09 November, 1827
TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
Teodora Morales Alonzo Realonda de Rizal y Quintos, the mother of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, was born in Meisik, Tondo, Manila. She was known for being a disciplinarian as well as a dedicated, courteous and hard- working mother.
As the young Rizal’s first teacher, she had a profound influence on his development and was his inspiration in taking up medicine. An hour before his execution, Dr. Jose Rizal wrote his last letter to his mother which read simply, “To my dear mother, Sra. Da. Teodora Alonzo. 6 o’clock in the morning, December 30, 1896. Jose Rizal”. On August 16, 1911, Jose Rizal’s mother died in her home in San Fernando Street, Binondo, Manila. Fitting honors were accorded her at her funeral.
(Ref: Pambansang Komisyong Pangkasaysayan; Photo from www.geni.com/people/Teodora-de-Quintos-Alonso/6000000006169591114)
