The Turning Point: Jose Rizal's Life, Education, and Legacy

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, people, works, and events from Jose Rizal’s life and writings as presented in the lecture notes.

Jose Rizal (birth)

Born June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna; seventh child of Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda; affectionately called 'Pepe.'

Francisco Mercado (father)

Rizal’s father, born May 11, 1818 in Biñan; Latin and Philosophy studies; tenant-farmer; described as hardy, independent, and strong in spirit.

Teodora Alonso Realonda (mother)

Rizal’s mother, born November 8, 1826; educated at Santa Rosa; influential, refined, and a cornerstone of Rizal’s early education and values.

Siblings of Jose Rizal

Rizal had 10 siblings; Paciano (eldest) and sisters/brothers including Saturnina, Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia, Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad, and Soledad; each contributed to the family’s unity.

Story of the Moth

A tale Doña Teodora used to teach Rizal about obedience and temptation, fueling his early poetic imagination.

Private tutors

Celestino (first), Lucas Padua (second), and Leon Monroy (elder); Monroy taught Spanish/Latin but died after five months.

First formal schooling in Binan

Rizal moved to Binan at age nine for Latin studies; studied under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz; faced a bully but excelled academically.

Imprisonment of Doña Teodora

At 11, Rizal witnessed his mother’s arrest; she was imprisoned for two years and walked 50 kilometers around Laguna during detention.

Ateneo de Municipal

Rizal enrolled at age 11 in the Jesuit school; internos and externos; he was celebrated as the 'Pride of the Jesuits' and one of its brightest students.

Surname Rizal

Rizal was the first in his family to adopt the surname 'Rizal' to avoid suspicion from Spanish authorities; they previously used 'Mercado.'

University of Santo Tomas (UST)

Entered in April 1877 at 16; studied Philosophy and Letters, then Medicine to help his mother; excelled in cosmology, metaphysics, theodicy, and history.

Noli Me Tangere (Berlin 1887)

Rizal’s landmark novel published in Berlin; 2,000 copies printed for 300 pesos; funded by Dr. Maximo Viola; dedicated 'To My Fatherland'; some chapters cut for finances; Rizal briefly mistaken as a spy.

Grand European Tour

Extended stay in Europe (Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Geneva, Italy) with Viola; studied arts and politics, observed reform movements, and reflected on his work; funded partly by Paciano.

Noli Me Tangere – dedication and title meaning

Dedicated to the Philippines with 'To My Fatherland'; title translates to 'Touch Me Not' from the Gospel of John, signaling social critique that should not be complacent.

El Filibusterismo

Rizal’s second novel; darker, revolutionary tone; features Simoun (Ibarra’s reincarnation) and Isagani; lamp filled with nitroglycerine; Padre Florentino; ends with Simoun’s death and treasure discarded.

Return to the Philippines and La Liga Filipina

Returned in 1892; founded La Liga Filipina to unite Filipinos for reform through legal means; four days later he was arrested; Liga later influenced the rise of Katipunan.

Dapitan exile

Exiled to Mindanao (Dapitan) from 1892–1896; practiced medicine, conducted research, and led community projects (water system, school, farmers’ cooperative).

Cry of Balintawak

August 26, 1896: start of the Philippine Revolution led by Katipunan; Governor-General Blanco declared war as uprisings spread.

Arrest and Trial

Arrested upon return to Manila; detained at Fort Santiago; tried by a biased military court; defense by Lt. Taviel de Andrade; charges culminated in death sentence rather than acquittal.

Mi Último Adiós

Rizal’s last poem, written in Fort Santiago; expresses love for the Philippines and readiness to die for the country; widely circulated posthumously.

Execution

December 30, 1896; Rizal executed by firing squad at Bagumbayan (Luneta) around 7:03 a.m.; last words 'Consummatum Est' (It is finished).

Non-violence legacy

Regarded as Asia’s first modern non-violent proponent of political reform; influenced Gandhi, Nehru, and other Asian leaders; advocated reform through education and writing.

To My Fellow Children (Sa Aking Kabata)

Rizal’s poem urging Filipinos to love their national language; stresses that neglecting language equates to neglecting humanity.

Letter to the Young Women of Malolos

Rizal’s letter promoting women’s education, independence, and active participation in public life.

Rizal’s life values

A comprehensive set of values including Love of God, Nationalism, Courage, Honesty, Self-Sacrifice, Love of Country, Truth, Courtesy, Gratitude, Justice, and Charity, shaping his legacy.