A Day in Honor of Children's Books

July 17 is National Children’s Book Day. 

Celebrated every third Tuesday of July, this is in honor of the publication of the Filipino folk tale, “The Monkey and the Turtle” by Dr. Jose Rizal, in the July 1889 edition of the Trubner’s Oriental Record in London. This being the first acknowledged published literary work for children written by a Filipino. 

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People will spearhead the  National Children’s Book Day  opening celebrations this year at the Museo Pambata, with the theme, "Masayang Magbasa sa Sariling Wika." Local publishers will be presenting their latest crop of titles during the event and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People will award the winners of the 2012 PBBY-Salanga and the PBBY-Alcala Prizes.

It's More Fun in Manila

Having been born in Manila and lived in Manila all my life, I thought I've seen all of its historical landmarks and have heard all of its stories. I was proven wrong when I joined the inaugural launch of Manila Hotel's latest offering, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and in support of DOT's new campaign 'It's More FUN in the Philippines.'

Dubbed Manila Revisited, this is Manila Hotel's way of inviting everyone to relive the past, reminisce historical moments in our time, re-trace the paths of heroes and re-discover the stories inside the walled city of Intramuros. A special room package, Manila Revisited will give everyone the royal treatment from the lavish rooms and amenities -- rejuvenate at the Manila Hotel Health Club and enjoy the pool and garden area or relax inside the room and stay connected with the 24-hour WiFi connection -- plus enjoy delicious food from the breakfast buffet.

Manila Revisited supports the new DOT campaign

(clockwise from top left) Manila Hotel president Joey Lina

welcomed guests; a rondalla group accompanied the tramvia riders;

the knowledgeable and witty tour guide;and horse-driven carriages.

Included in the package is a two and a half hours guided tour that will take guests to Intramuros and Rizal Park on horse-drawn carriages from the Castillan Carriage and Tour Services -- a visit to Fort Santiago, Rizal's Execution Site in Rizal Park (Luneta), Casa Manila, Palacio del Gobernador, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and the former headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur.

The Cinderella carriage I chose to ride on for the afternoon

While waiting for the rides to arrive, I was already reminiscing my calesa experience back in Kindergarten. As I stepped out the Manila Hotel lobby, I was amazed at the variety of Victorian horse-drawn carriages, Spanish carjuaes, and Filipino calesas lined up the driveway. As the other guests picked out their rides, the "princess" in me chose the only one that looked like Cinderella's carriage -- an all-open pumpkin-shaped carriage made of white wrought iron, with no covering whatsoever, no doors and windows. At first, I regretted the choice because the sun was still high and the winds were strong but as I went on with the tour, I enjoyed the 360 degrees view of the sites as I can look up and see the trees and buildings, I can look sideways, front and back to see everything else. It helped that Manong Kutsero took care to bring an umbrella which was temporarily tied to the carriage to give shade from the sun.

Fort Santiago

Different sights inside Fort Santiago, including a statue of

Jose Rizal (top left) and the old underground dungeons (top right)

First stop was Fort Santiago, the place where Jose Rizal and other heroes were held captive during the Spanish era. Fort Santiago was a part of my grade school field trips but that was so long ago that I no longer have a clear memory of the details of the place. With a fresh mind and perspective plus the excitement of a child, I savored the sights and learning that I got that day.

Brass "footsteps" symbolizing Rizal's own as he was led out of

Fort Santiago to his execution site in Bagumbayan (Luneta)

Rizal's foot is just a mere half inch bigger than mine (he has

large feet for his height of 4'11", considering am taller than him at 5'5")

But also like a child, I got distracted and enamored by what I was seeing that I wandered off a bit from my tour group and when I saw them (or thought it was them), I realized soon after that I mistakenly joined another group that was headed by Carlos Celdran. OMG! Retracing the steps, I was able to go back to the entrance of Fort Santiago where I missed my carriage and was thankful to have caught the last ride just as it was about to leave.

Rizal Shrine finds: (clockwise from top left) first print of Rizal's novel;

exhibit of Philippine currency in which Rizal was featured;

and old photos of Rizal and his lady love.

Inside Fort Santiago is the Rizal Shrine which houses authentic memorabilia: photos of Rizal, his parents and of Leonor Rivera; his sculptures/works of art; first print of Noli Me Tangere; some of Rizal's old vests; and even a preserved bone of Rizal, among others.

Casa Manila depicts the usual home and lifestyle of colonial days:

(clockwise from top left) painted ceilings; antique furnitures;

and antique biscuit molds.

Next stop was Casa Manila, a "colonial lifestyle" museum which I am visiting for the first time. The museum showcases what a house looked like in the olden days from the receiving area, the bedrooms, the dining room, the kitchen and even the comfort room. The place is full of authentic antique furnitures (or muebles) and the "house" is teeming with gorgeous interior details. Stepping out the museum, I was glad to have found my "Cinderella" carriage and rode it all the way to the last destination, passing by Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and Palacios del Gobernador.

Rizal Park (Luneta) where Jose Rizal was executed and

later laid to rest, as marked by the famous monument

Rizal Monument at Luneta

As the tour group's long line of carriages and tramvia crossed the streets of Manila to reach Luneta, I felt like part of the tourist attraction as locals and foreigners alike watched and took photos of us in our carriages. But once we reached Rizal Park, I was back to feeling like the tourist. It was almost twilight and wind was colder when we reached the Rizal monument and was brought to the actual site of Rizal's execution, which is located a little to the right when you are facing the back of the monument. I have vivid memories of my childhood visits to Rizal park -- the flower clock, the floating map, the Chinese and Japanese gardens, among others -- but I can't seem to remember seeing the execution site. I may have just forgotten this part of the park but I could have sworn that this is my first time to set foot on this part of Luneta.

Back at Manila Hotel, after sadly bidding our carriages goodbye, I went home with a smile on my face brought about by the fun experience that afternoon. Thank you for opportunities like this that truly makes one say that it is fun in Manila, fun in the Philippines.

Rizal Lecture Series Continues

Just because it is September already, it doesn't mean that the celebration for Josr Rizal's 150th birthday is over abd done. Yuchengco Museum continues the Rizal Lecture Series and this month, it will explore a different side to Jose Rizal, with talks on controversial facts about the National Hero and on Rizal’s dreams and their meaning. The series of Saturday afternoon lectures began in July as a highlight of RIZALizing the Future, an exhibit on view at the museum until October 29.

University of Asia and the Pacific history professor Paul Dumol -- who spoke on “Rizal and Nationhood” last August -- will return on September 17, Saturday, at 3 p.m. to share his lecture entitled “Controversial Facts About Rizal: Notes Towards a New Rizal Biography.”

Psychoanalyst and dream analyst Lucito de Jesus will discuss “Jose Rizal and His Dreams: A Look at the National Hero’s Dreams and their Meanings” on September 24, Saturday, at 3 p.m. De Jesus will explore and decipher the dreams Rizal had written in his letters and diaries, what these say about Rizal’s psyche, and how these dreams guided Rizal in his life and personal development. Lucito de Jesus is a recognized dream specialist and author of two books: Dreamwork: Values and Practices in the Philippines and Reading Dreams: Relationships. He hosts a regular weekly radio program called Dreamdate on DZSR Sports Radio 918.

Both talks are open to the public and come with museum admission (P100 for adults, P50 for students, and P25 for children and senior citizens). Seating is limited. To reserve, call 889-1234 or email info@yuchengcomuseum.org. The Yuchengco Museum is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati City.

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Hans Brumann Rizal-Inspired Creations

Tanghalang Pilipino is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year and they opened the season with “Noli Me Tangere: The Musical” as a tribute to the national hero Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary. Click here to read post about the theatre production and the gala event.

Showcased are specially designed Rizal and Noli Me Tangere-inspired jewelries by renowned jeweler Hans Brumann, who donated four charm bracelets, which he crafted himself, for a fund-raising silent auction for the benefit of Tanghalang Pilipino. These bracelets are made of a combination of pearls and either silver or 14k gold chains with charms inspired by Jose Rizal's famous novel. Click here to view close-ups of the bracelets.

Hans Brumann charm bracelets for auction

If you’d like to bid for any of the charm bracelets, visit the online auction or visit the exhibit at the CCP to fill out a form. Winners of the Jewelry Auction will be announced on August 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the CCP Little Theater Lobby. Winners will be informed via e-mail and letter in advance by Tanghalang Pilipino and are requested to claim their bracelets on the night of the official announcement.

Going back to the subject of this blog entry, I wanted to share with you some of the exquisite jewelries on display, some of which were inspired by the women in Rizal’s life, both real and fictional. While these are not part of the auction, interested parties can also purchase these items.

(l-r) Consuelo and Gertrude necklaces

Consuelo is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 1 fresh water pearl, sapphire, carabao horn, 45 diamonds 0.49 ct. on 18k yellow gold 60 cm chain. Gertrude, on the other hand, is 18k white gold pendant with 1 fresh water pearl, carabao horn, 29 diamonds 0.26 ct. on 18k white gold 60 cm chain.

(l-r) Crisostomo & Maria Clara necklace and ring

Crisostomo & Maria Clara is 18k white gold pendant with 2 South Sea Pearls, 9 tsavorites, 1 keshi pearl, 6 amethyst, 56 diamonds 0.54 ct. on black cord with matching ring made of 18k white gold with 1 South Sea Pearl, keshi pearl, kamagong wood and 6 diamonds 0.09 ct.

(l-r) Crisostomo & Maria Clara necklace and earrings

Crisostomo & Maria Clara is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 2 South Sea Pearls, mother of pearl, sapphire, carabao horn, 17 diamonds 0.21 ct. on 18k white gold 60 cm chain with matching earrings made of 18k white gold/yellow gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, mother of pearl, 48 sapphire and 10 diamonds 0.05 ct.

(l-r) Leonor necklace, earrings and ring

Leonor is 18k white gold/rose gold neckpiece with 1 South Sea Pearl, 1 keshi pearl, 15 amethyst, 3 ruby, 10 sapphire and 120 tsavorite, with matching earrings of 18k rose gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, 2 fresh water pearls, horn and 8 diamonds 0.25 ct, and matching ring of 18k rose gold with 1 South Sea Pearl, 1 Tahiti pearl, horn and 5 diamonds 0.15 ct.

(l-r) Retablo necklace and earrings

Retablo is 18k white gold pendant with 2 fresh water pearls, horn, narra, and 133 diamonds 1.45 ct on 18k white gold 50 cm chain with matching earrings made of 18k white gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, narra wood, and 78 diamonds 0.41 ct.

And my two favorites among the collection:

Josephine necklace (wish I took a clearer photo)

Josephine is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 1 baroque South Sea Pearl, horn and 70 diamonds on 18k white gold 60 cm chain.

Teodora neckpiece

Teodora is18k white gold neckpiece with carabao horn and 142 diamonds 1.72 ct.

The jewelry exhibit can be viewed, together with costumes designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Little Theater Lobby, until August 28, Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

In line with national hero Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, Noli Me Tangere: The Musical is being staged by Tanghalang Pilipino to mark the theatre company’s silver anniversary.

I was invited to see the gala performance and witnessed the opening of the accompanying exhibit at the CCP lobby which displayed intricately made Filipiniana dresses loaned from Slims Fashion and Art School and the Metropolitan Museum Manila, and pieces inspired by Rizal’s works by renowned jeweler Hans Brumann (the jeweleries are for sale and some items will be auctioned for the benefit of Tanghalang Pilipino).

Filipiniana dresses from Slims and the Metropolitan Museum

Noli Me Tangere-inspired jewelries from Hans Brumann

Leads for Noli Me Tangere: The Musical are Cris Villonco as Maria Clara, and Mark Bautista and Gian Magdangal as Crisostomo Ibarra. "Kuya" Bodjie Pascua (of the original children’s TV show Batibot) takes a turn as the evil Padre Damaso and Tanghalang Pilipino's ensemble of talented stage actors fill out Rizal's enduring portrayal of the Philippines under colonial rule: Al Gatmaitan as the scheming Padre Salvi (who shall be seen next in Ang Bagong Harana); Garry Lim at Tad Tadioan alternates as Don Tiburicio; Ring Antonio as Donya Victorina; Jerald Napoles and Riki Benedicto alternates as Elias; Red Nuestro as Kapitan Tiago; Jenny Villegas as Tia Isabel (whom I didn’t recognized as she looked so feminine and beautiful here as opposed to her role as the lesbian lawyer Joanne Jefferson in RENT); Angeli Bayani as Sisa; and Paolo Rodriguez as Leproso.

Cast of Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

I am not an expert reviewer of plays and what I am sharing here are my personal observations based on other plays I have watched before. I would like to commend Cris Villonco who tackled the role of the heart broken Maria Clara with more maturity than her past roles in other productions. No questions on her vocal prowess here but I am in awe because she was able to sing her songs clearly, hitting even the high notes perfectly, despite the fact that she is required to cry in the scenes at the same time. Gian Magdangal, on the other hand, had such a strong presence that when he first stepped out on stage, someone in the audience muttered, “Ang gwapo naman ni Ibarra.” I couldn’t help but smile and agree with her. Gian attacked the role with intensity I have not seen before, having watched him previously in RENT and KAOS. This is the first time I have seen both Cris and Gian in a straight Filipino play and both did so well in the delivery of their dialogues and songs.

Gian Magdangal as Crisostomo Ibarra and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara

I learned that this is Mark Bautista’s first foray into theatre and I would’ve wanted to see him portray Ibarra. Maybe I’ll just catch him on his next production.

Mark Bautista as Crisostomo Ibarra with Villonco and Al Gatmaitan as Padre Salvi

Like the rest of the local theatre companies, preparations for this landmark production was not without struggles but having watched the gala performance, those struggles were not evident as Tanghalang Pilipino’s passion for the stage showed in their performance. The critically acclaimed musical, adapted for the stage by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and composer Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work, offered songs with beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics that clearly told the story and depicted a range of emotions --from vibrant celebrations to tension-filled fights to feelings of betrayal and heart-wrenching cries of a love forlorn. Under the direction of theatre veteran Audie Gemora, the actors portrayed their roles with soul, had good blockings and use of the simple stage. Choreography by Agnes Locsin showed synchronized movements and graceful dances. To realistically show how people in Rizal’s era dressed, the actors were all beautifully garbed in period Filipiniana costumes designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical will run until August 28 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Contact Tanghalang Pilipino at 8323661 for ticket reservation.

Interested sponsors, show buyers, and block buyers for the next shows of Tanghalang Pilipino may call 8321125 local 1620 for more details and look for Ms Yanna Acosta or Ms Lorelei Celestino.

For more information visit http://tanghalangpilipino.org.ph.

Cast photos from Tanghalang Pilipino

UPDATE AS OF AUG. 28: Noli Me Tangere: The Musical has been extended and will have two (2) more shows on September 9 and 11. :)

Rizal Lecture Series

Fresh from watching the gala performance of Tanghalang Pilipino's "Noli Me Tangere The Musical" last Friday, here's another Rizal event that I wanted to share with you.

The Yuchengco Museum continues its popular Rizal Lecture Series, this time looking into the Knights of Rizal and Jose Rizal’s concept of Filipino nationhood. The series began last July as a highlight of RIZALizing the Future, an exhibit on view at the museum until October 29, 2011.

Two Rizal lectures are scheduled this August, both held on Saturday afternoons beginning at 3 p.m. On August 13, Justice Justo Torres, Jr. will talk about The Knights of Rizal: Through the Years, shedding light on the Order of the Knights of Rizal and its objectives and organizational structure. He will also discuss the Order’s recent activities and programs. Justice Torres is the Supreme Commander Emeritus of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, a fraternal organization that honors and upholds the ideals of the National Hero. A retired Associate Justice of the Court of the Appeals and the Supreme Court, Justice Torres is also the Vice President of the Cavite Historical Society and an official of the Philippine Judicial Academy.

On August 20, Paul Dumol will speak on Rizal and Nationhood, specifically on Jose Rizal’s contribution to the building of Filipino nationhood. Paul Dumol is an associate professor at Department of History at the University of Asia and the Pacific, where he teaches courses on ethics, Philippine history, and Jose Rizal. Dumol is also a playwright, his best known work being Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio.Dumol’s plays have been exceedingly on historical subjects, particularly Philippine heroes of the end of the 19^th century.

Both talks come with museum admission (P100 for adults, P50 for students, and P25 for children and senior citizens). Advance registration is recommended. To reserve, call 889-1234 or emailinfo@yuchengcomuseum.org. The Yuchengco Museum is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati City.

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Rizal @150: Happy Birthday!

It is Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150^th birthday today, June 19, and I just wanted to share this bit of information.

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Bicol is known for Mt. Mayon and the Cagsawa Church ruins, abaca and pili nuts, and for being a storm “magnet” (I should know, am a half Bicolana). Am proud of my heritage especially since it is also in Bicol, particularly in our province Daet, Camarines Norte, that the first and oldest Rizal monument in the Philippines can be found.

Taken last 2008 on my last vacation in Daet.

It was said that just ten days after General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines Republic, issued a decree mandating the Filipino people to observe the second anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s execution at the Luneta, the people of Daet started building a monument to honor our national hero. The construction of the stone marker in Daet was started on Dec. 30, 1898, or barely two years after the hero’s execution while the monument was completed two months later on February 1899.

Bicol’s revolutionary army headed by Colonel Antonio Sanz and Ildefonso Alegre spearheaded the construction of Rizal’s monument in Daet. Located at the Freedom Park, the 20 feet tall work of art is one of the historical landmarks of Daet.

It took the National Historical Commission 63 years (1961) to declare the Rizal monument in Daet, Camarines Norte a historical landmark.

Written on two of its three sides are the titles of Dr. Rizal’s novels ‘El Filibusterismo’ and ‘Noli Me Tangere’. Masonic symbol are very prominent – a star and the word’s ‘A Jose Rizal’ appears on the upper triangle of the monument.

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.

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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.