“He who does not look back from where he came will never reach his destination.”
As this saying continues to keep the flame of patriotism alive in our country, the city government of Calamba, Laguna, not only looks back on the contributions and patriotism of our national heroes but also celebrates the modern heroes’ dedication to keeping the love of country and volunteerism alive and sustained.
Now in its tenth year, the Calambagong Buhayani Festival, with the theme “Buhay ng Bayani, Buhay na Bayani: Isang Dekada ng Saya at Parangal sa mga Bayani ng Ating Bayan,” launches a variety of programs to spotlight the importance of honoring our heroes. This celebration aims to preserve history, instill national pride, and inspire future generations.
The festival coincides with the celebration of Philippine Independence every June 12 and extends to the birth anniversary of Calamba’s finest son, Dr. Jose Rizal, on June 19.
One of the programs during the festival is “Kwentong Bayani,” held at the Museo ni Jose Rizal. Children from various barangays in the city are invited to listen to the life stories of the known heroes from Calamba, including the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, his brother Paciano Rizal, and Teodora Alonzo, Rizal’s mother. Other celebrated nationalist figures are World War II General Vicente Lim and General Geronimo Aclan.
For Teodoro Derrick Villa, curator of the Museo ni Dr. Jose Rizal from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the festival is a way for Filipino children to delve deeper and develop a renewed sense of nationalism through stories of justice, equal rights, and the yearning for freedom.
“As we listen to these stories, let us reflect on the lessons they impart, seek motivation to contribute positively to our community, stand up for what is right, and carry forth the torch of their noble ideals. Engage in this experience and contemplate how the valuable actions of our heroes can be lived out today,” Villa stated.
Villa also encouraged them to gain valuable lessons for their inspiration, as they are considered the heroes of tomorrow, as stated by Rizal.
He added: “The stories of our heroes are not just narratives of the past; they also contain plans for the future. They taught us resilience in the face of difficult challenges, the importance of unity, and the power of one person’s conviction to bring change.”
Through the Calamba City Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Sports Development Department (CATSDD), the city government unveils other events during the week-long festival centered on the life and legacy of heroes and reinvigorating cultural traits of the country.
This includes the revival of the culture of balagtasan among the youth through the CalamBalagtasan sa Bayan ng Bayani program, Sulyap sa Nakaraan with the local diocesan church where Rizal was christened, awarding of Calambagong Bayani awards, learning and seminar sessions, Watawat ng Lahi Mass and Program, Talinong Rizal quiz competition, job fair, fun run, cultural night, and a special paralympic competition dubbed as “Calambagong Palakasan para sa may Kapansanan.”
On June 19, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the city honored the 163rd birth anniversary of Jose Rizal, while 20 land floats depicting Rizal’s life and works and multi-sectoral contingents participated in the Buhayani Grand Parade.
According to Maolen Karla Boholano, CATSDD Department Head, the Buhayani Festival, recognized as the official festival of Calamba, seeks to introduce Rizal as a Calambeño, a son, an educator, and a visionary, making him more alive and more human.
“Now, we introduce Dr. Jose Rizal as a Calambeño, focusing on his life as a child, not just as the author of two books. Today, we highlight what Dr. Jose Rizal’s favorite food was, his role among his siblings, and what kind of child he was. We make Dr. Jose Rizal more human so that children, and even adults, can appreciate and remember him in this way, and not forget him,” she stated.
Boholano added that the city government conducts regular cultural mapping activities, improvements of Calamba’s historical district, and consultations with the local culture and arts council to ensure that the city’s efforts converge in preserving the culture and traditions of a progressive yet historic city. (CO/PIA-4A)
