This June 19 marks Jose Rizal's 150 birthday and as the Philippines' national hero, it is but fitting that tributes be done for him. One such tribute is the Yuchengco Museum's RIZALizing the Future exhibition which aims to make Rizal "young" and relevant to the new generation.
This can be found inside the elevator.
Most of us may know of Jose Rizal through the social studies and history classes in school; have seen him in monuments, stamps and currency; and have read his books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo but having gone through the Rizal exhibit made me realize that I still have a lot to learn about him and his life.
Me with a Team Manila graphic art of our national hero in the background.
Yuchengco Museum Curator Jeannie Javelosa gathered bloggers and people from media for a guided tour to preview the exhibit the night before it officially opened. She shared with us the dynamics of being a curator -- how she and her group would think of what to showcase next in the museum, how and where to gather the items for exhibit (artifacts and paintings), and how to market it to attract audience.
Curator Jeannie Javelosa dishes out about the exhibit story-telling style.
A special guided tour pre-opening night.
Ms. Javelosa excitedly told us that Rizal family members have collaborated with the museum to bring to the public Rizaliana memorabilia never exhibited before while some paintings and sculptures were from famous Filipino artists. Notable objects on display include sketches by Jose Rizal, jewelry worn by Rizal's childhood sweetheart Leonor Rivera, art by Team Manila, and banknotes and coins bearing Rizal's image.
Rizal on old Philippine money.
An old photo of the Rizal (back row, second from left) among family and friends.
Leonor Rivera's locket necklace.
Team Manila merchandise depicting the modern Rizal.
Visitors are encouraged to walk and meditate around a floating garden (and even lie on the abaca rug under it) and ponder on excerpts from Rizal's letters, novels, and poems reflecting his values.
Ponder on Rizal's works and values.
Lie beneath the floating garden while listening and meditating.
The special exhibit also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, highlighting YGC's root of inspiration: Rizal the Great Malayan, as seen through the naming of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and the Malayan Insurance. Yuchengco patriach Alfonso Yuchengco, is a great fan of Jose Rizal.
I wanted to post more photos from the exhibit but I'm afraid it would be a spoiler to what could be your wonderful learning experience. Curious much? Go and visit soon.
RIZALizing the Future is on view until October 29 at the Yuchengco Museum at the ground floor of RCBC Plaza, Ayala corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. For more information on the exhibit and to know about the schedule of other Rizal-related events, call (632) 889-1234 or visit www.yuchengcomuseum.org.
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