‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ receives special citation from Knights of Rizal for making hero ‘relevant’

“Maria Clara at Ibarra” was given a special citation by Knights of Rizal for making the national hero and his works be known again at this time and age.

During the organization’s 23rd International Assembly at the Manila Hotel on Monday, Knights of Rizal said the series is playing a huge role in “rekindling to [this generation] the ideals of freedom and nationalism.”

It added that “Maria Clara at Ibarra” is helping Filipinos recognize the life they have now thanks to how “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” are being portrayed by the characters.

“We now appreciate our life in a free country, while recognizing that there’s still so much we have to do to truly free our countrymen,” the citation read. “That things had changed, but also, remain the same.”

“Because of the series, we get to laugh and cry once again at the inequities of our society, the social cancer, and felt the emotions of people like Andres Bonifacio while reading the novel.”

The Knights of Rizal also recognized “Maria Clara at Ibarra” for making the national hero “relevant and at the center of our admiration and affection” again.

“[It] demolished the perception that Rizal was a misogynist for making female characters miserable and weak in the novels. His intention was to warn Filipinos, not just women, of their tendency to be timid and to be passive.”

Seeing that copies of the novels are being bought again, the organization also praised “Maria Clara at Ibarra” for helping schools educate learners on Rizal.

The citation was signed by the KOR Supreme Commander and Angono Vice Mayor Sir Gerardo V. Calderon, KGCR.

The show creator Suzette Doctolero and two of "Maria Clara at Ibarra" writers J-mee Katanyag and Brylle Tabora graced the occasion to receive the award.

Starring Barbie Forteza, Dennis Trillo, and Julie Anne San Jose, “Maria Clara at Ibarra” airs weekdays on GMA-7 after “24 Oras.” You may also catch previous episodes on GMA Network’s website. — LA, GMA Integrated News