IT’S THE 150th birthday of our national hero Jose Rizal, who was born on June 19, 1861. In studying his life, the part where he’s a kid is often not mentioned. Just like us, Rizal as boy was fed fables, myths, and legends. “Mga Kuwentong Pambata ni Jose Rizal” will give viewers a glimpse into Rizal’s childhood. This GMA News TV special is a collaboration between highly skilled professional child actors, visual artists, and the network’s writers and directors. Child actor Yogo Singh is the young Rizal, who finds himself alone and bullied as a student in Binan, far away from his hometown, Calamba. Child actress Barbara Miguel takes on the role of Dona Teodora, his mom. Carlo Lucano plays brother Paciano and BJ Forbes is Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz. Illustrators Odessa Pacheco and Hubert Fucio give life to the characters in Rizal’s stories entitled “Si Pagong at Si Matsing” and “Mariang Makiling,” while clay animator Edwin Guillermo gives life to the little Gamu-gamo (moth) that flew too close to the lamp. This airs tonight at 7 PM on GMA News TV Channel 11.
