MARKHAM RIZAL MONUMENT UNVEILING SET FOR OCTOBER 13TH
Markham-Canada
August 29, 2018
If all goes well, Canada will have its first full-size Rizal monument on October 13, 2018.
To realize his dream of having a full-size Rizal monument in Markham, Councillor Alex Chiu not only personally handled the fundraising for the whole project but also the finishing touches on the bronze statue, here working with staff at the foundry.
The tentative date was set at a meeting of the project committee recently.
"We are ready for the installation. The statue and granite pedestal are done," said Councillor Alex Chiu, speaking for the Filipino Canadian community and referring to its part of the deal.
The Rizal monument is a partnership project between the City of Markham and the local Filipino Canadian community, led by Councillor Chiu. Both partners equally share in the expenses, which is budgeted at over $300,000.
Markham City officials, for their part, agreed to expedite construction of the foundation in time for the inauguration.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti, as he made the big surprise announcement in June 2016, said, "I want a full-size statue, and I will have a choice location for it." The monument will be erected on its Luneta Gardens at the Boxgrove community park, facing across the road where Rizal Avenue begins. See video at ... https://youtu.be/P5vkFTxhOmM
The Mayor has become an avid Rizalist since visiting the Philippines in 2014, and after seeing how Rizal is honored and venerated with monuments all over the country and around the world. "I am happy it's happening here in Markham," he said.
When the Rizal monument is unveiled no one will be as thrilled as the man who fathered it, so to speak. To Councillor Alex Chiu, it was his life-long dream to do high tribute to his boyhood hero.
Early in his political career he had already conceived a master plan to put Rizal and his homeland on the map in his adopted country of Canada. His initial move was to have Rizal Avenue named in honor of his hero. He had the MFFC (Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians) Community Center facilities named Rizal Hall, and named another street Manila Avenue. These "firsts", among many others, remain unique honors for the Philippines that are still unmatched in Canada\ up to this day. See naming album at ...
https://www.facebook.com/mogi.mogado/posts/10156857807403273
Simmering at the back of his head was the aspiration, shared by many kababayans, to have a respectable Rizal monument in Markham to complement his Rizal Avenue. "With a monument, it is the best way to let our fellow Canadians learn about him, about what he has done for humanity, and also about us Filipinos," Councillor Chiu said.
But the prospect and expense was simply daunting. Last year the urgency became more intense as the country celebrated Canada150. That's when the decision was made. "The commissioning of a Rizal Monument is our Filipino Canadian community's contribution to Markham's Canada150 celebrations," recalls Councillor Chiu.
"We have a famed Filipino Canadian sculptor right here in Markham. Mogi Mogado, a Markham resident, has done a fine bust statue of our Mayor Don Cousens. He will create our Rizal. It will be bronze-casted in Ontario. So it will be a made-in-Canada artwork," added Councillor Chiu.
Mayor Scarpitti absolutely agreed and the partnership project with the City got launched. It was later approved by Markham Council as "a great addition to its Public Art Program."
From a boyhood dream to a pet project, to Councillor Chiu accepting the responsibility to fundraise for the project "is the biggest challenge" he has ever faced. When the monument and full Luneta Gardens are completed, hopefully by next year, Councillor Chiu with the help of friends and his Alex Chiu Golf Tournament event, would have raised over $160,000, representing the share of the Filipino Canadian community in the project.
The ground-breaking ceremonies at Boxgrove community park on June 10, 2018 was a momentous occasion in Markham. The presence of special guest from the Philippines, Senator J. V. Ejercito, and Consul General Rosalita Prospero made it all the more remarkable.
See album at ... https://www.facebook.com/mogi.mogado/posts/10157108184303273.
"If the ground-breaking was big, expect the unveiling to be historic," assured Alicia Chiu, Chair of the project committee. "A grand celebration is planned, with a community parade, led by our Philippine Heritage Band, the Mayor and City officials, The Knights of Rizal, Kababaihang Rizalista and other Rizalists, and Filipino officials as well. We want to see every Filipino, and all Filipino community organizations who take pride in our heritage, to be there. Bring your banners, proclaim your love for Rizal," she said.
The invitation is open to the general public.Incidentally, since its just over a week before the municipal elections in Ontario, candidates for public office who seek support from the Filipino community are expected to attend.
That includes the Markham Mayor and City Council, and our kababayans Councillor Alex Chiu (who is running for his 11th term or 34-38 years in office in Ward 8), and Catholic School Trustee Marlene Mogado (with 3 terms as Trustee, is now vying for Councillor in Ward 5).
For more info on the Rizal monument unveiling and parade event, please contact Alicia Chiu at 905 475 2531, and Tessie Ting at 647 800 3886.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5vkFTxhOmM