Rizal Day

Dr. Jose P. Rizal (June 19, 1861-December 30, 1986)

It's the 30th day of the month of December again. Another holiday for the employees both public and private. But what are we celebrating? Is it for the preparation of New Year? No!!! We are celebrating for the death of our National hero Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda otherwise known as Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Who is Jose P. Rizal? and why are we celebrating his death?

Jose Rizal is a Filipino, a prominent nationalist reformist during the Spanish era. He put into writings all the sentiments against the Spaniards like writing in the Spanish La Solidaridad in Barcelona about the rights of the Filipinos, the most celebrated novels like

"Why independence,

if the slaves of today

will be the tyrants of tomorrow?"

- El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed)

and

"Not all were asleep

during the night

of our forefathers!"

- Noli Me Tangere (The Social Cancer).

He was accused for being involved in revolution. He was led into exile in Dapitan and then transferred to Fort Santiago where he is sentenced to death by firing squad. There also, he wrote his final words Mi Ultimo Adios. And on the 30th day of December year 1896, he died in Bagumbayan.

Bagumbayan which is now known as Rizal Park where we can see his monument are built to commemorate his sacrifices and works for the Filipino people and the 30th day of Decemeber wer considered as Rizal Day.

"Each one writes history

according to his convenience."

- Jose P. Rizal (Letter to Blumentritt on 22 August 1886)