So you think you're a radical?

It doesn’t take much to be a “radical” these days. In fact, if you follow the dictates of local television commercials, all you have to do is subscribe to a new SIM card, switch to a different kitchen condiment, or try the newest invention in hair-lengthening products. After which — voila! You can now consider yourself a genuine part of the revolution.

Similarly, on matters of national importance — such as the Reproductive Health bill and Divorce bill debates (as opposed to, say, our education crisis) — one is automatically a radical if he or she goes against whichever institution appears most fascist at the moment. It’s just a matter of knowing which establishment to oppose at any given time — the Church or the State.

Meanwhile, there’s also the popular notion that being a UP student is already a kind of revolutionary achievement in itself. After all, UP is the bastion of student activism; home of the proudly insubordinate and refuge of the strangely liberated. Following that logic, then, its students (activist or not) reserve the right to brand themselves as special. Ahead of the mold. Radical, if you will.

Indeed, it really doesn’t take much to be a radical these days. The term has been thrown about so crudely that retrieving its essence is like searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack. If anything and everything out there were enough to transform the most apathetic couch potato into some sort of revolutionary avant-garde, then the point would be moot, wouldn’t it? But nobody seems to mind.

Lure of the Radical

Granted, I can understand the lure of being radical. Despite the oftentimes negative connotation of the word, there remains an element of romance to it, calling to mind images of the fiery, misunderstood maverick, willing to give up everything for a cause greater than himself. And since real life is a testament to just how impractical the whole project of non-conformism is, you can be sure that’s why people are all the more fascinated by it. Nothing is more alluring than the life you can’t afford to lead… and I’m not speaking in terms of monetary matters here.

Which is why, in the grand scheme of things, it’s no surprise that the notion of the radical and the revolutionary is used the way it is today. And as you can see, advertising agencies and their big-name clients certainly wasted no time capitalizing on its allure. Surf through any of the local channels and you’ll notice how recent commercials have no qualms about using words such as “revolution,” “revolutionary,” and “SIM card” all in the same breath… to entice people to buy their products. Go figure.  

Be that as it may, however, what I find even more lamentable than radicalism becoming fodder for mainstream marketing is the thought that such misuse doesn’t end there. We’ve managed to so thoroughly decenter the concept that people simply invoke it whenever the need suits them. You’re a radical if you disagree with the establishment. You’re a radical if you study in UP. But disagreeing with the establishment is leagues apart from concretely doing something about it; and the radicalism so often associated with UP students is ironic when you consider our roots in US imperialism… and the fact that only a fraction of the student population actually engages in mass action.

In any case, the reason for my bringing all this up now should be evident. The 150th birthday of the great Jose Rizal. No other figure in the history of our country even comes close. Sure, the story behind his designation as national hero is fraught with anomalies (Rizal was only second choice to Marcelo H. del Pilar, while the appointing commission was actually a US-led one), and the question of his being a true-blue revolutionary remains a contentious topic of debate. Any way you look at it, however, Rizal was a man waaay ahead of his time — too patriotic for his own good, too prolific to be contained by anything. Cynics quick to dismiss Rizal as half-assed (for wanting the country to be annexed to Spain) should hang their heads in shame. Ultimately, he gave up his life fighting for an ideal greater than himself. Can the same honestly be said for the so-called radicals of today?

Team Rizal

T-shirt makes the man

Unfortunately, just like everything touched by the market’s invisible hand, all that is sacred melts into air… including Rizal’s supposedly incorruptible status as national hero. There’s just no escaping the plethora of Rizal-esque merchandise sprouting up everywhere. But you have to admire the ingenuity of capitalist logic. The most popular Filipino paired with one of the more mysteriously alluring concepts of humanity? It’s a veritable merch goldmine. And while I have nothing against the erstwhile hipster proudly wearing a Team Manila, Rizal-in-aviators shirt (yes: Rizal in aviators), the significance is lost on me. If you really want to show the extent of your admiration for the man, why wear goods that trivialize the whole being of Rizal? Patronizing such consumer products doesn’t being you any closer to the essence of our national hero; in fact, the purchasing of such goods only helps rip his memory apart even further. Everyone wants a piece of him that there’s nothing left of Rizal anymore. Indeed, Rizal is no longer a hero — he’s simply become a commodity. That said, if you really care, if you really want to honor his memory and showcase your nationalism, read his books. The Noli, the Fili, and everything else in between. It’ll cost you less than one Rizal shirt, but it will be, by far, the most liberating thing you’ve done for your soul.

Rock Ed celebrates Rizal’s 150th

Rock Ed Philippines and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines celebrate the 150th birthday of Jose Rizal with “Rock Rizal” — a compilation of original songs inspired by our national hero’s life and works. Participating artists include Ely Buendia, Sandwich, Gloc-9, Ebe Dancel, Aiza Seguerra, Jett Pangan, Peryodiko, Radioactive Sago Project, Hijo, and many others. Songs can be downloaded for free at http://facebook.com/RockEdPhilippines, beginning June 19.

Each track tackles different aspects of Jose Rizal’s life. The first to be released are Kung Tama Siya by Gloc-9 featuring Jaq Dionisio of KissJane, a hypothetical rap between Rizal and Andres Bonifacio; and Mi Ultimo Amor by Sandwich, a catchy rock tune about the women in Rizal’s life. Other singles will follow. Ely Buendia’s Bungo sa Bangin compares the Philippines with Sisa from Noli Me Tangere; Ebe Dancel’s Ikaw Ang Aking Tahanan explores Rizal’s experiences as an overseas Filipino; and Aiza Seguerra’s Lupang Pinangako tackles the struggles of Rizal as a writer. Meanwhile, Peryodiko’s Kumagat Man ang Dilim inspires listeners to stand up for their beliefs; Shine a Light by Jett Pangan takes on the misinterpretations of our national hero; Radioactive Sago Project will focus on Rizal’s last wishes for the Philippines; and Hijo’s Ordinary Jesus raises the question, “What is heroism?” Capping off the compilation is a multi-artist collaboration called Kaninong Anino. The song — written by Gang Badoy, composed by Francis de Veyra, and featuring an impressive gathering of more artists — is a reflection on Rizal’s essay, “The Philippines a Century Hence.”

The goal of Rock Rizal is to take Jose Rizal from our school textbooks and into our daily lives — on radio, TV, online, and in our MP3 players,” says Pepe Diokno, Executive Director of Rock Ed Philippines. “If we listen to Rizal’s vision, we’ll find the ideals we need to help build our country today.” Rock Rizal culminates on September 16, with a concert in Manila headlined the participating artists. The project is funded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in partnership with Rock Ed Philippines, a nationwide volunteer group that promotes nation building through alternative education.

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Download Rock Rizal for free at http://www.facebook.com/RockEdPhilippines. For more information, email info@rocked.ph or visit the National Historical Commission of the Philippines at http://www.nchp.gov.ph.