Jose Rizal: Basic Facts and FAQs about the Filipino Hero
This talks about basic facts about Jose Rizal: full name, birthday, family tree, biography, height, wife, children/son, contribution, girlfriend, and other interesting topics about the hero.
Jose Rizal is one of the Filipino heroes, if not “the” national hero of the Philippines. His life, works, and writings have been controversial and interesting topics for discussion.
‘Jose Rizal full name’
The full name of Jose Rizal is “Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda.” The hero would usually use only the name “Jose” but officially, he has two first names: “Jose Protacio” (the last is also spelled in some references as ‘Protasio’).
The hero was given the name Jose Protacio in honor of two saints: (1) Saint Joseph, of whom Jose’s mother was a devotee, and (2) Saint Protacio, the patron saint for June 19, the birthdate of Rizal.
“Rizal Mercado” is his paternal surname while “Alonso Realonda” is Rizal’s maternal surnames. (For the interesting full explanation, read: Jose Rizal: On the Full Name of the Filipino Hero)
‘Jose Rizal birthday’
The birthday of Jose Rizal is June 19, 1861, having been born in the Philippines on that fateful day—some eight years before the famous Suez Canal was completed and opened.
In fact, one of his given names, “Protacio” was taken from a Catholic Saint whose feast day is June 19. The Catholic saint referred to is “St. Protase,” the patron of Milan, Breisach, and of haymakers. Protase is invoked for the discovery of thieves.
For the significance of “Jose Rizal Birthday,” its historicity, comparison to other heroes’ birthday, and some special birthday celebration of Jose Rizal, read: Jose Rizal’s Birthday: Date, Significance and Historicity
‘Jose Rizals Parents’
Jose Rizal’s father is Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado. He was a productive farmer from Binan, Laguna. He is commonly described as an independent-minded, taciturn but dynamic gentleman from whom Jose inherited his ‘free soul.’
Don Francisco became ‘tiniente gobernadorcillo’ (lieutenant governor) in Calamba and was thus nicknamed ‘Tiniente Kiko’. (Some students’ comical conjecture that the fictional character ‘Kikong Matsing’ of ‘Batibot’ was named after Don Francisco is, of course, unfounded.)
Don Francisco was born on May 11, 1818 in Biñan, Laguna. When Francisco was eight years old, he lost his father. He was nonetheless educated as he took Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila, where he met and fell in love with Teodora Alonso, a student in the College of Santa Rosa.
For an article that focuses on Francisco Mercado’s life and deep relation with his son Jose, read: Francisco Mercado Rizal: Jose Rizal’s Father. Don Francisco’s influence to Rizal and the hero’s love for his father, read: Jose Rizal’s Love for Francisco Mercado Rizal, His Father
Jose Rizal’s mother is Teodora Alonzo (also spelled ‘Alonso’).
She was an educated and highly cultured woman from Sta. Cruz, Manila. Common biographies state that Doña Teodora Alonso Quintos Realonda, also known as ‘Lolay,’ was born on November 8, 1826 in Santa Cruz, Manila and baptized in the Santa Cruz Church.
Doña Lolay was educated at the College of Santa Rosa, an esteemed school for girls in Manila. She was usually described as a diligent business-minded woman, very graceful but courageous, well-mannered, religious, and well-read. Very dignified, she disliked gossip and vulgar conversation.
Possessing refined culture and literary talents, she influenced her children to love the arts, literature, and music. Herself an educated woman, Lolay sent her children to colleges in Manila. To help in the economy of the family, she ran sugar and flourmills and a small store in their house, selling home-made ham, sausages, jams, jellies, and others. (Looking back, her business, in a way, predated the meat processing commerce of the Pampangueños today and the ube jam production of some nuns in Baguio.)
For a lecture that concentrates on Teodora Alonso’s life and her love for Jose, read: Teodora Alonzo: Jose Rizal’s Mother). For discussions on Jose Rizal’s great love for her, read: Jose Rizal’s Love for Teodora Alonzo, His Mother. And for Teodora’s influence and deep concern for Jose, read: The Story of the Moth, Jose Rizal, and his Mother.
‘Jose Rizal Siblings’
Not known to many, ‘Jose Rizal siblings’ contributed much to his personality and to the success of his endeavors. Are you familiar with Jose Rizal’s brother and sisters?
Saturnina Rizal
Saturnina Rizal Hidalgo (1850-1913) is the eldest child of Don Francisco and Teodora Alonso.
She and her mother provided the little Jose with good basic education that by the age of three, Pepe (Jose’s nickname) already knew his alphabet. Continue reading about her and her great influence to Jose Rizal here: SATURNINA RIZAL: The Hero’s Second Mother)
Paciano Mercado Rizal
Paciano Rizal, Jose’s only brother, was born on March 7, 1851 in Calamba, Laguna. He was fondly addressed by his siblings as ‘Ñor Paciano,’ short for ‘Señor Paciano’. The 10-year older brother of Jose studied at San Jose College in Manila, became a farmer, and later a general of the Philippine Revolution.
A detailed discussion on Paciano’s life and his influence on Jose is available here: Paciano Rizal: Pinoy Hero’s Big Brother
Narcisa Rizal
Narcisa Rizal (1852-1939) or simply ‘Sisa’ was the third child in the family. Later in history, Narcisa (like Saturnina) would help in financing Jose Rizal’s studies in Europe, even pawning her jewelry and peddling her clothes if needed.
A detailed discussion on Narcisa Rizal’s influence to Jose Rizal is available here: NARCISA RIZAL: The Hospitable Sister of the Hero
Olympia Rizal
Olympia Rizal (1855-1887) is the fourth child in the Rizal family.
Jose loved to tease her, sometimes good-humoredly describing her as his stout sister. Jose’s first love, Segunda Katigbak, was Olympia’s schoolmate at the La Concordia College. Rizal confided to Olympia (also spelled ‘Olimpia’) about Segunda, and the sister willingly served as the mediator between the two teenage lovers.
For Olympia Rizal’s influence to Jose Rizal, read: OLYMPIA RIZAL: The Sister Whom the Hero Loves to Tease
Lucia Rizal Herbosa
Lucia Rizal (1857–1919) is the fifth child in the family. She married Mariano Herbosa of Calamba, Laguna. Charged of inciting the Calamba townsfolk not to pay land rent and causing unrest, the couple was once ordered to be deported along with some Rizal family members.
Lucia Rizal’s other sacrifices for the sake of Jose Rizal are discussed here: LUCIA RIZAL: Partaker of the Hero’s Sufferings
Maria Rizal Cruz
Maria Rizal (1859-1945) is the sixth child in the family. It was to her whom Jose talked about wanting to marry Josephine Bracken when the majority of the Rizal family was apparently not amenable to the idea.
In his letter dated December 28, 1891, Jose Rizal wrote to her sister Maria, “I’m told that your children are very pretty.” Today, we have a historical proof that Maria’s progenies were indeed nice-looking (‘lahing maganda’). For more interesting discussions about Maria Rizal, read MARIA RIZAL: The Hero’s Confidant.
Concepcion Rizal
Also called ‘Concha’ by her siblings, Concepcion Rizal (1862-1865) was the eight child of the Rizal family. She died at the age of three.
Read more about her here: CONCEPCION RIZAL: The Hero’s First Grief
Josefa Rizal
Josefa Rizal’s nickname is Panggoy (1865-1945). She’s the ninth child in the family. Panggoy died a spinster. Among Jose Rizal’s letters to Josefa, the one dated October 26, 1893 is perhaps the most fascinating.
After Jose’s martyrdom, the epileptic Josefa joined the Katipunan and was even said to have been elected the president of its women section. (Continue reading about her here: JOSEFA RIZAL: The Katipunera
Trinidad Rizal
Trinidad Rizal (1868-1951) or ‘Trining’ was the tenth child. Historically, she became the custodian of Rizal’s last and greatest poem.
Right before Jose’s execution, Trinidad and their mother visited him in the Fort Santiago prison cell. As they were leaving, Jose handed over to Trining an alcohol cooking stove, whispering to her in a language which the guards could not understand, “There is something in it.”
More about her can be read here: TRINIDAD RIZAL: The Custodian of the Hero’s Greatest Poem)
Soledad Rizal
Also called ‘Choleng,’ Soledad Rizal (1870-1929) was the youngest child of the Rizal family. Being a teacher, she was arguably the best educated among Rizal’s sisters.
Choleng’s union with her husband resulted in Rizal family’s becoming connected by affinity to Miguel Malvar, the hero who could have been listed as the second Philippine President for taking over the revolutionary government after Emilio Aguinaldo’s arrest in 1901. Find out how here: SOLEDAD RIZAL: The Hero’s Controversial Sister
For the various controversies related to Jose Rizal’s family, I invite you to read: The Interesting Tales of the Jose Rizal Family.
Jose Rizal family tree
The Jose Rizal Family tree can be drawn from the respective ancestry of his father and mother, and from Jose’s child or children, if ever he had.
Jose Rizal’s father is Don Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado. Francisco’s great grandfather is Domingo Lam-co, a learned pro-poor or ‘maka-masa’ Chinese immigrant businessman who married a sophisticated Chinese mestiza of Manila named Ines de la Rosa. One of their two children, Francisco (also), resided in Biñan and married Bernarda Monicha.
Francisco and Bernarda’s son, Juan Mercado, became the ‘gobernadorcillo’ (town mayor) of Biñan, Laguna. He married Cirila Alejandra and they had 12 children, the youngest being Jose Rizal’s father, Francisco. (On why they got the family name Rizal, instead of Lamco, please read: Jose Rizal: On the Full Name of the Filipino Hero)
Jose Rizal’s mother is Doña Teodora Alonso Quintos Realonda. Doña Teodora’s family descended from Lakandula, the last native king of Tondo. Doña Teodora’s great-grandfather was Eugenio Ursua (of Japanese descent) who married a Filipina named Benigna. Regina, their daughter, married a Filipino-Chinese lawyer of Pangasinan, Manuel de Quintos.
Then Lorenzo Alberto Alonso, a well-off Spanish-Filipino mestizo of Biñan, took as his ‘significant other’ Brigida Quintos, daughter of Manuel and Regina Quintos. The Lorenzo-Brigida union produced five children, the second of them was Jose Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonso Quintos.
Jose Rizal is the seventh of the eleven children of Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso Quintos Realonda. For the family tree that can be traced from Jose Rizal’s son or children, read: Did Jose Rizal have a son (or children)? or Why Adolf Hitler is NOT Jose Rizal’s son
‘Jose Rizal Biography’
In his early childhood, Jose had mastered the alphabet and learned to write and read. His early readings included the Spanish version of the Vulgate Bible. At young age, he already showed inclinations to arts.
At age eleven, Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and obtained at age 16 his Bachelor of Arts degree with an average of “excellent”. In the same year (1877), he took Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas, while at the same time enrolled in a course in land surveying at the Ateneo.
He enrolled in medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in 1878, but later stopped his studies there without finishing his course.
On May 3, 1882, he went to Spain and enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid. In June of 1884, he received the degree of Licentiate in Medicine at the age of 23. A year later, he completed his course in Philosophy and Letters with the grade of “excellent.”
Wanting to cure his mother’s advancing blindness, Rizal went to Paris, Heidelberg, and Berlin to get further knowledge and training in ophthalmology. In Heidelberg, he completed his eye specialization.
For Jose Rizal’s contributions, life aa a leader and a patriot, his first homecoming, second homecoming, exile to Dapitan, his love life, implication to Bonifacio-led rebellion, and execution, read: Jose Rizal: Short Biography of the Filipino Hero
For the Filipino (Tagalog) version of Jose Rizal’s biography, read: Jose Rizal: Tagalog Biography of the Bayaning Pilipino
‘Jose Rizal height’
Common references today state that Jose Rizal was 1.5 meter tall (or short). But using a different metric system, sources declare that he has 5’ 3” stature. Notice that 5’ 3” is not equivalent to 1.5 meters—it is about 4 inches more than the real equivalent of 1.5 meter height.
So probably, the claim that Jose Rizal is (just) 4’11’ is more reliable, for it is the near equivalent of 1.5 meters. Moreover, the 4’11” suggestion is based on Jose Rizal’s clothing that museums now possess.
To compensate for his height, Jose Rizal nevertheless turned to sports like weightlifting to improve his physique. It is said that Jose Rizal’s chest measured 37 inches, astonishingly 12-inch larger than his 25” to 26” waist.
For discussions on ‘Jose Rizal height’ compared to his father, compared to his brother Paciano, and his (Jose’s) one tall girlfriend, read: Jose Rizal height: A discussion on how tall (or short) our hero was
‘Jose Rizal wife’
Jose Rizal’s wife, that is, his common-law wife, is Josephine Bracken. Her full name is Marie Josephine Leopoldine Bracken.
Bracken was born on August 9, 1876 in Victoria, Hong Kong. She was the youngest of the five children of an Irish couple, British army corporal James Bracken and Elizabeth Jane MacBride. The two were married on May 3, 1868 in Belfast, Ireland.
But a few days after giving birth to Josephine, her mother Elizabeth died. Her father decided to give her up for adoption to her childless godparents, American George Taufer, an engineer of the pumping plant of the Hong Kong Fire Department, and his Portuguese (second) wife. Josephine’s real father (James) left Hong Kong after retirement and was said to have died at the hands of robbers in Australia. (For more background info about her, read: Josephine Bracken: Jose Rizal’s Dear and Unhappy Wife)
Josephine and Taufer first met Rizal in Hongkong, when they consulted the Filipino doctor for Taufer’s failing eyesight. In 1895, the (foster) father and daughter sailed to the Philippines to seek treatment from Rizal for Taufer’s cataract. They arrived in Manila on February 5, and later that month, Josephine, George, and a certain mysterious Manuela Orlac, sailed to Dapitan where Rizal had been living as a political exile for three years.
The petite Josephine who had blue eyes and brown hair was 18 years old at the time of their arrival in Dapitan. Josephine was said to be not a remarkable beauty, but she “had an agreeable countenance because of the childlike expression of her face, her profound blue and dreamy eyes and abundant hair of brilliant gold” (Alburo, n.d.).
It is thus said that the lonely Rizal was attracted to Josephine who was a happy character, despite having lived a difficult life with her adoptive father and his various wives. Unsurprisingly, the Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken easily fell in love with each other.
For discussions on Taufer’s opposition against Rzal and Bracken’s relationship, Rizal’s proposal and application for their church wedding, how was Josephine as a wife, and their child, read: Jose Rizal’s Wife: Was Josephine Bracken a ‘bad omen’ in the hero’s life?
On what happened to Jose Rizal’s wife after the hero was executed, read: What happened to Josephine Bracken When Jose Rizal Died?
‘Jose Rizal son/children’
Search the key phrase “Jose Rizal children” and you will be surprised that some interesting personalities will come out. Results include Fuhrer of Germany Adolf Hitler, the Japanese named Yuriko, and even the founder of the People’s Republic of China Mao Zedong.
Yes, Jose Rizal had a son! When Jose Rizal was living as an exile in Dapitan, he took as his ‘common-law wife’ Josephine Bracken. Before the year ended in 1895, the couple had a child who was born prematurely. “Rizal’s sisters say the boy was named Peter; others say he was named Francisco, after Don Francisco Mercado” (Bantug & Ventura, 1997, p. 121).
As to what happened to their son, plus the discussions on whether or not Adolf Hitler, Mao Zedong, and Yuriko are “Jose Rizal children,” read: read: Did Jose Rizal have a son (or children)? and Why Adolf Hitler is NOT Jose Rizal’s son
‘Jose Rizal Girlfriends and Love Life’
The following are the most popular among Rizal’s so-called girlfriends or love interest based on the well-read e-book The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal by Jensen DG. Mañebog.
Segunda Katigbak
Segunda Katigbak was Jose Rizal’s “puppy love.” With her, the hero was believed to have had “love at first sight”.
In one of his diaries (“Memoirs of a Student in Manila,” n.d.), Rizal graphically described her as a short lady with “eloquent eyes, rosy cheeks, and smile that reveals very beautiful teeth”. (More about their love story here: Segunda Katigbak: Jose Rizal’s First Love)
But the two regrettably did not end up with each other, nor did they become an item. Their interesting last meeting is narrated here: Segunda Katigbak and Jose Rizal: Their secret strange last meeting
Leonor Valenzuela
Nicknamed Orang, Leonor Valenzuela was commonly described as a tall girl with regal bearing who was Rizal’s province-mate. She was the daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela, who were from Pagsanjan, Laguna. (More about her here: Leonor Valenzuela: Jose Rizal’s Tall Girlfriend)
There are proofs that Rizasl indeed courted Orang—the mysterious and extraordinary love letters Rizal sent her!
Leonor Rivera
She was widely considered as the Jose Rizal’s “true love”.
Leonor Rivera (April 11, 1867–August 28, 1893) of Camiling, Tarlac was the daughter of Antonio Rivera and Silvestra Bauzon. Leonor’s father was a cousin of the hero’s father, Francisco Mercado. (More about her here: Leonor Rivera: Jose Rizal’s True Love)
In 1882, Rizal wanted to marry the uncomplaining Leonor and leave her in his sister Narcisa’s care. But this plan did not materialize. The reason for this and pertinent events are discussed here: Leonor Rivera: Why Rizal did not end up marrying his true love
Consuelo Ortiga y Rey
Consuelo Ortiga y Rey is among the so-called Rizal’s girlfriends or lovers in the foreign lands. She was probably very likable because at least two Filipinos in Spain in Jose Rizal’s time had had feelings for her. (More about her here: Consuelo Ortiga y Rey: The “Crush ng Bayan” in Rizal’s Time)
One of Rizal’s Filipino (or mestizo) friends in Spain was actually one of the reasons Rizal gave up his affection for Consuelo. He seriously liked Ms. Ortiga and Rizal did not wish to ruin their friendship over a lady. Also, there are indications that two other Rizal’s good friends also regularly visited the lady.
Seiko Usui
It was during Jose Rizal’s second trip abroad when he met Seiko Usui. One day, Rizal saw Seiko passing by in one of her daily afternoon walks. Fascinated by her charm, Rizal inquired and learned from a Japanese gardener some basic information about her. (More about Seiko here: Seiko Usui: Jose Rizal’s Japanese Girlfriend)
In no time, Rizal made a “Hokage move” to personally know the Japanese lady. Fast forward, O-Sei-San, as Rizal fondly called Seiko, voluntarily acted as Rizal’s generous tour guide.
They became lovers, but sadly, their more than a month happy relationship had to end nonetheless. In 1897, a year after Rizal’s martyrdom, Seiko married someone else.
Gertrude Beckett
Coming from brief stay in Japan and the United States of America, Rizal chose to live in the capital city of the United Kingdom on May 1888.
Gertrude Beckett was the daughter of Jose Rizal’s landlord—Charles Beckett, an organist at St. Paul’s Church in London. Rizal called her by her nickname “Gettie” and she affectionately called him “Pettie.” (More about her here: Gertrude Beckett: Jose Rizal’s Fling in London)
Gertrude showered Rizal with all her attention and assisted him in his painting and sculpturing. Some sources nonetheless suggest that their relationship was just a one-sided love affair.
Suzanne Jacoby
It was said that Rizal had a transitory romance with the petite niece of his landladies in Belgium, Suzanne Jacoby, the Belgian lady whom Jose Rizal met when he was 29. (Read more about her: Suzanne Jacoby: Jose Rizal’s Fling)
Suzanne shed tears when Rizal left Belgium toward the beginning of August, 1890. She kept writing him letters. In one of her letters though, we can glean that the affection was (already) one-sided (Read the contents of the letter here: The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal)
Nellie Boustead
Nellie Boustead, also called Nelly, was the younger of the two pretty daughters of the wealthy businessman Eduardo Boustead. Son of a rich British trader, Eduardo went to the Orient in 1826. (Read more about her here: Nellie Boustead: Jose Rizal’s Almost Wife)
Rizal wrote some of his friends about his affection for Nelly and his idea of proposing marriage to her. Antonio Luna, who was formerly Nelly’s fiancé, explicitly permitted Rizal to court and marry her. This is interesting because Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna (yes, the “Heneral Luna”) nearly had a deadly duel before because of Nellie Bousted.
Though very much ideal, Nelly-and-Jose’s lovely relationship unfortunately did not end up in marriage.
Truth is, Jose Rizal’s romantic experiences are not only fun to read but are also somewhat educational, as they offer various life lessons especially in making decisions and setting priorities. For comprehensive discussion about “Jose Rizal girlfriends” or his colorful love life, I invite you to read: The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal
‘Jose Rizal Contribution’
Jose Rizal got many contributions for the freedom that his beloved country, Philippines, eventually attained. We can say that he offered his life itself for this noble cause.
Rizal wrote extraordinary poems, contributed nationalistic essays to publications, religiously kept his diary, and corresponded to his friends and relatives.
In March 1887, he published in Berlin his first controversial novel, the Noli Me Tangere, which revealed the tyranny and arrogance of the Spanish clergy and officials in the Philippines. For its significance and more, read: The Noli Me Tangere
To bring to light that the Filipinos had an impressive civilization even long before the Spanish colonization, he annotated and reprinted in Paris Morga’s Successos De Las Islas Filipinas. On September 18, 1891, Rizal’s more militant novel, El Filibusterismo was printed in Ghent. (Read: The El Filibusterismo
For more detailed discussions on ‘Jose Rizal contribution,’ read: Jose Rizal’s Contribution: The Colorful Biography of the Hero
Bonus: The Importance of the Jose Rizal Subject and Why Study the Jose Rizal Subject?
© 2014-present by Jensen DG. Mañebog
Jensen DG. Mañebog, the contributor, is an author of textbooks and professorial lecturer emeritus in the graduate school of a state university in Metro Manila. His unique e-books on Rizal (available online) comprehensively tackle, among others, the respective life of Rizal’s parents, siblings, co-heroes, and girlfriends. (e-mail: [email protected])
Read Also:
The Interesting Tales of the Jose Rizal Family by Jensen DG. Mañebog
Questions for Discussion:
What are the basic facts about Rizal? Who is Jose Rizal (summary)? Why is Jose Rizal a hero? What Rizal did for our country (Philippines)?