Barcelona, 19 June 2024 - In celebration of the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona hosted an inspiring walking tour tracing the significant sites of Rizal’s journey in the City of Barcelona.
The event began with the Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro addressing the participants, particularly the second and third generation Filipino youth in Barcelona, highlighting Rizal’s life, works, and their relevance to Filipinos living in Spain. Consul General Lazaro remarked, “The fact that you decided to join this walking tour is a significant step in discovering our national hero.” She urged the youth to delve into Rizal’s literary works, many of which are in Spanish, as doing so will give them a better understanding of Rizal’s ideals and what he fought for.
Among the attendees were descendants of Rizal, adding a personal touch to the activity. Ms. Noelle Sy-Quia, a fourth-generation descendant of Rizal’s sister Maria Alonso Mercado Rizal, related the stories told to her by her mother who was very close to Maria. She recounted how her mother would read "Mi Ultimo Adios" to her and often become emotional, sometimes breaking into tears. Ms. Andrea Faustmann, another descendant of Maria, also participated. Also present was Ms. Rose Filart Scott, who descends from another sister of Rizal, Olympia. She encouraged the participants to place importance on family values, mirroring Rizal’s own deep familial bonds.
Led by Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay, the walking tour began at the historic Fonda España, currently known as Hotel España, where Rizal stayed upon arriving in Barcelona on 16 June 1882. The tour continued to significant landmarks that have historical connection to Rizal and the Philippines, including the former headquarters of Tabacos de Filipinas and the building that housed the offices of La Solidaridad.
The journey concluded at Calle Sitges No. 3 where Rizal resided the longest before departing for Madrid in the fall of 1882. Here, Rizal lived with fellow Filipinos, including Mr. Tomas Cabangis who was then studying medicine at the University of Barcelona, to which Rizal was also a frequent visitor.
The program ended with Mr. Joseph Andal, the first Filipino councilor from the District of Ciutat Vella, where most of the Rizal sites are located, sharing the news of the approval at the district level of the proposal to put a commemorative marker at the façade of Calle Sitges No. 3 to indicate its historical importance to Rizal’s journey in Barcelona. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona and the Barcelona City Council.
Vloggers from the Catambayan Channel, the media arm of the organization Filipino Migrants in Catalunya documented the event to complement the social media releases of the PCG, ensuring that Rizal’s legacy reaches a broader audience.
The day also saw the showcasing of documentaries on the life of Dr. Jose Rizal at the consular area delighting visitors at the Consulate.
The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona reaffirms its unwavering dedication to nurturing Philippine cultural heritage within the Filipino community in Barcelona, fostering a legacy of knowledge and appreciation for Philippine history across generations to come.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IN PHOTOS
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro discusses the life and works of Jose Rizal with second and third generation Filipinos in Barcelona
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro with participants at the first stop of the walking tour
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro with the descendants of Rizal Ms. Rose Filart Scott, Ms. Noelle Sy-Quia and Ms. Andrea Faustmann (from left to right)
Ciutat Vela District Councilman Joseph Andal and Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay at Calle Sitges No. 3
Participants at the final stop of the tour with ATN Officer Loremie Bautista (far left)
Consular clients watch a documentary on Jose Rizal