08 July 2011 - The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco reported that in what was one of the highlight themes during the Philippine Heritage Night Gala Dinner at San Francisco City Hall's Rotunda and showcased at an Exhibit at the Consulate, the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal continued to be commemorated in various activities by the Bay Area Filipino community together with the Consulate General.
Born out of inspiration after viewing Dr. Rizal's shrine in Fort Santiago on a visit to the Philippines, and being amazed by the "magnitude, influence and intelligence" of the Philippine national hero, young Filipino-American and East Bay resident James Espinas spearheaded a celebration and exhibit to pay tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, in cooperation with the American Center for Philippine Arts (ACPA) and the Consulate General.
Mr. Espinas espressed "hope that community members will gain a deeper understanding of Rizal's life and be inspired to strive toward their own potential."On June 17, a birthday dinner featuring music and dance performances by artists from ACPA, food created by local Filipino chefs, and a silent auction that featured Filipino artists and their Rizal celebration memorabilia was held at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
ACPA is a center that provides a unique educational and developmental platform for multidisciplinary Philippine arts through innovative, hands-on classes, collaborations, networking opportunities, and showcasing events.
Its vision is to nurture both traditional and progressive Philippine arts to strengthen the community and its ethnic identity.
During the short program that preceded the dinner, Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. gave the opening remarks which delved on the theme, "Dr. Jose Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan", of the year-long celebration.
In his remarks, Consul General Paynor likewise underscored the importance of education and freedom from ignorance and other values and virtues Dr. Rizal gave much importance to that were as relevant then and now.
Mr. Tom Consunji, great grand nephew of Dr. Rizal through his sister Narcisa, spoke about the national hero and his many attributes as a great and accomplished person while providing guests with poignant insights and perspectives coming from a member of Dr. Rizal's family.
The third speaker was Dr. Penelope Flores, San Francisco State University Professor Emeritus and a great believer of Dr. Rizal.
She talked about Dr. Rizal's trip to the United States, particularly his stay in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Flores also revealed she is a grand niece of Dr. Maximo Viola, and told about the close friendship between him and Dr. Rizal, and the loan the former made to Dr. Rizal to publish "Noli Me Tangere".
Launched during the dinner celebration was a beautifully mounted exhibit on Rizal's life and contribution, which focused on his family history, name, writings, and travels.
Mr. Espinas curated the exhibit which gathered the cooperation of artists, academicians, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, and the Philippine Consulate General.
The exhibit will be on display at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center from June 19 to August 31.END
