PH Embassy in Berlin Commemorates 126th Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Martyrdom

BERLIN, 05 January 2022 – Philippine Embassy in Berlin’s Chargé d’Affaires Lillibeth V. Pono, led the Embassy in a wreath-offering ceremony on 29 December 2022 to commemorate the 126th anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal and to celebrate his life and legacy.

Minister Mary Luck S. Hicarte read the Rizal Day message of Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo. During the offering of the wreath, Ms. Marjorie Hahnelt read “Mein Leztzes Lebewohl” (Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios in German). To close the short ceremony, Chargé d’affaires Lillibeth Pono delivered her message with emphasis on treasuring the memory of Rizal and discovering his message and challenge to each individual.

Rizal was an expatriate in the German capital from November 1886 to May 1887 and referred to Germany as his “scientific mother country.” It was in the German Capital of Berlin, that Rizal’s most pivotal literary work, Noli Me Tangere, first came off the press, eventually paving the way for Filipinos’ pursuit of independence from Spain.

The intimate event was joined by the Knights of Rizal and Ladies for Rizal Berlin-area leaders Mr. & Mrs. Gerhardt and Lulu Müller. END

From left to right: CDA Lillibeth V. Pono delivers her closing message; and CDA Pono and Knight of Rizal Mr. Gerhardt Müller offer a wreath to commemorate the martyrdom of Rizal. (Berlin PE photos)

The Embassy team joined by the Müllers. (Berlin PE photo)

For more information, visit  https://www.berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.de, https://www.facebook.com/PHinGermany, or https://www.instagram.com/phingermany/.