The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney honoured and commemorated the 128th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal with the presentation of Parting at Calamba, a one-act play by Philippine National Artist for Theater Severino Montano.
The play was performed for approximately 100 guests on 12 December 2024 at the Vine Church Hall, Surry Hills. Among the attendees were members of the Consular Corps, including:
- Consul of the Czech Republic, Mr Jan Krivos
- Vice Consul of Indonesia, Ms Hanna Purba
- Honourable Consul General of Malta and Dean of the Consular Corps, Mr Lawrence Buhagiar
- Consul of Bangladesh, Mr Mohammad Rana
- Honourable Consul General of Vanuatu, Mr Donald Pelam
- Honourable Consul General and Vice Consul of Peru, Mr Jose Alberto Ortiz Artolla and Mr Jesus Grandez, respectively
- Consul of Argentina, Mr Tomas Maria Ainchil
Leaders of the Filipino community, including Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista officials, as well as local government and media representatives, also attended the event.
The play depicted the poignant moments at the Mercado-Rizal residence in Calamba, Laguna, as Dr Jose Rizal bid farewell to his family to shield them from further oppression by the Spanish friars and government. The publication of his second and final novel, El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed), which exposed the injustices of his time, led to his arrest and execution in Bagumbayan a few months later.
“In addition to commemorating the Philippine national hero, this show celebrates Philippine culture and the creative industry. Most of all, it is an opportunity to showcase the innate talent and creativity of Filipino-Australians,” said Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil.
She added: “Let me take this opportunity to thank the cast and director, who dedicated their time and effort with much enthusiasm in preparing and presenting this play. It is my hope that this activity will allow everyone to appreciate Philippine culture and further attract interest in other aspects of the Philippines, such as food, dance, history, and tourism. May the Filipino-Australians and second-generation Filipinos continue to treasure their heritage and ensure that this is carried on by the next generations of Filipinos.”
Attorney Raffy Palma played the role of Rizal, with members of the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. Sydney Chapter also contributing:
- Ms Marilyn Mendez as Rizal’s mother, Doña Teodora Alonzo
- Ms Jinky Trijo Marsh as Saturnina, Rizal’s eldest sister
- Ms Grazie Panlican and Ms Aubrey Abanico as Trinidad and Soledad, Rizal’s younger sisters, respectively
Attorney Tom Baena of the Order of the Knights of Rizal portrayed Padre Dalmacio, Rizal’s former mentor. Master Seeyan Ricardo and Miss Chloe Lofthouse played Alfredo and Adela, the children of Saturnina. The play was directed by Mr Rosaldo De Jesus.
The performance concluded with Rizal’s famous quote: “Non Omnis Moriar,” which translates to “Not everything in me shall die.”