Rizal: Early Life and Education

Early Life and Family

• Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.
• Parents were Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda.
• Baptized on June 22, 1861, in Calamba Church by Rev. Rufino Collantes.
• Siblings included Saturnina, Paciano, Narcisa, Olympia, Lucia, Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad, and Soledad Rizal.

Early Childhood (1864–1869)

• Rizal learned the alphabet from his mother.
• His sister Concepcion died when he was 3 years old.
• At age 8, he wrote his first poem, "Sa Aking Mga Kabata."
• Manuel influenced him in swimming, fencing, and wrestling.
• Gregorio instilled a love for learning and books.
• Jose Alberto inspired him in painting, sketching, and sculpting.
• Fr. Leoncio Lopez was another early influence.

Education in Biñan (1870)

• Studied under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz.
• Juancho Carrera taught him painting.
• He had conflicts with classmates Pedro (fistfight) and Andres Salandanan (wrestling match).
• Returned to Calamba on December 17, 1870, aboard Talim.

Education at Ateneo de Manila (1872–1877)

• Initially rejected for admission but accepted with Fr. Burgos’ assistance.
• Adopted the surname "Rizal" to protect his family.
• The class system was divided into "Roman Empire" and "Carthaginian Empire".
• Rose to the rank of Emperor within a month.
• Major courses included Latin, Spanish, History, and Science.
• Graduated with the highest honors in 1877.
• He was an active member and secretary of the Marian Congregation.
• He was a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature.
• He studied sculpture at the Academy of Natural Sciences and made a Sacred Heart of Jesus statue.

University of Santo Tomas (1877–1882)

• He studied Philosophy and Letters, Surveying & Agriculture, and Medicine.
• He completed Surveying & Agriculture with an "excellent" grade before age 21.
• He took Medicine to treat his mother’s eyesight.
• He found the curriculum inadequate and sought broader learning and was encouraged by Paciano to study in Europe.

Education in Europe (1882–1885)

• He departed from the Philippines aboard SS Salvadora on May 3, 1882.
• He arrived in Barcelona, Spain, in June 1882.
• He studied in Madrid at the Central University of Madrid.
• He obtained a Licentiate in Medicine in 1884.
• He obtained a Licentiate in Philosophy & Letters in 1885.
• He did not submit a thesis for a Doctorate in Medicine; the degree was conferred posthumously in 1961.
• He studied painting and sculpture at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
• He studied French and German at Ateneo de Madrid.

Advanced Medical Studies

• He assisted Dr. Louis de Wecker in Paris (Ophthalmology).
• He studied under Dr. Otto Becker in Heidelberg, Germany.
• He worked under Dr. Schultze and Dr. Xavier Galezowski in Berlin.

Observations & Impact of European Education

• Rizal became highly aware of the Philippines' problems under Spanish rule.
• Became engaged in scholarly research with European intellectuals.
• He formed friendships with Juan Luna, Ferdinand Blumentritt, and Maximo Viola.
• Translated William Tell and Andersen’s fairy tales into Tagalog.
• Joined La Solidaridad, using the pen name "Laong Laan".
• He wrote essays such as "The Philippines a Century Hence" and "To the Young Women of Malolos."

Propaganda Movement & Literary Works

• Key members included Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Mariano Ponce
• Rizal contributed reformist articles to La Solidaridad.
• He published the novels "Noli Me Tangere" (1887), which was funded by Maximo Viola, and "El Filibusterismo" (1891).
• He joined a Masonic Lodge and was involved in the Kidlat Club.

Early Education in Calamba & Biñan

• His first teacher was his mother, Teodora Alonso, who recognized his talent for poetry.
• His tutors included Maestro Celestino (private tutor), Maestro Lucas Padua (science tutor), and Leon Monroy (Spanish & Latin; died after 5 months).
• Sent by Paciano to study under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz in Biñan (1870)
• He learned Latin and Spanish
• He learned painting under Juancho Carrera.
• He had conflicts with Pedro and Andres Salandanan.
• He left Biñan on December 17, 1870, aboard Talim.

Education in Ateneo de Manila (1872-1877)

• Jesuit education provided equal treatment to Filipinos and Spaniards.
• Initially faced admission struggles but was accepted with the help of Fr. Xerez Burgos.
• Faced family issues where his mother, Teodora, was unjustly imprisoned due to a legal dispute.
• Name was changed; adopted Rizal instead of Mercado to avoid suspicion.

Ateneo's Academic System

• Classes were divided into Roman Empire (interns) and Carthaginian Empire (externs).
• The ranks were Emperor, Tribune, Decurion, Centurion, and Standard-Bearer.
• Fr. Jose Bech was his first professor.
• He was initially at the bottom of the class but quickly became Emperor.
• He excelled in all subjects and won multiple medals.

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Secretary of the Marian Congregation (religious society).
• Member of the Academy of Spanish Literature.
• Studied painting and sculpture at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
• Sculpted a Sacred Heart of Jesus image that was kept in the dormitory for 20 years.

Graduation (1877, Age 16)

• Mentored by Fr. Francisco Sanchez, Fr. Vilaclara, and Fr. Mineves
• Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with highest honors.

University of Santo Tomas (1877–1882)

• Courses included Philosophy and Letters, Surveying & Agriculture, and Medicine.
• He completed Surveying & Agriculture before 21, with "excellent" grade.
• He studied Medicine to treat his mother's eyesight.
• He experienced racial discrimination and limited academic freedom.
• Paciano advised him to study in Europe for better opportunities.

First Travel to Europe (1882-1885)

• Left the Philippines on May 3, 1882, aboard SS Salvadora.
• Arrived in Barcelona by June 16.
• Initially had negative impressions of Barcelona but later appreciated its freedom and openness.
• Wrote his first nationalist article, "El Amor Patrio", for Diariong Tagalog.
• He moved to Madrid to continue his education.

Higher Education in Madrid, Spain (1882-1885)

• Enrolled at Universidad Central de Madrid on Nov 3, 1882.
• Completed Licentiate in Medicine on June 21, 1884.
• Completed Philosophy & Letters in 1885.
• He studied painting and sculpture at Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
• Took private lessons in French, German, and English.
• He trained in fencing & shooting at San Fernando Hall of Arms.
• He could not receive a Doctorate in Medicine due to a lack of thesis submission & financial constraints.

Involvement in the Propaganda Movement

• Joined Circulo Hispano-Filipino in 1882.
• Advocated for Philippine reforms through La Solidaridad.
• Key Propagandists: Graciano Lopez Jaena, Marcelo del Pilar, and Rizal himself.

Further Studies & Travels in Europe

• He studied ophthalmology in Paris under Dr. Louis de Wecker (1885–1886)
• He trained under Dr. Otto Becker at the University Eye Hospital in Heidelberg
• He admired German culture & religious tolerance and wrote “A Las Flores de Heidelberg”.
• Studied at University of Leipzig.
• Translated William Tell & Andersen’s fairy tales into Tagalog.
• Joined Anthropological, Ethnological, & Geographical Societies in Berlin.
• Met Dr. Feodor Jagor and Dr. Rudolf Virchow.
• Lived in poverty but finished & published Noli Me Tangere (March 21, 1887).

Publications & Achievements

• Noli Me Tangere (1887, Berlin): exposed Spanish abuses in the Philippines, funded by Maximo Viola, and key characters.
• El Filibusterismo (1891, Ghent, Belgium): Sequel to Noli Me Tangere, advocating for revolution; funded by Valentin Ventura.

Other Contributions

• Translated European works into Tagalog.
• Conducted research on Philippine history & culture.
• Wrote The Philippines a Century Hence and To the Young Women of Malolos.

Impact & Legacy

• Inspired Filipino nationalism & the reform movement.
• His works contributed to the Philippine Revolution (1896).
• Executed on December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan (Luneta), Manila.

Exile, Trial, and Death

• Returned to Manila on June 28, 1892, with his sister Lucia.
• Reforms should be fought in the Philippines, not Spain.
• Met Governor-General Eulogio Despujol upon arrival.
• Traveled to Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac the next day.

Founding of La Liga Filipina

• Founded on July 3, 1892.
• Objective: Unite Filipinos for mutual aid, education, and reform.
• Motto: Unus Instar Omnium ("One Like All").
• Key Members: Ambrosio Salvador, Deodato Arellano, Agustin de la Rosa, and Bonifacio Arevalo.

Responsibilities of Members

• Recruit new members and maintain confidentiality.
• Follow the Supreme Council’s orders.
• Have a symbolic name that cannot be changed until he becomes president of his council.
• Report to the fiscal anything that affects the Liga.
• Behave well as befits a good Filipino and help fellow members in any way.

Rizal’s Meeting with Governor-General Despujol

• Proposed a peaceful colonization project under British jurisdiction.
• Rejected due to fears of nationalist movements.

Arrest and Exile

• Rizal was arrested for inciting rebellion on July 6, 1892.
• La Liga Filipina weakened on July 7, 1892, leading to its split.
• Katipunan (KKK), led by Andres Bonifacio, pursued armed revolution.

Exile in Dapitan (1892-1896)

• Community Contributions
  • Education: Founded a school teaching Spanish, English, Mathematics, Science, and Arts, using practical, hands-on learning methods.
  • Public Health: medical treatments, performed surgeries, modern practices were introduced.
  • Infrastructure: built water system and map of Mindanao.
  • Agriculture: Purchased land and agriculture
  • Scientific Contributions: species were found.
• Personal Life
  • Met Bracken and death of child
  • Reformists were written to communicate

End of Exile

• Requested and Approved for Doctor position
• Arrest after supporting the revolution

Trial of Rizal

• Bonifacio and Katipuneros revolted.
• Sentenced for death and accused of rebellion, sedition, and illegal

Charges & Trial

• Accused of rebellion, sedition, and illegal association on December 1, 1896.
• Case transferred to General Camilo de Polavieja on December 13, 1896.
• Trial concluded; Rizal sentenced to death on December 26, 1896.

Rizal’s Defense

• He opposed rebellion
• Projects leaded to no intent.

Execution of Jose Rizal

• He and his final message
• Walked to place of death

Execution

• Details of execution
• Last words "It is finished".

Aftermath

• Buried in Cemetery, Manila.
• Sparked revolution