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Two books with a picture of a man on the front and back.

Happy Birthday Jose Rizal!

Born June 19, 1861

See some of the birthday parade here:

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I love birthdays and always try to wish others Happy Birthday, but this is the first year I have known the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, and I had hoped to make it to his party earlier this week at Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. As the founder of Philippine Nationalism, Rizal’s writings reportedly: cleared the ground of iniquitous weeds; it was his tears which watered the plant, and it was his noble martyrdom which gave the necessary warmth for its rapid growth and development.

[2]Quote of Maximo Kalaw

I have read a lot of Rizal’s writings, including the two novels that changed the trajectory of this country out of Spanish Occupation.

Through Education

Our Motherland Receives Light

The vital breath of prudent Education

Instills a virtue of enchanting power;

She lifts the motherland to highest station

And endless dazzling glories on her shower.

And as the zephyr’s gentle exhalation

Revives the matrix of the fragrant flower,

So education multiplies her gifts of grace;

With prudent hand imparts them to the human race.

(This is the first of eight stanzas.)

Since I couldn’t make it to Laguna I asked my friend Marivic Garcia Macato to take some photos or even videos of the parade. It has taken a few days to pull the photos together but such a joyful occasion deserves recognition even a few days late.

[2]Link to my previous story about Rizal is in the References.

References:

[1]Novels by Jose Rizal: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
ISA-JECHO PUBLISHING, INC., 96 Kalayaan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City

[2]Quote of Maximo Kalaw

He became an associate editor of the Manila Times, a professor of political science at the University of the Philippines, an exchange professor at the University of Michigan, becoming the first Filipino to teach in an American university.

He was also a private secretary in the office of Manuel L. Quezon and a representative of the 3rd district of Batangas in the First Legislature of the Commonwealth.

[3]Link to my previous story about Rizal:

DONN’s Observations and Insights is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.