José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda[1] (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896, Bagumbayan), was a Filipino polymath, nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. He is considered the Philippines' national hero and the anniversary of Rizal's death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday called Rizal Day. Rizal's 1896 military trial and execution made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution.
Noong Disyembre 20, 1898, nagpalabas si Pangulong Aguinaldo ng isang atas na nagtatalaga sa Disyembre 30 bilang isang pambansang araw ng pagluluksa “alang-alang sa manga daraquilang filipinong uagas magsilingap sa tinubuang bayan na si Dr. Rizal at iba pa, na pinasaquitan nang lumipas nang capangyarihang castila.”