Page 20 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

20 January to June
2017

Philippine Consulate in New York and The Knights of Rizal’s 156th Birth Anniversary

The Philippine Consulate General in
New York and various chapters of the Knights
of Rizal (KOR) led the commemoration of the
156th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on
19 June 2017 at the Philippine Center in New
York.

The regional and area officers of the
KOR in the East Coast and chapter
commanders from New York and New Jersey
were joined by the Ladies for Rizal and
members of the Fil-Am community in the
celebration.

This year's event drew one of the
largest participation from the different KOR Philippine Consulate officials, Regional and Area KOR officers, Chapter Commanders, and other officers
Chapters in and around New York City with 9 and members of the Knights of Rizal in New York and New Jersey are joined by members of the Ladies
chapters represented, namely: Bergenfield, for Rizal during the commemoration of the 156th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in New York.
Jersey City, Long Island, Metropolitan, Morris
County, New York, Passaic, Square and Compass, and Union. Other honored guests included Ms. Rose Torres Javier and
Ms.Mia Bantug Locsin great, great grandnieces of Dr. Rizal through his sister Narcisa.

The commemoration opened with an excerpt featuring a recitation of Rizal’s poem Mi Ultimo Adios from the critically-
acclaimed movie "Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis" (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery), written and directed by Lav Diaz.

It was followed by a knighting ceremony of 13 new members of the KOR New York Chapter, the 2017 commemoration
host chapter, officiated by Sir Engr. Roger Alama KGCR, Sir Dr. Emilio Quines KGOR, Sir Dr. Prospero Lim KGOR, Sir Jose L.
Ramos, Jr. KGOR, and Sir Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba KGOR.

In her remarks, Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega, herself a member of the Ladies for Rizal, gave a
reflection on her favorite Rizal character, the enigmatic Elias of Noli Me Tangere and Rizal’s views of reform and revolution.

Dr Quines also gave his reflection on the life and ideas of the National Hero, focusing on history and slavery, while
Atty. Manuel Quintal KCR reflected on Rizal's ideas about the freedom of religious belief. The other chapter commanders
recited different immortal quotes by Dr. Rizal.

The participants and guests were serenaded by the KOR New York choir which performed a rendition of the "Ikaw ang
Mahal Ko" and led the community singing of "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" at the end of the program.
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Consulate, Knights of Rizal Tri-State Observe Dr. Jose Rizal’s 156 Birth Anniversary

At a monument prominently displaying a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal opposite a
marker of the Bataan Death March in Cooper River Park, New Jersey, the Knights of
Rizal of Greater Tri-state (Greater Philadelphia) Chapter, led by Sir Dr. Rommel Rivera,
Chapter Commander, and Deputy Consul General Felipe F. Cariño III led a procession
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and wreath laying ceremony commemorating the 156 birth anniversary of the Philippine
national hero.

A program followed at the Ruby Buffet Restaurant in Cherry Hill. The event
included brief remarks from Sir Dr. Rommel Rivera, and Deputy Consul General Cariño
who spoke about the ideals and values of Dr. Rizal. This was followed by a reading of
select verses from Dr. Rizal’s poems by KOR members. Two KOR members were given
Service awards for distinguished service, namely Sir Nelson Valdivia, ex-Checker, and
Sir Jaime Peralta, Jr., former Pursuivant.

Also in attendance during the event were Camden County Human Services
Commissioner, Mrs. Gwen De Vera and Sir Dr. Alex Cueto, who served as Chairperson
of the Rizal Monument Centennial Committee.
Deputy Consul General Felipe F. Carino III and
Sir Dr. Rommel Rivera, (4 and 3 from right, The KOR Tri-State was active shortly before and during the 1998 Centennial
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respectively) Chapter Commander of KFOR Tri- activities and was re-activated in 2016 by other KOR chapters led by Sir Roger Alama,
State, pose with other KFOR members. Sir Francis Sison, and former Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr.