Family, Childhood, and Early Education

• The Mercado-Rizal Family

  • Ancestry: The Mercado-Rizal family had Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Malay, and Negrito heritage.

  • Paternal Lineage: Domingo Lam-co, a Chinese immigrant from Amoy, China, married Ines de la Rosa, a Chinese half-breed.

  • Family Size: Jose Rizal was part of a 13-member family, including his parents, Francisco Mercado II and Teodora Alonso Realonda, nine sisters, and one brother.
• Parents of Jose Rizal

  • Francisco Mercado II: Youngest of 13 children, studied at San Jose College in Manila, and was a farmer.

  • Teodora Alonso Realonda: Born in Manila, business-minded, religious, studied at Colegio de Santa Rosa, had Spanish and Japanese ancestry, and was the second child of Brijida de Quintos and Lorenzo Alonso.
• Rizal Siblings

  • Saturnina Rizal: Eldest, married Manuel Hidalgo.

  • Paciano Rizal: Only brother, studied at San Jose College, farmer, and general in the Philippine Revolution.

  • Other Siblings: Narcisa, Olympia, Lucia, Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad, and Soledad (youngest, married Pantaleon Quintero).
• The Rizal Surname

  • Origin: Adopted by Francisco Mercado after a decree by Governor General Narciso Claveria in 1849, requiring Filipino families to use Spanish surnames.

  • Jose’s Usage: Jose adopted the surname Rizal to travel freely and avoid association with his brother Paciano, who was linked to subversive priests.
• Early Education

  • First Teacher: His mother, Teodora, taught him to read, pray, and write poetry.

  • Private Tutors: Taught him Spanish and Latin before attending a private school in Biñan.
• Formal Education

  • Ateneo Municipal de Manila: Entered at 11 years old, excelled in philosophy, physics, chemistry, and natural history, and won prizes for poetry.
• University of Santo Tomas

  • Studied Philosophy and Letters, later shifted to ophthalmology to help his mother who was going blind, but did not complete due to political isolation.
• Studies Abroad

  • Europe: Traveled secretly to Europe in May 1882.

  • Universidad Central de Madrid: Earned a Licentiate in Medicine and studied philosophy and literature.

  • University of Paris and University of Heidelberg: Completed eye specialization in 1887, the same year his novel "Noli Me Tangere" was published in Berlin.
• Skills and Achievements

  • Polymath: Mastered various subjects and skills, including medicine, farming, naturalism (discovered new species), writing, visual arts, sports (martial arts, fencing, shooting), music, and social sciences.
• Rizal's Trial and Imprisonment

  • Rizal faced trial by a Spanish military court starting December 6, 1896, on charges of sedition, rebellion, and conspiracy.

  • He was imprisoned in Barcelona and later Fort Santiago for alleged involvement in the Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio against Spanish rule.

  • Despite being permitted to serve as a military surgeon in Cuba, Rizal was arrested en route to Spain.
• Manifesto and Charges

  • Before his arrest, Rizal issued a manifesto disavowing the revolution, emphasizing the need for Filipino education and identity before seeking independence.

  • He faced charges of rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy, partly based on his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
• Trial Proceedings

  • The trial involved accusations related to Rizal's writings and activities, including the founding of La Liga Filipina and promotion of rebellion.

  • Witnesses and evidence were presented, leading to Rizal's conviction despite his plea of innocence.
• Execution

  • Despite appeals, Rizal was sentenced to death by firing squad and executed on December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park).

  • His execution stirred emotions and marked a significant event in Philippine history, symbolizing resistance to colonial oppression.
• Final Moments

  • Rizal spent his last hours writing letters, including the famous "Ultimo Adios" (Last Farewell) poem.

  • He was said to have married his Irish girlfriend before his execution.

  • Rizal faced his death with bravery, refusing blindfolds and kneeling, and shouting "Consummatum Est" (It is finished) before the shots were fired.
• Legacy and Burial

  • Rizal's family struggled to retrieve his body, which was secretly buried in Paco Cemetery.

  • His remains were eventually exhumed and interred beneath the Rizal Monument in Luneta after the American occupation of Manila.

  • Rizal's execution and legacy continue to inspire Filipinos in their pursuit of freedom and national identity.