The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc. celebrated the 168th birth anniversary of Filipino propagandist Marcelo H. del Pilar last August 27 (National Heroes Day) with a historic program at the Manila Hotel.
Del Pilar’s actual birthday is August 30.
National artist Virgilio Almario, former Senator Heherson Alvarez, Jullie Yap Daza (Samahang Plaridel vice chairperson), Marichu Villanueva (Samahang Plaridel board member) and George Balagtas (one of del Pilar’s direct descendants) extolled the patriotic values of the del Pilar, regarded as the father of Philippine journalism.
Samahang Plaridel President Rolando G. Estabillo said he hopes the high standards of del Pilar as a propagandist would serve to unite today’s crop of journalists by adhering only to factual reporting.
Rio Alma – Almario’s pseudonym – revealed the interaction between del Pilar and other heroes of the time: Apolinario Mabini, Antonio Luna, Gregorio del Pilar and many more.
The traditional wreathlaying on the bronze bust of del Pilar preceded the formal program.
Entertainment came from Tanghalang Banyuhay of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts as well as song numbers from Sen. Alvarez and Manila Hotel President Jose Lina, Jr.