Today, we commemorate the 164th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal. He was born in Calamba, Laguna on 19 June 1861 to parents Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda. 

Interesting facts! According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are 189,873 birth records since 1950 with the names “Jose”, “Rizal” and “Jose Rizal”. Isa ka ba sa mga ipinangalan sa ating pambansang bayani? 

Karagdagang kaalaman: Alam mo ba na ang Singapore ay ang kauna-unahang banyagang bansa na napuntahan ni Dr. Jose Rizal? Bago makarating ng Espanya ang pambansang bayani upang mag-aral ng medisina noong taong 1882, dumaan ang kanyang sinasakyang barko sa Singapore kung saan siya ay nanatili ng dalawang araw. 

In 2008, a historical marker of Dr. Jose Rizal was unveiled by former Philippine Education Secretary Jesli Lapus and former Singapore President S.R. Nathan by the Singapore River (near Asian Civilisations Museum) as a memorial to our national hero and his five visits to Singapore. The marker underscores the historical connection and linkages between the Philippines and Singapore.

Head down to ACM and check out Rizal’s marker. Don’t forget to tag us your photo and use hashtags #PHinSingapore #SentroRizalSingapore #RizalinSingapore./END