04 December 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Berne commemorated on November 28, the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Philippine Revolution, Andres Bonifacio with the naming of the Embassy’s consular section, the Sentro Bonifacio, and the unveiling of a Bonifacio painting by Swiss-based Filipino painter, Norlando Pobre.
In a ceremony attended by leaders of the Filipino community, Ambassador Leslie Baja and Mr. Pobre unveiled the Bonifacio painting titled “Andres Bonifacio, the Father of Philippine Revolution”.
In his remarks, Ambassador Baja said, “Ginugunita natin tuwing ika-30 ng Nobyembre ang kapanganakan ni Andres Bonifacio, ang ‘Ama ng Himagsikang Pilipino’. Bilang paggunita sa ika-150 anibersaryo ng kanyang kapanganakan, ating paparangalan ang ating bayani sa pamamagitan ng pagpapangalan sa Consular Section ng Embahada na Sentro Bonifacio.”
“It is very fitting to name this room the Sentro Bonifacio, this being the place where migrant Filipinos, our modern-day heroes, flock and apply for consular services. Honouring Bonifacio by naming this room after him, we are also honouring our migrant Filipinos for their contributions to Philippine society,” the Ambassador added.
“We also thank Mr. Pobre for his donation of two paintings on our heroes, Bonifacio and Rizal; the latter now finds its home in our Sentro Rizal. We laud him for inspiring nationalism through his arts, and we hope that Filipinos who will look at his paintings when they visit the Philippine Embassy will also feel the same emotions that ran through the veins of our heroes and Mr. Pobre when doing these paintings,” Ambassador Baja said.
Mr. Pobre said that before starting his painting on Bonifacio, he first had to study the hero’s life and works, particularly his role in the revolution.
“I was deeply touched and inspired by Bonifacio for sacrificing his life for our country and our independence. I am happy that this painting will have its proper place here in the Embassy. I hope that the people who come here will remember the struggles of our heroes to give us the independence we enjoy today,” expressed Mr. Pobre.
The ceremony was followed by a film showing on the life of Bonifacio. END
