Rizal Movement

RIZAL, BIRTHPLACE OF THE FATHER OF VISUAL POETRY

Widely accepted as the “Cradle of Philippine Art” and “Culture Capital of the Philippines”, Rizal has every right to claim that it is the country’s center of arts and culture. This land of rolling hills, rugged ridges, beautiful valleys and refreshing waterfalls boasts enviable history and patrimony nowhere else to be found in the entire breath and length of the country.

Once upon a time, National Artist Botong Francisco, the unrivaled muralist, roamed around the idyllic towns of the province, in the course of which the pastoral sceneries and the inhabitants’ abundant religious and cultural ideals provoked his native genius that gave us priceless works of art.

Rizal’s contribution to music, the art of heavenly sounds, is just as impressive. National Artist Maestro Lucio San Pedro, the exalted symphonist of grand compositions, lives forever in his euphonious lullabies and zesty marches. The poignant melody of “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” (In the Cradle’s Rocking) has not merely immortalized his name but has perpetuated his renown as one of the greatest composers.

Now comes Dr. Epitacio Tongohan, a medical doctor by profession and a poet by avocation, who is popularly known as Doc Penpen. Born and bred in Tanay, Rizal, Doc

Reynaldo San Juan declared, “Kudos to you, Doc Penpen, a too-great Filipino, the Father of Visual Poetry. On behalf of our Governor Nini Ynares including the members of the Provincial Board headed by Vice-Governor Frisco San Juan Jr., I greet you a warm afternoon as I congratulate you on your successful convocation. Once again, Long Live all of us! Doc Penpen, rest assured that the Provincial Government under the administration of Governor Rebecca “Nini” Ynares will be 100% - more than 100%, supportive of your cause. Rest assured too that we will be happy to promote Pentasi B not only here in the province of Rizal but also in other places in the