Was a Jose Rizal a hero? Was his figure exaggerated by the US colonial government in order to present a tame hero? Was he a playboy or did he pine for his lost love? Was he Adolf Hitler's father? These questions and more has followed Jose Rizal's legacy. Our perception of Rizal has changed through history. But what has never changed is Rizal's achievements, role and importance in it.
While debates raged on his heroism, it was never in doubt that he wrote Noli Mi Tangere and El Filibusterismo. It was never up for debate that his writings inspired Filipinos to fight for reforms or fight for independence. There was never a question that his death caused an uproar that sparked a revolution.
That's why 150 years after his birth, we still treasure his memory. That's why debates on his characteristics, his place in history, even his love life, are still relevant despite the passing of more than a century.
No Filipino could ignore his cominmg 150th birthday. It marks the start of a life that affected a large part of Philippine History. For Filipinos everywhere, this means only one thing: a reason to celebrate.
Here is a sample of the events commemorating Rizal's 150th birthday.
Here's a calendar !
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Fort Santiago, Intramuros
"Maligayang Bati, Jose Rizal"
Picnic on June 19, 6pm
Entrance is P100 for Adults, P50 for Children. People in period costumes go free.
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Cultural Center of the Philippines
"Noli Me Tangere"
by National Artist Eddie Romero beginning Tuesday, June 14, until June 17
"J. P., Ang Gig ni Rizal,"
CCP main theater June 17 featuring Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's "Maestro" Olivier Ochanine, and Ballet Philippines' Candice Adea and JM Cordero. Directed by Chris Millado, the performance will also include Rachelle Ann Go, Erik Santos, John Arcilla, Philippine All Stars, soprano Myra Mae Meneses, Juana Change, Tanghalang Pilipino, Philippine High School for the Arts, and a 150-voice choir conducted by Jai Sabas Aracama
"Mga Kuwentong Rizal"
Featuring the Alitaptap Storytellers
June 15, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Multi-Purpose Room.
"Paintings On Rizal"
by J. Pasena
On June 17-August 21
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Gallery
“Mural Exhibit”
by Pilipinas Street Plan
June 17-July 31 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
2nd Floor Hallway of the Cultural Center of the Philippines
For more details, call:
+63 (2) 832-1125 locs. 1708-1709
www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.
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Dept of Tourism
"Lakbay Jose Rizal @ 150,"
a year-long tour that allows tourists to retrace the national hero's steps by visiting as many as 27 Rizal sites in the country. Participants will be given "Lakbay passports" and a stamp for every Rizal site they visit.
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Museo Pambata
"Ang Liham ni Rizal sa mga Kadalagahan sa Malolos, Bulakan"
June 19, 10am
Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company portrays Rizal's support of women's struggles
together with other portaryals of the struggle for independence.
"Father and Son: Si Rizal, Bayani ng mga Ama, Halimbawa ng Kabataan"
June 19, 2pm
Father and sons wear your best “Rizal-like” costumes and take your photos Old Manila Theme
Room. There's a chance to win a prize afterwards in the facebook contest.
For more details, please contact
(632)523-1797 to 98, 536-0595
0918-382-2212
info@museopambata.org
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German Embassy, Goethe Institut, SM Supermalls, Cultural Center of the Philippines
"Noli Me Tangere"
shown in SM Cinemas nationwide
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Instituto Cervantes
"International Spanish Day"
(El Dia Español) on June 18 activities start 9am
Features Tribute/Choral Reading of Mi Ultimo Adios
a complete schedule can be found here .
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National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Commemorative activities in Calamba, Laguna; Dapitan; Manila starting June 19
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Rock Ed
"Rock Rizal"
featuring Ely Buendia, Sandwich, Gloc-9, Ebe Dancel, Jett Pangan, Peryodiko, Hijo, Aiza Seguerra and Radioactive Sago Project Concert will be held in September at the Quirino Grandstand but a collaborative single will be released on June 19
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Ateneo De Manila
"A Legacy Of Service: Rizal For The 21st Century"
a series of historical exhibits, academic lectures, and cultural presentations to be held from June to December 2011.
Program Launch: 17 June 2011
Leong Hall Auditorium from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
The exhibits are:
"RIZAL IN THE ATENEO, THE ATENEO IN RIZAL"
An Exhibit of Original Rizal Artifacts at the Ateneo Art Gallery
and
"RIZAL, THE LITERARY GENIUS"
Select Works from the Rizaliana Collection of ADMUs Rizal Library at the Pardo de Tavera Room
Exhibits end by December
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