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| SF Consulate Commemorates
Dr. Jose RizalÕs 109th Death Anniversary |
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| Photos clockwise from left: the first shows Daly city mayor Michael Guingona posing with Consul General Sanchez and the officers and staff of the Consulate from the city; the Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez delivering her welcome remarks; Dr. Jose rizalÕs poem Ôa la juventud filipinaÕ was recited by consulate staff and children and the Philippine Consulate General chorale performing one of its repertoires. |
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The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco commemorated the 109th anniversary of the death of Dr. Jose Rizal, the PhilippinesÕ national hero, in simple rites held at the consulate on 30 December 2005.
The event entitled: ÒRizalismo: Sandigan ng Pagkakaisa, Nasyonalismo at Pag-unladÓ was attended by Mayor Michael Guingona of Daly City, leaders of the Filipino-American community in San Francisco and the Bay Area, and officers of the San Francisco Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce. The program started with the wreath-laying ceremony led by Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez and the officers of the consulate.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Sanchez emphasized the importance of celebrating the martyrdom of Dr. Rizal in order to convey to the Filipino youth the sacrifices he made for the freedom of the country.
ÒDr. Jose Rizal is not only considered our brother, a friend but more importantly as the national hero of the Philippines,Ó said Consul General Sanchez.
Daly City Mayor Michael Guingona, who was among the guests at the event, talked about the national heroÕs virtues and mentioned that his grandfather Galicano Apacible, was a classmate Dr. Jose Rizal. He presented a book to the Consulate entitled ÒGalicano Apacible: Profile of a Filipino PatriotÓ.
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The other highlight of the ceremony included the reading in English, Tagalog and Spanish of Dr. RizalÕs poem titled ÒA La Juventud FilipinaÓ (To The Filipino Youth) by Ms. Francesca Regala of the ConsulateÕs Cultural, Community Relations and Public Information Section, Mr. Jeremy Alfonso and Ms. Jessica Louise Balanban, children of the ConsulateÕs staff members.
The Philippine Consulate Choir under the guidance of Fr. Arnold Zamora of Star of the Sea Parish in San Francisco rendered a musical presentation with its interpretation of ÒAko Ay PilipinoÓ, ÒBayan KoÓ and ÒIsang Dugo, Isang LahiÓ. The Filipino-American Veterans Rondalla also performed at the event.
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