On 04 June 2011, the Philippine Embassy launched commemorative activities for the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with a book exhibit at the new Embassy premises on 130 Albert Street in Ottawa.

CDA Minerva Jean A. Falcon (R) opens the Embassy's Rizal@150 Book Exhibit assisted by Ms. Sonia del Rosario (L) of the Philippine Heritage Foundation. Behind them are Richard Fairweather (L) and Fr. Pedro Arana representing the Knights of Rizal

The Rizaliana collection on display includes school textbooks used in the early 60's, compendiums of his poems and plays, coffee table books such as Felice Sta. Maria's In Excelsis and Asunción Lopez Bantug's Lolo Jose as well as publications of the Comisión Nacional del Centenario de José Rizal in 1961 and the National Heroes Commission in 1963 such as Cartas Entre Rizal Y sus Colegas de la Propaganda, Reminiscences and Travels of Jose Rizal, Letters between Rizal and Family Members and The Rizal-Blumentritt Correspondence.Chargé d' Affaires Minerva Jean A. Falcon opened the exhibit with the assistance of Ms. Sonia del Rosario of the Philippine Heritage Foundation and members of the Knights of Rizal.

Also arranged by the Embassy for the special occasion was the screening of film Rizal sa Dapitan directed by Tikoy Aguiluz followed by a reception for leaders of Filipino organizations in Ottawa.The opening of the Rizaliana exhibit and film showing coincides with the blessing of the Philippine Embassy's new chancery and consular premises.

Fr. Pedro Arana blesses the new Chancery and Consular Premises of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa

Succeeding Rizal@150 events in Ottawa include a Philippine Flag Day at the Ottawa Police Service Headquarters, Kababaihang Rizalista Induction Rites and Joint Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Dinner on June 13; and a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Gatineau City Hall, Rizal@150 Community Program and Embassy Reception at Tahanang Rizal on June 19.