Jose Rizal Series | Part 2: Alonso Realando Tree

Summary

This episode of the Filipino Genealogy Channel delves into the maternal lineage of José Rizal, the Philippine national hero. The video traces Rizal's family through Teodora Alonso, his mother, whose lineage includes influential figures such as lawyers, priests, and wealthy Chinese mestizos. Key figures like Don Gregorio Alonso, Lorenzo Alberto Alonso, and José Alberto are discussed, highlighting their significant roles in Rizal's heritage and education. The episode also touches on the adoption of the surname 'Rialonda' and its historical significance. Stay tuned for future episodes that explore other branches of Rizal's family.

Takeaways

• 📜 The episode focuses on the maternal side of Jose Rizal's family genealogy.
• 👩‍👧 Teodora Alonso, Jose Rizal’s mother, had a family lineage that was wealthier and more influential than that of her husband, Francisco Mercado.
• 📖 Austin Craig, a Rizal biographer, noted that the maternal family's history is harder to trace but of significant importance due to the mother's influence on Rizal.
• 👨‍⚖️ Captain Gregorio Alonso, Teodora's ancestor, was a municipal captain in Manila and a Chinese mestizo.
• 💼 Don Cipriano Alonso, Gregorio’s son, was also a municipal captain and married into the well-known Florentina family of mestizos in Bulacan.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Lorenzo Alberto Alonso, Teodora’s father, was wealthy and had business investments with American shipping firms in Manila.
• 🏡 Lorenzo Alberto Alonso married Brijida de Quintos, and they had five children, including Teodora Alonso and Jose Alberto, who played a major role in Rizal's political education.
• 🌍 Jose Alberto, Rizal's maternal uncle, was educated in British India and held political influence in Spain, becoming a knight in prestigious Spanish orders.
• 👑 There is speculation that the surname 'Rayalonda,' later adopted by the family, may have mistakenly been linked to royal blood.
• 🎥 The episode concludes with a promise to explore the more prominent descendants of the Rizal family in the next installment.

Q & A

Who is the focus of the genealogy discussed in this episode of the Filipino Genealogy Channel?

The focus is on the maternal side of José Rizal's family, particularly tracing the lineage of Teodora Alonso, José Rizal's mother.

What did Austin Craig note about tracing Teodora Alonso's family history?

Austin Craig mentioned that tracing Teodora Alonso's family history is more difficult compared to her husband's family, but it is of more interest because the mother's influence on José Rizal was greater.

Who was Don Gregorio Alonso, and what role did he play in the family history?

Don Gregorio Alonso, also known as Captain Gregorio Alonso, was an ancestor of Teodora Alonso. He was a mestizo Chinese and served as Gobernadorcillo twice in Santa Cruz, Manila, in 1763 and 1768.

What is known about Don Cipriano Alonso, the son of Don Gregorio Alonso?

Don Cipriano Alonso, the son of Don Gregorio Alonso, was also a municipal captain of Biñan in 1797. He was married to Maria Florentina, who belonged to the Florentina family, a prominent family of Chinese mestizos from Bulacan.

Who was Lorenzo Alberto Alonso, and what was notable about him?

Lorenzo Alberto Alonso was the son of Don Cipriano Alonso. He was a municipal captain of Biñan in 1824 and was described as being very Chinese in appearance. He was well-educated as a surveyor, owned engineering books in English and French, and was wealthy, investing in American Manila shipping firms.

What was the significance of the name 'Riolonda' adopted by Lorenzo Alberto Alonso's family?

The name 'Riolonda' was adopted by Lorenzo Alberto Alonso’s family during the general change of names in 1849-1850. Some claim it was an allusion to royal blood, but Austin Craig suggested it was more likely a clerical error, as other records show the name written as 'Rayalonda' or 'Redonda'.

Who were the children of Lorenzo Alberto Alonso and Brigida de Quintos?

Lorenzo Alberto Alonso and Brigida de Quintos had five children: Narcissa, Teodora (who married Francisco Rizal Mercado), Gregorio, Manuel, and José.

What role did José Alberto, the maternal uncle of José Rizal, play in Rizal's life?

José Alberto, José Rizal's maternal uncle, played a significant role in Rizal's political education. He was educated in British India, spent 11 years in a missionary school in Calcutta, and had influential connections with Spain’s regency, including a friendship with General Prim.

What honors were bestowed upon José Alberto for his contributions?

José Alberto was made a Knight of the Order of Carlos III and later elevated to Knight Commander of the Order of Isabella the Catholic by King Amadeo, following the death of General Prim.

How many children did Teodora Alonso and Francisco Mercado have, and who was their most famous child?

Teodora Alonso and Francisco Mercado had 11 children, the most famous of whom was José Rizal, the Philippine national hero.