Remembering Rizal: (Inter)national hero

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

DID you know that the biggest “Rizal Park” in the world can actually be located in China?

Yes, it’s not in Luneta. And just in case you weren’t aware, the reason for this is that, Jose Rizal’s ancestral roots were traced as far back during the 17th century, from a province called Siongque (or Zhang-Guo) in the mainland.

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With the park area estimated at about five hectares, it also boasts of the tallest monument of our hero to date. Made from Jinjang granite stones, the statue stands at around18 meters high, taller than its 12-meter high Luneta counterpart.

This is evidence, of not only our country’s, but of the world’s adoration for our National hero.

“Gandhi, Kissinger—these great individuals looked up to Jose Rizal back in their day,” shared Warfe Engracia. Warfe is a practicing doctor by profession, and a proud 4th degree privileged member of the Knights of Rizal. He was present during the launching of the exhibit put up in Ayala Center Cebu in partnership with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, in commemoration of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday.

The exhibit dubbed, “Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan” features exclusive items, photographs, and information about Rizal, is free for public viewing and runs until June 24.

“Sometimes we take for granted his contributions because he’s just like one of us, Pinoys. Sad to say, but some westerners know better than us with regards to Rizal’s life and ideals. This shouldn’t be the case,” Warfe reveals.

Warfe is just one of the thousands of members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal all over the world. According to an online description of the organization from the Wikipedia, it was “established on Dec.30, 1911, (and) the organization was granted a legislative charter by the President of the Philippines as a civic and patriotic organization on June 14, 1951 by Republic Act 646.”

The Republic Act was sponsored by a Cebuano Congressman, Manuel Zosa and was then signed into law by the President then, Elpidio Quirino.

“Since its founding the organization has grown to over 10,000 members belonging to chapters located in countries throughout the world including Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany and the United States. Its international headquarters is located along Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.”

“The youth of today should read his (Rizal’s) books and research more about the life of Rizal and his contributions to the society,” says Warfe on how he thinks this generation should know more about one of—if not—the greatest individual to ever come out of this Southeast Asian Archipelago.

This simple yet informative exhibit right smack in the middle of the city mall should be the perfect place to start.

ORIENTAL ROOTS

“The hero (Jose Rizal) is a direct descendant of Chinese trader Cua Yi Lam who immigrated from Siongque or Zhang-Guo to the Philippines in the 17th century.

“Church records show that Cua Yi Lam was baptized Domingo Lamco at the age of 35 and that his birthplace was Siongque village, China. He moved from the Parian district of Manila to establish his family and his business in Laguna. He married Inez de la Rosa, daughter of a trader who immigrated from China. To spare his progeny from the Spanish regimes anti-Chinese policies, he changed the family name to Mercado. Domingo’s son Francisco had a son named Juan who in turn had a son whom he also named Francisco.

“One of Francisco’s sons, Jose Rizal Mercado, had to drop the family name when he entered Ateneo because of his elder brother Paciano’s close ties with the martyred Fr. Jose Burgos.

“The rest is history.” (From findarticles.com)