Rizal bust unveiled at PHL Independence Day celebration in Vietnam

A bust of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was unveiled at the celebration of the 113th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Vietnam last Sunday. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Filipino community in Hanoi witnessed the unveiling of Rizal's bust at the newly named “Rizal Hall" at the Philippine Chancery. During Sunday’s rites at the embassy, Independence Day messages of President Benigno Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario were read. Philippine Ambassador Jerril Santos’ wife Rizabel led the unveiling of the bust, while others at the event sang “Happy Birthday." Cakes were brought in to honor the national hero, the DFA said. “It was a joyous occasion for Filipinos to come together and enjoy a salo-salo while the movie Rizal was shown," the DFA said. Token gifts were given to the “earliest bird" and best in Filipino costumes. Children were also given goodie bags as a special treat. Filipino forbears’ sacrifices Meanwhile, Santos hosted a diplomatic reception two days before the unveiling, where he honored the sacrifices made by Filipino forbears. “We honor them for fighting for freedom so that the Philippines could take its place among the community of independent nations. That is the essence of this year's theme of ‘Kalayaan: Paninindigan ng Bayan,’" stated Santos in his brief remarks at the reception. Attending the celebration at the Intercontinental Hotel were 170 guests from the diplomatic corps, Vietnamese government officials, and leading members of cultural communities in Hanoi, including those from the Filipino community. Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, the guest of honor, paid tribute to the ever-growing friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam. He emphasized this year's 35th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, and proposed a toast to the prosperity and happiness of the Filipino people. “The guests were then treated to Filipino cuisine, especially hand-picked and approved by the embassy with expert guidance from hotel chefs," the DFA said. — JE, GMA News