12 questions for the Rizal documentarist

1. How did your documentary work on Rizal start?

I've always been an admirer of Rizal. When I was in Europe in 2004 to do a documentary on the decline of Catholicism in Western Europe, my team and I had time
to research and document some of the places Rizal visited and lived in in Belgium and Paris. That research became "Little Bad Boy."
2. Do you think Filipinos still need a hero such as Dr. Jose Rizal?
He was extraordinary and ordinary at the same time. He had many inspiring qualities we should try to emulate. We need role models that we can relate to. I can't
think of a better one for all Filipinos.
3. How do you think documentaries can shape the way Filipinos perceive their nation?
Stories have powerful effects. National narratives are a basis for national cultures and identities.
4. How can Filipinos benefit from Rizals ideals?
Rizal left a huge volume of writings that can still form the ways we perceive ourselves. We would be a much better nation if we paid more attention to what he had
to say and how he lived his life.
5. What is the youth's role in shaping our future?
They must let their voices be heard. They must study and work hard to convey intelligent, sensible opinions.
6. Why did you agree to participate in the docufest?
It's an honor for me and a chance to tell stories about Rizal. And I know that students at UPLB have a special fondness for documentaries. I want to honor that too.
7. How do you think the docufest can affect students ideals?
Documentaries have a special power to educate and inspire.
8. In your point of view, what were Rizal's greatest and weakest attributes?
Greatest: His devotion to his country.
Weakest: He chose not to join the revolution.
9. How do you think Rizal would react at this moment?
He would be happy that we are recalling his vision for us but disappointed that it is far from reality. At the same time, he would continue to try to knock some sense
into our heads.
10. What made you pursue the story of Rizal's ancestral home?
I thought it was a disgrace that one of the last surviving structures from Rizal's life was being demolished and relocated from its original location. The story of the
mansion was also a reason to investigate the colorful and sad life of Teodora Alonso.
11. How is history shaping the Philippines today?
Nearly everything we are is a product of our history.
12. Is preserving culture and heritage important?
Yes. That is like our nation's blood. We cannot be a nation without culture and heritage.

Vim Nadera: What can you do for our country?

Jessa Lei Bactadan Junio: In simple ways, I can help make a change. What I can do now for my country is to be proud that I am a Filipino. I can exercise my rights as a child and as a
citizen of the country and through this I am contributing to make a change. . .

Banoar Abratique: To empower those who are weak and defend those who are unnecessarily persecuted; to ensure that everyone is respected as equal members of humanity. This is
one of my advocacies after experiencing being persecuted myself.
Jude Paolo V. Bognot: I will not be a contributor to the problems our country is facing right now. Right now, our country needs student or young leaders who can help build a nation with
camaraderie and unity among the people.
Camille M. Cabatingan: I will do my best to uplift our country in every way I can. I would continue Rizals footsteps in loving his country and sharing every blessing that he received . . .
Looking at the bright side and hoping for the good of every individual.
Emmanuel M. Prea: I will be a good citizen of our country by strongly promoting and advocating peace, love, integrity and justice for nation building.

Jayson Maata Capundag: By being true to myself; being generous to other people; being a model of a good Filipino citizen, people will see in me an image of a better Filipino and will be
encouraged to do the same, resulting to more Bagong Rizals.
Leo Kevin D. Mante: I believe that I myself am the Philippines. This is why I am very mindful of my thoughts and of my actions. Before doing anything, I always consider the two sides of
the coin since every action I take mirrors what our country is.
Rhea Eladia Mae A. Antido: To study hard, listen to the advice of parents, obey rules in the community, help maintain cleanliness and help protect our natural resources.
Aubrey Beatrice B. Carnaje: By living the way Rizal lived, I have the power to effect change among my schoolmates and the youth in my community. If I could encourage my peers to do
the same, we will have future leaders who live and act like Jose Rizal.
Debra Ann Ponce: I would respect my flag; correctly and carefully use social media to promote as well as to express my thoughts regarding national issues.
Rose Marie Pasiol Largo: Corruption is one of our major problems today . . . to avoid corruption, choose the right people fit for the position. Students must not be limited to the four walls
of the classroom but must apply what they learned to real life situations.
Raijannah Ampuan: I will do my best to be the catalyst of change by promoting peace and development at home, neighborhood, school and ultimately, country. If I cannot do enough of
this, the least I can do is not to contribute to the problems of our country.
Vim Nadera: What about for your community? Or your family?
Jessa Lei Bactadan Junio: Currently, I am doing a child advocacy program that helps our community to be a clean environment. For my family, I am happy to give and dedicate to them
all of my achievements . . .
Banoar Abratique: By being a responsible son, a socially involved member of the community and an active contributor to the improvement of our church.I will make sure that I will not
forget my responsibilities to my community and my family.
Jude Paolo V. Bognot: I would like to help those in need not by giving them fish but by teaching them how to fish so that each and every Filipino can stand on his own and together help to
lessen unemployment, and help this nation to raise its own economy.
Camille M. Cabatingan: I will be responsible in doing my part as an individual in my community and family . . pay respect to my family and community and look to at the brighter side of
things and use that in empowering and helping each other.
Emmanuel M. Prea: With colleagues and friends, we could organize programs and activities that will ensure the general welfare of the community. My greatest contribution to my family is
to finish my studies in return to their sacrifices, patience and love.
Jayson Maata Capundag: I dont want to be very ambitious. Helping and making an impact to our country, to my community and family is a process. I would like to do things step by step
and ensure that I provide quality service.
Leo Kevin D. Mante: Serving my community faithfully and selfishly would be my contribution to my community. I want to implement projects that will then be of great significance to the
lives of the people in my community.
Rhea Eladia Mae A. Antido: In all my endeavors, my family has always a top source of inspiration. As a son, all I want for them is a healthy community where there is love and peace.
Hence, I keep cultivating the highest possible potential of our community through my advocacies.
Aubrey Beatrice B. Carnaje: To help and be responsible at home, pay respect to my neighbors and for my family, to help them in my own ways.
Debra Ann Ponce: If there are any concerns or issues that the community wants to address, particularly concerns of the youth, I would be willing to help. With regards to my family, I will
continue to be grateful, loving, and caring toward them.
Rose Marie Pasiol Largo: For the community, especially the less fortunate, they must be educated on family planning. Young mothers should also be informed about childbearing so that
they will be prepared. Children must be trained and inspired to become great leaders and be the best they can be.
Raijannah Ampuan: In our community, to show my concern, understanding and respect for my neighbor. For my family, to continue my attitude in showing love and respect to my parents
and to my young sister, brother and other members of the family.

Vim Nadera: What made you one of the Mga Bagong Rizal?
Jessa Lei Bactadan Junio (Baguio City): Siguro, I have a vision in life and iyon po ang pagkakaiba ko sa ibang participants. And that vision in life that I am referring to is to be the best. If
not the best, then be one of the best. With the journeys and struggles that Ive undergone, I think that I have experienced a lot of activities already that bring out the best in me.
Banoar Abratique (Tuba, Benguet): I dream big. I openly declared that I wanted to become the president of the Philippines in order to effect the change as much development I can in our
country. I think about that because Jose Rizal and I are both big dreamers, we can become catalysts for big change in our country despite living in different times.
Jude Paolo V. Bognot (San Fernando, Pampanga): My achievements are one of the factors for this. Plus, my confidence, passion, and commitment which drive to me to achieve more.
And the guidance of the Almighty Lord.
Camille M. Cabatingan (Quezon City): The reason would probably be that the judges saw that I am concerned and passionate in helping my fellowmen to a better country. That I can be
responsible for the roles of a Bagong Rizal Awardee in inspiring people through the achievements and awards that Ive received, reflecting my dedication in doing my best and overcoming
trials; thus, giving hope that we can go further if we believe and do something good.
Emmanuel M. Prena (Ligao, Albay): I think I am different from others. Maybe, the judges noticed my full commitment in youth and community development, my perspective towards social
issues in the country and my character that signifies the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Peter Glenn A. Rapiz (Iloilo City): It is quite hard to set myself apart from other awardees because I believe that we are all unique in our own respective rights.

Jayson Maata Capundag (San Juan, Siquijor): Honestly, I cant really figure out the reasons why the judges have chosen me. During the series of interviews, I dont have anything in
mind but to just simply be myself. I think the judges saw in me the true me, no pretension at all. This prestigious award is all about being the real us as modern exemplars of Dr. Jose
Rizal.
Leo Kevin D. Mante (Catarman, Samar): Because they could see in my eyes, they could mimic in my mouth, and they could sense in my heart that I am exemplifying the nobility of Rizal,
worthy of the award.
Rhea Eladia Mae A. Antido (Burauen, Leyte): The reason is that they believed that I am capable and committed to every single responsibility of the 17 Mga Bagong Rizal: Pag-asa ng
Bayan Awards 2013 and I also believe that I differ from other nominees.
Aubrey Beatrice B. Carnaje (Arevalo, Iloilo): I personally dont know why the judges chose me. Maybe because of my community work, my achievements in school, both here and
abroad, and probably during the interview.
Debra Ann Ponce (Guiwan, Zamboanga City): I made sure that during the entire process, I was just completely true to my intentions and perceptions toward the issues and questions
raised.
Rose Marie Pasiol Largo (Mactan, Lapu-lapu City): Before I went through the whole selection process, I told myself to be hundred percent honest and be me. I shared my thoughts and
real experiences too.
Raijannah Ampuan (Buldon, Maguindanao): They believed, I think, that I might be one of the good examples of a responsible Filipino citizen in the future.