Overview
This lecture covers Jose Rizal's high school and college education, significant influences on his life such as the martyrdom of GomBurZa, and his experiences at Ateneo, UST, and beyond, including the effects on his future activism.
The Martyrdom of GomBurZa
- GomBurZa refers to three Filipino priests: Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, executed in 1872.
- They were accused of leading the Cavite Mutiny, an uprising by Filipino workers against Spanish oppression.
- Their execution shocked Filipinos, highlighted Spanish abuses, and inspired future reformists including Rizal.
- Rizal's brother Paciano was close to Burgos, deeply impacting Rizal's social consciousness.
- Rizal dedicated "El Filibusterismo" to GomBurZa.
Rizal’s Early Education: Ateneo de Manila
- Rizal initially passed San Juan de Letran's entrance exam but later enrolled in Ateneo, a top Jesuit school.
- He was initially rejected for late enrollment and his small stature, but was later admitted with help from Manuel Burgos.
- At Ateneo, Rizal used the surname ‘Rizal’ instead of ‘Mercado’ due to political reasons.
- Ateneo offered rigorous education in arts, sciences, languages, and religion.
- Students were grouped into Roman and Carthaginian “empires” for academic competition.
- Rizal excelled, quickly rising in rank and earning top grades and medals.
- He struggled with Spanish and took private lessons to improve.
- Notable influences included Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, who encouraged Rizal’s writing in Spanish.
- Rizal wrote poems in praise of Spanish figures, likely as assignments.
- He graduated with honors and learned the value of education.
Rizal at University of Santo Tomas (UST)
- Rizal studied Philosophy and Letters at UST, later shifting to Medicine to help his mother.
- Simultaneously, he completed a surveying course at Ateneo but received licensure later due to age.
- Rizal’s grades at UST ranged from excellent to fair; he was less satisfied compared to Ateneo.
- Reported factors for his struggles included perceived discrimination, outdated teaching methods, and lack of passion for medicine.
- He won literary contests, notably for "A La Juventud Filipina."
- Rizal and other Filipino students faced racism and formed the group "Companerismo" for support.
- Alternative perspectives suggest Rizal was not discriminated against and that his grades were competitive.
Key Terms & Definitions
- GomBurZa — acronym for the martyred priests Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora.
- Cavite Mutiny — 1872 uprising by Filipino workers against Spanish authorities in Cavite.
- Ateneo — Prestigious Jesuit school in Manila attended by Rizal.
- UST (University of Santo Tomas) — Oldest existing university in Asia, run by Dominicans.
- Companerismo — Secret society formed by Rizal for Filipino students’ mutual support.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on how early experiences shaped Rizal’s activism.
- Review assigned readings on GomBurZa and Rizal’s education.
- Prepare for a quiz on Rizal’s academic journey and influences.