We are proud to share this meaningful update from Sir Pieter Nootenboom, a distinguished artist known for his timeless sculptures that celebrate Philippine heritage. He has completed the exquisite busts of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, and Josephine Bracken, his beloved and steadfast companion.
This special project—beautifully documented by his wife Lady Merle—seeks to preserve and share the legacy of Rizal and Josephine by placing these busts, along with a copy of the original citation, in Philippine embassies, consulates, and cultural institutions around the world. The initiative not only honors the memory of Dr. Rizal’s life and ideals but also reflects the universal values of love, sacrifice, and patriotism that transcend generations.
We are deeply honored to announce that the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, particularly the Sentro Rizal Room, will be the first in the world to receive this historic pair. This remarkable donation is made possible through the generosity of Sir Yongsoo Samuel Cho, KCR, Area Commander of the Knights of Rizal in Korea and Chairman of HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc. Sir Yongsoo’s sponsorship reflects his continued dedication to strengthening cultural bonds between Korea and the Philippines through shared respect for history, art, and heroism.
The official presentation of the Rizal and Bracken busts will take place in early November 2025, marking another milestone in the global promotion of Rizalian ideals—truth, justice, and devotion to one’s nation.
Dr. Jose Rizal remains one of Asia’s most influential figures—a visionary reformist who inspired freedom movements not only in the Philippines but across the region. His final years in exile in Dapitan and his relationship with Josephine Bracken, an Irish woman who shared his ideals and compassion, have long symbolized the merging of East and West in the pursuit of liberty and human dignity. Their story continues to inspire countless Filipinos around the world to cherish both intellect and love of country.
By placing the Rizal and Josephine busts in international cultural centers, this initiative rekindles appreciation for the hero’s enduring relevance. The project also supports the mission of Sentro Rizal, an institution established under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), which serves as a hub for promoting Filipino art, history, and identity abroad.
As these busts find their home in the Sentro Rizal Room in Hong Kong, they will stand as symbols of unity, remembrance, and inspiration for all Filipinos and friends of the Philippines—reminding us that the spirit of Rizal lives on wherever there is love for freedom, learning, and humanity.