About Rizal

• Born on June 19, 1861 at Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
• Known for his two novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo", which exposed Spanish colonial abuses in the Philippines.
• Parents of Jose Rizal:

  • Francisco Mercado - born on May 11, 1818. A Descendant of Chinese immigrants in Calamba, Laguna
  • Teodora Alonzo - born on November 9, 1827 in Santa Cruz, Manila
• Siblings of Rizal:

  • Saturnina Rizal
  • Paciano Rizal
  • Narcisa Riza
  • Olympia Rizal
  • Lucia Rizal
  • Maria Rizal
  • Jose Rizal
  • Conception Rizal
  • Josefa Rizal
  • Trinidad Rizal
  • Soledad Rizal
• Full name of Jose Rizal: Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda
• June 12, 1956, President Ramon Magsaysay, signed the Republic Act 1425, a law that requires all schools private and public to teach the life and works of Jose Rizal, especially his books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
• The purpose of RA 1425 is to instill the true meaning of nationalism and patriotism in every Filipino, especially the younger generation.
• Rizal Bill (RA 1425) states that the Life and Works of Rizal is a mandatory subject in the Philippines
• Claro M. Recto is the main proponent of the Rizal Bill.
• Goals of RA 1425:

  1. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism, for which our heroes lived and died
  2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his his life and works in shaping the Filipino character.
  3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal's life, works, and writings.
• In 1994, former President Fidel V. Ramos threw Memorandum Order No. 247 to fully implement the RA 1425.
• In 1995, CHED Memorandum No. 3 enforces the Memorandum Order No. 247.
• Rizal is proficient in several languages such as:

  • Tagalog
  • Spanish
  • Latin
  • Greek
  • German
  • French
  • English
  • Japanese
• "Sa Aking Mga Kabata" The writing of Rizal when he was eight years old. He expressed his love for the Filipino language and his desire to preserve the nation's identity.
• Rizal's First Love: Segunda Katigbak

  She is a family friend. Although the romantic relationship did not materialize, this experience influenced some of Rizal's later writings on love and relationships.
• Claveria Decree - the Spaniards issued this in 1849 in an attempt to assign all Filipinos surnames.
• Pepe is Rizal's nickname
• Noli Me Tangere was publish in 1887 in Berlin, Germany
• El Filibusterismo was published in 1891 in Ghent, Belgium
• Father Rufino Collantes the parish priest that baptized Jose Rizal in Catholic church.
• The very first teacher of Jose Rizal: His mother, Teodora Alonzo. She taught him how to read, pray, and inspired him to start writing poetry at a very young age.
• Uncle Jose Alberto taught him various taught him various art forms such as painting, sketching, and sculpture.
• Uncle Gregorio, his guidance developed Rizal's stronger love for reading.
• Uncle Manuel taught Rizal various athletic skills, including swimming, fencing, wrestling, martial arts, and others.
• Leon Monroy taught Rizal on writing, reading, and Latin
• Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz, he knew Latin and Spanish grammar by heart. He taught Rizal in Binan, Laguna before Rizal was sent to Manila.
• Death of Rizal: December 30, 1896, Rizal Park, Manila