LONDON – Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. led the Philippine Embassy’s commemoration of the 128th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom at Sentro Rizal London on 19 December 2024.
Officers of the Knights of Rizal Area of United Kingdom and Ireland and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc.-London, and some members of the Filipino community were in attendance.
With the theme “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas” (Rizal in the New Philippines: Life and Teachings, as our Guide), the commemoration revolved around honoring Dr. Rizal’s life and legacy. The program began with a wreath- laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Rizal by Ambassador and Mrs. Locsin.
In the Ambassador’s remarks, he recalled Dr. Rizal’s heroism and patriotism through his works and teachings, saying, “Our national hero lived ideals exemplified by his bravery and integrity which guide us as we build wider bridges of understanding and stronger ties between the Philippines and the world.”
The event’s highlight was a dramatization through songs of a scene in Noli Me Tangere where Post personnel Ms. Zophia Irena Saikol Sunderland performed “Dahil sa Iyo” as Maria Clara and Mr. Christopher Francis Nicholas Millar sang “Bituing Marikit” as Crisostomo Ibarra.
The commemoration concluded with a salo-salo of Filipino food and fellowship with the guests.
