateneo de Manila
ATENEO MUNICIPAL - formerly known as Escuela Pia, a charity school for poor boys in
Manila which was established by 1817 and later became Ateneo de Manila. Rizal took and
passed the examination in COLLEGE OF SAN JUAN DE LETRAN but he enrolled in ATENEO
when he came back to Manila.
RIZAL ENTERS ATENEO
FATHER MAGIN FERRANDO (collegeregistrar) - refused to admit Jose
Rizal because
 He was late for registration
 He was sickly and undersized for his age
MANUEL XEREZ BURGOS – nephew of Father Burgos; Rizal was
admitted to Ateneo
because of him
RIZAL - surname used by Jose Rizal because Mercado became under suspicion by the Spanish
authorities.
MERCADO – surname used by Paciano
TITAY – owner of the boarding house where Rizal boarded to settle the bill owed by Titay by
about Php 300.00
JESUIT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION- it trained the character of the student by rigid discipline
and religious instructions.
Reasons why Jesuit System was advance than other college
 It trained the character of students by rigid discipline and religious instruction.
 It promotes physical culture, humanities and scientific studies.
 Aside from academic courses leading to AB, it offers vocational course in agriculture,
commerce, mechanics and surveying.
 They were given splendid professors.
 They acquired prestige as an excellent college for boys.
TWO GROUPS OF STUDENTS:
1. Roman Empire (internos/boarders) -RED FLAG
2. Carthaginian Empire (externos/non-boarders)- BLUE FLAG
5 RANKS
1.EMPEROR - The best student in each group
2. TRIBUNE
3. DECURION
4. CENTURION
5. STANDARD BEARER
The Ateneo students in Rizal’s time wore a uniform which consisted of “hemp-fabric trousers”
and “striped cotton coat” The coat material was called rayadillo
RAYADILLO – official uniform of Ateneo students
FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO
 FATHER JOSE BECH – first teacher of Rizal in Ateneo, whom he described as a “tall
thin man, with a body slightly bent forward, a harried 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.
Rizal was placed as an externo but a week after he showed his progress and after a month, he
became the emperor.
SANTA ISABEL COLLEGE – where Rizal took his Spanish lessons during recess and paid it
for Php 3.00
Rizal returned to Calamba for his vacation. Saturnina brought him to Tanawan to visit their mother
to cheer him up. After the vacation he returned to Ateneo for his second year. He is now living at
DOÑA PEPAY, an old landlady with widowed daughter and four sons.
SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873-1874) At the end of the school year, He again became an
emperor, Rizal received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal.
 The Count of Monte Carlo Cristo by Alexander Dumas-the first favorite novel of Rizal
which made a deep impression on him.
 Universal history by Cesar Cantu- Rizal persuaded his father to buy him this set of
historical work that was great aid in his studies.
 Dr. Teodor Jagor- a German scientist-traveler who visited the Philippines in 1959-1860
who wrote travels in the Philippines, Rizal was impressed in this book because of (1)
Jagor’s keen observations of the defects of Spanish colonization (2) his prophecy that
someday Spain would lose the Philippines and that America would come to succeed her as
colonizer.
THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1874-1875)
 Rizal grades remained excellent in all subjects but he won only one medal-in Latin- At the
end of school year at March 1875, he returned to Calamba for his summer vacation. He
himself was not impressed by his scholastic work.
FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO
 June 16, 1875- Rizal became an interno in the Ateneo
 Padre Francisco de Paula Sanchez- Rizal’s favorite teacher a great educator and scholar,
one of Rizal’s professor who inspired him to study harder and to write poetry- Rizal
described this Jesuit professor as ‘model of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the
advancement of his pupils”
 Rizal won 5 medals and topped in all subjects at the end of the school term. Rizal became
the pride of the Jesuits and he obtained highest grades in all subjects. He received the
degree of Bachelor of Arts with highest honors during commencement exercise.
LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-1877)
 Rizal’s studies continued to fare well. As a matter of fact, he excelled in all subjects. The
most brilliant Atenean of his time, he was truly “pride of the Jesuits”
 FATHER JOSE VILLACLARA – advised Rizal to stop communing with the muses but
to pay more attention to practical studies.
 Rizal studied painting under the famous Spanish painter AGUSTIN SAEZ, and sculpture
under ROMUALDO DE JESUS, a noted Filipino sculptor.
 Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwork)
with his pocket-knife
 Father Leonart- impressed by Rizal’s sculptural talent, requested him to carve an image of
Sacred heart of Jesus ANECDOTES ON RIZAL THE ATENIAN
 Felix M. Roxas- one of Rizal’s contemporaries in the Ateneo, related an incident of Rizal’s
schooldays in Ateneo which reveals hero’s resignation to pain and forgiveness. “Neither
bitterness nor rancor towards the guilty party”
 Manuel Xerex Burgos- This anecdote illustrates Rizal’s predilection to help the helpless at
the risk of his own life
POEMS WRITTEN IN ATENEO- It was Doña Teodora who was first discovered the poetic
genius of her son, and it was also she who first encouraged him o write poems. However, it was
Father Sanchez who inspired Rizal to make full use of his God-given gift in poetry.
 Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration), 1874- the first poem Rizal probably wrote
during his days in Ateneo which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday; Rizal wrote
it before he was 14 years old. In 1875, inspired by Father Sanchez, Rizal wrote more poems,
such as:
 Felicitacion (Feliciatation)
 El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to Magellan’s Fleet)
 Y Es Espanol; Elcano, el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo (And He is Spanish: Elcano,
the First to Circumnavigate the World)
 El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo)



Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus) -this poem was written in 1875 when Rizal was 14
years old; it was a brief ode
A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary)- another religious poem which doesn’t have exact
date when it was written
San Eustacio, Martir (St. Eustace, the Martyr)- a drama based on the prose story of St.
Eustace which he wrote in poetic verses during the summer vacation of 1876 and finished
it on June 2, 1876.
PROPHECY OF MOTHER’S RELEASE
Doña Teodora was released in the jail after 3 months like what Jose Rizal said.
St. JOSEPH – Rizal was comparable because of his interpretation about his mother’s release.
TEENAGE INTEREST IN READING
TWO FAVORITE NOVELS OF RIZAL
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexander
TRAVEL IN THE PHILIPPINES by Feodor Jagor
UNIVERSAL HISTORY by Cesar Cantus–
Dumas
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN ATENEO
 He was an emperor and a campus leader outside.
 Secretary of the Marian Congregation
 Member of Academy of Spanish Literature
 Member of Academy of Natural Sciences
Poems made by Rizal:
 Mi Primera Inspiration (My First Inspiration) - dedicated to Rizal’s mother
 Through Education Our Motherland Receives Light
 The Intimate Alliance between Religion and Good Education
 To the Child
 To the Virgin Mary
DRAMATIC WORK IN ATENEO
Father Sanchez requested Rizal to wrote a drama based with ST. EUSTACE THE MARTYR and
on June 2, 1876, Rizal had finished the drama.
FIRST ROMANCE OF RIZAL
SEGUNDA KATIGBAK – a 14 yr. old Batangueña from Lipa whom Rizal first fell inloved with
but Segunda was already engaged to Manuel Luz.
MARIANO KATIGBAK – brother of Segunda
LA CONCORDIA COLLEGE- where Segunda and Olimpia (Rizal’s sister) studied
Ñ/ñ
Chapter V At the University of Sto. Tomas 1877 – 1882
Overview
Jose Rizal, having completed his Bachiller en Artes at the Ateneo Municipal, was now
eligible for higher education at a university. His mother, Doña Teodora, had second thoughts about
sending her son to school because of the previous incident involving the execution of friars Gomez,
Burgos and Zamora. However, it was Don Francisco who decided his son should to the University
of Santo Tomas, a prestigious institution run by the Dominican order.
Leaning Objective:
Lesson Proper
2 courses enrolled at UST
 Philsophy and Letters (1877 – 1878)
 Medicine
Mother’s Opposition to Higher Education
Don Francisco and Paciano wanted Jose to pursue higher learning
-Dona Teodora opposed this
RIZAL ENTERS THE UNIVERSITY
-
April 1877, Rizal at 16 years old, entered University of Santo Tomas
Rizal, upon entering the university, was not certain which course of study he wanted to pursue. The
Jesuit priests who had been his former mentors had advised him to take up farming, or to join the order
and be a man of the cloth. However, his tastes went towards law, literature, or medicine. In the end, he
decided to sign up for Philosophy and Letters during his freshman year because of the following reasons:


It was what his father would have wanted for him.
He had failed to seek the advice of the rector of the Ateneo, Father Ramon Pablo.
FATHER PABLO RAMON - Rector of the Ateneo, Rizal asked for advice on the choice of
career Rizal studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of Philosophy He took up a
medical course 1878-1879 because;
 he followed Ateneo Rector’s advice
 wanted to be able to cure his mother’s growing blindness
FINISHES SURVEYING COURSE IN ATENEO 1878
He took a vocational course in Ateneo during his first term in UST
- The course lead to the title perito agrimensor
- (expert surveyor) He passed the final examination at the age of 17
- He was granted the title on November 25, 1881 His loyalty to Ateneo continued
President of the Academy of Spanish Literature Secretary of the Academy of Natural Sciences
Secretary of the Marian Congregation.



Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila- a society of literary men
and artists held a literary contest in the year 1879
A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) Rizal, who was then 18 years old submitted
this winning poem.
El Consejo de los Dioses (The Councils of the Gods) an allegorical drama written by Rizal
which he entered in the literary contest of Artistic-Literary Lyceum in 1880 to
commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of Cervantes- was a literary masterpiece
based on the Greek classics.
ROMANCES WITH OTHER GIRLS
SEGUNDA KATIGBAK
14 yr. old Batanguena and engaged to Manuel Luz
“MISS L”
A girl with seductive eyes
The romance died a natural death because:
 The sweet memory of Segunda was still fresh in his heart
 His father did not like the family of “Miss L”
LEONOR VALENZUELA
 Daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela, their neighbors who were from
Pagsanjan, Laguna
 Her pet name was “Orang”
 Rizal sent notes to her made with invisible ink (salt solution)
LEONOR RIVERA
- Jose boarded
in
Casa Tomasina
(No. 6
Calle Santo Tomas,
Intramuros)
- Daughter
of
his
landlord-uncle from Camiling, Antonio Rivera
- She was a student at La Concordia College, also the school of
Soledad,
Jose’s
youngest sister
- Born in Camiling, Tarlac on April 11, 1867
- She used the name “Taimis” in her letters to Rizal
VICTIM OF SPANISH OFFICER’S BRUTALITY
Setting: Dark night, summer vacation 1878. Calamba He passed by a lieutenant of the Guardia
Civil but failed to recognize the latter Insulted, the lieutenant slashed Jose’s back with his
sword. Jose reported to General Primo de Rivera, Spanish governor general, but no
resolution was done because of racial discrimination
TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH (1879)
Literary contest by Artistico-Literario (Artisitic- Literary Lyceum)
Rizal, 18
years old, submitted
his
poem entitled A La Juventud Filipina (To
the Filipino Youth) The first prize, a feather shaped, gold ribbon decorated silver pen was given
to Rizal the poem, Rizal beseeched the Filipino to rise from lethargy, to let their genius fly swifter
than the wind. and descend with art science to break the chains that have long bound the spirit of
the people. The poem is a classic. Two reasons:
 It was the first great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino whose merit was recognized
by Spanish literary authorities
 It expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos, and not the
foreigners were the “fair hope of the Fatherland.”
THE COUNCIL OF THE GODS (1880)
Another literary contest by the Artistic-Literary Lyceum to commemorate the fourth centennial of
the death of Cervantes, Spanish and author of Don Quixote. Manuel De Cervantes – Spain’s
glorified man of letter.
- Rizal submitted an allegorical drama, El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods)
The allegory was based on Greek classics
Rizal was aided by Father Rector of the Ateneo in
OTHER LITERARY WORKS
1879: Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma
A poem, declaimed by an Atenean, manuel Fernandez on December 8,
1879 in
honor
of the Ateneo’s Patroness.
1880: Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig)
A zarzuela, staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880 on the Feast Day of the Immaculate
Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo. Rizal wrote it as President of the Academy of Spanish
Literature.
1880: A Filipinas
A sonnet, for the album of the Society of Sculptors Rizal urged all Filipino artist to glorify the
Philippines.
1881: Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon
A poem, an expression of affection to Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo rector.
RIZAL’S VISIT TO PAKIL AND PAGSANJAN
May 1881 - Jose, along with his sisters Saturnina, Maria, and Trinidad and female friends went on
a pilgrimate to Pakil, famous shrine of the Birhen Maria de los Dolores.
-
They boarded a casco (a flat-bottom sailing vessel) from Calamba to Pakil, Laguna
They stayed at
the
home of
Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Regalado, parents of
Nicolas, Rizal’s friend in Manila The company witnessed the famous turumba, the people
dancing in honor of the miraculous Birhen Maria de los Dolores Rizal was infatuated by
Vicenta Ybardolaza She was skillful in playing the harp at the Regalado home. Rizal and
his party then went to Pagsanjan for two reasons.
CHAMPION OF FILIPINO STUDENTS
There were frequent student brawls between the Filipinos and the Spaniards
- 1880: Rizal founded Companerismo (Comradeship), a secret society of Filipino UST students.
The members were called “Companions of Jehu”.
- He was the chief of the society.
- His cousin, Galicano Apacible was the secretary.
- In one of the skirmishes, Rizal was wounded on the head.His friends brought him to Casa
Tomasina where Leonor Rivera took care of him.
UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST
Rizal was unhappy in the Dominican
institution because:
 The Dominican professors were hostile to him
 The Filipino students were racially discriminated against by the Spaniards
 The methodof
instruction was obsolete and repressive.
He failed to win high scholastic honors due to the attitude of his professors.
DECISION TO STUDY ABROAD
Rizal decided to study in Spain after finishing the fourth year of his medical course.
The people who approved this are the following:
 His older brother Paciano
 His sisters Saturnina (Neneng) and Lucia
 Uncle Antonio Rivera
 The Valenzuela family
 Some friends
The people who did not know of his decision are the following:
 Rizal’s parents
 Leonor Rivera
 Spanish authorities