At first, there were debates as to whether the government should move Rizal Day from December 30th, his death, to June 19th, his birth. Eventually, President Aquino made a compromise and declared June 20th a special non-working holiday, since the 19th fell on a Sunday, in order to commemorate this special event.President Aquino spearheaded the festivities with a laying of wreath at Rizal Shrine in the hero's hometown of Calamba, Laguna. At the same, time, he took lead in unveiling the tallest monument of the patriot in front of Calamba Capitol, which stands 22 feet. I think it is fitting that his hometown deserve a monument as even outside of the Philippines stands some. There's one in Madrid, in China, and in Germany where he studied optometry.
At his speech, the president said that, "even with the crossroads that he faced, Rizal never strayed from the straight path." Straight Path of course is his famous slogan during the election campaign and that reverberated in his keynote speech.
Back in Manila, the celebration is a whole day festive event with free activities for the people. Luneta was practically covered with red, white, and pink flowers. A fun run participated by schoolchildren and teachers, Takbo in Pepe, despite the rain did not dampen their spirits. Two giant cakes were also made as a tribute to Rizal. The rain was pouring all day, but it did not stop some 200,000 people to flock around Luneta to pay tribute though some are just there but did not know why. For the first time, the restricted area was opened for public viewing.
But what do this really tell us? Jose Rizal is our pride, national hero. His idealism should be embodied by every Filipino, and we should commemorate his natal day always to remind of of his heroism be be an inspiration forever. But sad to say, it took us 150 years to really and formally celebrate the man's birthday, instead we are celebrating his death. Tributes are good, but if he were alive today, he would have been disgusted at how we are right now, how we run the state.
Yes Dr. Jose Rizal was truly an inspiration, his legacy and his works. But do people now really care about him? He once said the the "youth is the hope of our fatherland," but if we look closely today we have woefully molded the youth in our corrupt political fray. I could imagine him so frustrated with our politicians. His visions to make this country free and progressive is now a country tattered in poverty and dishonor.
Yes all these grandiose tributes, extravagant celebrations means nothing if after all these raucous end, Rizal will just again be there standing in Luneta, guarded by stiff guards, that people will not notice; students study his works and leave everything inside the classroom, and all this will just be an afterthought.
(This is actually a reaction paper project I wrote for somebody. I haven't really followed the event. I'm not a fan of Rizal FYI.)
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