‘Rizal 3000’ imagines a future where AI erases PH history

Tañada said the musical was inspired by concerns over how Philippine history is taught and the continuing importance of preserving Rizal’s legacy.

“A couple of years ago, DepEd (Department of Education) removed Philippine history as a separate subject area in the basic education curriculum, and this year, there is a movement to amend R.A. 1425, better known as the ‘Rizal Law,’ to shorten the college course,” he said.

“Yes, I wrote and directed this musical believing that DepEd will feel our call na ang kasaysayan po ay hindi dapat binubura o pinapalitan,” Tañada said.

“Sapagkat ang kasaysayan po, si Rizal, si Bonifacio, ang ating mga bayani, ay ang ating integridad bilang mga Pilipino,” he added.

Separately, proposals to reduce college general education units have sparked debate over the place of Philippine history and Rizal studies in the curriculum. The proposed changes to general education requirements should not be conflated with amendments to the Rizal Law itself.

Set in the year 3000, the story follows Iosephus Raval, portrayed by Tañada, a historian living under a dictatorship that has outlawed history, banned books, and manipulated education. His commitment to preserving Rizal’s life and works makes him a target of the regime.

When dictator Forti Zaragoza rises to power, Iosephus’ memories are erased, threatening his lifelong mission. The character is portrayed by Joseph Tañada, Gerald Magallanes, and JP Lopez in alternating performances.

His son, Franchesco, portrayed by Peter Parker Tañada in alternating performances with James Ramada and Toby Nicanor, discovers a hidden diary documenting Rizal’s life, ideals, and sacrifices. As he reads it, the forgotten story of the national hero begins to resurface, setting father and son on a journey to reclaim the history their society has been forced to forget.

The musical also shifts between two timelines, with Johnrey Rivas portraying Rizal in alternating performances with John Arcenas and Ken Intano. Through their parallel stories, the production connects the national hero’s fight for freedom with a future in which those in power seek to control what people know and remember.

Beyond its futuristic setting, “Rizal 3000” raises timely questions about technology and the preservation of truth. In an age when information is readily available, what happens when the very tools meant to expand knowledge are used to manipulate it?

For younger audiences who often encounter Rizal through textbooks and classroom discussions, the musical offers another way to understand his relevance. His legacy extends beyond monuments and memorized lessons to the ideals of education, freedom, and the courage to question those in power.

Ultimately, “Rizal 3000” reminds audiences that a nation’s history is more than a record of its past. It helps shape the future. As technology continues to transform how people learn, the responsibility to protect that history remains as important as ever.

The musical is scheduled to tour venues across the Philippines until April 2027, bringing its futuristic take on Rizal’s legacy to audiences nationwide.

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