Life and works of Jose Rizal tackled in Austria symposium

The life and works of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal were tackled in a symposium held recently at the Museum für Völkerkunde, Hofburg Palace in Vienna., Austria. The Embassy in Austria organized the symposium, dubbed "Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero." The event was held in cooperation with the Museum für Völkerkunde Wien (Museum of Ethnology in Vienna). "During the symposium, the Museum presented the work of art of Mr. Erwin Blumentritt, great grandson of Dr. Blumentritt, depicting Dr. Rizal's novel 'Noli Me Tangere.' Mr. Blumentritt also presented his family's donation of collection of Rizal books to the Museum," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Philippine Ambassador Lourdes Yparraguirre provided an introduction on the biography and achievements of Rizal. University of Passau Professor Emeritus Dr. Bernhard Dahm lectured about his recent publications on the Filipino national hero. For his part, Dr. Johann Stockinger of the Academy of Sciences in Vienna talked about Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt's friendship with Dr. Rizal. Those who attended the symposium were Austrian government officials, academics, business community, and leaders of the Filipino community in Austria, including second generation Filipino-Austrians. Meanwhile, Yparraguirre awarded a Plaque of Recognition to Rizal-Blumentritt Society Austria (RBSA) President Dr. Angelina Del Rosario-Banke, in recognition and appreciation of her outstanding work as one of the founders of RBSA and her continued support and promotion of Philippine culture in Austria. The Rizal-Blumentritt Society Austria Youth Ensemble serenaded guests with Philippine music classics such as "Bakya Mo Neneng, "Leron-Leron Sinta," "Dandansoy" and "Bahay-Kubo." The group includes five second-generation Filipino-Austrian artists, including: