Family, Childhood, and Early Education

• 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 members family, including his parents, Francisco Mercado II and Teodora Alonso Realonda, nine sisters, and one brother.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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."
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.