Ral Lectures - Episode on Jose Rizal's Childhood

Introduction

• Lecture by Sir Jet at the Ral shrine in Kalamba City.
• Focus on anecdotes from Jose Rizal's childhood, sourced from interviews during the American period.
• Ral (Jose Rizal) was a notable historical figure who lived from 1861 to 1896.

Early Life & Physical Appearance

• Childhood nickname: Pepe.
• Short stature with a disproportionately large head, speculated to indicate a larger brain.
• Learned to read and write before age five, extraordinarily early for his time.

Education

• First teacher was his mother, who taught him the alphabet, Latin, and Spanish.
• Favorite childhood story: The Moth, a tale warning about dangers, metaphorically related to Rizal's later life.
• Formal education under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz; excelled despite smaller stature.

Anecdotes and Notable Stories

• Usman the Dog: Pepe’s black dog, with whom he would walk and discuss social issues.
• Poetry Talent: Known for writing poems at a young age; often bragged about them to sisters.
• Fist Fight with a Bully: Defended himself against a bully, thanks to martial arts skills.
• The Myth of "Sa Aking Mga Kabata": Allegedly written by Rizal, but doubts exist due to linguistic and historical inconsistencies.

Misattributed Works

• Popular poem "Sa Aking Mga Kabata" was likely not written by Rizal.
  • Published in 1906, long after Rizal’s death.
  • Used the letter K, not common in writings of Rizal’s time.
  • No confirmation from his sisters about its authenticity.

Prophecy of Statues

• As a child, Rizal made a clay statue of Napoleon and prophesied people would make statues of him.
• Fulfillment of prophecy with numerous statues erected posthumously, especially during American Colonial period.
• Sisters often attended unveiling ceremonies, recalling Rizal's childhood prophecy.

Conclusion

• Rizal's childhood was marked with early intellectual achievements and a prescient sense of destiny.
• Remains a celebrated national hero with stories and myths amplifying his legacy.

End of Episode Summary

Keep learning about Jose Rizal's life and contributions through these lectures.