What are naked men doing around Jose Rizal’s bust?

Jazmin Bonifacio

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What are naked men doing around Jose Rizal’s bust?
It is perhaps the most curious sculpture of Dr Jose Rizal, done by the late Miguel Alcazar, but the residents of Catbalogan, Samar, consider it a treasure

SAMAR, Philippines – It is perhaps the most curious sculpture of Dr Jose Rizal in the Philippines: the national hero’s bust sitting on his two famous novels – Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – which are in turn supported by 3 naked figures.

Yes, 3 naked men.

And residents of Catbalogan City consider this monument by the late sculptor Miguel Alcazar a historical treasure.

Imelda “Meldy’ Alcazar Coronel, 50, granddaughter of the sculptor, says the monument that sits in a small park in front of city hall is about the continuing desire of every Filipino for social reforms.

The 3 men represent the 3 big islands of the Philippines: Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Their same sizes represent equality. They are naked because the concept of the University of the Philippines’ oblation – of offering oneself for the country – inspired Alcazar.

The models for the 3 men? Alcazar himself and his two best friends from UP: a “Dr Cinco” and a “Dr Villarin,” who were also natives of Catbalogan.

Ador Hurtado, an executive assistant at the mayor’s office, says the city government plans to put a fence around the statue and construct a tourism office and souvenir shop near it. This will be discussed in public consultations.

The Rizal monument by Alcazar, however, is already considered a historical and artistic heritage covered by the city government’s program to protect, preserve, and promote.

The city has always had a “pintakasi para kan Pepe,” Hurtado said. It is a “bayanihan” spearheaded by the local government and where representatives from different sectors clean up Plaza Rizal and repaint the monument every year during the hero’s birthday.

Miguel Alcazar: Poor boy from Catbalogan

Photo by Jazmin Bonifacio

Alcazar came from a poor family in Catbalogan, and had to work at a young age to support his studies at UP Manila, where he eventually got a degree in Fine Arts.

He came back to Catbalogan after graduation and set up a studio at his house, now known as the “White House.” From 1946 to 1972, he did sculptures that earned him recognition not just in the Philippines but in the United States as well.

Aside from the Rizal monument, Alcazar also did the statue of St Francis and Saint Anthony de Padua of Christ the King College in Calbayog City; the McArthur’s Leyte Landmark in Palo, Leyte; and the sculpture of the late President Ronald Reagan which was displayed at the White House.

“He was down to earth,” Imelda said of her grandfather. “He didn’t change the way he lived despite his fame. He didn’t buy expensive things.” 

According to Meldy, her mother Virginia Alcazar-Silagan ( the eldest daughter of Alcazar) taught her to love and admire his grandfather much.

“He was a perfect Daddy to us, I can’t even describe him any other way. He gave us his love unconditionally, his encouragement, discipline, and a high sense of self-respect,” said Imelda, daughter of Alcazar’s oldest daughter Virginia.

The Alcazar family has migrated to the United States. Only Imelda is left in Catbalogan, taking care of her grandfather’s “White House.”

At the age of 60, Miguel Alcazar died in 1980 in New York City. His wife Estela, now 93, a retired teacher from Catbalogan 1 Elementary School, and their 9 children are living in Houston, Texas. – Rappler.com 

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