The AngLahi Challenge and Rizal, atbp.

History is resplendent with great people and the tales of their greatness. To some, they have earned their place through self-aggrandizement, by treading a path that generally benefited their own deep-seated pleasures and agendas. To some, they found themselves as reluctant players, being throttled into the position not by their own volition, but through circumstance. And to a few, they have wilfully taken on their journey and burden, embracing the call for greatness not for the glorification of themselves, but rather, at the expense of their own lives for the sake of others. Of the last breed, did stem Jose Rizal. AngLahi presents, "Rizal, Atbp."- the story of Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, as seen through the self-realization of a young Filipino American, Joey, and set in music, dance and a display of the rich Filipino culture. The story aspires to not only depict the events in Rizal's life, but also the influences that shaped him and the choices he made that defined his actions and his destiny. One of the first true global Filipinos, the depiction of his life takes us through his childhood - the early beginnings of his national pride, through his adult years in the Philippines and around the globe, his fruitful exile in Dapitan and also through his last few days which he valiantly embraced. To parallel Rizal's impressive biography, we find Joey who struggles through his own identity as a Filipino growing up in America where the dilemma is whether to be homogenized into the American society of today, or to stand firm on the pride and legacy of his Philippine roots as he navigates his own life ahead. "Rizal, Atbp." is not just a story, but a glimmer of hope for a brighter Filipino legacy.

"Rizal, Atbp."* is set to be shown Summer 2012.  AngLahi, directly translated means "the race", or possessively, "our race". The name is actually a contraction of the phrase "angat lahi", or "raise up the race". AngLahi strives to not only raise awareness or to inspire Filipinos of their race, history and culture, but it exists to challenge each individual to unleash their fullest potential not for their own self-gratification, but to benefit the greater populace. Its goal is to leave this world better than what it is right now, one life at a time. The organization believes that there are four phases to achieve its aim and they are referred to as "the "4 I's of AngLahi": Identity, Image, Influence and Inspiration. Identity: Before you are able to embark on a mission to make an impact on others, it is important to know your roots and who you really are at this very moment. Image: Once you know who you are, you are able to direct your efforts towards building upon that identity and allowing yourself to go as far as your dreams can take you. Influence: As you are able to excel and be the best in your arena or your "sphere of influence", you are able to engage others to also support you or move towards a common goal. Inspiration: The ultimate goal of tapping into one's greatness is not to satisfy one's own self or ego, but to help others discover their own greatness within and allow them to also impart their own unique contribution to the world they live in. The world has indeed gotten smaller, where "global" is but a by-word now, what with how the far-reaches of the globe have now become more exponentially accessible compared to how it was even a century ago, thanks to the constant innovations in travel and information transmission. As Filipinos are becoming more and more visible not just here in America, but all over the world, we can choose to live as how the world now seems to dictate- "in indifference and self-preservation" or we could take on the greater challenge to always ask the question: "Where is there a need?" This was a provocation that Rizal took on seriously in his life, which resulted in his stellar resume. Truth be told, the great people of before became great not because they were extraordinary men, but they were ordinary men, desiring to dream and strive for the extraordinary pursuits, whatever it took and wherever it may have taken them. Just as Rizal and the great men of yesteryears have stepped in to fulfill a need, within each person also lay the challenge to rise up to their own call. The burning question that looms though is this: "Will you take the challenge?" *For further information, please contact the following individuals in your area: Jeannie Campo, (650) 228 - 4069 (San Francisco); Glynda Santos, (619) 549-9849 (San Diego); and Cherry, (626) 524-9119 (Los Angeles).