Just after the end of season for her news program, “The Big Story,” TV anchor Gretchen Ho immensely enjoyed her recent trip to Madrid, Spain as it gave her a chance to experience the “illustrado” (learned) vibe of Jose Rizal when she got to dine in a restaurant frequented by the national hero in the past.

“Rizal tours are a MUST going to Spain,” she initially declared on Instagram as she shared photos of her experience last April 9.

“Sippin’ on vermouth (day drink) in a restaurant that Dr. Jose Rizal and his fellow ilustrados used to frequent. We’re sitting right in his favorite corner inside Viva Madrid,” she said.

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She then posted a photo of a historical marker honoring the late national hero which loosely translated to: “This is the place where the Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal used to meet his friends to plan their activities for reforms for the Philippines.”

“Just imagine the discussions they had here over drinks!! Hoping to imbibe some of the genius,” she said, then expressing her gratitude to “Joaquin de Jesus for taking us around Rizal’s spots in Madrid.”

“Joaquin is just a batch higher than me at Ateneo, and he has been here for about 2 years working as an English teacher. He does these tours on the side as he is passionate for, not just the life of Rizal, but appreciating & understanding Spanish-Filipino history,” she said about her tour guide. EDV