Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF RIZAL
Why Study Rizal?
 First and foremost, because it is
mandated by law.
 Secondly, because of the lessons
contained within the course itself.
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE IT IS
MANDATED BY LAW
The teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works, and
writings is mandated by Republic Act 1425,
otherwise known as the Rizal Law.
SENATOR JOSE P. LAUREL
 The person who sponsored the
Rizal law said that since Rizal was
the founder of Philippine nationalism
and has contributed much to the
current standing of this nation, it is
only right that the youth as well as
all the people in the country know
about and learn to imbibe the great
ideals for which he died.
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE IT
MANDATED BY LAW
 The Rizal Law, enacted in 1956,
seeks to accomplish the following
goals:
 To rededicate the lives of youth to
the ideals of freedom and
nationalism, for which our heroes
lived and died
 To pay tribute to our national hero
for devoting his life and works in
shaping the Filipino character
 To gain an inspiring source of
patriotism through the study of
Rizal’s life, works, and writings.
 To gain an inspiring source of
patriotism through the study of
Rizal’s life, works, and writings.
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE OF THE
LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE
COURSE
 Aside from those mentioned above,
there are other reasons for teaching
the Rizal course in Philippine
schools:
 To recognize the importance of
Rizal’s ideals and teachings in
relation to present conditions and
situations in the society.
 To encourage the application of
such ideals in current social and
personal problems and issues.
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE OF THE
LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE
COURSE
 To develop an appreciation and
deeper understanding of all that
Rizal fought and died for.
 To foster the development of the
Filipino youth in all aspects of
citizenship.
THE MAKING OF RIZAL LAW
Culture is a way of life of people living in a
certain place. And the school was recognized
as a powerful agent of cultural transmission.
IS  With the intention of reminding the
youths about our past and inculcating
nationalism to them, Sen. Jose P.
Laurel, the father of Rizal Law together
with Claro M. Recto who authored the
law or RA 1425 filed Senate Bill No.
438 , yet it received resistance from
other senators like Sen. Decoroso
Rosales, Sen. Mariano Cuenco and
Francisco Rodrigo.
 Sen. Decoroso Rosales, Sen. Mariano
Cuenco and Francisco Rodrigo
negatively criticized the bill on the stand
that requiring the teaching of Rizal
would be a violation of religious
freedom.
 But the lengthy deliberation of the bill
ended with a compromise that the word
compulsory was removed to read,
inclusion in the curricula.
 It also provides that while the teaching
of Rizal as a subject is required, the
doctrine of the separation of the church
and the state must be upheld.
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
WHAT IS RIZAL LAW?
 Rizal Law or RA 1425 mandates the
inclusion of all public and private
schools, colleges and universities, the
course on the life, works and writings of
Dr. Jose Rizal and requires the reading
of the unexpurgated version of Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM ORDER NO.
247
 A decree issued by Pres. Fidel V.
Ramos which mandates the immediate
and full implementation of the Rizal Law
with sanctions against schools for non-
compliance.
CHED MEMORANDUM
CHED Order No. 6
 This was issued by Chairman Angel C.
Alcala which provides that the Rizal
Course will be given as a three-unit
subject.
CHED Order No. 59
 This reiterates and specifies CHED
Order No. 6 which included Philippine
History like Rizal as a legislated three-
unit subject.
THE BACKDROP ON RIZAL'S TIME
DIVINE RIGHT THEORY
 A theory which holds that the state is of
divine creation and the ruler is ordained
by God to govern the people.
 Was the basis of absolute monarchy in
Europe and in Asia
JOHN LOCKE
SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY
 contends that while rulers have the
obligation to look after the general
welfare of the people, the latter have the
obligation to support their ruler.
 However, when the government
becomes oppressive and arbitrary, it is
the right of the people to overthrow a
despotic ruler.
 legitimizes revolution as a powerful
weapon against an oppressive and
decadent government
JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU
 People’s consent alone legitimizes a
government and the processes of
decision-making must be participated by
all.
 He prescribed eternal vigilance on the
part of the governed against their rulers.
LOCKE AND ROUSSEAU
 It is right to stage civil disobedience or to
take up arms when a government
breaks its covenant with the people.
 espoused the theory that God endowed
man with natural rights, such as right to
life, liberty and property and by entering
into a social contract, man formed a civil
society to protect his rights.
DEMOCRACY
 A government ruled by the people
 Democracy is a system of government
in which state power is vested in the
people, or the general population of a
state.
 Demos means “people” and kratos
means “to rule”
FRANCOIS MARIE AROUET (VOLTAIRE):
“Pen is mightier than sword.”
THE PHILIPPINES IN THE 16TH CENTURY
REFORMATION
 in the 16th century was a religious
movement against abuses in the Roman
Catholic Church, influenced by
economic and political factors. It sought
to restore Christianity to its early purity
by subordinating ecclesiastical tradition
to the test of scriptural authority.
Spearheaded by Martin Luther King, a
German monk.
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm

 Counter Reformation are efforts in the

16th and early 17th centuries to oppose
the Protestant Reformation and reform
the Catholic church. Early efforts grew
out of criticism of the worldliness and
corruption of the papacy and clergy
during the Renaissance.

IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA SJ

 venerated as Saint Ignatius of

Loyola, was a Spanish Catholic
priest and theologian, who, with six
companions, founded the religious
order of the Society of Jesus also
known as Jesuits.
 He was one of the most influential
figures in the Counter-Reformation.
Known for its missionary,
educational, and charitable works,
the Jesuit order was a leading force
in the modernizing of the Roman
Catholic Church.

EDUCATION DURING SPANISH

COLONIZATION

 Controlled by the State and the Church

 During the early years of Spanish
colonization, education was mostly
religion oriented and controlled by the
Roman Catholic Church. Spanish friars
and missionaries educated the natives
through religion with the aim of
converting indigenous populations to the
Catholic faith.
 4G”s - for the glory of God, Spain,
evangelization and general welfare.
 Education during the Spanish regime
was privileged only to Spanish students.
 In Spanish period, the Philippines
underwent deep transformation and
Spanish education played a major role
in that transformation. Formal education
system was established and the focused
of education during the Spanish period
was mainly religious education. During
this period, the oldest universities,
colleges and vocational schools
founded in Asia were created by
Catholic missionary or religious orders.

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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
RIZAL NAME, BIRTH, AND FAMILY
It is important to know the origins of Dr. Jose
Rizal's name as every parts of it has a meaning
and it showcases the impacts of Spanish
colonial policies, mixed heritage and the struggle
of Filipinos for their independence and identity.
And to also pay tribute to his contributions in our
history especially in our freedom.
FULL NAME - Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado
Alonso Y Realonda
ORIGIN
"José" - has Spanish origins and was chosen
by his mother since she is a devotee for the
saint.
"Protacio" - was chosen as part of Dr. Jose
Rizal's name following a Spanish naming
custom prevalent during his time. According to
this custom, a name corresponding to the saint’s
day on which a child was born, as listed in the
Spanish calendar, was often given. As Dr. Rizal
was born on June 19, the day assigned to
"Protacio," this name was chosen as part of his
full name.
THE CLAVERIA DECREE - On the 21st of
November 1849, the Governor General of the
Philippines, Don Narciso Claveria y Zaldua,
issued a law (thereafter called the Claveria
Decree) requiring Filipinos to adopt Spanish
AND indigenous names from the Catalogo
Alfabetico de Apellidos for civil and legal
purposes.
"Rizal" and "Mercado" - came from his father's
side, while "Alonzo" and "Realonda" came from
his mother's side. The Mercados of Calamba
chose the unlisted name Rizal, although they
continued to use the name Mercado. Their
original application was for the name Ricial
(meaning “the green of young growth” or “green
fields”), which was connected to their livelihood,
but this was denied for no apparent reason.
 Francisco and Teodora’s seventh child,
Jose, adopted the name Rizal to enable
him to travel freely and to dissociate
himself from his brother Paciano, who
had gained notoriety by supporting the
cause of revolutionary Filipino priests
like Fr. Jose Burgos.
 It was Paciano who financially and
morally sustained Rizal in his studies
abroad.
BIRTH
 DATE OF BIRTH - June 19, 1861
 PLACE OF BIRTH - Calamba, Laguna.
Philippines.
 PARENTS
MOTHER: Teodora Alonsa Realonda
FATHER: Francisco Mercado Rizal.
 He’s the 7th out of the 11 siblings of the
Family. He’s also the Second Brother of
the Family.
BAPTISM
 The church baptistery, where Rizal was
baptized on June 22, 1861
 By the then parish priest of Calamba
Rufino Collantes and his godfather
Pedro Casanas, is a recognized
National Historical Landmark.
 He was Baptised 3 days after his birth.
 His Sponsor and Godfather in the
baptism was Rev. Pedro Cansañas.
Cansañas’ nephew is also
 Mariona Herbosa, who will become his
brother in law in the near future.
LIFE IN CALAMBA
 Jose Rizal had many beautiful memories
of his childhood in his native town
Calamba. It’s scenic beauties and it’s
industrious, hospitable, and friendly folks
profoundly affected his mind and
character. The happiest period of Rizal’s
life was spent in this lakeshore town.
 As Rizal was frail and sickly when he
was a Kid. His Father made a Nipa
Cottage for him in their Hacienda. He
also had an Nurse Maid to look after him
at the time. His parents were very tender
with their care towards him.
 After writing his first poem, Rizal who
was then 8yrs. old, wrote his first
dramatic work which was a Tagalog
comedy.
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
HIS BIRTH
 His upbringing shaped him into a brilliant
scholar dedicated to justice and
freedom. Through his writings and
peaceful activism, he inspired
generations to resist oppression. His
legacy stands as a powerful reminder of
one person's ability to shape a nation's
destiny.
FAMILY
 Rizal's family was well-educated and
prosperous.
 His father was a successful farmer and
businessman, while his mother came
from a distinguished lineage of
intellectuals. This environment fostered
an atmosphere conducive to learning
and critical thinking.
 Rizal's siblings also contributed to his
development as an individual. They
supported his pursuit of education
abroad, despite the risks involved. Their
unwavering support allowed Rizal to
study medicine in Europe, where he
honed his skills as a writer and thinker.
 Dr. Jose Rizal, was born into a large
family with eleven (11) siblings.
 Each of his siblings had unique names
that held significant meaning and
reflected the values and aspirations of
their parents.
SATURNINA - The eldest sibling was Saturnina,
named after the Roman god Saturn. This name
symbolized strength and stability, qualities that
were hoped for in their firstborn child.
PACIANO - Paciano, the second child, was
named after Saint Francis of Assisi's brother
who served as his constant companion. The
name Paciano represented loyalty and support.
NARCISA - Paciano, the second child, was
named after Saint Francis of Assisi's brother
who served as his constant companion. The
name Paciano represented loyalty and support.
LUCIA - Lucia was next in line; her name
derived from the Latin word "lux," meaning light
or enlightenment.
MARIA - Maria Rizal Mercado y Alonso
Realonda was Dr. Jose Rizal's mother's full
maiden name; hence she passed it on to her
daughter Maria (Biang).
RIZAL - Rizal is of course, the 7th
CONCEPTION - Concepcion came next; her
name meant "conception" or "beginning,"
symbolizing hope for new beginnings.
JOSEFA - The eighth sibling was Josefa, named
after their father Francisco Mercado's mother as
a tribute to her memory.
TRINIDAD - Trinidad followed suit; her name
represented unity and harmony within the family.
SOLEDAD - Soledad means solitude or peace
in Spanish; this name reflected the desire for
tranquility within oneself.
THE YOUNG RIZAL
HIS EDUCATION
 At the tender age of three, Rizal learned
the alphabet from his mother who was a
strict and patient teacher.
 Later on, he was taught by his uncles,
the brothers of Dona Teodora.
 After that, Rizal was sent to Binan at the
age of 9 as per his father’s request and
was taught by MAESTRO JUAQUIN
AQUINO CRUZ.
 He also learned painting in the shop of
an old painter named Juancho.
HIS CHILDHOOD WORKS
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm

TO MY FELLOW CHILDREN (Sa Aking  This was the winning poem of Rizal in a
Mga Kabata), 1869 literary contest for students in the
University of Sto. Tomas.
 This was written originally at the age of  Message: The Philippines is the Indio’s
eight in Tagalog. motherland and not “Mother Spain.”
 Message: We must love and speak our
national language 1st Stanza

3rd stanza Hold high the brow serene,

Whoever knows not how to love his O youth, where now you stand;
native tongue Let the bright sheen
Is worse than any beast or evil smelling Of your grace be seen,
fish. Fair hope of my fatherland!
To make our language richer ought to be
our wish  Jose Rizal was also designed by nature
The same as any mother loves to feed to be an artist. For this, he revealed that
her young. before he was 5 years of age for without
any assistance from others, he began to
THROUGH EDUCATION OUR draw with his pencil and would mold in
MOTHERLAND RECEIVES LIGHT (Por wax and clay.
la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria),  Fortunately, his mother, father and
1876 uncles recognized these talents and
gave him encouragements.
 This poem was written in Spanish while
he was a student in the Ateneo.
 Message: Education is power. It DR. JOSE RIZAL’S EARLY EDUCATION
emancipates our motherland from (THE GRADE SCHOOL IN BINAN)
ignorance and oppression.
Rizal’s Early Education
1st Stanza
 Rizal had his early education in
The vital breath of prudent Education Calamba and Biñan. It was a typical
Instills a virtue of enchanting power; schooling that a son of an ilustrado
She lifts the motherland to highest family received during his time.
station.  Teaching was characterized by four
And endless dazzling glories on her R’s:
shower. Reading
And as the zephyr’s gentle Writing
exhaltation Arithmetic
Revives the matrix of the fragrant Religion
flower,  Instruction was rigid and strict.
So education multiplies her gift of Knowledge was forced into the
grace; minds of pupil. By means of tedious
With prudent hand imparts them to memory method aided by teachers
the human race whips.

TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH (A la The Hero’s First Teacher

Juventud Filipina), 1879.
Doña Teodora (his mother) – Rizal’s first
teacher. She discovered Jose's talent for
poetry and encourages him to write.

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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
Maestro Celestino - Jose's first private
tutor. Private tutors of Rizal.
Maestro Lucas Padua - was second
private tutor.
 Rizal at the age of 3 learned the
alphabet and prayers.
Maestro Leon Monroy – Rizal’s tutor in
Spanish and Latin. He was the classmate of
Don Francisco.
 When Don Leon died; Jose's parents
decided to send him to a private school
in Binan.
Jose Goes to Binan
June 1869
 Jose goes to Biñan with Paciano
 Carromata – mode of transportation
 Lodged at his aunt's house
First day in Binan School
 School of Maestro Justiniano Aquino
Cruz-formal teacher
 Rizal Described his Maestro as tall, thin,
long necked, sharp-nosed, with a body
slightly bent forward.
 The school was in maestro's house.
First School Brawl
 Pedro (teachers son) (bully) -wrestling
 Andres Salandanan- arm wrestling
 Jose never run away from a fight.
 Near the school was the house of an old
painter, called Juancho, who wain
Flatweof the school teacher.
 Old Juancho Freely gave Jose drawing
and painting lessons Jose Rizal and his
classmate Jose Guevarra become
apprentices.
Daily Life in Binan
 Jose's Daily Routine:
o Hears mass at 4 a.m. or studies
lesson before going to mass.
o Goes to orchard to look for a
mabolo to eat.
o Breakfast.
o Goes to class at 10a.m
o Lunch break.
o Goes back to school at 2p.m.
o Goes home at 5p.m
o Studies lesson and draws a
little.
o Has supper.
o Prays again.
o Plays in the street if moon is
bright.
o Sleeps.
End of Binan Schooling
 Before the Christmas season in
1870, Jose receives letter from
his sister Saturnina.
 Talim- the steamer that Jose
rode.
 December 17, 1870 Jose left
Biñan after one year and a half
schooling in that town.
 Arturo Camps- Frenchman and
a friend of Don Francisco took
care of Jose during the trip.
RIZAL IN ATENEO
Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila
(1872-1877)
Jose was sent to Manila four months after
the martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za and with
Dona Teodora still in prison. He studied in
the Ateneo Municipal-- a college under the
supervision of the Spanish Jesuits.
Ateneo Municipal
 Bitter rival of the Dominican-owned
College of San Juan de Letran
 Formerly the Escuela Pia (Charity
School) - for poor boys in Manila
established in 1817 • In 1859- name was
changed to Ateneo Municipal by the
Jesuits and later became the Ateneo de
Manila.
Rizal Enters the Ateneo
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
• June 10, 1872- Jose, accompanied by
Paciano, went to Manila to take the
entrance examinations on Christian
Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at the
College of San Juan de Letran, and
passed them. His father was the first one
who wished him to study at Letran but he
changed his mind and decided to send Jose
at Ateneo instead.
 Father Magin Ferrando, college registrar of
Ateneo Municipal, refused to admit Jose
because:
• He was late for registration
• He was sickly and undersized for his
age (11 years old).
 Upon the intercession of Manuel Xeres
Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos, he was
admitted at Ateneo. Jose adopted the
surname ‘Rizal´ at the Ateneo because
their family name ³Mercado´ had come
under suspicion of the Spanish
authorities.
 Ateneo was located in Intramuros, within the
walls of Manila. He boarded in a house on
Caraballo Street, 25 min walk from the
college. The boarding house was owned
by Titay, who owed Rizal family P300.
Jose boarded there to collect part of the
debt
Jesuits System of Education:
• Jesuits trained the character of the student by
rigid discipline, humanities and religious
instruction. They heard Mass early in the
morning before the beginning of daily class.
Classes were opened and closed with prayers
• Students were divided into two groups:
• Roman Empire - consisting of the
internos (boarders) with red banners
• Carthaginian Empire - composed of
the externos (non-boarders) with blue
banners
Each of these empires had its rank. Students
fought for positions. With 3 mistakes, opponent’s
position could lose his position.
• 1st best: emperor
• 2nd best: tribune
• 3rd best: Decurion
• 4th best: centurion
• 5th best: Standard-bearer
Ateneo students uniform is 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)
 Rizal’s first professor in Ateneo was Fr.
Jose Bech
 Rizal was placed at the bottom of the
class since he was a newcomer and
knows little Spanish. He was an externo
(Carthaginians), occupying the end of
the line. But at the end of the month,
he become ‘emperor´ of his Empire.
He was the brightest pupil in the whole
class, and he was awarded a prize, a
religious prize
 Rizal took private lessons in Santa
Isabel College during noon recesses to
improve his Spanish language paying
three pesos for those extra lessons.
 He placed second at the end of the
year, although all his grades were still
marked ‘Excellent´
Summer Vacation (1873)
 Rizal didn’t enjoy his summer
because his mother was in prison so
Neneng (Saturnina) brought him to
Tanawan. But without telling his father,
he went to Santa Cruz to visit her
mother in prison. He told her of his
brilliant grades.
 After summer, he returned to Manila and
now boarded inside Intramuros at No.
6 Magallanes Street. Dona Pepay,
who had a widowed daughter and 4
sons, was his landlady.
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
Second Year in Ateneo (1873-74
 Rizal lost the class leadership. But he
repented and even studied harder, once
more became ‘emperor´. He received
excellent grades in all subjects and a
gold medal.
 Prophecy of Mother’s Release
o Dona 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
month’s time. It became true.
o Dona Teodora likened his son
to the youthful Joseph in the
Bible in his ability to interpret
dreams.
 Teenage Interest in Reading
o The first favorite novel of Rizal
was The Count of Monte
Cristo by Alexander Dumas.
 His boyish imagination was stirred by
the sufferings of Edmond Dantes (the
hero) in prison, his spectacular escape
from the dungeon of Chateau d’If, his
finding a buried treasure in the rocky
island of Monte Cristo, and his dramatic
revenge on his enemies who had
wronged him.
 Rizal also read non-fiction. He
persuaded his father to buy a costly set
of Cesar Cantu’s historical work
entitled Universal History.
 He also read Travels in the Philippines
by Dr. Feodor Jagor, a German
scientist-traveler who visited Phil in
1859-60. He was impressed by: 1.
Jagor’s keen observations of the
defects of Spanish colonization 2. His
prophecy that someday Spain would
lose the Phil and that America would
come to succeed her as colonizer.
Third Year in Ateneo (1875-76)
 June 16, 1875- He became an interno
in Ateneo
 Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez:
o one of his professor, inspired
him to study harder and write
poetry
o Rizal’s best professor in Ateneo
o Rizal described him as ‘model
of uprightness, earnestness,
and love for the advancement
of his pupils´
 He returned to Calamba with 5 medals
and excellent ratings.
Last Year in Ateneo (1876-77)
Rizal- The most brilliant Atenean of his time,
and was truly ‘the pride of the Jesuits´.
Graduation with Highest Honors
• March 23, 1877- Rizal, 16 years
old, received from his Alma
Mater, Ateneo Municipal, the
degree of Bachelor of Arts,
with highest honors.
• The night before graduation, he
could not sleep. Early morning
on the day of his graduation, he
prayed to the Virgin to
‘commend his life and protect
him as he step into the world´.
Other related information about Rizal in
Ateneo
Extra-Curricular Activities in Ateneo
 He was an active member, later
secretary, of Marian Congregation
• A religious society
• He was accepted because of his
academic brilliance and
devotion to Our Lady of
Immaculate Conception, the
college patroness.
 He is also a member of the Academy
of Spanish Literature and the
Academy of Natural Sciences
 He studied painting under Agustin
Saez, a famous painter, and sculpture
under Romualdo de Jesus
 He continued his physical training
under his sports-minded Tio Manuel.
Sculptural Works in Ateneo
 Father Lleonart requested him to
carve for him an image of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
 He intended to take the
image with him in Spain but
forgot to do so
 So the Ateneo boarders
placed it on the door of their
dormitory. It plays a hesitant, because she had viewed
significant part in Rizal’s last
hours at Fort Santiago
Anecdotes on Rizal, the Atenean
 Felix M. Roxas - He related an
incident of Rizal’s school days in the
Ateneo which reveals the hero’s
resignation to pain and forgiveness.
 Manuel Xeres Burgos - his
anecdote on Rizal illustrates his
predilection to help the helpless at
the risk of his own life.
Poems Written in Ateneo
 Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First
Inspiration) - first written poem of
Rizal - which was dedicated to his
mother on her birthday - He wrote it
when he was 14 years old.
 In 1875, inspired by Fr. Sanchez, he
wrote more poems, as such:
1. Felicitacion (Felicitation)
2. El Embarque: Himno a la Flota
de Magallanes ( The Departure:
Hymn to Magellan’s Fleet)
3. Y Es Espanol: Elcano, el
Primero en dar la Vuelta al Mundo
(And He is Spanish: Elcano, the
First to Circumnavigate the
World)
4. El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror
de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo,
Terror of Jolo)
 In 1876, he wrote poems on religion,
education memories and war. (e.g.
In Memory of my Town)
RIZAL’S LIFE
HIS TIME AND STAY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF
SANTO THOMAS
University of Santo Thomas
 His Father Don Francisco decided
to send him to UST in manila
knowing he was gifted with
exceptional intelligence
 However, Dona Teodora was
the fate of intelligent young Filipinos
who questioned the Spanish
authorities in the Philippines. She
was vocal in her opposition to the
decision of Don Francisco.
 On April 1877, Jose Rizal returned
to Manila and enrolled at the UST,
taking the course Philosophy and
Letters, though at that time, Rizal
was still confused of what course to
study. His freshman subjects were
Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy
and History of Philosophy.
An advice to help a confused Rizal
 The following year, Rizal consulted
Rev. Fr. Pablo Ramon, the Director
of Ateneo de Manila, as to what
course to take. Father Ramon
advised him to take up Medicine;
therefore, he enrolled in the
Medical course, with the hope
that he could relieve Dona
Teodora’s failing eyesight after he
finished the course in
Ophthalmology.
The title of Surveyor and Expert Assessor
 While enrolled in Medicine, Rizal
spared some time to study
Surveying. He was so interested in
the course, that he finished it in one
year at the Ateneo de Manila. Rizal
excelled in Surveying and won
medals in subjects covering
Topography and Agriculture.
 On October 28, 1881, with the help
of Don Eustaquio Villablanca de
Mendoza, after Rizal presented his
credentials in Ateneo, he was
awarded the title of Surveyor and
Expert Assessor on September
30, 1881.
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
A taste of Spanish Brutality
 One night in 1878, while he was walking
alone along a dark street, Rizal failed to
recognize the Spanish Civil Guard
who was passing by his side; thus, he
did not bow, salute or greet the soldier.
 At a striking distance, the Civil Guard
whipped Rizal mercilessly at the back
with a dry stingray tail. He suffered
from wounds inflicted on his back that
lasted for two weeks before it completely
healed.
 Rizal could not accept such brutal
treatment inflicted by the Civil Guard; he
went to Captain General Primo de
Rivera and complained of the Spanish
soldier. Instead of adhering to Rizal’s
complaint, the Captain General even
reprimanded him, said that Rizal should
even be thankful for being alive, and
was spared by the Guardia Civil.
Literary Genius
 Jose Rizal manifested his literary genius
while at UST. In 1879, the Artistic and
Literary Lyceum, a society whose
members were composed of artists in
literature, sponsored a contest in poetry
writing and composition.
 Rizal joined the contest and wrote a
poem entitled “A La Juventud
Filipina,” (To the Filipino Youth) as his
entry to the competition.
 After the expert reading and scrutiny of
the Board of Judges, the entries coming
from Spanish, mestizo and Filipino
students, who submitted their respective
pieces to the competition, Rizal’s poem
was adjudged as superior and won him
the first prize and recognition in UST,
and from his hometown in Calamba.
 In 1880, the same society, the Artictic-
Literary Lyceum sponsored another
artistic completion in honor of the 264th
death anniversary of “Spain’s most
glorified man-of-letter” Don Miguel de
Cervantes, the author of the book, “Don
Quixote,” a celebrated work produced by
a Spanish writer.
 In this competition, many writers
participated and submitted their pieces
with respective assumed names such as
journalist, priests, scholars and
professors. Rizal, on his part submitted
an allegorical drama entitled “El
Consejo de los Dioses” (The Council
of the Gods).
 Board of Judges, they awarded the first
prize to Rizal’s literary work, due to its
superiority and quality. Unfortunately,
Rizal was temporarily stripped of the
award due to his identity as an Indio
(Filipino)
 Despite all objections from Spaniards in
Manila, the board of judges insisted that
the work of Rizal deserved the first
place. Thus, Rizal was awarded a gold
ring, where the bust of Cervantes was
engraved.
His literary works
 A La Juvented Filipina (to the Filipino
Youth) (1879).
 El Consejo de los Dioses (the council of
Gods) (1880).
 Juanto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig)
(1880)
 Abd-el Azis y Mahoma (ABD-EL-AZIS-a-
Mahoma)(1879)
 A Filipinas (to the Philippines) (1880)
 Al M.R.P.: Pablo Ramon, Rector del
Ataneo en sus Dias, (Birthday greetings
to the Very Reverend Father Pablo
Ramon, S.J.)(1881)
Summary of the two works
 A La Juvented Filipina (to the Filipino
Youth) (1879).
- this poem addresses the filipino youth
and encourages them to rise and take
up their roles in the nations progress,
emphasizing the importance of
education even describing it as the
breath of the holy spirit and urging
young Filipinos to cultivate their minds.
 El Consejo de los Dioses (the council
of Gods) (1880).
-this poem is a one-act play by Rizal that
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
presents a fictional gathering of gods
from various mythologies. The gods are
troubled by the suffering of the Filipinos
during the Spanish colonial rule.
Discussing whether they intervene and
help the Filipinos gain their freedom.
The paly ends without a clear resolution
leaving it to the hands of the Filipino
people.
Leaving the University
 Rizal was unhappy in his time with UST
and decided to continue his studies
abroad.
o The Dominican professors were
hostile to Rizal.
o There was a racial
discrimination to Filipino
students.
o Rizal disliked the old repressive
methods of teaching in UST
A Filipino leader
 Rizal was the leader of the Filipino
students at UST who were against the
arrogant Spanish students. Rizal’s
Group were called “Indio Chongo”, in
return the Filipino students called
them “Kastila Bangus”. Hostility
between the two groups often exploded
in angry street rumbles.
 Rizal often participated in these student
brawls. In one of his fights, he was
wounded on the head. His wound was
tenderly washed and dressed by
Leonor Rivera his cousin and true
love.
Rizal the Romantic
 Rizal’s venture in romance was anything
but short. He lived quite a short life, only
35 years when he died.
 He met enough women that would last
him a lifetime. He was intelligent and
charismatic, two traits that certainly
helped his conquest with romance.
 There were at least 9 women linked to
Rizal.
 Segunda Katigbak
Segunda Katigbak was her puppy
love. Unfortunately, his first love was
engaged to be married to a town mate-
Manuel Luz.
 Leonor Valenzuela
After his admiration for a short girl in the
person of Segunda, then came Leonor
Valenzuela, a tall girl from Pagsanjan.
Rizal send her love notes written in
invisible ink, that could only be
deciphered over the warmth of the
lamp or candle. He visited her on the
eve of his departure to Spain and bade
her a last goodbye.
 Leonor Rivera
Leonor Rivera, his sweetheart for 11
years played the greatest influence in
keeping him from falling in love with
other women during his travel.
Unfortunately, Leonor’s mother
disapproved of her daughter’s
relationship with Rizal, who was then a
known Filibustero.
She hid from Leonor all letters sent to
her sweetheart. Leonor believing that
Rizal had already forgotten her, sadly
consented her to marry the
Englishman Henry Kipping, her
mother’s choice.
 Consuelo Ortiga y Rey
Consuelo Ortiga y Rey, the prettier of
Don Pablo Ortiga’s daughters, fell in
love with him. He dedicated to her A la
Senorita C.O. y R., which became one
of his best poems.
The Ortiga’s residence in Madrid was
frequented by Rizal and his compatriots.
He probably fell in love with her, and
Consuelo apparently asked him for
romantic verses. He suddenly backed
out before the relationship turned
into a serious romance, because he
wanted to remain loyal to Leonor Rivera
and he did not want to destroy his
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
friendship with Eduardo de Lete who
was madly in love with Consuelo.
 O-Sei San
O Sei San, a Japanese samurai’s
daughter taught Rizal the Japanese art
of painting known as su-mie. She also
helped Rizal improve his knowledge of
Japanese language.
If Rizal was a man without a patriotic
mission, he would have married this
lovely and intelligent woman and lived a
stable and happy life with her in Japan
because Spanish legation there offered
him a lucrative job.
 Gertrude Beckette
While Rizal was in London annotating
the Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, he
boarded in the house of the Beckett
family, within walking distance of the
British Museum. Gertrude, a blue-eyed
and buxom girl was the oldest of the
three Beckett daughters.
She fell in love with Rizal. Tottie helped
him in his painting and sculpture. But
Rizal suddenly left London for Paris to
avoid Gertrude, who was seriously in
love with him. Before leaving London, he
was able to finish the group carving of
the Beckett sisters. He gave the group
carving to Gertrude as a sign of their
brief relationship.
 Nellie Boustead
Rizal having lost Leonor Rivera,
entertained the thought of courting
other ladies. While a guest of the
Boustead family at their residence in the
resort city of Biarritz, he had befriended
the two pretty daughters of his host,
Eduardo Boustead. Rizal used to fence
with the sisters at the studio of Juan
Luna. Antonio Luna, Juan’s brother and
a frequent visitor of the Bousteads,
courted Nellie but she was deeply
infatuated with Rizal. In a party held by
Filipinos in Madrid, a drunken Antonio
Luna uttered unsavory remarks
against Nellie Boustead.
This prompted Rizal to challenge
Luna into a duel. Fortunately, Luna
apologized to Rizal, thus averting
tragedy for the compatriots.
Their love affair unfortunately did not
end in marriage. It failed because Rizal
refused to be converted to the
Protestant faith, as Nellie demanded,
and Nellie’s mother did not like a
physician without enough paying
clientele to be a son-in-law. The lovers,
however, parted as good friends
when Rizal left Europe.
 Suzanne Jacoby
In 1890, Rizal moved to Brussels
because of the high cost of living in
Paris. In Brussels, he lived in the
boarding house of the two Jacoby
sisters. In time, they fell deeply in love
with each other. Suzanne cried when
Rizal left Brussels and wrote him
when he was in Madrid.
 Josephine Bracken
In the last days of February 1895, while
still in Dapitan, Rizal met an 18-year-
old petite Irish girl, with bold blue
eyes, brown hair and a happy
disposition. She was Josephine
Bracken, the adopted daughter of
George Taufer from Hong Kong, who
came to Dapitan to seek Rizal for eye
treatment.
Rizal was physically attracted to her. His
loneliness and boredom must have
taken the measure of him and what
could be a better diversion that to fall in
love again. But the Rizal sisters
suspected Josephine as an agent of
the friars, and they considered her as
a threat to Rizal’s security.
Rizal asked Josephine to marry him,
but she was not yet ready to decide due
to her responsibility to the blind Taufer.
Since Taufer’s blindness was
untreatable, he left for Hon Kong on
March 1895.
Josephine stayed with Rizal’s family in
Manila. Upon her return to Dapitan,
Rizal tried to arrange with Father
Antonio Obach for their marriage.
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm
However, the priest wanted a
retraction as a precondition before
marrying them. Rizal upon the advice
of his family and friends and with
Josephine’s consent took her as his wife
even without the Church blessings.
Josephine later give birth
prematurely to a stillborn baby, a
result of some incidence, which
might have shocked or frightened
her.
RIZAL’S TRAVEL
“Places Rizal Visited before going to
Madrid”
Departure from the Philippines - May 3,
1882
 Rizal left Philippines to complete his
studies in Spain.
 He boarded the Salvadora using a
passport of the name Jose Mercado.
which was procured for him by his
uncle Antonio Rivera, father of
Leonor Rivera.
Singapore - May 9, 1882
 The Salvadora docked at Singapore
 The first stop over of Rizal on his way
to Spain is Singapore, which he spent
for sightseeing the city including its
famed Botanical Garden, Buddhist
temples, the monument of Sir Thomas
Stanford Raffles, the founder of
Singapore.
Colombo, Sri Lanka -May 11, 1882
 It was Rizal’s journey to Colombo, Sri
Lanka that was important for him to
improve his knowledge of the French
language while on board a French ship,
Djemnah.
Egypt -June 2, 1882
 In route through the Suez Canal, Rizal
got off at Red Sea terminal and was
amazed by the impressive moonlight
scenery in Suez and was engrossed
with the multicultural people and
language of the place.
Naples, Italy - June 11, 1882
 Rizal disembarked and, accompanied by
a guide, went around the City of
Naples for one hour. This was the first
European ground he set foot on.
 Rizal was briefly astounded by its
dynamic citizens and the picturesque
wonders of the municipality particularly
the Mount Vesuvius and the Castle of
St. Telmo
France - (June 12-15,1882)
 Early on the morning he landed at
Marseilles and boarded at the Noalles
Hotel. Later he around for observation.
Rizal arrived at France for the first
time at Marseilles, where he visited
the Chateau d'lf, the fortress famous as
the setting for Alexandre Dumas' The
Count of Monte Cristo.
Rizal’s Travel To Barcelona, Spain
 On the afternoon of May 15, Rizal left
Marseilles to proceed to Spain via
train. He crossed the Pyrenees and
stopped for a day at the frontier town
of Port Bou.finally reaching Barcelona
on June 16, 1882.
 His first impression of Barcelona was
unfavorable. He thought of it as an ugly,
dirty and its residents are inhospitable.
Later, he changed his impression and
liked the city. He found it as a great city,
with an atmosphere of freedom and
liberalism. He also found its people were
open-hearted, hospitable, and
courageous. He enjoyed promenading
along Las Ramblas which was the
famous street in Barcelona.
 Rizal's departure for Spain was kept in
utmost secrecy, even his parents and
sisters were not informed about until his
ship has lifted its anchor.
 His travel passport was issued in the
name of “Jose Mercado". Those who
saw him off were his brother Paciano
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 Life and Works of Rizal Reviewer - Midterm

who gave him some money, Saturnina a
diamond ring, Uncle Antonio, and few
close friends. He carried with him good
recommendations from the Ateneo
authorities to the Jesuit fathers in
Barcelona.
 Jose Rizal left the country in May 1882
to pursue further studies abroad. He
enrolled in a course in medicine at the
Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain
 He enrolled Medicine and Philosophy
and Letters in the famous Unibersidad
Central de Madrid. Aside from his hectic
academic schedule, he managed his
other activities like painting and
sculpture. He also met and associated
with other Filipino students who formed
the Hispanic Filipino Circle.
 In Spain, Rizal was exposed to liberal
ideas and cultural influences postulating
the maximum individual freedom of
action, especially on matters of personal
belief and expression.
 In one incident in Madrid, Jose Rizal
gave a speech entitled "The Brindis❞ to
the Filipino painters who won in an art
contest. They were Juan Luna and Felix
Resurreccion Hidalgo. Luna's
Spolarium, was awarded first prize and
a gold medal, while Hidalgo's Christian
virgin Exposed to the Populace earned a
silver medal. When he graduated, he
received the scholastic grade of
“excellent' (sobresaliente) and was
awarded the degree of Licentiate in
Philosophy and Letters. He also
completed his medical education but
was not given his degree because he
did not have money to pay for the
diploma.
 He could not even pay his landlord his
monthly due. He only ate once a day
and soon became sick and was said
to have tuberculosis. He was
extremely discouraged and disappointed
that he was on the point of burning the
manuscripts of his novel, Noli. Upon the
insistence of Maximo Viola, one of Dr.
Jose Rizal's friend, who loaned P300 to
Rizal, Noli Me Tangere was finally
printed in March 1887
Reasons:
o To defend Filipino people from
foreign accusations of
foolishness and lack of
knowledge;
o To show how the Filipino people
lives during Spanish colonial
period and the cries and woes
of his countrymen against
abusive officials;
o To discuss what religion and
belief can really do to everyday
lives;
o To expose the cruelties, graft,
and corruption of the false
government at honestly show
the wrongdoings of Filipinos that
led to further failure.

Publication of Noli Me Tangere

 The title “Noli me Tangere” is a latin
word means “touch me not”.
 The first half of Noli me Tangere was
written in Madrid, Spain from 1884-
1885 while Dr. José P. Rizal was
studying for medicine.
 While in Germany, Rizal wrote the
second half of Noli me Tangere from
time-to-time starting February 21, 1887.

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