PI 10 – The Life and Works of José Rizal

Activity on Formative Years (1861-1882): Genesis in Calamba, Ateneo, and UST

1. Who were the people that influenced José Rizal in his formative years (1861-1882)? In bullet form, list down
five names and explain their contributions to Rizal (explanation for each influencer is in 2 simple sentences
only). Note: Consider his experiences in Calamba, Biñan, Ateneo and the Jesuits, and UST and the
Dominicans in the answer. (10 points)
• Doña Teodora Alonso Realonda: Being the mother of José Rizal, Teodora Alonso had the greatest influence
in her son’s formative years. As his first teacher, she taught the young Rizal how to read and write, to improve
himself in various fields of study such as Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, and Arts, and to practice values like
righteousness and generosity always (Reyno 2012).
• Justiniano Aquino Cruz: Being known as the “Maestro” or teacher of the young Rizal’s stay in Biñan,
Justiniano Cruz helped develop the child’s skills in every aspect of his life. In fact, he excelled primarily in
Spanish and Latin courses under his Maestro and surpassed all his classmates (Jose Rizal University n.d.).
• Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: This Jesuit priest in Ateneo became Rizal’s favorite teacher who
molded his literary skills, especially in essay and poetry writing. There was also mutual respect between them
(Yumul 2012).
• Father Ramon Pablo: He was a Rector of Ateneo during Rizal’s formative years in Ateneo. He was one of
the reasons why Rizal decided to take up Medicine later at the University of Sto. Tomas.
• Leonor “Orang” Valenzuela: She was Rizal’s sweetheart during his sophomore years in UST. He was
deeply attached to her hence he would always visit her house to impress her family and pursue her by sending
love letters (Moya 2021).
2. Narrate the events that led to the execution of the three martyr priests, including the scene of their death, with
this question in mind: Why did the Spanish authority execute the three priests (GOMBURZA) in 1872? Answer
in 5 sentences only. (5 points)
The three martyred priests, Father Mariano Gomez, Father José Burgos, and Father Jacinto Zamora were
executed through garrote on February 17, 1872. They were falsely accused by Spanish authorities in conspiring with
Filipino troops, led by Sergeant Fernando La Madrid, who rebelled in the 1872 Cavite Mutiny (Santos 2021). Those
priests were known to hold anti-Spanish sentiments and campaign for equal rights among citizens, especially the
priests. Hence, they were also branded as enemies of the Spanish state. Rizal also witnessed the execution of the
three priests.
3. Answer these three questions in 5 sentences only: 1) How did the execution of the three martyr priests
influence Rizal’s consciousness? 2) How did Rizal honor the memory of the three martyr priests? (5 points)
When Rizal saw how those three priests were executed, he realized that their deaths should not go in vain. He
believed that they upheld nationalism by criticizing the Spanish government for its oppressive governance and
inhumane policies on Filipinos. He also admired them for their strong nationalist views and bravery for advocating for
the secularization of churches in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Consequently, he authored a novel
entitled El Filibusterismo or “The Reign of Greed” which was dedicated to the three priests. He aimed to enlighten his
fellow Filipinos on their motherland’s status quo and ignite their nationalist spirits to establish a revolution.
4. Reflect on the importance of influencers in an individual’s life. Who are the most influential people in your life?
How did they affect your outlook on various aspects of your personal, academic, and even social life? Can a
person live without the influence of others? Answer in 5-7 sentences only. (10 points)
John Donne, an English author, once said, “No man is an island.” No one can live by himself solely without
connecting to other people, especially his loved ones. In my case, my family and friends have been the most influential
people in my life because they are always here to support me along the way. They are the reasons why I want to
persevere more in my life and in my studies so that I can reach my dreams. Of course, the journey will not be easy
most of the time, but they serve as my daily motivation. Without them, I am nothing.
References:
Jose Rizal University. “Early Education in Calamba and Biñan.” Accessed October 12, 2022.
http://www.joserizal.ph/ed01.html
Moya, Jove. 2021. “Dr Jose Rizal: Who Were The Women in the National Hero’s Life?” Tatler Asia, June 16, 2021.
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/the-women-in-the-life-of-dr-jose-rizal
Reyno, Ma. Cielito G. 2012. “Rizal and the Lessons His Mother Taught Him.” National Historical Commission of the
Philippines, September 18, 2012. https://nhcp.gov.ph/rizal-and-the-lessons-his-mother-taught-him/
Santos, Rap. 2021. “The Execution of Gomburza.” Read.Cash. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-execution-of-
gomburza-2a99ad12
Yumul, Francis D. 2012. “Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: Rizal’s Batman.” Blogger, January 17, 2012.
https://fyumul.blogspot.com/2012/01/father-francisco-de-paula-sanchez.html