Rizal Monument (Calamba)

José Rizal Monument in Calamba

Bantayog ni José Rizal sa Calamba (Filipino)
Coordinates	14.1958°N 121.1597°E / 14.1958; 121.1597
Location	The Plaza, Calamba, Laguna
Designer	Jose Dionas "Jonas" F. Roces
Type	Monument
Material	Bronze, Granite
Height	43 feet (13 m) (total height)
Beginning date	December 2010
Completion date	April 2011
Opening date	June 19, 2011
Dedicated to	José Rizal

The Rizal Monument in Calamba is a monument built to commemorate the national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal was born in the city of Calamba, It is a 6.7 metres (22 ft) statue sculpted by Jonas Roces and is located at The Plaza, a 6.7-hectare (17-acre).

The monument is located vicinity in the front of José Rizal Coliseum and the Calamba City Hall. Both landmarks where located in "The Plaza of Calamba".

Symbolism

Detail of José Rizal's statue on the monument. There is also an official explanation of the meaning of the monument's details. The monument depicts Rizal in an overcoat holding a book, that has the title of his book "NOLI ME TÁNGERE" inscribed. This is contrary to the usual representation of the book as a symbol of both the inscribed novel and its sequel El Filibusterismo, as well as Rizal's annotation of Antonio de Morga's Sucesoss de las Islas Filipinas. The obelisk is usually taken to mean Rizal's masonic background while the three stars 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.