Gladys Ericka Galang

2012-56501
PI 100
Research of the Week
Rizal Day
Rizal Day is celebrated every December 30 in the Philippines ever since
President Emilio Aguinaldo declared it as National Mourning Day for the
Philippines National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal who was killed on that date, 1896. Now,
it is a reminder of the revolution to the freedom of the Philippines from Spanish
colonization. The death of Rizal sparked the fire of nationalism to the Filipino
people, and it marked the turning point of the century. It unified the nation, both
the rich and the poor, to stand up against the abuse of the Spanish reign.
Arguments still arise whether or not Rizal should be celebrated on the heros
date of birth or death, both weighing with pros and cons. The birth and life of
Rizal was a gift to the Filipino people since from before, he had in his heart the
desire the freedom and unification of the islands of the Philippines. All his
writings were historical and are now considered masterpieces, most are even
added to the educational curricula. His death, however, was the catalyst of all
revolutionary acts afterwards. The plans of the Illustrados and writers like him
were crystallized. The elite came into realization that they, too, were part of the
nation that was harassed, and joined the revolution. And since it was almost in
the last day of the year, it was sort of a rebirth for the Philippines as a nation.
Being held in the last days of the year, Rizal Day is sandwiched between
Christmas and New Year, two of the most celebrated Filipino Holidays, so some
arguments to move it to the heros birthday include the day not given the
celebration its due.
Personally, I think its more appropriate to celebrate Rizal Day on his death
because it was the symbolical spark of the revolution.

Research of the Week

Pearl of the Orient Seas

1. Father Juan J. Delgado coined "Pearl of the Orient Seas" for the Philipppines in
1751, and Rizal quoted him in his famous last poem Mi Ultimo Adios.
2. Saints and Celebrations of July 23:
St. Bridget of Sweden
St. Anne
St. Apollinaris
St. John Cassian
St. Liborius Le Mans
Martyrs of Bulgaria
St. Rasyphus and Ravennus

St. Romlua
Sts. Trophimus & Theophilus
St. Valerian
(2012) 158th Foundation Day
Anniversary of Bohol and Tagbilaran
City, Batangas City (Homage to the
Holy Cross), Gingoong City

Famous People born on July 23:

Pope Clement XI
Apolinario Mabini (1864)
Vladimir Prelog (Nobel Prize laureate)
Susan Graham
Slash (Gun N' Roses guitarist)
Woody Harrelson
Gary Dwayne Payton

Charisma Carpenter
Stuart Elliot
Michelle Willams
Zanjoe Marudo
Daniel Radcliffe
Rachel Fox

Research of the Week

Pope
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

First pope: Simon Peter (apostle of Christ)

First Filipino Bishop: Isabelo C. Abarquez
Longest serving pope: (besides St Peter) Pope John Paul II
Shortest Serving Pope: Pope Urban VII
First Pope who became a saint: St. Peter
Largest Religious Congregation in the Philippines: (besides Islam) Iglesia ni
Cristo
7. Smallest Religious congregation in the Philippines: Aglipay Church
8. First local Congregation: Aglipay Church
9. First pope who visited the Philippines: Pope Paul VI
10.Incumbent Cardinal of Manila + religious order: Luis Antonio Tagle, Jesuit