PHL Embassy, Knights of Rizal, and Hermano’s Celebrate Rizal Day in Abu Dhabi
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. delivers his message at the Rizal Day celebration on 30 December 2017 at the Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi.
04 January 2017 ABU DHABI – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal – Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter (KOR-EADC), held a ceremony to commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on 30 December 2017 at the Embassy Hall.
The program started with a processional and flower offering to the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal, participated in by officers and members of the KOR-EADC and Ladies, Hermano’s (UAE) Internacional, officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, POLO, OWWA, SSS and Pag-IBIG, and guests. It was followed by the singing of the Philippine national anthem, invocation, recitation of the Rizalist Code of Ethics, Rizalist Oath, Pledge of the Flag, song number, presentation of KOR-EADC officers and members, and fraternal sign.
Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr., who himself is a Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR), delivered the keynote speech. He spoke of the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896 in what was then Bagumbayan. Having lived in Germany for some time, Ambassador Vingno also shared his recollections of Rizal in that country. “I still remember the name of the street where the marker still stands today. It said: In this house lived a national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal, who fought for non-violent reforms for the Philippines,” the Ambassador recalled.
“Dr. Rizal left a legacy for us to love your country and your people. He also left behind a legacy that being an expatriate would allow you to make your contributions to the country,” Ambassador Vingno said. He called on overseas Filipinos to follow the shining example that our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, left behind. He encouraged everyone present to be role models for kababayans in the UAE by following the teachings of Rizal.
Sir Blesil Apduhan, KOR-EADC Deputy Commander, in his message, urged his fellow Knights and Filipino community leaders to be inspired by the courage of Dr. Jose Rizal and his love for our country. Sir Jay Jasper Javines, KOR-EADC Member and Assistant Labor Attaché, in his closing remarks, said, “Sana po, sa pagtatapos ng ating programa, ay manatili sa ating puso ang mga itinuro ng ating mahal na bayani, Dr. Jose Rizal. Tulad ng sinabi nya, hindi lahat sa kanya namamatay. Non Omnis Moriar.” Master of Ceremonies Sir Guillermo Del Mundo then invited everyone for photo opportunities and a simple meryenda at the Embassy hall. END
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Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno Jr., Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno and son, Chase, are joined by officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy (top photo); officers and members and ladies of the Knights of Rizal – Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter (KOR-EADC) (center photo); and officers and members of Hermano’s (UAE) Internacional (bottom photo) at the commemoration of the 121st Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on 30 December 2017 at the Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi.