A Symbol Of Patriotism

Like most students from all over the country, I considered attending the University of the Philippines, because the university offers academic excellence at a low cost. It was my first choice. It seemed that my high regard of the state university wasn’t enough to make me an “iskolar ng bayan.” I failed in the UPCAT, the reason why I’m in UST now. On second thought, UST is not bad for a second choice. I’m even grateful that I entered the 397-year-old university, but that’s another story to tell.

Going back to my UP escapades, it was in 2006 when I first went to the Diliman-based campus. At last, I caught sight of the sunken garden and of course, the famous Oblation statue. Whether riding in a jeep or a private car, the Oblation statue would be the first visually-stimulating artwork one would set eyes on upon entering UP.

The Oblation, created by National artist Guillermo Tolentino in 1935, is a piece of art one would directly associate to UP. Seventy-three years ago, Rafael Palma, the first Filipino president of UP, commissioned Guillermo to form monumental landmark that would for the university. He tasked Guillermo to craft a sculpture based on the second stanza of Jose Rizal’s poem, My Last Farewell.

“In barricades embattled, fighting with delirium, others donate you their lives without doubts, without gloom; The site doesn't matter, cypress, laurel or lily, gibbet or open field, combat or cruel martyrdom, are equal if demanded by country and home.”
From the 2nd Stanza of Rizal's "Last Farewell”, (English Translation by Nick Joaquin)

From these historic lines, a great landmark was born.

“In barricades embattled, fighting with delirium,”
The outstretched arms of the statue symbolized every Filipino’s selfless and unconditional service to the country.

“others donate you their lives without doubts, without gloom;”
This line is represented by the sculpture’s human silhouette, recognizing every Filipino hero who risked his life for our nation’s freedom.

“The site doesn't matter, cypress, laurel or lily, gibbet or open field, combat or cruel martyrdom, are equal if demanded by country and home.”
The katakataka binding the nude figure to its base stands for this line. Thriving even in different conditions, the plant signifies that the Filipinos’ nationalism grows anywhere. It is unconditional.

Guillermo, through his artistic excellence, has impeccably translated Rizal’s immortal lines into a bronze human figure depicting our ancestors unwavering patriotism during the Spanish period. - ANA MAE ROA

Photograph Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/northwardnimbus/189997841/