By Josephine Quintero
Rizal Day is a national holiday in the Philippines which is always held every year on the 30th of December. It commemorates the execution of our National Hero by the Spanish colonial government.
Pinoy Ako Pinoy Tayo (PAPT) initially organised the commemoration of Rizal Day in Ballarat at their Rizal Park in 2019.
Last year’s event was very successful and attended by the Mayor of Ballarat, Deputy Consul General, Anthony Mandap and many leaders from different Filipino organsations.
Virtual Commemoration
Due to the unpredictability of Covid-19, PAPT decided to commemorate Rizal Day through a virtual presentation. It will be held on Monday, 28th December 2020, being a national holiday in Australia. This will make it easier for everyone to watch on Facebook, just search ‘RIZAL DAY 2020 ON LINE MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA‘, or click here and join the group.
It will start from 9am till 3pm and will include a short movie of Dr. Jose Rizal’s life story, messages from the Philippine Ambassador Helen de la Vega, Knights of Rizal, KKK, and other notable guests.
There will also be interviews and messages from some of the relatives of Dr. Jose Rizal from different parts of the world and varieties of Filipino cultural shows.
The commemoration of Rizal Day is now in its second year in Melbourne. It is planned for this event to be held annually to bring Filipinos in Victoria together on this special occasion.
