LONDON 19 June 2023 – Sentro Rizal London, in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal (KRI) Area of UK and Ireland, and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (KRI) London, commemorated the 162nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on 18 June 2023.
The program commenced with the singing of the National Anthem followed by my opening remarks and a wreath laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal. Flowers were also offered by the officers and members of the KOR, KRI and Embassy personnel.
In his remarks, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. made a vow to read again Leon Ma. Guerrero’s biography of Dr. Rizal, The First Filipino, the most authentic translation of his two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo by Soledad Lacson-Locsin and Ambassador Locsin’s father Teodoro M. Locsin, Sr.’s two books on Rizal’s life, one of which is The Heroic Confession. He was also the recipient of the Rizal Pro Patria Award in 1961.
Ambassador Locsin also left a challenge not only to himself but to all the attendees to know Dr. Rizal by heart so that Filipinos can follow his example in their lives.
A highlight of the event was the inscription of verses of Dr. Rizal’s poem, “Ang Awit ni Maria Clara,” on a scroll participated in by the Ambassador Mrs. Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, and officers of KOR and KRI.
The event concluded with a salo-salo of Filipino food and fellowship with the guests. END
