By Ann Marie Dilag Bantigue
“He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.” – Jose Rizal
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and manpower all around the world. however, most of us are oblivious to the fact that our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, is also renowned in many countries other than the Philippines.
Along with Rizal’s monuments in countries like Spain, the USA, and Germany among others, the city where I am currently residing here in Canada also unveiled their very own Rizal bust last October 23, 2021, at Nose Creek Regional Park in Airdrie, Alberta. The bust was shipped from Manila to Calgary, measuring 27×35 inches of cast iron. It was sculpted by famous Filipino sculptor Toym Imao.
With the efforts of Calgary’s Philippine Consulate General, the Filipino Airdrie Association, Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Project Team, and the City of Airdrie, this magnificent Philippine pride came to be.
As a Filipino living in Airdrie, this project boosted our morale and pride. With thousands of heroes around the world, they have chosen to honor no less than our Philippine national hero. Isn’t it amazing for all Filipinos not only in Airdrie but in Canada as well?
But then again, Rizal’s Airdrie bust is actually not the only monument dedicated to him in the whole of Canada. From what I know, there are five memorials in total of this famous writer and nationalist who advocated for political reforms during the Spanish rule in our country. These monuments are located in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Markham, and of course, Airdrie.
The Airdrie bust is a good way to encourage diversity in our community where many Filipinos and other races thrive. Airdrie, is in fact, one of the friendliest cities for Filipinos to live in Canada. At one point, our Catholic parish priest was also a Filipino! Thus, we would have Simbang Gabi masses with Fr. Domingo Bongalos until he left the parish in 2020.
The park is just walking distance from the place I’m staying at. I always pass by it whenever I have to go to a grocery store or eat at my favorite restaurant. I love walking, and the park is one of the places I always go to. Having Rizal’s bust strategically placed at the park is also something I am pleased about. It is located beside Gwacheon Park, an area inside Nose Creek Park dedicated to South Korea’s Gwacheon City which happens to be Airdrie’s sister city.
Nose Creek Park also holds a lot of events and gatherings for the Filipino community. With Rizal’s presence in the recreation ground, all Filipinos feel more at home during cultural activities. I hope that Rizal continues to become a source of pride for us. But above all, I pray that his love and patriotism for the country will inspire us to become better Filipinos and love our motherland more, regardless of where we are in the world. Let’s take care of it and defend it as much as our heroes did while resisting oppression, injustices, poverty and the tyranny of other countries and politicians.
Because, at the end of the day, the Philippines is a big part of who we are. We should not forget it, nor forsake it. And just as Rizal said, “Ang hindi marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan ay di makakarating sa paroroonan.”
God bless our Philippines!
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