THE LIFE OF DR. JOSE P.

RIZAL
HANDOUTS

Rizal’s Birth
 Jose Rizal was born in Calamba, Laguna on June 19, 1861 between
eleven and twelve midnights.
 On June 22, 1861, three days after his birth, he was baptized in
Calamba Catholic Church by the parish priest Rev. Rufino Collantes, a
Batangueño priest. He was named “Jose” in honor of San Jose (St.
Joseph) because her mother was a devotee to the saint. Father Pedro
Casañas, a close friend of the Rizal family stood as Rizal’s godfather.
Rizal’s Parents
1. Francisco Mercado, the father of Jose Rizal
 Studied Latin and Philosophy at the college of San Jose in Manila
 Moved from Biñan to Calamba and became a tenant of the
Dominican-owned hacienda.
 Died in Manila on January 5, 1898 at the age of 80.
2. Dona Teodora Alonso Realonda, the mother of Jose Rizal
 Born in Manila
 Studied at the college of Santa Rosa, a college exclusively for girls, in
Manila.
 Possessed literary talent and business ability
 Died in Manila on August 16, 1911 at the age of 85
Rizal’s Childhood Years
A. Happiest Days of Rizal in Calamba
1. He loved to climb the fruit tree in their backyard.
2. From his nipa cottage built by his father, he loved to watch the fowls,
birds and the plants in the garden.
3. From his azotea, he watched the moon in the sky after the nightly rosary.
 4. He used to take a walk during moonlight night.
5. He loved to listen to his aya telling stories.
6. At the age of three, he goes with his mother to the church to take part in
novena.
B. Sorrows and tragedies in Rizal’s life.
1. The ultimate death of her younger sister Conception.
2. The malicious charge that caused a tremendous impact in the life of
Rizal
3. The Cavite Uprising in 1872
- a protest among the laborers at the Cavite Arsenal against the
withdrawal of their privilege of exemption from tribute and personal
services. Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were executed at
sunrise on February 17, 1872 by order of Governor General
Izquierdo despite the plea of clemency by the Archbishop. They
were accused as instigators and leaders of the uprising/revolt.
Education at Calamba
 He learned at the age of three the alphabet, and prayers from his
mother.
 He learned how to read and write from his first tutor
Education at Biñan
 Rizal learned Spanish, Latin, and other subjects from Maestro Cruz.
 Rizal was involved in several fights. First, Rizal and Pedro, the son of
Maestro Cruz who was much bigger than Rizal. They wrestled
furiously in the classroom.
 Rizal also learned drawing and painting from Juancho, Maestro Cruz’s
father-in-law.
 In academic’s studies, Rizal beat all the Biñan boys in Spanish, Latin
and other subjects.
Rizal at Ateneo
 Ateneo De Municipal established by the Jesuites
 Rizal entered at Ateneo in 1872, he belonged to the class composed of
Spaniards, mestizos and Filipinos. His teacher was Fr. Jose Bech. He
was considered as an inferior and was placed at the buttom of the class.
By the end of the month he became the emperor and received a prize, a
religious picture. To improve his spanish Rizal took private lessons in
Santa Isabel College. During his 4th year in Ateneo he received 5
medals and graduated as sobresaliente. He graduated on March 23,1877
 (16 years old). Received the degree of bachelor of arts, with highest
honors.
Education at University of Santo Tomas (UST)
 After graduating, he continued his education at UST. He finished a year
in Philosophy and letters. He decided to shift to a medical course. UST
was under the Dominicans, rival of the Jesuits in education. Remained
loyal to Ateneo participated in extracurricular activities in Ateneo and
completed a course in surveying. As a Thomasian he won more literary
laurels. During his first term in 1877-1878 in UST, he studied
Cosmology, metaphysics, Theodicy and History of Philosophy. It was
during the school term 1878-1879 that Rizal pursued his studies in
medicine.
Reasons why Rizal wanted to study Medicine
 He wanted to be a physician so that he could cure his mother’s failing
eyesight.