Roses, cakes, and more for Rizal’s 150^th bday bash

MANILA, June 17 (PIA) -- Jose P. Rizal’s 150^th birth anniversary celebration is a whole day festive event replete with free activities for the people prepared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and its partner agencies NPDC, DoT, NCCA, Dep Ed, MMDA, and others.

The celebration is projected to be a historic commemoration since the birthday of the national hero is celebrated only once every 50 years.

To honour the birthday of the national hero according to NPDC, flower offering and slicing of a giant birthday cake with a height of 8 ft and a width of 6x6 shall take place in Rizal Park, Manila at 8:15 and 8:30 in the morning.

According to NPDC Executive Director Juliet H. Villegas, their target is to have 150,000 offerers who will represent the commuters, students, employees, vendors, ordinary bystanders, and all other park visitors to offer a flower to Dr. Jose Rizal.

“Normally, a monument is a very cold structure which is very formal and is only seen by the general public at a far angle. And most often than not, during holidays, there are military men in uniform who make sure that the area is guarded and cordoned off from vandalism and desecration. This year, being his 150th birthday, all these rules are let loose for the first time as government’s way of reaching out to the people”, added Director Villegas where Filipinos and foreigners alike can see our national pride upclose.

Meanwhile, “Takbo ni Pepe”, a fun run and concert to honour the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal in Valencia Circle in Rizal Park happens the whole morning starting at 5am and ending by 12 noon.

During the evening, Rizal’s life story shall be re-enacted by Teatro Expedicion de Filipinas by staging a free musical play at Rizal Park Open Auditorium. Musikultura 2011, another concert, is to be held in the Department of Tourism facade at 7 pm. By 8 pm, a Final Presentation of the Musical Dancing Fountain coupled with a grand fireworks display.

Capping the day are two movies based on Rizal’s life and literary work. The first one, Lolo Jose, The Family Carries On, is a documentary by Vibal Foundation. The second and last to be shown is Sisa, starring Jodie Sta. Maria, a movie loosely based on one of Rizal’s characters in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. (MAL/BLPenera, PIA GHQ)