PHILIPPINES – MAY 2011 – In celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC), held the “150th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal Postage Stamp Design Contest” with the aim of portraying through art the ideals and the significant role of Rizal as a national hero and as a Haligi ng Bayan (Pillar of the Nation) in the development of the country.
Students, amateurs, and professional designers submitted entries. Director Jeremy Barns of the National Museum; Director Ngo Tiong Tak from Philippine Postal Corporation, Mr. Danilo Pangan from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Mr. Fidel Sarmiento from the Art Association of the Philippines, served as judges.
Here are the winners in the student category:
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Lex Kempo Lacar (FEU)
To show how Rizal became a pillar of the nation, there is a depiction of the colors and elements of the National flag (blue, red, three stars and a sun). The sun also symbolizes Rizal’s peaceful quest for freedom.
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Deanne Fernandez (FEU)
The Noli Me Tangere symbolizes Rizal’s writing that has inspired Filipinos and awakened their nationalistic consciousness. The oil lamp stands for enlightenment and reason, which was Rizal’s advocacy in attaining freedom. His face takes center stage as he is the most important part of the design.
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Marc Aran Reyes (FEU)
The artist wanted to show Rizal standing with a dove beside him symbolizing Rizal’s aspiration for freedom. The Philippines, like a dove, is meant to be free from all kinds of oppression. Also depicted is the cover of the Noli Me Tangere, one of Rizal’s greatest novels. He also included the elements of the flag: the stars and the rising sun, symbolizing hope and bright future.
In the open category, the winners were:
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Heinritzh Sales (Team Manila)
The aim of the faceless profile is for us to reflect who Rizal really is and what he has done to our country. The red color symbolizes the courage demonstrated by Rizal in writing his two books, which stirred the nationalistic revolution of his country. The white border represents our former colonial master, Spain. It also represents the theme, Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan. Rizal is placed partially outside the border, symbolizing his contribution in leading his country to independence. The same is applied in the figure 150, wherein it is partially out of the picture, symbolizing our gratefulness and celebration of his life for years to come.
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Ramon Vismonte (Team Manila)
The design is rendered in monochromatic blue, which symbolizes Jose as an advocate of reforms through peaceful and diplomatic means. The solid block at the left stands for the theme, Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan. It also signifies darkness and uncertainties. However, the sun at the background is for hope; suggesting to us to stay strong and be inspired by the legacy of Jose Rizal. The three stars represent Faith, Science and Creativity; things the artist associated with Rizal. The artist believes that that will make our country great. The angle by which Rizal is portrayed, looking up, suggest the feeling of being proud and hopeful for our country. The artist wants to convey the same message to his countrymen, at the same time, to be grateful and learn from the past.
To know more about Rizal@150 and the year-round activities, log on to www.nhcp.gov.ph or call the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (02) 524 9952.
