6 January 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, in partnership with the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Hawaii Chapter, commemorated the 118th Anniversary of the martyrdom of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal by the bust of Dr. Rizal at the Consulate General on 29 December 2014.

The commemoration program started with a flag raising and singing of the Philippine national anthem, and followed by the laying of a memorial wreath by the Consulate General and the offering of lei or floral garland by the KOR Hawaii Chapter Commander, Mr. Arnold Villafuerte.

In his remarks, Consul Roberto T. Bernardo, Acting Head of the Consulate General, expressed appreciation for the partnership with the KOR, and the teamwork of the Philippine Consulate General personnel, not just for the preparations for the Rizal Day celebration, but for the cooperation and unity they have displayed in 2014. He extolled the qualities of Dr. Rizal and urged the audience emulate and remember the contributions of the national hero to Filipinos.

Mr. Raymund Liongson, KOR Hawaii USA Area Commander, on behalf of the KOR, gave his remarks for the occasion. He stated that, “Today, we reflect on the life and ideals of a man who believed in human dignity and justice, courage and resistance, reason and peaceful change. Today, let us invite ourselves to examine the lessons from history, the value of heritage, and their relevance to our present lives and the future of our children and people.”

The KOR members and Consulate personnel then partook of a simple salu-salo of champorado, pandesal, cheese, and tuyo or dried fish, which, history books say, was Rizal’s favorite food during his exile in Dapitan.  END