Pepe. | The Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal [ENGLISH]

Jose Rizal in Santa Isabel College

Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College to be proficient in Spanish and develop his skills in poetry writing more where he paid P3 for extra three-hours.

He was guided by Father Francisco Paula de Sanchez in developing his literary skills in poetry. Through his poetry he was able to finish poem about religion, education, and childhood experiences. It also gave him the opportunity to develop more mature emotions, patriotic sentiments and exquisite sensitivity.

Rizal did not waste any time to learn new things during his time. On his vacant time:

1. Agustin Saez – painting lessons

2. Teodoro Romualdo – sculpture lessons

3. Romualdo de Jesus – interest in arts

4. Father Jose Villaclara, S.J. – sciences and philosophy.

As a result, he was able to sculpt the image of the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

LITERATURE OF RIZAL

The first poem that Rizal wrote as a student was entitled Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration). This poem was dedicated to his mother during her birthday, but according to some, this was a work of his cousin.

My First Inspiration

Why do the scented flowers in fragrant fray

Rival each other's flower this festive day?

Why is the sweet melody bruited in the sylvan dale

Harmony sweet and fluted like the nightingale?

Why do the birds sing so in the tender grass

Flitting from bough to bough with winds that pass?

And why does the crystal spring run among the flowers

While lullaby zephyrs sing like its crystal showers?

I see the dawn in the East with the beauty endowed

Why goes she to a feast in a carmine cloud?

Sweet mother, they celebrate your natal day

The rose with her scent innate, the bird with his lay.

The murmurous spring this day without alloy.

Murmuring bids, you always to live in joy.

While the crystalline murmurs glisten, hear you the accents strong

Struck from my lyre, listen! To my love's first song.