Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Exactly 124 years since his death, Jose Rizal's legend continues to grow in modern Filipino pop culture.

A true patriot, Rizal fought for the country's independence through his writings promoting political and social reforms for the welfare of Filipinos oppressed by Spanish rule.

His two novels, Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo, ignited a sense of nationalism among the hearts of his countrymen, hungry for independence.

Sadly, it also made Rizal an easy target by the government who saw his growing influence as a threat to the existing status quo of the time.

Rizal was executed by firing squad on the cold morning of December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan on charges of rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy.

Frankly, though, 124 years feel like light years ago.

Luckily, Jose Rizal is alive and well in today's internet dominated world.

And he has adapted well to the times, making his presence felt in local pop culture as this trendy, hip hero relatable to the youngsters of today.

How? Here are some examples of how Jose Rizal has infiltrated modern times.

Team Manila

Photo by: Team Manila (IG)

Credit this Makati-based apparel brand for bringing Rizal to a whole new hip level. Team Manila is distinct for its logo - a pop art-like image of our national hero wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses. This makes perfect sense given that the brand champions local culture and tradition presented in quirky, artsy designs.

Video character

Photo by: tekken7news.com

Rizal as a video game character? The great Malayan appeared as a secret character in the 1999 video game Medal of Honour. Our national hero was in great company too, joining William Shakespeare and Winston Churchill in the game.

In 2015, the popular video game Tekken unleashed a female character inspired by Rizal. Her name: Josie Rizal. This female counterpart of our national hero is skilled in arnis and kickboxing, and dons the Philippine flag colors for her costume. To top it all off, she has a sampaguita on her waist as an ornament - wow!

Rock Rizal

Photo by: SoundCloud

Opinionated, brave, and a go-getter - Rizal was a rockstar of his time. His thoughts put into writing helped spark a revolution that would lead to the country's independence.

It's only fitting then that Pinoy rock musicians pay tribute to the ultimate rockstar by coming up with an album dedicated to his memory.

The concept album Rock Rizal was launched to mark Rizal's 150th birth anniversary in 2011.

The record featured an all-star cast including Ely Buendia, Sandwich, Peryodiko, Jett Pangan, Aiza Seguerra, Ebe Dancel, Hijo, Gab Cabangon, Gloc-9, and Radioactive Sago Project.

Curiously, ex-Yano singer-songwriter Dong Abay also came up with an album inspired by Jose Rizal in 2012.

The EP Rebulto was a homage to Rizal, with songs that talked about social issues connecting the past and present.

Manga

Photo by: goodreads.com; Scoopnest

Filipino comic fans went crazy in 2018 when a Japanese manga based on the life of Jose Rizal came out.

The 100-page, four-volume graphic novel tackles Rizal's work and life story. Award-winning manga artist Ryo Konno collaborated with writer Takahiro Matsui to come up with the project.

Meanwhile, D.G. Dumaraos, Leo Miranda, and illustrator Leonardo Giron collaborated to produce graphic novel versions of Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Both comic books aim to present Rizal's famous novels in a visually engaging way to entice young readers.

How about Rizal meeting Sherlock Holmes? This is what musician-filmmaker Wincy Ong had in mind when he wrote the fictional story titled “The Ophthalmologist's Case.”

The short story plays on the urban legend connecting Rizal to the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in 1888. The story is included in Wincy's new e-book of short stories titled Tales for a Rainy Season.

Rizal's “spirit”

Photo by: boozeartbrews (IG)

While not named after Jose Rizal, the microbrewery Elias Wicked Ales and Spirits took its name from one of the characters in Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tangere.

The brand makes craft beer and cider varieties including mango and guyabano flavors.

Meanhwile, you can also check out the actors who have portrayed Jose Rizal on screen in the gallery below: