PHOTO: Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Wikipedia.
Rizal Monument in Manila or Motto Stella (Latin), which means "Guiding Star," is the most popular public attraction and much main symbolic in the Philippines. Here lies on the stone base of the monument the mortal remains of Dr. José Rizal. A plaque on the pedestal's front reads: "To the memory of José Rizal, patriot and martyr, executed on Bagumbayan Field December Thirtieth 1896. This monument is dedicated by the people of the Philippine Islands."
The monument also carries an inscription: "I want to show to those who deprive people the right to love of country, that when we know how to sacrifice ourselves for our duties and convictions, death does not matter if one dies for those one loves - for his country and for others dear to him."
The perimeter of the monument is guarded continuously by the Philippine Marine Corps’ Marine Security and Escort Group, the changing of the guard having become a daily ritual. About 100 m (330 ft) north-northwest of the monument is the exact location where Rizal was executed, marked by life-size dioramas depicting his final moments.
It has height of 12.7 metres (42 ft) which consists of a standing bronze sculpture of overcoated Rizal holding a book, with an obelisk behind as backdrop, and the figures beside him and at the back of the monument. According from the Wikipedia, there's no explanation what are the official meaning of monument's details. But, hence, there is... "The monument depicts Rizal in overcoat holding a book, that represent his novels Noli Me Tángere and El filibusterismo. The obelisk is usually taken to mean Rizal’s masonic background while the three stars at the peak are said to stand for Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The figures at the back of the monument, such as leaves and a pot, are said to symbolize the country’s natural resources. The consensus is that the figures beside Rizal — a mother rearing her child and two young boys reading — signify family and education.
Swiss sculptor named Richard Kissling for his “Motto Stella” (Guiding Star) was one who designed the granite monument after the worldwide competirion. However, he was only second placer, and the first placer was Carlos Nicoli of Carrara, Italy for his scaled plaster model titled “Al Mártir de Bagumbayan” (To the Martyr of Bagumbayan) besting 40 other accepted entries. Nicoli won the ₱5,000.00 first prize for his design depicting a monument rising 18 metres (59 ft) high with a base of 12 metres (39 ft). But he failed to do or some saying he never showed up for the job contract.
Hence, Kissling's own design model was chosen and won, it's called also William Tell sculpture. Built from 1908 until 1913 of December 30 in its opening date for the public, 17 years ago after Rizal's death.
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