User:TheNuggeteer/sandbox

His family lived in a ''[[Bahay na bato|bahay na]]'' ''[[Bahay na bato|bato]]'', a house style that prominent families incorporated in their houses. The house was situated near the town plaza, described by historian John Ray Jamos as an indicator of the family's influence.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|pp=6-7}} As church, civil, and military authorities found the Rizal mansion a good resting space when going to their health resort, the family often had many visitors. Sometimes, the house was filled with many visitors, with Teodora serving them all.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=76}} In 1865, his 3-year-old sister, Conception, died, causing him to cry tears of sorrow.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=12}}{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=73-74}} He learned the alphabet from his mother at 3 and could read and write at age 5. Teodora taught Rizal how to compose poems, pray, and contribute to household chores.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|pp=6-7}} Rizal had pets: a black dog named Usman and a pony named Alipato, given by his father when he turned seven. He alternated between walking and riding on his horse, inspiring some of his customs during his stay in Europe.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=15}}{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=68}} Historians described Rizal's childhood as happy and showed equal treatment between him and his siblings.{{Sfn|Valdez|2007|p=71}} When he was seven, he made his first trip by visiting [[Antipolo]],{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=73-74}} visiting the mountain shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Safe Travel. A souvenir of the travel, a print of the Virgin, was placed in Rizal's wooden chest.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=75}}

The family resided in a ''[[Bahay na bato|bahay na]]'' ''[[Bahay na bato|bato]]'', an architectural style then associated with the Filipino elite. The house was situated near the town plaza; historian John Ray Ramos states that this proximity indicated the family's social and political influence.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|pp=6-7}} The Rizal residence served as a frequent stopping point for civil, military, and church authorities traveling to nearby health resorts. These visits often filled their residence, where Rizal's mother, Teodora, attended to the guests.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=76}} In 1865, his three-year-old sister, Concepcion, died; historian Austin Craig identified this event as Rizal's first experience of sorrow.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=12}}{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=73-74}} Under his mother's care, Rizal learned the alphabet at age three and could read and write by age five. Teodora taught him how to pray and compose poems, while also requiring him to help with household chores.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|pp=6-7}} Rizal owned a black dog named Usman and a pony named Alipato, which was a gift from his father for his seventh birthday. He alternated between walking and riding, a habit he continued throughout his later travels.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=15}}{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=68}} Historians often characterize Rizal's childhood as a happy period, noting that he and his siblings received equal treatment from their parents.{{Sfn|Valdez|2007|p=71}} At age seven, Rizal went on his first pilgrimage to [[Antipolo]].{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=73-74}} They visited the mountain shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage; Rizal kept a print of the Virgin Mary from this trip in his wooden chest as a souvenir.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=75}}

Due to Teodora's literary training, she was acquainted with good Spanish writers, benefiting her children; she told them stories for children. The Bible also played a large part in Rizal's childhood, with the [[Vulgate]], the copy of the Bible Teodora had, being referenced in his works.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=76}} Due to his relationship with Father Leoncio Lopez, he became more mature.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=69-70}} According to John Foreman, a writer staying in the Philippines, Father Lopez was "impressive," respecting the opinions of others and speaking respectfully. Father Lopez conversed with Rizal respectfully, and when it was time to ask questions, he explained carefully.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=70-71}} He enjoyed watching sleight-of-hand tricks and making magic-lantern exhibitions, twisting and shaping the lanterns. Neighbors enjoyed looking at the lanterns, successfully catering to the public's taste.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=69}} Rizal once made a Tagalog drama that pleased a municipal official of [[Paete]] who happened to attend while visiting Calamba, leading to Rizal being paid two pesos.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=77}} Rizal was described as "curious": he liked to learn profusely and ask questions. He had thousands of books in his home and talked with his [[wiktionary:yaya|yaya]] Aquilina.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=12}} He was close to his brother [[Paciano Rizal|Paciano]], who had once been mentored by Father [[José Burgos]]: the former would ask Paciano questions while he would tell him stories.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=15}}

Due to Teodora's literary training, she was acquainted with good Spanish writers, benefiting her children; she told them stories for children. The Bible also played a large part in Rizal's childhood, with the [[Vulgate]], the copy of the Bible Teodora had, being referenced in his works.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=76}} Due to his relationship with Father Leoncio Lopez, he became more mature.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=69-70}} According to John Foreman, a writer staying in the Philippines, Father Lopez was "impressive," respecting the opinions of others and speaking respectfully. Father Lopez conversed with Rizal respectfully, and when it was time to ask questions, he explained carefully.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|pp=70-71}} He enjoyed watching sleight-of-hand tricks and making magic-lantern exhibitions, twisting and shaping the lanterns. Neighbors enjoyed looking at the lanterns, successfully catering to the public's taste.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=69}} Rizal once made a Tagalog drama that pleased a municipal official of [[Paete]] who happened to attend while visiting Calamba, leading to Rizal being paid two pesos.{{Sfn|Craig|1913|p=77}} Rizal was described as "curious": he liked to learn profusely and ask questions. He had thousands of books in his home and talked with his [[wiktionary:yaya|yaya]] Aquilina.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=12}} He was close to his brother [[Paciano Rizal|Paciano]], who had once been mentored by Father [[José Burgos]]: the former would ask Paciano questions while he would tell him stories.{{Sfn|Ramos|2018|p=15}}