Jose Rizal's Early Life

Study Notes

Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.
Seventh child of Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos.
Learned the alphabet at age 3 and could read by 5.
First teacher was his mother, who introduced him to reading and poetry.
At age 8, wrote his first poem "Sa Aking Mga Kabata" (“To my fellow children”) in Tagalog.

Attended Ateneo Municipal de Manila at 11 years old, graduated with highest honors in 1877 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Initially enrolled in University of Santo Tomas for medicine but transferred to Spain due to discrimination.

Completed medical degree in 1884 at Universidad Central de Madrid.
Earned degree in philosophy and letters in 1885 from the same institution.
Studied ophthalmology with Dr. Louis de Wecker in Paris in 1885, although he was not formally enrolled.
Advanced medical training in ophthalmology under Dr. Otto Becker at Universität Heidelberg in 1886.

Mother: Teodora Alonso Realonda y Quintos (1827–1911), pivotal in José's life and education.
Father: Francisco Mercado Rizal (1818–1898), from Biñan, Laguna.

Saturnina Rizal (1850–1913): Eldest sister, supported José's studies.
Paciano Rizal (1851–1930): Only brother, involved in the Philippine Revolution.
Narcisa Rizal (1852–1939): Looked after José during his exile in Dapitan.
Olimpia Rizal (1855–1887): Died young, married to Silvestre Ubaldo.
Lucia Rizal (1857–1919): Married Mariano Herbosa, supportive of José’s nationalist efforts.
Maria Rizal (1859–1945): José’s close sister, married Daniel Faustino Cruz.
José Rizal (1861–1896): National hero, polymath, and revolutionary figure.
Concepción Rizal (1862–1865): Died young; her death deeply affected José.
Josefa Rizal (1865–1945): Nicknamed "Panggoy," active in the Katipunan.
Trinidad Rizal (1868–1951): Known as "Trining," also a Katipunan member.