Scholastic Triumphs at

Ateneo de Manila (1872-

187)
Chapter 4 – The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
Before Ateneo
• 4 months after Gom-Bur-Za
• Doña Teodora still in prison
• Jose was only 10 years old when he went
to Manila for entrance exam.
• Ateneo de Manila was still inside
Intramuros
Rizal Enters the
Ateneo

• Jose was 11 years old.

• Initially denied because (1) Late
registration and (2) Undersized.
• First used surname “Rizal” due to
suspicion of Spanish authorities related to
Padre Burgos.
Jesuit System of Education
• More advanced that any of the other colleges in that period.
• Students had two groups: The “Roman Empire” and the “Carthagian
Empire”
• Each group had Top 5 students each with “Emperor” corresponding to
the highest position.
• Ateneo students wore coat material called the rayadillo
Rizal’s First Year in Ateneo
(1872-1873)
• Newcomer and knows little Spanish – placed at bottom of the class.
• After 1 month, became the “Emperor” of the Carthagian Empire.
• Took private Spanish lessons in Santa Isabel College during recess.
• Lost title of “Emperor” during second half because of negative
remarks from a professor.
Summer Vacation (1873)
• Did not enjoy vacation because mother was in prison.
• He went to Santa Cruz in secret and visited his mother.
Second Year in Ateneo (1873-
1874)
• Regained title of “Emperor” once again.
• Received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold model.
• After second year, Jose visited his mother once again where she told
him her dream.
• Jose interpreted her dream and told her that she would be released
from prison in 3 months’ time.
• Doña Teodora was indeed set free in 3 months.
 Teenage Interest in Reading
• The Count of Monte Cristo
• Universal History
• Travels in the Philippines
Third Year in Ateneo (1874-
1875)
• His mother visited to tell him of her freedom.
• Only one medal – Latin.
Fourth Year in
Ateneo (1875-1876)
• He became an interno.
• Awarded five medals
• Met Professor Paula Sanchez
Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877)
• Returned to Manila once again in 1876.
• Highest grades in all subjects.
• Jose now known as the pride of the Jesuits.
Graduation with
Highest Honours

• He received excellent remarks from all his

subjects in his 5 years in Ateneo de
Manila.
• Graduated at 16 years old and earned the
degree of Bachelor of Arts with highest
honours.
Extra-Curricular Activities in
Ateneo
• Secretary of a religious society, the Marian Congregation
• Member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and Academy of
Natural Sciences which were very exclusive organizations.
• Studied painting under Agustin Saez
• Studied sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus
• Engaged in gymnastics and fencing
Sculptural Works in
Ateneo

• Carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a

batikuling.
• Carved the image of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus for Fr. Leonart but was forgotten and
placed on the door of the dormitory.
Anecdotes on Rizal
• According to Felix M. Roxas, Jose
showed his patience and forgiveness
when he was hit by a book in the face
and showed no signs of bitterness.
• According to Manuel Xeres Burgos,
Jose also risked his life helping a kid
get his kite by climbing the high
cathedral tower.
Poems Written in Ateneo
• Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration)
• Felicitacion (Felicitation)
• El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure:
Hymn to Magellan’s Fleet)
• El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Jolo (The Battle: Urbiztondo,
Terror of Jolo)
Rizal’s Poems on Education and
Religion
• Jose showed high regard for education and devotion to the Catholic
Faith.
• “Through Education our Motherland receives light”
• “The intimate alliance between religion and good education”
• “To the Child Jesus”
• “To the Virgin Mary”
Dramatic Work in
Ateneo

• Submitted his manuscript of the drama

entitled “San Eustacio, Martir” (St.
Eustacio, the Martyr) to Father Sanchez.
First Romance of
Rizal
• Segunda Katigbak, a pretty 14-year old at a
time when Jose was 16 years old.
• Painted the image of Segunda Katigbak
• Very apparent that they loved each other
but Segunda was engaged to marry
Manuel Luz.
• Jose failed to propose! He expected to see
Segunda pass by Calamba but the steamer
did not pass due to strong winds