Rizal Monument at Ballesteros Park

 Activity 4: Application

Rizal Monument at Ballesteros Park

 1. How this monument differs from other monuments?

                Although this monument seems to be very common in most places, this monument of Rizal here in Ballesteros District, Cagayan is a little different from others. The color might be fading and some human parts of the statues are missing, the message of this monument is still very vivid and clear to everyone. Every person seeing the monument commemorates the heroism of Gat. Jose Rizal in the past to win the country back from heartless conquerors.  Also, the architectural design is obviously unique from others.

 2. What is the relationship of these monuments to the surrounding space and other structures within the space? Do they dominate space?

                This monument located at Ballesteros Park, Centro East Ballesteros, Cagayan represents the great ambition of the municipality. Like the incredible heroism portrayed by Rizal, the community wanted to let everyone learn the value of these contributions of Rizal. It, however, does not dominate space but it is placed at the center of the park which reflects how Ballesteros value and respect the great Filipino hero.

3.  How is the subject depicted? Does the subject have any trace of facial expression? If yes, describe?

                With the monument having no perfect shelter and is always exposed to the varying weather, however, loses its detailed facial expressions. But the monument still has wonderful details other than the facial, that expresses hidden symbolisms. The monument consists of a standing cement sculpture of Rizal holding books that represent his 2 famous novels, “El Filibusterismo” and “Noli Me Tangere,” with a woman crowning him representing every Filipino acknowledging his great heroism.

4. Is the figure more self-contained or it is oriented to you and the space? In which direction are your eyes led to as you look at the monument? What image is projected by the subject? How do the elements shape the image?

                This type of monument is more on being space oriented and to the people seeing it. Every time you look at it, it will always lead you to Rizal standing a little elevated at the center. Another is, it will always show you the image of heroism portrayed by Rizal in the past in winning back the country from foreign conquerors. And the elements shown by the structure which is mainly focused on the center shapes the image reflected stronger.