Childhood Years in Calamba

• Calamba is a hacienda-town covered with irrigated rice fields & sugar-lands
• In 2015, Calamba was inhabited by 456,486 people and ranked as the 5th densest city in the province
• The oldest part of Calamba is believed to be Barangay Sucol
• Prominent landmarks in Calamba include Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, and Mt. Makiling
• Rizal's early childhood memories include happy days in a nipa cottage, being frail, sickly, and undersized, and being attended by a nursemaid or "aya"
• Rizal often left alone but had pets named Culiauan, Maya, Maria Capra, Martin, and Pipit
• Rizal enjoyed storytelling, engaged in nocturnal walks in town, observed the daily Angelus prayer, and spent time in the azotea, a rooftop/terrace symbolizing affluence
• Rizal's sister, Concepcion (Concha) Rizal, died of sickness in 1865 at the age of 3
• Rizal was raised as a devout Catholic, taught Catholic prayers by his mother, and learned to read the Spanish family Bible at age 5
• Rizal loved church activities like praying, taking part in novenas, and joining religious processions
• In June 6, 1868, Rizal and his father embarked on a pilgrimage to Antipolo, where they prayed at the shrine of the Virgin of Antipolo
• After the pilgrimage, they visited Manila to see Saturnina, who was a boarding student at La Concordia College in Santa Ana
• Rizal's first poem, "Sa Aking Mga Kabata," was written at the age of 8 and emphasized the importance of loving one's native language for liberty
• Rizal's first drama, a Tagalog comedy, was written and staged at the age of 8 during a festival in Calamba
• Rizal had early interest in magic, learned tricks like making a coin disappear, and gained skill in manipulating marionettes
• Rizal visited Laguna de Bay during twilight, reflecting on the oppression faced by his people and awakening his determination to fight tyranny
• Rizal's hereditary influences included traits from his Malay, Chinese, and Spanish ancestors, as well as values instilled by his parents
• Environmental influences on Rizal included scenic beauties of Calamba, family garden, and the guidance of relatives and mentors
• Rizal's aid of divine providence was seen in his versatile gifts as a genius, vibrant spirit of nationalism, and valiant heart to sacrifice for a noble cause
• Summary of the story of the moth:

  • Describes a moth drawn to a flame’s light despite warnings from its mother, leading to its demise in the flames
• Childhood similarities (PEPE):

  • Curiosity & innocence
  • Sense of wonder
  • Impressionable
  • Exploration
• Adult similarities (Dr. Jose Rizal):

  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Risk-taker
  • Passion & sense of duty
  • Driven by inner convictions
• MESSAGE OF THE POEM

  ➣ proclaimed that people who truly love their native language will strive for liberty

  ➣ “the bird which soars to freer space above”

  ➣ mentioned that Tagalog is the equal of any other language
• INFLUENCES ON HERO’S BOYHOOD

  ➣ hereditary influence

  ➣ environmental influence

  ➣ aid of the divine providence

  ➣ Rizal had all favorable influences which no other child in our country enjoyed in his time
• FR. LEONCIO LOPEZ

  • love for scholarship & intellectual honesty
• SPANISH OPPRESSION & EXECUTION OF GOMBURZA

  • patriotism & inspiration to redeem the people
• SCENIC BEAUTIES OF CALAMBA & GARDEN OF RIZAL’S FAMILY

  • artistic & literary talent
• TIO JOSE ALBERTO

  • develop artistic ability
• TIO GREGORIO

  • reading of good books
• Love for freedom, desire to travel, courage.

  Malayan Ancestors
• Serious nature, frugality, patience, love for children.

  Chinese Ancestors
• Elegance of bearing, sensitivity to insult, gallantry to ladies.

  Spanish Ancestors
• Love for work, self-respect, independent thinking.

  Father
• Religiousness, self-sacrifice, arts and literature.

  Mother