By Erma Edera The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) led the celebration of the 158th birth anniversary of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, through 'Nostalgia Manila', where the setting in the country’s capital during the 1860’s to 1890’s was recreated at the Central Section of Rizal Park. (Photo from National Parks Development Committee / Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN) NPDC executive director Penelope Belmonte said 'Nostalgia Manila' began with a 7 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument participated in by the NPDC employees. The project was highlighted by a two-hour recreation of the Spanish era from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. as depicted through dances and acts of the La Manila Dance Ambassadors, Muntinlupa Yaman ng Kalinangan Dance Company, Sandiwang Kayumanggi Folk Dance Troupe, Sining Lahi Dance Troupe of Lakan Dula High School, Philippine Maharlika Dance Artists, Sanglahi Dance Troupe, Marikina Dance Guild, Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild, Folklorico Filipino Dance Group and the Miss Tourism Philippines Inc. candidates and reigning queens. Also featured in the said recreation event were the tranvia and carruajes courtesy of Castillan Carriage and Tour Services, a free live art demo care of Creative Street PH and on-the-spot portrait sketching artists as provided for by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Capping off the said event was a special serenade dubbed, 'Harana Para Kay Rizal,' a concert that featured guitarist Benchito Cariño, pianist Harold Galang, violinist Jeanne Rafaella Marquez, and 2013 World Championships of Performing Arts Gold Medal Awardee and Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Grand Champion pop diva Laarni Lozada. The event was open to the public. Admission was free.