Chapter 1: Advent of a National Hero (Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonso Realonda)
Birth of Rizal Born June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, b/n eleven and midnight. Jose had a big head, his mother almost died. “Jose” was chosen by his mother, from San Jose/ St. Joseph
Baptism June 22, 3 days old in the Catholic church of hiw town by Fr Rufino Collantes (Batangueno). His godfather was Fr Pedro Casanas.
The Gov-Gen of the Phil when Rizal was born, Lt-Gen Jose Lemery
His Father Francis Mercado Rizal, born May 11, 1818, studied Latin and Philosophy at San Jose in Manila. Became a tenant farmer. Died in Manila on Jan 5, 1898 at age 80. “A model of fathers” accdg to Rizal.
His Mother Dona Teodora Alonso Realonda, born in Manila on Nov 8, 1826. Studied at the College of Santa Rosa. Died in Manila on Aug 16m 1911 at age 85.
Rizal’s Siblings He was the 7th child out of 11 (2 boys, 9 girls) Saturnina, oldest child “Neneng” Paciano, older brother. Died in Los Banos and died on Apr 13, 1930 aged 79. Narcisa “Sisa” Olimpia “Ypia” Lucia, Maria “Biang”, Jose Rizal, Concepcion “Concha” died of sickness at age 3, Josefa “Panggoy” died at age 80, Trinidad “Trining” died at age 83, Soledad youngest “Choleng”
His Ancestry Negrito, Indonesian, Malay, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish
Mercado/Rizal Mercado was adopted in 1731 by Domingo Lamco (his great-great-grandfather), Rizal was given by a Spanish alcalde mayor of Laguna and family friend. They belonged to the principalia.
