Colorado Springs Honors Filipino Hero with Monument Dedication and Bayanihan Gala

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