“Revisitamos Dapitan 1892”
A Fortnight Celebration of Culture, Arts and History
In a fortnight affair to remember, the Dapitanons in Zamboanga del Norte looked back at their storied past via the “Revisitamos Dapitan 1892” commemorating the 130th anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s arrival in Dapitan. The two-week celebration of history, culture, arts and sports kicked off with the “El Deportado,” a re-enactment of Rizal’s landing at the Punto del Desembarco de Rizal en Dapitan on July 17, 1892.
Rizal, the country’s national hero, lived the life of a political exile for four years in what is now known as the “Shrine City,” from July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896. During that significant period in Philippine history, the Spanish authorities wanted to limit Rizal’s movement especially that he was becoming the center of resistance against the Spanish colonial rule in the country. Despite his banishment, however, Rizal was able to make his situation worthwhile, making a difference in the lives of others and producing something beautiful out of a difficult circumstance for the good of his fellow countrymen.
Walking down memory lane, the Dapitanons celebrated Rizal’s life and legacy with a grateful heart through the “Revisitamos” last July 17-31 that coincided with their annual “Kinabayo Festival” in honor of their beloved patron Saint James the Greater.
“This year is a very important milestone because it is the 130th anniversary of the arrival of Dr. Jose Rizal here in Dapitan as an exile and made priceless contributions to Dapitan itself as well as to the neighboring places within the Province of Zamboanga del Norte. Dapitan became what it is today because of him, hence, it is our honor to celebrate it with a reenactment of his arrival, heritage festivities, cultural presentations, sporting events and other tourism activities,” said Dapitan Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong.
Spearheaded by Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos in partnership with ZaNorte Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the event featured backto-back art exhibits by two Dapitanon local artists. These were the “Nocturne in R” by Roland Acaylar at the century-old Don Aniano Adasa Heritage House and the “Colors of Adeline” by Dr. Adeline Felipa Eguia Sagario at Travelbee Heritage Inn.
Two Filipino national artists Alice Reyes for dance and Ryan Cayabyab for music were also in town to grace the Dance Philippines last July 23 at Glorious Fantasyland Complex. They were also guests of honor during the Heritage Tour at Balay Hamoy, the residence of Don Mariano Balsomo Hamoy and wife Doña Pilar Sagario Acaylar in Dapitan. Built in 1893, it was in this house that Rizal and Don Mariano became close friends and eventually turned business partners in the abaca trade.
Two historical markers in Dapitan were then unveiled by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) on July 26. Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director General for Museums of NMP, led the unveiling and turnover of historical markers for the Old Municipal Hall and Rizal’s creation Relief of Map of Mindanao. On the same day, renowned historian Ambeth Ocampo delivered a very comprehensive and insightful lecture on “Rizal’s Footsteps in Dapitan.”
The centerpiece of the momentous occasion was the Ballet Rizal Heritage Grand Performance at Punto del Desembarco de Rizal en Dapitan last July 25. Svetlana Jalosjos De Leon, the president of Dapitan Heritage Council, led the ensemble of performers of the riveting cultural show concocted by Reyes and Cayabyab that so much thrilled the spectators.
“Rizal has left a footprint on the Dapitanons. He spent four of the most productive years of his life in Dapitan, so this is very significant, something that we should highlight – his life, his works, everything that he was doing while he was here,” said mayor Seth Jalosjos. “This is just the first time we’re holding this event, but rest assured that this will get bigger each year.”