The Life and Works

of Rizal
Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life
Abroad
ATENEO DE MANILA
Ateneo was known to be the most prestigious
college for boys because of its great teachings.
From 1872-1877, under the supervision of the
Jesuit priests Rizal studied in Ateneo de Manila.
Rizal went to Ateneo Municipal, formerly known
as Escuela Pia. In search for Rizal’s formal
knowledge as a high school student, his father
wanted to send Rizal to Letran but decided to
have him enrolled at the latter instead.
Entrance Examination
Jose Rizal took his entrance examination at
the Colegio de San Juan de Letran on June
10, 1872, with his brother Paciano
accompanying him. These exams for
incoming freshmen in various boys'
colleges were held at Letran because the
Dominicans had authority over Ateneo at
the time.
Admission to Ateneo
Rizal passed the entrance exam and was admitted to the
Ateneo Municipal. However, there were initial obstacles to
his admission. Father Magin Ferrand, the College Registrar,
initially refused his admission due to being a late registrant
and his physical appearance, which was described as pale,
thin, and undersized for an 11-year-old. Manuel Burgos
helped Rizal gain admission, but he had to use the name "Jose
Rizal" instead of his real surname due to his family's
connection with the secularization movement.
Ateneo's Educational Program

Ateneo offered a six-year program that conferred the

academic title of "Bachiller en Artes." This program
included subjects like Christian doctrine, languages
(Spanish, Latin, Greek, French), history and
geography, mathematics and sciences, and classic
disciplines such as poetry, rhetoric, and philosophy.
Strict Religious and Disciplinary Environment

Ateneo was known for its strict religious instruction and

discipline. Students began their day with masses and ended
with prayers.
Academic Competition

To encourage academic competition among

students, Ateneo divided the class into two groups:
the Roman Empire (boarding students) and the
Carthaginian Empire (non-boarding students). These
groups competed through question and answer
sessions, raising or lowering banners to signify
victory or defeat. Rizal excelled academically and
earned the title of "emperor" in his class.
Teaching Method
Ateneo used the "ration studiorum" method, which involved
memorization and understanding of concepts taught in class.
The education at Ateneo had the goal of "Ad Majorem Dei
Gloriam" (For the Greater Glory of God).
Scholastic Excellence
Rizal performed exceptionally well academically
during his time at Ateneo, consistently outshining his
classmates. His motivation included proving that a
Filipino student could compete with and surpass
Spanish classmates.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Rizal was active in extra-curricular activities. He was a member of

the Marian Congregation and held positions in religious
confraternities. He was also part of two elite academic societies:
the Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural
Sciences.
STA. ISABEL COLLEGE

Rizal's time at Santa Isabel College had a significant impact on his

intellectual and artistic development. He took private lessons at the college to
enhance his proficiency in Spanish and further develop his skills in poetry.
Before enrolling in these lessons, he received guidance from Father
Francisco Paula de Sanchez in honing his poetic abilities. Through his
poetry, Rizal explored themes related to religion, education, and childhood
experiences, allowing him to delve into mature emotions, patriotic
sentiments, and exquisite sensitivity.
more Poem Literature more
 Poem Literature In the realm of literature,
more Rizal's early works included "Mi
Primera Inspiracion" (My First
Inspiration), dedicated to his
mother and showcasing his
poetic talents. He also
composed "Un Recuerdo de Mi
Pueblo" (In Memory of My
Town) in 1876, which paid
tribute to his hometown,
Calamba, and demonstrated
his deep appreciation for
nature and his faith.
more Poem Literature more
Rizal's thirst for knowledge Poem Literature
extended beyond poetry. During his more
free time, he pursued painting
lessons from Agustin Saez and
sculpture lessons from Teodoro
Romualdo de Jesus, nurturing his
interest in the arts. As a result, he
was able to create sculptures of the
Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart
of Jesus. Father Jose Villaclara,
S.J., encouraged Rizal to also focus
on the sciences and philosophy,
reflecting his holistic approach to
education.
more Poem Literature more
 As Rizal continued his ed
ucation My First Inspiration Why do the scented flowers in fragrant fray
at Ateneo, he explored th
emes of Rival each other’s flower this festive day?
religion and education in
his
writings. Notable poems Why is the sweet melody bruited in the sylvan dale,
such as
"Al Niño Jesus" (To the Harmony sweet and fluted like the nightingale?
Child
Jesus), "La Alianza Intim
a Entre
Religion y La Buena Edu Why do the birds sing so in the tender grass,
cacion"
(The Intimate Alliance B Flitting from bough to bough with winds that pass?
etween
Religion and Good Educa
tion), And why does the crystal spring run among the flowers
and "Por La Educacion R
ecibe While lullaby zephyrs sing like its crystal showers?
Lustre la Patria" (Throu
gh
Education The Country I see the dawn in the East with the beauty endowed
Receives
Light) reflected his dive Why goes she to a feast in a carmine cloud?
rse ideas
about education, with hi
m
likening it to a guiding Sweet mother, they celebrate your natal day
lighthouse for the nation The rose with her scent innate, the bird with his lay.
's
progress. Rizal believed
that a The murmurous spring this day without alloy.
well-rounded education
could Murmuring bids you always to live in joy.
nurture a generation of
enlightened youth capabl While the crystalline murmurs glisten, hear you the accents strong
e of
leading their country tow Struck from my lyre, listen! To my love’s first song.
ards
prosperity.
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

LIBERALISM AND LITERARY WORKS AS A

Why?
UNIVERSITY STUDENT?

Course?

Activism?

Academic Performance?
 UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

After completing his Bachiller en Artes at Ateneo, Rizal's

decision to pursue higher education at a university faced
Why? resistance from his mother, Doña Teodora, who feared
for his safety in light of the martyrdom of Gomburza.
However, his father, Don Francisco, sent him to the
Dominican University of the Philippines, the University
of Santo Tomas (UST).

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

Course?
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

Course? Initially unsure of his course of study, Rizal contemplated options such as
priesthood, farming, literature, law, or medicine. His brother, Paciano,
discouraged him from studying law due to political conditions in the country. At
16 years old, he enrolled in UST's Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, majoring in
Philosophy. Though his father had initially desired this course for him, Rizal
ended up studying subjects like Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and the
History of Philosophy.
In addition to his philosophical pursuits, Rizal also took up surveying at Ateneo,
excelling despite being underage. However, he couldn't practice the profession
immediately and was presented with the title in 1881 for his excellence. After
his first year, he switched his major from Philosophy to Medicine, driven by a
desire to cure his mother's failing eyesight.

Academic Performance?
 immediately and was presented with the title in 1881 for his excellence. After
his first year, he switched his major from Philosophy to Medicine, driven by a
desire to cure his mother's failing eyesight.

Academic Performance?

Rizal's academic performance at UST was not as stellar as at Ateneo. His grades
were generally excellent, but some subjects received lower scores. Factors
contributing to this decline included the attitude of Dominican professors, racial
discrimination against Filipino students, and his dissatisfaction with the teaching
methods used at UST.
Amidst his studies, Rizal's personal life became more complex. He became
involved with women, including Segundina Katigbak, Leonor Valenzuela, and
Leonor Rivera, which further divided his attention. He also participated in gang
fights, attended parties, and skipped classes.
LIBERALISM AND LITERARY WORKS AS A UNIVERSITY STUDENT?

During his time at UST, liberal ideas began to take hold in Manila due to various global
influences, including the Spanish Civil Wars and the opening of the Suez Canal.
Filipino students were exposed to these ideas, and Rizal participated in literary
competitions organized by the Liceo Artistico Literario de Manila, showcasing his
talent with works like "A La Juventud Filipina" and "El Consejo de los Dioses."
"A La Juventud Filipina" emphasized the importance of Filipino youth's development
in the arts, sciences, and breaking free from the chains of bondage. It marked Rizal's
love for his motherland, the Philippines. "El Consejo de los Dioses" won recognition
despite being awarded to a Spaniard due to the jury's knowledge of the Filipino
author's identity.
 despite being awarded to a Spaniard due to the jury's knowledge of the Filipino
author's identity.

Activism?
Rizal's activism emerged during his UST years, marked by clashes with Spanish and
mestizo students, fights, and the creation of the secret society "Compañerismo." He
also criticized the outdated education system, racism, and favoritism within UST. His
experience with Spanish brutality, including a physical altercation with a Guardia Civil
lieutenant, further fueled his growing resentment towards the oppressive Spanish
regime.