Almost every nation and country has its share of heroes, those who have committed great acts of bravery in service of their country or have somehow liberated their people. When it comes to the Philippines, their national hero was Jose Rizal, a man whose actions eventually led to the nation obtaining independence from their Spanish occupants.
The Rizal Monument is located in Manilla, in close proximity to Berjaya Makati Hotel, an iconic hotel in Manila Philippines.
The Rizal monument is situated on the exact spot where Jose Rizal was executed by firing squad. The monument itself is a large bronze statue of Rizal in an overcoat holding what seems to be one of his notable books. Just behind the monument is a large obelisk containing a pyramid at its pinnacle. The pyramid was placed there as a symbolic representation of the masonic beliefs that were closely held by Jose Rizal.
A most interesting fact about the Rizal Monument is that it was built during a subsequent era where the Phillipines faced subjugation by a foreign nation, in this case by the Americans. This was due to some notable American occupants having read the works of Jose Rizal and appreciating the meaning they held in the hearts of the Philipino people.
The statue was built under the passing of an act (no.243) by the United States Phillipine Commission entailing that a statue of Jose Rizal be constructed on the public land on which he was executed which would serve as the final resting place for his remains.
Presently the monument is under constant surveillance by the Phillipine Marine Corps, with the guards being changed daily. So if you happen to find yourself in Manilla, be sure to visit this most meaningful site.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
