LIFE-AND- Works-OF- Rizal UNIT 1-3

Life and Works of Rizal (University of the Philippines System)

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 RIZAL LAW

Republic Act No. 1425

House Bill No. 5561

Senate Bill No. 438

An Act to Include in the Curricula of All Public and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities courses on the Life
Works and Writings of JOSE RIZAL, particularly his novels NOLI ME TANGERE and EL FILIBUSTERISMO,
Authorizing the Printing and Distribution Thereof, and for Other Purposes.

 Whereas, today, more than other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication to the ideals of freedom
and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died.

 Whereas, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose Rizal, we remember with
special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped the national character;

 Whereas, the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a
constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of the youth, especially during their formative and
decisive years in school, should be suffused.

 Whereas, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to regulation by the State, and all schools
are enjoined to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and to teach the duties of citizenship; Now
therefore,

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled

SEC.1 Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be
included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities, public or private; Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the
original or unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English translations shall be used as basic
texts.

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures to implement and carry out the
provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within
sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out
and enforce the regulations of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students for
reason of religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in the second part of
the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course provided for in the first part of said paragraph. Said rules and
regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their publication in the Official Gazette.

SEC.2 It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries an adequate number of copies of the
original and expurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as Rizal’s other works and biography. The
said unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in English as well as other writings of
Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for required reading in all public or private schools, colleges and universities.
The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books, depending upon the enrollment of the
school, college or university.

SEC.3 The Board of National education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as other
writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular
editions; and cause them to be distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok organizations and the
Barrio Councils throughout the country.

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SEC.4 Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amending or repealing section nine hundred twenty-seven of the
Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public school teachers and other persons engaged
in any public school.

SEC.5 The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any fund not otherwise appropriated
in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SEC.6 This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

As JUNE 12, 1956, R.A. 1425 has been approved during the presidency of former President Ramon Magsaysay.

SENATOR CLARO M.RECTO- Father of R.A 1425.

The first section of the law concerns mandating the students to read Rizal’s novels. The last two sections involve making
Rizal’s writings accessible to the general public—they require the schools to have a sufficient number of copies in their libraries and
mandate the publication of the works in major Philippine languages.

Jose P. Laurel, then senator who co-wrote the law, explained that since Jose Rizal was the founder of the country’s nationalism and
had significantly contributed to the current condition of the nation, it is only right that Filipinos, especially the youth, know about and
learn to imbibe the great ideals for which the hero died. Accordingly, the Rizal Law aims to accomplish the following goals:

1. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism, for which our heroes lived and died

2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the Filipino character

3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings.

The Importance of Studying Rizal

The academic subject on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal was not mandated by law for nothing. Far from being
impractical, the course interestingly offers many benefits that some contemporary academicians declare that the subject, especially
when taught properly, is more beneficial than many subjects in various curricula.

The following are just some of the significance of the academic subject:

1. The subject provides insights on how to deal with current problems

There is a dictum, “He who controls the past controls the future.” Our view of history forms the manner we perceive the present, and
therefore influences the kind of solutions we provide for existing problems. Jose Rizal course, as a history subject, is full of historical
information from which one could base his decisions in life. In various ways, the subject, for instance, teaches that being educated is a
vital ingredient for a person or country to be really free and successful.

2. It helps us understand better ourselves as Filipinos

The past helps us understand who we are. We comprehensively define ourselves not only in terms of where we are going, but also
where we come from. Our heredity, past behaviors, and old habits as a nation are all significant clues and determinants to our present
situation. Interestingly, the life of a very important national historical figure like Jose Rizal contributes much to shedding light on our
collective experience and identity as Filipino. The good grasp of the past offered by this subject would help us in dealing wisely with
the present.

3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism

Nationalism involves the desire to attain freedom and political independence, especially by a country under foreign power, while
patriotism denotes proud devotion and loyalty to one’s nation. Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings—especially his novels—
essentially, if not perfectly, radiate these traits. For one thing, the subject helps us to understand our country better.

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4. It provides various essential life lessons

We can learn much from the way Rizal faced various challenges in life. As a controversial figure in his time, he encountered serious
dilemmas and predicaments but responded decently and high-mindedly. Through the crucial decisions he made in his life, we can
sense his priorities and convictions which manifest how noble,

selfless, and great the national hero was. For example, his many resolutions exemplified the aphorism that in this life there are
things more important than personal feeling and happiness.

5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking

Critical Thinking refers to discerning, evaluative, and analytical thinking. A Philosophy major, Jose Rizal unsurprisingly
demonstrated his critical thinking skills in his argumentative essays, satires, novels, speeches, and written debates. In deciding what
to believe or do, Rizal also proved his being a reasonably reflective thinker, never succumbing to the irrational whims and baseless
opinions of anyone. In fact, he indiscriminately evaluated and criticized even the doctrines of the dominant religion of his time. A
course on Rizal’s life, works, and writings therefore is also a lesson in critical thinking.

6. Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every Filipino

If one is looking for someone to imitate, then Rizal is a very viable choice. The hero’s philosophies, life principles, convictions,
thoughts, ideals, aspirations, and dreams are a good influence to anyone. Throughout his life, he valued nationalism and patriotism,
respect for parents, love for siblings, and loyalty to friends, and maintained a sense of chivalry. As a man of education, he highly
regarded academic excellence, logical and critical thinking, philosophical and scientific inquiry, linguistic study, and cultural
research. As a person, he manifested versatility and flexibility while sustaining a strong sense of moral uprightness.

7. The subject is a rich source of entertaining narratives

People love fictions and are even willing to spend for books or movie tickets just to be entertained by made-up tales. But
only a few perhaps know that Rizal’s life is full of fascinating non-fictional accounts.

HERO- is a person admired for achievements and noble qualities and a prominent or central personage taking an admirable action.

-Honored after death because of his/her exceptional service to mankind.

- A person who did an heroic act to people or in nation.

QUALITIES OF A HERO
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is the forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered having a greater value or claiming.
.
Determination
Determination is a fixed intention or resolution; a firmness of purpose or resolve.

Loyalty
Loyalty is the feeling of allegiance or the act of binding oneself to a course of action.

Courage
Courage is that firmness of spirit and swell of soul which meets danger without fear.

Dedication
Dedication is a selfless devotion; complete and whole hearted fidelity or the act of binding oneself to a course of
action.

Compassion

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 A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for others who are stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire/action to
alleviate the suffering.

Valor
Valor is courage exhibited in war, and cannot be applied to single combats.

Selfless
Selfless is the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others and acting with less concern for yourself.

Conviction
Conviction is a fixed or strong belief; a necessity of the mind or an unshakable belief.

Gallantry
Gallantry is adventurous courage, which courts danger with a high and cheerful spirit.

Perseverance
Perseverance is a persistent determination.

Fortitude
Fortitude has often been styled "passive courage," and consists in the habit of encountering danger and enduring pain with a
steadfast and unbroken spirit.

Bravery
Bravery is daring and impetuous courage, like that of one who has the reward continually in view, and displays his courage
in daring acts.

Flaw
A fault, often concealed, that mars the perfection of something. This imperfection often causes vulnerability

NATIONALISM
 consists in showing interest in the unification of a
nation based on cultural and linguistic equanimity
 Gives a feeling that one’s country is superior to
another in every aspect and hence it is often described
as the worst enemy of peace according
to the great thinker George Orwell.
 rooted in rivalry and hatred
 It works from the base of enmity.
 nationalist believes that his country is better than any
other country
PATRIOTISM
 consists in developing love for a nation based on its
values and beliefs
 Does not pave the way for enmity towards other
nations but on the other hand strengthen the
admiration towards one’s own country.
 rooted in affection
 works from the base of peace
 Believes that his country is one of the best and that it
can advance in many fields with effort and hard work

 considers that the people belonging to his own  Considered a common property and is construed
country alone are important equal all over the world.
 Aggressive in its concept.  expresses the love of an individual towards his
country in a passive way

THE WORLD OF RIZAL TIME

FEBRUARY 19. 1861- Four months before Rizal’s birth in Calamba, the liberal Czar Alexander II (1855-1881), to appease
the rising discontent of the Russian masses, issued a proclamation emancipating 22, 500, 000 serfs.

JUNE 19, 1861- when Rizal was born, the American Civil War (1861-1865) was raging furiously in the United State over the
issue of Negro slavery. This titanic conflict, which is erupted on April 12, 1861, compelled President Lincoln to issue his famous
Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1863 freeing the Negro slaves.

June 1, 1861- Benito Juarez, a full-blooded Zapotec Indian, was elected President of Mexico. In April 1862, Emperor
Napoleon III of the Second French Empire, in his imperialistic desire to secure a colonial stake in Latin

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America, sent French troops which invaded and conquered Mexico. President Juarez, owing to the raging American Civil War, could
not obtain military aid from his friend, President Lincoln, but he continued to resist the French invaders with his valiant Indian and
Mexican freedom fighters.

June 12, 1864- To consolidate his occupation of Mexico, Napoleon III installed Archduke Maximilian of Austria as puppet
emperor of Mexico at Mexico City.

May 15, 1867- Finally, after the end of American Civil War, Juarez with U.S support, defeated Maximilian’s French
forces in the Battle of Queretaro and executed Emperor Maximilian on June 19, 1867.

In Rizal’s time two European nations (Italians and Germans) succeeded in unifying their own countries. The Italians under the
leadership of Count Cavour and of Garibaldi and his army of “Red Shirts” drove out the Austrians and French armies from
Italy and proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy under King Victor Emmanuel, with Rome as capital city.

January 18, 1871- The Prussians led by Otto von Bismarck, the “Iron Chancellor”, defeated France in the “Franco-
Prussian War” and established the German Empire.

Emperor Napoleon III defeated again and the Second French Empire collapsed and over its ruins the Third French Republic arose,
with Adolph Thiers as first President.

1837-1901- During the glorious reign of Queen Victoria, British people proudly asserted: “Britannia Rules the waves.
By winning the First Opium War (1840-1742) againts the tottering Chinese Empire under the Manchu Dynasty, she acquired the
island of Hong Kong (Fragrant Harbor). In the Second Opium War (1856- 1860), she won again and forced the helpless Manchu
Dynasty to cede Kowloon Peninsula opposite Hong Kong.

1859- After suppressing the Indian Rebellion and dismantling the Mogul Empire, she imposed her raj (rule) over the subcontinent
of India (now consisting of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh).

1824-1826, 1852, and 1885- She won the Anglo- Burmese War and she conquered Burma.

Other land in Asia which become British colonies were Ceylon ( Sri Lanka), Maldives, Aden, Malaya, Singapore, and Egypt.
Australia and New Zealand in South Pacific also became Bristish colonies.

1858-1863- France, with the help of Filipino troops under Spanish officers, conquered Vietnam; annexed Colombia (1863) and
Laos (1893) ; and merged all these countries into a federated colony under the name of French Indochina.

In 17th century, after driving away from the Portuguese and Spaniard, the Dutch colonized this vast and rich archipelago and
named it the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia).

Czarist Russia turned eastward to Asia, conquering Siberia and later occupied Kamchatka, Kuriles, and Alaska (which she sold in
1867 to US for $ 7, 200, 00).

1865-1884- she conquered the Muslim Khanates of Bokhara, Khiva, and Kokand in Central Asia.

Czarist Russia joined England, France, and Germany in the dispoliation of the crumbling Chinese Empire, acquiring Manchuria as
" sphere of influence", thus enabling her to build the 5, 800 miles Trans-Siberian Railway, reputed to be " the world longest
railroad" linking Vladivostok and Moscow.

July 8, 1853- an American squadron under the command of Commodore Matthew C. Perry re-opened Japan to the
world.

1639-1853- Japan ended their 214- year isolation; Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) modernized the country by freely accepting
Western influences, including imperialism.

1894-1895- Japan join the Western imperialist power, began imperialist career by fighting weak China in the Sino- Japanese War
and grabbed Formosa (Taiwan) and Pescadores. And later in 1910 she annexed Korea.

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 January 1871- The Germany should be recalled become a sovereign state and was late in the scramble for colonies in Asia and
Africa.

August 25, 1885- A German warship, the Ilties, entered the harbor of Yap (an island in the Carolines), landing the German
marines who seized the island, hoisted the German flag and proclaimed the Carolines and Palaus archipelago as colonies of Germany.
Spanish Governor of Carolines (Don Enrique Capriles) was present in the island, with two Spanish ships moored at its harbor, but due
to cowardice or other reason, he did not offer resistance to the German aggression.

Spain claimed sovereignty over the Carolines and Palaus by right of discovery. The Island of Yap was discovered by the Manila
galleon pilot, Francisco Lezcano, who named it "Carolina" in honor of King Charles II (1665-1700) of Spain, which name was
applied to the other islands. Spanish-German grew critical. In Mandrid, the Spanish populace rose in violent riots, demanding war
againts Germany. To avert actual clash of arms, Spain and Germany submitted the Carolina Questions to Pope Leo XIII for
arbitration.

October 22, 1885- The Holy father issued his decision and favoring Spain- recognizing Spain's sovereignty over the Carolines
and Palaus, but granting two concessions to Germany. (1) The right to trade in the disputed archipelagoes and
(2) the right to establish coaling station in Yap for the German navy.

Spain and Germany both accepted the Papal decision so that the Hispano-German War was aborted.

Rizal was in Barcelona visiting his friend Maximo Viola. At the same time he wrote an article on the Carolina Question which was
published in La Publicidad a newspaper owned by Don Miguel Morayta.

Spain that time become the "mistress of the world" and was stagnating as a world power.

Gone with the wind of time was the dalliance of the imperial glory of her vanished Siglo de Oro (Golden Age), Spain lost their rich
colonies in Latin America- Paraguay (1811), Argentina (1816), Chile (1817), Colombia and Ecuador (1819), The Central American
countries (Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua) in 1921, Venezuela (1822), Peru (1824) and Bolivia and
Uruguay (1854).

Spain never learned a lesson form these colonies. Spain continued a despotic rule in remaining overseas colonies, including Cuba,
Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

The Philippines of Rizal's Times

During the times of Rizal, the sinister shadows of Spain's decadence darkened Philippine skies.

Among the evil acts of Spaniards are: (1) Instability of colonial administration, (2) corrupt officialdom, (3) no Philippine
representation in the Spanish Cortes, (4) human rights denied to Filipinos, (5) no equality before the law, (6)
maladministration of justice, (7) racial discrimination, (8) frailocracy, (9) forced labor, (10) haciendas owned by the
friars, and (11) The Guardia Civil.

Instability of Colinial Administration

The instability of Spanish politics since the turbulent reign of King Ferdinand VII (1808-1833), marked the beginning of political
chaos in Spain. The Spanish government underwent frequent changes owing bitter struggles between the forces of despotism and
liberalism and the explosions of the Carlist Wars.

1834-1862- Spain had adopted four constitutions, elected 28 parliaments and installed no less than 529 ministers with portfolios,
followed in subsequent years by party strifes, revolutions, and other political upheavals.

1835-1897- The Philippines was ruled by 50 governors general, each serving an average term of only one year and three months.

From December 1853 to November 1854- a period of less than a year, there were four governor-generals. The

frequent change of colonial official hampered the political and economic development of the Philippines.

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 Corrupt Colonial Officials.

The colonial official (governor-general, judges, provincial executives, etc) was sent in the Philippines by Spain in the 19th century.
They were either highly corrupt, incompetent, cruel, or venal. Apparently, they symbolized the decadent Spain of the 19th century-
not Spain of the Siglo de Oro which produced Miguel Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderon de la Barca, El Greco
(Domenico Theotocopuli), Velasquez, St. Theresa de Avila, and other glories of the Hispanic nation.

1871-1873- General Rafael de Izquierdo a boastful and ruthless governor general, aroused the anger of the Filipinos by
executing the innocent Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora, the "Martyrs of 1872".

1874-1877- Admiral Jose Malcampo, the succesor of General Rafael de Izquierdo, was a good Moro fighter, but was an inept
and weak administrator.

1880-1883 and 1897-1898- General Fernando Primo de Rivera, governor general for two terms enriched himself by
accepting bribes from gambling casino in Manila which he scandalously permitted to operate.

1888-1891- General Valeriano Weyler, a cruel and corrupt governor general of Hispanic-German ancestry, arrived in Manila a
poor man and returned to Spain a millionaire. He received bribes and gifts of diamond for his wife from wealthy Chines who evaded
the anti-Chinese law. Filipino called him "tyrant" because of his brutal persecution of the Calamba tenants, particularly the family of
Dr. Rizal. The Cubans cursed him as "The Butcher" because of his ruthless reconcentration policy during his brief governorship in
Cuba in 1896, causing the deaths of thousands of Cubans.

1896-1897- General Camilo de Polavieja, an able militarist but heartless governor general, was highly detested by the
Filipino people for executing Dr. Rizal.

As early as in 1810, Tomas de Comyn, Spanish writer and government official bewailed the obnoxious fact that ignorant barbers
and lackeys were appointed provincial governors, and rough sailors and soldiers were named district magistrates and garrison
commanders.

Philippine Representation in Spanish Cortes.

To win the support of the Spain overseas colonies during the Napoleonic invasion, Spain granted them representation in the Cortes
(Spain Parliament).

1810-1813- Philippines first experienced the representation in the Cortes.

Ventura de Los Reyes- the first delegate who took active part in the framing of the Constitution of 1812, Spain's first
democratic constitution, and was one of its 184 signers. Another achievement of Delegate De los Reyes was the abolition of galeon
trade.

The first period of Philippines representation in the Spanish Cortes was thus fruitful with beneficent results for the welfare of the
colony.

1820-1823 and 1834-1837- The second and third period of representation were less fruitful because the Philippines
delegates were not as energetic and devoted in parliamentary work as De los Reyes.

In 1837, the representation overseas colonies (including the Philippines) in Spanish Cortes was abolished.

The Filipino cannot exposed the anomalies perpetrated by colonies, because of this, many Filipino patriots valiantly pleaded for the
restoration of Philippine representation in the Cortes.

One of them is the "silver-tounged" Graciano Lopez Jaena, implored in sonorous Castilian on October 12, 1883, during the
391st anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus in Madrid.

"We want representation in legislative chamber so that our aspiration may be known to the mother country and
its government”.

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Spain ignored the fervent plea of Lopez Jaena and his compatriots. Until the end of Spanish rule in 1898, the Philippine
representation in the Cortes was never restored.

Because the representation in the Cortes did not restored, in 1896, Jose Riza, M.H del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena and other youthful
patriots launched the Propaganda Movement which paved the way for the Philippines Revolution.

Human Rights Denied to Filipinos.

Since the adoption of Spanish Constitution and 1812 and other constitutions, people of Spain enjoyed their freedom of speech,
freedom of press, freedom of association and other human rights. (except for religion).

Spanish authorities who cherished human rights in Spain denied them to the Filipinos in Asia. Such inconsistency lamented by
Sinibaldo de Mas, Spanish economist and diplomat, who wrote in 1843: "Why do we fall into an anomaly, such as
combining our claim for liberty for ourselves, and our wish to impose our law on remote peoples? Why do we
deny to others the benefit which we desire for our fatherland".

No Equality before the Law.

As early in the 16th centuries, the Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity in the Philippines, taught that all men, irrespective of
color and race, are children of God and as such they are brothers, equal before God.

Most Filipinos (except the hinterland of Luzon and the Visayas and in Mindanao and Sulu) became Christians.

However, in practice or in law, the Spanish colonial authorities who are Christians did not treat equally the browned- skinned
Filipinos. They treated them as inferior being not their Christian brothers.

The Leyes de Indias (Law of the Indies) were promulgated by the Christian monarch of Spain to protect the rights of the natives
in Spain's overseas colonies and to promote their welfare. However, these good colonial laws were rarely enforced by the officials in
the distant colonies, particularly in the Philippines. Filipinos were abused, brutalized, persecuted, and slandered by
their Spanish masters.

The Spanish Penal Code, which was enforced in the Philippines, imposed heavier penalties on native Filipinos or mestizos and
lighter penalties on white-complexioned Spaniards.

Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt wrote to Dr. Rizal in 1887. "The provision of the Penal Code that a heavier penalty
will be imposed on the Indio or mestizo irritates me exceedingly, because it signifies that every person not born
white is in fact a latent criminal. This is a very great injustice that seems enormous and unjust for being
embodied in law".

Maladministration of Justice.

The court of justice in the Philippines during Rizal's time was notoriously corrupt. They were court of "injustice", as far as the
brown Filipinos were concerned. The Spanish, fiscals (prosecuting attorneys), and the other courts officials were inept, venal, and
oftentimes ignorant of law. Justice was costly, partial and slow. Poor Filipinos had no access to the courts because they could
not afford the heavy expenses of litigation. Those who are rich and have a white skin color were factors to win the case in the court.

To the Filipino masses, litigation in the court was a calamity. The judicial procedure was to slow and clumsy that is was easy to
have justice delayed. "is justice denied".

John Foreman, a British eyewitness of the last year’s Spanish sovereignty in the Philippines:

"It was hard to get the judgment executed as it was to win the case. Even when the questions at issue was
supposed to be settled, a defect in the sentence could always be concocted to reopen the whole affair. If the case
had been tried and judgment gives under the Civil Code, a flaw would be discovered under the Laws the Indies,
or the Siete Partidas, or the Roman Law, or the Novisma Recopilacion, or the Antigous Fueros, Decrees, Royal
Orders, Ordenanzas del Buen Gobierno, and so forth, by which the case should be reopened".

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Dr. Rizal and his family was also victims of Spanish injusticed. Twice, first in 1871 and second in 1891.

Racial Discrimination.

Spaniard did not treated the Filipinos as brother Christians, they treated them as inferior beings who infinitely undeserving of the
rights and privileges that the white Spaniards enjoined. Spaniards called the brown-skinned and flat-nosed Filipinos "Indios"
(Indians). However, the Filipinos also called them a "bangus" (milkfish) because of their pale skin. During Rizal's time a white skin,
a high nose and Castilian lineage was a badge of superiority. Hence, a Spaniard or a mestizo, no matter how stupid he was, always
enjoyed political and social prestige in the community.

Racial prejudice was prevalent everywhere. One of the shining stars of the Filipino clergy, Father Jose Burgos ( 1837- 1872)
bewailed the Spanish misconception that a men's merit depended on the pigment of his skin, the height of his nose, the color of his
hair, and the shape of his skull; and complained of the lack of opportunities for educated young Filipinos to rise in the service of God
and country.

Frailocracy (Government by Friars).

Later in 19th Century, friars (Augustinians, Dominicans, and Franciscans) controlled the religious and educational life of the
Philippines. They came to acquire political power, influence and riches. A friar have the power to send to jail a patriotic Filipino and
denounce him as filibustero (traitor) to be exiled to a distant place or to be executed as an enemy of God and Spain.

Rizal, M.H Del Pilar, Lopez Jaena and other Filipino reformist assailed frailocracy, blaming it for prevailing policy of obscurantism,
fanaticism, and oppression in the country.

Frailocacry have two faces

The bad face- was darkly portrayed by Rizal and his contemporaries by way of retaliation againts certain evil-hearted friars.

The good face- Christianity that the Spaniard introduced to the Filipinos.

Bad friars:

Fray Miguel Lucio Bustamante, Fray Jose Rodriguez, Fray Antonio Piernavieja and other renegade friars who
were portrayed by Rizal in his novel as Padre Damaso and Padre Salvi and hilariously caricatured by Jaena as Fray
Botod.

Good Brethren:

Fray Andres de Urdaneta, Fray Martin Rada, Fray Juan de Plasencia, Bishop Domingo de Salazar, Fray Francisco
Blancas de San Jose, and Fray Miguel de Benavides.

Forced Labor.

Known as Polo, it is imposed by Spanish colonial authorities on adult Filipino males in the construction of churches, schools,
hospitals, buildings, and repair road and bridge and other public works.

Male 16 to 60 years old were obliged to render forced labor for 40 days a year. Later, the Royal Decree of July 12,
1883, implemented by the New Regulations promulgated by the Council of State of February 3, 1885, increased the minimum age
of the polistas ( those who performed the forced labor) from 16 to 18 and reduced the days of labor from 40 to 15. Also,
not only Filipino will do forced labor, but also the male Spanish resident from 18 to 60 years old. But this provision
is never implemented in the Philippines. The well-to-do among them were able to escape this manual labor by paying the
falla, sum of money paid to government to be exempted from the polo.

The Filipino hated the forced labor because, first, they are the only one who will do the forced labor and Spanish residents is not
obligated to do it. Second, according to the law they will receive 2 pesetas (50 centavos) daily, but actually they only received a part
of this amount and worse they got nothing. Third, it disturbed their work in farms and shops.

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 Hacienda Owned by the Friars.

Friars use their power to claimed Haciendas in the Philippines. Even though they are not the real owner of the haciendas
they claimed it because they obtained royal titles of ownership from the Spanish crown. Because of this the friar’s hacienda became
hotbeds of agrarian revolts. In 1745-1746, agrarian upheaval was one of the bloody agrarian revolts.

In 1768, Governor Anda, strongly recommended to Madrid government the sale of friars estates, but it was ignored. Rizal,

whose family and relatives were tenants of the Dominican Estate of Calamba, tried to initiate agrarian reforms in
1887, but in vain. His advocacy of agrarian reforms ignited the wrath of Dominican friars, who retaliated by raising the
rental of the lands leased by his family and other Calamba tenants.

According to Rizal, the friar’s ownership of the productive land contributed to the economic stagnation of the Philippines during the
Spanish period. In his famous essay, Sobre la Indolencia de las Filipinos (Indolence of the Filipinos).

The Guardia Civil (Constabulary)

Created by the Royal Decree of February 12, 1852, as amended by the Royal Decree of March 24, 1888, for the
purpose of maintaining the internal peace and order in the Philippines.

Guardia Civil in the Philippines became infamous from their rampant abuses, such as maltreating innocent people,
looting their carabaos, chickens, and valuable belongings, and raping helpless women.

Both officer (Spaniards) and men (native) were ill trained and undisciplined, unlike the Guardia Civil in Spain who was respected and
well-liked by the populace.

Rizal and his mother had been a victims of the brutalities off the lieutenant of the Guardia Civil. Through Elias in Noli Me
Tangere, he exposed the Guardia Civil as a bunch of ruthless ruffians good only "for disturbing the peace" and
"persecuting honest men". He proposed to improve "the military organization by having it be composed of good men who
possessed good education and good principles and were conscious of the limitations and responsibilities of authority and power, "so
much power in the hands of men, ignorant men filled with passions, without moral training, of untried principles", he said through
Elias, "is a weapon in the hands of madman in a defenseless multitude".

CHAPTER 1

ADVENT OF A NATIONAL HERO

DR. JOSE PROTACIO MERCADO RIZAL ALONZO Y REALONDA

MEANINGS OF NAME

Doctor- completed his medical course in Spain and was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central
de Madrid

Jose- was chosen by his mother who was a devotee of the Christian saint San Jose (St. Joseph)

Protacio- from Gervacio P. which come from a Christian calendar

Mercado- adopted in 1731 by Domigo Lamco (the paternal great-greatgrandfather of Jose Rizal) which the Spanish term mercado
means ‘market’ in English

Rizal- from the word ‘Ricial’ in Spanish means a field where wheat, cut while still green, sprouts again

Alonzo- old surname of his mother

Y- and

Realonda- it was used by Dona Teodora from the surname of her godmother based on the culture by that time.

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  Physician (Ophthalmic Surgeon)  Economist
 Poet  Geographer
 Dramatist  Cartographer
 Essayist  Bibliophile
 Novelist  Philologist
 Historian  Grammarian
 Architect  Folklorist
 Painter  Philosopher
 Sculptor  Translator
 Educator  Inventor
 Linguistic  Magician
 Musician  Humorist
 Naturalist  Satirist
 Ethnologist  Polemicist
 Surveyor  Sportsman
 Engineer  Traveler
 Farmer  Prophet
 Businessman

He was a hero and political martyr who consecrated his life for the redemption of his oppressed people.

June 19, 1861- moonlit of Wednesday between eleven and midnight Jose Rizal was born in the lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna

June 22, 1861- aged three days old, Rizal was baptized in the Catholic church

Father Rufino Collantes- a Batangueno, the parish priest who baptized Rizal

Father Pedro Casanas- Rizal’s godfather, native of Calamba and close friend of the Rizal family

Lieutenant-General Jose Lemery- the governor general of the Philippines when Rizal was born

RIZAL’S PARENTS

Don Francisco Mercado (1818-1898)

-born in Binan, Laguna on May 11, 1818

-studied Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila

-became a tenant-farmer of the Dominican-owned hacienda

-a hardy and independent-minded man, who talked less and worked more, and was strong in body and valiant in spirit

-died in Manila on January 5, 1898 at the age of 80

-Rizal affectionately called him “a model of fathers” Dona

Teodora Alonso Realonda (1826-1911)

-born in Manila on November 8, 1826

-educated at the College of Santa Rosa, a well-known college for girls in the city

-a remarkable woman, possessing refined culture, literary talent, business ability, and the fortitude of Spartan women

-is a woman of more than ordinary culture: she knows literature and speaks Spanish (according to Rizal)

-died in Manila on August 16, 1911 at the age of 85

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THE RIZAL CHILDREN -the greatest Filipino hero and peerless genius

-Eleven children—two boys and nine girls -nickname was Pepe

1. Saturnina (1850-1913) -lived with Josephine Bracken, Irish girl from Hong Kong

-oldest of the Rizal children -had a son but this baby-boy died a few hours after birth;
Rizal named him “Francisco” after his father and buried
-nicknamed Neneng
him in Dapitan
-married Manuel T. Hidalgo of Tanawan, Batangas
8. Concepcion (1862-1865)
2. Paciano (1851-1930)
-her pet name was Concha
-older brother and confident of Jose Rizal
-died of sickness at the age of 3
-was a second father to Rizal
-her death was Rizal’s first sorrow in life
-immortalized him in Rizal’s first novel Noli Me Tangere as
9. Josefa (1865-1945)
the wise Pilosopo Tasio
-her pet name was Panggoy
-Rizal regarded him as the “most noble of Filipinos”
-died an old maid at the age of 80
-became a combat general in the Philippine Revolution
10. Trinidad (1868-1951)
-died on April 13, 1930, an old bachelor aged 79
-Trining was her pet name
-had two children by his mistress (Severina Decena)—a boy
and a girl -she died also an old maid in 1951 aged 83

3. Narcisa (1852-1939) 11. Soledad (1870-1929)

-her pet name was Sisa -youngest of the Rizal children

-married to Antonio Lopez (nephew of Father Leoncio Lopez), -her pet name was Choleng
a school teacher of Morong
-married Pantaleon Quintero of Calamba
4. Olimpia (1855-1887)
Rizal always called her sisters Dona or Senora (if married)
-Ypia was her pet name and Senorita (if single)

-married Silvestre Ubaldo, a telegraph operator from Manila Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda married on
June 28, 1848, after which they settled down in Calamba
5. Lucia (1857-1919)
The real surname of the Rizal family was Mercado, which
-married to Mariano Herbosa of Calamba, who was a nephew was adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lamco (the paternal great-
of Father Casanas great grandfather of Jose Rizal), who was a full blooded
Chinese)
-Herbosa died of cholera in 1889 and was denied Christian
burial because he was a brother-in-law of Dr. Rizal
Rizal’s family acquired a second surname—Rizal—which was
6. Maria (1859-1945) given by a Spanish alcalde mayor (provincial governor) of
Laguna, who was a family friend.
-Biang was her nickname

-married Daniel Faustino Cruz of Binan, Laguna

7. Jose (1861-1896)

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Rizal Ancestry
Father Side
● Domingo Lamco
-Rizal great-great grandfather
-Chinese immigrant from Fukien City of Changchow
- The spanish term mercado means "market" in english. This
is appropriate for him because he was a merchant.
● Ines de la Rosa
- A chinese christian girl of Manila
-great-great grandmonther of Rizal Children
● Francisco Mercado- married to Chinese-
Filipono mestiza, Cirila Bernacha
-Elected as gobernadorcillo (municipal mayor) of the town
Children
● Juan Mercado- Rizal's grandfather, married
Cirila Alejandro, a Chinese-Filipino mestiza,
-he was elected as governadorcillo of Biñan.
Capitan Juan and Capitana Cirila had thirteen children the
youngest being is Francisco Mercado, Rizal's father.
Mother Side
● Doña Teodora's family descended from Lakan-Dula,
the last native king of Tondo.
● Eugenio Ursua
-Rizal's great-great-grandfather
-Married a Filipina named Benigna Children
● Regina- married Manuel de Quintos, a Filipino-Chinese
lawyer from Pangasinan.
- One of their daughter was Brigida, who maried Lorenzo
Alberto Alonso, a prominent Spanish-Filipino mestizo of
Biñan.
- Their children were Narcisa, Teodora ( Rizal's Mother),
Gregorio, Manuel and Jose.
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The Surname of Rizal
- The real surname of Rizal family was Mercado, which is
adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lamco.
- Rizal family acquired a second surname which is Rizal, it
was given by a Spanish alcade mayor of Laguna.
Rizal Home
-Distinguished stone houses in Calamba during Spanish times.
- It was two-story building, rectangular in shape, build of
adobe stones and hard-woods, and roofed with red tiles.
- Beyond the house were the poultry yard full of turkeys and
chickens and ad big garden of tropical fruit trees (atis,
balimbing, chico, macopa, papaya, santol, tampoy, etc.)
- By day, it hummed with the noises of children at play and
the songs of the birds in the garden.
- By night, it echoed with the dulcet of notes of family
prayers.
A Good and Middle-Class Family
- Rizal family belonged to the principalia, a town
aristocracy in Spanish Philippines.
- Rizal parents able to live well. From the farms, they
harvest rice, corn, and sugarcane. They raised pigs, chicken
and turkeys in their backyard. Doña Teodora operated a
small flour-mill and home-made ham press.
- They owned a carriage, which was status symbol of the
ilustrados in Spanish Philippines and a private library ( the
largest in Calamba).
- They participated prominently in all social and religious
affairs on the community. They were gracious host to all
visitors and guests.
Home Life of the Rizals.
- Rizal family had a simple, contented, and happy life.
- Doña Teodora and Don Francisco loved their children, but
they never spoiled them. They were strict parents and they
trained they children to love GOD, to behave well, to be
obedient, and to respect people, especially the old folks.
- Rizal family always go to church to attend the mass and
they also prayed together daily at home- The Angelus at
sunset and the Rosary before retiring to bed
at night. After the prayers, children kissed the hands of their
parents.
-Rizal children played merrily in the Azotea or in the garden
by themselves. The older ones were allowed to play with the
children of other families.
Chapter 2
Childhood Years In Calamba
Calamba, The Hero's Town
-Calamba was named after a big native jar
-Calamba was a hacienda town which belonged to the
Dominican Order, which also owned all the lands around it
• Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town)- a
poem about Rizal’s beloved town written by
Rizal in 1876 when he was 15 years old and was student in the
Ateneo de Manila
Earliest Childhood Memories
• The first memory of Rizal, in his infancy, was his happy
days in the family garden when he was three years old
• Another childhood memory was the daily Angelus prayer.
By nightfall, Rizal related, his mother gathered all the children
at the house to pray the Angelus
• Another memory of Rizal’s infancy was the nocturnal
walk in the town, especially when there was a moon
The Hero's First Sorrow
• The death of little Concha brought Rizal his first sorrow
Devoted Son of the Church
• At the age of three, Rizal began to take a part in the
family prayers
• He loved to go to church, to pray, to take part in novenas,
and to join religious processions. One of the men he
esteemed and respected in Calamba during his boyhood was
the scholarly Father Leoncio Lopez, the town priest.
• When Rizal was five years old, he was able to read
haltingly the Spanish family bible
Pilgrimage to Antipolo
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• On June 6, 1868, Jose and his father left Calamba to go on
Pilgrimage to Antipolo, in order to fulfill his mother's vow
which was made when Jose was born.
• The Story of the Moth
- made the profoundest impression on Rizal
-“died a martyr to its illusions”
- Like the young moths, Rizal fated to die as a martyr for a
noble ideal.
Artistic Talent
• At the age of five, Rizal began to make sketches with his
pencil and to mould in clay and wax objects which attracted
his fancy.
First Poem by Rizal
• Sa Aking Mga Kabata (To My Fellow Children)- Rizal’s
first poem in native language at the age of eight
-This poem reveals Rizal’s earliest nationalist sentiment. In
poetic verses, he proudly proclaimed that a people who truly
love their native language will surely survive for liberty like
"the bird which soars to freer space above".
First Drama by Rizal
• At the age of eight, Rizal wrote his first dramatic work
which was a Tagalog Comedy
• A governadorcillo from Paete witness the comedy and
liked it so much, he purchased the manuscript for two pesos
and brought it to his home.
Rizal as a Boy Magician
- Since early manhood Rizal had been interested in Magic.
He learned various tricks, such as making coind appear or
disappear in his finger and making handkerchief vanish in
thin air.
- He also gained skill in manipulating marionettes
(puppet shows).
Lakeshore Reveries
- During the twilight hours of summer time Rizal,
accompanied by his pet dog, used to meditate at the shore
of Laguna de Bay on the sad condition of his oppressed
people.
Influences on Hero's Boyhood
● Heredity Influence
- From his Malayan ancestor, Rizal evidently inherited his - God had endowed him with versatile gifts of genius, the
love for freedom, his innate desire to travel, and his vibrant spirit of nationalist, and the valiant heart to sacrifice
indomitable courage. for a noble cause.
-From Chinese ancestors, he derived his serious nature, Chapter 3
frugality, patience, and love for children.
EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BIÑAN
-From Spanish ancestors, he got his elegance of bearing,
sensitivity to insult, and gallantry to ladies. Four R's

-From his father, he inherited a profound sense of self- -Reading

respect, the love for work, and the habit of independent
thinking. -Writing

- And from his mother, he inherited his religious nature, the -Arithmethic
spirit of self-sacrifice, and the passion for arts and literature.
-Religion
● Environmental Influence
The Hero's First Teacher
- The beauty of Calamba and beauty of the garden of
• The first teacher of Rizal was his mother, who was
Rizal family stimulated the inborn artistic and literary
remarkable woman of good character and fine culture
talents of Jose Rizal.

- The religious atmosphere at his home fortified his —her mother

religious nature.
• He learned at the age of three the alphabet and the
-His brother Paciano instilled his mind the love for freedom prayers.
and justice.
• Maestro Celestino- Rizal’s first private tutor
-From his sisters, he learned to be courteous and kind to
• Maestro Lucas Padua- Rizal’s second tutor
women.
• Leon Monroy- a former classmate of Rizal’s father
- His three uncles, brother of his mother, exerted a good
became Rizal’s tutor that instructed Jose in Spanish and
influence on him.
Latin. He died five months later.
• Tio Jose Alberto- studied for eleven years in British
Jose Goes to Biñan
school in Calcutta, India and had traveled in Europe
inspired Rizal to develop his artistic ability • Sunday afternoon in June, 1869- Rizal left Calamba for
Biñan accompanied by Paciano who acted as his second
• Tio Manuel- a husky and athletic man, encouraged
father. They rode in a carromata, after one and one-half hour
Rizal to develop his frail body by means of physical
of drive; they proceed to their aunt house where Jose was to
exercises
lodge.
• Tio Gregorio- a book lover, intensified Rizal’s
- The same night, Jose with his cousin named Leandro, went
voracious reading of good book
sightseeing in the town.
• Father Leoncio Lopez- the old and learned parish
First Day in Biñan School.
priest of Calamba, fostered Rizal’s love for scholarship and
intellectual honesty. • Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz- Rizal’s teacher in a
private school in Biñan
● Aid of Divine Providence
-Rizal described his teacher as follows: He was thin, long-
- Without the aid of Divine Providence, he cannot attain
necked, with a sharp nose and a body slightly bent forward.
greatness in the annals of the nation.
First School Brawl
- Rizal was provident destined to be the pride and glory of
his nation.

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• Pedro- the teacher’s son which Rizal challenged to a
fight, because he was angry at this bully for making fun of
him during his conversation witht the teacher in the
morning.
• Jose won the fight againts Pedro; because of this he
became popular among his classmates.
• Andres Salandanan- challenged Rizal to an arm-
wrestling match, and Andres defeated Rizal.
Painting Lessons in Biñan
• Juancho-an old painter who was the father-in-law of the
school teacher; freely give Rizal lessons in drawing and
painting
• Jose Guevara- Rizal’s classmate who also loved
painting, became apprentices of the old painter
• “the favorite painters of the class”- because of his
artistic talent
Daily Life in Biñan
• Jose led methodical life in Biñan, almost Spartan in
simplicity. Such as life contributed much to his future
development. It strengthened his body and soul.
Best Student in School
• In academic studies, Jose beat all Biñan boys. He
surpassed them in all Spanish, Latin and other subjects.
• Some of his older classmates were jealous of Rizal, they
told lies to their teacher about Rizal, and their teachers
punish Rizal.
End of Biñan Schooling
• Christmas in 1870-Rizal received a letter from his sister
Saturnina, informing him of the arrival of the steamer Talim
which would take him from Biñan to Calamba.
• Saturday afternoon, December 17, 1870- Rizal left
Biñan after one year and a half of schooling
• Arturo Camps- a Frenchman friend of Rizal’s father who
took care of him on board. They road on a steamer Talim.
MARTYRDOM OF GOM-BUR-ZA
• Night of January 20, 1872- about 200 Filipino soldiers and
workmen of the Cavite arsenal under the leadership of
Lamadrid, Filipino sergeant, rose in violent mutiny because
of the abolition of their usual privileges
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• Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora,
who are the leaders of the secular movement to Filipinize the
Philippine parishes and their supporters (Jose Ma. Bass,
Attorneys Joaquin Pardo de Tevera and Antonio Ma. Regidor,
etc.), were executed at sunrise of February 17, 1872, by order
of Governor General Izquierdo.
• The martyrdom was deeply mourned by the Rizal family and
many others patriotic families. Paciano, quit his studies in
College of San Jose and returned to Calamba, where he told
the heroic story of Burgos to his younger brother Jose.
• The martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za in 1872 truly inspired Rizal
to fight the evils of Spanish tyranny and redeem his oppressed
people
• Rizal dedicated his second novel, El Filibusterismo, to
Gom-Bur-Za
Injustice to Hero's Mother
• Before June, 1872- Doña Teodora was suddenly arrested on
a malicious charge that she and her brother, Jose Alberto,
tried to poison the latter’s perfidious wife.
• Jose Alberto planned to divorce his wife because he found
her living with another man. Doña Teodora, to avert the
family scandal, persuade Jose Alberto to forgive his wife.
Jose Alberto lived again with his wife. However, the evil
wife, filed a case in the court accusing his husband and Doña
Teodora of attempting to poison her.
• The lieutenant happened to have a grind againts Rizal
family, because of one time Don Francisco, refused to give
him fodder of his horse. Taking the opportunity to avenge
himself, he arrested Doña Teodora.
• Antonio Vivencio del Rosario- Calamba’s
gobernadorcillo, help arrest Doña Teodora.
• After arresting Doña Teodora, the sadistic Spanish
lieutenant forced her to walk from Calamba to Santa
Cruz (capital of Laguna province), a distance of 50 kilometers
• Doña Teodora was incarcerated at the provincial
prison, where she languished for two years and a half
• Messrs. Francisco de Marcaida and Manuel Marzan-
the most famous lawyers of Manila that defend Doña
Teodora.
Chapter 4
SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA
(1872-1877)
• Rizal was sent to Manila and studied in Ateneo
Municipal- a college under the supervision of the
Spanish Jesuits. This college is a biiter rival of the
Dominican-owned College of San Juan de Letran.
• Escuela Pia (Charity School)- formerly name of
Ateneo, a school for poor boys in Manila which was
established by the city government in 1817
• Escuela Pia to Ateneo Municipal to Ateneo de Manila
Rizal Enters the Ateneo
• June 10, 1872- Rizal accompanied by Paciano went to
Manila. Rizal took the examination and he passed the
examination.
• At first, Father Magin Ferrando- was the college
registrar, refused to admit Rizal in Ateneo for two reasons: (1)
he was late for registration (2) he was sickly and undersized
for his age
• Manuel Xerez Burgos-because of his intercession,
nephew of Father Burgos, Rizal was reluctantly admitted at
the Ateneo
• Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname
“Rizal”. He registered under this name at Ateneo because
their family name “Mercado” had come under the suspicion
of the Spanish authorities
• Rizal was first boarded in a house outside Intramuros, on
Caraballo Street. This was owned by a spinster named Titay
who owed the Rizal family the amount of 300 pesos.
JESUIT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION
- Ateneo, wass more advanced that the other colleges in that
period, it trained the character of the student by rigid
discipline and religious instructions
-Students were divided into two groups:
• Roman Empire- consisting of internos (boarders); red
banner
• Carthaginian Empire or Greek Empire- composed of
the externos (non-boarders); blue banner
• Emperor- the best student in each “empire”
• Tribune- the second best
• Decurion- the third best
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• Centurion-the fourth best
• Stand-bearer- the fifth best
-Reason for creating empire of education system of Ateneo:
To motivate and stimulate students.
• The two groups which is Roman Empire and Carthaginian
Empire, were in constant competition for supremacy in the
class.
• First defeat- the banner of losing party was transferred to
the left side of the room
• Second defeat- it was placed in an inferior position on the
right side.
• Third defeat- the inclined flag was placed on the left.
• Fourth defeat- the flag was reverse and returned to the right.
• Fifth defeat- the reverse flag was placed on the left.
• Sixth defeat- the banner was changed with the figure of a
donkey.
• The Ateneo students in Rizal’s time wore a uniform
which consisted of “hemp-fabric trousers” and “striped
cotton coat” The coat material was called rayadillo.
FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873)
• Father Jose Bech- Rizal’s first professor in Ateneo
whom he described as a “tall thin man, with a body slightly
bent forward, a harried walk, an ascetic face, severe and
inspired, small deep-sunken eyes, a sharp nose that was
almost Greek, and thin lips forming an arc whose ends fell
toward the chin
• He was externo, hence he was assigned to the
Carthaginians.
• A Religious picture- Rizal’s first prize for being the
brightest pupil in the whole class. At the end of the month,
he became the emperor.
• To improve his Spanish, Rizal took private lessons in Santa
Isabel College during the noon recesses. He paid three pesos
for those extra Spanish lessons.
Summer Vacation (1873)
• At the end of the school year in March, 1873, Rizal
returned to Calamba for summer vacation
• He did not particularly enjoy his vacation because his
mother was in prison. To cheer him up, her sister
Neneng (Saturnina) brought him to Tawanan with her.
Without telling his father, Rizal visited his mother and told
his brilliant grades at the Ateneo.
• When the summer vacation ended, Rizal returned to
Manila for his second year term in Ateneo. This time he
boarded inside Intramuros at No. 6 Magallanes Street. His
landlady was an old widow named Doña Pepay.
SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873-1874)
-At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent
grades in all subjects and a gold medal.
Prophecy of Mother Release
• Rizal went to Santa Cruz in order to visit his mother in the
provincial jail. In order to cheer up the lonely heart of his
mother, he tells his scholastic triumphs in Ateneo.
• Rizal taught her mother that she would be released in the
prison in three months’ time. Rizal prophecy became true,
barely three months three months passed, and suddenly Doña
Teodora was set free.
Teenage Interest in Reading
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas-
the first favorite novel of Rizal which made a deep
impression on him
• Universal History by Cesar Cantu- Rizal persuaded his
father to buy him this set of historical work that was a great
aid in his studies
• Dr. Feodor Jagor- a German scientist-traveler who
visited the Philippines in 1859-1860 who wrote Travels in
the Philippines
-Rizal was impressed in this book because of (1) Jagor’s
keen observations of the defects of Spanish
colonization (2) his prophecy that someday Spain
would lose the Philippines and that America would
come to succeed her as colonizer.
THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1874-1875)
-Rizal grades remained excellent in all subjects but he won
only one medal—in Latin
-At the end of the school year (March 1875), Rizal
returned to Calamba for the summer vacation. He
himself was not impressed by his scholastic work.
FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO
• June 16, 1875- Rizal became an interno in the Ateneo
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• Padre Francisco de Paula Sanchez- a great educator
and scholar, one of Rizal’s professors who inspired him to
study harder and to write poetry
-Rizal described this Jesuit professor as “model of
uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancementof his
pupils”
-Rizal favorite professor.
• Rizal topped all his classmates in all subjects and won
five medals at the end of the school term.
• March 1876, he returned to Calamba for his summer
vacation and proudly offered his five medals and
excellence to his parents.
LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-1877)
-Rizal’s studies continued to fare well. As a matter-of- fact, he
excelled in all subjects. The most brilliant Atenean of his
time, he was truly “the pride of the Jesuits”
• He graduated at the head of the class.
• March 23, 1877- Commencement Day, Rizal, who was 16
years old, received from his Alma Mater
Ateneo Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with
highest honors.
Extra-Curricular Activities in Ateneo
• He was a campus leader outside the school.
• Marian Congregation- a religious society wherein
Rizal was an active member and later became the
secretary.
• He was also a member of Academy of Spanish
Literature and and the Academy of Natural Science.
These "academies" were exclusive socities in the Ateneo, to
which only Ateneans who were gifted in literature
and sciences could qualify for membership.
• Rizal cultivated his literary talent under the guidance of
Father Sanchez
• Father Jose Vilaclara- advised Rizal to stop
communing with the Muse and pay more attention to more
practical studies. . But Rizal did not heed his advice. He
continued to solicit Father Sanchez help in improving his
poetry.
• Furthermore, Rizal engaged to gymanstic and fencing to
develop his weak body.
Sculptural Work in Ateneo
• Rizal studied painting under the famous Spanish painter,
Agustin Saez, and sculpture under Romualdo
De Jesus, noted Filipino sculptor
• Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of
batikuling (Philippine hardwood) with his pocket-knife
• Father Lleonart- impressed by Rizal’s sculptural
talent, requested him to carve for him an image of
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Anecdotes in Rizal, the Atenean
• Felix M. Roxas- one of Rizal’s contemporaries in the
Ateneo, related an incident of Rizal’s schooldays in Ateneo
which reveals hero’s resignation to pain and forgiveness.
“Neither bitterness nor rancor towards the guilty party".
• Manuel Xerez Burgos- This anecdotes illustrates
Rizal’s predilection to help the helpless at the risk of his own
life.
Poems Written in Ateneo
-It was Doña Teodora who was first discovered the poetic
genius of her son, and it was also she who first encouraged
him to write poems. However it was Father Sanchez who
inspired Rizal to make full use of his God- given gift in
poetry
• Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration), 1874-
the first poem Rizal probably wrote during his days in
Ateneo which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday;
Rizal wrote it before he was 14 years old
-In 1875, inspired by Father Sanchez, Rizal wrote more
poems, as such:
1. Felicitacion (Felicitationi)
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, Rizal wrote poems on various topics-religion,
education, childhood memories and war. They were as
follows:
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1. Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My
Town)- a tender poem in honor of Calamba, the hero’s
natal town
2. Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena
Educacion (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and
Good Education)- Rizal showed the importance of
religion in education
3. Por la Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria (Through
Education the Country Receives Light)- Rizal believed
in the significant role which education plays in the progress
and welfare of a nation.
4. El Cautiverio y el Triunfo: Batalla de Lucena y
Prision de Boabdil (The Captivity and the Triumph:
Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil)-
this martial poem describes the defeat and capture of
Boabdil, last Moorish sultan of Granada
5. La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes Catolices en
Granada (The Triumphal Entry of the Catholic
Monarchs into Granada)- this poem relates the victorious
entry of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel into Granada, last
Moorish stronghold in Spain
-A year later, in 1877, Rizal wrote more poems. It was his
last years in Ateneo. Among the poems written that year
were:
1. El Heroismo de Colon (The Heroism of
Columbus)- this poem praises Columbus, the
discoverer of America.
2. Colon y Juan II (Columbus and John II)- this poem
relates how King Kohn II of Portugal missed fame and riches
by his failure to finance the projected expedition of Columbus
to the New World.
3. Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha (Great
Solace in Great Misfortune)- this is a legend in verse of
the tragic life of Columbus
4. Un Dialogo Aluviso a la Despedida de los
Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students)- this
was the last poem written by Rizal in Ateneo; it is a poignant
poem of farewell to his classmate.
Rizal's First Poem
• My first Inspiration
Rizal's Poems on Education
• Through Education our Motherland Receives Light
• The Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good
Education
Rizal's Religious Poems
• Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus)- this poem was
written in 1875 when Rizal was 14 years old; it was a brief
ode.
• A La Virgen Maria (To the Virgin Mary)- another
religious poem which doesn’t have exact date when it was
written
Dramatic Work in Ateneo
• Father Sanchez requested to Rizal to write a drama
based on the prose story of St. Eustace the Martyr.
• San Eustacio, Martir (St. Eustace, the Martyr)- a
drama based on the prose story of St. Eustace which he wrote
in poetic verses during the summer vacation of 1876 and
finished it on June 2, 1876.
First Romance of Rizal
• When he was sixteen years old, he experience his first
romance- "that painful experience which comes to nearly all
adolescents".
• The girl is Segunda Katigbak, a pretty fourthteen year
old Batangueña from Lipa. She was the sister of his friend
Mariano Katigbak.
• Rizal made a pencil sketch for Seguda.
• It was apparently Rizal and Segunda loved each other. But
it was hopeless because Segunda was already engaged to be
married to 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 (1877-1878), Rizal transferred to the medical course.
Mother's Opposition to Higher Education
- Don Franciso and Paciano wanted Jose to pursue higher
education in university. But, Doña Teodora who knew about
what happened to Gom-Bur-Za, vigorously opposed the idea
and told her husband, “Don’t send him to Manila again; he
knows enough. If he gets to know more, the Spaniards will
cut off his head.”
Rizal's Enter the University
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• April 1877- Rizal who was then nearly 16 years old,
matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas, taking the
course on Philosophy and Letters because (1) his
father like it (2) he was “still uncertain as to what
career to pursue”
• Father Pablo Ramon-Rector of Ateneo, who had been
good to him during his student days in that college, asking for
advice on the choice of a career but unfortunately he was in
Mindanao
• In the first year term (1877-1878), Rizal studied
Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and History of
Philosophy.
• It was during the following term (1878-1879) that Rizal,
having received the Ateneo Rector’s advice to study
medicine. One of the reason why he chose the medicine for
career was to able to cure his mother's growing blindness.
Finishes Surveying Course in Ateneo (1878)
• During Rizal’s first school term in the University of
Santo Tomas (1877-1878), Rizal also studied in
Ateneo. He took the vocational course leading to the title of
perito agrimensor (expert surveyor)
• Rizal excelled in all subjects in the surveying course in
Ateneo, obtaining gold medals in agriculture and topography
• November 25, 1881- the title was issued to Rizal for
passing the final examination in the surveying course.
• Although Rizal is Thomasian, he frequently visited
Ateneo, not only because of surveying the course, but also
more because of his loyalty to the Ateneo.
Romances with other Girls
• After losing Segunda Katigbak, he paid court to a young
woman in Calamba. He called her simply "Miss L",
describing her as a "fair with seductive and attractive eye".
Nobody knows who this woman was. “Miss Hacanta
Lasa”
The two reasons why he stopped courting this woman is
(1) the sweet memory of Segunda was still fresh in
his heart, and (2) his father did not like the family of
Miss L.
• During his sophomore year, Rizal courted Leonor
Valenzuela, a charming daughter of Capitan Juan and
Capitana Sanday Valenzuela. Rizal sent her love notes
written in invisble ink. Rizal taught Orang (pet name of
Leonor Valenzuela) the secret of reading the note written in
invisble ink by heating it over the candle or lamp so that the
words may appear. But, as with Segunda, he stopped short of
proposing marriage to Orang.
• Rizal next romance is with Leonor Rivera, his cousin from
Camiling. She was a frail, pretty girl, daughter of his landlord-
uncle Antonio Rivera. They became engaged. Leonor Rivera
signed her name as "Taimis", in order to camouflage their
intimate relationship from their parents and friends.
Victim of Spanish Officer's Brutality
• In 1878, Rizal first experienced his first taste of Spanish
brutality. One dark night in Calamba, during the summer
vacation, he was walking in the street. He dimly perceived the
figure of the man while passing him. Not knowing that person
due to darkness, he did not salute nor say courteous "Good
Evening". The vague figure turned out to be lieutenant of the
Guardia Civil. He whipped out his sword and brutally slashed
the latter on the back of Rizal.
• Rizal reported it to General Primo de Revera, the
Spanish governor general of the Philippines that time, but
nothing came out of his complaint, because he was and
Indio and that lieutenant is Spaniard.
To the Filipino Youth (1879)
• Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum)
of Manila- a society of literary men and artists, held a
literary contest in the year 1879
• A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth)-
Rizal, who was then 18 years old, submitted this poem
-is an inspiring poem of flawless form. Rizal beseeched the
Filipino youth to rise from lethargy, to let genius fly swifter
than the wind and descend with art and science to break the
chains that have long bound the spirit of the people
-this winning poem of Rizal is a classic in Philippine literature
for two reasons: (1) it was the great poem in Spanish
written by a Filipino, whose merit was recognized by
Spanish literary authorities (2) it expressed for the
first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos,
and not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of the
Fatherland”
• The Board of Judges, composed of Spaniards, was
impressed by Rizal’s poem and gave it the first prize which
consisted of a silver pen, feather-shaped and
decorated with a gold ribbon.
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The Council of the Gods (1880)
• El Consejo de los Dioses (The Councils of the
Gods)- an allegorical drama written by Rizal which he
entered in the literary contest of Artistic-Literary Lyceum in
1880 to commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of
Cervantes
-was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics
• The prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which
was engraved the bust of Cervantes
• D.N. del Puzo- a Spanish writer, who won the second
prize
• Rizal was particularly happy, for he proved the fallacy of
the alleged Spanish superiority over the Filipinos and
revelead that Filipino could hold his own in a fair
competition againts all races.
Other Literary Works
• Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig)- a zarzuela which
was staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880, on the
occasion of the annual celebration of the Feats Day of the
Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo
- Rizal wrote it as President of the Academy of Spanish
Literature in Ateneo
• A Filipinas- a sonnet written by Rizal for the album of
the Society of Sculptors; in this sonnet, he urged all Filipino
artists to glorify the Philippines
• Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma- Rizal composed a poem in
1879 which was declaimed by an Atenean, Manuel
Fernandez, on the night of December 8, 1879, in honor of
the Ateneo’s Patroness
• Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon- Rizal composed a poem in
1881, as an expression of affection to Father Pablo Ramon,
the Ateneo rector, who had been so kind and helpful to him.
Rizal's Visit to Pakil and Pagsanjan
• Rizal with his sisters, Saturnina, Maria and Trinidad and
their other female friends went to pilgrimage to the town of
Pakil, famous shrine of the Birhen Maria de los Dolores
(May 1881).
• Vicenta Ybardolaza- a pretty girl colegiala who skillfully
played the harp at the Regalado home, whom Rizal was
infatuated in Pakil
• Rizal mentioned Turumba (wherein the people dancing
in the streets during the procession in honor of the
miraculous Birhen Maria de los Dolores) in Chapter VI of Noli • For the first time, Rizal did not seek his parents’
Me Tangere and Pagsanjan Falls in his travel diary (united permission and blessings to go abroad, because he knew
States—Saturday, May 12, 1888), where he said that Niagara that, especially his mother would disapprove it.
Falls was the “greatest cascades I ever saw” but “not
so beautiful nor fine as the falls at Los Baños,
Pagsanjan”

Champion of Filipino Student

• Compañerismo (Comradeship)- Rizal founded a

secret society of Filipino students in University of

Santo Tomas in 1880

• Companions of Jehu- members of the society whose

after the valiant Hebrew general. He was the chief of this
secret society.

• Galicano Apacible-Rizal’s cousin from Batangas who

is the secretary of the society.

Unhappy Days at the UST

-Rizal found the atmosphere at the University of Santo Tomas

suffocating to his sensitive spirit. He was unhappy at this
Dominican institution of higher learning because (1) the
Dominican professors were hostile to him (2) the
Filipino students were racially discriminated against
by the Spaniards (3) the method of instruction was
obsolete and repressive

-In Rizal’s novel, El Filibusterismo, he described how the

Filipino students were humiliated and insulted by their

Dominican professors and how backward the method of

instruction was, especially in the teaching of the natural
sciences.

He related in Chapter XIII, “The Class in Physics”, that his

science subject was taught without laboratory experiments.

• Because of the unfriendly attitude of his professors, Rizal

the most brilliant graduate of the Ateneo, failed to win high
scholastic honors.

Decision to Study Abroad

• After finishing the fourth year of his medical course,

Rizal decided to study abroad.

• He could no longer endure the rampant bigotry,

discrimination, and hostility in UST.

• His older brother, Saturnina, Lucia, Uncle Antonio

Rivera, the Valenzuela family, and some friends
approved his going to Spain.

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