A Message of Hope: Ultimo in FSL Launched at the Rizal Shrine

 

By Joyce Dalawampu

    I found myself walking down 

    the cobbled streets of Intramuros on my way to   Rizal Shrine. 

    There's an air of reverence as I entered Fort Santiago as    
    preparations continued for the Celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of 
    Dr. Jose P. Rizal since June 19 of this year and the eve of the 115th 
    commemoration of our National Hero's Martyrdom. 

It is fitting indeed that the National Historic Commission of the Philippines in cooperation with Miryad Vision, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde   School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies officially launched the First - ever Interpretation of ULTIMO ADIOS (My Last Farewell / Huling Pahimakas) in Filipino Sign Language, by Filipino Independent Advocacy Filmmaker Mirana Medina last December 29, 2011. Most of the Deaf consultants and actors of the film are scholars of the school.

      Rizal’s prison cell was located 

    in the old pantry. It is in this room where  Rizal has supposedly written the 

    *Ultimo Adios* on the eve of his execution, which he hid in a lamp given to

    him by the *Pardo de Taveras*. The lamp  and a reproduction of the original 

    manuscript printed on a 9×15 centimeter paper are displayed in one of the 

    rooms on the second floor  of the Rizal Shrine where the launch was held. 

The purpose ofthe project is primarily to translate for the Deaf Filipino comunity, considered a cultural-linguistic minority group in the country, Dr. Jose Rizal's enduring work and serve the needs of the Deaf for access to communication.

The Programme, hosted by Rizal Shrine Curator Zarah Escueta

 

 The program started with the National Anthem and Our Lord's Prayer in Filipino performed by Silent Steps, SDEAS' Dance Ambassadors who also played a significant part in the film. Present were the the whole Production Team: Aldrin Gabriel, Deaf actor; Myra Medrana, Deaf choreographer; Cathy Genovia, AD/PM;  and Rem Vocalan; Jojo Sia, Production Assistant.

 

 Ceasar De Larazabal, Director for  Center for External Linkages, Alumni and Development of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde shared the significance of the Rizal Project with  DLS-CSB's work with Deaf people and the respect and use of Filipino Sign Language.

 

Mirana Medina introduces her film, Ultimo Adios in FSL. Interpreting for her and the whole program is

Ms Febe Sevilla and Mr Junjun Sevila (not in photo) 

Prof. Vim Nadera, Consultant, Director of UP Creative Writing Center, Now LIKHAAN:
Institute of Creative Writing. Prof. Nadera was one of the reactors after the film, nearly 15 minutes long with English subtitles for the hearing audience who emphasized the value of preserving culture through language.  

  

Raffy Domingo (Deaf) of DLS-CSB CEAD   agreed that this project would very much benefit the Deaf community through awareness and familiarization with the Filipino Sign Language.

Atty. Ramoncita Reyes, descendant of Saturnina Rizal, eldest sister of Dr. Jose Rizal closed the programme and spoke on behalf of the Rizal family. That ultimately, their Lolo Jose's last work is a message of hope rather
than of grieving for his eminent passing, the hope that present and future generations will not forget his legacy by continuing to do our part in loving our country and protecting our freedom

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Ultimo Adios in FSL was also chosen as official selection of the Second Hongkong International Deaf Film Festival to be screened on February 24, 2012.