Following the launch of the Rizaliana collection at the Philippine Embassy on 4 June 2011, the Philippine Flag Day at the Ottawa Police Service as well as the Knights of Rizal-KababaihangRizalista Formal Dinner on 13 June 2011, the Philippine Embassy continued to spearhead Rizal@150 commemorative events at the Gatineau City Hall and Tahanang Rizal, the official residence of the Philippine Ambassador on 19 June 2011.
(L) Philippine Embassy ladies receive their Kababaihang Rizalista membership certificates (R) Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista gather for a formal dinner commemorating Rizal@150 on 13 June 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel in Ottawa
The commemoration of the national hero’s 150th birthday on June 19 began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Gatineau City Hall which houses a bust of Dr. Jose Rizal.
CDA Minerva Jean A. Falcon lays at the Rizal@150 Wreath Laying Ceremony together with members of the Philippine Heritage Committee led by Dr. Ruby Formoso (3rd from right)
After the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Ruby Formoso, President of the Philippine Heritage Foundation, CDA Minerva Jean A. Falcon addressed the members of the Foundation, Knights of Rizal and KababaihangRizalista in attendance. In her message, CDA Falcon hailed Rizal as the quintessential global Filipino. She encouraged Filipinos in Canada to adhere to Rizal’s quest for excellence to cultivate the hero in each Filipino.
Dr. Ruby Formoso, President of the Philippine Heritage Foundation (L) and CDA Minerva Jean A. Falcon deliver their remarks
Mr. Alvar Rosales recites Rizal's Sa AkingMgaKabata (L)
Members of the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Heritage Foundation and Knights of Rizal at the Wreath Laying Ceremony (R)
The recitation of Rizal’s Sa AkingMgaKabata by Knights of Rizal member and Embassy Finance Officer Alvar E. Rosales capped the ceremonial event.
At Tahanang Rizal on the same day, the Philippine Embassy organized a commemorative program and hosted a reception for the Filipino community.
(L) Flag raising ceremony at Tahanang Rizal (R) CDA Minerva Jean A. Falcon delivers her Rizal@150 message
Emceed by TinigPinoy’s Regina Sosing, the official program began with a flag raising ceremony as Himig Filipino Chorale Ensemble led the signing of the national anthem.
In her welcome remarks, CDA Falcon thanked the leaders and members of Filipino organizations who contributed to the huge success of Philippine Heritage Week as declared by His Worship Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa. Her message wove together the themes Kalayaan, Paninindiganng Bayan and Rizal, Haliging Bayan.
CDA Falcon exhorted Filipinos in Canada to emulate Rizal who broke glass ceilings to become Asia’s Renaissance Man. She expressed the hope that the successful Philippine Heritage Week events underpinned by a unity of purpose would provide a fresh impetus for greater solidarity within the Filipino community. She further called on all Filipinos in Canada to make a stand for unity as a pillar of our community’s strength.
CDA Falcon likewise cited the directive of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario for the Department of Foreign Affairs “to reach beyond our grasp” by going the extra mile with a smile. In this regard, she identified recent activities undertaken by the Philippine Embassy to improve frontline services.
(L) Wreath Laying Ceremony led by CDA Falcon (C) Tree Planting Ceremony with CDA Falcon and Philippine Heritage Foundation Members (R) Cake Ceremony led by Dr. Ruby Formoso, President of the Philippine Heritage Foundation, CDA Minerva Jean A. Falcon and PICOV President Sonia del Rosario
A wreath laying ceremony, this time by all Filipino organizations in Ottawa, followed as the Himig Filipino Chorale Ensemble sang Sampaguita after which the Gauthier-Mamaril string trio played Maalaala Mo Kaya. The program also featured the recitation of Rizal’s A la juventud Filipina accompanied by the Gauthier-Mamaril string trio and a rendition of Ako ay Pilipino by the Himig Filipino Chorale Ensemble.
Other program highlights were a tree planting ceremony and cake ceremony led by CDA Falcon and members of the Philippine Heritage Foundation led by Dr. Ruby Formoso followed by a birthday song for Dr. Jose Rizal and Pilipinas Kong Mahal sang by the Filipino community.
8 Images of Rizal@150 at Tahanang Rizal on 19 June 2011
Philippine Embassy hosts Rizal@150 at Tahanang Rizal (L-R) Josephine Gonato, MerlitaHalili, Edna Pataunia, Zenia Madonna Clemente, Buenaflor Cruz, Shirley Banquincio, CDA Minerva Jean Falcon, Flerida Ann Camille Mayo, Porfirio Mayo, Jr., Alvar Rosales, Mario Masangkay, Romeo Merjudio and Ronnie Sumo
The event ended with the tanghaliangalmusalanhosted by CDA Falcon.
More Rizal@150 events are planned for December 2011 under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy.