Jose Rizal's Heritage and Influence

Family Members of Jose Rizal

• Maria (1859-1945) was married to Daniel Faustino Cruz; nicknamed "Bing."
• Jose (1861-1896), known as "PePe," had a brief romantic relationship with Josephine Bracken; their son Francisco died shortly after birth in Dapitan.
• Concepcion (1862-1865), nicknamed "Concha," died at age 3 from illness, marking Rizal’s first sorrow.
• Josefa (1865-1945), nicknamed "Panggoy," lived a single life and died at age 80.
• Trinidad (1868-1951), known as "Trining," also died single at age 83.
• Solidad (1870-1929), the youngest, married Pantaleon Quintero and had the pet name "Chelong."

The Hero's Town - Calamba

• Calamba derives its name from a large native jar ("banga") and was an agricultural town owned by the Dominican Order.
• Known for its bountiful harvests, it is located near Mount Makiling and Laguna de Bay.
• Rizal had a deep affection for Calamba; at age 15, he composed a poem titled "Un."

Childhood Years in Calamba

• Rizal’s earliest memories include joyful days spent in the family garden and climbing fruit trees.
• He had a sickly childhood and was cared for by an old woman, while daily prayers like the Angelus were customary.
• He enjoyed watching wildlife from their nipa cottage and gazing at the moon after night rosaries.

Jose Rizal’s First Grief

• The death of his younger sister Concepcion (Concha) at age 3 was Rizal’s first experience of grief, as he was particularly close to her.

Devotion to the Church

• Rizal was raised as a devout Catholic, reflecting the family's religious values.

The Rizal Home

• The Rizal family’s stone house was one of Calamba’s notable structures during Spanish times, described as high, robust, and earthquake-proof.
• It featured sliding shell windows, with sturdy walls made of lime and stone on the first floor and wood on the second.

Principalia Class

• "Principalia" referred to the educated upper class during Spanish colonial rule.
• The Rizal family was part of this class, known for livestock raising and business ventures like a ham press and flour mill.
• They owned a carriage, symbolizing social status.

The Rizal Home Life

• The Rizal children experienced love and discipline; they were taught obedience and respect with an emphasis on daily prayers.
• Mischievous behavior was met with corrective measures.

Mercado's Children

• Saturina (1851-1913): Eldest sibling, married Manuel T. Hidalgo, nicknamed "Neneng."
• Paciano (1851-1930): Jose's older brother, participated in the Philippine Revolution but remained a bachelor.
• Narcisa (1852-1939): Married Antonio Lopez, known as "Sisa."
• Olympia (1855-1887): Married Silvestre Ubaldo, nicknamed "Ypia."
• Lucia (1857-1919): Married Mariano Herbosa, who died of cholera and was denied burial.

Jose Rizal's Background

• Full name: Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda; born June 19, 1861.
• Nicknamed "PePe," wrote notable works "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
• Participated in organizations like La Solidaridad and La Liga Filipina, executed on December 30, 1896.

Family and Cultural Roots

• Rizal was baptized at three days old, honored St. Joseph through his name due to his mother's devotion.
• Family experiences heavily influenced his character and values, reflecting the importance of a peaceful home.
• Ancestry includes Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese heritage, with ties to Lakan Dula, a chief during early Spanish contact.

Paternal and Maternal Ancestry

• Paternal lineage traced to Chinese merchant Domingo Lamco; maternal lineage to a Chinese lawyer Manuel de Quintos and a Japanese descent woman, Regina Ursua.
• Their educated daughter Brigida de Quintos married wealthy engineer Lorenzo Alonso, contributing to Rizal's heritage.

Significance of Names

• "Mercado" means market; "Rizal" originates from "ricial," meaning green pasture, adopted by Rizal for educational purposes.

Explore the significance of Jose Rizal's name and its connection to San Jose. This quiz delves into Rizal's maternal heritage, family background, and the meanings behind surnames like 'MERCADO'. Test your knowledge on the influences that shaped one of the Philippines' national heroes.