Rock concert to mark Rizal's 150th birthday
CARMELA LAPEÑA, GMA News
05/18/2011 | 06:10 PM 
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will spearhead commemorative programs in three areas: Calamba, Laguna; Dapitan; and Manila.
“Jose Rizal is a very interesting character in Philippine history — he loved our country with a passion, wrote both fiction and poetry, practiced sports, and had his share of adventures from his extensive travels," said NHCP chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno.
The activities, which will begin on June 19, include theatrical presentations, fora, film screenings and art exhibits.
Rock Rizal
A rock concert is also in the offing courtesy of Rock Ed Philippines.
Nine of the country’s biggest artists are also working together to produce an album that will feature songs covering the life and works of Rizal.
“It will focus more on his ideas, and how they can move us forward today," said Pepe Diokno, executive director of Rock Ed Philippines and also the NHCP chair’s nephew.
Rock Rizal will feature Ely Buendia, Sandwich, Gloc-9, Ebe Dancel, Jett Pangan, Peryodiko, Hijo, Aiza Seguerra and Radioactive Sago Project. All songs will be released online for free, and a collaborative single will come out on June 19.
The Rock Rizal concert will be held in September at the Quirino Grandstand.
"Our goal is to take Rizal from the classroom and into radio stations, music video channels, and MP3 players," said Rock Ed’s Diokno.
The younger Diokno added that the NHCP, which is partnering with Rock Ed Philippines, has the same objective. “NHCP aims to inspire a re-reading of his (Rizal) life, a little beyond what we have learned in our required Rizal courses in high school and college."
Rizal stamps
Already, students have participated in some activities, like the Jose Rizal Postage Stamp Design Contest held in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation.
FEU’s Lex Kempo Lacar, Deanne Fernandez, and Marc Aran Reyes are the winners for the student category, and Team Manila’s Heinritzh Sales and Ramon Vismonte are the winners for the Open Category.
The contest was held last March 1 with the aim of portraying the ideals and the significant role of Rizal as a national hero.
Asked about Rizal’s relevance today, Rock Ed’s Diokno said Rizal’s works continue to resonate with the present generation despite having been written in a different time. “Every time I read his work, at any time in my life, I learn something. He is an inspiration," he said.
Fittingly, the commemorative activities of his 150th birth anniversary are held both here and abroad. A marker will be unveiled in Barcelona, a Sarsuwela will be staged in Michigan, a traveling museum will move from New York to Germany, Belgium and Spain, and Ambeth Ocampo will give lectures in Germany. - KBK, GMA News
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