JOSE RIZAL RTU STYLE
JOSE RIZAL, RTU STYLE
When viewed from a distance, it looks like a stone guardian on a platform overlooking three massive pools of water (with diving boards, as students call it). At night, it seems like it’s guarding a door to another realm, much like the gatekeeper in the film Thor. What’s odd, though, is that it wears an overcoat. But of course, it is Jose Rizal.
Thousands of people pass by the monument in the University every day. For those who have seen it a countless times, it’s no unusual sight. Perhaps only those who are new to the University or students currently taking up the Rizal Course would stop or at least slow down to scrutinize the image and read its description.
Jose Rizal, being regarded as the National Hero, has been recognized, glorified, and immortalized by busts, statues, and historical markers scattered across not only the Philippines, but the whole world. For artists and sculptors, his image must have already been considered a common theme. Anyone can virtually have his or her image of Rizal, for like the Bible, it can be created or reproduced without any fear of copyright infringement. However, one must take note that just like a long game of pass the message, the truth could get somewhat distorted.
Since it is normal for the people in RTU to see the Rizal statue every day, it is very easy to take it for granted. People often pass by it and mumble a few words on some oddities that they notice, such as “parang hindi kamukha ni Rizal,” or “ang laki ng ulo,” among others. Yet, it seems that they do not care for they do not search for the truth. It’s as if people are already contented with the idea that it is a statue of Jose Rizal, and they know who he is. Perhaps the long game of pass the message has taken its toll.
At first sight, the Jose Rizal of RTU wears the usual clothes – black coat with a white vest underneath, black trousers, and leather shoes. Almost every statue of Rizal wears the same thing, except for a few. Boncan (2009)
When viewed from a distance, it looks like a stone guardian on a platform overlooking three massive pools of water (with diving boards, as students call it). At night, it seems like it’s guarding a door to another realm, much like the gatekeeper in the film Thor. What’s odd, though, is that it wears an overcoat. But of course, it is Jose Rizal.
Thousands of people pass by the monument in the University every day. For those who have seen it a countless times, it’s no unusual sight. Perhaps only those who are new to the University or students currently taking up the Rizal Course would stop or at least slow down to scrutinize the image and read its description.
Jose Rizal, being regarded as the National Hero, has been recognized, glorified, and immortalized by busts, statues, and historical markers scattered across not only the Philippines, but the whole world. For artists and sculptors, his image must have already been considered a common theme. Anyone can virtually have his or her image of Rizal, for like the Bible, it can be created or reproduced without any fear of copyright infringement. However, one must take note that just like a long game of pass the message, the truth could get somewhat distorted.
Since it is normal for the people in RTU to see the Rizal statue every day, it is very easy to take it for granted. People often pass by it and mumble a few words on some oddities that they notice, such as “parang hindi kamukha ni Rizal,” or “ang laki ng ulo,” among others. Yet, it seems that they do not care for they do not search for the truth. It’s as if people are already contented with the idea that it is a statue of Jose Rizal, and they know who he is. Perhaps the long game of pass the message has taken its toll.
At first sight, the Jose Rizal of RTU wears the usual clothes – black coat with a white vest underneath, black trousers, and leather shoes. Almost every statue of Rizal wears the same thing, except for a few. Boncan (2009)
Bibliography: Ocampo, A. (2011). Meaning and History: The Rizal Lectures. Mandaluyong City: Anvil Publishing, Inc. Ocampo, A. (2008). Rizal Without the Overcoat. 2008 ed. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing Inc. Boncan, C. (2009). Journey into the Light: Rizal in Europe. PHA Historical Bulletin. Vol. XLIII. Dr. Jose P. Rizal Lodge No. 270. (2010). Famous Filipino Masons. Available Online: http://www.drjoseprizal270.org/famousfilipinomasons.htm. Retrieved: 1 July 2012. Craig, A. (n. d.). Jose Rizal as a Mason. Available Online: http://laonlaan.blogspot.com/2011/02/jose-rizal-as-mason.html. Retrieved. 1 July 2012.