Jose Rizal: Chapters 1-5 Summary

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Study Notes

Dr. Jose Rizal, a multifaceted genius, is celebrated as the greatest hero of the Philippines.
Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna; full name is Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda.
His birth almost cost his mother her life due to his size; baptized on June 22 by Fr. Rufino Collantes.
The surname Mercado, which means "market," dates back to 1731 and was adopted by his great-great-grandfather.
The name "Jose" was chosen by his mother, a devoted Christian of St. San Jose.

Francisco Mercado Rizal (1818-1898), his father, was educated in Latin and Philosophy and regarded as a model father.
Doña Teodora Alonso Realonda (1826-1911), his mother, was cultured and talented, influencing Rizal's education and literary pursuits.

Rizal was the seventh of eleven children in the Rizal family.
Notable siblings include:
- Saturnina (1850-1913): Oldest sister, nicknamed "Neneng."
- Paciano (1851-1930): Older brother and confidant; became a general in the Philippine Revolution.
- Josefa (1865-1945): Known as "Panggoy."
- Soledad (1870-1929): Youngest sibling, nicknamed "Choleng."

Rizal's heritage includes a mix of races: Negrito, Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish, predominantly Malayan.
Paternal lineage traces back to Domingo Lamco, a Chinese immigrant, and maternal lineage to Eugenio Ursua of Japanese descent.

The surname "Rizal" stems from "Ricial," relating to "green fields" or pastures, indicating renewal and fertility, given by a family friend who was a Spanish alcalde mayor.

The family home was a two-story building made of adobe stones with hardwoods and red tile roofing.
The property included a poultry yard and a garden featuring tropical fruit trees.

The Rizal family belonged to the "principalia," the noble class, and was recognized as one of Calamba's distinguished families.
Symbols of their status included a large stone house, a carriage, and the largest private library in Calamba, with over a thousand volumes.