LEBRON C.

ANGOG
BAEL-1A

Life and Works of Rizal

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at
the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is considered a national hero (pambansang
bayani) of the Philippines. Rizal was a polymath, skilled in both science and the arts. He painted,
sketched, and made sculptures and woodcarving. He was a prolific poet, essayist, and novelist whose
most famous works were his two novels, Noli Me Tángere (1887) and its sequel, El filibusterismo (1891).
He was executed by the Spanish authorities on December 30, 1896, igniting further resistance and
ultimately leading to the Philippines' independence. Rizal is celebrated as a national hero and his writings
continue to inspire generations.
Studying out more about Rizal's life and works helped me realize that, despite his subsequent designation
as a "hero," Rizal was really an ordinary guy at birth. Since he was a little child and appeared weak, as
well as having a larger head than body, he was frequently teased about his looks by other children of the
same age. He was learning to read and write from his mother around this period. For five months until
Monroy's death, Rizal was taught the fundamentals of Latin by a classmate recruited by his father, Leon
Monroy. At about this time two of his mother’s cousin frequented Calamba. Uncle Manuel Alberto,
seeing Rizal frail in body, concerned himself with the physical development of his young nephew and
taught the latter love for the open air and developed in him a great admiration for the beauty of nature,
while Uncle Gregorio, a scholar, instilled into the mind of the boy love for education. Uncle Jose
encouraged him to pursue his artistic interests in sculpting, painting, and design. By making use of his
innate abilities and knowledge, he was able to create works that have aided countless Filipinos in gaining
their independence.
Despite coming from a wealthy family, Rizal's parents instilled in him a thrifty and modest upbringing.
He has one brother and nine sisters. His parents leased a Dominican-owned hacienda and the rice
plantation that went with it. Teodora Alonso Realonda, his mother, is the one from whom he inherited his
religious beliefs, selfless character, and love of literature and the arts. Jose Rizal's father, Francisco Rizal
Mercado, instilled in him a strong sense of self-respect, a passion for his work, and an independent
thought process.
Rizal’s Mother was not only his first teacher but also a magnificent woman of exceptional character and
excellent culture. At three years old, he learned the alphabet and the prayers while sitting on her lap. To
add to what Rizal had learnt, private tutors were later employed to teach him at home in Calamba. He
received tutelage from a specific Maestro Celestino, who was eventually followed by Maestro Lucas
Padua. Later, Don Francisco's old classmate Leon Monroy moved in to live at the Rizal residence in
Calamba and started tutoring the young man in Latin and Spanish. Jose Rizal was then transferred to a
private school in Binan. His brother Paciano took him to Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz's school in June
1869. The teacher's home, a little nipa house close to Jose's aunt's house where he was staying, served as
the school. In academic studies, Jose beat all Biñan boys. He surpassed them all in Spanish, Latin, and
other subjects.
He continued his education by attending the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo Municipal de Manila, and
other universities in Europe, where he graduated with degrees in philosophy, medicine, and other fields.
Rizal encountered financial difficulties during his overseas studies and travels. To pay for his studies and
living expenses, he was forced to take on odd jobs and rely on his family and friends' help. A woman best
recognized for being Jose Rizal's first romantic partner. When Segunda Solis Katigbak first encountered
Rizal, he was sixteen years old and had just received his Ateneo diploma. Rizal composed this poem, "In
Memory of My Town," to show his love and gratitude for Calamba, Laguna, the town where he was
raised. Even if you aren't currently with your family, cherish the memories you have made together. "My
First Inspiration," the young Rizal's debut poem, was composed in remembrance of his mother on her
birthday.
In conclusion, Jose Rizal was designated as the official national hero of the Philippines by the Philippine
government. He was the ideal representation of the new country because of his bravery and commitment
to the Filipino people. His impact is still felt today in a variety of ways, including monuments and money.
A national hero and an emblem of resistance to colonial oppression, Dr. Jose Rizal's contributions to
Philippine history, literature, and nationalism have cemented his stature. His legacy will always serve as
an inspiration to Filipinos throughout, and our country will always be proud to bear his name.