Rizal: Life, Works, and RA 1425 — Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering major people, places, events, terms, and concepts from Rizal’s life, his works, the Rizal Law (RA 1425), and the broader 19th-century Philippine context as presented in the notes.

Rizal Law (Republic Act No. 1425)

An act that requires courses on Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings (notably Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo) in all schools; mandates unexpurgated copies, translations, and distribution of Rizal’s works; allows discussion of Rizal’s ideas within limits; includes funding for editions.

National Historical Institute / NHCP

The government body responsible for historical matters in the Philippines; now known as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Noli Me Tangere

Rizal’s novel critiquing Spanish rule and Filipino society; used to illuminate social abuses.

El Filibusterismo

Rizal’s second novel with a more radical, reformist tone addressing tyranny and social ills.

Unexpurgated copies

Uncensored editions of Rizal’s works kept for study and reference.

Purok organizations

Neighborhood groups used to distribute Rizal’s works and related materials.

Recto (Claro M. Recto)

Senator and main proponent of the Rizal Bill; criticized by opponents as communist/anti-Catholic.

Jose P. Laurel

Senator who co-wrote the Rizal Law and argued for teaching Rizal’s ideals to Filipinos.

Rizal Law aims

To rededicate Filipino youth to freedom and nationalism, pay tribute to Rizal, and foster patriotism through his life and writings.

Republic Act No. 229

Law prohibiting cockfighting, horse racing, and jai-alai on Rizal Day; establishes a committee to oversee Rizal Day celebrations.

Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Realonda

Full name of Jose Rizal (often shortened to Jose Rizal).

Rizal’s birth date and place

Born June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.

Rizal’s baptism

Baptized June 22, 1861, in Calamba; godfather was Pedro Casañas; baptized by Father Rufino Collantes.

Francisco Mercado

Rizal’s father; a member of the Filipino middle class in Calamba.

Teodora Alonso Realonda

Rizal’s mother; a well-educated woman who valued literacy and culture.

The Rizal children

Jose Rizal’s siblings, including Saturnina, Paciano, Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia, Maria, Jose, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad, and Soledad.

Principalia

Town aristocracy in colonial Philippines; prominent families in Calamba; part of the ilustrado class.

Ilustrados

Educated Filipino middle-to-upper class prominent in the reform movement.

Ateneo Municipal

Jesuit-run college in Manila that later became Ateneo de Manila; Rizal studied there.

Jesuit system of education

Discipline, humanities, religious instruction; Mass and prayers; students organized into two empires (Roman/externos and Carthaginian/Internos).

Rizal enters Ateneo (1872)

Joined Ateneo Municipal in 1872; initially placed in the external Carthaginian Empire but rose to leadership in his class.

GomBurZa

Abbrev. for Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora; secularization movement priests executed in 1872; their martyrdom inspired Rizal.

Cavite Mutiny

January 20, 1872 event linked to GomBurZa; contributed to reforms and Rizal’s later views.

Compañerismo

Secret society of Filipino students at the University of Santo Tomas founded by Rizal; members called Companions of Jehu.

Segunda Katigbak

Rizal’s first romantic interest; a 14-year-old from Lipa; engaged to Manuel Luz.

Leonor Rivera

Rizal’s fiancée and cousin from Camiling; affectionately called by Rizal as the intended for marriage; correspondence used the nickname ‘Taimis’.

Miss L.

An early Rizal romance described as fair with attractive eyes; romantic relationship did not last.

A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth)

Rizal’s 1879 poem that urged Filipino youth to rise, showing early national consciousness; won first prize.

El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods)

Allegorical drama Rizal submitted for Cervantes anniversary contest; won first prize and a gold ring.

Junto al Pasig

A zarzuela (musical play) Rizal wrote in 1880; staged for the Immaculate Conception feast.

A Filipinas

A Rizal poem written in 1880 for the sculptors’ album.

Abd-el-Azis

A patriotic poem Rizal declaimed at Ateneo in 1879.

Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon (1881)

A poem Rizal wrote as a sign of affection to his mentor Father Pablo Ramon.

Rayadillo (Ateneo uniform)

Striped cotton coat and hemp trousers; uniform of Ateneo students; later related to Filipino military uniforms.

Casa Tomasina

Rizal’s boarding house in Intramuros, Manila.

Mabolo

Fruit mentioned in Rizal’s Biñan years; part of his early-life details (not a central term, included for context).

Cavite Mutiny and Rizal’s reaction

Context for Rizal’s growing nationalism; GomBurZa martyrdom influenced his later writings.

To the Filipino Youth (second mention)

See above: a key Rizal poem advocating national consciousness.

Perito agrimensor

Rizal’s vocational title in surveying earned while studying in Ateneo, showing his diverse skills.

University of Santo Tomas (UST)

Catholic university Rizal attended; he faced discrimination and decided to study abroad.

To study abroad decision

Rizal’s choice to leave UST and pursue education in Europe due to bigotry and better opportunities.