PHILIPPINE CONSULATE LEADS THE 129TH RIZAL DAY COMMEMORATION IN HONOLULU

Consul General Arman R. Talbo (first row, center) leads the Rizal Day commemoration at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu with the Knights of Rizal and members of the community.

29 December 2025, Honolulu, Hawaii – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, led by Consul General Arman R. Talbo, commemorated the 129th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. José P. Rizal with a wreath and lei offering ceremony at the Philippine Consulate grounds. 

The event was held in partnership with the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Area Commander Jerry Felicitas, and the three chapters in the state – Aloha Chapter, Hawaii Chapter, and Maysa Ohana Chapter. The activity was also attended by members of the Filipino community and consular clients.

The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, the Knights of Rizal, and members of the community attend a flag raising ceremony in honor of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal (photo courtesy of Mr. Mark Salondaka).

In his remarks, Consul General Talbo, himself a member of the KOR, reflected on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rizal: Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay” (Rizal: As Our People Rise, Your Teachings and Wisdom Guide Our Way). He invited everyone to bear in mind the teachings of our national hero and to draw wisdom from his ideals, by applying his guidance in our daily lives.  He emphasized that we can follow the example of Dr. José Rizal by doing the best that we can in every task assigned to us, and by contributing as much as we are capable to the community. He added that, through consistent effort, we can uplift each other and ensure that no one gets left behind. 

Consul General Talbo shares his insights on Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Following the remarks of the Consul General, the Chapter Commanders and Deputy Commanders read excerpts from the works of Dr. José  P. Rizal. Hawaii Chapter Commander Aristotle Lacambra and Deputy Commander Sam Acosta read from “A La Juventud Filipina” (To The Filipino Youth), Aloha Chapter Commander Rodgie Bucsit and Deputy Commander Gino Soquena read “El Amor Patrio” (Love of Country), and Maysa Ohana Chapter Commander Alex Vergara and Deputy Commander Orly Petalver read “Mi Ultimo Adios” (My Last Farewell). Sir Serafin “Jun” Colmenares, co-editor of “A Glow in the Dark: Essays on Rizal,” also read an excerpt from Sir Raymund Liongson’s article “Touch Me: An Invitation to Critical and Constructive Awareness and Rizalism.”

Consul General Talbo (center) with Knights of Rizal Area Commander Jerry Felicitas (2nd from left), and (from left to right) Aloha Chapter Commander Rodgie Bucsit, Maysa Ohana Chapter Commander Alex Vergara, and Hawaii Chapter Commander Aristotle Lacambra paid their respects to Dr. Jose P. Rizal by offering wreath and leis.

Sir Jun Colmenares reads an excerpt from “A Glow in the Dark: Essays on Rizal.”

The Rizal Day commemoration was capped by a conferment of a Certificate of Commendation for Sir Alex Vergara, in recognition of his initiative and contribution to the maintenance and improvement of the outdoor José Rizal statue and the Hardin ni Rizal area.

Maysa Ohana Chapter Commander Vergara receives a certificate of commendation from Consul General Talbo (right).