Jose Rizal's Education

Rizal's Early Life and Education

• Rizal spent his second year in Ateneo (1873-74) regretting his neglected studies the previous year due to his teacher's remarks.
• He had classmates from Binan under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz.
• Rizal interpreted his mother's dreams, predicting her release from prison after three months.

Literary Interests and Influences

• Rizal was interested in reading, particularly Alexander Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo", Cesar Cantu's "Universal History", and Dr. Feodor Jagor's "Travels in the Philippines".

Fourth Year in Ateneo

• Rizal became an interno and topped all his subjects, winning five medals and returning to Calamba proudly.
• Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez was his best professor, who exemplified "uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils".

Last Year in Ateneo

• On June 16, 1875, Rizal became an interne in Ateneo.
• He won five medals and topped all his subjects, earning the degree of Bachelor of Arts with highest honors.
• Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez was his favorite teacher.

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Rizal was an emperor and campus leader, secretary of the Marian Congregation, and a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and Academy of Natural Sciences.
• He studied painting under Agustin Saez and sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus.
• Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary with Batikuling (Philippine hardwood) using his pocket knife.

Literary Works

• In 1879, Rizal wrote "Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma", a poem that won the first prize, earning him a gold ring engraved with the bust of Cervantes.
• In 1880, he wrote "Junto al Pasig" (Beside the Pasig), a zarzuela, and "A Filipinas", a sonnet.
• In 1881, he wrote "Al M.R.P.Pablo Ramon", a poem expressing affection to Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo Rector.

Rizal's Visit to Pakil and Pagsanjan

• In May 1881, Rizal went on a pilgrimage to Pakil, famous for its shrine of the Birhen Maria de los Dolores, with his sisters and female friends.
• They witnessed the Turumba, a traditional dance in honor of the Virgin Mary.
• Rizal was infatuated with Vicenta Ybardolaza, who played the harp at the Regalado home.

Champion of Filipino Students

• Rizal founded Compañerismo (Comradeship), a secret society of Filipino UST students, to unite and protect Filipino students from frequent brawls with Spanish students.
• He was the chief of the society, with his cousin Galicano Apacible as the secretary.

Poems Made by Rizal in Ateneo

• Rizal's mother, Doña Teodora, discovered his poetical talent, and Fr. Sanchez helped him develop it.
• Poems made by Rizal include "Mi Primera Inspiration" (My First Inspiration), dedicated to his mother, and others that emphasized education, religion, and good education.

Dramatic Work in Ateneo

• Father Sanchez requested Rizal to write a drama based on St. Eustace the Martyr, which he finished on June 2, 1876.

First Romance of Rizal

• Rizal's first romantic interest was Segunda Katigbak, a 14-year-old Batangueña from Lipa, who was already engaged to Manuel Luz.

University Life at UST

• Rizal's mother opposed his higher education, fearing he would lose his head like the three martyrs.
• Rizal entered the University of Santo Tomas in 1877, enrolling in Philosophy and Letters and later Medicine.
• He took a vocational course in surveying at Ateneo in 1878.