The Rizal Shrine in Laguna, Philippines

The original Rizal Shrine is located at Talisay in  Dapitan City. It is one of the major tourist attractions and a historical landmark that features our national hero when he was in exile sometime 1892-1896.  The place is an original property of the family located between the sea and rainforest.  It was believed that Dr.Jose Rizal bought this estate from winnings in a lottery. His writings Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo said to have sparked the Philippine revolution and promoted reforms in the government.  Perhaps, the modern gate is the only symbol that reminds us of that exile that he enjoyed and endured for four long years.  The place is a beautiful and charming property in which Jose Rizal spent the most productive years of his life.  He might be on exile but it was more than a realization on his part thinking how to help the Filipino people regain their freedom.

The Rizal Shrine is one of the interesting tourist spot in the country.  Nationalistic, patriotic people and tourist from different places take their time visiting the place. Rizal shrine is the museum which contains the memorabilia of Rizal’s early childhood and other memories of his life. There are authentic photographs of Jose Rizal and even the women in his life and some sculptures, in addition to some of his writings.  The two storey Spanish inspired house with red tile roof has been restructured and maintained to its original structure.  The colonial appeal is still very much present and any one can experience that his existence still lingers in the house. 

Rizal Shrine is also known as the Dambanang Rizal was painted green last 2009 and it was quite controversial.  It was also justified since it is publicly known that Jose Rizal was an environmentalist and the name Rizal means ‘a green field ready for harvest,” thus the people in charge of the renovations of the Shrine took the liberty in painting it green.

When planning to visit Philippines, get a taste of Filipino history and heritage and learn about our national patriots, their lives and how they encourage fellowmen to really serve and defend the country.  Jose Rizal is one such hero that helped materialize the true essence of Philippine independence from colonization.  Visit Rizal Shrine and relive the history of the past.  It is important to look back and learn history because it is the reason why Filipinos enjoy freedom today.