By: Chair Mann
The National Hero of the Philippines, Dr. José P. Rizal, was the conscience and intellectual spark of the Philippine nation. His life, works, and death awakened Filipino nationalism and played a pivotal role in the eventual achievement of Philippine independence.
Filipinos in Canada are proud of their national hero, and his legacy will forever live in their hearts and minds. In 1998, the first Rizal monument was installed in Canada.
Since then, eight Rizal monuments have risen across five Canadian provinces — a testament to how proud Filipinos are of their heritage and their desire to share it with the world.
The Birth of the First Monument
It all began over lunch one fine winter afternoon in one of Toronto’s go-to Filipino restaurants, Mayette’s on Danforth Street. The late Consul General of the Philippines in Toronto, Francisco Santos, and Philippine Sundae TV producer Emanuel “Mann” Nacario were talking about a gift ConGen Santos had received from the Philippines — a bust replica of Dr. José Rizal. The dilemma? The Consulate already had one on display at its Toronto office.
Mann suggested that the bust should be placed somewhere visible to the Filipino community — somewhere it could serve as a landmark and a source of pride.
Why Earl Bales Park?
For many years, the Filipino community in Toronto was split into pro- and anti-Marcos factions. Independence Day picnic celebrations were also divided: one group would hold theirs at Riverdale Park; the other, at Seton Park. The divide lingered even after the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
Meanwhile, Philippine Sundae was a regular presence at the Skylight Theatre in Earl Bales Park. They held TV shoots and programs there, and used the park for events and celebrations. In time for the centennial celebration of Philippine Independence in 1998, the Philippine Independence Day Committee – Picnic Chair decided it was time to unite the community under one Independence Day picnic celebration.
The pro- and anti-Marcos groups — along with other Filipino associations in Toronto —came together, at last, to celebrate the 1998 Philippine Independence Day picnic at Earl Bales Park.
Earl Bales Park thus became the “Unity Park” for Filipinos in Toronto.
Today, you can find Filipinos there in every season of the year — walking, gathering, or celebrating. It was only fitting, then, that Earl Bales Park be chosen as the home for the bust of Dr. José Rizal.
The Knights of Rizal Tasked to the Project
Mann Nacario and Congen Santos reached out to the late Sir Emiliano Silverio and the late Sir Joe Luzadas of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Scarborough Chapter for a meeting.
The two venerable Knights were briefed on the project and the role they would play in bringing it to life. The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto executed a Deed of Donation for the Rizal bust to the City of Toronto, which in turn provided a Deed of Acceptance. Vice Consul Sylvia Marasigan, together with KOR officers, attended Toronto City Council sessions to formally present the project.
The City Council responded with three milestone resolutions in April 1998:
The City of Toronto accepted the donation of the bust of Dr. José Rizal.
The City of Toronto agreed to install the bust at Earl Bales Park.
The City of Toronto resolved that no other bust or monument would be installed in Earl Bales Park in the future.
With the deed of acceptance confirmed, Sir Silverio tasked Sir Willie Cantos to gather cost estimates for the pedestal. The KOR in the Greater Toronto Area took the lead in raising funds, and within a month, $4,000 was secured — enough to cover the expense.
Special thanks are due to the following donors:
• KOR in GTA – $1,000
• Mr. Chito Collantes – $1,000
• Mr. Jess Mallari – $1,000
• Mr. Emanuel “Mann” Nacario – $1,000
Rizal Monuments Across Canada
Nearly three decades later, Rizalism continues to inspire and spread the teachings of Dr. Rizal — not only among Filipinos, but also to non-Filipinos across the world. We can all take pride in the following legacy of Rizal monuments across Canada:
Year Location City/Province Statue Type 1998 Earl Bales Park Toronto, ON Bust
1999 Parc McKenzie-King Montreal, QC Bust
2012 Filipino Plaza Vancouver, BC Marker
2018 Kildonan Park Winnipeg, MB Full
2022 Unionville Park Markham, ON Full
2022 Nose Creek Park Airdrie, AB Bust
2023 Luneta Park Brampton, ON Bust
2025 Niagara Parks Niagara, ON Bust
Rizal Monuments Out West in the Making
KOR Western Canada particularly KOR Calgary are leading a massive expansion drive in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Chapters in Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon and Regina are now rolled out for expansion before the year end.
Included in the Western expansion are the installation of at least four (4) monuments of our beloved Dr. J.P. Rizal. Representations with officials of local municipalities are in the works.
From its humble beginnings in a Toronto restaurant conversation to a growing legacy across Canada, the propagation of Rizal monuments is a testament to the enduring pride, unity, and cultural heritage of Filipinos in this country.
