Rizal’s 124th Anniversary of Martyrdom Commemorated in PH Embassies, Consulates amidst Pandemic
PASAY CITY 04 January 2020 – To commemorate the 124th anniversary of Jose Rizal’s martyrdom, with the theme “Jose Rizal: Inspirasyon sa Pagbangon at Paghilom ng Bayan”, Philippine Embassies and Consulates all over the world paid tribute to the Philippine national hero on 30 December 2020.
Heads of Posts and officers remarked on Rizal’s role in inspiring the Filipino people, especially the youth, andhighlighted his devotion and sacrifice for the Philippines--a timely reminder as the country continues its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As a tribute to the national hero, a number of Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) recited the poem Mi Ultimo Adios, written by Rizal on the eve of his execution at Bagumbayan.
Philippine Embassies in Argentina, Athens, Singapore, Bangkok, Egypt, Tehran, Berlin, Beijing, Doha, and Nairobi (https://bit.ly/358T4cr), as well as the Consulates General in Macau, Sydney, Jeddah (https://bit.ly/35bCRD7), Chicago (https://bit.ly/35eazrT) and Toronto held a wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal.
In Buenos Aires, the children of Filipinos living in Argentina and Bolivia, and the Philippine Embassy staff also read Mi Ultimo Adios in the original Spanish version. The video of the program can be accessed through the Embassy’s official social media platforms Facebook and on YouTube with the following link: https://youtu.be/nlULqU3phxw. In Budapest, Cairo, Tokyo and Houston, poetry readings of the same poem in several languages were also held, read by DFA personnel Consul Ria E. Gorospe, Attaché Iluminada T. Manalo, Mr. Balint Drimal, and Ms. Loreen Manalo. More on these stories on: https://bit.ly/38bmqIT, https://bit.ly/2L1jPZo. https://bit.ly/2LjvbHX. In Butuan’s, the Consular Office’s commemoration was a reading of Rizal’s “To the Philippine Youth”, by Rhyz Kym Corvera, son of the Consular Supervisor Ms. Zaportiza Corvera.
The Philippine Embassy in Athens, on the other hand, hosted the screening of a short documentary film about the life and works of the national hero. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/3nkogf7. Meanwhile, Philippine posts in Macau, Bangkok and Chongqing held a screening of “JOSÉ RIZAL: Sa Landas ng Paglaya”, produced by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as part of its Heroes Series. Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/38cOsno.
In Toronto, the Philippine Consulate General attended and participated in three events commemorating the occasion in the cities of Markham and Toronto, with Philippine Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro and Consul Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza attending. The first wreath-laying ceremony was held in the morning at the Luneta Gardens, in front of Rizal Avenue in Markham where the life-size monument of Dr. Rizal stands. The event was organized by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians (MFCC) led by its long-time President, Ms. Yolanda Ladines. The second wreath-laying event was held in the afternoon at the Rizal bust at Earl Bales Park in North York, Toronto, organized by the Order of the Knights of Rizal Canada Region, while the third event which capped the day’s commemorations was a Zoom meet organized by the KOR Canada Region in the evening. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/2XdB0cJ
In Singapore, the Embassy, in partnership with the Philippine Bayanihan Society Singapore, organized a webinar held on 04 December 2020 on “Kundiman ni Rizal,” featuring the national hero as a poet, novelist, musician, composer and lyricist, where Dr. Evelyn F. Cabanban from the Tawid Heritage Centre was the main lecturer. Furthermore, a floral offering was also held by the Embassy to honor Rizal on 30 December 2020. You may watch the webinar here: https://bit.ly/3b3pCIn
In Brunei, the Embassy spearheaded commemorative activities of the Filipino community at the Embassy grounds along the Diplomatic Enclave on 30 December 2020. Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, followed by a reading of “To the Philippines” by Ms. Estrella Perez and a poignant rendition of Filipino patriotic songs “Ang Bayan Ko” and “Ako ay Pilipino” by talented Filipino musician Mr. Fredaline Parin. The event was capped with a short film delving the last few hours of Rizal’s life before his execution. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/2MvpDL8
A floral offering was also held in Cambodia, led by the Embassy in Phnom Penh—Sentro Rizal, at the Rizal bust located at the Chancery on 29 December 2020. The Sentro Rizal-Phnom Penh collaborated with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to hold an online screening of the award-winning 1961 film “Noli Me Tangere.” More on this story on: https://bit.ly/3rUBuCM
In Paris, Philippine Embassy in Paris Chargé d’Affaires Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau recalled the second part of the book The Philippines and France: Discovery, Rediscovery published by the Embassy, which talks about Rizal in France. “Many of the places that he visited are still in existence and may be familiar to a lot of you. Perhaps the next time you pass by them, you will think about how these places and the democratic ideals of the French had inspired Rizal to bring change to our own country,” said Chargé d’Affaires Mendiola-Rau. “The Philippines and France: Discovery, Rediscovery” e-book can be downloaded through this link: https://bit.ly/3pPdGOO
In Spain, the Philippine Embassy and members of the Filipino Community commemorated the 123rd Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with a caroling activity and talk on the life of Rizal held at the Embassy. In his remarks, Consul General Adrian Cruz noted that expressed his hopes that “we are able to inculcate in the minds of the Filipino youth how one should love his country in the manner that Rizal did and showed us.” Other notable places where Rizal lived and studied in Madrid are enumerated in a walking tour guide produced by the Philippine Embassy in Madrid. Those interested may access this Rizal tour guide at the website at: www.philembassymadrid.com/rizals-madrid. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/3blydqj
In Dubai, Consul General Paul Raymund P. Cortes led the wreath-laying ceremony, with the Knights of Rizal Emarat Dubai Chapter, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The recitation of the Rizalist Code of Ethics and Rizalian Oath reminded everyone of Rizal’s sacrifices for his country.
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago personnel trooped to Margate Park on 30 December 2020 to offer flowers at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal. Acting Head of Post Consul Ryan Francis D. Gener, who is also the KoR Maynilad Chapter Commander, noted that amid the loss and tragedy, 2020 will be better known for the Filipino people’s collective response in courageously facing the pandemic head-on. “The selfless service of Filipino frontliners, the generosity of the community, and the empathy shown by loved ones and strangers alike, have shone a piercing light through the darkest of nights. The bayanihan spirit that the Filipino community has exhibited is a manifestation that Rizal’s heroism is alive and well,” Consul General added. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/35eazrT
In Berlin, the Embassy honored the national hero by conducting a wreath-laying ceremony at the Sentro Rizal–Berlin. The Embassy also posted on their social media accounts the link to the one-day free streaming of Director Mike De Leon's "Bayaning Third World'' in a new remastered version and presented by Casa Grande Vintage Filipino Cinema. Moreover, the Embassy also shared a slideshow/video for Rizal Day on its official sites/accounts. Watch the slideshow here: https://bit.ly/3pXA9t3.
In Sydney, the Consulate, together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) and Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), also held a virtual wreath-laying ceremony at the Bulwagang Rizal, Philippine Consulate General in Sydney. Consul Melanie Diano also attended the wreath-laying ceremony at Plaza Ibero organized by the Knights of Rizal Sydney Chapter, while Consul Guzman attended the ceremony at the Rizal Park in Rooty Hill. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/3hKxW1b
In Beijing, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana led the commemoration ceremony, which was attended by officials of the Embassy. The Embassy also showed a documentary on the life and legacy of Dr. Rizal, titled "Rizal: The Pride of the Malay Race" (1995). Watch the documentary on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/2L8EfzJ
In Vancouver, the Consulate created social media info-cards on “10 Interesting and Lesser Known Things about Dr. Jose Rizal” based on an article published by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and featured them on the Consulate’s social media pages. View the info-cards here: https://bit.ly/39eBViO
In Iraq, the Philippine Embassy held a flag ceremony, after which Administrative Officer Jerome Friaz and Protocol Officer Rommel Bermas introduced Rizal to locally hired employees of the Embassy by watching the movie, José Rizal, with its English subtitles.
In Houston, the Consulate’s officers and staff, headed by Philippine Consul General to Houston Jerril G. Santos offered flowers at Rizal’s bust at Hermann Park in Houston, Texas. Consul General Santos recalled the heroism of our National Hero in his remarks, and Vice Consul Marco AFL Lopez read an excerpt from Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios.” The Consulate’s representative, Vice Consul Marco AFL Lopez, attended the Order of the Knights of Rizal’s celebration at the bust of Rizal at Hermann Park in Houston, Texas.
In Geneva, the Philippine Mission launched an eight-minute video entitled “Kwentong Geneva and Vaud” on its official Facebook account in December 2020. The video draws inspiration from Jose Rizal’s travel to Geneva from 06 to 20 June 1887, which is presented in the form of a historical documentary. Rizal’s travels are then framed as a pioneering “Global Filipino” experience, and then linked to the modern-day Filipino diaspora in Europe, including Switzerland. The goal is for members of the Filipino community in Geneva and Vaud to identify with Rizal’s experience, thereby enhancing the National Hero’s relevance to their lives. Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/3bsxDHi.
In Australia, the Philippine Embassy and Consulate General in Melbourne conducted a virtual gathering arranged by Pinoy Ako, Pinoy Tayo to commemorate the occasion. In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen de la Vega said, “In my many meetings with high officials of Australia, they have always described the Filipino Community here as a caring community that provides support for and lifts others particularly in times of need just like Dr. Jose Rizal who even in exile improved the lives of those in his community in Dapitan.”
In Doha, the Embassy personnel, with some of their dependents, attended the celebration held at the Embassy premises on 30 December 2020. Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Alan L. Timbayan read the message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte before he delivered his own remarks. A wreath-laying ceremony on the statue of Rizal followed.
In Vienna, the Philippine Embassy conducted a simple wreath-laying ceremony to honor the hero at the Embassy Chancery. The socially distant ceremony, led by Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad, was attended by the Embassy personnel.
In Manama, the Philippine Embassy commemorated the occasion with a wreath laying ceremony and the reading of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s message for Rizal Day. The ceremony was led by Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver, together with Special Envoy for the Kingdom of Bahrain, Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert E.A. Borje, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Worker’s Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola, and officials of the order of the Knights of Rizal – Bahrain Chapter led by its Chapter Commander, Mr. Rene Caseda. The celebration coincides with the event organized for the Filipino Community during the official visit of the Philippine Delegation entitled Kalinga at Malasakit ng Pangulo para sa OFWs, held at the Wyndham Grand Manama.
Other FSPs such Budapest PE, Rome PE, Mexico PE, Paris PE, and Houston PCG as well as the Consular Office in General Santos held flower offering ceremonies to pay tribute to the national hero. More on these stories here: https://bit.ly/38buIAz, https://bit.ly/38bmqIT, https://bit.ly/2XcXwSQ. END
Top row, left photo: A floral wreath is placed in front of the bronze bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the premises of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore to commemorate his 124th death anniversary. (Singapore PE photo); Top row, middle photo: Philippine Ambassador to Argentina Linglingay F. Lacanlale (left) with the President of the City of Buenos Aires’ Comuna 13, Mrs. Florencia Scavino (right), in front of the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal located in Paseo de la República de Filipinas in Belgrano district, Buenos Aires; Top row, right photos: Philippine Embassy in Athens Chargé d’ Affaires Rosario P. Lemque offers flowers at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal. Administrative Officer, Mr. Berth D. Salvador reads the famous poem “Mi Ultimo Adios” by Dr. Jose Rizal (left photo). First Secretary and Consul Judy Barbara G. Robianes makes a brief introduction about the documentary film of Dr. Jose Rizal (right photo). (Athens PE photos); Bottom row, left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P. Nolasco leads the floral offering ceremony by the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Sentro Rizal Rome in the Philippine Embassy in commemoration of the 124th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal. (Rome PE photo); Bottom row, second from left photo: Selected Filipino children from the countries under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires recite Dr. Rizal's Mi Ultimo Adios. (Buenos Aires PE photos).
Top row, left photo: The Philippine Embassy in Budapest during the flag-raising ceremony. Bottom row, from left to right: Philippine Ambassador to Hungary Frank R. Cimafranca (right) and Madam Lucila C. Cimafranca (left) during the flower offering; and During the reading of Dr. Rizal’s famous poem, “My Last Farewell (Mi Ultimo Adios),” in its original language, Spanish, and also in three other languages. (Budapest PE photos); Rightmost photo: (Macau PCG photo)
Top row, left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz-Paredes delivers her opening remarks. Right photo: Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Dean Mark F. Mamaril during his short talk. (Bangkok PE photo); Bottom row, left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero leads the wreath-laying rites to commemorate the 124th anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal. He is flanked by (right) Ms. Malou Ramos-Wong, President of the Filipino Association in Brunei, and (left) Colonel Ricky Laniog, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché. Bottom row, right photo: Embassy officials and Filipino Community leaders pose for a photo after the wreath-laying ceremony; Top row, right photos: left photo: Reading of one of Dr. Jose Rizal’s popular poems, “To the Philippines” by Ms. Estrella Perez (left photo). (Brunei PE photo); Filipino musician Mr. Fredaline Parin performs a poignant rendition of Filipino patriotic songs (right photo). The attendees watch an excerpt of the movie “Jose Rizal” directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya which shows the final hours of Dr. Jose Rizal up to his execution (bottom photos). (Brunei PE photos)
Top row, second from right photo: In Egypt, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Sulpicio M. Confiado, accompanied by Madame Priscila R. Confiado, along with the officers and staff of the Embassy held a flag ceremony and a wreath-laying ceremony (Egypt PE photo); Bottom row: leftmost and second from left photos by Tehran PE; third and second from right photos by Toronto PCG.
Top row, from left to right: Jeddah PCG, Dubai PCG, and General Santos CO photos. Bottom row, from left to right: The Philippine Embassy in Paris led by Chargé d’Affaires Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau grace the commemoration of the 124th martyrdom anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with flag-raising ceremony and flower offering at the Embassy grounds on 30 December 2020. (Paris PE photo); and Butuan CO photos.
Top row, right photos: Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Alan L. Timbayan reads President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Rizal Day Message, and delivers his remarks. Philippine Embassy Officials and personnel sing the Philippine National Anthem. Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Alan L. Timbayan (second from left) and Philippine Embassy Officials pose for a photo. (Doha PE photo); Vancouver PCG’s Infographics about the 10 Interesting and Lesser Known Things About Dr. Jose P. Rizal (Source: Philippine Information Agency/ Atty. Michael Camilo Datario); Bottom, left to right: Baghdad PE, Tokyo PE, and Chicago PCG.
The Philippine Embassies in Vienna (left) and Manama (right) celebrate Rizal Day 2020 with a wreath laying ceremony. (Vienna PE, Manama PE photos)