Rizal 150 Celebration at Fort Santiago

I had a wonderful time, in a not-so-good weather, with friends who invited me to come over to witness Rizal 150 celebration at Fort Santiago and my first time to wear Barong while walking in public (literally). I admit that I “used to” abhor the idea of wearing Barong because it looked hideous on me. Probably because I look like a stick before and wearing one would look like I’m ready to sleep in a casket.

But well, surprisingly, the Barong looked good anyway. The event started out with presscon with Liza Bayot, one of Jose Rizal’s descendants, and other prominent figures in Philippine socio-cultural community and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). After which, we headed outside to take a quick dinner before watching the series of shows prepared that night.

One of the highlights of the occasion is the wonderful fireworks display and a little play in a room where Rizal wrote his final poem Mi Último Adiós. It was heart-pounding and revolutionary, If I can only act haha! I grabbed most of Jaypee David‘s photos to be posted on this blog. Soon I’ll be posting photos taken by me but you’ve to got to have a little patience because I’m not a real photographer so my photos won’t be appealing to photographers and “feeling”-photographers out there haha! That explains why having a DSLR doesn’t automatically make you a photographer.

I even met Senator Bongbong Marcos. I should have had pictures of us together! But it was good enough that I even had one considering that I’m so timid when it comes to such situation. But who cares! haha!

Rizal 150 is a sesquicentennial celebration of Rizal’s birthday. It serves as a reminder of Rizal’s greatness and unequaled love for equality, for liberation, for our country, the Philippines. I believe that there’s much to work on in terms of bringing awareness about Rizal’s works in order to inspire the youth just how they can ignite the Rizal in them. There are movements going on and I think its headed to the right direction. There is hope for this country.

Tagged as: Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Jose Rizal, Travel