UPCOMING-ANNUAL RIZAL PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL 16 AUGUST 2026 | SUNDAY 1PM-6PM
THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF DR JOSE RIZAL PARK AND BRIDGE
Honoring the Visionaries Who Came Before Us
The history of Dr. José Rizal Park and Bridge is rooted in the vision and determination of Seattle’s Filipino American community. Among those at the forefront were Vic Bacho and Trinidad Rojo, whose vision helped begin the effort to establish a lasting tribute to Dr. José Rizal in Seattle.
What began with efforts to have a Seattle street named in honor of Dr. José Rizal grew into a broader movement that ultimately helped establish the Dr. José Rizal Bridge and Dr. José Rizal Park. Through years of community advocacy, dedication, and collaboration, that vision became a lasting symbol of Filipino American history, heritage, and contributions to the City of Seattle.
Today, we honor those visionaries and the many community leaders and advocates who carried that effort forward. Their legacy continues through the preservation of Dr. José Rizal Park and Bridge and through the generations who gather here to celebrate culture, community, history, and the ideals represented by Dr. José Rizal.
READ THE FULL HISTORY
https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/rizal_report.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com
1973 Seattle Mayor Wes Uhlman w/ Trinidad Rojo & Vic”Bacho. Photo via the University of Washington.
Carrying the vision forward
Zenaida F Guerzon
Among those who helped carry this vision forward was Zenaida F. Guerzon, whose dedication to Dr. José Rizal Park included helping secure funding for the bronze bust of Dr. José Rizal, created by renowned Filipino sculptor Anastacio Caedo. Her involvement helped carry the work of earlier community leaders forward and inspired the next generation to continue preserving the park and bridge.