Main Topic 2: Jose Rizal's Genealogy and Early Education

• What is José Rizal's full name?

  José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
• Who chose the name "José" for Rizal?

  His mother
• What does the surname "Rizal" mean in Spanish?

  It means 'rice' or 'wheat fields'
• What is the meaning of the term "Mercado" in English?

  Market
• What was the birthdate of José Rizal?

  June 19, 1861
• Where was José Rizal born?

  Calamba, Laguna
• Who baptized José Rizal?

  Fr. Rufino Collantes
• What did Fr. Rufino Collantes say about Rizal?


  He said to take good care of him, for he would become a great man.
• Who was Rizal's godfather?

  Father Pedro Casanas
• What are the racial origins of Rizal's clan?

  Negrito, Indones, Malay, Tsino, Hapon, Espanyol
• Who is Rizal's great, great grandfather?

  Doming Lam-Co
• How many siblings did Rizal have?

  10 siblings
• What is the full name of Rizal's mother?

  Teodora Alonso Realonda y Quintos
• What was Francisco Rizal's profession?


  Educated farmer
• What were the educational qualifications of Francisco Rizal?

  He had studies in Latin and Philosophy.
• What was Teodora Alonso Realonda known for?


  She had insights into literature, art, music, and Filipino culture.
• Who was the eldest child of the Rizal-Alonzo marriage?

  Saturnina Rizal
• What did Paciano Rizal become after studying?

  He became a farmer and later a general of the Philippine Revolution.
• What was the profession of Narcisa Rizal?

  She was a teacher and musician.
• How did Olympia Rizal die?

  She died from childbirth.
• What was the fate of Concepcion Rizal?

  She died at the age of three.
• What condition did Josefa Rizal have?

  She was epileptic.
• Who was the youngest child of the Rizal family?

  Soledad Rizal
• What was Rizal's condition as a child?

  He was frail, sickly, and undersized.
• Who was Rizal's first teacher?

  His mother
• At what age did Rizal learn the alphabet and prayers?

  At the age of three
• What qualities did Doña Teodora possess as a tutor?


  She was patient, conscientious, and understanding.
• What talent did Doña Teodora discover in Rizal?

  His talent for poetry
• What was Rizal's favorite story as a child?

  "The Moth Story" or "Ang Kuwento ng Gamu-Gamo"
• Who were the first private tutors employed by Rizal's parents?

  Maestro Celestino and Maestro Lucas Padua
• What did Rizal's parents decide after the death of Leon Monroy?

  To send their gifted son to a private school in Biñan
• Who was Rizal's tutor in Biñan?

  Justiniano Aquino Cruz
• What were the four R's that characterized Rizal's early education?

  Reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion
• How was the instruction in Rizal's early education described?

  It was rigid and strict.
• What method was used to force knowledge into the minds of pupils?

  The tedious memory method aided by the teacher’s whip
• What happened on Rizal's first day at school?

  He had a brawl with another student named Pedro.
• What challenge did Rizal face on his first day of school?

  He was challenged to an arm-wrestling match and lost.
• How did Rizal respond to challenges from other boys in Biñan?

  He never ran away from a fight.
• What were the key aspects of Rizal's early education?

  • Early education was characterized by private tutors.
  • First tutor: Maestro Celestino.
  • Second tutor: Maestro Lucas Padua.
  • Later tutored by Leon Monroy.
  • Attended a private school in Biñan under Justiniano Aquino Cruz.
  • Education focused on reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion.
  • Instruction was rigid and strict, using a memory method.
• What were the significant events in Rizal's early life that shaped his character?


  • Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.
  • Baptized on June 22, 1861, by Fr. Rufino Collantes.
  • Early education under his mother and private tutors.
  • Faced challenges and fights in school, showing resilience.
  • Discovered talent for poetry by his mother.