A Historic Milestone on December 29, 2025 for Daly City, the Filipino Capital of the USA
A historic milestone unfolds on December 29, 2025, as we gather for the Kick-Off Ceremony of the 6-foot bronze Dr. Jose P. Rizal Legacy Monument by Filipino sculptors Elaine Bordeaux and Fritz Silorio in Daly City, proudly known as the Filipino Capital of the United States. This moment marks the beginning of a lasting tribute honoring the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal—national hero, intellectual, and global symbol of courage, dignity, and love of country.
This landmark project is led by the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, in partnership with Daly City and the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. We are deeply grateful for the support of our community partners, including KAPWA, PBRC, Knights of Rizal Sacramento and other civic and cultural organizations whose shared commitment made this vision possible.
Together, we celebrate not only a monument, but a legacy—one that will inspire generations to uphold Rizal’s values of service, education, and unity. (Special thanks to Venazir Martinez and Sonia Delen for this flyer.) Dr. José Rizal Legacy International Foundation Polly Cortez Marzil Lerc Linn Juslyn Manalo Ray Satorre Fernando Martin Montanes Artists Tree
Historic Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture Project Launched in Daly City, the Filipino Capital of the United States
Daly City, CA — The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation proudly announces a historic milestone in honoring Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal with the creation of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture in Daly City, widely recognized as the Filipino Capital of the United States.
On November 10, the City of Daly City officially passed a resolution, sponsored by Mayor Rod Daus-Magbual and Councilmember Juslyn Manalo designating Serramonte Library at Gellert Park as the permanent site of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture. This landmark resolution marks a significant moment for the Filipino American community, affirming Daly City’s deep cultural ties to Philippine history and heritage.
This legacy project is part of the Dr. Jose Rizal monument movement with the 6 ft bronze sculpture of Dr. Jose Rizal sculpted by Filipino artists Elaine Bordeaux and Fritz Silorio, whose collaborative work reflects excellence in public art, historical storytelling, and cultural preservation. The sculpture will stand as a symbol of Rizal’s ideals—freedom, education, courage, and national dignity—and as a lasting tribute to the contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.
The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the life, works, and values of Dr. Jose Rizal, is leading this initiative in collaboration with the City of Daly, Philippine Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC), Pasig South San Francisco Sister Cities, Kapwa Kultura Center, Las Damas de Rizal and other Filipino American organizations.
Mrs. Polly Cortez, incoming President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation warmly invites the public, community leaders, educators, youth, and cultural organizations to attend the Kick-Off Ceremony for the Daly City Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture Project:
Kick-Off Ceremony Date: December 29 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM Venue: Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Consulate General, San Francisco
The Kick-Off Ceremony will formally launch the project, present the vision and design concept of the monument, and celebrate unity and bayanihan within the Filipino American community.
“This project is more than a monument—it is a declaration of identity, pride, and shared values,”said Cortez. “By honoring Dr. Jose Rizal in Daly City, we honor the past, inspire the present, and empower future generations.”
Further details about the sculpture, community participation, and upcoming milestones will be announced in the coming months.
For media inquiries and partnership opportunities: Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation Email: eb@ebordlaw.com
The descendants of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal will be honored guests at the Dedication Ceremony of a 6-foot bronze monument in his honor at George Fellows Park on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The event marks a historic milestone in the Filipino-American community of Colorado and highlights the global legacy of Rizal’s ideals of freedom, education, and patriotism.
Attending the ceremony are Mrs. Bambi Virata, a descendant of Saturnina Rizal, the eldest sister of Dr. Jose Rizal; Claire Pinto from Denver, a descendant of Paciano Rizal, Jose Rizal’s only brother and fellow revolutionary; and Tom Consunji, a descendant of Narcisa Rizal, one of Jose Rizal’s devoted sisters. Their presence represents multiple branches of the Rizal family tree and underscores the powerful connection between the past and present.
“It is a profound honor to welcome the family of Dr. Jose Rizal to this momentous occasion,” said Elaine Antonio Bordeaux, President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation. “The monument is not just a tribute to a Philippine national hero, but a symbol of resilience, freedom, and pride for all generations of Filipinos.”
The monument installation is a collaborative project of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, the City of Colorado Springs, and various local Filipino-American organizations. The dedication ceremony is expected to draw community leaders, dignitaries, and members of the public.
Later that evening, the Rizal descendants will also attend the Bayanihan Gala at 6:00 PM, a community celebration of Filipino culture, heritage, and unity. The gala will include cultural performances, community awards, and special tributes to the Rizal family’s continuing impact on global Filipino identity.
The public is invited to join both the dedication and the gala to commemorate this historic event and celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Media Contact: Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation Email: eb@ebordlaw.com Phone: (713) 315 7793
Colorado Springs, CO — July 4, 2025 — The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, in collaboration with various Filipino-American organizations across Colorado, proudly announces the dedication ceremony of a 6-foot bronze monument of Dr. Jose Rizal on Saturday, July 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at George Fellows Park, Colorado Springs. This significant cultural event celebrates the enduring legacy of the Philippine national hero and the rich contributions of the Filipino-American community.
The monument, sculpted by Filipino artists Elaine Antonio Bordeaux and Fritz Silorio, stands as a powerful symbol of courage, education, and the fight for freedom. Dr. Rizal’s ideals continue to resonate deeply with Filipinos and global citizens alike, making this installation a meaningful addition to the city’s cultural and historical landscape.
This installation is part of the growing Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Movement, a global initiative led by the Foundation to promote the values of Dr. Rizal through public monuments, educational outreach, and international collaboration.
Following the morning dedication, the community is invited to the Bayanihan Gala at 6:00 PM at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Colorado Springs. The evening will feature cultural performances, a formal dinner, and tributes celebrating the spirit of bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity and cooperation. Gala tickets are available for purchase.
“This project is a testament to the enduring influence of Dr. Rizal and the strength of the Filipino spirit here in Colorado,” said Elaine Antonio Bordeaux, President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation. “We honor not just his memory, but the collective efforts of our community in keeping his ideals alive.”
The dedication ceremony and gala are open to the public. Filipino-Americans, community leaders, historians, and supporters from across the state are expected to attend. The event also marks a milestone in the broader Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Movement, which seeks to promote historical education and cultural awareness across the diaspora.
Who is Dr. Jose Rizal?
Dr. Jose Rizal (1861–1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer, physician, and revolutionary who is widely regarded as the national hero of the Philippines. Fluent in multiple languages and educated in Europe, Rizal authored two groundbreaking novels—Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo—that exposed the injustices of Spanish colonial rule and awakened the spirit of revolution among Filipinos.
He advocated for peaceful reform, equal rights, and the dignity of the Filipino people. Although he did not call for violent revolution, Rizal was executed by the Spanish colonial government in 1896—an act that ignited the Philippine Revolution and solidified his place as a martyr and hero. His legacy continues to inspire movements for justice, education, and human rights around the world.
Event Details:
Monument Dedication Ceremony 📍 George Fellows Park, Colorado Springs 🕙 Saturday, July 27, 2025 – 10:00 AM
Bayanihan Gala Night 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Colorado Springs 🕕 Saturday, July 27, 2025 – 6:00 PM
For more information or to RSVP for the gala, please email eb@ebordlaw.com
Celebrate the arrival of the new year at the New Year’s Gala Night with Dr. Jose Rizal! Join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs for an unforgettable evening filled with music, dance, and merriment. Pure talent and energy Mark Mabasa and Gianne Morris Vaughn will rock the house. A sumptuous buffet dinner is included.
Bring your loved ones and create lasting memories as we bid farewell to the past year and welcome a promising new one. Don your finest attire and get ready to dance the night away!
Join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs on East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO, USA for an unforgettable New Year’s Gala Night with Dr. Jose Rizal. Let’s make this celebration one for the books!
Date:
Sunday, December 31 · 6 – 11:30pm MST
Venue:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs, East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Colorado Springs, August 15, 2023 — The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation is proud to announce that the Public Arts Commission of Colorado Springs officially endorsed with majority vote the installation of the Dr. Jose Rizal Sculpture in Colorado Springs. This significant decision reflects the city’s commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting cultural understanding, and honoring the legacy of individuals who have made a substantial impact on history.
Dr. Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and polymath, is widely regarded as a symbol of inspiration, intellectual prowess, and commitment to social justice. His writings and advocacy played a crucial role in igniting the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. As a prolific writer, artist, and doctor, Dr. Rizal’s contributions extended beyond national boundaries and continue to inspire people across the world.
The endorsement of the Dr. Jose Rizal Sculpture project aligns with Colorado Springs’ mission to foster an inclusive community that values cultural diversity. The sculpture will serve as a reminder of the power of education and the importance of standing up for justice, even in the face of adversity. It will also act as a bridge between cultures, sparking conversations about history, freedom, and the pursuit of a better society.
“This sculpture not only pays tribute to our national hero but also embodies the spirit of unity and understanding that we aim to promote within our community. We believe that public art has the power to enrich our lives and connect us on a deeper level with our community” stated by Elaine Antonio Bordeaux, President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation.
The Public Art Commission of Colorado Springs is charged with acting in an advisory capacity to evaluate, advocate, stimulate and facilitate matters of public art and culture. The installation process is expected to commence in December 2024 and will be open for public viewing upon completion. The sculpture will find its home in Colorado Springs where it will stand as a beacon of friendship between the Philippines and the United States.
About the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation: It is an artist foundation dedicated to promoting Philippine arts and culture. Its project includes building and installing iconic sculptures of Dr. Rizal to remember his contributions to Philippines and to the world.
Kick-Off Ceremony
