Repairing and Restoring the Noli and the Fili

The Germans! They are here!

Two conservators from Germany are in town to do minor repair and restoration of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Rizal's Last Farewell and his retelling of William Tell are also included in the restoration project by the National Library of the Philippines. Rare Book Collection Head, Rosette Crelencia is supervising the project with financial aid from the Federal Republic of Germany via the German Embassy. The ties that bind Blumentritt and Rizal remains strong in this day and age.

But really, the connection goes beyond the personal friendship that Rizal had with Blumentritt. Restoring the works of the national hero is a relevant and timely project given his 150th birthday in 19 June 2011. Thank you to the Germans! Their technology and expertise in preservation and conservation assures that generations of Filipinos will be able to see Rizal's books, national treasures all!

The PBBY was afforded a viewing of the restoration work earlier this week. It was an awesome sight! There is something sentimental and immortal at the sight of the books being swept clean and restored. It is meticulous work and Rizal indeed deserves such reverence. According to the conservators, the Noli and the Fili are in very good state that they only need to do minor repairs. Good job, National Library of the Philippines!

Here's hoping that, apart from the rare Rizaliana, books and literature by other Filipino heroes will be repaired and restored. The budget for such project costs millions, true. Then again, one should seek in order to find!