A Born of a Hero is a Celebration of His People

José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born on 19th June 1861 in the town of Calamba in the province of Laguna, in the Philippines.

Jose Rizal, as he was popularly known, became a Filipino polymath, nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era and its eventual independence from Spain. He is considered a national hero, and the anniversary of Rizal's death is commemorated as a national holiday in the Philippines, called Rizal Day, which is celebrated on 30th December each year.

Rizal's military trial and execution on 30th December 1896 made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution. Rizal was a national hero of the Philippines and the first Asian nationalist. He expressed the growing national consciousness of many Filipinos who opposed Spanish colonial tyranny and aspired to attain democratic rights.

Every year, on the 30th day of December, the whole nation observes the death anniversary of our great national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. This is to commemorate the nationalism and martyrdom of Rizal, with the event highlighted by the raising of the giant Philippine flag and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Park, more popularly known as Luneta, in Manila.

Similar ceremonies are held at the Rizal shrines in Calamba, Laguna and Dapitan in Zamboanga, and the Rizal Monument in Baguio City, as well as in all the municipalities and cities in the country. For this reason, December 30 is declared a national non-working holiday to give the public ample time to prepare and observe the day in honor of the hero.

As a political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aquinaldo. He was a proponent of institutional reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution.

Aguinaldo's revolutionary government did not last long when the Americans came and established their rule in the country.

Through his two books, "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) and "El Filibusterismo" (The Filibuster), Rizal had influenced not only his fellow Filipinos during the Spanish regime but also his friends and classmates in Europe, including Spain and Germany.

Rizal was so adored by the people there are still Filipinos, particularly in this city, who continue to idolize him and consider him their God. The Rizalistas are still active in some barangays in Calamba and members consider Rizal as their savior.
                                                                                                          By: Rose Ann Crisostomo