Chapter 1ADVENT (Coming of

a notable person) OF A
NATIONAL HERO
I. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Allonzo Realonda
Full name of Jose Rizal and his real surname is “Mercado”
II. June 19, 1861
The date of birth of Jose Rizal in the lakeshore of Calamba,
Laguna Province, Philippines.

>Teodora Alonso Realonada, born on November 9, 1827 at

Meisik, Tondo, Manila. She was known for being a
disciplinarian as well as a dedicated, courteous and
hard- working mother. As the young Rizal's first
teacher, she had a profound influence on his
development and was his inspiration in taking up
medicine. On August 16, 1911, Jose Rizal's mother died
in her home in San Fernando Street, Binondo, Manila.
Fitting honors were accorded her at her funeral.
>His mother almost died during the delivery because of his
big head. His name “Jose” was chosen by his mother who was
a devoted of the Christian Saint San Jose, (St. Joseph).
>Before her death, the Philippine government offered her a
life pension. She courteously rejected saying: “My family has
never been patriotic for money. If the government has plenty
of funds and does not know what to do with them, better
reduce the taxes.”

>Francisco Mercado Rizal, The father of Jose Rizal

born on May 11, 1818 at Biñan, Laguna. He first attended
a Latin school in his hometown, and later was sent to
study Philosophy and Latin at the College of San Jose
in Manila. As a young industrious and efficient farmer,
Francisco was able to raise a family that was
financially comfortable. He was a tenant of a Dominican
estate in Calamba, Laguna and through hard work, he had
increased his rented landholdings. He was respected by
the townspeople that he became cabeza de barangay of
Calamba.
>His family name was changed to "Rizal" after an order
from Governor General Narciso Claveria that all native
Filipinos should have a distinctive family name.
>After the execution of his son Jose in Bagumbayan on
December 30, 1896, Francisco felt deeply the injustice
that was brought by the Spaniards and died shortly
afterward, on January 5, 1898 at the age of 79, in the
house of his daughter Narcisa.

Family Tree of Rizal

>Rizal had one child named Franisco Rizal y

Bracken who died after birth with Josephine
Bracken.
>Rizal’s parents owned a library which is the
largest in calamba.
>Also owned a carriage which means a status of
the symbol of the illustrados in Spanish
Philippines.
III. Father Pedro Casanas
>A native of Calamba and close friend of the
Rizal family and was the Godfather of Rizal.
IV. Lieutenant General Jose Lemery
>A former senator of Spain.
>He was the governor general of the Philippines
when Rizal was born. He governed the
Philippines for a year.
>Foster the cultivation of cotton.
>Established politico-military government.
“Take good care of this child, for someday he
wil become a great man.”
V. Leonore Valenzuela
>First love of Rizal
VI. Leon Monroy
>Former classmate of
Rizal’s father
>He became the boy’s tutor.