The Ateneo de Manila University commemorated last December 2 the closing of the year of celebration for Jose Rizal’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary with a cultural gala entitled “Brindis.”  The gala took place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater.

Brindis was a multi-sectoral undertaking which featured artistic performances from members of the Ateneo community showcasing “a symbolic tableau” depicting Rizal’s vision for the country and his people.

Brindis was a toast to Rizal’s life as a hero, writer, scholar, visionary and nation builder. The event was a befitting closing tribute to a great man whose life is an exemplary example of what it means to give one’s life for the love of his country.

As Executive Producers Fr. Jett T. Villarin S.J. and Loyola Schools dean John Paul C. Vergara looked on, Brindis opened with a pictographic countdown of 150 monuments dedicated to Jose Rizal across the country and the world, all to the song “Martir Nitong Lupa” by the Brindis Union Chorale made up of the Ateneo College Glee Club, the Dilaab Music Ministry, and the UP Staff Chorale Society.

This was closely followed by an upbeat number featuring members of the Ateneo de Manila University staff performing a mime number to the tune of Yoyoy Villame’s Magellan. A series of musical and theatrical numbers followed featuring a host of performers, all culminating in a rendition by the Brindis Chorale of “A Song for Mary” by Fr. James Reuter S.J.

-An article from from Ateneo De Manila University