The Life and Work of Jose Rizal Page 1 of 9

General Education 9

Topic: Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad (Part 1)

III. LESSON PROPER

Scholastic Triumphs at Ateneo de Manila (1872 – 1877)

Jose was sent to Manila four months after the martyrdom of Gom – Bur – Za and with Doña Teodora
still in prison. He studied in the Ateneo Municipal – a college under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits.
Ateneo Municipal, a bitter rival of the Dominican – owned College of San Juan de Letran formerly the
Escuela Pia (Charity School) – for poor boys in Manila established in 1817. In 1859 – name was changed
to Ateneo Municipal by the Jesuits and later became the Ateneo de Manila
Rizal Enters Ateneo de Manila
 June 10, 1872 – Dr. Jose Rizal, accompanied by Paciano, went to Manila to take the entrance
examinations on Christine Doctrine, arithmetic, and reading at the College of San Juan de Letran,
and passed them.
 His father was the first one who wished him to study at Letran but he changed his mind and decided
to send Dr. Jose Rizal at Ateneo instead.
 Father Magin Ferrando – was the college registrar, refused to admit Rizal in Ateneo for two
reasons;
1. He was late for registration
2. He was sickly and undersized for his age.
 Manuel Xeres Burgos – nephew of Father Burgos – because of his intercession, Jose Rizal was
reluctantly admitted at the Ateneo
 Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname “Rizal”. He registered under this name at
Ateneo because their family name “Mercado” has come under the suspicion of the Spanish
authorities.
 Rizal was first boarded in a house outside Intramuros, on Caraballo Street. This was owned by a
spinster named Titay who owned the Rizal/ Mercado family the amount of 300 pesos.
Jesuits System of Education
 Jesuits trained the character of the students by rigid discipline, humanities, and religious instruction.
They heard Mass early in the morning before the beginning of daily class. Classes were opened and
closed with prayers it trained the character of the student by rigid discipline and religious instructions.
 Students were divided into two groups
1) Roman empire – consisting of internos (boarders); red banner
2) Carthaginian Empire – composed of the externos (non – boarders); blue banner
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General Education 9
Each empire had its rank. Students fought for positions, with 3 mistakes, opponents position
could lose his position
 Emperor – the best student in each “empire”
 Tribune – the second best
 Decurion – the third best
 Centurion – the fourth best
 Stand – bearer – the fifth best
 The Ateneo students in Rizal’s time wore a uniform which consisted of “hemp – fabric trousers” and
“striped cotton coat”. The coat material was rayadillo.
Academic Progress at Ateneo de Manila
1) Flourishing in the First Half:
José Rizal's academic journey at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila was marked by early success.
During his initial years at the institution, he stood out as an exceptional student, consistently
performing at the top of his class. Rizal's dedication to his studies earned him numerous academic
awards and prizes, which recognized his excellence in subjects such as Latin, Spanish, and the
humanities. His strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity were evident, as he eagerly absorbed the
lessons taught by his Jesuit mentors. This period of flourishing established Rizal as a formidable
scholar among his peers, reinforcing his reputation as a diligent and gifted student.
2) Spanish Tutoring at Santa Isabel College:
Despite his academic prowess, Rizal recognized the importance of mastering the Spanish
language, which was the medium of instruction and the language of the ruling elite during the
Spanish colonial period. To enhance his fluency, he took additional tutoring sessions at Santa
Isabel College, a prestigious institution known for its high academic standards. These sessions were
crucial in refining Rizal's command of Spanish, allowing him to engage more deeply with his studies
and later, to communicate effectively in his writings and speeches. His commitment to improving his
language skills reflects his broader dedication to academic excellence.
3) Resentment Over Ranking Second in Class:
However, Rizal's academic journey was not without its challenges. In the latter half of his time at
Ateneo, Rizal faced a significant setback that tested his resilience. Despite his consistent hard work,
he was ranked second in his class—a position that deeply troubled him. Rizal's competitive spirit and
high expectations for himself led to feelings of resentment, especially towards a professor who made
disparaging remarks about his ranking. This experience was a humbling moment for Rizal, as it
challenged his perception of success and forced him to confront the reality that even his best efforts
might not always result in the top honors.
Fourth Year Success and Transformation
1. Becoming an Interno:
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General Education 9
In his fourth year at Ateneo, Rizal's academic focus deepened when he became an interno, or a
boarding student. This change allowed him to devote more time and energy to his studies, free from
the distractions and responsibilities of commuting. Living within the school’s premises provided Rizal
with a structured environment where he could immerse himself fully in his academic pursuits. The
increased discipline and routine that came with being an interno played a significant role in his
continued academic success.
2. Encounter with Fr. Francisco Paula Sanchez:
A pivotal moment in Rizal's fourth year was his encounter with Fr. Francisco Paula Sanchez, a
Jesuit priest and one of the most influential figures in his life. Fr. Sanchez recognized Rizal's
extraordinary talents and potential, and he became a mentor and inspiration for the young student.
Under Fr. Sanchez's guidance, Rizal's interest in literature, particularly in poetry, blossomed. Fr.
Sanchez encouraged Rizal to hone his writing skills and to express his ideas through verse, fostering
a creative outlet that would later become a powerful tool in Rizal’s fight for social justice and reform.
This mentorship was instrumental in shaping Rizal’s intellectual and artistic development,
contributing to his growth not only as a scholar but also as a nationalist thinker.
Rizal in the University of Santo Tomas (UST)
“Don’t send him to Manila again; he knows enough. If he gets to know more, the Spaniard will cut off his
head” - Doña Teodora, vigorously opposed the idea that Rizal pursue higher learning the university
 April 1877, Rizal who was then nearly 16 years old, matriculated in the University of Santo Thomas,
taking Philosophy and Letters. After finishing the first year of the course in Philosophy and Letters
(1877 – 1878), Rizal transferred to the medical course.
 He enrolled in the course for two reasons
1. His father liked it.
2. He was still “uncertain” as to what career to follow.
 Father Pablo Ramon – rector of Ateneo, who had been good to him during his student days in that
collage, asking for advice on the choice of a career
o Unfortunately, the Father Rector was in the Mindanao and during those days it took several
months’ foe a letter to travel between Manila and Mindanao
 First year term (1877 – 1879) in the UST, he studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy and
History of Philosophy
 1878 – 1879 – Rizal took up medicine, enrolling simultaneously in the preparatory medical course
and the regular first year medical course.
o He studied medicine because;
(1) He wanted to be a physician so that he might cure his mother’s failing eyesight.
(2) Father Pablo Ramon, Rector of Ateneo, whom he consulted for choice of career, finally
answered his letter, recommending medicine.
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General Education 9
Assimilation of the Propaganda Movement
The La Solidaridad, also known as the Propaganda Movement, was a literary and cultural
organization established in 1872 by Filipino immigrants and exiles who had settled in Europe. It aimed to
promote a closer relationship between Spain and the Philippines and increase Spain’s awareness of Filipino
peoples' needs as its colony. The execution of the three Filipino priests, GomBurZa, awakened the Filipinos’
sense of nationhood and inspired the Propaganda Movement's organization. The members were known as
the “propagandistas” or “reformistas.”
The Propaganda Movement was a period of reform-oriented activism in the Philippines, primarily
in the late 19th century, aiming for social and political changes under Spanish colonial rule. Here are detailed
profiles of three of its most prominent members:
1. José Rizal (1861–1896)
Role in the Movement:
José Rizal was the most famous member of the Propaganda Movement, and his works and ideas
became the ideological foundation of the movement. He is often regarded as the Philippines' national
hero.
Key Contributions:
 Novels: Rizal wrote two seminal novels, "Noli Me Tangere" (1887) and "El
Filibusterismo" (1891), which exposed the abuses and corruption of the Spanish clergy
and the government in the Philippines. These works stirred the consciousness of Filipinos
and inspired the fight for independence.
 Essays and Articles: Rizal contributed numerous articles to "La Solidaridad," the
newspaper of the Propaganda Movement, where he discussed issues of freedom, justice,
and human rights.
 Educational Advocacy: He pushed for the establishment of schools and reforms in the
educational system to foster critical thinking and nationalism among Filipinos.
 International Influence: Rizal's efforts gained international attention, fostering support from
Filipinos abroad and sympathizers in Europe.
Legacy:
Rizal's execution in 1896 by the Spanish authorities made him a martyr and further ignited the flames of the
Philippine Revolution. His life and works continue to inspire the Filipino people in their quest for freedom and
justice.
2. Graciano López Jaena (1856–1896)
Role in the Movement:
Graciano López Jaena was a journalist, orator, and the founder of "La Solidaridad," which became
the mouthpiece of the Propaganda Movement.
Key Contributions:
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 Founding of La Solidaridad: López Jaena founded the newspaper "La Solidaridad" in 1889
in Barcelona. This publication became a platform for Filipinos in Spain to express their
grievances and advocate for reforms in the Philippines.
 Oratory Skills: He was known for his powerful speeches that inspired many Filipinos. His
oratory skills earned him respect among his peers and he was often called upon to speak at
gatherings.
 Essays and Articles: López Jaena wrote extensively about the need for reforms, focusing
on issues such as freedom of the press, equal treatment under the law, and representation
of Filipinos in the Spanish Cortes (Parliament). His notable works include "Fray Botod," a
satirical piece criticizing the abuses of friars in the Philippines.
Legacy:
Although López Jaena died in poverty in Spain, his contributions to the Propaganda Movement laid the
groundwork for the eventual uprising against Spanish rule. He is remembered as a passionate advocate for
Philippine reforms.
3. Marcelo H. del Pilar (1850–1896)
Role in the Movement:
Marcelo H. del Pilar was a lawyer, journalist, and the editor of "La Solidaridad." He was one of the
most prolific writers of the Propaganda Movement and played a crucial role in its activities.
Key Contributions:
 Editorship of La Solidaridad: Del Pilar took over the editorship of "La Solidaridad" in 1889
and continued to publish articles advocating for political and social reforms. He used his
legal expertise to argue against the injustices of Spanish colonial rule and the abuses of the
clergy.
 Writings: Del Pilar's writings, including "Dasalan at Tocsohan," a parody of the Catholic
prayers, and "Kaiingat Kayo," a critique of the friars, were influential in exposing the
hypocrisy and corruption of the Spanish authorities. He wrote under the pen name
"Plaridel."
 Leadership: He was instrumental in organizing Filipinos in Spain to work towards their
common goals. Del Pilar also engaged in diplomatic efforts to gain support for the reformist
cause from European liberals.
Legacy:
Del Pilar's work significantly contributed to the intellectual foundation of the Philippine Revolution. He is
honored as a national hero and a champion of the Filipino people's rights and freedoms. His writings continue
to be studied as important documents of the country's history.
These three figures were central to the Propaganda Movement, which ultimately laid the intellectual
groundwork for the Philippine Revolution and the country's eventual independence from Spain.