Rizal @150: Jose Rizal Stamp Design Contest & Exhibition

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) conducted the 150th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal Stamp Design Contest, a contest created to celebrate the sesquicentennial birth anniversary of Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19, 2011. It aimed to promote awareness of the life, ideals and greatness of Rizal and his contribution to Philippine history.

Far Eastern University’s Fine Arts students Marc Aran C. Reyes, Deanne Fernandez and Lex Kempho Y. Lacar were named winners in the college category. Heinritzh Sales and Ramon Vismonte of Team Manila won in the open category. Fernandez's and Reyes' output will appear as a stamp, while Lacar's piece will be featured in the First Day Cover Envelope that will be issued on June 19, 2011.

STUDENT CATEGORY

Deanne Fernandez' (FEU) Entry

The Noli me tangere symbolizes Rizal’s writing that has inspired Filipinos and awakened their nationalistic consciousness. The oil lamp stands for enlightenment and reason which was Rizal’s advocacy in attaining freedom. His face takes center stage as he is the most important part of the design.

Marc Aran Reyes' (FEU) Entry

The artist wanted to show Rizal standing with a dove beside him symbolizing Rizal’s aspiration for freedom. The Philippines, like a dove, is meant to be free from all kinds of oppression. Also depicted is the cover of the Noli me tangere, one of Rizal’s greatest novels. He also included the elements of the flag: the stars and the rising sun, symbolizing hope and bright future.

Lex Kempo Lacar's (FEU) Entry

To show how Rizal became a pillar of the nation, there is a depiction of the colors and elements of the National flag (blue, red, three stars and a sun). The sun also symbolizes Rizal’s peaceful quest for freedom.

OPEN CATEGORY

Heinritzh Sales' (Team Manila) Entry

The aim of the faceless profile is for us to reflect who Rizal really is and what he has done to our country. The red color symbolizes the courage demonstrated by Rizal in writing his two books which stirred the nationalistic revolution of his country. The white border represents our former colonial master, Spain. It also represents the theme, Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan. Rizal is placed partially outside the border, symbolizing his contribution in leading his country to independence. The same is applied in the figure 150, wherein it is partially out of the picture, symbolizing our gratefulness and celebration of his life for years to come.

Ramon Vismonte's (Team Manila) Entry

The design is rendered in monochromatic blue which symbolizes Jose as an advocate of reforms through peaceful and diplomatic means. The solid block at the left stands for the theme, Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan. It also signifies darkness and uncertainties. However, the sun at the background is for hope; suggesting to us to stay strong and be inspired by the legacy of Jose Rizal. The three stars represent Faith, Science and Creativity; things the artist associated with Rizal. The artist believes that that will make our country great. The angle by which Rizal is portrayed, looking up, suggest the feeling of being proud and hopeful for our country. The artist wants to convey the same message to his countrymen, at the same time, to be grateful and learn from the past.

The winning works of the students, a representation of the interpretations of their perceptions of Rizal and his significance in Philippine history, were used in a Special Limited Stamp Issue from Philpost, in commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal. The students were also awarded Certificates of Participation and Tokens of Recognition.

The contest was participated by students, amateurs and professionals; Jeremy Barns, director of the National Museum, Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak from Philippine Postal Corporation, Danilo Pangan from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Fidel Sarmiento from the Art Association of the Philippines served as judges.

********

In line with the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of our National Hero, Jose Rizal, the Philippine Postal Corporation is coming up with the Jose Rizal@150 stamps which will be issued on June 19, 2011. It is classified as a “Commemorative” kind of issue with a denomination of P 7.00 and a quantity of 70,000 pieces each for two se-tenant pairs. Also available is a souvenir sheet with a denomination of P 150.00 and a quantity of 6,000 pieces.

Philpost has an exhibit of stamps and other memorabilia dubbed as “ Rizaliana Collection on Stamps Exhibit by Jorge Cuyugan and Philatelic friends” which opened last June 13 at the lobby of the historic Manila Central Post Office Building in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila. The exhibit will run until the end of June.

On display are complete sets of Rizal stamps issued by PhilPost including winning artworks of the Jose Rizal stamp design contest conducted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The exhibit also contains an almost complete collection of Rizalian stamps and other philatelic items limited to his self portrait, monuments and works from the very first issue of 1906 to the latest issues of Rizal stamps on June 19.

The exhibit will feature all original items never before featured or shown in any exhibits for viewers to fully appreciate. Visitors and students will also have the chance to view special related trivia’s, pictures and Rizalian collections.

Rizal @150: RIZALizing the Future

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.