Jose Rizal descendant delivers talk to Fil-Ams in San Francisco

A great-grandnephew of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal gave a talk before Filipinos marking the hero's 150th birth anniversary in San Francisco in the United States in June. Tom Consunji shared anecdotes and personal insights about his famous great-granduncle at the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club. Consunji is related to Rizal through the national hero's sister Narcisa, a news release of the Department of Foreign Affairs said. "In his presentation, Mr. Consunji spoke about his great grand uncle, his life, and his works that also provided anecdotes and personal insights as a family member of the hero," the DFA said. Many of those in the audience who were not too familiar with Rizal said they came to understand Rizal's greatness as a person, "whose example can be truly appreciated by people around the world," the DFA said. Consunji, a long-time Bay Area resident, was the "discovery personality" at the club's Wednesday Lunch program. The DFA noted the St. Francis Yacht Club was founded in 1927 by a group of San Francisco Yachtsmen with a vision of a club in the City. Heritage night Meanwhile, a Philippine Heritage Night Gala Dinner was held at San Francisco City Hall's Rotunda to mark Rizal's 150th birth anniversary. Filipino-American ames Espinas spearheaded a celebration and exhibit to pay tribute to Rizal, with the help of the American Center for Philippine Arts (ACPA) and the Consulate General. The exhibit will be on display at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center until August 31. Espinas said "community members will gain a deeper understanding of Rizal's life and be inspired to strive toward their own potential." On June 17, a birthday dinner featuring music and dance performances by artists from ACPA, food created by local Filipino chefs, and a silent auction that featured Filipino artists and their Rizal celebration memorabilia was held at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. ACPA, a center that provides a unique educational and developmental platform for multidisciplinary Philippine arts, aims to nurture traditional and progressive Philippine arts to strengthen the community and its ethnic identity. During the short program that preceded the dinner, Consul General Marciano Paynor Jr. emphasized the importance of education and freedom from ignorance, values espoused by Rizal. - VVP, GMA News