Author’s Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 1.6Mb each.
Some images contained “blots” that was the result of raindrops on the lens’ surface at the time of shooting
The nation marks the 150th Birth Anniversary of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19, 2011.
President Benigno Aquino leads the ceremonies at Rizal’s place of birth in Calamba, Laguna by laying a wreath at the Rizal Shrine; then proceeded to unveil the tallest Rizal monument at 22 feet in height at the new Calamba City Capitol.
At Luneta, leading the celebration was Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa as Guest of Honor, with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, NPDC Executive Director Juliet Villegas, other government officials and the descendants of Rizal in attendance.
The activities started with the Department of Education’s “Takbo ni Pepe” – a fun run for Rizal participated by students and teachers. Flag raising ceremony started at 8 o’clock, followed by wreath-laying and a 21-gun salute to the National Hero.
Two giant cakes were made for Jose Rizal’s birthday; the “An Ode to a Patriot” cake was designed by the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) and it features the books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, two of Rizal’s famous works. Goldilocks Bakeshop made their cake a replica of the Rizal Monument with colorful cupcakes that lined the cake’s base.
Rain was pouring during the Luneta celebrations and throughout the day, but this did not stop the general public, estimated at over 200,000 in paying their respects to the nation’s hero. Roses of red, white and pink surround the concrete pavement of Rizal’s monument as people from all walks of life took the opportunity to offered flowers and to come close to the restricted area, open to the public for the first time, that is usually reserved for government officials, dignitaries, and VIPs.
The National Library also put to rare public displays the original manuscripts Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as well as other Rizaliana articles.
VRs taken on June 19 for the Luneta celebrations and June 17, 2011 for the original manuscripts. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph
