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25 JUNE 2024 - In celebration of the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Embassy in Canada, Sentro Rizal Ottawa, together with the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Gatineau Chapter, hosted the exhibit of Eusebro’s Morphology of Art, Poetry, and Rizalism on Friday, 21 June 2024, at the Mindanao Hall of the Embassy. The exhibit features a total of 17 artworks by renowned surrealist artist Roberto Lavidez.
The program started with a parade of the KOR members and a wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Rizal was led by Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria and KOR Chapter Commander Dax Morfe. It was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Austria cited Dr. Rizal’s legacy, courage, and wisdom to guide every Filipino to live lives worthy of the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal. Ambassador Austria called on the members of the Filipino-Canadian community to strengthen their bonds with fellow Filipinos and continue to work together for causes that will benefit their kababayan, both here and back home. She also encouraged everyone to be active participants in their communities, and advocates for the rights of the most vulnerable members of our community like the temporary foreign workers, and continue to preserve, promote, and share Filipino vibrant culture with their Canadian friends and neighbors. Through the exhibit, Ambassador Austria invited everyone to take this opportunity to reflect on the life of Dr. Jose Rizal and be inspired by Dr. Rizal’s unwavering dedication to his people, his commitment to education, and his unyielding belief in the power of positive change. Ambassador Austria’s remarks ended with a quote from Dr. Rizal through the character of Father Florentino, “Our liberty will not be secured at the sword's point...we must secure it by making ourselves worthy of it.”
KOR Chapter Commander Dax Morfe also addressed the audience, followed by Ms. Joyne Lavides’ introduction of the exhibit and the artist through an audio-visual presentation of Eusebro’s International Rizaliana Art Tour. The official program wrapped up with a high note with the artist Roberto Lavidez’ Talk on Poetry.
Ambassador Austria led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the exhibition, which will run until 5 July 2024. She was joined by Mr. Roberto Lavidez and KOR Chapter Commander Dax Morfe.
Roberto Lavidez, as EUSEBRO, is a surrealist artist, poet, essayist, actor, director, playwright, and screenwriter whose prolific Rizalist vistas persevered throughout his creative career.
The event was attended by KOR members and their families as well as members of the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa. It was capped with a performance by the Philippine Heritage Foundation of Canada and a reception. END