Jose Rizal at Ateneo

Secondary Education of Jose Rizal

• Jose Rizal attended Ateneo Municipal from 1872 to 1877, entering at age eleven and eventually graduating as the top student in his class.
• Under the mentorship of Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, Rizal wrote notable poems including "The Tragedy of St. Eustace," "In the Memory of My Town," and "Through Education Motherland Receives Enlightenment."
• Rizal explored painting with Agustin Saez and sculpture with Teodoro Romualdo de Jesus, showcasing his artistic talents early on.
• He joined the Marian Congregation, the Academy of Spanish Literature, and the Academy of Natural Sciences, displaying a wide range of interests and talents.
• Rizal returned to Ateneo during the academic year 1877-1878, also attending the University of Santo Tomas, where he pursued land surveying and earned the title of Perito Agrimensor.
• At the University of Santo Tomas, he studied Philosophy, Letters, and Medicine but encountered varying grades.
• Rizal's poem "A La Juventud Filipina" won first prize at the Liceo Artistico Literario de Manila in 1879, where he highlighted "the youth, the fair hope of my country."
• In 1880, he won the grand prize for "El Consejo de los Dioses," commemorating Cervantes's death, emphasizing his literary prowess.
• "Junto al Pasig" is a one-act play written as a satire requested by the Jesuits, depicting the struggle between good and evil.
• Rizal's decision to study in Spain was driven by his desire for knowledge, favorable conditions, and to seek treatment for his mother’s eye condition.

Journey to Europe

• Rizal departed from Manila on May 3, 1882, with the support of his brother Paciano but chose not to seek his parents' blessing.
• He made stops in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Yemen, and traversed the Suez Canal, ending in Marseilles, France.
• In Marseilles, he visited Château d’lf, linked to Dumas's "The Count of Monte Cristo."
• Upon arrival in Barcelona, he noted the people's indifference and embraced the liberalism present in the city, writing essays for Diariong Tagalog.
• Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid on November 3, 1882, studying Medicine, Philosophy, and Letters, while also taking art classes.
• He participated in private lessons for shooting and fencing, enhancing his physical training.
• Influenced by Dr. Miguel Morayta, Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano Filipino, addressing reforms needed in the Philippines and fostering intellectual discussions.
• Rizal became a freemason, using the name "Dimasalang," embracing values of reason and universal brotherhood, often challenging religious dogma.

Life in Europe

• Rizal was an avid book collector, prioritizing his literary pursuits over luxuries, amassing works by notable authors, including "Uncle Tom’s Cabin."
• He delivered a speech on June 25, 1884, celebrating the achievements of Filipino artists Juan Luna and Felix Ressureccion Hidalgo at the National Exposition of Fine Arts.
• Successfully completed his Licenciado en Medicina on June 21, 1884, which allowed him to practice medicine but not to teach it.
• While in Spain, he began writing "Noli Me Tangere," inspired by the struggles depicted in "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," aiming to address the plight of his own nation.
• The novel was printed in Berlin on March 29, 1887, supported financially by his friend Maximo Viola, and dedicated to the Philippines.

Experiences in Specific Countries

• Rizal arrived in Paris in November 1885, assisting Dr. Louis de Weckert while socializing with friends and composing songs.
• In Heidelberg, he worked with Dr. Otto Becker, attended lectures, and wrote “To the Flowers of Heidelberg.”
• He traveled to Leipzig to meet scholars and translated works for his relatives back home.
• Rizal visited Prague to venerate Copernicus, marking significant cultural explorations alongside his academic endeavors.
• His journey throughout Europe included engaging with prominent anthropologists and societies, culminating in personal growth that enriched his nationalistic ideologies.

Departure from Europe

• The separation from Maximo Viola occurred in Geneva, with Rizal continuing his journey to Italy and finally returning to Manila from Marseilles.
• His travels in Europe greatly influenced his outlook and writings, solidifying his commitment to advocating for reforms in the Philippines.

Explore the early education of Jose Rizal during his time at the Ateneo Municipal from 1872 to 1877. This quiz covers his experiences, friendships, and the poems he composed under the mentorship of Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez. Test your knowledge on this key period that shaped Rizal's literary and educational journey.