Kababayans gathered at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 2023 to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Philippine National Hero.
Dr. Jose Rizal was honored in a solemn ceremony with wreath-laying by various community groups at the Luneta Gardens where the Jose Rizal Monument in Markham, Ontario stands, in the event organized by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians.
“Although far from the Philippines, we want to let kababayans and fellow Canadians know of the significant role Dr. Jose Rizal had in the founding history of the Filipino nation,” remarked the Honorable Consul General Angelica Escalona, special Guest of Honor at the commemoration in her speech.
“As Filipinos, wherever we are, we feel that connection with our homeland. Part of being Filipino is knowing about our National Hero, and there is so much to learn from him, like love of our country, striving for excellence, and fighting for what is right,” she said.
“With this Rizal monument in Markham, I am very pleased and proud that Dr. Rizal is appreciated by our kababayans and also by the people here,” she said, in praise of the attendees who braved the winter cold, and amid the din of the holidays, or even being already in the comfort and security of Canada, just to be in solidarity with compatriots everywhere in their love of country and Dr. Rizal on this occasion.
On the significance of the martyrdom, the Sculptor of the monument and pointman for the event Mogi Mogado recalled “that Dr. Rizal is foremost of our Philippine heroes, who was executed that day 127 years ago, for his writings, which inspired the revolution that would end the colonial rule of Spain over the homeland, and the rest is history.”
Alicia Chiu who led the monument project along with her late hubby the former Councillor Alex Chiu stated that “although Markham Filipinos solely funded the monument, when it was donated as a gift to the peoples of Canada on behalf of the Filipino Canadians in this country, it now belongs to everybody and all kababayans are free to come visit and celebrate their heritage events here. Or you are always welcome to join our MFFC-organized commemorations which are always all-inclusive and community-wide, for all kababayans.”
ConGen Escalona was among those who offered wreaths and shared their greetings, along with representatives of community organizations, including the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in Toronto led by Prexy Agnes Manasan and VP Chito Villamayor and Council Member Nova Rellosa de Leon, the Filipino Center Toronto led by VP Theresa Lumanlan and Board Director Frank Cruzet, the Philippine Artists Group of Canada led by Prexy Jun Afable and VP Michelle Ramos, and MFFC led by Chair Art Canseco and VC Myrna de Leon and Chair Emeritus Yoly Ladines.
Also recognized for their presence were the Knights of Rizal Canada Region led by former Supreme Council member Sir Jimmy Marasigan and Chapter Commanders for Markham Sir Joseph Redoblado and for Scarborough Sir Willie Reodica, the Knights of Columbus SJPII Assembly 3325 Worthy Faithful Navigator SK Eduardo Wijangco and BFO Council Grand Knight Francis Prima, the Block Rosary Crusade of Toronto led by Dr. Bina Comendador, and Balita Newspaper, among others.
In the program, the MFFC youth group was represented by Angela Canseco who led in the singing of the Philippine and Canada National Anthems. MFFC Chair Art Canseco gave the closing remarks, thanking all the participants.
With over 100 statues in many major cities and various countries around the world to this day, the aspiration of Filipino communities to express their patriotism through this most iconic of Filipino heritage symbols continues, with the Filipino community in Niagara in the final stages of seeing their dream of putting up a Rizal statue right in the falls escarpment park, the heartland of tourism in Canada, a near reality.
Please save the date for Rizal birth commemoration on June 19- same place but more of our kababayans from all over, and more of our prominent VIPs too will be joining us.
To view the OMNI TV newscast on the martyrdom, go to…