Several artworks in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal can be found in the 493-hectare flagship campus of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Such creations by UP alumni and students—some of whom are National Artists—include busts, paintings, and monuments displayed in different parts of the campus.
Dr. Jose Rizal is, of course, not an alumnus of UP. Having died a martyr on December 30, 1898, it would have been impossible for Rizal to study in the country’s top university which was founded ten years after his death in 1908. His legacy, however, is ever-present in UP Diliman which is home to various Rizalian art.
On a usual day, most of these artworks would be easily accessible to the public. But because of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, going to UP Diliman for leisure is not encouraged at the moment. In commemoration of Rizal’s 158th birth anniversary last year, DZUP Balita documented works of art honoring Rizal and his heroism. Here is a list of Rizalian art in UP Diliman:
1. Jose Rizal bust by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino, 1953
This bust of Jose Rizal by National Artist for Sculpture and UP alumnus Guillermo Tolentino in 1953 is currently displayed at the main entrance of the historic Palma Hall. (Photo: Gian Carlo Librojo, DZUP)
2. Jose Rizal sculpture by Domingo Celis, ca. 1910-1914
This sculpture of Jose Rizal by UP alumnus Domingo Celis (ca. 1910-1914) is located at the Rizal Garden of the UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. (Photo: Joanna Reyes, DZUP)
3. Three Women Sewing the First Filipino Flag by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva and his sons
This sculpture made of concrete and polychrome titled “Three Women Sewing the First Filipino Flag” by National Artist for Sculpture and UP alumnus Napoleon Abueva and his sons is located near the University Amphitheater. Jose Rizal’s niece, Delfina (or Josefina) Herbosa de Natividad was one of the three women who sewed the first Philippine flag. (Photo: Gian Carlo Librojo, DZUP)
4. Bulwagang Rizal/Faculty Center, ca. 1960s
The Faculty Center at UP Diliman—now burnt and demolished due to a fire in 2016—was named in honor of Rizal. A new faculty center is expected to rise soon. (Photo: Gian Carlo Librojo, DZUP)
5. Jose Rizal with La Solidaridad co-editors in a painting by the UP Artists’ Circle Fraternity, 1996
At the lobby of Palma Hall’s 2nd Floor, the image of Rizal and his co-editors at La Solidaridad, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena, can be seen on a painting by the UP Artists’ Circle Fraternity. (Photo: Joanna Reyes, DZUP)
6. The Oblation by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino (Original), 1935
The Oblation was created when then UP President Rafael Palma commissioned National Artist for Sculpture and UP alumnus Guillermo Tolentino to create an artwork translating the second stanza of Dr. Jose Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios.” The Oblation was also inspired by another poem of Rizal’s, “To The Filipino Youth.” The original sculpture of the Oblation is being kept inside Gonzalez Hall. (Photo: Gian Carlo Librojo, DZUP)
7. The Oblation by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino (Bronze Cast), 1958
In 1950, UP’s Board of Regents appropriated P15,000 for the bronze casting of the Oblation. It was done in Italy with the personal supervision of Tolentino himself. The cast was unveiled on November 29, 1958. It still stands today in front of Quezon Hall at UP Diliman. (Photo: Gian Carlo Librojo, DZUP)
8. Jose Rizal bust by Graciano Nepomuceno, undated
This Jose Rizal bust by Graciano Nepomuceno was seen inside Gonzalez Hall. The University Library is now being renovated. (Photo: Gian Carlo Librojo, DZUP)
9. Jose Rizal painting by National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera, 1963
This Jose Rizal painting by National Artist for Visual Arts and UP alumnus Benedicto Cabrera is located at the College of Arts and Letters Library. (Photo: Joanna Reyes, DZUP)
10. Gomburza painting by Virginia Flor-Agbayani, 1963
This Gomburza painting by UP alumna Virginia Flor-Agbayani was found inside Gonzalez Hall. Rizal dedicated his novel, “El Filibusterismo,” in memory of secular priests Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora who are collectively known as Gomburza. The priests were executed at Bagumbayan, Manila, where Rizal himself would be martyred 26 years after. (Photo: Gian Carlo Librojo, DZUP)
Rizal studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila in Intramuros from 1872 to 1877 and at the University of Santo Tomas, also in Intramuros, from 1877 to 1882. He also went to Europe to continue his studies there.
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