To commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman organized an on-the-spot essay writing contest on 24 June 2012 at the Philippine School Oman. The contest was a first of its kind that offered the students a unique opportunity to examine the life and teachings of Rizal.

Themes/ Essay Questions:

Elementary Level: What would you consider important to learn about Philippine national hero Jose Rizal? Name as many as you wish to learn about him, and why?

Secondary Level: More than 120 years ago, the national hero of the Philippines Jose Rizal, made this famous quote: “Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like the light, the air. It is the heritage of all.” - in a speech to honor Filipino artists Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo, 1884. Explain what the quote means to you and describe if and how the quote is relevant to the present times.

The contest was open to all Philippine School students, Filipinos and expatriates, in the elementary and secondary levels. The number of contest’s participants, totaled 124, showed the very strong interest of the students to join in the said activity.

The winners were recognized in an awarding ceremony held on June 30 at the Embassy’s Sentro Rizal and was attended by Philippine School Officials, Embassy officers and staff, distinguished guests, and the parents of the winners. Ms. Madeleine Shea D. Sabile, a grade six student, bagged the first prize in the elementary level, while fourth year high school student Rhea Eloisa S. Cruz won first prize in the secondary level. These winners received a token cash prize, a certificate from Philippine Ambassador to Oman Joselito A. Jimeno and a congratulatory letter from Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Consolation prizes were also given to Kiana Carmela Reyes and Patricia Ro-ann Chavez for the elementary level, and Clark Vergil Amorillo and Vivienne May Ordoñez for the secondary level.

The evening event concluded with the winners, Madeleine and Rhea, reading their winning essays before a proud and supportive audience. End.