José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realondaa also called as “Pepe”, was born from Francisco Rizal Mercado (father); Teodora Alonso Realonda (mother) on June 19, 1861, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. He was a nationalist, a patriot, a renowned physician (ophthalmologist), a prolific writer, a polymath; in a short a genius.
His novels Noli Me Tangere which was published in 1886 and El Filibusterismo published in 1891 was his greatest contributions in the Philippine history. These two novels unfolded the abuses and exploitation of Spanish colonial government that ruled for over 333 years in the Philippines which inspired nationalism and political reform resulting to revolution that paved for Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.
He was considered the National Hero among other Philippine heroes because he fought for freedom in peaceful and effective way though his writings, unlike other heroes that used violence and force.
Today, December 30, 2024 commemorates the 128th anniversary of his martyrdom by execution at the Bagumbayan (Rizal Park) in Manila. Every December 30th is being celebrated by virtue of Republic Act No. 229 signed by President Elpidio Quirino on June 9, 1948 which prohibits cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai.