2. Introduction
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda also
known as Dr. Jose Rizal was a writer, polymath, and
nationalist for the Philippines who was active at the
end of Spanish colonial rule. He is held in high
regard as a national hero in the Philippines. He
passed away in Manila's Rizal Park on December 30,
1896, after been born in Calamba on June 19, 1861.
His siblings also know Josefa Mercado, Paciano
Rizal, Saturnina Hidalgo, and his wife, Josephine
Bracken (born 1896, died 1896). His parents are
Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda.
3. Overview
Filipino nationalist, author, and revolutionary José Rizal was a key figure in
the country's struggle for independence from Spanish colonial control. He is
well-known for his literary works, such as "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," which made Spanish colonialism's injustices clear and gave
Filipinos a sense of identity. Through his writings and actions, Rizal promoted
education, nonviolent resistance against injustice, and social improvements. The
Filipino independence movement was sparked by his martyrdom, and as a result,
the nation was eventually freed from Spanish dominion in 1898.
4. History (Jose Rizal Educational Background)
Ateneo Municipal de
Manila: This is where
Rizal started his official
schooling in 1872. He
kept studying until
1877.
University of Santo
Tomas: From 1877
until 1882, he studied
medicine here, but he
later transferred to
another university
because Dominican
teachers had
discriminated against
him.
Rizal continued his
education in the
Universidad Central de
Madrid, Spain, from
1882 to 1885. He
earned a medical
degree as well as a
philosophy and letters
license.
Universities of Paris
and Heidelberg: From
1885 to 1887, Rizal
pursued his education
in Europe, mostly at
these two
establishments.
5. Interesting facts
José Rizal's extraordinary intelligence was well known. He was
a polymath who was gifted in many subjects, including
philosophy, languages, medicine, literature, and the arts. His
writings, fluency in several languages, accomplishments at
numerous academic institutions around the globe, and
capacity to assess society problems critically and suggest
solutions were all clear indications of his intellectual prowess.
The combination of Rizal's intelligence and his fervor for
promoting social transformation and a sense of national
awakening greatly enhanced his enduring influence on
Philippine literature and history.
6. Jose Rizal was proficient in
several languages. Including;
Spanish: He completed his official schooling and
composed his most important works in this language.
His mother tongue, Tagalog, is widely spoken
throughout the Philippines.
English: Rizal wrote and corresponded in English,
demonstrating his fluency with the language.
French: During his studies in Europe, he picked up the
language and used it to his academic endeavors.
German: During his stay in Europe, Rizal also studied
and improved his German language skills.
Latin: He had good command of Latin, which as
essential language in academic and scientific circles
during his time.
7. The importance of Jose
Rizal’s work to Filipino
Noli Me Tangere: This novel serves as a catalyst for
Filipino nationalism. It exposed the injustices and
abuses of the Spanish colonial government and the
friars, highlighting the social issues and
discrimination faced by Filipinos during that time. It
ignited a spirit of awakening and resistance among
the Filipino people, inspiring them to strive for
reforms and fight for their rights.
8. The importance of Jose
Rizal’s work to Filipino
El Filibusterismo: Expanding on the ideas presented
in its predecessor, "El Filibusterismo" digs more into
the brutal reality of persecution and colonial
control. It sparked a cry for revolution against the
oppressors and further shook up the nation. This
follow-up stoked the flames of Filipino opposition
to Spanish rule and increased the yearning for
change.
9. Resources
Book: Gregorio F. Zaide and Sonia M. Zaide's book "Jose Rizal: Life,
Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National
Hero"A. R. Ocampo's "Rizal Without the Overcoat"
Austin Coates' "Rizal: Philippine Nationalist and Martyr"
Internet Pages and Articles:
Website of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
(NHCP): Frequently updated with records, information, and articles
about Rizal's life.
A succinct synopsis of Rizal's life, accomplishments, and contributions
may be found on Biography.com.
Pictures and Documentaries:
Tikoy Aguiluz is the director of the Filipino biographical film "Rizal sa
Dapitan" (Rizal in Dapitan), which is about Rizal's exile in Dapitan.
"José Rizal" (1998): Marilou Diaz-Abaya's biographical Filipino film
that portrayed Rizal's life.
Exhibitions and Museums: