Art is a powerful tool. Dr. Jose Rizal, the National Hero of the Philippines spent a short, but very important part in 1886 in Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld, Germany. During his studies at the Heidelberg University Eye Clinic, the surroundings inspired him to write his famous poem “A las Flores de Heidelberg”. During his time, he met Protestant Pastor Karl Ullmer, who invited him to stay with his family in the vicarage in Wilhelmsfeld. During his stay, he encountered religious tolerance while Pastor Ullmer and the catholic clergy having openly discussions, even drinking white wine from time to time, a white burgundy from the nearby village of Schriesheim.
His experiences in Germany led him to place great emphasis on education, hard work, democratic and civil rights and patriotism, through which he wanted to win freedom for his country and his compatriots.
For the next editions of the Schriesheim White Burgundy a new label will be created, taking into consideration the time Dr. Jose Rizal stayed in the village of Wilhelmsfeld, the so-called Noli Village. Magkaisa - Consultancy and Gallery partnered this year with the Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt and the Order of the Knights of Rizal HD-Wilhelmsfeld. With the support of additional sponsors like Etihad Airways, the German Embassy in Manila, the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Germany and the German Club Manila the Jose Rizal wine label competition under the guidance of the Master Watercolorist Artist Rafael Popoy Cusi was set into reality.
The white wine in Schriesheim to be filled and labeled with the picture of the winning artwork of this competition is just in time for 2024, when the Philippines and Germany will celebrate the 70th year anniversary of diplomatic relations of both countries.