Personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and leaders of the Filipino community gather to celebrate the 121st anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal.

The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Francisco Noel Fernandez III, held its annual commemoration of the martydrom of Dr. Jose Rizal in its Chancery in Ottawa. The event was participated in by Embassy personnel and leaders of the Filipino community, including officials of the Philippine Heritage Foundation of Canada (PHFC). The highlight of the event was the singing of an original composition of the PHFC to celebrate the life of Dr. Rizal.

Caption: Chargé d’Affaires Fernandez joins the senior officials of the Knights of Rizal, Montreal Chapter in laying a wreath before the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal.

In the evening of the same day, Chargé d’Affaires Fernandez and Cultural Attaché Ma. Teresa Benitez-Bragais joined the Knights of Rizal, Montreal Chapter in their commemoration of the 121st anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom. A dramatic re-enactment of the events leading to the execution of Dr. Rizal was performed by the Chapter members to further highlight the contribution of Dr. Rizal to the emergence of Philippine nationhood.