21 January 2004 RESTORED FORT SANTIAGO BECKONS NATIONALISM
In an effort to reawaken public awareness for the country’s rich history, Fort Santiago’s restoration was recently celebrated with musical and theatrical presentations. Notable artists and performers relived historical highlights through theatrical tableaus, music, and dance. Former Department of Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon led a roaming tour of the Fort Santiago grounds.
Re-launch festivities began at the Fort Gate, followed immediately by a tour. The tour included stops and performances at the Rizal Shrine, the area below the Memorial Cross, the Dungeons, the Baluarte de Santa Barbara, the Plaza Armas, and the Rajah Sulayman Theater.
The event, dubbed “Fort Santiago Revisited”, featured sterling performances from theater artists such as Kakai Bautista, Bimbo Cerrudo, Roy Rolloda, Paula Ferrer, and musical groups The Company and the San Beda Choir. They were joined by a roster of seasoned thespians. The program was hosted by Harold Geronimo and Adriana Agcaoili.
Fort Santiago’s re-launch rites mark the beginning of a series of weekend performances from February to July 2004. These weekly shows include tableaus, slide shows, excerpts from Rizal’s plays, and musicals to be performed at the Rizal Shrine, Baluarte de Santa Barbara, and Rajah Sulayman Theater.
Fort Santiago, through the cooperation of the Department of Tourism, seeks to encourage visitors to the site for a rediscovery of the heroic struggles for freedom made by our historical heroes. With its restoration and added theatrical attractions, Fort Santiago looks like it is heading for another round of history. The Fort Santiago Park is located at General Luna corner Sta. Clara Street in Intramuros, fronting the Manila Cathedral. The park opens from 8am to 10pm. For inquiries please call 527-1572.
Re-launch festivities began at the Fort Gate, followed immediately by a tour. The tour included stops and performances at the Rizal Shrine, the area below the Memorial Cross, the Dungeons, the Baluarte de Santa Barbara, the Plaza Armas, and the Rajah Sulayman Theater.
