Top newsmen to unveil Plaridel monument

A bigger than life statue of Filipino patriot Marcelo H. del Pilar, father of Philippine journalism and known by his pen name Plaridel, will be unveiled at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 25 by officials of the Samahang Plaridel and the city government of Manila at Plaza Plaridel (Quirino Avenue corner M. Adriatico street) in Malate, Manila.

Mayor Lito Atienza and the officers and directors of Samahang Plaridel will lead the unveiling ceremony.

The Plaridel monument will be a fitting tribute to the leading light of the Propaganda Movement whose fearless writings stirred the consciousness of the Filipino people and led to the Philippine Revolution and the birth of the first Philippine Republic.

Plaridel’s ideals form part of the vision/mission of Samahang Plaridel, an association of publishers, editors, columnists and senior media and corporate communications practitioners that aims to promote nationalism and adherence to the highest standards of journalism.

Renowned sculptor Julie Lluch was commissioned by Atienza and Samahang Plaridel to do the monument that will stand on a base of about six feet. Some of her works include the statues of the martyr Ninoy Aquino and the late Manila Mayor Arsenio H. Lacson.

The officers and directors of Samahang Plaridel are: Max Soliven, chairman; Neal Cruz and Adrian Cristobal, vice chairmen; Rolando Estabilo, president; Rod Reyes, Julius Fortuna and Ben Rodriguez, vice presidents; Diosdado Beltran, secretary; Alex Liu, treasurer; and Cris Maralit, auditor. The directors are: Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, Jullie Yap Daza, Isagani Yambot, Cris Icban Jr. and Lilia Andolong.