The 9th district of Paris dominated by the two train stations, Gare de Nord and Gare de l’Est is normally a sombre, though commercially buzzing arrondisement. At night, however, it can be quite dull.

On 21 June, the Knights of Rizal, together with the Damas de Rizal and Sanlikhâ the changed all that. By noon, Sir Jess Umali, KCR, Commander of the Paris Chapter transformed the tree shaded plaza into an ‘island of island airs.’ Sir Bong Agustinez, KCR Deputy Commander of the Paris Chapter, set up the sound and video system ; he was aided by two young Filipino students (one a champion basketball player, the other a trainee for Paris St Germain) who were apprenticing in sound and AV systems operations

Sir Richard Villanueva, KCR, Pursuivant of the Paris Chapter lent his artistic talent to the design of several posters. As he had to split his time between work on the Independence Day and that of the Fête, he was, unfortunately, unable to print the beautifully designed T-shirts.

By 16H40 Sir Irwin Raposa KR and Sir Jay Stockton, KOR (both of Paris Chapter) were setting up the instruments, a complete drum set, an 88-key electronic piano board, and a bass amplifier. They were astutely aided by Ms Cory de Jesus of MusicMakers who coordinated the musicians and performers. By 17H30, Sir Bong Agustinez had begun inviting guests and passers-by to participate in the open karaoke programme. He held a continuous show for almost an hour and a half, including several students and individual passers-by who freely came to the microphone to sing.

Sir Leo Mojica, KCR, Deputy Commander of the Dimasalang ile de France Chapter, shot footage for ABS-CBN Balitang Europe. Towards 18H20, HE Ambassador Rora Navarro Tolentino had arrived, accompanied by Consul Rose Prospero and Consul Angela Ponce. Consul Igor Bailen (currently liaison officer to UNESCO) arrived previously to prepare the way for the Ambassador.

I introduced HE, the Ambassador, to the now growing audience of some 400, recalling that 15 years ago, it was this very spot that the Ambassador had asked that the Mayor designate as Place José Rizal. Ambassador Tolentino was very touched. She spoke ex tempore to the audience, reminding them, that Rizal came here as a student and lived in several of the hotels of this neighborhood. He was strongly influenced by the culture and history of the European countries he visited, in particular, France. The Ambassador commended the Knights of Rizal, the Damas and Sanlikhâ for initiating this cultural event at the Place José Rizal.

Lady Nenette Brosas, President of las Damas de Rizal, then launched the formal programme, beginning with the known singer, composer and fashion designer, Kate Torralba who sang in Cebuano, French and English. Her mastery of the keyboards was scintillating.

She was followed by the winner of this year’s ‘Petites Stars’ competition, Françoise, 7 years old, born of Filipina mother and French father, and who sang to the joy of the whole audience. Françoise herself enjoyed it so much, she asked to sing again, even though her mother was trying to drag her home, as she had school the next day! Altogether, she sang six songs in two sequences.

Around this time, the Mayor of the 9th district, His Honour Jacques Bravo arrived with his Counselor. He told us he was very happy to see the Place José Rizal so active and alive. It had been dead for so many years. With the help of Sir Bernard Pot, KCR, Commander of the Dimasalang île de France Chapter, we seized this occasion to explain to the Mayor that we also wished to place a bas-relief of José Rizal, sculpted by the national artist, Tolentino, on a steel or granite stele here at the centre of the Place José Rizal. He said he liked this idea and would do his utmost to bring it to fruition.

Several live bands then took over, Blackburn band, Jeffrox Artois band, Nu Skool band, and MusicMakers. There were also traditional Philippine dances by children, young teenagers and a special series of Muslim dances from Mindanao.

All told, there were from 300 to 400 persons more or less permanently participating in the event, but counting passers-by and transients, some 800 to 1000 persons watched this show from 16H00 to 24H00.

Himig Pinoy 2009 was certainly a success. It enabled the Philippine and French communities to meet each other. It helped make known the Philippine artists and musicians. Several Knights worked Saturday at midnight to put up cordons to keep motorcycles off the Place, and the same group showed up at 9H00 Sunday to get the platforms for installation at the Place. Others stayed until 01H00 to dismantle the stage and pack the equipment. Abundant snacks were provided by the Damas de Rizal, ang dinuguan at puto (sarap !), several varieties of pancit, barbecue. Cory de Jesus of Music Makers was a real gem, coordinating the musicians and helping set up the instruments to the taste and temper of each band.

Cooperation and dedication during this event was outstanding.



MESSAGE
of
H.E. MME. RORA NAVARRO-TOLENTINO
On the occasion of the Commemoration of the 148th Birthday of Jose Rizal
19 June 2009

Today we celebrate the 148th Anniversary of the birth of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. I commend the Order of the Knights of Rizal for these rites of remembrance-rites which are significant because it is in remembering that we pay tribute to the accomplishments of Rizal. More importantly, by commemorating his birth anniversary, we relive his life –an exceptional life which has defined the Philippines and the Filipino psyche.

It is worth noting that Rizal had spent one of his birthdays here in Paris, his 22^nd birthday to be exact. He first came to Paris on June 17, 1883, traveling by train from Madrid, passing through Bordeaux, Poitiers, Tours, Blois and Orleans. He was 21 years old, a student in Madrid and like our young students of today, perhaps thought for many good reasons that a trip to Europe would not be complete without a visit to Paris. On arriving, he marveled at the beauty and grace of Paris and its people, but – like us today - balked even then at the high cost of living! In writing to his parents about Paris, he told them of its historical monuments -- of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Invalides -- and of its vibrant cultural spirit. But always, he never forgot and appreciated even more his beloved country and ours, the Philippines.

Rizal in this period had not yet written the Noli Me Tangere. But his thoughts and beliefs were already being shaped by his travels, and I am sure that his first trip to Paris left an indelible mark on him and influenced his future writings.

A biographer of Rizal once said that one cannot think of Philippine history and of the Philippines itself without thinking of Rizal himself. His beliefs, writings, philosophy and vision have shaped our nation. His life is a constant reminder to all of us to fulfill our duties to our country, and to lead in making a better tomorrow for the generations to come. Let us not forget the high ideals which he lived by, and let us – not just for today or on Rizal Day – but on a daily basis, strive to emulate his nationalism and his intense love for our country, the Philippines.

Mabuhay tayong lahat at Mabuhay ang Knights of Rizal!

RORA NAVARRO-TOLENTINO
Ambassador

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