2 July 2012- To commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat organized an on-the-spot essay writing contest at the Philippine School Oman last June 24.
The contest, the first of its kind in Oman, offered the students a unique opportunity to examine the life and teachings of Rizal.
The contest was open to all Philippine School students, Filipinos and expatriates, in the elementary and secondary levels.
The essay questions for the elementary level were: What would you consider important to learn about Philippine national hero Jose Rizal? Name as many as you wish to learn about him, and why?
The essay question for the secondary level was: More than 120 years ago, the national hero of the Philippines Jose Rizal, made this famous quote: "Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like the light, the air. It is the heritage of all." Explain what the quote means to you and describe if and how the quote is relevant to the present times.
The number of participants which totaled to 124 showed the very strong interest of the students to join in the said activity.
The winners were recognized in an awarding ceremony held on June 30 at the Embassy's Sentro Rizal and was attended by Philippine School Officials, Embassy officers and staff, distinguished guests, and the parents of the winners.
Ms. Madeleine Shea D. Sabile, a grade six student, bagged the first prize in the elementary level, while fourth year high school student Rhea Eloisa S. Cruz won first prize in the secondary level.
These winners received a token cash prize, a certificate from Philippine Ambassador to Oman Joselito A. Jimeno and a congratulatory letter from Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
Consolation prizes were also given to Kiana Carmela Reyes and Patricia Ro-ann Chavez for the elementary level, and Clark Vergil Amorillo and Vivienne May Ordoñez for the secondary level.
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