30 December 2011 – The Philippine Embassy in Madrid reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it commemorated the 115th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal with a wreath laying at the Rizal Monument in Avenida de Filipinas on 30 December 2011.
The solemn and brief event was done in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal (KOR) – La Solidaridad Chapter, Madrid. The highlights of the commemoration were the offering of the wreath at the monument of Dr. Rizal by Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas and newly elected KOR Commander Federico Sanchez, and an interpretation reading of the Mi Último Adios by Mr. Elías Rodriguez, Director of the Producciones Abaira.
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| Offering of wreath by Amb. Salinas (L) and Mr. Federico Sanchez (R) | Reading of the Mi Último Adios by Mr. Elías Rodriguez |
Ambassador Salinas, in his closing remarks, thanked the Spanish Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and the Biblioteca Nacional de España for giving homage to Dr. Rizal in the milestone celebration of his 150th Birth Anniversary and recognizing him as one of the great Filipino writers of his time.
Ambassador Salinas also thanked Dr. Ambeth Ocampo and the Philippine National Library in extending their support and assistance on the project by the Spanish government.
Ambassador Salinas said that “Rizal did not set off to be famous but simply wanted to be proactive, productive and progressive.”
Amb. Salinas delivering his closing remarks.
The commemoration of the Rizal Day was covered by the local Spanish channel INTERECONOMIA.
Present during the ceremony were Embassy personnel, members of the Knights of Rizal, the Filipino community leaders and Filipino community members. END
