Celebrating the 150th. The Ateneo community celebrated alumnus Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary last December 2 at the Henry Lee Irwin theater. Photo by Ean L. Dacay

“KUNG MAY talento, talino, galing kang tulad ng kay Rizal, ipagkakait mo ba [ito] sa bayan?”

This was the challenge issued during Brindis, the culminating night for Ateneo’s celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the university’s esteemed alumnus, national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The event was held in Henry Lee Irwin last December 2.

Literally meaning ‘toast’ in Spanish, the cultural gala featured performances from different sectors of the Ateneo community to honor Rizal as nation-builder and Renaissance man of his time.

To illustrate the impact of the Rizal legacy, an audiovisual presentation showcased the numerous statues, monuments and busts of Jose Rizal around the world while choirs from Ateneo and the University of the Philippines performed “Martir nitong lupa.” The event was also made more poignant with the appearance of Rizal’s living heirs. To highlight Rizal’s literary works, his last poem, Mi Ultimo Adios, was read in three different languages.

Members of the Performing Arts Cluster also presented their tribute. Aside from performances by the Ateneo College Glee Club, the Company of Ateneo Dancers, Tanghalang Ateneo, Entablado, and Blue Repertory, various stage groups from the grade school, high school, and college level presented tableaus inspired by scenes of Rizal’s works. This homage to the hero’s masterpieces, which propelled a nation to action, was highlighted in the closing remarks of university president Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ. “Salamin ito ng ating kalooban. Hindi ito ang huling pamamaalam,” he said.

Emphasizing that Brindis is not only a toast to Rizal and his contributions to society, but a challenge and a call to emulate his selflessness in serving for God and country, Vice President of the Loyola Schools Dr. John Paul Vergara said that while Rizal struggled for freedom against Spanish colonizers, the present generation too must strive for “a revolution of the heart and mind.”

With reports from Pauline V. Miranda and Rhett D. Gaerlan