Uncork the history and prestige as we unravel the details on the prestigious Jose Rizal Wine Label Competition

by Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Magkaisa Creative Space
December 7, 2023

In the Magkaisa Creative Space, the spirit of Dr. José Rizal lives on, weaving a narrative of resilience and inspiration that transcends time. In 1996, the German Philippine Community gathered in Heidelberg to celebrate Rizal's centennial, with Filipino artist Roberto Lavides crafting a visual saga of 20 artworks, etching the hero's life into the cultural fabric. Fast forward to 2007, when Klaus W. Hartung, now Magkaisa's President, became the guardian of these artistic treasures, preserving Rizal's legacy for generations to come.

Not too long ago in 2015, and Wilhelmsfeld, the very soil where Rizal once studied, birthed the Jose Rizal Wine, a white burgundy symbolizing the religious tolerance Rizal experienced. The label, a canvas for artistic expression, saw creations by Oscar Ramos and later Dominic Urban in 2019. This celebration of Rizaliana, now a wine label competition, echoes the enduring impact of Rizal's legacy, offering a canvas for contemporary artists to swirl their creativity, ensuring that Rizal's spirit continues to inspire and ferment new opportunities in the glass of time.

The Heidelberg Connection

In 1996, Heidelberg. The German Philippine Community gathered to celebrate the 100th year since the passing of the Philippines' National Hero, Dr. José Rizal. The festivities included a stunning exhibition by Filipino artist Roberto Lavides, showcasing 20 artworks that vividly brought Rizal's life and teachings to life.

Years later in the new millennium, specifically 2007, when Klaus W. Hartung, the President of Magkaisa Creative Space and Gallery, received the honorary duty of safeguarding these artworks. It's like being entrusted with the Mona Lisa of Rizaliana—no pressure, right?

The Artistic Symphony

Enter Roberto Lavides, an artist activist with an unquenchable thirst for Rizal's essence. Lavides' Rizaliana series, including "Requiem for Rizal" and "Birth of Freedom," toured internationally, making waves in North America, Europe, and Asia from 1996 to 2000. It's like Rizal's legacy went on a world tour, with Lavides as the rockstar artist.

In 2015, inspired by Rizal's time in Wilhelmsfeld, the first Rizal Wine was uncorked – a white burgundy from Schriesheim. Oscar Ramos, a Philippine artist who hung out with the Rizalist and art collector Klaus W. Hartung, designed the label. The baton was later passed to Dominic Urban, who clinched the 2019 edition's label during an art competition within Magkaisa's artist enclave.

The Grapes of Wilhelmsfeld

Wilhelmsfeld, once a quiet village, became a hub of Rizalian homage. The Rizal Park, the Dr. Jose Rizal Street, a plaque at the vicarage—they're all part of the historical vineyard, cultivating the spirit of the National Hero. The village even established a sisterhood with Calamba in the Philippines, becoming a pilgrimage site for Rizal enthusiasts.

Now, let's pour a glass and get to the main event: the Jose Rizal Wine Label Competition. Artists, sharpen your pencils and uncork your creativity! To help you dive into the depths of Rizalian history, the Knights of Rizal Chapter in Heidelberg-Wilhelmsfeld prepared an enlightening flyer/booklet. It's like a cheat sheet for a history exam, but with more art and less stress.

Magkaisa—Consultancy and Gallery, along with partners like the Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld and the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, orchestrated this competition with the finesse of a Master Watercolorist, Rafael Popoy Cusi. Supported by sponsors like Etihad Airways and the German Embassy, the competition promises to be a vintage blend of talent and history.

As you swirl your Rizal Wine and appreciate the artistry of its label, remember that each sip tells a tale of a national hero, religious debates over white wine, and the evolution of a small village into a haven for Rizal enthusiasts. Cheers to history in every drop and art in every label!