Rizal's Childhood in Calamba

Rizal's Childhood Years in Calamba

• Calamba is strategically located amidst various provinces making it easily visualized through cardinal directions.
• The cardinal directions of Calamba are:
  • North: Talim Island, Antipolo, Rizal municipalities, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
  • East: Laguna de Bay shores, bordering Rizal, Laguna and Metro Manila
  • South: Mt. Makiling, shared by Laguna and Batangas provinces

Calamba: The Hero's Lakeshore Town

• Calamba, a picturesque town on a verdant plain, features irrigated rice fields and sugar lands, fostering a thriving rural community.
• Calamba was an hacienda town of the Dominican Order ("The Order of Preachers"), founded by Saint Dominic de Guzman on December 22, 1216.
• The Dominican Order comprises friars (men) and nuns (women) dedicated to spreading the Word of God.

Jose Rizal's Early Childhood

• Jose Rizal's earliest recollections paint a tender childhood in his family's garden in Calamba.
• At three, the garden became his sanctuary with rich memories of familial love, natural wonder, and daily life.
• Rizal's frail health necessitated tender parental care, fostering a deep sense of security and affection.
• Rizal's father, Don Francisco, built a small nipa cottage in the garden as a personalized playground
• Aquilina, a kind old woman, served as Rizal's nursemaid, providing comfort and stability in his early years.
• At three, Rizal's love for nature was captured in his memory of the birds, the songs of the culiauan, maya, maria capra, martin, and pipit filled his days and evenings.
• The daily Angelus prayer became a cherished part of his routine, their voices uniting in prayer.
• Childhood extended to moonlit streets of Calamba, accompanied by his maid, Aquilina, exposing him to the quiet beauty of the nocturnal landscape.
• Rizal's black dog, Usman, accompanied him on nocturnal strolls, enhancing the sense of companionship and security.
• Riding Alipato through Calamba's scenery, young Rizal explored with boundless curiosity shaped his perception of his surroundings and fostered a deep connection to his homeland.
• These memories are interconnected fragments of a holistic childhood experience, rich in familial affection, natural beauty, and spiritual grounding.

Rizal's First Sorrow

• The early childhood in the idyllic world was disrupted by the shadow of loss.
• The Rizal family, bound by strong sibling bonds, emphasized mutual affection and support.

Special Bond with Concha

• Rizal shared a close relationship with his younger sister, Concha.
• A close age gap and shared playtime within the father's nipa cottage cemented their bond.

Concha's Death and Rizal's First Sorrow

• In 1865, at four, Rizal experienced profound sorrow with Concha's death, who was three.
• The event introduced the harsh realities of mortality and pain altering memories with melancholy.
• Rizal's grief: "When I was four years old, I lost my little sister Concha, and then for the first time I shed tears caused by love and grief."
• Shedding tears of love and overwhelming grief laid the foundation for empathy and a deep understanding of human suffering.

Devoted Son Of The Church

• Catholicism shaped his worldview, instilling a faith that remained significant, creating immersion for young Rizal.

Catholic Upbringing

• From three, Rizal participated in family prayers marking an early engagement with religious practices.
• This became an integral part of his daily routine, creating a foundation upon which to develop his understanding of Catholicism.

Mother's Influence

• Rizal's Catholic mother played a pivotal role in shaping his religious beliefs, instilling not only prayers but also values and principles.

Early Literacy in Religious Texts

• By five, Rizal had started reading religious texts in the family Spanish Bible.
• Early exposure to sacred texts was crucial in his developing understanding of religious narratives and doctrines.

Pilgrimage to Antipolo

• On June 6, 1868, seven-year-old Jose Rizal and his father traveled to Antipolo for religious devotion and personal discovery.
• Their destination was the shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje).
• Their journey began with a voyage across Laguna de Bay aboard a casco.
• This maiden voyage expanded his geographical understanding and ignited his curiosity.
• The pilgrimage was a fulfillment of a vow made by Rizal's mother, Doña Teodora, upon his birth
• Doña Teodora, recovering from the recent birth of Trinidad, was unable to join highlighting the physical demands of childbirth in that era.
• Following their prayers at Antipolo, Rizal and his father continued their journey to Manila marking his first visit showing colonialism
• The purpose of their Manila visit was to see Rizal's sister, Saturnina, at La Concordia College highlighting family ties and placing them firmly within the middle class.

"The Story of the Moth”

• "The Story of the Moth" was the first story that Jose Rizal heard from his mother.
• Young Rizal began to draw in its margins, a transgression that directly contradicted his mother, who emphasized the importance of respecting integrity.
• Lolay chose storytelling over physical punishment, recounting the tale of a disobedient moth.
• The baby moth flew close to the flame, resulting in its tragic demise.
• The moth's fate became a symbol of the risks associated with disobedience conveying a moral lesson

Rizal's Artistic Awakening

• Rizal's artistic talents blossomed early, from five, displaying an aptitude for both drawing and sculpting.
• He received a commission as a young boy in Calamba, tasked with painting a religious banner for a town fiesta.
• Rizal's own words express the connection to his homeland: "I wanted to learn landscape painting because the Philippines is a country of landscapes."

Early Poetic Talent

• At eight (1869), Jose Rizal wrote his first poem, "To my fellow children" or in Filipino, "Sa Aking Mga Kabata".
• The poem's central theme is a passionate advocacy for the love and preservation of the Tagalog language and cultural pride.
• The lines themselves, imbued with a sense of urgency and patriotism, serve as a potent call to action.
• The poem enduring power emphasized inclusion of the phrase, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan" ("Youth is the hope of the nation").

First Dramatic Work

• Following "To My Fellow Children," eight-year-old Rizal wrote a Tagalog comedy and was staged in a Calamba festival

Purchase and Second Staging

• A gobernadorcillo from Paete purchased the manuscript for two pesos and staged it in his town during Paete's fiesta.

Rizal as a Boy Magician

• Rizal developed an interest in magic and sleight of hand.
• He used a magic lantern to create shadow puppet shows.
• He also acquired skill in operating marionettes.

Influences on the Hero's Boyhood

• Hereditary Influence
  • Malayan Heritage:
    • The Malayans were ancestors who inherited a love for freedom, a desire to travel, and courage.
  • Chinese Heritage:
    • Chinese ancestry contributed seriousness, frugality, patience and love for children
  • Spanish Heritage:
    • Spanish gain elegance, sensitivity and gallantry
  • Paternal Influence:
    • His father, Francisco, instilled in him self-respect, a love of work, and independent thinking.
  • Maternal Influence:
    • His mother, Teodora, imparted a religious nature, self-sacrifice, and a passion for arts and literature.
• Environmental Influence
  • Calamba's Scenery and Family Garden:
    • The beautiful surroundings stimulated Rizal's artistic talents and literary.
• Religious Home Atmosphere:
  • Strengthened religious beliefs and moral compass
• Influence of Family Members
  • Paciano: Instilled a love of freedom and justice -Sisters: Taught courtesy and kindness towards women -Aya : Awakened interest in folklore and legends. -Uncles -Tio, Jose Alberto: Inspired artistic abilities -Tio Manuel B. Tino: Encouraged physical development -Tio Gregorio Aglipay: Fostered his love of reading. -Father Leoncio Lopez -Cultivated Rizal's love for scholarship and intellectual honesty. -Family Sorrow: strengthened his character and resilience Witnessing Spanish Abuses led.Execution of GomBurZa fueled Rizal's patriotism Aid of Divine Providence as the primary factor

Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila (1872-1877)

• Ateneo Municipal was under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuit, rival of the Dominican-owned College of San Juan de Letran.
• It was formerly the Escuela Pia school for poor boys in Manila est. in 1817
• When the Jesuits were expelled from the Philippines in 1768 before returning in1859 and given the management with the name changed to Ateneo Municipal, then Ateneo de Manila.
• June 10, 1872, accompanied by his brother Paciano, went to Manila.
• He took the entrance examinations passed them
• At first, Father Magin Fernando, the college registrar, refused to admit him because:
• he was late for registration
  • was sickly and undersized for his age
• However, upon the intercession of Manuel Xeres Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos, he was reluctantly admitted at the Ateneo. Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname “Rizal.

Jesuit System of Education

• Trains the character of students through rigid discipline and religious instruction promoting physical culture, studies as the basis for achieving academic excellence. Offered vocational courses in agriculture, commerce, mechanics, and surveying.
• Students heard Mass in the morning and closed with prayers.
• Students were divided into “Roman vs Carthaginians” Empires. Had distinctive banners

Rizal's First Year in Ateneo (1872-73)

• June 1872, Rizal at Mass in the college chapel. Saw Spanish, Mestizos, and Filipino.s Rizal's first professor -Fr. Jose Bech (described) Newcomer knowing little Spanish; placed at bottom the “Carthaginians. Within the 1st week, frail Calamba boy progressed rapidly; end of the month, became “emperor. Won first prize, religious picture!"
• To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College - during noon recesses; three pesos extra Spanish Lessons

Summer Vacation (1873)

• March 1873, returned to Calamba for summer vacation without his mother because she was in prison
• Sister Neneng visited his mother in prison. He told her of his grades embracing her favourite son.

Second Year in Ateneo (1873-74)

• Neglected studies offended by teacher remark, So, to regain, studied harder and became “emperor'.

Summer Vacation(1874)

-Rizal visited mother in jail. Teodora dream -She would leave prison in three months. Free month. Was set free for those. Dona Teodora was set free

• Rizal became interested in romantic novels
• first novel-The Count of Monte Cristo = deep impressions
• Also read the Universal History, by Cesar Cantu. This value enabled to win more prizes
• Travel in the Philippines - Feodor Jagor (German Scientist) impressed
• Defect of Spanish and the prophecy of Spain loosing Philippines succeeded by America.

Third Year in Ateneo( 1874-75)

• In June 1874, Rizal joyfully reunited. No excellent grades,grades = OK (in Latin)

Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-76)

Became an interno in June, and became of students = Fr. (name). He inspired genius. Father Sanchez became his mentor

• model of uprightness, earnestness & love to help students” (Described Jesuit) -Topped all subjects; (five medals) Rating (Excellent rating

Last Year in Ateneo (1876-77)

-Studies excellent, brilliant Atenean, and truly he was proud. Received high grades with subjects

Commencement Day(March 23, 1877)

• Received(16y.o= degree) from Alma matter from Ateneo (with degrees)
• Extra Activites was excellent not only in academic, but an leader out side Rizal belonged member, secretary, accepted not due of academic brilliant but his “Our Lady”.
• Extra Curricular Activities in Ateneo

Sculptural Work in Ateneo

Virgin Mary he worked and carried during on stick. Sacred Heart of Jesus requested by for image.

Writing Poems @ Ateneo

Mi Primera Inspiration - It is said he wrote it for dedication and mother on their year saying that.

Romances of Education

• Por La Education (receives la Patria). His said a high regard of education/ which nation played on the success

Al Niñio Jesus

• To the Child. Rizal ode. which he writes to catholic in melody words

A la Virgen Maria

• To the Virgin Mary Rizal probably wrote in this writing

Dramatic Work in Ateneo

San Estacio, Maritr requested on stories during vacation in Calamba ( June 2, 1876)

First Romance of Rizal

Shortly after he turned sixteen years old, Rizal experienced adolescence.

Medical Studies at University of Santo Thomas (UST, 1877-1882)

• After graduating with honors, required higher studies. Bachelor of Arts at Spanish times were equivalent only today, graduate to enter a university
• Both Francisco +Paciano =to pursue higher learning in university but Teodora (was was worried) She said- "Don't send him; again. Knows enough. Spaniards cut heads off. -Don insisted despite mom tears (Jose was concerned-mother - why objected +education to object desire) later-mother perhaps foreboding. Enters the University Nearly was matriculated to taking on his life of Philosophy. enrolled with two reasons (Dad, and still search career. Asked -good adviser on choice -unable

Surveys in Ateneo

During the term/ first -He studies life of Philosophy during. UST. Received advice on what to study = Medicine chose: ability grow blindness. Studied at the UST and Ateneo Took college: expert survey. To remember, that colleges boys = vocations agriculture

• As usual, excel with medals. Passed when he turned aged.

Other studies-

-Thomasian, visit more his knowledge. president + membership

• Miss: A fair girl = several. Segunda- (still memories). Father-didn't like
• Lonor, Valenzuela: (Orange-Year). daughter of in Board, conch Leyva. with invisibility
• Leonor: Taissis cousin -calaming, study. She frail. became engaged: L signed with letter in order.

Brutality - Victim in Spanish Officers

Rizal = freshman medical (UCT) = first taste of the Spanish and officer Brutality.

• 1878, walking down town - perceived the figure of a man walking + saluting Figure turned = lieutenant in to a dark civil - Snarl / turned upon - slash w sword - wound- not series painful To the incident with General, that Filipino, and governor but abuse

A Le Juventud Filipa

• Leeticio Arterio 1879(literary - artistic contest) society, (men, article). Subitted a pole Ala = inspiring (F) was his poem with excellence beseech from youths etc. composed, = judges with excellent prize. classic reasons Expresses concept: Philippines by not foreigners was = hope for future!

Champ Filipino Student

Was the leader or “Indio's / chogo!" was an group or Spanish. In retaliation, were calle hostility (Kastila / bangus” often exploded in angry words. He owned in 188 he lead secret. Companerism ( Jeus for members) Galiciano ( a secrete) leading.

Early Education History

SYPO: Calmana laguna- learning for age 9. He excelled to the Latin. Despite challenge. brilliancy shone/ education laid from studies and broad.

Nature of Education

mandate- was schools. Teachings = doctrines only and students, by Authoritarian Tutors . Hero his : Rizal of mother was teacher to the culture. aged =, Rizal learned to pray. Discover in skills and encourage on writing - private. In travels = out doors +nature. scholar inspired and encouragement the great words.

Painting Lessons

He either Mass went 7-pm or studied=11 lunch =5 draw