RIZAL AS AN ATENEAN Ateneo Years (1872–1877)

ateneo ni rizal

1. RIZAL AS AN ATENEAN Ateneo Years (1872–1877)
JUNE 1872 - Rizal was sent to Manila to study in Ateneo
ATENEO - previously called Escuela Pia or Charity School of Manila, founded in 1817. The government
placed it under the supervision of Jesuits. The name of the school became Ateneo Municipal and then,
Ateneo de Manila.
HOW HE WAS ACCEPTED - Fr. Magin Fernando (Ferrando) deterred him from his matriculation because he
is late for registration and he appeared to be frail and sick.
Through the aid of Manuel Xerez Burgos, he was then accepted in Ateneo Municipal. FUN FACT Manuel
Xerez Burgos (1853–1937) was a Filipino physician, politician, and revolutionary who was also the nephew of
the executed priest Fr. Jose Burgos. He was instrumental in gaining admission for Jose Rizal into Ateneo
Municipal, served as a physician in Marinduque, and was involved in the political landscape of the late 19th
and early 20th centuries, holding a position in the Bureau of Statistics in 1902.
THE RIZAL SURNAME José used “Rizal” as his surname for the first time to avoid association with Father
José Burgos, a martyred priest. At this time, Rizal was an externo. He lived off-campus in Caraballo St.,
Santa Cruz, about 25 minutes away from school, in a house sheltered by a woman known as “Titay, ” who
has a debt of P300 to the Mercado family.
JESUIT EDUCATION SYSTEM The educational approach emphasized strict discipline, character building,
religious instruction, physical culture, humanities, and scientific studies. Classes began and ended with prayer,
and students attended morning Mass. Competition among students was encouraged.
JESUIT EDUCATION SYSTEM Students were divided into two groups:
The Roman Empire - consisting of the ‘internos’ (boarders)
Carthaginian Empire - consisting of the ‘externos’ (non-boarders)
JESUIT EDUCATION SYSTEM These groups competed for leadership positions within their respective
"empires, " fostering healthy competition and leadership skills. Rizal, known for his academic excellence, was
a prominent member of these groups, achieving the highest rank of "Emperor" in the Carthaginian Empire
during his first year.
RIZALS’ 1ST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872–1873) Rizal prayed for success and guidance in his very first class
and joined a diverse mix of students which was composed of peninsular Spaniards, insulars, mestizos, and
natives. His poor Spanish made him a target of ridicule. To improve, he took private lessons during
breaks at Santa Isabel College.
Fr. Jose Bech was his first professor in Ateneo.
Toward the end of the semester, he earned the symbolic title “Emperor of the Carthaginians,” then relaxed a
bit in the second half but still finished second overall with excellent grades.
RIZALS’ 2ND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873–1874) He regretted having neglected his studies at the beginning
of the semester but he regained his title of emperor at the end of the second semester. Became an avid
reader, especially of romantic novels, and persuaded his father to buy Historia Universal by César Cantú,
claiming it was required for class.
RIZALS’ 3RD YEAR IN ATENEO (1874–1875) It was on the start of the classes when Rizal’s mother informed
him that he had been legally emancipated, as he predicted, which made his family happy. He continued to do
well in his studies, maintaining good grades, and earned one medal in Latin.
RIZALS’ 4TH YEAR IN ATENEO (1875–1876) On June 16, 1875, Rizal became an interno (boarding
student). Fr. Francisco Paula de Sánchez, whom Rizal described as a great educator, scholar, and model of
moral rectitude, inspired him to study harder and explore poetry.

2. RIZALS’ 5TH YEAR IN ATENEO(1876-1877) Rizal excelled in his final year. He earned the highest grades
across all subjects such as Philosophy, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Language. The most brilliant
Atenean of his time. "The pride of the Jesuits" Received from his Alma Mater, the Ateneo Municipal the
degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors
POETRY JOURNEY OF RIZAL His poetic skills were first recognized by Doña Teodora (his mother), but Fr.
Sánchez encouraged him to nurture them. His first poem written during his Ateneo years was Mi Primera
Inspiración “My First Inspiration”).
ARTISTIC SKILLS OF RIZAL He impressed Jesuit professors with his carvings such as the image of the
Blessed Virgin Mary on batikuling wood and, at Fr. Lleonart’s request, carved a Sacred Heart of Jesus in
just a few days.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES active member, later secretary, of a religious society, the Marian
Congregation member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences
Engaged in gymnastics and fencing under his sports-minded Tio Manuel
FIRST LOVE OF RIZAL
SEGUNDA KATIGBAK She was Jose Rizal's "first love, " a young woman from Lipa, Batangas, whom he
met in Manila when he was 16 and she was 14.
Their "puppy love" or infatuation ended because Segunda was already engaged to Manuel Luz.
The unfulfilled romance left a lasting impression on Rizal, inspiring some of his early poetry, and marked the
first of his many romantic entanglements throughout his life.
Graduated in 1877 with the highest honors at only 16 years old.
His Ateneo years built the foundation of his knowledge,
character, and values that shaped him into a national hero.

6. •

7. RIZAL’S LIFE IN UST
• 2. Fortunately, Rizal’s tragic first romance, with its bitter disillusionment, did not adversely affect his
studies in the University of Santo Tomas. His love for higher education proved to be greater than his
love for a pretty girl.Even his mother disapproved his decision in enrolling to UST for higher education
because she believed that too much knowledge will make Rizal a hot item by the Spaniards.
• 3. In April, 1877, Rizal, who was then nearly 16 years old, matriculated in the University of Santo
Tomas, taking Philosophy and Letters. He enrolled in this course for two reasons: 1. His father liked it
and 2. He was still “Uncertain as to what career to follow.” He had written to the Father Pablo Ramon,
Rector of Ateneo, who had been good to him during his student days in that college, asking for advice
on the choice of career. Unfortunately, the Father Rector was in the Mindanao and during those days it
took several months for a letter to travel between Manila and Mindanao.
• 4. Consequently, during his first year term (1877-79) in the UST, he studied : 1.Cosmology 2.
Metaphysics 3. Theodicy 4. History of Philosophy
• 5. It was during the following school term (1878-1879) that Rizal took up medicine, enrolling
simultaneously in the preparatory medical course and the regular first year medical course. The
reasons why he studied medicine were: (1) he wanted to be a physician so that he might cure his
mother’s failing eyesight and (2) the Father Pablo Ramon, Rector of Ateneo, whom he consulted for a
choice of career, finally answered his letter, recommending medicine.
• 6. When Rizal was a freshman medical student at the University of Santo Tomas, he got his first taste
of Spanish brutality. One dark night in Calamba, during his summer vacation in 1880, he was walking in
the street. He dimly perceived the figure of a man while passing him. Not knowing the person due to
darkness, he did not salute or say a courteous “Good Evening.” The vague figure was a lieutenant of
the Guardia Civil. With a snarl, he turned upon Rizal, whipped out a sword and brutally slashed the later
on the back.
• 7. The wound was not serious, but it was painful. When he recovered, Rizal reported the incident to
General Primo de Rivera, the Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines at that time. But nothing
came out of his complaint, because he was an indio, and the abusive lieutenant was a Spaniard. In a
letter to Blumentritt, dated March 21, 1887, he related: “I went to the Captain-General but I could not
obtain any Justice; my wound lasted two weeks.
• 8. TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH (1879) -Literary contest by Artistico-Literario (Artisitic- Literary Lyceum) -
Rizal, 18 years old, submitted his poem entitled A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) - The first
prize, a feather shaped, gold ribbon decorated silver pen was given to Rizal - In the poem, Rizal
beseeched the Filipino to rise from lethargy, to let their genius fly swifter than the wind and descend
with art science to break the chains that have long bound the spirit of the people.
• 9. THE COUNCIL OF THE GODS (1880) Another literary contest by the Artistic-Literary Lyceum to
commemorate the fourth centennial of the death of Cervantes, Spanish and author of Don Quixote.
Manuel De Cervantes – Spain’s glorified man of letter - Rizal submitted an allegorical drama, El
Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods) - The allegory was based on Greek classics - Rizal
was aided by Father Rector of the Ateneo in securing the needed reference materials - The contest was
participated by priest, laymen, professors of UST, newspapermen and scholars. - Rizal won the first
price; he received a gold ring engraved with bust of Cervantes.
• 10. OTHER LITERARY WORKS 1879: Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma A poem, declaimed by an Atenean,
manuel Fernandez on December 8, 1879 in honor of the Ateneo’s Patroness 1880: Junto al Pasig
(Beside the Pasig) A zarzuela, staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880 on the Feast Day of the
Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo. Rizal wrote it as President of the Academy of
Spanish Literature 1880: A Filipinas A sonnet, for the album of the Society of Sculptors .Rizal urged all

8. Filipino artist to glorify the Philippines 1881: Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon A poem, an expression of affection
to Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo rector
• 11. CHAMPION OF FILIPINO STUDENTS - There were frequent student brawls between the Filipinos
and the Spaniards - 1880: Rizal founded Companerismo (Comradeship), a secret society of Filipino
UST students. The members were called “Companions of Jehu”. - He was the chief of the society. - His
cousin, Galicano Apacible was the secretary.
• 12. UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST Rizal was unhappy in the Dominican institution because: * The
Dominican professors were hostile to him * The Filipino students were racially discriminated against by
the Spaniards * The method of instruction was obsolete and repressive. * He failed to win high
scholastic honors due to the attitude of his professors.
• 13. ASSIGNMENT: 1. How would you compare the Companerismo founded by Rizal in UST to the
fraternities nowadays? 2. Did the life of Rizal inspired you? In what way? 3. Why do you think it is so
easy for Rizal to write poems, dramas and other written works with exemplary results?
• THE LOVERS OF RIZAL

• 4. SEGUNDA KATIGBAK • She would be Rizal’s first infatuation, unfortunately she was already engaged to
another man. • They first met in a party in Rizal’s grandmother’s house and to Rizal, it was love at first sight.
Rizal, knew from the very beginning that their story would not have a happy ending for she was already
engaged to someone.
• 5. LEONOR VALENZUELA • Rizal’s next object of affection was a woman named Leonor Valenzuela, a tall
girl of regal bearing. She was Rizal’s neighbor, regularly visiting her house during social gatherings. Rizal
courted her with love notes written with invisible ink, which could only be read by heating the note over a
candle. • After Rizal left for Europe however, their romance ended and she accepted suitors and attended
social parties.
• 6. LEONOR RIVERA • Being Rizal’s sweetheart for 11 years, Leonor Rivera was considered a reason as to
why Rizal was prevented from falling in love with other women in his travels. She was also known to be the
inspiration for one of Noli Me Tangere’s characters, Maria Clara. • Leonor’s Mother was against their
relationship, often hiding the letters that Rizal sends to her. Their exchange of letters lasted 6 years, being
“lovers by correspondence.
• 7. • After some time, she stopped receiving letters from Rizal. She was not aware that her mother bribed
two post office clerks to give her all the letters and gifts from Rizal. • Leonor was forced by her mother to
marry Henry Kipping, a young English engineer. He was responsible for the completion of the railroad from
Bayambang to the Ferrocarril de Manila (railroad from Manila-Dagupan). • Rizal's letters to Rivera were
burned and the ashes were kept inside a box covered with her dress with the letters “J” and “L” embroidered
on it.
• 8. CONSUELO ORTIGA • Consuelo Ortiga y Rey, the prettier of Don Pablo Ortiga’s daughters, fell in love
with him. He dedicated to her A la Senorita C.O. y R., which became one of his best poems. • The Ortiga's
residence in Madrid was frequented by Rizal and his compatriots. He probably fell in love with her and
Consuelo apparently asked him for romantic verses. • He suddenly backed out before the relationship turned
into a serious romance, because he wanted to remain loyal to Leonor Rivera and he did not want to destroy
hid friendship with Eduardo de Lete who was madly in love with Consuelo.
• 9. O SEI SAN/SEIKO USUI • She was the daughter of a Japanese samurai. Rizal met her when she was 23
years old, serving as his interpreter during his stay in Japan. She taught him Japanese culture, language
and art. • Charmed by her beauty, elegance and intelligence, Rizal was almost tempted to stay in Japan, the
Spanish Legation even offered him a lucrative job, but alas his mission was of utmost importance to him. •
When Rizal left for the United States, he told her in a note that he had spent a happy golden month with her
and that he do not know if he can have another.
• 10. GERTRUDE BECKETT • An English girl, she was the daughter of Rizal’s landlord, Charles Beckett.
After his brief stays in Japan and the United Sates, Rizal chose to live in London, the capital of the United
Kingdom. The eldest of three sisters, she was described as a curvy lady with cheerful blue eyes, brown hair,
rosy cheeks and thin lips. • Her affection for Rizal was clear, she spent more time assisting him than their
other boarders and showered him with all her attention. Ultimately though, Rizal backed out from the
romance and decided to leave London to be away from Gertrude so that she may forget him.
• 11. NELLI BOUSTEAD • Nellie Boustead was the daughter of the wealthy Anglo- Filipino businessman
Eduardo Boustead. The Boustead family welcomed Rizal in his stay in France. • After learning of Leonor

9. Rivera’s marriage to Henry Kipping, Rizal entertained the thoughts of courting another woman. • The center
of this idea would be the highly educated, cheerful, athletic, beautiful and morally upright Nellie.
• 12. • One of the more memorable things about their romance was when Antonio Luna, who made rather
distasteful comments about her, and Rizal almost had a duel to the death, only being stopped when Luna
apologized for his comments, conceding Nellie to Rizal in a most chivalrous way. • Unfortunately, their
relationship did not end in marriage as Rizal did not want to convert to Protestantism as Nellie demanded,
and when the time that Rizal had to leave had come, they parted as friends with no hard feelings.
• 13. SUZANNE JACOBY • A Belgian lady, Rizal met her when he stayed in Brussels as the cost of living in
Paris was too expensive, he stayed in a boarding house managed by two Jacoby sisters, Suzanne and
Marie. • Rizal however did not seem to reciprocate the feelings as intensely as her. Rizal did not even
mention her in his letters to his friends. When the time that Rizal had to (once again) leave, she wept, Rizal
only leaving her with a box of chocolates.
• 14. • Two months later, she wrote him a letter, saying “after your departure, I did not take the chocolate. The
box is still intact as on the day of your parting. Don’t delay too long writing us because I wear out the soles of
my shoes for running to the mailbox to see if there is a letter from you. There will never be any home in
which you are so loved as in that in Brussels, so, you little bad boy, hurry up and come back…” • Rizal
returned to Brussels one more time in April 1891 but not specifically for her, as he just busied himself with
revising and finalizing his manuscript of El Filibusterismo.
• 15. JOSEPHINE BRACKEN • In the last days of February 1895, while still in Dapitan, Rizal met an 18-year
old petite Irish girl, with bold blue eyes, brown hair and a happy disposition. She was Josephine Bracken,
the adopted daughter of George Taufer from Hong Kong, who came to Dapitan to seek Rizal for eye
treatment. • Rizal was physically attracted to her. His loneliness and boredom must have taken the measure
of him and what could be a better diversion that to fall in love again. But the Rizal sisters suspected
Josephine as an agent of the friars and they considered her as a threat to Rizal’s security.
• 16. • Rizal asked Josephine to marry him, but she was not yet ready to make a decision due to her
responsibility to the blind Taufer. Since Taufer’s blindness was untreatable, he left for Hon Kong on March
1895. Josephine stayed with Rizal’s family in Manila. Upon her return to Dapitan, Rizal tried to arrange with
Father Antonio Obach for their marriage. However, the priest wanted a retraction as a precondition before
marrying them. Rizal upon the advice of his family and friends and with Josephine’s consent took her as his
wife even without the Church blessings. Josephine later give birth prematurely to a stillborn baby, a result of
some incidence, which might have shocked or frightened her.