Rizal's Childhood and Early Education

Study Notes

Rizal's first teacher was his mother, Doña Teodora, who taught him how to pray at age three.
Doña Teodora noticed Rizal's talent for poetry.
Rizal's first tutor, Leon Monroy, taught him Spanish, Latin, reading, and writing.
When Monroy died, Rizal's parents sent him to Biñan.
Rizal wrote his first poem, "Sa Aking Mga Kababata", at age eight.
The most famous line from the poem is: "Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika/masahol pa sa hayop at malansang isda."
The actual author of the poem is Herminigildo Cruz.

Rizal's father, Gregorio Alberto, encouraged him to work hard, think for himself, and observe life keenly.
His uncle, Jose, encouraged him to sketch, paint and sculpt.
His other uncle, Manuel, focused on Rizal's physical development.

Rizal attended a private school in Biñan, Laguna.
His brother, Paciano, acted as his second father.
Rizal excelled in his studies and won a competition against fellow students.
He also received free painting and drawing lessons from Maestro Cruz's father-in-law, Juancho.

After a year and a half, Rizal went home after being sent to Manila.
Jose was encouraged to go to Manila by his teacher, Maestro Justiniano.
Rizal's father ultimately decided to send him to Manila to continue his studies.

Teodora Alonzo Realonda, Rizal's mother, was falsely accused of poisoning the wife of a Guardia Civil officer.
The case was spurred by a claim of an affair between Teodora and Jose Alberto.
The event would deeply impact Rizal.

The Gomburza, composed of Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, were executed by the Spanish government in 1872.
They were falsely accused of participating in the Cavite Mutiny.
The execution of Gomburza would have a profound impact on Rizal.