Chapter 3 - Early Education in Calamba and Biñan

The Hero’s First Teacher Doña Teodora was Jose’s first non-formal teacher. On her lap, Jose learned
prayers and the alphabet at the age of three

Private Tutors of Rizal Maestro Celestino was Jose’s first private tutor, Maestro Lucas Padua was the
second private tutor, Maestro Leon Monroy became the hero’s tutor in Spanish and Latin. He was a
classmate of Don Francisco.

The Uncles of Rizal.

Uncle Jose Alberto – gave wise direction in the studies of Jose Uncle Gregorio – instilled into the mind of
Jose the Jose Alberto love for education.
“Work hard and perform every task very carefully; learn to be swift as well as thorough; be independent
in thinking; and make visual pictures of everything.” – Uncle Gregorio

Uncle Manuel Alberto – seeing Jose was frail in nature, concerned himself with the physical
development of his nephew He also taught Jose the love for open air and admiration for the beauty of
nature

Jose Goes to Biñan. Don Leon died five months later and Jose was sent to a private school in Biñan. June
1869 – Jose goes to Biñan with Paciano

Carromata – the mode of transportation Aunt’s house – where Jose lodged

First Day in School.

Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz – formal teacher Rizal described Maestro Justiniano as tall, thin, long-
necked, sharp-nosed, with a body slightly bent forward The school was in Maestro Justiniano’s house

First School Brawl. Pedro (the teacher’s son) – wrestling Andres Salandanan – arm wrestling

Painting Lessons in Biñan. Old Juancho – freely gave Jose painting lessons Jose Rizal and his classmate
Jose Guevarra became apprentices of Old Juancho

Daily Life in Biñan Jose’s daily routine: Hears mass at 4 a.m. or studies lesson before going to mass
Goes to orchard to look for mabolo to eat Breakfast Goes to class at 10 a.m. Lunch break

Daily Life in Biñan. Goes back to school at 2 p.m. Goes home at 5 p.m. Prays with cousins. Studies
lessons, then draws a little Has supper Prays again Plays in the street if moon is bright Sleeps

Best Student in School Jose surpassed his classmates in Spanish, Latin and other subjects His older
classmates were jealous and squealed to the teacher whenever he had fights Jose usually received five
or six blows while laid out on a bench.

End of Biñan Schooling. December 17, 1870 – Jose left Biñan.

Talim – the steamer that Jose rode Arturo Camps – a Frenchman and a friend of Don Francisco, he took care of
Jose during the trip

Martyrdom of GOMBURZA January 20, 1872 – Cavite mutiny February 17, 1872 – Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose
Burgos and Jacinto Zamora were implicated and executed The GOMBURZA were leaders of the secularization
movement

The martyrdom of the three priests inspired Rizal to fight the evils of Spanish tyranny In 1891, Rizal dedicated his
second novel El Filibusterismo to GOMBURZA

Injustice to the Hero’s Mother In 1872, Doña Teodora was arrested on a malicious charge that she aided his
brother Jose Alberto in trying to poison his wife. Jose Alberto planned to divorce his wife because of her infidelity.
Jose Alberto’s wife connived with the Spanish lieutenant of the Guardia Civil and filed a case against Rizal’s mother.

Antonio Vivencio del Rosario – gobernadorcillo of Calamba, helped the lieutenant arrest Doña Teodora

50 kilometers – Doña Teodora was made to walk from Calamba to the provincial prison in Santa Cruz

Don Francisco de Marcaida & Don Manuel Mazano – most famous lawyers of Manila, defended Doña Teodora in
court After 2 ½ years – the Royal Audiencia acquitted Doña Teodora.

Prepared by:

Cherry Lyn M. carpio

Instructor