On Rizal Day, December 30, the Rizal Monument will be formally declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and as a National Monument by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Unveiled a century ago, the monument titled Motto Stella (Guiding Star) was created by Swiss artist Richard Kissling who placed second in a competition in 1907 but eventually was the design selected by the committee. It is a composite sculpture, comprising of cast bronze figures and granite obelisk and base.
Located on the spot in Luneta (now also known as Rizal Park) close to where Jose Rizal was executed by the Spaniards in 1896, the monument also holds his remains.
Arts and Travel Magazine 