GEM 101

Life and Works of Rizal

Rizal's Childhood
Group 2
Rizal's
Family
Jose Rizal was born to a wealthy family in Calamba, Laguna.
He was the 7th among the 11 children of Francisco Mercado
Rizal and Teodora Alonzo Realonda. Paciano, the second to
the eldest child in the family, was the only brother of Jose. His
other siblings were Saturnina, Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia,
Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad, and Soledad.
FRANCISCO MERCADO
(1818-1898)
Father of Jose Rizal
TEODORA ALONSO
(1827-1913)
Mother of jose Rizal
Saturnina hidalgo
(1850-1913)
Paciano Rizal
(1851-1930)
NARCISA RIZAL
(1852-1939)
OLYMPIA RIZAL
(1855-1887)
LUCIA
RIZAL
(1857-
1919)
 MARIA
RIZAL
(1859-1945)
CONCEPCION
RIZAL (1862-
1865)
Josefa Rizal
(1865-1945)
TRINIDAD RIZAL
(1868-1951)
Soledad Rizal
(1865-1945)
Jose had a Chinese ancestor from his father's side,
Domingo Lam-Co who married a Chinese mestiza,
Ines de la Rosa. Aside from his Chinese ancestry, he
also had Japanese, Spanish, and Malay blood.
Jose's parents made sure he and his siblings were well
taken care of. At an early age, Jose was already seen as
a welcome companion by many adults because he was
very respectful and polite. His family made sure that
he was taught the right values in order for him to grow
up as a well- mannered individual.
At home, Rizal spent many of his childhood
days in their family garden. His parents also
made sure to watch over him at all times
because he was frail and sickly. His father also
built him a nipa hut where he could play during
the day.
In his childhood, Jose was very curious about
the things around him. This is why he enjoyed
very much the stories that his mother told him
which also made him interested in legends and
folklore.
Since the Rizal family was very religious,
Teodora made sure to teach Jose all the
important prayers, especially the Angelus. Along
with his siblings and parents, he recited the
Angelus daily. Through his family, he was
exposed to Catholic teachings and values.
Bahay ni rizal
(Rizal shrine)
 Rizal's
hometown
José Rizal was born on June 19,
1861 in the town of Calamba in
Laguna province. His parents
were leaseholders of a hacienda
and an accompanying rice farm
held by the Dominicans.
In “Memories of My Town”, Jose Rizal spoke of
his childhood days in Calamba, Laguna recalling
his happiest memories of the place and the
people.
In this nostalgic poem, Jose Rizal remembers his
childhood days in Calamba, Laguna. Rizal had the
happiest and most beautiful memories of the place, the
hospitality and friendliness as well as the industry of
the people of Calamba. Those memories were
influential in molding his character and his values.
 When I remember the days
that saw my early childhood
spent on the green shores
of a murmurous lagoon;
when I remember the coolness,
delicious and refreshing,
that on my face I felt
as I heard Favonius croon;
 when I behold the white lily
swell to the wind’s impulsion,
and that tempestuous element
meekly asleep on the sand;
when I inhale the dear
intoxicating essence
the flowers exude when dawn
is smiling on the land;
 sadly, sadly I recall
your visage, precious childhood,
which an affectionate mother
made beautiful and bright;
I recall a simple town,
my comfort, joy and cradle,
beside a balmy lake,
the seat of my delight.
 Ah, yes, my awkward foot
explored your sombre woodlands,
and on the banks of your rivers
in frolic I took part.
I prayed in your rustic temple,
a child, with a child’s devotion;
and your unsullied breeze
exhilarated my heart.
 The Creator I saw in the grandeur
of your age-old forests;
upon your bosom, sorrows
were ever unknown to me;
while at your azure skies
I gazed, neither love nor tenderness
failed me, for in nature
lay my felicity.
Tender childhood, beautiful town,
rich fountain of rejoicing
and of harmonious music
that drove away all pain:
return to this heart of mine,
return my gracious hours,
return as the birds return
when flowers spring again!
 But O goodbye! May the Spirit
of Good, a loving gift-giver,
keep watch eternally over
your peace, your joy, your sleep!
For you, my fervent pryers;
for you, my constant desire
to learn; and I pray heaven
your innocence to keep!
 Rizal's
Influences
Jose Rizal grew up surrounded by influences that have
contributed to the development of his nationalist
sensibilities. From his father, Francisco, Rizal learned
the value of self-respect, love for work, and
independent thinking.
His greatest influence was his mother, Teodora. It was
from her that Jose got his religiosity, a high sense of
self-sacrifice. and love for the arts. His love for
freedom and justice was inculcated in him by Paciano
while his sisters taught him to be respectful and kind
to women.
Part of his extended family that played a great role in
his character development were his uncles who also
taught him valuable lessons in life. He got his love for
books and his being hardworking from his Uncle
Gregorio. His Uncle Jose encouraged him to develop
his skills in painting, sketching, and sculpting.
An equally important influence on the character of Rizal
was the environment he grew up in. As mentioned, he
spent his childhood in Calamba, in a family that nurtured
his mind and soul.The Rizal family had a beautiful
garden which helped Rizal appreciate nature. These
things stimulated the young hero's innate artistic and
literary talents.
 Rizal's
Education
Jose Rizal's first teacher was his mother. By three
years old, Jose was say already able to recite the
alphabet because of his mother's guidance. In his
journals, he wrote, "My mother taught me how to
read and to haltingly the humble prayers which I
raised fervently to God."
Aside from his mother, Jose also had a
private tutor, Leon Monroy, who taught him
the rudiments of Latin. Aside from Monroy,
Jose was also taught by his Uncle Manuel
Alberto and Uncle Gregorio.
The former was concerned with the
physical development of Jose and instilled
in him the love for nature while the latter
taught him the value of education.
Jose had his early education in Calamba and
Biñan. His education was focused on
reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion.
Instruction was imposed very rigidly and
strictly.
Teachers made use of whips to force knowledge
into the minds of the students. However, despite
the shortcomings of the Spanish system of basic
education, Rizal was able to acquire the necessary
skills to prepare him for higher education in
Manila.
Jose's first teacher in Biñan was Maestro Justiniano
Aquino Cruz who he described as tall, thin, long-necked,
sharp-nosed, and with a body slightly bent forward. In
Biñan, Jose regularly attended mass, went to the orchard,
went to class at 10:00 a.m. and ate lunch, arrived home at
5:00 p.m., and consistently studied and drew. He also
prayed daily before going to bed.
Maestro Justiniano
Aquino Cruz
In terms of academics, Jose was the most outstanding
among all his classmates. He surpassed them all in
Spanish, Latin, and other subjects. This made his
older classmates jealous of him. They told lies about
Jose to teachers just to discredit him. Although he
was not Jose never ever backed out from a fight.