Jesuit Education System at Ateneo

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Questions and Answers

What accolades did Rizal achieve by the end of his time at Ateneo?

He participated in sports competitions and won medals.

He won five medals and graduated without honors.

He was recognized only for his sculptural works.

He topped his class and graduated with highest honors. (correct)

At what age did Rizal graduate from Ateneo with a Bachelor of Arts?

16 years old (correct)

17 years old

15 years old

18 years old

Which subject did Rizal NOT excel in during his studies at Ateneo?

Mineralogy

Biology

Philosophy

Sculpture (correct)

What did Father Lleonart request Rizal to carve?

An image of the Secret Heart of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

How did Rizal feel on the night before his graduation?

Nervous and unable to sleep Signup and view all the answers

What significant artistic contribution did Rizal make during his time at Ateneo?

Created a sculptural image of the Virgin Mary Signup and view all the answers

Which of these subjects did Rizal obtain the highest grades in during his studies?

Biology and philosophy Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the image created by Rizal during his studies?

It served as a decoration in the dormitory. Signup and view all the answers

What literary work greatly influenced Rizal's teenage reading interests by showcasing dramatic revenge?

Count of Monte Cristo Signup and view all the answers

Which author presented an important prophecy regarding Spanish colonization in the Philippines?

Dr. F. Jagor Signup and view all the answers

During his junior year at Ateneo, how did Rizal perceive his academic performance?

He was not impressed by his scholastic work. Signup and view all the answers

What medal did Rizal achieve in his studies during his junior year at Ateneo?

Medal in Latin Signup and view all the answers

How were students divided in the educational system described?

Into the Roman Empire and the Carthaginian Empire Signup and view all the answers

Which educator inspired Rizal to study harder and write poetry during his time at Ateneo?

Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez Signup and view all the answers

What was the hierarchy of ranks within each empire?

Emperor, Tribune, Decurion, Centurion, Standard bearer Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons Rizal did not win a medal in Spanish during his junior year?

His spoken Spanish was not fluent enough. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key observation made by Dr. F. Jagor regarding the Spanish colonization of the Philippines?

There were significant defects in Spanish colonization. Signup and view all the answers

What did Rizal wear as a uniform during his time at Ateneo?

Hemp-fabric trousers and a stripe cotton coat Signup and view all the answers

Who was Rizal's first professor at Ateneo?

Fr. Jose Bech Signup and view all the answers

How did Rizal describe Fr. Francis de Paula Sanchez in his student memoirs?

As a model of uprightness and love for students. Signup and view all the answers

How did Rizal progress in his academic ranking during his first year?

He became emperor by the end of the month Signup and view all the answers

What did Rizal do during noon recesses to improve his studies?

Took private lessons in Santa Isabel College Signup and view all the answers

What caused Rizal to lose his academic supremacy during the second half of his first year?

He resented remarks from his professor Signup and view all the answers

What type of coat material became associated with Filipino troops of the First Philippine Republic?

Rayadillo Signup and view all the answers

What did Rizal do when he heard Julio Meliza crying?

He promised to retrieve the kite. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following poems was written by Rizal in 1874?

Mi Primera Inspiracion Signup and view all the answers

What does the poem 'El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo' refer to?

A famous Spanish battle Signup and view all the answers

What was the theme of many poems written by Rizal in 1876?

Religion and education Signup and view all the answers

What physical injury did Rizal sustain while studying?

A hit to the face from a thrown book Signup and view all the answers

What is the subject of the poem 'Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Education'?

The connection between faith and education Signup and view all the answers

Who was Julio Meliza in the anecdote about Rizal?

A small boarder who cried for help Signup and view all the answers

What literary form did 'El Cautiverio y el Triunfo' represent?

A martial poem Signup and view all the answers

What event is described in the poem relating to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel?

The entry into Granada Signup and view all the answers

Which poem focuses on the missed opportunity by King John II of Portugal concerning Columbus?

Colon y Juan II Signup and view all the answers

What does the poem 'Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha' depict?

The tragic life of Columbus Signup and view all the answers

How did Rizal first know Segunda Katigbak?

During a visit to his grandmother in Trozo, Manila Signup and view all the answers

What was Rizal's relationship with Segunda Katigbak?

A romantic interest Signup and view all the answers

What did Rizal sketch during a gathering at his grandmother's house?

A portrait of Segunda Katigbak Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Rizal to feel embarrassed while sketching Segunda?

Her beauty and charm Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the poem 'Un Dialogo Alusivo a la Despedida de los Colegiales'?

It is a farewell to Rizal’s classmates Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jesuit System of Education

The Jesuit system of education implemented in the Ateneo Municipal was divided into two empires:
- The Roman Empire, composed of internos (boarders)
- The Carthaginian Empire, composed of externos (non-boarders)
The Ateneo established a hierarchy within its student body, assigning ranks based on academic performance:
- Emperor - the top-performing student in each empire
- Tribune - the second-best student in each empire
- Decurion - the third-best student in each empire
- Centurion - the fourth-best student in each empire
- Standard Bearer - the fifth-best student in each empire
The Jesuit students wore a uniform that consisted of "hemp-fabric trousers" and a "stripe cotton coat."
- The coat material, called rayadillo, was later adopted as the uniform of Filipino troops of the first Philippine Republic.

Rizal's First Year

Rizal began his first year at the Ateneo in 1872, and on his first day, he heard Mass and prayed for guidance and success.
Father Jose Bech, Rizal's first professor, was described as a "tall, thin man, with a body slightly bent forward, a hurried walk, an ascetic face, severe and inspired, small deep-sunken eyes, a sharp nose that was almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose fell toward the chin."
As a newcomer with limited Spanish, Rizal was initially placed at the bottom of the class in the Carthaginian Empire.
Within a week, Rizal progressed rapidly, becoming Emperor at the end of the month and receiving a religious picture as a prize.
Rizal took private lessons in Spanish at Santa Isabel College during noon recesses, paying three pesos for these extra lessons.
In the second half of his first year, Rizal's emphasis shifted, and he did not try hard enough to retain his academic supremacy, placing second. This was likely due to resentment over remarks made by his professor.

Rizal's Second Year

Rizal continued to take private lessons in Spanish at Santa Isabel College during the noon recesses.
During his second year at the Ateneo, Rizal became interested in literature, particularly these books:
- "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, stirring his imagination with the protagonist's suffering, escape, and revenge
- "Universal History" by Cesar Cantu, a costly set of books that Rizal persuaded his father to purchase
- "Travels in the Philippines" by Dr. F. Jagor, a German scientist-traveler who visited the Philippines in 1859-1860.
  - Jagor's observations on the shortcomings of Spanish colonization and his prophecy that Spain would eventually lose control of the Philippines to America.

Rizal's Third Year

In June 1874, Rizal returned to the Ateneo for his junior year, shortly after the opening of classes, hearing the joyful news that his mother had been released from prison.
Although Rizal continued to excel academically, his performance was not as outstanding as in his previous year. He won only one medal, in Latin, failing to win the Spanish medal due to his less-fluent spoken Spanish.
Rizal returned to Calamba for summer vacation in March 1875, feeling somewhat unimpressed with his scholastic performance.

Rizal's Fourth Year

In June 1875, Rizal became an interno (boarder) at the Ateneo.
Father Francis de Paula Sanchez, a Jesuit priest, inspired Rizal to study harder and write poetry, becoming a friend and admirer.
Rizal considered Father Sanchez his best professor at the Ateneo, describing him in his memoirs as a "model of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils."
Encouraged by Father Sanchez, Rizal resumed his studies with renewed vigor, topping his classmates in all subjects and winning five medals at the end of the school term.
After returning to Calamba for summer vacation in March 1876, Rizal proudly presented his five medals and excellent ratings to his parents.

Rizal's Last Year

In June 1876, Rizal began his final year at the Ateneo.
He continued to excel in his studies, and as the most brilliant student of his time, he was considered "the pride of the Jesuits."
Rizal graduated with the highest honor, earning top grades in all subjects, including philosophy, physics, biology, chemistry, languages, mineralogy, and more.

Graduation

Rizal graduated at the top of his class in March 1877 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, receiving this honor from his Alma Mater, Ateneo Municipal, at the age of 16.
His commencement day was a bittersweet experience, marked by joy and the poignant feeling of leaving the Ateneo dormitory.

Sculptural Works at the Ateneo

Rizal's talent for sculpture was evident, as he created an image of the Virgin Mary from a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwood).
This impressed the Jesuit Fathers, particularly Father Lleonart.
Father Lleonart was so impressed that he requested Rizal to carve an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which Rizal completed within a few days.
Father Lleonart intended to take the image to Spain but forgot to do so. The Ateneo boarding students placed the image on the door of their dormitory, where it remained for many years.
This image later played a significant role in Rizal's last hours at Fort Santiago.

Anecdotes about Rizal, the Atenean

Felix M. Roxas recounted a story where Rizal, while studying in the study hall, was hit in the face by a book thrown during a fight between two Ateneans, Manzano and Lesaca.
- Despite his wounded face, Rizal did not complain or protest.
Manuel Xeres Burgos narrated another anecdote that illustrated Rizal's inclination to help others, even at risk to himself.
- A young boarder named Julio Meliza from Iloilo was crying because his kite had gotten stuck in the vines growing on the belfry of Manila Cathedral.
- Despite being laughed at by older students, Rizal, after calming Julio, courageously climbed high up the cathedral tower and successfully retrieved the kite.

Poems Written at the Ateneo

Rizal wrote numerous poems during his time at the Ateneo on various themes including religion, education, childhood memories, and war.
Here are some of his notable works from 1874 to 1877:
- 1874: "Mi Primera Inspiracion" (My First Inspiration)
- 1875:
  - "Felicitacion" (Felicitation)
  - "El Embarque: Himno a la Flera 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)
- 1876:
  - "Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo" (In Memory of My Town): A poem in honor of Calamba, Rizal's hometown
  - "Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Education" (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education)
  - "Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria" (Through Education the Country Receives Light)
  - "El Cautiverio y el Triunfo: Battala de Lucena y Prisiion de Boabdil" (The Captivity and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil): This martial poem describes the defeat and capture of Boabdil, the last Moorish sultan of Granada.
  - "La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes Catolices en Granada" (The Triumphal Entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada): This poem recounts the victorious entry of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel into Granada, the last Moorish stronghold in Spain
- 1877:
  - "El Heroismo de Colon" (The heroism of Columbus): A poem that praises Columbus, the discoverer of America
  - "Colon y Juan II" (Columbus and John II): A poem that tells the story of how King John II of Portugal missed fame and riches by failing to finance Columbus's expedition to the New World.
  - "Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha" (Great Solace in Great Misfortune): This is a legend in verse about the tragic life of Columbus.
  - "Un Dialogo Alusivo a la Despedida de los Colegiales" (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students): This was Rizal's last poem written at the Ateneo, a poignant farewell to his classmates.

Rizal's First Romance

Segunda Katigbak was a 14-year-old Batanguena from Lipa, the object of Rizal's first love.
Rizal described her as "rather short, with eyes that were eloquent and ardent at times and languid at others, rosy-cheeked, with an enchanting and provocative smile that revealed very beautiful teeth, and the air of a sylph; her entire self diffused a mysterious charm."
Rizal met and drew a pencil sketch of Segunda during a visit to his maternal grandmother in Trozo, Manila, along with his friend Mariano Katigbak (Segunda's brother).
Rizal developed a closer relationship with Segunda through his weekly visits to La Concordia College, where his sister Olimpia was a boarding student and a close friend of Segunda.
It was clear that both Rizal and Segunda were attracted to each other.

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Description

Explore the Jesuit system of education at Ateneo Municipal, which featured a unique hierarchy among students and divided its student body into two empires: the Roman and Carthaginian. Delve into the uniforms worn by Jesuit students and learn about the system's influence on academic performance and ranking.