As its way of celebrating the 150 th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal on June 19, 2010, the University of Bohol in partnership with the local government of the City of Tagbilaran conducted a symposium on Rizal and Europe last June 15, 2011 at the Institutional Research Center (IRC) Auditorium of the university. Hans GunterSchoff, a philanthropist together with German couple Lucien & Mrs. Maddeline Abordo Spittael, visited the university and shared their knowledge about the national hero while in Europe. With power point presentation, Mr.Spittael discussed in chronological order the travels of Rizal and made vivid his personal account of all the places in Europe that Dr. Jose Rizal went and stayed. Starting from Naples, Italy where Rizal first set foot on European soil, to Spain, France, Germany and Austria. Considered as the greatest Malayan, Rizal’s love of country became more fervent in Europe. It was in Berlin, Germany that Noli Me Tangere was first published in 1887 with the financial support of Maximo Viola.

For his part, Lawyer Victoriano B. Tirol Jr., UB president, felt honored in welcoming the guests whose knowledge about Dr. Jose Rizal was enriching. Tirol mentioned Hans Schoof who in his personal conviction and admiration to the national hero, bought the chair and table used by Dr. Jose Rizal in Heidelberg, Germany and brought it in Bohol at his famous resort, The Peacock Garden in Baclayon. The UB president, who is a member of the Knights of Rizal during his college days and a free mason further reminded the Filipinos most especially the Boholano youth about the works and labors of Rizal and his true love for our country. The activity was graced with the presence of City Mayor Dan Lim, Vice Mayor Nuevas Montes and department heads of the city government. The participants during the symposium also include the UB high school students and faculty members and college instructors handling Rizal subjects at the University of Bohol.(L.A.BONCALES)