A call for new heroes through literature, song and dance
BY ED UY STAFF WRITER
RIZAL would have been very proud.
As part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has lined up various activities to commemorate his life and works.
From June 14 to 17, a series of film screenings, exhibits and lectures were held to show the youth why Rizal has become a hero and ¡°larger than life¡± icon for the country.
Thirteen episodes of CCP’s telemovie, Noli Me Tangere, by National Artist Eddie Romero, were shown at the CCP Dream Theater, complemented with lecture-discussions for teachers by prominent resource speakers.
Mga Kwentong Rizal, a storytelling session for children/youth was also held at the CCP Multi-Purpose Hall. In addition, Malou Jacob’s documentary, Si Jose at Si Andres, was made available on line for public viewing thru the CCP website.
An exhibition of paintings on Rizal by J. Pasena and a mural exhibit by Pilipinas Street Plan were on display at the Main Gallery and at the second floor hallway of the CCP, respectively.
The highlight of the celebrations was a special program entitled J.P.: Ang Gig ni Rizal was presented on June 17 at the CCP Main Theater. It featured nearly 500 performers, including prominent artists and performing groups led by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Olivier Ochanine, Ballet Philippines’ Candice Adea and JM Cordero, Tanghalang Pilipino, Philippine High School for the Arts, and a 300-voice choir conducted by Jai Sabas Aracama.
Directed by Chris Millado, the show also included performances by Rachelle Ann Go, Erik Santos, John Arcilla, dance group Philippine All Stars, soprano Myra Mae Meneses and Mae Paner a.k.a. Juana Change.
According to Millado, the show was actually an initiative of the group of Sister Mary John Mananzan, Tanghalang Pilipino’s Fernando Nanding Josef and social activist Jun Lozada.
“They wanted to look back at Rizal’s life and show the youth why he is still very relevant today, especially in our current situation where we need champions of truth¨Dand Rizal exemplified that even at the cost of his own life,†explained Millado.
“In order to do that, we decided to put together a show that will combine his works of literature, his poetry and music and present it in a way that even today’s modern generation will appreciate,†he added.
The show started with the “Overture: Jubilate†by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra that captured the grandness and importance of the celebration. It was then followed by a modern dance performance by the The Philippine Allstars to the mix of ¡°Warriors of the Sun¡± that reflected Rizal’s love for contemporary dance.
“Bayani,†choreographed by Jay Cambay and Canto Patiotico de Maria Clara, was then performed by soprano Myra Mae Meneses and the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus.
The show then took a humorous turn with the showing of a short film about an overseas Filipino worker who has a strange encounter with Rizal that starred Mae Paner.
In one of the most memorable performances of the night, Paner then took the stage for a monologue assuming the persona of Rizal’s ¡°Dulce Estranjera,¡± Josephine Bracken, as she made some amusing revelations about her ¡°husband.¡±
“Nobody’s perfect. We are all human beings¨Dand human beings make mistakes,¡± she began
“Bracken¡± then began talking about Rizal’s ¡°humanity,¡± how he had many imperfections, and committed mistakes, even poking fun at some politicians who were imitating the wrong side of Rizal¨Dhis womanizing ways.
Beneath all the humor, however, she challenged the audience to strive to become heroes, not just in their youth but throughout their lives.
“Nobody’s perfect, but everyone can be a hero—but you will need conviction. You still have a long way to go and your path will be filled with traps, I just hope you would be able to resist the temptations of wealth and power and preserve your honor until the end,¡± she said in Filipino.
“Not now not ever. Walang ku-corrupt.¡±
After a performance by ballet Philippines ¡°Crisostomo Ibarra¡± and a medley of songs (Itchyworms and Hallelujah) by the 300-voice choir and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the 35 Mga Bagong Rizal Awardees were then presented. (See side story)
In his speech 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, quoted a line from “Como se gobiernan las Filipinas†(How one governs in the Philippines), published in La Solidaridad (15 December 1890):
“Filipinos don’t realize that victory is the child of struggle, that joy blossoms from suffering, and redemption is a product of sacrifice.
“Upang maranasan natin ang ganap na tagumpay, kailangan natin itong pagsumikapan subalit sa panahon natin ngayon gusto natin madaliin ang mga bagay bagay. Ang nasa isip ng mga Pilipino ngayon ayos lang ang mandaya, makuha lang ang position na gusto nila. OK lang ang under the table dahil tanggap na ng ito sa sitema kahit alam ng marami na ito ay mali.â€
He then urged the awardees to appreciate the value of hard work and live by the principles of our heroes in thoughts, words and actions.
The show ended with “Awit ni Maria Clara,†a duet by Erik Santos and Rachelle Ann Go, followed by a moving rendition of Mi Ultimo Adios by John Arcilla, and a finale of “Bayan Ko†by the entire ensemble.
Director Millado described it as a “milestone,†and for those who watched the show, it was definitely a “gig†worth Rizal’s heroism.
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/sunday-times/sunday-magazine/a-call-for-new-heroes-through-literature-song-and-dance/
Residents of Manila and Angeles City Pampanga are looking for a safe and convenient place to celebrate special occasions or take a shot vacation in the Philippines. Many travel north to Clark to swim at Clearwater Beach Resort which also has lake and picnic grounds to unwind and relax, a very good way to spend quality time with the family and children. Fine dining Yats Restaurant offers sumptuous cozy Christmas dinner, for wine lovers, Clark Wine Center provides exciting shopping options.
Clark Philippines also known as Clark Freeport Zone is now the preferred destination for foreign and local investments because it offers many attractive advantages including tax, safety and its own international airport
The advantages for making the move from a country like UK, USA, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia for example, to a country like Philippines are enormous. Heavily in your favor are factors like asset values differentials and substantial reduction in cost of living. Selling off your home probably gives you enough capital to not only live comfortably in a bigger property in Philippines but also to re-establish yourself in the business community by starting a business here too.
This web site contains articles and information that will be helpful to visitors, residents and tourists traveling out of town from Manila on a short getaway to Subic, Angeles City, Pampanga and Clark Philippines. There are several web sites that contain information that might also be pertinent to what is happening in North Luzon.
For assistance with organizing and planning weddings and garden receptions, log on to http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com
For assistance with lodgings, accommodations, hotels and resorts near Manila in Subic, Pampanga, Angels City and Clark Philippines log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com
While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com
With new golf courses springing up in and around Clark Philippines and an ever-increasing patronage by tourists from neighboring South Korea, Clark Freeport is short on hotel accommodation.
Even with the addition of 27 holes in 2009 and 2010, there is an acute shortage golf tee times for at least 5-6 months each year. Local players compete with frustrated (golf) tourists from Korea and China for tee times. Unfortunately Clark Philippines doesn’t have the luxury of vast tracts of land suitable for this type of development.
Mimosa offers 36 holes of championship golf, visitors can pay and play, busy during the weekends but not that difficult to get on or join up with a group to form a 4-ball. The new FAKCC offers 27 holes of world-class golf.
This web site contains articles and information that will be helpful to visitors, residents and tourists traveling out of town from Manila on a short getaway to Subic, Angeles City, Pampanga and Clark Philippines. There are several web sites that contain information that might also be pertinent to what is happening in North Luzon.
For assistance with organizing and planning weddings and garden receptions, log on to http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com
For assistance with lodgings, accommodations, hotels and resorts near Manila in Subic, Pampanga, Angels City and Clark Philippines log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com
While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com
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