Key Vocabulary

• Ilustrados: Refers to the educated and elite class in the Philippines during Spanish colonial times.
• Pet name: A affectionate nickname; in Rizal's case, "Pepe".
• Rizal: The surname given to Jose Rizal by a Spanish provincial governor of Laguna, meaning a field where wheat sprouts again.
• Mercado: A surname meaning 'market' in English; it was part of Rizal's family name before he adopted 'Rizal'.
• Governor-General: The head of the colonial government in the Philippines during Rizal's time, specifically referring to Lieutenant-General Jose Lemery in this context.

Key Points

Early Life

• Birth: Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines; his mother faced difficulties during his delivery.
• Baptism: He was baptized on June 22, 1861, by Father Rufino Collantes, who predicted Rizal's greatness.
• Family: He had eleven siblings (two brothers and nine sisters) and was raised in a supportive and affectionate household.

Family Background

• Parents: Francisco Mercado Rizal, his father, was a tenant-farmer and shop owner; Teodora Alonzo Realonda, his mother, was well-educated and culturally refined.
• Home: The family resided in a two-storey house that was earthquake-proof, reflecting their social standing in the town's principalia.

Education and Achievements

• Professions and Talents: Rizal was a multi-talented individual, excelling in various fields such as medicine, literature, and art.
• Literary Contribution: He wrote significant works that contributed to the Philippine national consciousness and reform movements.

Influences and Values

• Religious Upbringing: Rizal's mother taught him prayers and emphasized a devout Catholic life.
• Cultural Influence: The family library, containing over 1,000 volumes, fostered a love for literature and education.

Social Dynamics

• Social Standing: The Rizal family enjoyed a respectable position within the local aristocracy.
• Dona Teodora's Values: Jose Rizal's mother turned down financial aid from the government, emphasizing her family's principles over material gain.

Important Data

• Birthdate: Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861.
• Baptism: He was baptized on June 22, 1861.
• Family Composition: Jose Rizal had 11 siblings.
• Mother's Birthdate: Dona Teodora was born on November 8, 1826.
• Significant Events:
  • He was influenced by his mother's teachings and stories, reflecting the cultural values of their time.

Additional Aspects

Family Values and Traditions

• Parental Influence: Rizal's parents emphasized discipline, education, and moral values.
• Family Activities: Engaged in farming, attending mass, and hosting social gatherings during fiestas.

Personal Experiences

• First Memory: Jose Rizal’s first memory was of joy in the family garden at the age of three.
• Childhood Sorrow: The death of his sister, Concha, was a significant early sorrow in his life.

Literary Influence

• "Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo": A poem written by Rizal reflecting his nostalgia and connection to his hometown.

This summary encapsulates the profound impact of Jose Rizal's family and upbringing on his development into a national hero and cultural icon for the Philippines.