We managed to sneak in a bit of Philippine history in our round of errands today.

In between stops, we visited Grand Oriental Hotel near the Fort. We have been there before and we want to visit it again before we leave Sri Lanka.

Why is it so significant?

Between 1882-1896, a physician and a man of letters visited Ceylon four times. To our family, he was beyond ordinary, a man distinguished and known to all Filipinos and even internationally. A linguist, scientist, scholar, writer and a believer of peace. But what really is close to our heart is how he felt about this city, Colombo. Like him, we have landed in this warm and green and friendly city 4 times (2005-2008) and we have enjoyed every bit of our stay. This may be our last chance to see this historical landmark so I took the privilege of freezing the moment.

The man is Jose Rizal, our national hero and here is his landmark here in old Ceylon..

One funny incident here happened when I adjusted my camera lens and accidentally directed it to the port in front of this building. The armed soldiers blew their warning signals.  goose bumps almost jumped out of me! It is prohibited to take any photos here save for this building for security reasons. I find it undauntingly crazy at times... it happens almost anywhere here that is why we never got a photo of the beautiful town hall of Colombo.

Anyway, we feel proud to visit a landmark kept and preserved in his name in this old hotel at the very heart of this city.