THE Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat and the Filipino-Australian Sports Club of Ballarat have come together to commemorate the one-hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of Rizal Day.<\/p>\n
The event celebrates Dr Jose Rizal, a Filipino national hero, who was considered to be influential in the revolution against Spain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was a tribute and reflection for what Rizal did for Filipino people,\u201d Gerson Moreno-Wardlaw, Secretary of the Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe day was very, very special and memorable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starting with the Australian and Filipino national anthems, activities included by a wreath laying ceremony and followed on with activities like arts and painting.<\/p>\n
The day also included a showcase performance depicting the life of Filipino people and the death of Rizal.<\/p>\n
Participants came from across the state to mark the occasion at Rizal Park in Invermay.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had leaders from other surrounding areas like Melbourne, Geelong and the Wimmera,\u201d Ms Moreno-Wardlaw said.<\/p>\n
Notable participants included the Philippine Consulate General, Maria Loudes Salcedo, state MP for Wendouree, Juliana Addison and Filipino artist Diokno Pasilan.<\/p>\n
The Filipino Association of Ballarat hopes to grow the event so more people can commemorate Dr Rizal in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are encouraging Filipinos to celebrate with us and to unite as one on this day,\u201d Ms Moreno-Wardlaw said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are hoping in the coming years there will be more and more people coming.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat and the Filipino-Australian Sports Club of Ballarat have come together to commemorate the one-hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of Rizal Day. The event celebrates Dr Jose Rizal, a Filipino national hero, who was considered to be influential in the revolution against Spain. \u201cThis was a tribute and reflection for what […]<\/p>\n