Philippine national hero Jose Rizal remembered

June 19, 2012 Filed under News Photos, Philippine Consulates Posted by TFA Staff

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis leads in laying flowers at the Ibero-American Plaza

Sydney-based members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Philippine consular officers and other Philippine community members this morning gathered in Sydney to commemorate the Philippine national hero’s 151st birth anniversary.

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis led a floral offering ceremony at the Ibero-American Plaza in Central Station.

Series of busts (Rizal's, rightmost) at the Ibero-American Plaza

The Ibero-American Plaza, located on the Elizabeth/Chandler streets side of Central Station, features a series of busts of heroes of Spanish and Portuguese countries. Founded on February 4, 1989 and officially opened September 7, 2000 by Sydney City mayor Cr Frank Sartor, the plaza is a monument “to commemorate the contribution of Spanish and Portuguese speaking people to Australia.”

Rizaliana social media, radio and park developments

In related activities, this website made available to social media providers a “YouTube version” of the reading of Dr Jose Rizal’s “Letter to the Women of Malolos” by the national hero’s great-great-grand niece.

The Rizal’s letter audio was part of the Rizaliana Sesquicentennial Radio Festival in Sydney celebration activities last December.

SBS Filipino Radio this morning also played at 97.7FM the “Love of Leonor Rivera” episode of the Rizaliana Sesquicentennial radio festival.

Other upcoming Rizal-related activities include the Rizal statue unveiling in August this year at the Campbelltown Rizal Park plus re-development of the Rizal Park in Rooty Hill, Blacktown.