Filipino News 168

BUHAY
NZ
02 ISSUE 168 FILIPINO HERO AWARDS | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.trabaho.nz | mob: 027 495 8477
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
AUCKLAND - Jose
Rizal holds the distinction
of being the most renowned
individual of Filipino
descent and is widely
regarded as the national hero
of the Philippines.
Today his legacy is honored
through an unparalleled
number of monuments
throughout the Philippine
archipelago and in various
locations worldwide.
In an effort to promote the
significance of Jose Rizal’s
contributions to Philippine
Independence, the late
Graeme Dabb, former
Honorary Consul General of
the Philippines for Auckland
and the North Island region
for nearly 3 decades, pushed
for the creation of a memorial
reserve for Jose Rizal here
in New Zealand.
“Graeme was instrumental
in the naming of an
Auckland reserve after Dr.
Jose P. Rizal, a Filipino
national hero,” said
Delamar Solivio Middleton,
a Filipino community
leader, in her message on the
Facebook page of the
Ilonggo Integrated Association.
Another member of the
Filipino community in
Auckland, Rani Sharma
Dela Cruz, noted on
Facebook that: "There is a
Rizal Reserve in Auckland,
New Zealand, close to
Corregidor Place (can't get
more Filipino than that and
yes, there is a street named
Corregidor in Auckland). A
joint effort of the Auckland
Filipino community and the
Council … a place to honour
our national hero, Jose
Rizal.”
Found in the heart of the
Rizal Reserve in Avondale is
The monumental
legacy of Jose Rizal
receives recognition
in Auckland
By Ricky Matthew
a memorial dedicated to
Rizal. It was put in place by
the Auckland City Council,
the Philippine Embassy,
and Hon Consul-General
Graeme Dabb. It serves as a
tangible monument for
Filipinos to admire as they
remember Rizal’s commitment
on Philippine
Independence Day every
year.
The Filipino community
and the members of the
Knights of Rizal come
together at the Rizal Reserve
every year for a wreath laying,
prayer, a commemoration
of Jose Rizal and
remembrance of the years of
hardship before finally
achieving independence in
1898. The purpose is to foster
a sense of pride in the
heritage and history of the
Philippines.
A Filipino primary school
teacher in Auckland, Ian
Galvan, spoke about his
pride in having a tangible
memorial for Jose Rizal that
he, and other Filipinos, can
easily visit. “I am proud,
indeed! It's truly remarkable
to witness the profound
impact of Filipino culture
and history reaching distant
corners of the world. The
presence of a memorial dedicated
to Dr. Jose Rizal, one
of the Philippines' most
revered national heroes, is a
testament to the enduring
legacy he left behind.
“This memorial serves as
a reminder of the values
Rizal embodied, such as
(above:) Members of the Filipino Society Inc at the wreath laying ceremony at Rizal Reserve in Auckland on 11 June 2023.
(right:) Flordeliza Skinner and family at the Filipino Society Inc lunch on 11 June 2023.
BACKSTORY: On June 12, 1898, Filipino revolutionary
forces, led by General Emilio Aguinaldo, publicly
read the Act of the Declaration of Independence
in Kawit, Cavite, that proclaimed the sovereignty and
independence of the Philippines from the colonial rule
of Spain, following Spain’s defeat at the Battle of
Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
Dr. Jose Rizal, often referred to as the national hero
of the Philippines, played a crucial role in the country's
journey towards independence. Born in 1861,
Rizal was not only a talented writer and intellectual,
but also a passionate advocate for the rights and welfare
of his fellow Filipinos under Spanish colonial
rule.
Rizal's influential writings, such as his novels 'Noli
Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', exposed the
injustices and abuses committed by the Spanish
authorities. Through his works Rizal awakened the
consciousness of the Filipino people, instilling in them
a sense of national identity and pride.
The efforts of Rizal extended beyond his literary
achievements. According to the Chapter Commander
of the Knights of Rizal in Auckland, Sir Roy
Boquiron, “Rizal established the La Liga Filipina on
the 2nd of July, 1892”. It was a progressive organization
that aimed to promote political and social
reforms peacefully. Although the organization was
short-lived due to government suppression, it laid the
groundwork for future revolutionary movements.
love for country, dedication
to education and the pursuit
of truth. It also symbolises
the cultural connections
between the Philippines and
New Zealand, fostering
understanding and appreciation
for Filipino heritage in
the local community. The
(left:) Sir Roy Boquiron, Knights of Rizal, Auckland
(right:) Ian Galvan, primary school teacher
existence of such a memorial
creates an opportunity for
people to learn about Rizal's
life, teachings and the rich
history of the Philippines.
“Moreover, having a Jose
Rizal Memorial in New
Zealand enhances cultural
diversity and promotes
inclusivity within society. It
provides a space for
Filipinos living in New
Zealand to feel a sense of
belonging and it encourages
the exchange of cultural
experiences between different
communities. This
memorial becomes a place
of unity, where individuals
from various backgrounds
can come together and celebrate
the enduring legacy of
Dr. Jose Rizal.
“For younger generations,
their presence is vital in carrying
forward our heritage
and in nurturing the values
instilled by our ancestors.
Embrace the opportunity to
learn from the past, appreciate
our roots and forge a
brighter future for both the
Filipino community and
New Zealand as a whole.”
“I'm very proud that we
have a memorial for our
national hero in Auckland,”
says Flordeliza Skinner (a
former president of the
Filipino Society Inc.), who
has been living in New
Zealand for over 35 years.
“Jose Rizal’s legacy should
be recognized.
“My only disappointment
is that Filipinos here are not
united - there should only be
one Independence Day ceremony
in Auckland with the
participation of all the
groups.
“Furthermore, parents
should encourage the whole
family to participate so
there's a continuity after the
older generation is gone.
That's why I brought my
daughter-in-law and my
granddaughter with me to
the Filipino Society’s commemoration
of Independence
Day.”
2023
The Filipino-Kiwi Hero
Awards is organised
exclusively by
Filipino News NZ.
For more information and
sponsorship enquries
please contact us at:
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz
mob: 027 495 8477
History of the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards.
The inspiration for the Filipino-Kiwi Heroes hall of fame comes from a similar
honours roll in the Philippines conferred by the Philippine Inquirer Newspaper.
For a more detailed list of award winners over the years please visit the official
website: www.filipinoheroes.nz
We welcome nominations for the next Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards.
email: filipinonews @xtra.co.nz