Rizal
What is José Rizal’s full birth name?
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
How many siblings did José Rizal have in total?
There were 11 children in the family in total.
True or False: He wrote the poem "Sa Aking Mga Kababata" when he was young.
False — this is a myth; he did NOT write that poem.
Who taught Rizal the alphabet and prayers in 1864?
His mother and his sister Saturnina.
Who was Father Leoncio Lopez?
He was the Calamba Parish Priest.
When and where was José Rizal born?
He was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.
Which sibling was José’s only brother and influenced his political views?
His only brother was Paciano.
At what age could he read and write?
He could read and write by age 3.
Who was the tutor that taught Rizal Spanish and Latin but died after only 5 months?
Leon Monroy.
Which uncle inspired Rizal to love reading and critical thinking?
Tiyo Gregorio.
What was his position among their 11 children, and how many boys and girls were there in the family?
He was the 7th of 11 children — there were 2 boys and 9 girls.
Who was Rizal’s first teacher, and what did she teach him by age 3?
His first teacher was Doña Teodora Alonso Realonda. By age 3 she taught him the alphabet, reading, and prayers.
What literary work did he write at age 8, and how much was it sold for?
He wrote a Tagalog play at age 8, and it was bought for ₱2 — his first literary income.
What did Rizal do around age 5 (1866)?
He read the Spanish Bible, and did clay modeling and sketching.
What important lesson did Father Leoncio Lopez teach José Rizal?
He showed Rizal that religion and reason could coexist.
Why was José Rizal advised to use the surname "Rizal" instead of "Mercado" when he studied at the Ateneo?
His brother Paciano kept "Mercado" but was being watched because of his connections to Gomburza. To keep José safe, he was advised to use "Rizal" instead.
When and where was Don Francisco Mercado Rizal born?
He was born on May 11, 1818 in Biñan.
What lesson did he learn from the story The Moth & the Flame?
He learned that it is worth sacrificing one’s life for light and truth.
By age 9 (1870), what did Rizal achieve in his studies?
He topped his class in Spanish and Latin.
What skills did Tiyo José Alberto help develop in Rizal?
Painting, sketching, and sculpture.
What was notable about Rizal’s birth, and what does the surname "Mercado" mean?
His birth was difficult because his head was unusually large. "Mercado" means market.
Why did Rizal feel deep sadness when he was young?
His sister Concepcion (Concha) died at age 3 — this was his first great grief and deepened his sensitivity.
What animals did he have, and where did he often ride or walk?
He had a pony named Alipato and a dog named Usman; he rode and walked by Laguna de Bay.
In June 1869, where was Rizal sent to study and under whom?
He was sent to Biñan under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz.
What did Tiyo Manuel encourage Rizal to do?
Tiyo Manuel encouraged wrestling, exercise, and building physical strength.