22 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, together with the Knights of Rizal and Las Damas de Rizal Heidelberg/Wilhelmsfeld Chapter, commemorated today the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal at Rizal Park in Wilhelmsfeld. A wreath-laying ceremony, graced by Consul General Marie Yvette L. Banzon Abalos and Wilhelmsfeld Mayor Tobias Dangel, honored Rizal’s deep connection to Germany and his lasting influence on Filipino identity. The celebration also highlighted how Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere inspired the Philippines’ Guest of Honour theme, “Imagination peoples the air,” at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. The theme reflects Rizal’s enduring call for imagination, truth, and national awakening. The event reaffirmed Rizal’s vital role in shaping the stories and creativity the Philippines will proudly share with the world during its role as the Guest of Honour country at the Frankfurter Buchmesse in October this year. END