Friday, December 29, 2006
ON JOSE RIZAL'S DAY
This is an abstract of the huge oil painting that hangs in the stairwell inside the Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago in Intramuros. I have no idea who the artist was because the piece of paper that might contain its title and artist was scotch-taped at the bottom of the painting’s frame, which was too high to be read. They should have created a bigger framed version placed at eye level to inform the visitors of the painting’s artist, including a bit of its history and attribution.
There wasn't anyone on the second floor while I was there one morning so I took a quick shot of the painting with my Canon IXUS65 point & shooter; a guerilla-style photo shooting, mind you. The photograph at the bottom, however, was taken outside where picture taking is not prohibited. The statue is supposed to depict the late night stroll that Jose Rizal was allowed to enjoy at the eve of his execution.
Much has already been written about Jose Rizal so I decided to just post these two photographs as a tribute to his great thoughts and works. However, the only thing that puzzles me is the day we, as a nation, celebrate his greatness -- on his death, instead of the day of his birth.
posted by Señor Enrique at 8:33 PM
6 Comments:
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ipanema said... Yet you were able to get a good shot on that Rizal painting. If it's something about the eyes, I cringe. I remember dozens of times my eyes went under observation with that medical equipment, modern version.
I like that b/w second photo. So it's a holiday today huh? :)-
said... According to the news, "JOSE Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” has been published in a new English translation and released worldwide by Penguin Books, under the Penguin Classics imprint. The publication effectively canonizes the novel as one of the classics of world literature."
This put him in rank with Dickens, Austen.
This article by Ambeth Ocampo about Rizal is entertaining National hero a prisoner of myths
Happy New Year..-
Señor Enrique said...
I'm due for an eye exam also, Ipanema. I really need one. A cousin went for laser eye surgery but had come to regret it.
Being it fell on a Saturday, the Rizal Day as a holiday wasn't much felt here in the city.-
Señor Enrique said...
I would definitely want a copy of the Penguin translation, Myepinoy. Rizal's two novels (English version) were the first two books I read upon returning to Manila.
That Ocampo article is absolutely amusing!-
Señor Enrique said...
My Internet access is still unpredictable; at times unable to post a reply on the comment page of my site. It is also impossible to access Blogger's dashboard to post new entries. So for now ...
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!-
Francesca said...
once again, I enjoy your blog about jose rizal and the children photos enjoyinh their gifts.
You are gifted as a photographer!!
keep it coming!
