make an essay about the siblings of rizal

José Rizal Family Tree

The Rizals is considered one of the biggest families during their time. Domingo Lam-co, the family’s paternal ascendant was a full-blooded Chinese who came to the Philippines from Amoy, China in the closing years of the 17th century and married a Chinese half-breed by the name of Ines de la Rosa.

Researchers revealed that the Mercado-Rizal family had also traces of Japanese, Spanish, Malay and Even Negrito blood aside from Chinese.

Jose Rizal came from a 13-member family consisting of his parents, Francisco Mercado II and Teodora Alonso Realonda, and nine sisters and one brother.

FRANCISCO MERCADO (1818-1898) Father of Jose Rizal who was the youngest of 13 offsprings of Juan and Cirila Mercado. Born in Biñan, Laguna on April 18, 1818; studied in San Jose College, Manila; and died in Manila.

TEODORA ALONSO (1827-1913) Mother of Jose Rizal who was the second child of Lorenzo Alonso and Brijida de Quintos. She studied at the Colegio de Santa Rosa. She was a business-minded woman, courteous, religious, hard-working and well-read. She was born in Santa Cruz, Manila on November 14, 1827 and died in 1913 in Manila.

SATURNINA RIZAL (1850-1913) Eldest child of the Rizal-Alonzo marriage. Married Manuel Timoteo Hidalgo of Tanauan, Batangas.

PACIANO RIZAL (1851-1930) Only brother of Jose Rizal and the second child. Studied at San Jose College in Manila; became a farmer and later a general of the Philippine Revolution.

NARCISA RIZAL (1852-1939) The third child. married Antonio Lopez at Morong, Rizal; a teacher and musician.

OLYMPIA RIZAL (1855-1887) The fourth child. Married Silvestre Ubaldo; died in 1887 from childbirth.

LUCIA RIZAL (1857-1919) The fifth child. Married Matriano Herbosa.

MARIA RIZAL (1859-1945) The sixth child. Married Daniel Faustino Cruz of Biñan, Laguna.

JOSE RIZAL (1861-1896) The second son and the seventh child. He was executed by the Spaniards on December 30,1896.

CONCEPCION RIZAL (1862-1865) The eight child. Died at the age of three.

JOSEFA RIZAL (1865-1945) The ninth child. An epileptic, died a spinster.

TRINIDAD RIZAL (1868-1951) The tenth child. Died a spinster and the last of the family to die.

SOLEDAD RIZAL (1870-1929) The youngest child married Pantaleon Quintero.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Select Chapter:

Rizal’s life: higher education and life abroad.

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.

Ateneo De Manila

Rizal took first the entrance examination at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran on June 10, 1872. His brother, Paciano, accompanied him when he took the exam. The exams for incoming freshmen in the different colleges for boys were administered or held at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran since the Dominicans exer-cised the power of inspection and regula-tion over Ateneo that time. After passing the exam, Rizal was admitted at the Ateneo Municipal. Although Rizal qualified in the entrance examination, Father Magin Ferrand, who was then the College Registrar, refused Rizal’s admission in the institution for two reasons: first, Rizal was a late registrant and second, he was very pale, thin and undersized for an 11-year old. But, with the help of Manuel Burgos he was accepted in the institution. Jose was not able to use Mercado as his surname when he enrolled at Ateneo. He was registered as Jose Rizal because his real surname had rung a bell to the ears of the authorities — this was because of Paciano’s relation with one of the leaders of the secularization movement, Father Burgos. At that time, Ateneo was offering a six-year program that gives students the academic title of Bachiller en Artes. This program exposed students to five subjects: Christian doctrine; Languages of Spanish, Latin, Greek and French; History and Geography (World History and Geography and History of Spain and the Philippines; Mathematics and Sciences (geometry, trigonometry, mineralogy, chemistry, physics, botany and zoology); and the Classic disciplines (poetry, rhetoric, and philosophy). Ateneo, as a prestigious school, offered the best secondary education for boys that enhances the character of their students through strict religious instruction and discipline. Before the classes start, the students must first hear masses and end with prayers. To encourage the spirit of competition among students in academics, with the help of Atenean teachers, the school proposed a program of dividing the class into two competing groups (empires): the Roman Empire composed of boarding students at Ateneo and the Carthaginian Empire composed of non-boarding students. Both groups have ranks and classifications and they competed through question and answers. When banners are raised, it means victory for the group; there is defeat if banners are lowered.

Rizal’s first professor was Father Jose Bech. At first, Rizal was left behind among his classmates but he knew the severity of his studies, so he organized and seriously observed himself a timetable to manage his studies. He excelled as the emperor in his class, a title given to the most intelligent in the class. The method of instruction used at Ateneo was the ration studiorum, a system of indoctrination under tight and constant discipline but with reward. It applies memorization and understanding of the concepts taught in class. At that time, the Atenean education had one goal: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (or For the Greater Glory of God). A student’s life was centered on the chapel, considered as the highest level of extra-curricular activity. Rizal was able to pass his oral examination on March 14,1877. He finished with the degree, Bachiller en Artes, with the highest academic honors. Looking at Rizal’s scholastic records, it is evident that he excelled in his academic studies during the entire time that he was studying at Ateneo. Racial pride, monastic discipline and seclusion of boarding school life were the factors that gave Rizal the motivation to outshine his classmates. Note that in doing so, he wanted to prove to his Spanish classmates that a Filipino student can compete and beat them academically. The competition inside the classroom was an opportunity to outdo his classmates in the daily activities designed to test the student’s memory and understanding of their lessons in the different curriculum. For Rizal, being in a boarding school was effective as it gave him more time to focus on his studies. Aside from academics, Rizal was also active in extra-curricular activities. He became a member of Marian Congregation and an officer in the religious confraternities at Ateneo. This position is only offered to students who consistently possessed the highest degree of scholarship and leadership. There, he was mentored by Father Pablo Pastells, S.J. He was also a member of two academic societies: Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences, both were considered elite organizations for students who excelled in literature and the sciences.

Sta. Isabel College

Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College to be proficient in Spanish and develop his skills in poetry writing more. But before he took up lessons, he was guided by Father Francisco Paula de Sanchez in developing his skills in poetry. Through his poetry he was able to finish poems about religion, education, and childhood experiences. It also gave him the opportunity to develop more mature emotions, patriotic sentiments and exquisite sensitivity. Rizal did not waste any time to learn new things during his time. On his vacant time, Rizal took painting lessons from Agustin Saez and sculpture lessons from Teodoro Romualdo de Jesus to enhance his interest in arts. As a result, he was able to sculpt the image of the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father Jose Villaclara, S.J. encouraged him to pay attention also to the sciences and philosophy.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

After completion of Bachiller en Artes at Ateneo, Rizal was admitted to higher studies at a university. Doña Teodora was against Rizal’s decision to pursue a higher education because of her fear of what might happen to her son due to the martyrdom of Gomburza. However, Don Francisco sent Rizal to UST, the Dominican University of the Philippines. At the beginning, Rizal was not sure of what course to take after graduation. His former mentors in Ateneo suggested priesthood or farming, but Rizal considered taking up literature, law or medicine. Paciano, his brother discouraged him to take law, saying that Rizal will not be able to practice it later on because of the political conditions in the country that time. Rizal was 16 years old when he began his freshman year at UST. He enrolled under the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Major in Philosophy. This was the course that his father wanted him to pursue, but then it turned out that he took up courses in Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy and History of Philosophy. He also took up surveying course at Ateneo. Once again, he excelled in the said course while underage. But because of this, he could not practice the surveyor’s profession yet. Instead, Rizal was presented the title on November 25, 1881 for his excellency. After his first year, Rizal changed his course from Philosophy and Letters to Medicine. Rizal believed that he should finish medicine so that he could cure his sick mother who had an eyesight failure.

To The Filipino Youth Theme: “Grow, O Timid Flower” Lift up your radiant brow, This day, Youth of my native strand! Your abounding talents show Resplendently and grand, Fair hope of my motherland! Soar high, oh genius great, And with noble thoughts fill their mind; The honor’s glorious seat, May their virgin mind fly and find More rapidly than the wind. Descend with the pleasing light Of the arts and sciences to the plain, Oh Youth, and break forthright The links of the heavy chain That your poetic genius enchain. See that in the ardent zone, The Spaniard, where shadow stand, Doth offer a shining crown, With wise and merciful hand To the son of this Indian land. You who heavenward rise On wings of your rich fantasy Seek in the Olympian skies The tenderest poesy, More sweet than divine honey; You of heavenly harmony, On a calm unperturbed night, Philomel’s match in melody, That in varied symphony Dissipate man’s sorrow’s blight; You, at the impulse of your mind The hard rock animate And your mind with the great pow’r consigned Transforms into immortal state The pure mem’ry of genius great; And you, who with magic brush On canvas plain capture The varied charm of Phoebus, Loved by the divine Apelles And the mantle of Nature; Run! For genius’ sacred flame Awaits the artist’s crowning Spreading far and wide the fame Throughout the sphere proclaiming With trumpet the mortal’s name. Oh, joyful, joyful day, For you fair Philippines! The Almighty blessed be Who, with loving eagerness Sends you luck and happiness.

A Filipinas

In February 1880, Rizal wrote a sonnet dedicated to the Philippines that aimed at encouraging Filipino artists to thank the country through their art works. This is the most passionate poem about the Philippines written by Rizal.

To the Philippines Warm and beautiful like a houri from heaven, Gracious and pure like the rising dawn When it colors the sapphire clouds, There sleeps a goddess of the Indian soil. The light foam of the sonorous sea Kisses her feet with a lover’s desire; The civilized West adores her smile, And the white Pole her flowered veil. My muse, stuttering with tenderness, Sings to her among the naiads and undines; I offer her my happiness and fortune. With green myrtle and purple roses And Madonna lilies crown her pure brow, O artists, and sing the praises of the Philippines!

Rizal Life's Abroad

Rizal did not continue his studies in the Philippines, instead, he went to Europe to widen his learning and to acquire knowledge about a cure for his mother’s worsening eye condition. He left Calamba on May 1, 1882 and was able to reach Manila in ten hours. He left Manila on May 3, 1882, with his brother Paciano and Uncle Antonio Rivera’s blessing. He decided to go abroad after completing his fourth year in the medical course. But he did not seek his parents’ permission because clearly, they will not approve of Rizal’s plan. Bringing with him his disappointments during his days as a student, he left the Philippines for Europe. Initially, he was going to finish his medical course in Barcelona, Spain. Then again, he wanted to make a name for himself in the field of journalism, to observe and study the European society and to prepare himself from being freed from the tyrants of Spain

At the age of 21, the first piece he made was the essay entitled, El Amor Patrio or Love of Country. While writing this, he used the screen name Laong Laan. It was published in the Diariong Tagalog in Manila on August 20, 1882.

On September 1882, Rizal moved to the capital city of Spain to continue his studies. Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid on November 3, 1882 he took up Philosophy and Letters in Medicine. While studying in the university, he also enrolled at the Academy of San Carlos taking up painting and sculpture, and languages in French, German and English. He also took up shooting and fencing at the Hall of Sanz and Carbonell. He also showed great interest in taking the examination in Roman law. Rizal passed the medical examination which he took from June 5 to 26. He was given the degree of Licentiate in Medicine for this and continued his doctorate degree in medicine. However, he was not able to accomplish the diploma because he failed to present the thesis required for graduation. He was allowed to practice medicine but cannot teach medicine. Rizal was saddened by this decision and thought that the education system in Madrid had no difference with that in Manila. He then finished his course in Philosophy and Letters and gained the degree Licenciado en Filosofia y Letras. During this time, Rizal was halfway done with his novel, the Noli Me Tangere.

CIRCULO HISPANO FILIPINO

Circulo Hispano Filipino was a social organization meant to create reforms for the Philippines. The members were mostly Filipino elderlies, who were exiles of 1872. It was led by Juan Atayde, a retired army officer and a Philippine-born Spaniard. They conducted informal programs, which included poetry reading and debates. Even with a busy schedule, Rizal took the time to join his fellow Filipinos in Madrid. The group knew that Rizal is a good writer — he was actually requested to comment or write a few verses to the review published by the group. Rizal was able to do the poem entitled Mi Piden Versos (They Ask Me for Verses). Rizal, while in Madrid, sent a letter to Don Francisco about joining the Circulo Hispano. But later on, he told him that the society was disbanded because of: 1) the differences among its members who were young student expatriates and retired colonials, and 2)due to their age difference. It was difficult for Rizal during his stay in Madrid. There were delays in his monthly allowance coming from the Philippines, considering the financial status of Rizal’s family caused by crop failures brought by drought and locusts, and the increase in rentals of the Dominican hacienda lands in his hometown. Truth be told, there were times when Rizal attended his classes on an empty stomach. Influenced by Miguel Morayta, a history professor at the Universidad de Madrid, Rizal became a member of freemasonry with “Dimasalang” as its masonic name. It is an organization outlawed by the Catholic Church because its beliefs are contrary to the doctrines of the church. It is said that the mason’s view of life is that, knowledge should be achieved by the light of reason and universal brotherhood of men. He became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad on November 15,1890. Hence, Rizal was immediately removed from the Catholic church. Rizal’s love interest in Madrid was Consuelo, Don Pabolo’s daughter. Because of her good traits and beautiful smile he got attracted and fell for her but he held back his feelings for Consuelo knowing that he was engaged with Leonor Rivera in the Philippines. Aside from this, Rizal did not want to ruin his friendship with Eduardo de Lete, who is the latter’s love interest. Before leaving Madrid in 1883, Rizal composed a poem that expressed his admiration to Consuelo, entitled A La Senorita C.O. y R. On June 25, 1884, in honor of Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo Rizal made a speech, the Brindis which gave him praises from the public audience because for the first time, they heard a Filipino delivering a speech fluently in the Castillan language. He stated that Luna and Hidalgo were the pride of Filipino people. Luna was awarded the top prize for his painting Spolarium while Hidalgo got the second place for his painting Virgines Christianas Expuestas al Populacho (Christian Virgins Exposed to the Population). Both Filipino painters joined the National Exposition of Fine Arts. In his speech, Rizal said that intelligence knows no race and the prizes they got were results of both Philippines and Spain. He also hoped that someday, Spain will accept the changes that the Filipinos have to offer. The speech was published in the newspaper, El Liberal.

RIZAL’S LIFE IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Rizal arrived in Paris on November 1885. At that time, he was 24 years old and a full-pledged surgeon. He decided to migrate to Paris to specialize in Ophthalmology, but prior to doing so, he went to visit Maximo Viola, a friend from San Miguel, Bulacan. Rizal also worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert’s eye clinic for four months. During his stay, Rizal knew how to conduct the operation of the eye, its ailments, and the different techniques of eye operation. He spent his past time with his fellow Filipinos in the city, something that contributed much to learning how to speak French fluently. His friends were Felix Hidalgo, Juan Luna and Pardo de Tavera. For the duration of his stay with Juan Luna, Rizal became a model and posed for two historical paintings of Luna: The Blood Compact (as Sikatuna) and Death of Cleopatra (as a Priest). It was also in Paris that he finished some part of his Noli.

Due to high cost of living, Rizal left Paris for Germany on February 1886. He arrived at an old university town in Heidelberg. He worked as an assistant of Dr. Otto Becker at the University Eye Hospital. It is where Rizal mastered the techniques of diagnosing eye ailments, which he learned from Dr. Louis de Wecker. But before transferring to the university, Rizal resided in a German boarding house where he became friends with a number of German law students. He became a member of the Chess Players’ Club of Heidelberg. He was known among the students not because he was good at chess but because he also joined them in their drinking sessions. While in Heidelberg, he used to write letters to his sis-ters Maria and Trinidad in the Philippines, telling them good things about Germany, the good traits of the German students including the women. The letter was to show her sisters that they can imitate the virtues of German women. There, he wrote a poem entitled, A Las Flores de Heidelberg (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) to express his homesickness for his loved ones.

Rizal lived five years of his life abroad and away from his loved ones. He left Rome and rode the train going to Marseilles, France on July 3,1887. He then boarded the Djemnah, the vessel that ferried him to Saigon, and from Saigon, he transferred to the steamer Haiphong in Vietnam and reached Manila on August 5,1887. He stayed in Manila for three days and tried to visit and call Isabelo de los Reyes twice but unfortunately, he was unable to reach him. Later on, he visited Ateneo wherein the Jesuits attempted to get Rizal back to his old faith. Rizal was able to talked to Padre Faura, the priest who showed him the Sacred Heart of Jesus that he carved during his student days. Then, Padre Faura told Rizal all the wrong points that he said in his novel, Noili Me Tangere. But for Rizal, everything he wrote was the truth. Upon Rizal’s arrival in Calamba on August 8, 1887, there were rumors spreading that Rizal was a German spy, a mason and many more. Because of these, Rizal received death threats each day and his family was worried about the possible consequences of such. So Paciano accompanied him whenever he goes out— even his father, Don Francisco, had hesitations on allowing Rizal to go out of their house. Nevertheless, Rizal kept himself busy while in Calamba. He established a medical clinic and his first patient was his mother. He cured the sick and soon he was known to be an eye specialist and surgeon. Rizal successfully removed the cataracts on his mother’s eyes. In the town, Rizal was called Doctor Uliman, because he was mistaken for a German. On August 30, 1887, Rizal left Calamba and went to Manila for he was invited to see Governor-General Emilio Terrero as regards his Noli.

TRIP TO HONG KONG

Rizal arrived in Hong Kong on February 8,1888. His fellow Filipinos namely Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio and Manuel Yriarte, who were all exiled in 1872, met Rizal. In Hong Kong, he was able to study the Chinese language, Chinese drama and theater, Chinese cultures and Chinese values. Rizal even became friends with some Spaniards that were based in Hong Kong. He met Barranda, Terrero’s secretary, together with other Spaniards and went to visit Macao, a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. Rizal and his friends visited the botanical garden, theatre, casino, cathedral and churches, pagodas and bazaars. They lived in the house of Juan Lecaroz and on February 20, 1888, he went back to Hong Kong. Two days after, he left for Japan on Board the SS Oceania on February 22, 1888.

TRIP TO JAPAN AND SHORT ROMANCE WITH O-SEI-SAN

Rizal arrived in Yokohama, Japan and stayed at Tokyo Hotel on February 28, 1888f or a few days. He was then invited by Juan Perez Caballero to live at the Spanish Legation for a month. On March 7,1887, he left the hotel and lived at the Spanish legation. During his stay in Japan, he studied the Japanese language or Nippongo, Japanese culture, theatres, martial arts and visited Japanese provinces. Rizal appreciated the cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese. Rizal then met O-Sei-San and their romance began when he lived at the Spanish legation. They became friends and later on developed to become lovers. O-Sei-San or Seiko Usui and Rizal fell in love for each other. Because of this, Rizal thought of staying in Japan for good. Nonetheless, Rizal had duties to fulfill for his country. So he decided to leave Japan and said his goodbyes to O-Sei-San.

TRIP TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Aboard a steamer on April 28,1888, the entire boat was quarantined when it stopped in San Francisco because accordingly, the ship came from a country where cholera was epidemic. Rizal knew that this was not the fact — he found out that the ship was halted for the Chinese and Japanese laborers who accepted cheap labor, replacing the American laborers. On May 4, 1888, after a week of the quarantine, some passengers were allowed to disembark, except for the Japanese and Chinese passengers who were quarantined for a longer period. Rizal went to different cities in America like Reno, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany, and New York City. He was very much impressed with all the cities for its natural beauty, the hardworking Americans, the material progress and the high standard of living, and the opportunities offered for poor immigrants for a better life. The negative impressions include the lack of racial equality and the presence of racial prejudice against other nations. The Americans value valued money more than human life and fairness and justice were only offered to white people.

TRIP IN LONDON

After Rizal’s trip to the United States of America, he left New York City on May 16, 1888 and arrived in Liverpool, England on May 24 of the same year. He stayed for a day at Adelphi Hotel and left for London the following day. He was welcomed by Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor on May 25, 1888 and stayed as a guest in their home. Dr. Regidor was an exile of 1872 and a practicing lawyer in London. Rizal had reasons why he chose to live in London. First, he wanted to enhance his knowledge on the English language; he sought to have further study on Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas; to do research on the Philippine history; and to continue to write for La Solidaridad in defense of his people against the Spanish tyranny.

IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

On January 28,1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, Belgium. He was accompanied by Jose Alberto when he moved to Brussels. When Jose Alberto left the country, an engineering student, Jose Alejandro stayed with Rizal at the boarding house owned by Suzanne and Marie Jacoby. Aside from the cost of living in Paris, which was too much, Rizal cannot focus on writing his second novel El Filibusterismo because of the social life in Paris that interfered with his writings. While doing the chapters of the novel, he continued to write articles for La Solidaridad and they were: 1. “ A La Defensa” (To la Defensa) on April 30, 1889 as his answer to an Anti-Filipino writing of Patricio de la Escorura; 2. “La Verdad Para Todos” (The Truth For All) on May 31, 1889 as his reply against the Spanish accusations that the Filipino officials were ignorant and immoral; 3. “Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo” on June 15, 1889; 4. Barrantes’ ignorance on the theatrical art of the Tagalog; 5. “Una Profanacion” (A Profanation) on July 31, 1889 as his attack against the friars for ignoring and not allowing Christian burial for his brother-in-law, Mariano Herbosa; 6. “Crueldad” (Cruelty) on July 31, 1889 defending Blumentritt from mocking and insulting attacks of his rivals; 7. “Verdades Nuevas” (New Truths) on August 15, 1889, that because of the letter written by Vicente Belloc Sanchez, saying that if reforms were granted, it will start in the destruction of the peaceful ruling of the friars in the Philippines; 8. “Diferencias” (Differences) on September 15, 1889 in response of the attacks of the article, saying mean and bad comments to the Filipinos who were then protesting for reforms from the Spanish government; 9. “Inconsequencias” (Inconsequences) on November 30, 1889 to defend Antonio Luna against the attacks of Pablo Mir Deas’s article in El Pueblo Soberano, a newspaper in Barcelona; 10.“LLanto y Risas” (Tears and Laughters) on November 30, 1889 as Rizal’s way of saving the Filipinos from the Spaniards racial prejudice; 11.“Ingratitudes” (Ingratitudes) on January 15, 1890 in response to Governor-General Weyler’s words, that people of Calamba should not be fooled by empty promises of their ungrateful sons.

On the other hand, Rizal received bad news coming from home that his family and relatives were forced to leave and go to different places because the Calamba land problem had worsened, that the Dominican management raised the rents for the land. This was the reason why the tenants, including Rizal’s father, refused to pay the rent, which resulted for the filing of a case by the Dominicans to strip the ownership of Calamba land from the Rizal family. The illegal eviction of his family angered him and made him depressed. Rizal planned to go home to the Philippines because he could not bear the pain about what happened to his family. Rizal then wrote a poem entitled “A Mi Musa” (To My Muse) to address his disappointments on the land problems of Calamba. This poem was published in La Solidaridad with Laong Laan as Rizal’s pen name on December 15,1890. Rizal failed to defend the case against the Dominicans and justice was not received for his family and the tenants of Calamba. While in Madrid, Rizal attended a gathering of Filipinos where he had a fight with Antonio Luna and dared Wenceslao Retana to a duel. Retana, was a Spanish scholar and Rizal’s rival in writing.

LIFE IN HONG KONG

Rizal left Madrid and went to Hong Kong after he published the El Fili in Europe. He did not like the political situation between him and del Pilar, and the other Filipinos in Spain. It was during this time that Rizal heard that his friend, Jose Ma. Panganiban (his pen name was Jomapa), bid his farewell to the world. As saddened as he was, he recognized Jomapa’s talent, intelligence, and industry through a eulogy, considering him as a lost for the country. Due to his unpleasant experiences in Madrid, Rizal planned on leaving the political life in Europe to focus on his mission instead. On November 20,1891, he arrived in Hong Kong. He then decided to practice medicine, through his association with Dr. Lorenzo P. Marquez, so he applied for a license and the license and was eventually granted. His family went to Hong Kong and he supported them in the city.

Jose Rizal’s Sisters

Rizal had nine (9) sisters namely, Saturnina, Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia, Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad, and Soledad.

Jose Rizal belonged to a big family of thirteen (including his parents). He had one brother, Paciano, and nine sisters. Aside from Rizal’s sweethearts, let’s get to know the important women in his life.

Saturnina Rizal (1850-1913)

Saturnina was the eldest child of Francisco Mercado II and Teodora Alonso Realonda. She was married to Manuel Timoteo Hidalgo of Tanauan, Batangas. It was Doña Saturnina who published Pascual Poblete’s translation in Tagalog language of the Noli Me Tangere in 1909.

Narcisa Rizal (1852-1939)

Narcisa is the third child and was married to Antonio Lopez, a teacher and musician from Morong, Rizal. Like a doting sister, Narcisa was very close to Rizal and could recite all of Rizal’s poems from memory.

Olympia Rizal (1855-1887)

Olympia was married to Silvestre Ubaldo, who was a telegraph operator from Manila. Olympia unfortunately died in 1887 from childbirth.

Lucia Rizal (1857-1919)

Lucia was the fifth child and was married to Matriano Herbosa. One important fact to know is that Lucia’s daughter, Delfina, was the first wife of Gen. Salvador Natividad and Delfina helped Marcela Agoncillo to make the first Philippine flag in Hong Kong.

Maria Rizal (1859-1945)

Maria was the sixth child in the family. She married Daniel Faustino Cruz of Biñan, Laguna.

Concepcion Rizal (1862-1865)

Concepcion (nicknamed “Concha”) did not live long to see Rizal’s martyrdom. She died early at the age of three.

Josefa Rizal (1865-1945)

Josefa Rizal was nicknamed Panggoy  in the family. Despite suffering from epilepsy, she joined and was an active member of the Katipunan. She died a spinster.

Trinidad Rizal (1868-1951)

Josefa and Trinidad were together living. Like Josefa, Trinidad also became a member of the Katipunan and died a spinster, as well. Rizal’s elegy, Mi Ultimo Adios , was in the safekeeping of Trinidad.

Soledad Rizal (1870-1929)

Soledad, the youngest child in the family, was married to Pantaleon Quintero. She was a teacher and was considered as the best educated among the sisters of Rizal.

Photos courtesy of wikimedia.org, ourhappyschool.com, and facebook.com/Rizal.In.Barong.Tagalog.

Related Articles

Related posts.

Join the Discussion Cancel reply

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF RIZAL'S FAMILY

Related Papers

Marie de Mesa

Junrex Recones

Coiren Bagui

Regina Lozano

Nark Anthony Sabado

Michael Charleston B Chua

John Manuel De Leon

Joanne Basco

Eugene Miras

Loise Salva Morales

about RIzal

RELATED PAPERS

Hessa Meneses

rachelleanne untalan

Jerwin Barroga

Franklin Rausch

Rolando M Gripaldo

Jade Canilao

Eyrus Soriano

Jacob Israel

Janeth Agusin Ü

Hannmae Concepcion

Joseph Reylan Viray

Noemi Mejia

Floro Quibuyen

Critical Inquiry

Vicente L . Rafael

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

• Philippines
• The Life And Legacy Of...

The Life and Legacy of José Rizal: National Hero of the Philippines

Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is not only admired for possessing intellectual brilliance but also for taking a stand and resisting the Spanish colonial government. While his death sparked a revolution to overthrow the tyranny, Rizal will always be remembered for his compassion towards the Filipino people and the country.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Humble beginnings

José Protasio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda was born on June 19, 1861 to Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo in the town of Calamba in the province of Laguna. He had nine sisters and one brother. At the early age of three, the future political leader had already learned the English alphabet. And, by the age of five, José could already read and write.

Upon enrolling at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now referred to as Ateneo De Manila University ), he dropped the last three names in his full name, after his brother’s advice – hence, being known as José Protasio Rizal. His performance in school was outstanding – winning various poetry contests, impressing his professors with his familiarity of Castilian and other foreign languages, and crafting literary essays that were critical of the Spanish historical accounts of pre-colonial Philippine societies.

A man with multiple professions

While he originally obtained a land surveyor and assessor’s degree in Ateneo, Rizal also took up a preparatory course on law at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). But when he learned that his mother was going blind, he decided to switch to medicine school in UST and later on specialized in ophthalmology. In May 1882, he decided to travel to Madrid in Spain , and earned his Licentiate in Medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid.

Apart from being known as an expert in the field of medicine, a poet, and an essayist, Rizal exhibited other amazing talents. He knew how to paint, sketch, and make sculptures. Because he lived in Europe for about 10 years, he also became a polyglot – conversant in 22 languages. Aside from poetry and creative writing, Rizal had varying degrees of expertise in architecture, sociology, anthropology, fencing, martial arts, and economics to name a few.

His novels awakened Philippine nationalism

Rizal had been very vocal against the Spanish government, but in a peaceful and progressive manner. For him, “the pen was mightier than the sword.” And through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government officials as well as the Spanish friars.

While in Barcelona, Rizal contributed essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish newspaper, La Solidaridad. Most of his writings, both in his essays and editorials, centered on individual rights and freedom, specifically for the Filipino people . As part of his reforms, he even called for the inclusion of the Philippines to become a province of Spain.

But, among his best works , two novels stood out from the rest – Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo ( The Reign of the Greed).

In both novels, Rizal harshly criticized the Spanish colonial rule in the country and exposed the ills of Philippine society at the time. And because he wrote about the injustices and brutalities of the Spaniards in the country, the authorities banned Filipinos from reading the controversial books. Yet they were not able to ban it completely. As more Filipinos read the books, their eyes opened to the truth that they were suffering unspeakable abuses at the hands of the friars. These two novels by Rizal, now considered his literary masterpieces, are said to have indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal’s unfateful days

Upon his return to the Philippines, Rizal formed a progressive organization called the La Liga Filipina. This civic movement advocated social reforms through legal means. Now Rizal was considered even more of a threat by the Spanish authorities (alongside his novels and essays), which ultimately led to his exile in Dapitan in northern Mindanao .

This however did not stop him from continuing his plans for reform. While in Dapitan, Rizal built a school, hospital, and water system. He also taught farming and worked on agricultural projects such as using abaca to make ropes.

In 1896, Rizal was granted leave by then Governor-General Blanco, after volunteering to travel to Cuba to serve as doctor to yellow fever victims. But at that time, the Katipunan had a full-blown revolution and Rizal was accused of being associated with the secret militant society. On his way to Cuba, he was arrested in Barcelona and sent back to Manila to stand for trial before the court martial. Rizal was charged with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion – and therefore, sentenced to death by firing squad.

Days before his execution, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through one of his final letters, entitled Mi último adiós or My Last Farewell. Dr. José Rizal was executed on the morning of December 30, 1896, in what was then called Bagumbayan (now referred to as Luneta). Upon hearing the command to shoot him, he faced the squad and uttered in his final breath: “ Consummatum est” (It is finished). According to historical accounts , only one bullet ended the life of the Filipino martyr and hero.

His legacy lives on

After his death, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. And with the assistance of the United States , the Philippines declared its independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. This was the time that the Philippine flag was waved at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite.

Today, Dr. Rizal’s brilliance, compassion, courage, and patriotism are greatly remembered and recognized by the Filipino people. His two novels are continuously being analyzed by students and professionals.

Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require their students to take a subject which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Every year, the Filipinos celebrate Rizal Day – December 30 each year – to commemorate his life and works. Filipinos look back at how his founding of La Liga Filipina and his two novels had an effect on the early beginnings of the Philippine Revolution. The people also recognize his advocacy to achieve liberty through peaceful means rather than violent revolution.

In honor of Rizal, memorials and statues of the national hero can be found not only within the Philippines, but in selected cities around the world. A road in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi (India) and in Medan, Indonesia is named after him. The José Rizal Bridge and Rizal Park in the city of Seattle are also dedicated to the late hero.

Within the Philippines, there are streets, towns/cities, a university (Rizal University), and a province named after him. Three species have also been named after Rizal – the Draco rizali (a small lizard, known as a flying dragon), Apogania rizali (a very rare kind of beetle with five horns) and the Rhacophorus rizali (a peculiar frog species).

To commemorate what he did for the country, the Philippines built a memorial park for him – now referred to as Rizal Park, found in Manila . There lies a monument which contains a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal, an obelisk, and a stone base said to contain his remains. The monument stands near the place where he fell during his execution in Luneta.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best pet-friendly hotels in tagaytay, the philippines.

What Are the Best Resorts to Book in the Philippines?

The Best Hotels to Book In Tagaytay for Every Traveller

Hip Holiday Apartments in the Philippines You'll Want to Call Home

The Best Hotels to Book in Palawan, the Philippines

Where to Stay in Tagaytay, the Philippines, for a Local Experience

The Best Hotels to Book in Pasay, the Philippines

See & Do

Exhilarating ways to experience the great outdoors in the philippines.

The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Tagaytay

The Best Resorts in Palawan, the Philippines

Bed & Breakfasts in the Philippines

The Best Hotels to Book in the Philippines for Every Traveller

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1000117287
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload