Summary
Highlights
Jose, later known as Pepe, was born with an unusual physical formation, having a big head. He was a curious and intelligent child, learning multiple languages and prayers from his mother, Teodora. He displayed an early intellectual curiosity, questioning the moral of a story his mother told him about a moth and fire.
At age four, Pepe experienced the heartbreak of losing his sister. Despite this, he began private tutoring, learning various subjects including reading, writing, religion, mathematics, Latin, Spanish, and art. His father enrolled him in Binan school where he faced bullying but excelled academically, even writing his first poem 'Sa Aking Mga Kabata' (To My Fellow Youth) to promote Filipino identity and language.
In 1877, Rizal enrolled at Ateneo de Manila. Initially rejected due to his late registration and small stature, he was accepted with the help of Manuel Jerez Burgos, who advised him to use the surname 'Rizal' instead of 'Mercado' to avoid suspicion from authorities. Rizal excelled at Ateneo, achieving the highest academic honors and graduating with a Bachelor in Arts. He also developed his artistic talents and wrote poems during this period, including 'Mi Primera Inspiracion' dedicated to his mother.
Despite his father's initial preference for a philosophy degree, Rizal pursued medicine at the University of Santo Tomas to cure his mother's failing eyesight. His travels abroad allowed him to meet different people and gain experience, particularly in anatomy and surgery.
While studying, Rizal and his Filipino friends faced discrimination and attacks from Spanish students. This experience solidified his resolve to fight for his people. His brother, Paciano, orchestrated his secret departure to Europe to study and expose the abuses of Spanish rule, changing his name back to 'Rizal' upon arrival.
Rizal, while in Europe, enjoyed the freedom and continued his medical studies, notably in Anatomy. He observed the stark difference in treatment of Filipinos in Europe compared to their homeland. It was in Europe that he wrote 'Noli Me Tángere', a novel exposing the injustices of the Spanish colonial regime, which he published with financial assistance from a friend.
Upon his return, Rizal was met with joy, especially from Leonor. He continued his advocacy for reform and established the 'Liga Filipina', a reform movement aimed at peacefully fighting for the rights of Filipinos. However, the Spanish authorities misunderstood the movement, leading to Rizal's arrest and eventual execution.
Rizal's arrest deeply impacted his family, particularly his brother Paciano, who felt immense regret. Despite efforts to appeal to the Governor-General, Rizal's fate was sealed. He wrote a heartfelt letter to his brother, expressing his sorrow at leaving him to bear the family's burdens alone, just before his execution.