Liza Bayot, a great-grand niece of Dr. Jose Rizal sent me an email about the exciting activities of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday celebration.

MyRizal’s mission is to deepen the Filipino’s knowledge of Rizal by encouraging all sectors of society to find meaningful ways to celebrate Rizal’s sesquicentennial and his ideals . One of their activity is the launching of PreMyo Rizal in coordination with Department of Education for grade 5, 6 and for 3rd and 4th year high school .

The other contest on the college level is in partnership with University of the Philippines. She hopes the maximum and enthusiastic participation by our students!

As students write their Rizal essays, it is the hope that they will develop an appreciation for our national hero and find their own ways of celebrating the Rizal in each of us!

Below is the invite and contest rules. Please share and disseminate.

Attention: All Principals/School Presidents, Teachers and Students of Grades 5 and 6, 3rd and 4th Year High School and All College Levels!!!

You are invited to participate in PreMYo Rizal, the nationwide essay writing contest organized by MyRizal in partnership with the Department of Education Special Events Unit (for grade school and high school) and with UP College of Arts & Letters (for college). Please refer to DepEd memo #178, s. 2011.

At stake: Cash prizes, and public announcement of national winners in newspapers, on radio and on TV!

Deadline for submission of entries:

For grade school and high school: Regional Finalists must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2011. Deadlines for individual schools are earlier, in order to meet the regional deadline. Please ask your school principals for your individual school deadlines.

For college: October 31, 2011.

For more details, please see attached Contest Rules and log on to www.myrizal150.com or download this invite and PreMyo Rizal Contest Rules below.

PreMyo Rizal Invite

PreMyo Rizal Contest Rules

Calamba City- The place where someone was born will never be forgotten especially if the place is where Dr. Jose P.Rizal was born and spent his childhood. The 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal was celebrated with the unveiling of the tallest statue in the world. The Plaza which comprise 7.5 hectares of land has been developed . The new monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal is located there. In front of one of the biggest City Hall in Laguna , “The Plaza” will soon have a shopping center and amusement park that will be surrounded by the tallest statue at 22 ft long with 15 feet tall platform from the ground.

Attended by no less than the President of the Philippines Benigno “NoyNoy” Aquino, Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Amando Tetangco Jr, Chairman of National Historical Commission, Congressman Justine “Timmy” Chipeco of the 2nd District of Laguna, Ambassador of Germany, former DILG Secretary Jose D. Lina, Secretary Manuel Quezon III, Board Members Andrew Neil Nocon of 2nd district of Laguna and Angelica Alarva Jones of 3rd district of Laguna, Mayors in Laguna like Arlene Nazareno of Sta Rosa City, Baby Berris of Calauan, Maita Ejercito of Pagsanjan, Joe Padrid of Bay among others together the descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal like Mia Faustman, Atty. Ramonsita Reyes (great grand daughter of Dr. Jose Rizal eldest sister Saturnina), Atty Teresita Herbosa (Chair of Security and Exchange Commission) with more than 5000 Filipinos from all over the country wearing their best in Filipiniana and barong Tagalog , the motif of the event.

The President arrived via chopper in Colegio De San Juan De Letran then went straight to the Rizal Shrine (House) together with the Dr. Jose P. Rizal descendants and Local City officials headed by Mayor Joaquin Chipeco Jr. The rest of the attendees at the new Rizal monument watched the activities from the big screen.

A few of Dr. Jose P. Rizal descendants attended the Rizal Shrine festivities but not in The Plaza (monument) like Panjee Tapales (daughter of Tweetums Gonzales). After the unveiling of the tallest monument, everyone was invited for a buffet lunch at the City Hall of Calamba.

The following is the press statement of the eRizal program.

Laguna launches innovation in public high schools with eRizal

June 19, 2011- Laguna Governor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito Estregan announced today the formal launching of a capacity enhancement program that will benefit students and teachers in public high schools in the province of Laguna. The program, dubbed eRizal, was introduced during the ceremonies marking the 150th birth anniversary of the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

The eRizal program consists of supplementary teaching-learning modules on math, science and social studies that are loaded in the tablets. A portable personal computer, the tablet will have multiple functions as well as memory space to store volumes of references and textbook materials for high school education. With this tool, the students and teachers can “virtually” carry on with classroom interaction and exercises. The virtual classroom environment allows limitless possibilities for developing the critical, analytical and creative skills of students, thereby exponentially improving their competency to pass norms and standards in scholastic achievements.

The eRizal will be implemented in phases. Phase 1 will be piloted-tested in selected public high schools in Laguna, specifically from those distant communities in the periphery of the province. For this phase, there are activities lined up, as recommended by the participants who took part in the eRizal conference and workshop held in Calamba City in April. The conference/workshop assembled a group of experts in IT (Information Technology) education, principals and administrators from various high schools, such as the UP rural high school and the Laguna Science High School.

The deployment of eRizal tablet PCs o all selected public high schools will follow immediately after the eRizal teachers’ training course to be held in August this year. The course will touch on the system and methodology of teaching math, science, language and social studies, including the life and works of dr. Jose Rizal, as well as the functional capabilities of the eRizal tablet PCs and interoperability with existing IT infrastructure in Laguna.

The province of Laguna envisions the eRizal as an innovation in teaching high school students with the view to sharply improving their skills and competency in math, science, language and social studies.

The succeeding phases of eRizal implementation will have an enlarged base of coverage of public high schools as well as administrative and technical infrastructure to integrate the total system. In the pilot phase, the implementation will be in clusters to ensure control and quality supervision of teachers over students and generate important observations and results that could be the basis for upgrading and upscaling of eRizal program at a later stage.

June 17, 2011 More than 100 attendees from professors to students honored Dr. Jose P. Rizal (JPR) as the Bayaning Environmental Planner. Received by the Philippine National Hero descendants like Mia and Tato Faustmann, Tweetums Gonzales and Amelia Garcia Yulo, the event was a success especially with a Birthday cake and a Birthday song but started first with the Philippine National Anthem and a Prayer.

The president of Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Antonio D. Kalaw welcomed everyone with the introduction of the school and how Dr. Jose P. Rizal works was an important part of the society and today’s role model. The first speaker was the head of Knight of Rizal, Mr. Lapuz and according to him, JPR was a social thinker. He liked to demolish the status quo and that Filipinos deserved to have faith, happiness and prosperity.

The Chairperson of National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Diokno read the speech with passion. According to her, Jose P. Rizal wrote elegantly and that the causes of under-development or “backwardness” is laziness, cowardice and corruption among others. She also said that Jose P. Rizal recognized the weakness of Filipinos with the absence of opposition and initiative. One striking statement from her includes “ The mother who teaches only to just kneel and kissed is a blind obedience.”

The head of the NHCP also said that folding arms will not fulfill anything or pretending to do more but really doing nothing. Rizal teachings is not to bask in remorse, or appear to act. One should understand the situation and act wisely.

The great grand daughter of Narcisa, sister of Jose P. Rizal says there is nothing special about being related to the National hero. When she was still in grade school and told her classmates about it, they just laughed and didn’t believed her. Right now she owns and handles a Ballet School in Makati City.

The Thank You speech from the descendants of JPR was from Mia Faustmann. She said that the situation in the Philippines right now is the same as the time of Jose P. Rizal when women are still deprived of their rights. This time around it is the Reproductive Health Bill. One of the descendants in attendance was also active in showing her support by speaking and joining a rally in Ayala Alabang and show her opposition about the Brgy Bill 001. The bill is still pending in the Sangguniang Bayan of Muntinlupa. Two Reproductive Health Bill advocates gave them the Purple Ribbon buttons that day. Tweetums Gonzales daughter, Panjee Tapales is also showing her support for the passage of the Reproductive Health bill through social media network.

Congressman Jalosjos who was also in the event said that he supports the bill but not the Divorce bill which is also an issue and talk of the town recently because of the opposition of the Roman Catholic Church.

Overall, the event was a success with kutsinta, putong Binan, Pansit, turon and sagobis as miryenda and a giveaway calendar from NHCP.

“It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice.” – Jose Rizal

Photo via 10 things you didn’t know about Jose Rizal

I think Dr. Jose Rizal would be smiling right know if we allow ourselves to feel the hero in each one of us, and to follow his footsteps in his true love for country.

“Rizal transcends time, geography, gender and race. We can live Rizal now!”

On Twitter, here are some tweets celebrating Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary.

150 years on and his memory and accomplishments strongly live on. Dr. Jose Rizal, national hero and a most distinguished example for Filipinos to emulate.

Of peace he wrote, for freedom he fought,
Freedom for the Philippines is what he sought,
To drive the Spanish from land and sea.
Hallmark of an accomplished and lasting legacy.

His beautiful land, the islands he treasured,
His people he loved, a love that could not be measured,
For them he would fight, for them he would die,
For them he would see freedom’s flag fly.

Seven of eleven, of middle birth was he,
Of expectations; he exceeded quite easily
Oceans of wisdom he seemed to possess,
Freedom’s call, and a loving caress.

His death a call, one day to inspire,
His people, his land, a unified desire,
To reclaim their land, each and every bit,
To one day be free, and be proud of it. ©

June 14, 2011, Calamba City, Laguna- The Finalization Meeting for the 150th Rizal Day Celebration with Nelia San Buenaventura Chipeco (wife of the incumbent mayor of Calamba City) Head of the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Peter Capitan and all participants for the Float Parade and Human Delegation are in attendance at the Department of Education, Division Office.

There will be more than 22 Symbolic floats that will parade on this June 19, 2011 event that will start in Barangay Parian. All attendees will wear Filipiniana to show support for this Historical Celebration for the Philippine National Hero and the Famous Calambeno. Two thousands seats are allotted to those who received the invitation from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and from the Mayors office of the City of Calamba. The invitation have a green stickers that will guarantee the seats from the Rizal Program In front of Rizal Home to the Rizal Monument which is in front of the Calamba City Hall.

The Theme and Lined up/Sponsors for the Floats are as follows:

1. Ang kapanganakan sa Calamba- Pamahalaang Panglunsod ng Calamba
2. Ang pagbibinyag- Laguna College of Business and Arts, Colegio De San Juan De Letran
3. Ang lampara- Yazaki Torres manufacturing Incorporated
4. Ang Unang pagaaral- Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Binan
5. Sa Kabataang pilipino- DepED, Calamba City
6. Si Paciano, Kapatid- Ikalawang Distrito ng Lalawigan ng Laguna
7. Si Pagong at si Matsing- Knights of Rizal/kababaihang Rizalista Incorporated
8. Liham sa mga babaeng taga Malolos- Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan
9. IMNO sa Paggawa- Triskelion Tau Gamma Phi
10. Ang Dalubwika- Celyo Rizal Incorporated
11. Ang Propaganista- Triskelion City Lions
12. La Liga Filipina- Iglesya ng Lipi
13. La Solidaridad- Sangguniang Panglunsod ng Calamba
14. Noli Me Tangere- Calamba Institute
15. Awit ni Maria Clara- San Pablo( Kapatirang ang Litaw ay Katalinuhan)
16. El Filibusterismo- University of Perpetual Help Delta System- Calamba
17. Sa Dapitan- san Miguel Foods, Incorporated
18. Ang pagdalaw ng pamilya- SM Department Store Calamba, Union Galvasteel Manufacturing Company and Local Tourist Vendors
19. Ang pag-oopera ng mata ng sariling ina- Mlhullier Financial Services Incorporated
20. Ang paglililok- Pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Laguna
21. Ang paglilitis- Watawat ng Lahi (Malvarosa Function)
22. Huling Paalam- Calambanga vendors marketing Cooperative

The City of Calamba is ready for the attendance of the President of the Philippines Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr. with a big welcome tarpaulin to welcome the President in front of the Rizal Monument that will be unveiled this June 19, 2011. The President together with his Presidential Security Group will arrive at 8 in the morning at the Rizal Home and will be welcomed by the Laguna Governor, Jorge Estregan (ER) Ejercito, 9th District of Laguna representative Justine (Timmy) Chipeco and Calamba City Mayor Joaquin Chipeco Jr.

A short program at the “Bulwagan” in front of the Rizal Shrine (Home) will be given to the President. After the program, everyone will proceed to the Rizal Monument which is more than 20,000 people are expected to join the celebration with confirmed attendance of 3000 personnel already from the office of the Governor of Laguna while the Media and the Calamba City organizers will have a meeting this June 16, 2011 at 8 in the morning for the coverrage of the event.

(via baratillo.net )

Watch the nationwide screening schedule of the 1961 adaptation of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere by Gerry de Leon. Something made possible by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Goethe Institut, SM Group of Companies, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Bayanihan Arriva Productions and My Rizal,

NATIONWIDE SCREENING SCHEDULE
IN SM CINEMAS
Note: Schedules are subject to change. In case of change, please see www.smcinema.com

16 and 17 June 2011, 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN
SM Bacolod
SM Davao
SM Cebu
SM Iloilo
SM Cagayan de Oro

16 to 19 June 2011. 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
SM Sta. Rosa
SM Calamba
SM San Pablo
SM Muntinlupa

19 and 20 June 2011, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
SM Baguio
SM Rosales
SM Tarlac
SM Clark
SM Pampanga
SM North Edsa
SM City Fairview
SM Megamall
The Podium

20 and 21 June 2011, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
SM Lipa
SM Batangas
SM Naga
SM Lucena
SM Dasmariñas
SM Bacoor
SM Rosario
SM Molino

Formal Screening (By invitation only), 20 June 2011
11:00 AM
SM Mall of Asia

According to Juned , “the films Noli and Fili are worth watching because of De Leon’s visual style of storytelling that embellishes the scene with emotions. The fact that it was done in Black and White only heightens the visual impact. Another reason it is worth watching is that there are only a limited copies of the films – Noli was restored in Germany while Fili seems to have disappeared into the past with only bits and pieces surfacing from time to time. And that is why when one or both of the films are shown it is worthwhile to watch it.”

So grab the chance to watch this vintage production.

Mr. Peter Capitan is the Calamba City Head of Philippine Employment Services Office (PESO). He is the one assigned to make sure that the local advertisement and dissemination of information for the celebration of the most historical event in Calamba City for this decade honoring the most famous Calambeno of all and Philippine National Hero and pride Dr. Jose Rizal 150th Birth anniversary this June 19, 2011 will be successful.

The confirmed attendance of the President of the Philippines together with some of the Cabinet members, ambassadors and all elected officials together with the whole country makes the City and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines busy for the past months. With the opening and unveiling of the tallest statue in the whole world with Mayor Joaquin Chipeco Jr. of Calamba, Twenty Three (23) symbolic floats will surprise the whole nation. Private and government sectors in Laguna such as the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Robinson Mall, SM Shoemart and Calamba Technical Parks produces their own tarpaulin which is based on the designed logo for the celebration which is “ Rizal@150” and which is also downloadable in the City official website.

According to Mr. Peter Capitan, the celebration for the new Rizal Park in front of the Municipal City Hall in Calamba this coming June 19, 2011 is open to everyone and encouraging all to wear historical dresses for the said event. The Presidential Security Group together with the involved personnel will have a meeting next week with regards to the route of the head of the state or the “Time and Motion” rehearsal as they are calling it.

At the Rizal Shrine or the House of Jose Rizal in Calamba now has more tourists and even elementary students are curious on what is inside the house of a hero. Jose Rizal look alike with his costume “Ka Erning” is a sight not to ignore assisting tourist outside the house of Rizal for the parking and passersby even want to have their picture taken beside him. Everyone looks busy and preparing for the big celebration, workers are busy constructing the “Bahay Kubo” in the lawn, repainting the building, cleaning all statues and the souvenir shop is full of books like “Noli Me Tangere” photocopied book with JPR handwriting for 900 pesos, t shirts for 220 pesos and other items for everyone together with the sellers of the Philippine Flag with prices ranges from 13 pesos to 150 pesos. There is no entrance fee in the Rizal Shrine.

June 4, 2011 The contractor of the park even on Saturdays are all working hard to finish the biggest park honoring the famous Calambeño and our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Tall trees are already planted and the tarpaulin showing the perspective of the project is displayed in front of the temporary facility. One of the project supervisor, Boy Jonas who is also a local official from Sta Cruz, Laguna talkes about the project and they are planning to finish everything by June 10, 2011. With all the manpower, tools and support from the Calambeno, everyone are excited to see and attend this historical event. The park is located at Bacnotan Road, Barangay Real across of the stunning Municipal Hall of Calamba City.

From the official Calamba City website, ” A 22-feet bronze statue of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, will be inaugurated during the celebration of the hero’s 150th Birth Anniversary on June 19, 2011, Hon. Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr. announced. The statue, he further said, will be the tallest statue of Rizal in the world and will be located in the newly-acquired 6.7 hectare property in front of the city hall complex. This timely tribute to Calamba’s greatest contribution to Philippine History will be unveiled by no less than Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino, III. ”

From years that the place is vacant and dull, where the park is located now, people were thinking what will be good business to put up in that area. Now, there is no better and amazing infrastructure than a park honoring the man that gave Filipinos the real democracy. From the official Calamba City website,” Aside from the statue, other notable infrastructure projects will be located in the complex. A 20,000 capacity sports complex or coliseum is in the offing, as well as a park and recreational area, a commercial and business center, basement parking, tourism information center and cobbled walkway.” As of today, Dr. Jose Rizal statue is covered by the Philippine flag and will be unveiled on the day of his birth anniversary.