SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS 1-5 rizal.docx

**SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS 1-5** **CHAPTER 1: ADVENT OF A NATIONAL HERO** Dr. Jose Rizal an example of a many-splendored genius who becomes the greatest hero of a nation. **The Birth of a Hero,** Born on the night of Wednesday, June 19, 1861, in the lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna Province, Philipp...

**SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS 1-5** **CHAPTER 1: ADVENT OF A NATIONAL HERO** Dr. Jose Rizal an example of a many-splendored genius who becomes the greatest hero of a nation. **The Birth of a Hero,** Born on the night of Wednesday, June 19, 1861, in the lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna Province, Philippines. Rizal's full name is Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda He was born at the expense of his mother almost dying due to his big head. Baptized at an age of three years old at the 22nd of June by Father Rufino Collantes (Spanish Priest). Rizal's godfather is Fr. Pedro Casañas The name Mercado in 1731 which means "market" His name "Jose" was chosen by his Mother, who was a devotee of the Christian saint San Jose. **Rizal's Parents,** Jose Rizal was the seventh of eleven children of Francisco Mercado Rizal (Father) and Teodora Alonso Realonda (Mother). Francisco Mercado Rizal (1818-1898) was born in Biñan, Laguna, on May 11, 1818, and died in Manila on January 5, 1898, at the age of 80. He studied Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila. He was known to be a hardy and independent-minded man. Dubbed by Rizal, "a model of fathers". Doña Teodora (1826-1911), was born in Manila and was educated at the College of Santa Rosa. She possessed refined culture and literary talent, business and fortitude of spartan women. Rizal lovingly said, "She knows literature and speaks Spanish better than I, she corrected my poems and gave me good advice...". **The Rizal Children.** **Saturnina** (1850-1913) -- Oldest of the Rizal children, nicknamed "Neneng". **Paciano** (1851-1930) Older brother and confidant of Jose Rizal; after his young brother's execution. He became a combat general when he joined the Philippine Revolution. **Second Father of Jose Rizal** Known as the Pilosopo Tasio in Noli Me Tangere. **Narcisa** (1852-1939) -- pet name "Sisa" and married to Antonio Lopez. **Olimpia** (1855-1887) -- Ypia was her pet name and married to Silvestre Ubaldo. **Lucia** (1857-1919) -- She married to Mariano Herbosa. **Maria** (1859-1945) -- Biang was her nickname and married to Daniel Faustino Cruz **Jose** (1861-1896) -- the greatest Filipino hero. **Concepcion** (1862-1865) -- her pet name was Concha, died of sickness at age 3. Josefa (1865-1945) -- her pet name was Panggoy. Trinidad (1868-1951- Trining was her pet name. Soledad (1870-1929) -- youngest of the Rizal children; pet name Choleng and married to Panteleon Quintero. **Rizal's Ancestry,** *Rizal a mixture of races, both the blood of East and West.* *Negrito, Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish* *Predominantly Malayan* **Rizal's Paternal Side** Rizal's great-great grandparents is Domingo Lamco who later adopted the name Mercado (1731), a Chinese immigrant from Changchow. Also married Ines de la Rosa, a Chinese Christian lady from manila. Great grandparents is Francisco Mercado, who married Cirila Bernacha. Grandparents is Juan Mercado, who married Cirila Alejandro. Francisco Mercado is the youngest son of Juan Mercado and he is Rizal's father. Rizal's Maternal Side Rizal's great-great grandparents is Eugenio Ursua (of Japanese ancestry), who married Benigna (Filipina). Great parents is Regina Ursua, who married Atty. Manuel de Quintos (Filipino-Chinese lawyer from Pangasinan). Grandparents is Lorenzo Alberto Alonso (prominent Spanish- Filipino Mestizo of Binan **The Surname Rizal,** Rizal's second surname came from "Ricial" which connotes green fields or pastureso "a field where wheat, cut while still green, sprouts again" **given by a family friend who was also a Spanish alcalde mayor (provincial governor) of Laguna** **The Rizal Home,** The Rizal family's house Two-storey building; Rectangular in shape; Built of adobe stones and hardwoods at the second floor; and roofed with red tiles Behind the house, there was a poultry yard full of turkeys and chickens, and a garden of tropical fruit trees such as atis, balimbing, chico, macopa, papaya, santol, and tampoy. **A Good and Middle-Class Family,** belonged to the principalia which are noble class, or aristocrats and one of the distinguished families in Calamba.**As evidence,** the family had a big stone house, a carriage (a status symbol of the ilustrados in Spanish Philippines), and; a private library which is the largest in Calamba, consisted more than a thousand volumes of book A Good Family, participated prominently in all social and religious affairs in the community hosted to visitors and guests irrespective of their color, rank, social position, and economic status **Home Life of the Rizals,** Simple, contented, and happy life. Family ties of the Rizal's was intimately close. Loved their children but never spoiled them and trained their children to love God, to behave well, to be obedient, and to respect people. Religious family -- herded Mass in the town and prayed together. **CHAPTER 2: CHILDHOOD YEARS IN CALAMBA** Jose Rizal had many beautiful memories of childhood in his native town. Grew up in a happy home, rules by good parents. **Calamba, the Hero's Town,** Rizal's natal town of Calamba, named after a big native jar. The happiest period of Rizal's life was spent in this lakeshore town. **Town of Calamba,** A hacienda town-belonged to the Dominican Order (owned all lands around it) covered with irrigated rice fields and sugar-lands In the South, Mount Makiling and beyond was Batangas In the East, Laguna de Bay North was Antipolo; location of a famous mountain shrine of the miraculous Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) In 1876 Rizal, who was 15 yrs. old, wrote the poem "Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo" (In Memory of My Town). **Earliest Childhood Memories,** Rizal's first memory happened when he was 3 years old. It was his happy days in the family garden; during this moment, he was given the tender care by his parents because had an aya (nurse maid) who looked after him he was frail, sickly, and undersized. Another memory of Rizal is the daily Angelus prayer and the happy moonlit nights at the azotea after the nightly Rosary. Whenever he spent time with the aya, he was told about legends and folklore which aroused his interest. Aya would threaten him with asuang, nuno, tigbalang, or a terrible bearded and turbaned Bombay that would come and take him away if he would not eat his supper. He also had memories of the nocturnal walk in town, especially when there was a moon with his aya by the river. The Hero's First Sorrow, Rizal's first sorrow was the death of his sister Little Concha (Concepcion). \- "When I was four years old," he said, "I lost my little sister Concha, and then for the first time I shed tears caused by love and grief..." **Devoted Son of the Church,** A scion of a Catholic Clan. At the age of 3, he began to take part in the family prayer because his mother taught him the Catholic Prayers. When he was 5 years old, he was able to haltingly read the Spanish Family Bible. He was so devoted that he was laughingly called as Manong Jose by the Hermanos and Hermanas Terceras One of the men he esteemed and respected in Calamba during his boyhood was Father Leoncio Lopez, the town priest. Pilgrimage to Antipolo, June 06, 1868. Jose and his father left Calamba to go on a pilgrimage to Antipolo, which was to fulfill his mother's vow which was made when Jose was born, It was Jose\'s first trip across Laguna de Bay and his first pilgrimage to Antipolo. They rode in a Casco (barge). Went to Manila to visit Saturnina who was a boarding student at La Concordia College in Santa Ana **The Story of the Moth,** The story of the moth and the flame was told by Rizal's mother the night she was teaching him how to read a book entitled "El Amigos de los Niños" Rizal's mother grew impatient of him for his poor reading skills. So she took the book and began to read it for him. His Attention was fixed on moth who died a martyr to its illusions, and just like the fated death of Rizal, to die as a martyr for a noble ideal. **Artistic Talents,** God-given talent for art. At the age of 5, Rizal made sketches with pencil and mold in clay and wax objects When the religious banner used during fiesta was spoiled, Rizal, upon the request of the town mayor, painted a new banner in oil colors that delighted the town folks. Loved to ride on a pony bought by his father and long walks in the meadows and lakeshore with his black dog Usman. One day, when Rizal was 6 years old, his sisters laughed at him for spending so much time making images rather than participating in their game. By then, he shouted "All right, laugh at me now! Someday when I die, people will make monuments and images of me!" **First Poem by Rizal,** God-given talent for literature, which was noticed by his mother and encouraged him. At the age of 8, Rizal wrote his first poem "Sa Aking mga Kabata" (To My Fellow Children. It tells about his appeal to our people to love our national language **Rizal First Drama by Rizal,** Rizal wrote first dramatic work at age 8 years old (Tagalog comedy) after his first poem, and was staged in a Calamba festival A gobernadorcillo from Paete purchased the drama manuscript for 2 pesos. **Rizal as Boy Magician,** Made coin appear and disappear. Magic-lantern exhibitions Manipulate marionettes (puppet shows) He revealed his wide knowledge of of magic in his book, El Filibusterismo Lakeshore Reveries, Meditate on the sad condition of his oppressed people. Rizal wrote Mariano Ponce(friend) a letter, and vowed to avenge the many victims of the Spanish evil. Influences in the Hero's Boyhood, Hereditary Influences Malayan Ancestors -- Love for freedom, desire to travel, and indomitable courage. Chinese Ancestors -- Serious nature, frugality, patience, and love for children. Spanish Ancestors -- elegance of bearing, sensitivity to insult, and gallantry to ladies. Father -- sense of self-respect, love for work, and the habit of independent thinking. Mother -- Religious nature, spirit of self-sacrifice, and passion for arts and literature. Environmental Influences, Scenic beauty of Calamba and their beautiful garden stimulated his inborn artistic and literary talents Religious atmosphere fortified his religious nature. Paciano, instilled love for freedom and justice Rizal's Sisters -- to be courteous and kind to women. Aya (Maid) -- Her fairy tales awakened his interest in folklore and legends. Tio Jose Alberto -- Inspired him to develop artistic ability. Tio Manuel -- develop his frail body with physical exercises (horse riding, walking, wrestling). Tio Gregorio -- intensified his voracious reading of good books. Father Leoncio Lopez -- fostered his love for scholarship and intellectual honesty. Death of Concha (1865) and imprisonment of his mother (1871-74)- strengthened his character, to resist blows of adversity in later years. Spanish cruelties and abuses and execution of GOMBURZA \(1872) that awakened his spirit of patriotism Aid of Divine Providence The versatile gifts of a genius The vibrant spirit of a nationalist The valiant heart to sacrifice for a noble cause **CHAPTER 3: EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BINAN** A typical schooling that a son of an ilustrado family received during his time, which was characterized by the four R's, reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. **The Hero's First Teacher,** His first teacher was Doña Teodora (his mother). Doña Teodora was patient, conscientious, and understanding; she first to discover his talent for writing, and encouraged Rizal to write poems. Private Tutors First Tutor, Maestro Celestino Second Tutor, Maestro Lucas Padua Leon Monroy -- former classmate of his father, and thought Rizal Spanish and Latin. After the death of Monroy, Rizal's parents decided to send him to a private school in Biñan Jose Goes to Biñan, Sunday afternoon in June, 1869, Jose left Clamba for Biñan with Paciano. After an hour and one half drive, they lodge at their Aunt's house. **First Day in Biñan School,** Paciona brought Rizal to the school of Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz. Rizal described Maestro Justiniano as "tall, thin, long-necked, and sharp-nosed with a body slightly bent forward". **First School Brawl,** Jose met the bully, Pedro. He was angry at the bully for making fun of him during the morning conversation Jose challenged Pedro to a fight, Rizal having learned the art of wrestling from his Tio Manuel, defeated the bigger boy. A classmate Andres Salandanan also challenged him to an arm wrestling match; Jose, having the weaker arm, lost and nearly cracked his head. **Painting Lessons in Biñan,** Rizal received free painting lessons from his school teacher's father-in-law, called Old Juancho. Rizal and his classmate named Jose Guevarra became apprentices of the painter. **Daily Life in Biñan,** Jose led a methodical life, almost Spartan simplicity. 4:00 AM mass or studied lesson and went to mass afterwards. Went to orchard to look for mabolo to eat breakfast which consist of rice and 2 dried small fish. Goes to school, and come out at 5:00 PM. Prays with cousins and returns home Studies his lesson Draws a Little Supper consists of one or 2 cup of rice with an ayungin Prays again and if there's a moon, Rizal plays with his cousins. Best Student in School, Jose surpassed all of his classmates in Spanish, Latin, and other subjects. Because of jealousy from his classmates, They wickedly squealed to the teacher whenever Jose had a fight, and even told lies to discredit him before the teachers eyes. Consequently the teacher had to punish Jose, in spite his reputation of a good student. End of Biñan Schooling, Jose left the place using the steamer Talim for Calamba on December 17, 1870. During his trip, a Frenchman and a friend to his father, Arturo Camps, took care of him. Martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za. January 20, 1872 -- Cavite Mutiny. February 17, 1872 -- Father Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora were executed ordered by Gov. General Izquierdo. The secularization movement was headed by the GOMBURZA The martyrdom of the priests GOM-BUR-ZA, inspired Rizal to fight the Spanish tyranny and redeem his oppressed people. The heroic story of Burgos was told to him by Paciano who quit his studies at the College of San Jose and returned to Calamba 1891 -- Rizal dedicated his second novel El Filibusterismo to GOMBURZA Injustice to Hero's Mother, June, 1872 - Dona Teodora was suddenly Arrested on a malicious charge that she and her brother tried to poison the latter's wife for 2 and a half years. Because of the infidelity of Alberto's wife, he planned to divorce her; subsequently, his wife connived with the Spanish lieutenant of the Guardia Civil and filed a case against Rizal's mother. Antonio Vivencio del Rosario a gobernadorcillo of Calamba, helped the lieutenant arrest Doña Teodora. Teodora was made to walk 50 kilometers from Calamba to the provincial prison in Santa Cruz. She was defended in court by the two most famous lawyers in Manila, Don Francisco de Mercaida and Don Manuel Marzan. **CHAPTER 4:** **SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA (1872-1877)** Jose was sent to Manila four months after the Martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za and with Doña Teodora still in prison. He studied in the Ateneo Municipal, a college under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits. The municipal is College of San Juan de Letran's bitter rival (Dominican-owned). It was establish in 1817 and was known as the Escuela Pia (Charity School) for the poor boys in Manila **Rizal Enters the Ateneo,** June 10, 1872 - Rizal was accompanied by Paciano when they went to Manila to take the entrance examinations on Christan doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at College of San Juan de Letran and passed them. Rizal's father wished to send Jose at Letran but later changed his mind and decided to send him at Ateneo instead. **The college registrar of Ateneo Municipal, Fr. Magin Fernando, refused to admit Jose because:** 1\. He was late for registration 2\. He was sickly and undersized for his age. 3\. Upon the intercession of Fr. Burgos' nephew, Manuel Xerez Burgos, Rizal was finally admitted at Ateneo. 4\. Jose used the surname Rizal instead of Mercado because it had come under suspicion of the Spanish authorities 5\. Rizal boarded in a house on Caraballo Street which was owned by Titay who owed 300 pesos from Rizal's family Jesuit System of Education, Ateneo trained the character of the student by rigid discipline and religious instruction. Promoted physical culture, humanities and scientific studies. It also offered vocational courses, such as agriculture, commerce, mechanics, and surveying. Before the beginning of the class, the students should hear the Mass in the morning daily. Praying is done to open and close the classes There are two groups of students: Roman Empire, consisted of internos (boarders) with red banners; and Carthaginian Empire, consisted of the externos (non-boarders) with blue banners. Losing part, upon the 6th loss, the banner was changed with a figure of a donkey. Students vied for position as each empire had its rank. Any student could challenge any officer in his "empire" to answer questions on the day's lesson. With 3 mistakes, opponents could lose his position. 1st -- Emperor 2nd -- Tribune 3rd -- Decurion 4th -- Centurion 5th -- Standard-Bearer The uniform of the Ateneo students consisted of hemp-fabric trousers and striped cotton coat. The coat was called rayadillo and was adopted as the uniform for Filipino troops during the days of the First Philippine Republic. Rizal's First Year in Ateneo (1872-1873) The first day of class in Ateneo started in June 1872 Fr. Jose Bech -- First professor of Rizal Since Rizal was a newcomer and he only knows a **little Spanish,** he was placed at the bottom of the class, Standard-Bearer. He was an externo and was assigned to Carthaginians. At the end of the month, he became emperor of his Empire. He was the brightest pupil in the whole class. Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College which he paid 3 pesos for extra lessons in Spanish. Rizal's grades were marked excellent and he placed 2nd at the end of the year. **Summer Vacation (1873)** Due to his mother in prison, he did not particularly enjoy his summer, so his sister Neneng (Saturnina) brought him to Tanawan to cheer him up. Without telling his father, Rizal visited his mother in prison at Santa Cruz. Rizal boarded in Inramuros at No. 8 Magallanes Street; Doña Pepay was the landlady and a widow with a widowed daughter and four sons Second Year in Ateneo (1873-1874) When Rizal lost his leadership due to his teachers remarks, but then regained it again after he studied harder. At the end of the year, he received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal **Prophecy of Mother's Release** Doña Teodora told her son of her dream the previous night. Rizal, interpreting the dream, told her that she would be released from prison in 3 months time. Barely three months passed, and suddenly Dona Teodora was set free. Doña Teodora likened his son to the youthful Joseph in the Bible in his ability to interpret dreams. **Teenage Interest in Reading,** The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas -- Jose Rizal's first favorite novel. Doña Teodora told her son of her dream the previous night. Rizal, interpreting the dream, told her that she would be released from prison in 3 months time. It became true. **Also read non-fiction, Cesar Cantu's historical work Universal History.** He also read Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor Jagor, German who visited the Philippines in 1859-1860. In this book, he foretold that someday Spain would lose the Philippines and that America would come to succeed here as colonizer. **Third Year in Ateneo (1874-75)** Shortly after the opening of classes, his mother was released from prison. Despite the family happiness, Rizal did not make an excellent showing in his studies. He failed to win the medal in Spanish because his spoken was not fluently sonorous. **Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-1876)** On June 16, 1875 -- Rizal became an inferno in Ateneo Rizal was inspired by Fr. **Francisco de Paula Sanchez** to study harder and write poetry. Inspired by Father Sanchez, Rizal Studied harder. Because of that, Rizal returned to Calamba with **5 medals and excellent ratings** **Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877)** **June 1876 -- Rizal's last year in Ateneo** **He was called as "The Pride of the Jesuits" because he is the most brilliant Atenean of his time; he obtained the highest grades in all subjects** **Graduation with Highest Honors** **1872-1877 -- Rizal received excellent scholastic records** March 23, 1877 -- The Commencement Day was held and the 16- year-old Rizal received the degree of Bachelor Arts with highest honors from his Alma Mater. Extra-Curricular Activities Rizal's extra-curricular activities An emperor inside the campus; campus leader outside. He was the secretary of the Marian Congregation Active member of Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences He studied painting under the famous Spanish painter, Agustin Saez, He studied under Romualdo de Jesus, noted Filipino sculptor. He was also engaged in gymnastics and fencing. Sculptural Works in Ateneo Rizal was sculpted an image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwood). With this, Father Lleonart requested him to carve an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Ateneo students placed the image on the door of the dormitory and remained there for many years. Anecdotes on Rizal, the Atenean Felix M. Ramos -- one of Rizal's contemporaries in Ateneo. Manuel Xeres Burgos -- whose house Rizal boarded shortly before he became an inferno. **Poems Written in Ateneo** Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) -- first poem he wrote for his mother's birthday. In 1875, inspired by Father Sanchez, he wrote more poems such as: Filicitacion (Felicitation), El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure Hymn to Magellan's fleet), Y Es Espanol: Elcano, el Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo (And He is Spanish: Elcano, the first to circumnavigate the world), and El Combate: Urbiztondo Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo). In 1876, Rizal wrote another poems such as; un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of my Town), Alianza Intima Entre la Region Y La Buena Educacion (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education), Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre La Patria (Through Education the Country Receive Light), E Cultivero y El Triunfo (The Captivity and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil), and La Entrada Triuntal de los Reyes Catolices en Granada (The Triumphal Entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada). He wrote more poems in 1877; El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of Columbus), Colon y Juan II (Columbus and John II), Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune), and Un DiaragoAlusivo a la Despedida de los Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students) **Rizal's Religious Poems** The religious poems written by Rizal were; entitled Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus), a brief ode written in 1875 when he was 14 years old; and A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary) **Dramatic Work in Ateneo** Rizal's favorite teacher, Father Sanchez, asked him to write a drama based on the prose story of St. Eustace the Martyr; He wrote it in the form of poetic verses in the summer of 1876 In his last academic year in Ateneo, Rizal submitted the manuscript entitled "San Eustacio, Martir" (St. Eustace, the Martyr) **First Romance of Rizal** Rizal experienced his first love when he was 16 years old. It was with Segunda Katigbak, a pretty 14 year-old Batangueña from Lipa. Rizal's sister, Olimpia, was a close friend of Segunda in La Concordia College. Rizal's first romance, which was hopeless since the very beginning Segunda was already engaged, because of his own shyness and reserve failed to propose to Segunda. Rizal remained in Calamba, a frustrated lover who cherished his nostalgic memories of a lost love. Meanwhile, Segunda returned to Lipa and later married Manuel Luz. **CHAPTER 5: MEDICAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS (1877-1882)** After Finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters, he transferred to the medical course. During the years of his medical studies in this university which was administered by the Dominicans, rival educators of the Jesuits, he remained loyal to Ateneo, where he continued to participate in extra-curricular activities and where he completed the vocation course in surveying. Mother's Opposition to Higher Education, Doña Teodora opposed the idea of sending Rizal to UST to pursue higher education because she knew what happened to Gom-Bur-Za and the Spaniards might cut off his head if he gets to know more. Despite his mother's tears, Don Francisco told Paciano to accompany Rizal to Manila. Rizal Enters the University, April 1877 -- Rizal, who was nearly 16-years-old, matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas. He enrolled in UST taking up Philosophy and Letter for 2 reasons; His father liked it he was "still uncertain as to what career to pursue" He asked the advice of Father Pablo Ramon, Rector of the Atene, on what career to choose but Father Recto was in Mindanao so he was unable to advice Rizal. First-year Term (1877-78) -- Rizal studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of Philosophy. Ateneo Rector's advice -- study medicine; reason: to be able to cure his mother's growing blindness. Finishes Surveying Course in Ateneo (1878), While Rizal was studying at UST, he also studied in Ateneo. He took the vocational course leading to the title of "perito agrimensor" (expert surveyor). He excelled in all subjects in the surveying course obtaining gold medals in agriculture and topography. At the age of 17, he passed the final examination in the surveying course and at Nov. 25, 1881 he was granted the title Surveyor. He was president of the Academy of Spanish Literature and secretary of the Academy of Natural Sciences. **Romances with Other Girls,** Miss L Seductive and attractive eyes. Romance died in a natural manner. No one knows who this Miss L, hence her identify is lost in history. 2 Reasons for his change of heart: (1) the sweet memory of Segunda was still fresh in his heart and (2) his father did not like the family of "Miss L". Leonor Valenzuela Daughter of the next-door neighbors of Doña Concha Leyva (her house is where Rizal boarded) with a pet name: Orang. Tall girl with a regal bearing. Rizal sent her love notes written in invisible ink. This ink consisted of common table salt and water. He taught Orang the secret of reading any note written in the invisible ink by heating it over a candle or lamp so that the words may appear. Leonor Rivera Rizal's cousin from Camiling and was born in Camiling, Tarlac on April 11, 1867. A student of La Concordia College where Rizal's youngest sister, Soledad was then studying. Rizal lived in: Casa Tomasina No. 6 Calle Santo Tomas, Intramuros Antonio Rivero -- Rizal's landlord-uncle is the father of Leonor Rivera. Rizal described her as a frail, pretty girl "tender as a budding flower with kindly, wistful eyes". They became engaged. In her letters to Rizal, Leonor signed her name as "Taimis", in order to camouflage their intimate relationship from their parents and friends. Victim of Spanish Officer's Brutality Summer vacation in 1878 in the Dark night of Calamba -- Rizal was walking in the street and dimly perceived the figure of a man while passing him. Not knowing the person was a lieutenant of the Guardia Civil; he did not salute nor say greetings. With a snarl, he turned upon Rizal, whipped out his sword and brutally slashed his back. Rizal reported the incident to General Primo de Rivera, the Spanish Governor General of the Philippines at that time, but nothing came out because he was an Indio and the accused was a Spaniard. **"To the Filipino Youth" (1879),** Liceo Artisco-Literano (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila -- society of literary men and artists held a literary contest. At the age of 18, Rizal submitted his poem entitled A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth). The Board of Judges -- composed of Spaniards; gave the first prize to Rizal which consisted of a silver pen, feather-shaped and decorated with a gold ribbon. Reasons why Rizal's poem was a classic in Philippine Literature: it was the first great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary authorities it expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos were the "fair hope of the Fatherland". **"The Council of the Gods" (1880),** Artistic-Literary Lyceum -- opened another literary contest for both Filipino and Spaniards to commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of Cervantes. Rizal submitted an allegorical drama entitled El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods) and he received the first prize, a gold ring on which was engraved the bust of Cervantes. **Other Literary Works,** Junto al Pasic (Beside the Pasig) (1880) -- a zarzuela which was staged by the Ateneans on December 08, 1880, on the annual celebration of the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. It was described to be mediocre but there are passages in it which express in subtle satire the author's nationalist ideas. A Filipinas (1880) -- a sonnet he wrote for the album of the Society of Sculptors. Abd-el-Azis (1879) -- a poem declaimed by Manuel Fernandez on the night of December 08, 1879 in honor of the Ateneo's Patroness. Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon (1881) -- a poem he wrote as an expression of affection to Father Pablo Ramon. Rizal's Visit to Pakil nad Pagsanjan. Summer of May 1881 -- Still a Medical Student at UTS, Rizal went to a pilgrimage to the town of pakil, famous shrine of the Birhen Maria de los Dolores. He was accompanied by his sisters---Saturnina , Maria, and Trinidad and their female friends. Rizal and his companions were fascinated by the famous turumba, people dancing in the streets during the procession in honor of the miraculous Birhen Maria de los Dolores. In Pakil, Rizal was infatuated by a pretty girl colegiala, Vicenta Ybardolaza, who skillfully played the harp at the Regalado home. Reasons why Rizal and his company made side trip to the neighboring town of Pagsanjan: it was the native town of Leonor Valenzuela and, to see the world famed Pagsanjan Falls. Champion of Filipino Students, Rizal was the champion of the Filipino students in their fights against the arrogant Spanish students, who insultingly called their brown classmates "Indio, chongo!" In retaliation, the Filipino students called them "Kastila, bangus!". In 1880, Rizal founded a secret society of Filipino students in the University of Santo Tomas called "Compaňerismo" (Comradeship), whose members were called "Companions of Jehu," after the valiant Hebrew general who fought the Armaeans. Galicano Apacible is Rizal's cousin from Batangas; secretary of Compañerismo. Fierce encounter near the Escolta in Manila where Rizal was wounded on the head, and brought back by his classmates to his boarding house "Casa Tomasina", where he was tenderly washed and dressed by Leonor Rivera. **Unhappy Days at the UST.** He was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher learning because, the Dominican professors were hostile to him the Filipino students were racially discriminated against by the Spaniards, and, the method of instruction was obsolete and repressive. Due to his unfriendly attitude of his professors, Rizal, the most brilliant graduate of Ateneo, failed to win high scholastic honors. **Decision to Study Abroad.** After finishing the fourth year of his medical course, Rizal decided to study in Spain. He could no longer endure the rampant bigotry, discrimination, and hostility in the University of Santo Tomas. His Brother, Paciano approved of his going to Spain and so did his 2 sisters, Saturnina and Lucia, Uncle Antonio Rivera, the Valenzuela Family, and some friends. Rizal did not seek his parent's permission and blessings to go abroad. For he knew that they would disapprove, especially his mother. He also did not let his beloved Leonor know.