by Ria Limjap

150 years ago, Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, was born.  Called “the first Filipino” because he was the first to articulate and die for the concept of one united Filipino nation separate from Spain, it is imperative that his heroism and ideals are remembered by all Filipinos.  This is the reason why the My Rizal 150 Committee, headed by Lisa Tinio Bayot, great granddaughter of Saturnina Rizal Hidalgo, and Maite Gallego, descendant of Maximo Viola, decided to kick off Rizal’s 150^th birth anniversary with a unique, fun and accessible celebration.  They broached the idea to IA Administrator Jose Capistrano Jr.  who immediately agreed to be a co-sponsor by hosting the event at Fort Santiago.

On June 19, 2011, the 150^th birthday of Rizal was commemorated in the historic Fort Santiago grounds in Intramuros, Manila. “Maligayang Bati, Jose Rizal!” was a celebration of Jose Rizal’s life and times featuring the combined talents of different groups and individuals, a truly special moment in our history organized by this writer.

“Maligayang Bati” started off with rousing music from Banda ng Maynila. That evening was the premiere of the specially composed MyRizal musical theme by Tess Salientes, orchestrated by Gerard Salonga, sax played by Tots Tolentino.  Ms. Cris Villonco and the Ateneo Chamber Singers conducted by Jojo Velasco serenaded the crowd gathered under umbrellas, braving the rain. The music was capped off with fabulous fireworks by Ricky and Marissa Crisostomo.

Cris Villonco with the Ateneo Chamber Singers

Around the gardens were performances by the experimental theater group Sipat Lawin Ensemble, featuring new material inspired by Rizal, and the Buhay ng Kasaysayan dressed in era uniforms. Inside the Rizal Shrine, Heroes Square performed their 30-minute play about Rizal. Gerardo de Leon’s classic film adaptation of Noli Me Tangere was screened in the American Barracks ruins through the efforts of the CCP and the Society of Filipino Film Archivists.

Sipat Lawin

No birthday celebration is complete without a birthday cake which was rolled on to the main stage accompanied by the children from the Rizal clan, whose family reunion was on the same evening. The Manila Diamond Hotel’s pastry chef created a huge Noli Me Tangere-inspired cake, and gave out tiny versions to various guests.

Diamond Hotel's "Noli Me Tangere Cake"

To know more about ongoing Rizal related activities, check out MyRizal’s official website at www.myrizal150.com  and log on to  www.facebook.com/myrizal150