Jose Rizal's family was one of the most powerful in the Philippines at the time.

In the
Mercado-Rizal family, they have distinct blood types. They have Japanese, Spanish, Chinese,
Malay, and Igorot influences. His family consists of thirteen people, including his parents, nine
sisters, and one brother. Their age difference is between one and three years. His father,
Francisco Mercado Rizal, was named as a model of fathers in their time. He died in Manila on
January 5, 1898 at the age of 80. He was an independent man. While his mother, Teodora
Alonso Realonda, was called as a loving and prudent mother. She was the fortitude of Spartan
women. As Rizal said that his mother is a mathematician and has read many books. She died
at her home in San Fernando Street, Binondo, on August 16, 1911, at the age of 85. Rizal's
ancestors were from Principalia, or a noble family. They are the educated upper class of the
Spanish Philippines' pueblos. His parents are able to send their children to college in Manila.

Rizal’s childhood started in Calamba. He is 15 when he wrote his first poem named ‘In
Memory of My Town’. His first sorrow was the death of his sister. Concepcion was 3 years old
when she died due to an illness. His first teacher was his mother. He is 3 years old when he
learned the alphabet. Rizal said that his mother taught him how to read and say the humbles
prayers to God. Rizal has different uncles that guide his childhood. His uncle Jose Alberto, the
youngest brother of his mom, gave a wise direction in his study. Then, his uncle Gregorio
share his reading skills with a flair for being artistic that helps him to be independent in
thinking and make a visual pictures of everything. He developed Rizal’s critical thinking.
While his uncle Manuel, he developed the physique of the young Rizal. Leon Monroy was kept
by Rizal’s father for many months to teach Rizal the beginnings of Latin. Also, Rizal has his
private tutors at home, that is Maestro Celestino and Maestro Lucas Padua. At the age of five,
he began to draw using his pencil and mould in wax or clay any object, and he can also paint.
At the age of nine, he was sent to Biñan to continue his studies in Latin under Maestro
Justiniano Aquino Cruz. At the age of eight, Rizal wrote a poem in Tagalog entitled ‘ Sa Aking
mga Kababata’ as an appeal to his countrymen to love their national language. At the age of
eleven, Rizal entered the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. He earned excellent remarks in
different fields like chemistry, physics, philosophy and history. Rizal spent his childhood as a
good son. He spent his time going to church and he already knew how to respect the rights of
others. His childhood represent his desire to learn. His mother build a strong brilliance in
Rizal’s knowledge.

Rizal's childhood was more focused on education than mine. My childhood was more
like that of a regular youngster who yearns for independence. Starting at four o'clock in the
afternoon, my mother would always let me go outside. But before I go outdoors, I need to
finish my homework and get some sleep so that my mother would let me play. My mother is
also my kindergarten instructor. Even though I go to school, my mom is the one who tutor me
in every subjects. As a kid, I started painting and playing with clay. I also started dancing at
the age of 5. I am active in extracurricular activities unlike Rizal. At the age of thirteen, I
started reading books. It captivated my heart because it gives me more knowledge and
experiences that I want to learn. I read different genres that helps me to have a wide
imagination. Unlike Rizal, I am just an average kid who loves to learn by experience and not
Assignment:

1. Explain the role of the opening of the Suez Canal in the growth of the nationalistic desires
of Jose Rizal and the other Filipino ilustrados.

The Suez Canal's opening allows for the export of many items, as well as the books,
periodicals, and newspapers that Jose Rizal and other Filipino illustrators desire. It enables
kids to get valuable knowledge that will aid in the development of their intelligence. The
opening of the Suez Canal is then seen by many ilustrados, including Jose Rizal, as an
opportunity to study abroad.

2. What are the effects of the Cadiz Constitution in the Philippines?

With minor exceptions, the Cadiz Constitution granted unrestricted male suffrage. It
also ensures that everyone has equal rights. The first constitution that gives people the
ability to speak for themselves. Many countries, as we all know, have their own rulers who
rule them.

3. Explain the unique feature of Jose Rizal that was mentioned in the lesson.

Rizal have a broad critical thinking ability that enables him to evaluate any scenario in
his life. Everyone, just like a regular person, must put themselves in someone else's shoes
to figure out what they should do in any given situation. As a result, Rizal thinks in a unique
way in every situation. Before making a decision, he prefers to hear both sides of a subject.

4. Discuss the impacts of the Bourbon Reforms.

Bourbon Reforms implements a variety of policy improvements. They reclaim trading

authority. They also limit the church's authority. Within the empire, they discovered
stronger administrative and political control. Furthermore, they have changes in the
Spanish empire that have far-reaching implications for colonial policy and innovation in the
region.

5. Why is it important to study the social and political context of the century Rizal grew up
in to understand his life, thoughts, and works?

Rizal is one of those individuals who has had a significant impact on our history.
Understanding his life, views, and works will aid us in completely comprehending events in
the past. There are times when events from the past can help us prevent problems in the
future. Studying the country's social and political context will help us become more aware
of what happen in the past.