Rizal Is Alive Forum

In line with bringing Rizal among the youth, the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR), the Organizational Change Consultants International (OCCI), Inc., and the Pilipinas Bayang Banal Movement (PBBM) conducted Rizal Is Alive Forum last July 26, 2008 at the Mother of Unity Building, J.P. Rizal Street, Marikina City.

Anchored with the theme “Building the National Heart Towards a Noble, Sacred and Progressive Philippines,” the Forum started with a prayer led by a volunteer of PPBM, then the singing of the National Anthem by Ms. Angelita de la Cruz, facilitator. Mr. Antonio Vera Cruz, convenor, PBBM delivered his opening speech while Sir Pablo S. Trillana, III, KGCR, chairman, Rizal Youth Leadership Institute gave the prologue of the activity.

Like previous forums, there were lectures, workshops, animations, video presentations, singing, group sharing and games. Ms. Ma. Belinda L. Villavicencio, OCCI, was the first lecturer. She discussed the Eight Intelligences based on Howard Gardner’s research. “The eight intelligences are logical-mathematics, spatial, linguistic, body-kinesthetics, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist,” she said. On one hand, Mr. Nico Mangalonzo, OCCI facilitator rendered his discourse on the Belief-Action-Result (BAR) of Life. He emphasized that when we want positive results we have to be optimistic in our belief and we have to act on that belief. Meanwhile, Sir Trillana was asked for an on-the-spot lecture on Rizal. He highlighted his talk with the thought “We are the children of Rizal’s one hundred years.” Also, he tackled the seven prophecies of Rizal and emphasized that five of those had already happened.

Around thirty and more youth representing the three foremost organizations of the Far Eastern University particularly the Tamaraw Volunteers, Youth for Christ and the Management Circle participated in the forum. All of them shared their pre and post impressions. And when they were asked to tell something they want to change in their selves, some smiled their sweet resolutions while others cried. Tears are in fact the sign that change has begun.

Rizal Is Alive Forum, conducted by OKOR for the last three years has been brought around the Philippines, touching lives, changing lives, particularly of the young.