Here's to freedom and heroism. Thank you very much, Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonso Realonda for giving up your freedom to help us be free.
Dr. Rizal by Amorsolo
365-day challenge, Day 114
30 December 2014
Showing posts with label Philippine History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippine History. Show all posts
Friday, January 02, 2015
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Amigo: In US Theaters 2 September 2011
It is a rare occasion to see Filipino movies being shown in foreign theaters. And if they happen, Filipinos must show their utmost support! That is what I do as a member of the Filipino community here in DC. Amigo, an independent film about the Philippine-American War is to be shown in Washington DC, Gaithersburg and Virginia Beach on September 2, 2011! It will also be shown in 15 other states in the US!
This movie has a cast of great actors from both the US and the Philippines, headed by one of the best Filipino actors of this generation, Mr. Joel Torre, award-winning veteran great Mr. Chris Cooper and and a roster of Filipino greats like Ronnie Lazaro, Rio Locsin, John Apacible, Pen Medina and Bembol Roco.
I was fortunate to meet Joel Torre in his presscon here in DC.
Amigo's synopsis:
AMIGO, the 17th feature film from Academy Award-nominated writer-director John Sayles, stars legendary Filipino actor Joel Torre as Rafael, a village mayor caught in the murderous crossfire of the Philippine-American War.
When U.S. troops occupy his village, Rafael comes under pressure from a tough-as-nails officer (Chris Cooper) to help the Americans in their hunt for Filipino guerilla fighters. But Rafael’s brother (Ronnie Lazaro) is the head of the local guerillas, and considers anyone who cooperates with the Americans to be a traitor. Rafael quickly finds himself forced to make the impossible, potentially deadly decisions faced by ordinary civilians in an occupied country.
A powerful drama of friendship, betrayal, romance and heartbreaking violence, AMIGO is a page torn from the untold history of the Philippines, and a mirror of today’s unresolvable conflicts.
-------
I sure hope Filipinos in the area watch this movie and bring with them their non-Filipino friends so that they could understand and learn what history books seldom brings out. It is for the whole world to see that our relations with the US is not entirely a bed of roses, but started out as a thorny one. At the same time, it is to show the world how Filipinos survive amidst the war, and how they cope and learn and thrive in the midst of oppression or struggle.
Kudos to John Sayles for taking this opportunity and to Joel Torre and the entire Filipino cast for masterfully braving this project. Mabuhay kayong lahat!
To know more about Amigo, visit http://www.amigomovie.com/.
This movie has a cast of great actors from both the US and the Philippines, headed by one of the best Filipino actors of this generation, Mr. Joel Torre, award-winning veteran great Mr. Chris Cooper and and a roster of Filipino greats like Ronnie Lazaro, Rio Locsin, John Apacible, Pen Medina and Bembol Roco.
I was fortunate to meet Joel Torre in his presscon here in DC.
Amigo's synopsis:
AMIGO, the 17th feature film from Academy Award-nominated writer-director John Sayles, stars legendary Filipino actor Joel Torre as Rafael, a village mayor caught in the murderous crossfire of the Philippine-American War.
When U.S. troops occupy his village, Rafael comes under pressure from a tough-as-nails officer (Chris Cooper) to help the Americans in their hunt for Filipino guerilla fighters. But Rafael’s brother (Ronnie Lazaro) is the head of the local guerillas, and considers anyone who cooperates with the Americans to be a traitor. Rafael quickly finds himself forced to make the impossible, potentially deadly decisions faced by ordinary civilians in an occupied country.
A powerful drama of friendship, betrayal, romance and heartbreaking violence, AMIGO is a page torn from the untold history of the Philippines, and a mirror of today’s unresolvable conflicts.
-------
I sure hope Filipinos in the area watch this movie and bring with them their non-Filipino friends so that they could understand and learn what history books seldom brings out. It is for the whole world to see that our relations with the US is not entirely a bed of roses, but started out as a thorny one. At the same time, it is to show the world how Filipinos survive amidst the war, and how they cope and learn and thrive in the midst of oppression or struggle.
Kudos to John Sayles for taking this opportunity and to Joel Torre and the entire Filipino cast for masterfully braving this project. Mabuhay kayong lahat!
To know more about Amigo, visit http://www.amigomovie.com/.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Happy 150, Dr. Jose Rizal!
A hundred and fifty years old, that is our national hero, Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonso Realonda. To friends and family, Pepe, to us common men, Jose Rizal. On the 19th June 1861, never did any Spaniard expect that one man, a not too tall or fair one, a common-looking man, would be born to spur an oppressed nation into fighting for their freedom. Never have the Spaniards seen the potent powers of this short young man from Calamba, that he would be able to inspire millions of Filipinos from all over the nation. Pepe was truly a one-of-a-kind Filipino. The first Filipino, as the historians would say. A renaissance man, that even other Asian countries praise his various works.
After a hundred and fifty years of existence, hundreds of writings and tons of contribution to building our nation’s history, how do we take Rizal to heart? Does he still inspire Filipinos of today?
In one forum held at the Philippine Embassy here in Washington DC, one of the speakers, Trixie Herrera, who is a descendant of Narcisa, one of Pepe’s sisters, talked about her roots and how to “Rizalize” the present and the future. She did a little elaboration on how to go about it, and I agree with her in all of her examples of how to do it. After the talk, I asked myself how can I, as a regular Filipino, “Rizalize” the nation?
Rizal indeed taught us many lessons that we Filipinos could be inspired and emulate in our daily lives. I will only enumerate and elaborate on three. These three Rizal traits I believe, may be used to Rizalize our nation’s present and future.
In my early years as a student of Philippine History, I found myself amazed at how much Rizal had contributed not just in our nation’s history, but also in art, literature and science. He never ceased to want to learn. Even when in exile, he learned new things. He never stopped learning despite having mastered at least 5 languages, mastered Opthalmology, and wrote a few books. He just kept on learning. Here’s the first “Rizalizing” trait I think we Filipinos should emulate: Never cease to learn. Learning does not end in a College Degree, nor does it end in having a child. He who ceases to learn ceases to live. That is one way a Filipino can Rizalize his life.
Another way to Rizalize the nation is to strive to be the best that every Filipino can be. Rizal showed us how the brown race can be at par with any other race in the world. He was persecuted in his early days in Letran and Ateneo because of his color, but these did not stop him from being excellent. Her showed that he could be equally great in the medical profession as he studied in Spain. He showed the world that a Filipino has every right to be great with his various writings and teachings. He showed how a Filipino should stand in the grand scheme of things. Competitiveness, that is how we could further Rizalize our values.
Remember the famous Rizal quote? Who wouldn’t? Every Filipino in one way or another, has come across the saying, “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, ay masahol pa sa malansang isda.” I myself am ashamed of having written this in English, but of course, the bottomline of this saying is not just the language, but the total package of being a Filipino. Rizal, for one, had many encounters where he was teased and made fun of because of his brown complexion. In his earlier days, he would often get into fights because of his color. He fought for it to the very end. He wanted equality among the white race in the Philippines. He died for it. We got it afterwards. How do we Rizalize the present then? We should be proud to be Filipinos, and continuously work to uplift our race, wherever we may be. Rizal had left the country to study abroad, and he came back to help improve the country. Our OFWs can do the same. Work abroad, learn new things, apply them in the Philippines. Work abroad, gain enough capital, invest in the Philippines, generate new jobs, teach, improve the country.
Some might say that it’s a daunting and very difficult task, but I think every Filipino, in one way or another, can od at least one of these ways to Rizalization. Rizal did it a hundred years ago, when the world was far more oppressing and difficult. In this technology age, the sky is the limit in reaching our potential.
Mabuhay ang ika-150 taon ng kaarawan ni Dr. Jose Rizal! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
After a hundred and fifty years of existence, hundreds of writings and tons of contribution to building our nation’s history, how do we take Rizal to heart? Does he still inspire Filipinos of today?
In one forum held at the Philippine Embassy here in Washington DC, one of the speakers, Trixie Herrera, who is a descendant of Narcisa, one of Pepe’s sisters, talked about her roots and how to “Rizalize” the present and the future. She did a little elaboration on how to go about it, and I agree with her in all of her examples of how to do it. After the talk, I asked myself how can I, as a regular Filipino, “Rizalize” the nation?
Rizal indeed taught us many lessons that we Filipinos could be inspired and emulate in our daily lives. I will only enumerate and elaborate on three. These three Rizal traits I believe, may be used to Rizalize our nation’s present and future.
In my early years as a student of Philippine History, I found myself amazed at how much Rizal had contributed not just in our nation’s history, but also in art, literature and science. He never ceased to want to learn. Even when in exile, he learned new things. He never stopped learning despite having mastered at least 5 languages, mastered Opthalmology, and wrote a few books. He just kept on learning. Here’s the first “Rizalizing” trait I think we Filipinos should emulate: Never cease to learn. Learning does not end in a College Degree, nor does it end in having a child. He who ceases to learn ceases to live. That is one way a Filipino can Rizalize his life.
Another way to Rizalize the nation is to strive to be the best that every Filipino can be. Rizal showed us how the brown race can be at par with any other race in the world. He was persecuted in his early days in Letran and Ateneo because of his color, but these did not stop him from being excellent. Her showed that he could be equally great in the medical profession as he studied in Spain. He showed the world that a Filipino has every right to be great with his various writings and teachings. He showed how a Filipino should stand in the grand scheme of things. Competitiveness, that is how we could further Rizalize our values.
Remember the famous Rizal quote? Who wouldn’t? Every Filipino in one way or another, has come across the saying, “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, ay masahol pa sa malansang isda.” I myself am ashamed of having written this in English, but of course, the bottomline of this saying is not just the language, but the total package of being a Filipino. Rizal, for one, had many encounters where he was teased and made fun of because of his brown complexion. In his earlier days, he would often get into fights because of his color. He fought for it to the very end. He wanted equality among the white race in the Philippines. He died for it. We got it afterwards. How do we Rizalize the present then? We should be proud to be Filipinos, and continuously work to uplift our race, wherever we may be. Rizal had left the country to study abroad, and he came back to help improve the country. Our OFWs can do the same. Work abroad, learn new things, apply them in the Philippines. Work abroad, gain enough capital, invest in the Philippines, generate new jobs, teach, improve the country.
Some might say that it’s a daunting and very difficult task, but I think every Filipino, in one way or another, can od at least one of these ways to Rizalization. Rizal did it a hundred years ago, when the world was far more oppressing and difficult. In this technology age, the sky is the limit in reaching our potential.
Mabuhay ang ika-150 taon ng kaarawan ni Dr. Jose Rizal! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Philippines in DC
Where can you not find Filipinos around the world? Much like our Indian friends, Filipinos can be seen anywhere and everywhere. A Filipino became a starting pitcher for the 2010 Major League Baseball championship. One Filipino of four Black Eyed Peas played during the US's most watched sports spectacle this year. "Just the Way You Are" has been sung many times by American Idol contestants, and this song was composed by a Filipino. President Obama's appetite is ensured to be on high by a Filipino Chef. I wouldn't be surprised if there are Filipinos invited to the Royal Wedding. A Filipino is truly emerging among many races around the world.
The Philippines and the United States have long been related in history and development. The US, after the Spaniards have inhabited the Philippines for quite some time. During the War of the Pacific, the US liberated the country from Japanese rule. The US gave the Philippines its independence on July 4, 1946. The US also gave the influence of Basketball, reality shows and Lindsay Lohan...
Washington DC is one of the many melting pot cities in the US. You can see a lot of different cultures from every corner of the city. This is why everytime I stroll the Nation's Capital, I try to see if there are any monuments, objects, signs, or sights related to my beloved hometown. And I was surprised to see that there are places and sites in DC that highlights or mentions the Philippines.
Just across the Philippine Embassy to the United States along Massachusetts Avenue, there exists two (2) streets named after two Philippine places liberated by the Americans. Beside the Embassy there is the Bataan St., while across the rotunda there is Corregidor St. Bataan is a province in Region 3 of the Philippines where the infamous Death March started. The Fall of Bataan, or better known as the Araw ng Kagitingin is still being commemorated in the Philippines until today. On the other hand, Corregidor is an island off the coast of Manila Bay, which was an American stronghold during the second World War.
We have been strong allies with the US during the Second World War. This made us worthy to have our country's name etched in one of the pillars of the World War II Memorial, which is found just across the Washington Monument.
Etched on the "Pacific" side of the WWII Memorial are some Philippine provinces were much battle took place during the war. Places mentioned were Bataan, Corregidor, Leyte Gulf, Phillippine Sea, and Manila.
The name of our country can also be seen in the Korean War Memorial, located on the left side of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. If we recall our history right, the Philippines sent the 4th largest troop under the United Nations command. Around 7,420 Fillipinos participated in the Korean War. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was among the soldiers sent to Korea.
Various Filipino-sounding names can also be seen in the name wall of the Vietnam War Memorial. The Philippines, just like in the two previous wars, participated in the Vietnam War, which took place from 1964-1973. Around 2,000 Filipinos participated in the Vietnam War.
The Iwo Jima Memorial, or the US Marine Corps Memorial, is located in Meade Street in Arlington, Virginia, just a few miles from Downtown DC. The monument depicts the flag-raising Iwo Jima island, much made famous by the Clint Eastwood movie "Flags of Our Fathers." The US Marines participated in what the United States call the "Philippine Insurrection," a more politically correct terminology for the US regime in the Philippines.
In the Arlington Cemetery, where the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be seen, there is a museum that features military decorations from all over the world. There, the Phillippines' Medal of Valor is exhibited. I have to brag that ours is one of the most beautiful military decorations. :)
The paintings on both sides of the chapel were painted by the famous Blanco family of Rizal.
Also, thank God for stores like the Manila Oriental and Fiesta Oriental, where we buy our stock of Stik-O, Lucky Me Pancit Canton, Choc-Nut, Patis, Sinigang Mix, Tocino, and Pan de Sal, we wouldn't have to be uber-homesick after all.
The Philippines and the United States have long been related in history and development. The US, after the Spaniards have inhabited the Philippines for quite some time. During the War of the Pacific, the US liberated the country from Japanese rule. The US gave the Philippines its independence on July 4, 1946. The US also gave the influence of Basketball, reality shows and Lindsay Lohan...
Washington DC is one of the many melting pot cities in the US. You can see a lot of different cultures from every corner of the city. This is why everytime I stroll the Nation's Capital, I try to see if there are any monuments, objects, signs, or sights related to my beloved hometown. And I was surprised to see that there are places and sites in DC that highlights or mentions the Philippines.
Just across the Philippine Embassy to the United States along Massachusetts Avenue, there exists two (2) streets named after two Philippine places liberated by the Americans. Beside the Embassy there is the Bataan St., while across the rotunda there is Corregidor St. Bataan is a province in Region 3 of the Philippines where the infamous Death March started. The Fall of Bataan, or better known as the Araw ng Kagitingin is still being commemorated in the Philippines until today. On the other hand, Corregidor is an island off the coast of Manila Bay, which was an American stronghold during the second World War.
We have been strong allies with the US during the Second World War. This made us worthy to have our country's name etched in one of the pillars of the World War II Memorial, which is found just across the Washington Monument.
Etched on the "Pacific" side of the WWII Memorial are some Philippine provinces were much battle took place during the war. Places mentioned were Bataan, Corregidor, Leyte Gulf, Phillippine Sea, and Manila.
The name of our country can also be seen in the Korean War Memorial, located on the left side of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. If we recall our history right, the Philippines sent the 4th largest troop under the United Nations command. Around 7,420 Fillipinos participated in the Korean War. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was among the soldiers sent to Korea.
Various Filipino-sounding names can also be seen in the name wall of the Vietnam War Memorial. The Philippines, just like in the two previous wars, participated in the Vietnam War, which took place from 1964-1973. Around 2,000 Filipinos participated in the Vietnam War.
The Iwo Jima Memorial, or the US Marine Corps Memorial, is located in Meade Street in Arlington, Virginia, just a few miles from Downtown DC. The monument depicts the flag-raising Iwo Jima island, much made famous by the Clint Eastwood movie "Flags of Our Fathers." The US Marines participated in what the United States call the "Philippine Insurrection," a more politically correct terminology for the US regime in the Philippines.
In the Arlington Cemetery, where the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be seen, there is a museum that features military decorations from all over the world. There, the Phillippines' Medal of Valor is exhibited. I have to brag that ours is one of the most beautiful military decorations. :)
It is also exhibited in the Cemetery the several plaques of appreciation and commemoration to the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier. In 2009, then AFP Chief of Staff Narciso Abaya and Army Chief Gen. Delfin Bangit offered their respective plaques.
On matters of faith, of course the Philippines is famous for being the only Catholic country in East Asia. Here in DC, the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception houses many chapels of images of the Virgin Mary from many countries. Of course, the Philippines has its share of image. The replica of the image of our Lady of Antipolo can be seen in the beautiful crypt church at the basement of the Basilica.
The paintings on both sides of the chapel were painted by the famous Blanco family of Rizal.
Also, thank God for stores like the Manila Oriental and Fiesta Oriental, where we buy our stock of Stik-O, Lucky Me Pancit Canton, Choc-Nut, Patis, Sinigang Mix, Tocino, and Pan de Sal, we wouldn't have to be uber-homesick after all.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Cinemalaya 6: Rekrut - July 16,2010
I watched another feature film at the Cinemalaya yesterday. It was the gala of Danny Añonuevo's entry, Rekrut. The mive had an all-star cast, headed by veteran actor Emilio Garcia, alongside Joem Bascon, Alwyn Uytingco, Rob Sy, JM de Guzman, Dominic Roco, CJ Ramos, Alchris Galura, Maxene Magalona, Rich Asuncion, and seasoned actor Archie Adamos.
Here are some random pictures (in not particular order).It was Rekrut's Gala night so we had the chance to roam around after the movie and ask for souvenir photos with the cast. My officemates sure had fun on this part. :)
The ladies with some of the cast
They really needed to take this photo
Jen and Grape with Domic Roco
The Rekruts with the Rekruter. :)
I watched two Cinemalaya movies this year!
Cinemalaya is almost over. Congratulations to all the filmmakers! I heard all of the movies were very good!
The movie was about a squad of 12 Christian and Muslim soldiers preparing for a very special mission. Things were going well until they were finally informed about the purpose of their training. These soldiers were faced with a dilemma on whether they should fulfill their duty for their country or follow their conscience.
This was based on true events. If you are an avid fan of history, or have taken the evening tour of Corregidor, the plot might be familiar to you. I'll not dwell on the details but if you really want to know where this story was taken, I suggest you google the key words Jabidah Massacre. Until now, the said massacre
You will see that in the movie, actor CJ Ramos was making graffitis of their names in the walls of their camp. I had the chance to see the real graffiti of the young recruits in the island of Corregidor.
The Abandoned hospital which turned into the base camp of Jabidah's "final training"
These were the writings of the "real" Rekruts, as mentioned by the Corregidor guides
A few more writings on the wall
Thank you, Mr. Danny Añunuevo, the brains behind Rekrut, for making not just another action indie, but a socially relevant one inspired by real people, real events. He has put a piece of history in an artistic, masterful, well-crafted 2-hour movie. With that, my congratulations. I sure had fun in this movie.
Maxene Magalona
Tanya and Hazel with Alwyn Uytingco
My Cinemalaya idol: Archie Adamos
The cast of REKRUT
Not the cast and crew
The ladies with some of the cast
They really needed to take this photo
Jen and Grape with Domic Roco
The Rekruts with the Rekruter. :)
I watched two Cinemalaya movies this year!To know more about this film's inspiration, please read: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080318-125522/Lone-survivor-recalls-Jabidah-Massacre
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Presidential Inauguration - June 30, 2010
I witnessed my first live Presidential inauguration this morning, June 30, 2010. A little over half a million Filipinos joined President Benigno C. Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay in their first-ever public audience as the highest and second-highest leaders of the country.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Music filled the inauguration program as Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Charice Pempengco, Noel Cabangon, and others gave their share of music to serenade the new President and Vice President.
My dad and I planned to go to Quirino Grandstand to witness this historic event. Travel to the venue was a breeze. I was afraid that traffic would be terrible. Fortunately, the only traffic we experienced on the way to the venue was in Lagusnilad because the Burgos side of the Manila City Hall was closed to traffic. Thank God it was a holiday.
I just hope he wasn't over-promising this morning. Definitely the "wang-wangs" will be difficult to eliminate, unless we do an embargo of such products. :)
Notable was the first-ever oath-taking of the Filipino people as we embark on a new journey as a nation. I also hope the half-million people who pledged change and commitment fulfill their oaths faithfully.
We Were There!
P-Noy as he delivers his first-ever speech as President
Wide view of the stage
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Should not be forgotten
During the gala run of the play "Gerilya sa Powell Street," we were able to see some familiar faces like national artists Ben Cabrera and F. Sionil Jose, DND Usec. Ernesto Carolina, and the head of Tanghalang Pilipino, Nanding Josef. Jun Lozada was also present, along with her trusted friends from the religious sector.
Amidst these famous personalities, the real stars of the night were the valiant veteran men and women who fought hard against the Japanese invaders during the Second World War. There were about 20 of them present that night, representing the hundreds of thousands of Guerillas who sacrificed their youth and their private lives to protect our country's sovereignty against foreign oppression.
Although old and seemingly frail, these people managed to grace the event, with an underlying message that Filipinos all over the world should never forget what these people have done almost 70 years ago. Let their heroism and sense of nationhood be not just forever remembered, but be emulated by every single Filipino living today.
Amidst these famous personalities, the real stars of the night were the valiant veteran men and women who fought hard against the Japanese invaders during the Second World War. There were about 20 of them present that night, representing the hundreds of thousands of Guerillas who sacrificed their youth and their private lives to protect our country's sovereignty against foreign oppression.
Although old and seemingly frail, these people managed to grace the event, with an underlying message that Filipinos all over the world should never forget what these people have done almost 70 years ago. Let their heroism and sense of nationhood be not just forever remembered, but be emulated by every single Filipino living today.
The play ran for about three hours, but because of the cast's comic antics led by veteran screen actors Tommy Abuel and Lou Veloso, they managed to keep the audience interested, awake, and satisfied. I had fun watching the play. and I'm sure all others who were with me in the theater felt the same way.
Cheers to all Filipino war veterans!
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)