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| Rizal Monument, Baguio City, 2025 |
I've always been a fan of Jose Rizal. Not because he was designated as a National Hero, but because of who he was when he was still alive. For me, Rizal was an example of both a Renaissance and Enlightenment man. He was a product of his time and an example of the future. He wasn't afraid to tell the truth and work within the rules.
Who truly is Jose Rizal? Are there still depths that we have not yet discovered about him?
Over the years, I've made it a point to take photos of monuments dedicated to Rizal. I would still like to add more to my collection since that will mean that I'll be able to travel to places. I have personally pledged that I will continue to search for Rizal in every place that I visit.
One of my prized experiences was during a trip to Hong Kong a couple of years ago, when I searched for Rizal's clinic. I traversed the Hong Kong public transportation system alone to look for the place where the clinic was originally located on D'Aguilar Street. And it was a happy moment when I found the official marker.
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| Rizal Marker in Hong Kong 2023 |
One might wonder where my fascination with Rizal came from. It all boils down to his love of books. When he died in 1896, his library, which he left in Hong Kong, was the source of litigation between Josephine Bracken and Jose Ma. Basa.
I truly discovered Rizal during one of my visits to one of my godmothers, who had a book about him. That was the first time I took an interest in Jose Rizal outside of school.
I've written about Rizal in my blog, and there are still numerous things I would like to write about him. I've always wondered what his reaction was to the Luna-Pardo de Tavera affair. I've asked Professor Ambeth Ocampo about it, but he was elusive in answering my inquiry.
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| Rizal Monument Cebu City 2021 |
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| Rizal Monument Dumaguete City Negros Oriental 2023 |
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| Rizal Statue Silay City Negros Occidental 2019 |
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| Rizal Painting by Martino Abellana |
Read More About Jose Rizal:
Of Ukoy, Lotto, Rizal and the Pardo de Taveras
Don Leoncio Lopez: The Real Padre Florentino of El Filibusterismo
Rizal the Reader: What Would Rizal Read In the 21st Century?
#thevisualtraveler #rizal #joserizal
June 19, 2025
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