27 January 2018, Dubai, U.A.E. – The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, in partnership with the Knights of Rizal Dubai Chapter, hosted the Special Commemoration of the 122nd Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal on 25 January 2019 at the Philippine Consulate General Grounds. The celebration is the 2nd part of the previous Rizal Day Celebration held last 30 December 2019 also at the Consulate grounds.

Dr Rex Bacarra, Dean of the American College of Dubai, delivered the Keynote Address where he emphasized the lessons of Rizal’s life as continuously relevant for the Overseas Filipino. For his part, Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes also stressed the importance of making Rizal and his role in Philippine society known not only to succeeding generations of Filipinos but also to Overseas Filipino youth as they define for themselves their crucial roles in nation building in the context of the Filipino diaspora.

The event was highlighted by a series of performances such as cultural dances by Cordillerans community; original composition for Dr. Jose Rizal composed and sung by Jireh Micah Vargas and the Young Idols; a song from Alvin Pacinto, Bayanihan 2019 Clash of the Champions finalist; Far Eastern Private School students’ re-enactment of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom; and a medical mission held in coordination with Thumbay Hospital, Smile Essentials and Riva Laser Medical Centre.

Some 300 guests participated in the event and the medical mission. END