Rizal's First Teachers and Childhood Learning
José Rizal's educational journey began at home with his mother, Doña Teodora, as his first teacher. She taught him to read, pray, and even nurtured his poetic talents by coaching him in Spanish and rhetoric. His artistic abilities were further developed through the guidance of his three uncles - José Alberto (painting and sculpting), Manuel (martial arts), and Gregorio (love for reading).
By age five, Rizal could already read and write. His father hired private tutors including Maestro Celestino, Maestro Lucas Padua, and Maestro Leon Monroy to continue his education at home. When Monroy died after five months, Rizal's father decided it was time for formal schooling.
In June 1869, Rizal's brother Paciano accompanied him to Biñan to study at Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz's school. His first day wasn't easy - classmates laughed at his limited Latin and Spanish, leading to a wrestling match with the teacher's son Pedro. Rizal won this fight, earning respect from his peers. Though not naturally quarrelsome, he never backed down from confrontation.
Did you know? The execution of three Filipino priests (GomBurZa) in 1872 profoundly impacted young Rizal. Though only 11 years old at the time, this injustice inspired his future fight against Spanish tyranny and later became the dedication for his second novel, El Filibusterismo.