Chapter 4: Rizal's Life - Higher Education and Life Abroad

Chapter Objectives

• Explain the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at Ateneo Municipal and the University of Santo Tomás (UST).
• Differentiate the educational system during Rizal's time from the present educational system in the Philippines.
• Imitate Rizal's diligence in studying towards excellence and his ideals of nationalism.
• Distinguish the inspiration of Rizal and the importance of his writings for a cause.
• Trace the relevance of Dr. Jose P. Rizal's higher education and accomplishments to his desire for freedom.
• Discuss critically the importance of the literary works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
• Locate on the world map the places visited by Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Education at Biñan, Laguna

• Arrival and Living Arrangements:

  • In June 1869, Rizal was accompanied by his older brother, Paciano, to Biñan to continue his studies.
  • He resided at his aunt's home during his stay in Biñan.
  • On his first Monday, Paciano brought Jose to the school of Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz, who was Paciano's former teacher.
  • The school structure was built of nipa and doubled as the house of Maestro Justiniano.

• First Day Classroom Interaction:

  • Rizal was immediately assigned a seat and questioned by the teacher:
    • Teacher: "Do you know Spanish?" — Rizal: "A little Sir"
    • Teacher: "Do you know Latin?" — Rizal: "A little Sir"
  • The boys in the class, particularly Pedro (the teacher's son), laughed at Jose's answers.
  • Maestro Justiniano sharply stopped all noises and commenced the day's lessons.

• Description of Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz:

  • He was a strict disciplinarian.
  • Physical appearance: A tall, lean, long-necked man with a sharp nose and a body slightly bent forward.
  • Attire: Wore a sinamay shirt woven by the deft hands of Batangas women.

• Confrontations and Fights:

  • Fight with Pedro: In the afternoon of his first day, during the teacher's siesta, Jose confronted Pedro for making fun of him that morning. Jose challenged Pedro to a fight. Pedro accepted, expecting to easily defeat the smaller and younger boy from Calamba. Jose, having learned wrestling from his athletic uncle, Tio Manuel, defeated Pedro in the classroom fight, gaining instant popularity among his classmates.
  • Arm-Wrestling Match: After class that same afternoon, classmate Andres Salandanan challenged Jose to an arm-wrestling match at a sidewalk. Jose, having a weaker arm, lost and nearly cracked his head on the pavement.
  • Other Fights: In subsequent days, Jose engaged in other fights with Biñan boys. Although not quarrelsome by nature, he never ran away from a challenge.

• Painting Apprenticeship:

  • Jose spent his leisure hours with Master Painter Juancho, the father-in-law of Maestro Justiniano.
  • Jose became an apprentice alongside classmate Jose Guevarra. Both boys developed their skills and became the best painters in the class.

• Daily Routine and Academic Record:

  • Jose led a frugal, methodical life in Biñan, budgeting his time strictly starting at 4:00 AM.
  • His routine consisted of attending mass, scheduled meals, study hours, and leisure time (playing in the street with friends on moonlit nights).
  • He studied diligently and excelled in Spanish, Latin, and all academic subjects.

• Departure from Biñan:

  • Having completed his studies in Biñan, Rizal returned to Calamba aboard the motorboat "Talim."
  • His parents planned to transfer him to Manila to pursue further education.

Education at the Ateneo Municipal

• Entrance Examination and Admission:

  • On June 10, 1872, Paciano accompanied Jose to take the entrance examination at the College of San Juan de Letran, which he passed.
  • After returning to Calamba for the town fiesta, Don Francisco changed his mind and decided to enroll Jose at Ateneo Municipal (later Ateneo de Manila).
  • Father Magin Fernando, the school registrar, initially refused Jose's admission for two reasons:
    1. He was late for registration.
    2. He was sickly and small for his age.
  • Through the intercession of Manuel Xerez Burgos (nephew of Father Jose Burgos), Jose was admitted to Ateneo, located in Intramuros, Manila.

• Jesuit Educational System:

  • The Jesuits provided an advanced educational system with rigid discipline and varied instructional methods.
  • The curriculum integrated physical culture, humanities, scientific studies, and vocational courses (agriculture, commerce, and mechanics).
  • Its primary goal was to mold character and will, ensuring compliance with Church precepts. Students attended mass before class, and classes opened and closed with prayers.

• Classroom Competition Structure (Empires):

  • Classes were divided into two competing groups:
    1. Carthaginian Empire: Composed of externos (non-boarders).
    2. Roman Empire: Composed of internos (boarders).
  • Ranks within each empire were earned through academic performance:
    • 1st Rank: Emperor
    • 2nd Rank: Tribune
    • 3rd Rank: Decurion
    • 4th Rank: Centurion
    • 5th Rank: Standard-Bearer
  • Students challenged one another during daily lessons. Making three (3) mistakes caused a student to lose his rank position.
  • Rizal's First Professor: Father Jose Bech.
  • Rizal was placed as an externo at the tail end of the Carthaginian Empire due to his limited initial Spanish. Within one month, he studied hard, surpassed his peers, and became "Emperor," winning his first award at Ateneo: a religious picture.

• Supplemental Studies:

  • Rizal took private Spanish lessons during leisure hours at Santa Isabel College, paying three pesos per lesson.

• Family Tragedy during Summer Vacation (1873):

  • At the end of the school year in March 1873, Jose returned to Calamba.
  • His mother, Doña Teodora, had been arrested on a malicious charge of attempting to poison her brother Jose Alberto's wife.
  • Doña Teodora was forced to walk 50 kilometers from Calamba to the provincial prison in Santa Cruz, where she was held for two and a half years.

• Second Year at Ateneo (1873–1874) and Reading Material:

  • Rizal earned excellent grades across all subjects and received a gold medal.
  • He became a voracious reader of fiction and historical works, including:
    • The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (deeply affected by Edmond Dantès's imprisonment, escape from Château d'If, and revenge).
    • Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor Jagor (German scientist who visited in 1859–1860; noted Spanish colonial defects and prophesied that Spain would lose the Philippines to America).
    • Universal History by César Cantú (purchased by Don Francisco as a historical resource).

• Mentorship under Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez:

  • In his fourth year at Ateneo, Rizal was inspired by Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, whom he considered his best professor.
  • Father Sanchez guided Rizal in rhetoric, poetry, and independent thinking.

Literary Works at Ateneo

• Por la Educación Recibe Lustre la Patria (Through Education the Country Receives Light) — April 1, 1876:

  • Written at age 15, highlighting education as central to national progress, moral elevation, peace, and anti-crime effort.

  • English translation by Dr. Frank C. Laubach:         > The vital breath of prudent Education         > Instills a virtue of enchanting power;         > She lifts the motherland to highest station         > And endless dazzling glories on her shower.         >         > And as the zephyr's gentle exhalation         > Revives the matrix of the fragrant flower,         > So education multiplies her gifts of grace;         > With prudent hand imparts them to the human race.         >         > For her a mortal-man will gladly part         > With all he has; will give his calm repose;         > For her are born all science and all art,         > That brows of men with laurel fair enclose.         > As from the towering mountain's lofty heart         > The purest current of the streamlet flows,         > So education without stint or measure gives         > Security and peace to lands in which she lives.         >         > Where Education reigns on lofty seat         > Youth blossoms forth with vigor and agility;         > Her error subjugates with solid feet,         > And is exalted by conceptions of nobility.         > She breaks the neck of vice and its deceit;         > Black crime turns pale at Her hostility;         > The barbarous nations She knows how to tame,         > From savages creates heroic fame.         >         > And as the spring doth sustenance bestow         > On all the plants, on bushes in the mead,         > Its placid plenty goes to overflow         > And endlessly with lavish love to feed         > The banks by which it wanders, gliding slow,         > Supplying beauteous nature's every need;         > So he who prudent Education doth procure         > The towering heights of honor will secure.         >         > From out his lips the water, crystal pure,         > Of perfect virtue shall not cease to go.         > With careful doctrines of his faith made sure,         > The powers of evil he will overthrow,         > Like foaming waves that never long endure,         > But perish on the shore at every blow;         > And from his good example other men shall learn         > Their upward steps toward the heavenly paths to turn.         >         > Within the breast of wretched humankind         > She lights the living flame of goodness bright;         > The hands of fiercest criminal doth bind;         > And in those breasts will surely pour delight         > Which seek her mystic benefits to find,         > Those souls She sets aflame with love of right.         > It is a noble fully-rounded Education         > That gives to life its surest consolation.         >         > And as the mighty rock aloft may tower         > Above the center of the stormy deep         > In scorn of storm, or fierce Sou'wester's power,         > Or fury of the waves that raging seep,         > Until, their first mad hatred spent, they cower,         > And, tired at last, subside and fall asleep, -         > So he that takes wise Education by the hand,         > Invincible shall guide the reigns of motherland.         >         > On sapphires shall his service be engraved,         > A thousand honors to him by his land be granted:         > For in their bosoms will his noble sons have saved         > Luxuriant flowers his virtue had transplanted:         > And by the love of goodness ever lived,         > The lords and governors will see implanted         > To endless days, the Christian Education,         > Within their noble, faith-enrapture nation.         >         > And as in early morning we behold         > The ruby sun pour forth resplendent rays;         > And lovely dawn her scarlet and her gold,         > Her brilliant colors all about her sprays;         > So skillful noble Teaching doth unfold         > To living minds the joy of virtuous ways.         > She offers our dear motherland the light         > That leads us to immortal glory's height.

  • Tagalog Translation (Karunungan at Bayan):         > Ang dunong ay isang mabisang biyaya,         > Buhay ng pag-asa na kahanga-hanga;         > Siyang nagtatampok sa sariling Lupa         > Nang kasilaw-silaw         > Sa tuktok ng walang hanggang pagdakila;         > Sa halik-amihan         > Ang mga bulaklak ay nananariwa;         > Sa halik ng dunong nama'y nagdiriwa         > Ang patay mang loob at isip mulala.         >         > Sa hangad matuto ng Sangkatauhan         > Buhay man at palad ay napupuhunan;         > Sari-saring ganda at kababalaghang         > Pambunyi sa tao'y         > Sa dunong na lahat ay ibinibigay;         > Katulad ng daloy         > Ng salaming tubig kung sa bundok mukal,         > Ang dunong ay siyang batis na dalisay         > Ng pagkatahimik ng alin mang bayan.         >         > Sa bayang ang dunong ay iniuunlak         > Ang kabinataa'y malusog, mabulas;         > Sa tulong ng mga marangal na balak         > Yaong wastong matwid         > Ang sa kamalia'y haring yumuyurak;         > Ang masamang hilig         > At ang kabuhungan sa kanya ay sindak;         > Mga bansang ganid ay nangaaamak         > At napagigiting kahit lahing hamak.         >         > Tulad sa biyaya ng saganang batis         > Na sa halamana't pananim sa bukid         > Mabining nanalong at nakadidilig         > Saka walang sawa         > Sa kinaaagos sa pampang at gilid,         > Anupa't sa lupa         > Ay wala muntik mang ipinagkakait:         > Ganyan din ang dunong at ningning ng isip,         > Nunukal sa labi'y tubig na busilak,         > Bulalakaw mandin na sa langit buhat,         > Ang matatalinong aral at panulat         > Na dulot ng dunong         > Sa buhay ng sama'y siyang umuutas,         > Kagaya ng along         > Sa mga pampangi'y nawawala't sukat,         > At ang taong diya'y nakapagmamalas         > May natututuhang matuwid na landas.         >         > Sa dibdib ng ating imbing katauhan         > Ang dunong ay alab ng kadakilaan;         > Ang kamay ng pusong ay tinatalian         > At tapat na aliw         > Ang sa mga puso ay inilululan,         > Lahat na ng lihim         > Na asal-dakila ay iniaalay;         > Kaya nga't ang dunong na ganap sa dangal         > Ay masamyong dagta ng dakilang buhay.         >         > Katulad ng isang burol na mataas         > Na kahit iluwa ng along malakas,         > At kung salakayin ng bagyong habagat         > Pinapalibhasa         > Ito         > Pati ng daluyong at poot ng dagat         > Hanggang sa magsawang         > ang umurong, sumuko't maglubag:         > Ganyan din ang dunong, sa wastong maghawak,         > Timbulan ng bayang napapawakawak.         >         > Sa kinang at ningning ng mga nangyari         > Dapat na sa dunong ang baya'y magpuri,         > Sa dibdib ng kanyang anak na marami         > Dunong ang may hasik         > Ng magandang asal, at siyang may-iwi         > Ng manang pag-ibig,         > Sa gawang magaling sukdang maruhagi:         > Diyan makikita ng nangag-aapi         > Ang binyagang bayan at liping bayani.         >         > Tulad sa umaga na gintong liwayway,         > Ang isinasabog ng masayang araw,         > Mula sa bundukin ng Kasilangana'y         > Masanghayang ngiti         > Ang sa Sansinukob ay kanyang patanaw;         > Ganyan din ang laging         > Biyaya ng dunong sa Sangkatauhan,         > Biyayang maaanong maging puri't buhay         > Sa habang panahon nitong aking Bayan.

• Mi Primera Inspiración (My First Inspiration) — 1874:

  • Written at age 14 and dedicated to Doña Teodora on her birthday upon her release from prison.
  • Text of the poem:         > Why falls so rich a spray of fragrance         > from the bowers of the balmy flowers         > upon this festive day?         > Why from woods and vales do we hear sweet measures         > ringing that seem to be the singing of a choir of nightingales?         >         > Why seems to me more endearing, more fair than on other days,         > the dawn's enchanting face among red clouds appearing?         > The reason, dear mother, is they feast your day of bloom:         > the rose with its perfume, the bird with its harmonies.         >         > Why in the grass below do birds start at the wind's noises,         > unleashing their honeyed voices as they hop from bough to bough?         > Why should the spring that glows its crystalline murmur         > be tuning to the zephyr's mellow crooning as among the flowers it flows?         >         > And the spring that rings with laughter upon this joyful day         > with its murmur seems to say: "Live happily ever after!"         > And from that spring in the grove now turn to hear the first note         > that from my lute I emote to the impulse of my love!

• Al Niño Jesús (To the Child Jesus) — 1875:

  • Short Spanish poem of 8 verses written at age 14.
  • Reflects on Christ choosing a humble manger rather than earthly power, connecting Christ's sacrifice to the national struggle against oppression through non-violence.
  • Text of the poem:         > Why have you come to earth,         > Child-God, in a poor manger?         > Does Fortune find you a stranger         > from the moment of your birth?         >         > Alas, of heavenly stock         > now turned an earthly resident!         > Do you not wish to be president         > but the shepherd of your flock?

• A La Virgen María (To the Virgin Mary) — December 3, 1876:

  • Written at age 15 while at Ateneo Municipal as a prayerful contemplation.
  • Text of the poem:         > Mary, sweet peace and dearest consolation         > of suffering mortal:         > you are the fount whence springs         > the current of solicitude that brings         > unto our soil unceasing fecundation.         >         > From your abode, enthroned on heaven's height,         > in mercy deign to hear my cry of woe         > and to the radiance of your mantle draw         > my voice that rises with so swift a flight.         >         > You are my mother, Mary, and shall be         > my life, my stronghold, my defense most thorough;         > and you shall be my guide on this wild sea.         >         > If vice pursues me madly on the morrow,         > if death harasses me with agony:         > come to my aid and dissipate my sorrow!

• Felicitación (Felicitation) — 1875:

  • Written at age 14 to congratulate his brother-in-law, Antonio Lopez (husband of his sister Narcisa).
  • Text of the poem:         > If Philomela with harmonious tongue         > To blond Apollo, who manifests his face         > Behind high hill or overhanging mountain,         > Canticles sends.         >         > So we as well, full of a sweet contentment,         > Salute you and your very noble saint         > With tender music and fraternal measures,         > Dear Antonino.         >         > From all your sisters and your other kin         > Receive most lovingly the loving accent         > That the suave warmth of love dictates to them         > Placid and tender.         >         > From amorous wife and amiable Emilio         > Sweetly receive an unsurpassed affection;         > And may its sweetness in disaster soften         > The ruder torments.         >         > As the sea pilot, who so bravely fought         > Tempestuous waters in the dark of night,         > Gazes upon his darling vessel safe         > And come to port.         >         > So, setting aside all [worldly] predilections,         > Now let your eyes be lifted heavenward         > To him who is the solace of all men         > And loving Father.         >         > And from ourselves that in such loving accents         > Salute you everywhere you celebrate,         > These clamorous vivas that from the heart resound         > Be pleased to accept.

• El Embarque: Himno a la Flota de Magallanes (The Departure: Hymn to Magellan's Fleet) — December 5, 1875:

  • First poem read in a public school program at Ateneo; printed in La Patria on December 30, 1899.
  • Text of the poem:         > One beautiful day when in East         > The sun had gaily brightened,         > At Barrameda with rejoicing great         > Activities everywhere reigned.         >         > 'Tis cause on the shores the caravels         > Would part with their sails a-swelling;         > And noble warriors with their swords         > To conquer unknown world are going.         >         > And all is glee, and all is joy,         > All is valor in the city.         > Everywhere the husky sounds of drums         > Are resounding with majesty.         >         > With big echoes thousands of salvos         > Makes at the ships a roaring cannon         > And the Spanish people proudly greet         > The soldiers with affection.         >         > Farewell! They say to them, loved ones,         > Brave soldiers of the homeland;         > With glories gird our mother Spain,         > In the campaign in the unknown land!         >         > As they move away to the gentle breath         > Of the cool wind with emotion,         > They all bless with a pious voice         > So glorious, heroic action.         >         > And finally, the people salute         > The standard of Magellan         > That he carries on the way to the seas         > Where madly roars the hurricane.

• Y Es Español: Elcano, Primero en dar la Vuelta (And He is Spanish: Elcano, the First to Circumnavigate the World) — December 1875:

  • Honors Juan Sebastián Elcano, who took over after Magellan's death at Mactan to complete the global circumnavigation.
  • Text of the poem:         > Where does that frail ship go         > That proudly cruises on         > And ploughs the distant seas         > To seek the lands unknown?         > Who's the brave and invincible,         > That from far down the West         > Sails on the expansive world         > To yonder roseate East?         >         > Of Spain he's a heroic son,         > A Titan new of Pirene,         > Who with fury fights against,         > If it holds him, the hurricane.         > He's Elcano who undertakes         > A task that enchants the world;         > To accomplish it he vows         > And its vastness him doesn't hold.         >         > And to red-tailed eagle akin         > That soars high in the wind         > With an unequalled flight         > And with a movement swift,         > Of the blowing storm that roars,         > He scorns the horrible hiss;         > And mocks with kingly air         > The lightning's shattering noise.         >         > And like a craggy rock         > No impetuous ocean in rage         > Or the fury of hurricanes         > Him can change or disengage;         > Such is the invincible         > Elcano, when cruising through         > The waves, with his Spanish ships,         > Their rage they might'ly subdue.         >         > Triumphant crosses he         > The vast roundness of the globe         > With exceptional bravery         > He measured the extensive orb.         > A thousand laurels crown         > Defender of Spain, your brow;         > And a brilliant diadem         > Now proudly decorates you.

• El Combate: Urbiztondo, Terror de Joló (The Battle: Urbiztondo, Terror of Jolo) — December 1875:

  • Reflects Rizal's historical interest, recounting Governor-General Urbiztondo's military campaign against the Moros under Sultan Mahumat of Jolo.
  • Text of the poem:         > A hundred war-tried ships         > At the mercy of the gentle wind,         > Leave behind Manila bay         > The ruffled sea they plough.         > A short while they descry         > The Moros of Jolo         > Who with pride they raise         > A thousand waving flags.         >         > And when the soldiers strong         > Had alighted on the shores         > And pointed all their guns         > Against the enemy's wall,         > With manly accent spoke         > The general: "Soldiers of mine,         > Upon your valor depends         > The rich glory of victory.         >         > "I would prefer to die         > Rather than desist from attack;         > To thee the country entrusts         > Her noble, sacred seals."         > Said he; and like Notus fierce         > By horrid lightning hedged in         > In furious tempests it sows         > Sad weeping and mourning around;         > So Urbiztondo unsubdued         > His soldiers following him,         > He spreads death everywhere         > With cold steel in his hand.         >         > And like a lion in the woods         > He roars, engendering fear,         > As he looks upon the prey         > That with havoc he devours;         > So the noted fighting men         > With fury and frenzied fright,         > Approach the barricades         > As they give a headlong assault.         >         > And the Castiles' lion shakes         > His forelock wrathfully         > And readies his pointed claws         > To spread tears everywhere.         > Eight bastions, do surrender         > Of the Moros of Jolo         > To the furious rattle of Mars         > And Urbiztondo's assault.         >         > Ah! They're the ones, noble Spain,         > Like Lepanto's heroes they are,         > At Pavia they're the ones         > Who're the thunderbolt of war.         > The fire consumes and devours         > The castles and palaces         > And all the Joloans own         > At our soldiers fierce attack.         > Perfidious Mahumat flees,         > Tyrannical and godless Sultan,         > And the warriors valorous         > March into Jolo as they sing.

• Additional Poems Written in 1876:

  1. La Tragedia de San Eustaquio (The Tragedy of St. Eustace): Recounts the tragic Christian story of St. Eustace.
  2. Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town): A nostalgic poem honoring Calamba, Laguna.         > When I recall the days         > That saw my childhood of yore         > Beside the verdant shore         > Of a murmuring lagoon;         > When I remember the sighs         > Of the breeze that on my brow         > Sweet and caressing did blow         > With coolness full of delight;         > When I look at the lily white         > Fills up with air violent         > And the stormy element         > On the sand doth meekly sleep;         > When sweet 'toxicating scent         > From the flowers I inhale         > Which at the dawn they exhale         > When at us it begins to peep;         > I sadly recall your face,         > Oh precious infancy,         > That a mother lovingly         > Did succeed to embellish.         > I remember a simple town;         > My cradle, joy and boon,         > Beside the cool lagoon         > The seat of all my wish.         > Oh, yes! With uncertain pace         > I trod your forest lands,         > And on your river banks         > A pleasant fun I found;         > At your rustic temple I prayed         > With a little boy's simple faith         > And your aura's flawless breath         > Filled my heart with joy profound.         > Saw I God in the grandeur         > Of your woods which for centuries stand;         > Never did I understand         > In your bosom what sorrows were;         > While I gazed on your azure sky         > Neither love nor tenderness         > Failed me, 'cause my happiness         > In the heart of nature rests there.         > Tender childhood, beautiful town,         > Rich fountain of happiness,         > Of harmonious melodies,         > That drive away my sorrow!         > Return thee to my heart,         > Bring back my gentle hours         > As do the birds when the flowers         > Would again begin to blow!         > But, alas, adieu! E'er watch         > For your peace, joy and repose,         > Genius of good who kindly dispose         > Of his blessings with amour;         > It's for thee my fervent prayers,         > It's for thee my constant desire         > Knowledge ever to acquire         > And may God keep your candour!
  3. Alianza Íntima Entre la Religión y la Buena Educación (Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education): Stresses that education without religion is incomplete.
  4. El Cautiverio y el Triunfo: Batalla de Lucena y Prisión de Boabdil (The Captivity and the Triumph: Battle of Lucena and the Imprisonment of Boabdil): Describes the defeat and capture of Boabdil, last Moorish sultan of Granada.
  5. La Entrada Triunfal de los Reyes Católicos en Granada (The Triumphal Entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Granada): Relates the victory of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel.

• Additional Poems Written in 1877 (Final Year at Ateneo):

  1. El Heroísmo de Colón (The Heroism of Columbus): Praises Christopher Columbus.
  2. Colón y Juan II (Columbus and John II): Details how King John II of Portugal missed riches by refusing Columbus.
  3. Gran Consuelo en la Mayor Desdicha (Great Solace in Great Misfortune): Verse legend on Columbus's life.
  4. Un Diálogo Alusivo a la Despedida de los Colegiales (A Farewell Dialogue of the Students): Poignant farewell poem to his classmates.

Woodcarving: Sacred Heart of Jesus

• Background and Execution:

  • In 1875, at age 14, Rizal carved a 9-inch statuette of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from batikuling wood using a pocket penknife.
  • The statuette remained at Ateneo Municipal until December 1896, when Jesuit fathers brought it to Fort Santiago during Rizal's final imprisonment.
  • Rizal kept it on his desk until his execution day, kissed it one last time before leaving his cell on December 30, 1896, and handed it back to the Jesuits.

• Physical and Theological Description:

  • Physical form: A male figure with his left arm hanging by his side, palm facing outward. His right arm is bent at the elbow with a fist held against his left chest.
  • The fist holds a heart surmounted by flames and encircled by a crown of thorns. In the center of the chest is an ugly jagged hole where the heart was removed.
  • Theological meaning: Depicts Jesus physically removing his own heart to offer it, signifying ultimate love through self-sacrifice.

Scholastic Record at Ateneo (1872–1877)

• Rizal graduated on March 23, 1877, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts with highest honors (Sobresaliente) and winning five medals.
• Academic Transcript:

• Extra-Curricular Organizations at Ateneo:
  • Academy of Spanish Literature (served as Prefect).
  • Academy of Natural Science (served as Prefect).
  • Marian Congregations (Sodality of Our Lady and Apostleship of Prayer; served as Secretary).

Studies at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) (1877–1882)

• Family Reaction and Course Selection:

  • Doña Teodora opposed Rizal pursuing higher education in Manila, fearing he would meet the same execution fate as GOMBURZA.
  • Don Francisco advocated for his studies, recognizing his exceptional intelligence.
  • In 1877–1878, while taking Philosophy and Letters at UST, he simultaneously studied land surveying at Ateneo, earning the title perito agrimensor (expert surveyor) with grades of "Excellent" in all subjects (though the title was formally issued later due to his age of 17).
  • He shifted to Medicine on the advice of Father Pablo Ramon (Director of Ateneo de Manila) to treat Doña Teodora's advancing blindness.

• Experience of Spanish Brutality:

  • During a summer vacation in Calamba while a medical student at UST, Rizal was walking down a dark street at night.
  • He failed to perceive or salute a passing lieutenant of the Spanish Guardia Civil.
  • The officer whipped Rizal across the back with a stingray tail (buntot pagi), inflicting severe wounds that took two weeks to heal.
  • Rizal reported the violent attack to Governor-General Primo de Rivera but was reprimanded and told he should be thankful to be alive.

Literary Works at UST

• A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth / Sa Kabataang Pilipino) — 1879:

  • Submitted to a poetry competition held by the Liceo Artístico-Literario de Manila open to native (indio) and mestizo poets.

  • Won 1st Prize, earning a silver pen decorated with a gold ribbon.

  • Plea for the Filipino youth to use their genius and break free from intellectual bondage.

  • Tagalog Text (Sa Kabataang Pilipino):         > Itaas ang iyong noong aliwalas         > ngayon, Kabataan ng aking pangarap!         > ang aking talino na tanging liwanag         > ay pagitawin mo, Pag-asa ng Bukas!         >         > Ikaw ay lumitaw, O Katalinuhan         > magitang na diwang puno sa isipan         > mga puso nami'y sa iyo'y naghihintay         > at dalhin mo roon sa kaitaasan.         >         > Bumaba kang taglay ang kagiliw-giliw         > na mga silahis ng agham at sining         > mga Kabataan, hayo na't lagutin         > ang gapos ng iyong diwa at damdamin.         >         > Masdan ang putong na lubhang makinang         > sa gitna ng dilim ay matitigan         > maalam na kamay, may dakilang alay         > sa nagdurusa mong bayang minamahal.         >         > Ikaw na may bagwis ng pakpak na nais         > kagyat na lumipad sa tuktok ng langit         > paghanapin mo ang malambing na tinig         > doon sa Olimpo'y pawang nagsisikap.         >         > Ikaw na ang himig ay lalong mairog         > Tulad ni Pilomel na sa luha'y gamot         > at mabisang lunas sa dusa't himuntok         > ng puso at diwang sakbibi ng lungkot         >         > Ikaw, na ang diwa'y makapangyarihan         > matigas na bato'y mabibigyang-buhay         > mapagbabago mo alaalang taglay         > sa iyo'y nagiging walang kamatayan.         >         > Ikaw, na may diwang inibig ni Apeles         > sa wika inamo ni Pebong kay rikit         > sa isang kaputol na lonang maliit         > ginuhit ang ganda at kulay ng langit.         >         > Humayo ka ngayon, papagningasin mo         > ang alab ng iyong isip at talino         > maganda mong ngala'y ikalat sa mundo         > at ipagsigawan ang dangal ng tao.         >         > Araw na dakila ng ligaya't galak         > magsaya ka ngayon, mutyang Pilipinas         > purihin ang bayang sa iyo'y lumingap         > at siyang nag-akay sa mabuting palad.

  • English Text (To the Filipino Youth):         > Hold high the brow serene,         > O youth, where now you stand;         > Let the bright sheen         > Of your grace be seen,         > Fair hope of my fatherland!         >         > Come now, thou genius grand,         > And bring down inspiration;         > With thy mighty hand,         > Swifter than the wind's violation,         > Raise the eager mind to higher station.         >         > Come down with pleasing light         > Of art and science to the fight,         > O youth, and there untie         > The chains that heavy lie,         > Your spirit free to bright.         >         > See how in flaming zone         > Amid the shadows thrown,         > The Spaniard'a holy hand         > A crown's resplendent band         > Proffers to this Indian land.         >         > Thou, who now wouldst rise         > On wings of rich emprise,         > Seeking from Olympian skies         > Songs of sweetest strain,         > Softer than ambrosial rain.         >         > Thou, whose voice divine         > Rivals Philomel's refrain         > And with varied line         > Through the night benign         > Frees mortality from pain.         >         > Thou, who by sharp strife         > Wakest thy mind to life;         > And the memory bright         > Of thy genius' light         > Makest immortal in its strength.         >         > And thou, in accents clear         > Of Phoebus, to Apelles dear;         > Or by the brush's magic art         > Takest from nature's store a part,         > To fig it on the simple canvas' length.         >         > Go forth, and then the sacred fire         > Of thy genius to the laurel may aspire;         > To spread around the fame,         > And in victory acclaim,         > Through wider spheres the human name.         >         > Day, O happy day,         > Fair Filipinas, for thy land!         > So bless the Power to-day         > That places in thy way         > This favor and this fortune grand.

• El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods) — 1880:

  • An allegorical play written for the centenary competition celebrating Miguel de Cervantes.
  • Judged by Jupiter, comparing Homer, Virgil, and Cervantes. Jupiter awards the trumpet to Homer, the lyre to Virgil, and the laurel to Cervantes.
  • Rizal won 1st prize based on merit, but upon discovering he was a Filipino (indio), the Spanish jury awarded the 1st prize certificate to a Spaniard, giving Rizal 2nd place recognition on paper.

• Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig) — December 8, 1880:

  • A religious zarzuela staged by Ateneans on the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.
  • Features the main character, Leonido, who with a choir of angels defeats Satan.

• A Filipinas (To the Philippines) — 1880:

  • A sonnet praising the beauty of the Philippines.
  • Spanish and English text:         > Ardiente y bella cual buri del cielo         > Graciosa y pura cual naciente aurora         > Cuando las nubes de rafir colora,         > Duerme una diosa del indiano suelo.         > Besa sus plantas con amante anhelo.         > La leve espuma de la mar Sonora;         > El culto Ocaso su sonrisa adora         > Y el cano Polo su florido velo.         > Mi Musa, balbuciente con ternura,         > La canta entre las Nayades y Ondinas;         > Yo lo ofrezco mi dicha y mi ventura.         > De verde mirto y rosas purpurinas         > Yazucenas cenid su frente pura,         > Artistas, y ensalzad a Filipinas!         >         > Warm and beautiful like an hour of yore,         > as gracious and as pure as the break of dawn         > when darling clouds take on a sapphire tone,         > sleeps a goddess on the Indian shore.         > The small waves of the sonorous sea assail         > her feet with ardent, amorous kisses, while         > the intellectual West adores her smile;         > and the old hoary Pole, her flower veil.         > My Muse, most enthusiastic and elate,         > sings to her among naiads and undines;         > I offer her my fortune and my fate.         > With myrtle, purple roses, and flowering greens         > and lilies, crown her brow immaculate,         > O artists, and exalt the Philippines

• Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramón, Rector del Ateneo, en Sus Días:

  • A tribute poem expressing gratitude to Father Pablo Ramon.
  • Text of the poem:         > Sweet is the breeze that at the break of dawn         > The calyx of fragrant flowers shakes,         > Alluring odors soft they spread         > O'er the countryside;         > The placid murmur is sweet and soft         > Of the gentle rivulet that with joy         > Throws silv'ry foam on sands of gold         > And drops of water white;         > Sweet are the trills of musical birds         > Soft is th' aroma of motley flowers         > And the perfumes of the' aurora white         > Mellow and sweet;         > But your name, oh, Father idolized,         > Instills the purest joy in our breast,         > Whence it diffuses most mellow rays         > Of eternal glow.         > The Almighty's hand affectionate         > You show us, Father, whose love sincere         > Throughout the bitter road of life         > Does guide us with love.         > Alas! What will become of youthful toil         > That restlessly burns in our breast,         > Without the guidance or your kind hand,         > Your love, your zeal?         > We're, Father, your sons; you do guide us         > To the homes of eternal happiness.         > The mind will not be disturbed by fright         > With a pilot like you.         > The great Apostle whose name you bear,         > Whose footsteps with enthusiasm you trail,         > With heavenly favor shower you,         > A sacred treasure.

• Abd-el-Azis Y Mahoma:

  • Composed by Rizal for Manuel Fernandez and declaimed on December 7, 1879.

Scholastic Record at UST (1877–1882)

• Academic Climate:

  • Rizal found the academic environment at UST stifling and hostile.
  • Dominican professors were prejudiced, instruction methods were outdated and repressive, and racial discrimination against Filipino students was prevalent.
  • His academic performance declined compared to his perfect marks at Ateneo.

• Academic Transcript: