DID YOU KNOW: 170th birth annivesary of sculptor Romualdo de Jesus

Today, Feb. 7, is the 170th birth anniversary of sculptor and woodcarver Romualdo “Lolong” de Jesus. A good friend of Jose Rizal, De Jesus reportedly served as the model for the character of “Pilosopo Tasyo” in “Noli Me Tangere.” He served as gobernadorcillo of Tondo, Manila, and was made honorary sculptor of Ayuntamiento de Manila. —Marielle Medina