Francisco Rizal Mercado


Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado y Alejandro was the father of the Philippines' national hero Jose Rizal. He was born in Biñan, Laguna. He has a wife named Teodora Realonda y Quintos and had 11 children altogether, with the national hero being one of them.

Early life

He was one the children of Juan Monica Mercado and Cirila Alejandro. He was only eight years old when his father died. He attended a Latin school in Biñan, which his sons would later attend. He also attended the Colegio de San Jose in Manila, where he studied Latin and philosophy. He was described by Rafael Palma: "He was 40, of solid shoulders, strong constitution, rather tall than short, of serious and reflective mien, with prominent forehead and large dark eyes. A pure Filipino."

Personal life

Francisco married Teodora Alonso when he was 29 years old. The couple resided in Laguna, particularly in Calamba and built a business in agriculture.