Sino si José Rizal? Essential Facts You Need to Know!

Photo: Young Rizal | joserizal.com

    The Philippines' national hero, Dr. José Rizal, is revered for his bravery in opposing the Spanish colonial authorities in addition to his academic prowess. Rizal will always be remembered for his kindness toward the Filipino people and the nation, even if his passing spurred a revolution to topple the oppressor. 

To better understand the man behind the legacy, let’s delve into some basic facts about his life: 

A Closer Look at Rizal's Life

Full Name: José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

Nickname: "Pepe"

Born: June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna

Died: December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan, Manila

Family Background

• Father: Francisco Mercado, a wealthy farmer

• Mother: Teodora Alonso, an educated woman excelling in various fields

• Siblings: Seventh of 11 children: Saturnina, Paciano, Narcisa, Olympia, 

               Jose, Lucia, Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad, and Soledad.

Rizal’s Education: A Journey of Excellence

Early Education

• Primary Education: Rizal's early education was overseen by his mother, Teodora Alonso, who was his first teacher. She discovered his talent for poetry and encouraged him to write poems.

• Biñan: In June 1869, Rizal went to Biñan, Laguna, where he was taught by Maestro Justiniano. He excelled in subjects like Spanish and Latin.

Secondary Education

• Ateneo Municipal de Manila: Rizal entered Ateneo in 1872. Despite being placed at the bottom of his class initially, he quickly rose to the top and graduated with honors on March 23, 1877, receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree and five medals.

Higher Education

• University of Santo Tomas (UST): After Ateneo, Rizal continued his studies at UST, where he completed a year in Philosophy and Letters before deciding to pursue medicine.

• Universidad Central de Madrid: Rizal enrolled in Madrid in 1882, studying Philosophy and Letters and Medicine. He earned his Licentiate in Medicine on June 21, 1884.

• University of Paris: Rizal furthered his studies in Paris, where he continued his medical education.

• University of Heidelberg: In 1887, Rizal completed his specialization in ophthalmology (eye medicine) at Heidelberg.

    Rizal's life is one big essay, from a modest start to a global transcending academic mission, an unyielding search for knowledge and justice. Interested in more of his revolutionary writings or perhaps in some of the legacies he has passed on? Wait for the next chapter of his extraordinary adventure! 

Let us watch together this short animation about Jose Rizal's life journey!

Reference: 

Valdeavilla, R. (2024, October 21). The life and legacy of José Rizal: national hero of the Philippines. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-life-and-legacy-of-jose-rizal-the-philippines-national-hero