The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam commemorated the 115th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Philippine National Hero's Dr. Jose P. Rizal, in a simple but meaningful ceremony at the Philippine Chancery in Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan on 29 December 2011.

The said activity started with an early flag raising by the Embassy personnel and a representative from the Filipino Association in Brunei (FAB), wearing their respective Filipiniana attire, at the Philippine Chancery's compound.

The flag raisers were Labor Attaché Ana C. Dione and Post's Administrative Officer Rodolfo A. Gaspar.

This was followed by a prayer led by Pag-IBIG Representative Arlina D. Feliciano.

Thereafter, Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa laid a wreath of flowers before the picture of Dr. Rizal assisted by Col. Carlos B. Cepe, Embassy's Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (DAFA), and his assistant T/Sgt. Napoleon B. Abacan III who were both wearing military uniform.

In his remarks, Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa said "that Dr. Rizal was one of the finest advocates of human rights who showed Filipino Patriotism at its finest."

As the Philippines is suffering the effects of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, Ambassador Ochoa encouraged everyone to continue to do their best to help our kababayans in need which is one way where we can truly live up to the standard of patriotism set forth by our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal – ang haligi ng ating bayan.

After a simple breakfast among the Embassy Personnel and participants right after flag raising, T/Sgt. Abacan III lectured on the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

A quiz was given to make the lecture more interesting as participants actively joined in the question and answer portion.

A token was given to participants who answered questions correctly.

After the lecture, a DVD film on Dr. Jose Rizal (starred in by Filipino actor Cesar Montano) was shown for our kababayans at the Consular Area of the Chancery the whole day.

Pag-IBIG Representative Arlina D. Feliciano led a prayer during the Flag-Raising Activity
at the Philippine Chancery.

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa lays a wreath of flowers before the picture of Philippine
National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, to commemorate the 115th Anniversary of the
Martyrdom of Dr. Rizal.

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa delivers his remarks during the "Commemoration of the
115th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal" at the Philippine Chancery compound.

Group picture of the Embassy personnel led by Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa after the
Flag-Raising Activity at the Philippine Chancery Compound.

T/Sgt. Napoleon B. Abacan III of Embassy's Office of the Defense and Armed Forces
Attaché (ODAFA) presents his lecture on the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

A portion of the participants listening intently to T/Sgt/ Napoleon B. Abacan III's lecture
on the Life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Ms. Edel Bartholomew, President of the Filipino Association in Brunei (FAB), raising
a hand to answer T/Sgt. Abacan's quiz on Dr. Rizal while Madam Mayie Ochoa
(right side), wife of Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa, looks on.