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Ever wonder where are the kins of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal? Pictured here are the direct descendants of Rizal, who celebrates his 150th birth anniversary on June 19, 2011. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pays tribute to Rizal through an exhibition of Philippine banknotes and coins. The exhibit “Rizal in Our Midst: A Homage to Greatness” showcases the different denominations ranging from five centavos to as high as 100 pesos since 1903 where the image of Rizal or his monument appears. Today, Rizal is on one-piso coins, making him accessible to most Filipinos. About five billion one-piso coins or 30 percent of total coins are in circulation today.

The BSP is set to launch a commemorative medal bearing Rizal’s image, his signature and his handwritten phrase “Adios Patria Adorada.” The BSP will also issue special edition legal tender one-piso coins bearing Rizal’s image and the “150 years” inscription before the end of 2011. BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco Jr. (center) is flanked by other Monetary Board members. Some of Rizal’s kin include (front row) Amelia  Garcia Yulo, Enrique Herbosa, Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Mia Faustmann, Atty. Ramoncita Reyes, Ismael Guerrero Cruz Jr., (back row) Patrcia Herbosa Grau, Jose Rizal Lopez, Vivencio Villaruz Jr., Alberto Filart, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Teresita Herbosa and Carmen Cruz. The family members descended from Rizal’s brother Paciano and sisters Lucia, Saturnina, Maria, Narcisa and Olimpia.