“Sulat: Retelling Rizal through Philately”

University of the Philippines Fine Arts professor, painter and philatelist Marco Ruben T. Malto II undertakes to revisit the life and legacy of the foremost Filipino hero within the realm of philately in his solo exhibit titled “Sulat: Retelling Rizal through Philately.” In partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines through Museo ni Jose Rizal Fort Santiago, Malto curates his personal collection featuring philatelic items, artifacts, and archival materials to commemorate Jose Rizal’s 126th Death Anniversary this December.

Think of our most revered Filipino patriot Jose Rizal as a TikToker creating POVs on his travels, or talking about our Spanish colonial conditions and his aspirations for la Patria mia! Can you imagine his firing squad footage going viral? How would cancel culture deal with his highly controversial views?

Even in the absence of the internet and social media platforms during his time, Jose Rizal was every bit a blogger, a celebrity, a content creator and an influencer with a massive following. Instead of posts, tweets or video uploads, Rizal shared his ideas, and ideals, through his most notable novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, his socio-political essays published in La Solidaridad, and his countless other writings that resonate with Filipinos. As National Artist Nick Joaquin once wrote of Rizal’s influence while still in his teens, “Already, what writings of his reach the public are stirring up storms.” Rizal, a diligent diarist and prolific correspondent, covered topics from cholera to lottery when not discussing duty to country or complaining about high cost of postage stamps in his letters sent to family, friends, lovers, and compatriots. Whether on overseas sojourn or in exile, Rizal was able to mail his crucial correspondence due to the already established postal system in the country during his time.  

As the most documented Filipino in the 19th century, Rizal’s written works and treasured mementos were duly preserved, allowing future Filipinos to discover the makings of the most prominent advocate for Philippine reforms during the Spanish regime, and the nation he fought for. The extensive record of his life firmly seals Jose Rizal’s “national hero” stature in Philippine history, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos, 126 years after his execution.  

https://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/up-professor-painter-exhibits-retelling-rizal-stamps/