The Americans tagged Apolinario Mabini as the “Insurgent’s Brains,” [The Wichita Eagle, Kansas, December 14, 1899], and believed that “nearly all proclamations and state papers bearing Aguinaldo’s name were really the work of Mabini” [The Washington Times, May 17, 1903]. In the same vein, Dr. Paul Dumol, a Filipino historian echoed his thoughts: “…Hindi natin maikokompara yung pagsangguni ni Aguinaldo kay [Felipe] Buencamino dun sa kanyang pagdedepende kay Mabini. Kaya halos lahat ng mga polisiya ni Aguinaldo nanggaling kay Mabini. Siyempre noong meron ng Malolos Congress dumadaan din ito sa Congress pero mula sa Congress magbibigay ng opinyon si Mabini, at madalas yung opinyon ni Mabini ang sinusunod ni Aguinaldo….["…we cannot compare Aguinaldo conferring with Buencamino with his dependence on Mabini, so almost all of Aguinaldo's policies came from Mabini. Of course, when the Malolos Congress came about, these would pass through Congress but from Congress Mabini would give his opinion, and usually it was Mabini's opinion that Aguinaldo would follow."]

These are excerpts from PULE: UTAK NG REBOLUSYON, an educational documentary on the life of Apolinario Mabini [1864-1903], Chief Adviser of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, First President of the Philippine Republic, and the First Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Primarily intended for Deaf Filipinos, Filipino Sign Language [FSL] interpretation and/or insets were used to provide them access to information on Mabini. However, the target viewers are not limited to them. It has narration in Filipino, and is fully subtitled in English. A global audience was in mind.

PULE is one of the very few video documentaries made on Mabini. What makes it significant, distinct and “special” is the inclusion of Persons with Disability [PWD] in the making of the film. In fact, there were more PWDs who participated in it than the so-called “abled” individuals.

Envisioning a segment with Deaf interpretation of Mabini’s El Verdadero Decalogo [The True Decalogue / Ang Tunay na 10 Utos] in Filipino Sign Language, I have asked Myra Medrana, Deaf choreographer of the SILENT STEPS for their participation. With the help of several hearing interpreters and teaching staff of the DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, the Decalogo was for the first time presented in visual-gestural form. Written more than 100 years ago in 1898 by Mabini, the Decalogo has taken a new form. Simultaneous with the interpretation, I have asked a wheel-chaired Person with Disability to read the Decalogo in Filipino. He has become the Mabini character. With subtitles in English, I came up with a multi-track presentation. As a reaction to it, one of the Department of Foreign Affairs directors who viewed it, Ms. Lenna Sison remarked: “…your presentation [treatment] of Decalogo is beautiful…I felt more its significance. It was touching! I fully appreciated how Mabini’s mind and heart worked.”

In addition, twice-exceptional Person with Autism [PWA], Thristan Mendoza music scored the film, making PULE and The Sublime Paralytic, [a variation narrated in English], the very first Filipino films music scored by a PWA. The risk was there when I got him to do the job knowing that he had no experience in music scoring. However, it was confidence in his ability, and the rock-strong belief in God that I am being led to the right persons that comforted and assured me with regards my decision to try him despite his mother’s fear and anxiety over the outcome of Thristan’s music scoring work. I was actually quite excited while waiting for his music composition as nobody knew what he would come up with. Finally, when I heard his music, I was so delighted. I thought that they were awesome for a first-timer. It might have taken me longer time to work with him because of processes I had to do which are not necessary when working with the usual scorers. But it was all worth it.

In the observance of the 2016 National Arts Month, it is just apt to celebrate the talents of people classified as “Disabled” like any other. Let’s celebrate their ABILITY not DIS-ability. By showcasing their talents, we make them shine and prove to the society that they can be as good as anyone.
Above anything else, it is my hope that through this film, viewers could actually learn more who Apolinario Mabini was, and what he did for our country. The way the youth perceived Mabini when they viewed “Heneral Luna” last year in 2015 when it was shown was quite appalling. Questions and reactions such as: “Why was Mabini seated throughout the movie?”, “Maybe tired?”, “Perhaps lazy!” I cannot imagine how our future leaders would be without knowledge, sense, concern and love of history.

It is no wonder perhaps why our current political leaders act the way they do, or why graft and corruption persist. Could that be an outcome of their failure to look back? Ignorant of the past, they seem unaware of our great heroes’ lives who placed God and Country first Above Self! Too bad and sad that for most of our leaders now, Self comes above all else.

Notes by Mirana Medina
Independent Advocacy Filmmaker
February 8, 2016

Noli Me Tangere: The Opera had a successful leg of shows in New York and in Washington D.C that the two Philippine National Artists responsible for the libretto of the opera, Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino, JS Productions’ President Jerry Sibal and Loida Nicolas-Lewis thought that it was time to re-introduce Noli Me Tangere to the younger generation in Manila.

As quoted on an interview with The Philippine Star, Jerry Sibal, a premier New York event and floral designer had said, “It is the perfect time to bring back the Noli opera to Manila because there have been a lot of Broadway productions staged here (Manila) recently. The younger generation is so immersed in the Internet that they’ve forgotten history and culture. I think it’s high time that we educate them, as it is our history that identifies us as Filipinos.”

Sal Malaki who will play Crisostomo Ibarra and Rachelle Gerodias as Maria Clara, two world-class talents will lead the Manila production of Noli Me Tangere. Gerodias one of the most sought after sopranos completed her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Vocal Literature from the famed Eastman School of Music in New York and graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. She has also been awarded “The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service.”

Malaki on the other hand is one of the most in demand artists of the Los Angeles Opera Company, under the general direction of world-renowed tenor and conductor Placido Domingo. He has appeared in more than 105 Los Angeles Opera productions since he joined the company in 1995. In the same article from, The Philippine Star, Malaki is quoted saying, “This is our very own and we can claim this tunay na Filipino. We learned about Noli when we were young…but we continue to learn”

As for Gerodias, she says that she looks forward to interpreting Maria Clara’s character. She is quoted, “Noli Me Tangere is probably the most beautiful operatic work that is truly Filipino, I feel proud to be part of this production. Aside from the beautiful music everyone will enjoy, it is a story about love, honor and hope, things we all need to draw inspiration from.” Playing alternate for Ibarra are Manila-based undiscovered greats, Ivan Nery for Ibarra and Myramae Meneses for Maria Clara both from St. Scholastica’s College in Manila with bachelor’s degrees in music under the illustrious soprano Camille Lopez-Molina.

The cast of Nolie Me Tangere: The Opera

Aside from the people who were involved in the play itself, one more person who should be credited for her bringing supporting the opera, and for her passion in education in the Philippines is Loida Nicolas-Lewis. She was originally from Sorsogon City, Philippines but later moved to the United States of America to pursue her law career and manage businesses.

She later opened The Lewis College in her hometown in Sorsogon City because she believes that it is better to share her blessings in helping educate the Filipino citizens, as this is where the future will depend on. With that vision that she have, this was also is the same for our national hero, Jose Rizal. He also believed and had that in mind when he wrote his novel “Noli Me Tangere” and is also why Loida Nicolas-Lewis felt that it is “her civic duty to keep promoting” the Noli Me Tangere novel. She is quoted saying, “I believe God has a plan for everyone and if we are faithful and open ourselves to that plan, our lives will be blessed. Noli Me Tangere: The Opera will run from September 11 to 29 at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Resorts World Manila. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra led by Maestro Rodel Colmenar will lend their musical prowess to the production that will be directed by theatre director Freddie Santos. Honorary guests for the opera include Boy Abunda, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Willy and Marion Cosculluela, Secretary Albert del Rosario, Margie Mora-Floirendo and Loida Nicola Lewis.

The official poster for Noli Me Tangere: The Opera

Schedules are as follows: Gala Night: Thursday at 8pm on September 11, 2014 Regular Run is September 14 at 3pm, 17 at 8pm, 21 at 3pm, 24 at 8pm, 28 at 3pm, 2014 at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Resorts World Manila, 3^rd Floor, Newport Mall, Newport Blvd, Newport City Cybertourism Zone, Pasay City.

For more details, Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/nolioperamanila or call their number at 899-7938 to 39.

For ticket inquiries contact Dennis Villaluz at (02) 788-9108, 0916-8571-553 or 0932-175-8599 Students will valid id may avail discounted tickets for the balcony seats at P500 through the generosity of San Miguel and chairman and CEO Ramon Ang.

All Information from: The Start articile ‘Nole Me Tangere: A beautiful opera that is truly Filipino and “Why Loida Lewis continues to believe-an invest- in education from the Inquirer.

Rizalekturo: Re-Discovering Rizal in Multi-Media is a workshop founded by Lisa T. Bayot, a descendant of Jose Rizal and Maite P. Gallego, a relative of Maximo Viola, from the organization of My Rizal 150. This 3-day teacher training workshop developed and held from August 24-26, 2012 to provide teachers from all over the Philippines the opportunity to achieve and enliven the teachings of the life of Jose Rizal. Together with the help of the National Historical Commision of the Philippines (NHCP), National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the De La Salle College of St. Benilde, professionals from different careers prepared presentations and speeches to increase the knowledge and appreciation of Jose Rizal.

Ms. Betta Gallego-Kramer

One of the first speakers, Violeta “Betta” Gallego-Kramer, an MBA graduate of Stanford University and a teacher at International School Manila had a talk on ways of teaching Rizal in the 21st Century. The audience was asked “Who are the 21st century teachers and learners?” The students were “technology savvy” group of learners who are becoming dependent on technologies to guide them in learning. She had expressed to the audience that to have an interesting approach in teaching regarding Jose Rizal teachers should adapt to the student’s interest such as the internet, videos, and social networking site.

The talk ended with a challenge with Ms. Gallego-Kramer saying “Let’s not just be singing and dancing citizens of the world; let’s all be critical thinking citizens of the world and that’s a challenge”

Ms. Felice Prudente Sta. Maria

Other speakers like Felice Sta. Maria, an award-winning author of “IN EXCELSIS: The Mission and Vision of Jose Rizal”, talked about a simple way in discussing Jose Rizal that the Filipinos will surely enjoy: Food. The origin of some of our famous dishes signifies some of the highlights of Jose Rizal’s earlier life. Sinigang for example “helped unlock Rizal’s recognition of Global Human Rights and Responsibilities” (F. Sta. Maria, 2012); Sardines, which was a favorite of his was what he would always eat where he grew up in the lakeshore.

Mr. Vim Nadera

Poetry, Music and visuals as discussed by Vim Nadera, winner of an International Rizal Poetry Contest and a writer for the Manila Bulletin, shared that there are 39 poems that Jose Rizal wrote and used these to translate Rizal’s feelings at the time he wrote those poems. This is to share with the Filipinos different side of Rizal and to also get to know him through his emotions.

Ms. Gang Badoy

Gang Badoy, founder of RockEd Philippines, presented that holding concerts, writing songs and singing can be a unique genre of teaching as many people are more and more able to identify with music.

One of the last speakers, Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, President of The Manila Times College, shared that a successful way of reaching to Jose Rizal and his organizations are the use of social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Citizens are able to write questions, comments, and suggestions about Jose Rizal, our country and issues and quotes from Rizal and the public can expect a well-thought reply.

Dr. Isagani Cruz

While there are a lot more ways to keep Jose Rizal in every teacher’s lesson plans, these are just some common examples and strategies to hold your students’ interest in lectures, projects and other activities. It may be of food, music, e-learning, poetry and other types of multi-media used to keeping Jose Rizal’s spirit alive in every Filipino’s life.

At the final day of the workshop, interaction with teachers was encouraged in activities held by independent theatre artists, the Sipat Lawin Ensembles, and a tour of the Luneta Park with Carlos Celdran, a cultural activitist and performing artist to tour and learn more about the Luneta Park.

Sipat Lawin Ensembles

The Rizalekturo workshop wrapped up with the 150 teachers and organizers enjoying the nice weather, walking around, appreciating sights, taking photos, and having fun and chatting with new friends at the Park. As a finale to the last day, a free ticket to a lights and sound show that showcases Jose Rizal’s life was given to the attendees.

Participants tour at the Luneta Park with Carlos Celdran and MyRizal organizers Lisa T. Bayot and Maite P. Gallego

With the huge success and great feedback given to the RizaLekturo organizers, founders Lisa Bayot and Maite Gallego, plan to host another to give an opportunity to teachers who were not able to attend this unique workshop.

For more information about MyRizal, RizaLekturo and upcoming events and contests please visit www.myrizal150.com, follow @MyRizalPH on Twitter and “like” MyRizal150 on Facebook and always remember the tagline “Celebrating the Rizal in me.”

https://www.facebook.com/nolioperanyc

This is a 3-day teacher training workshop organized by our group, MyRizal (www.myrizal150.com), and sponsored by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and De La Salle College of St. Benilde. It will be held from Aug. 24-26, 2013 at the following venues:

Aug. 24-25, 2013:

12/F Amphitheater
School of Design & Arts Campus
De La Salle College of St. Benilde
950 P. Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila

Aug. 26, 2013:

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Building
T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila

The goal of Rizalekturo is to enliven the teaching of Rizal by using multi-media, culture and the arts as teaching tools, and by broadening the substantive context in which Rizal is discussed.

Below is the tentative schedule of Rizalekturo and a profile of our speakers/lecturers.

This workshop, being the first of its kind, will be given FREE of charge. Lunch on the first 2 days and a picnic merienda in Rizal Park on the last day will also be provided free of charge. Due to the limited number of slots, we encourage you to register early. We will confirm your slot on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis, with priority given to teachers of Rizal, the Noli and the Fili.

Please reconfirm your reservation and obtain your Seat Number by calling 817-8062 during office hours of Aug. 19-22. If you do not reconfirm your reservation on those dates, we reserve the right to re-assign your slot to other applicants.

We are confident that participation by your teachers in RIZALEKTURO will result in a richer, more engaging learning experience for your students.

photo courtesy of UPCIS

In celebration of the 40^th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the University of the Philippines Center for International Studies (UPCIS) partners with the Embassy of Japan, Japan Foundation Manila, Department of Tourism’s Intramuros Administration, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the week-long Papet at Maskara: Celebrating 40 Years of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation through Intercultural Collaboration as Dialogue.

Held at Mestranza Park, Intramuros, Manila on February 11, 2013, 7PM, an excerpt from UP University Professor Emeritus Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio’s CCP winning play re-tells the story of Sisa, from Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere.  In this re-interpretation as a Japanese Noh play, Sisa confronts Padre Salvi and reunites with her two sons, Crispin and Basilio, and regains her sanity and peace of mind.  The play is stagged as a Shinsaku (newly-created) Noh with dance, chant, drums with vocal music, costume and mask.

UST Publishing House announces the launching of Ang Romansa ng Pagsagip ng Osong Marso/The Rescue of the March Bear: A Romance, first book of speculative poetry in Filipino by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario (aka Rio Alma) with an English translation by prizewinning poet Marne Kilates, on March 8, 2013, 5 pm, at Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center, Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Ang Romansa ng Pagsagip ng Osong Marso/The Rescue of the March Bear: A Romance explores a universe with two suns and romanticizes the capture of a lowly creature from an obsolete world. The collection of poems, which follows the fate of the March Bear in a territory where no mountains, flowers, and plants ever existed, provokes reminiscences and musings of the past and the lost world. But with its memories rendered useless, will the March Bear have the chance to survive?

Rio Alma has written more than 40 books of poetry and literary history and criticism, apart from children’s books, plays, and librettos, all in Filipino. Named National Artist for Literature in 2003, he is currently the Chairman of Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and formerly the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. His recent books include Jacintina (2011) and Ang Pag-ibig sa Bayan ni Andres Bonifacio (2012), both published by the UST Publishing House.

For RSVP, or for other inquiries and orders, please call (02) 731-3522 or (02) 406-1611 local 8252 / 8278. You may also log on to Facebook.

MANILA – The Rizal Day 2012 Inter-Agency Task Force in cooperation with other national and local government agencies will lead the national commemoration of the 116th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 2012, 7:00 a.m. at the Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila; Rizal Shrine, Calamba City, Laguna; and Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the observance of the country’s 116th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal with an early morning flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park in Manila. Meanwhile Philippine’s most awarded journalist Mr. Horacio “Howie” Severino is guest of honor at the Calamba City commemorative rites.

The 100th Year of the Transfer of Dr. Jose Rizal’s mortal remains spearheaded by the Order of the Knights of Rizal will also be held at the Rizal National Monument before the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites. The activity shall be a formal and solemn reenactment of the transfer of Rizal’s urn from Binondo, Manila to the site of the National Hero’s monument in Luneta. The activity shall truthfully re-stage the event that happened on December 30, 1912.

The Members of the Supreme Council and the Council of Elders of the International Order of the Knights of Rizal clad in original Caballeros De Rizal uniform shall stand and portray the roles of the honor guards during the transfer. Ladies of Rizal from affiliate organizations of the Order and the descendants of Rizal will also be part of the event.

Various activities such as historical conferences/seminars, oratorical contests, film showings, Light and Sound Presentation and guided tours, free LRT/MRT rides, essay writing contest will be held.

The NHCP is a national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine historical heritage through research, information dissemination, conservation, including the marking of historic sites and structures, and the maintenance and administration of national shrines and landmarks.

For a complete list of Rizal Day Activities you may visit the NHCP website www.nhcp.gov.ph