04 January 2017 – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Minda Calaguian-Cruz led the celebration of Rizal Day through an offering of flowers at the bust of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Conference Room of the Chancery.

Ambassador Calaguian-Cruz talked about Rizal’s influence in the lives of the Filipinos and the respect that the national hero earned from the people he encountered during his travels.

Embassy personnel Benjie Anarna and Ruel Peñaflorida read Rizal’s work, “Mi Último Adiós” in the original Spanish version and its Filipino translation.  Rizal wrote the poem on the eve of his execution by firing squad on December 30 1896.

Ms. Kathleen Fesalbon-Tudio briefly discussed the life and works of Rizal during the program.

Philippine Ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz shared Dr. Jose Rizal’s influence in the lives of the Filipinos, and the respect our national hero earned from the people and places where he has worked and travelled.  She underscored the significant role of Dr. Jose Rizal and his love for country and people which one must emulate when doing one’s work and contribute to the progress of the country. END