Rizal Day 2018 Commemorated in New York City
The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Knights of Rizal–New York Chapter commemorated the 122nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on 19 December 2018 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. (New York PCG photo)
NEW YORK 31 December 2018 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter, held a commemorative event on 19 December 2018 at the Philippine Center on the occasion of the 122nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal said that the Filipino people are blessed to have produced heroes of Rizal’s caliber, and underlined the importance of each and every Filipino’s responsibility to make sure that Rizal’s life is forever remembered.
“It obligates us as trustees of his memory to do our best to live up to the ideals and hopes that he willingly sacrificed his life for,” Consul General Cristobal said.
The program included a knighting ceremony of three new members of the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter, presided over by Sir Francis Sison and Sir Victor Sison, both Knight Grand Cross of Rizal, and Sir Atty. Dean Suba, Knight Grand Officer of Rizal.
Consul Arman R. Talbo, a KOR-NY member, was also exalted to the rank of Knight Commander of Rizal. Knights from other chapters in the US Northeast were also present to witness the solemn ceremony.
The program was also highlighted by a reflection from Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines in 1998 and Alumni of the Rizal Youth Leadership Institute founder Olive Abarquez.
Currently a New York City public school teacher, Ms. Abarquez urged KOR Officers to engage the youth in its activities, and underscore the importance of the role of the youth and Rizal’s ideals and virtues in the family and in community-building.
An additional 11 members of the Ladies for Rizal Auxiliary for New York were sworn in by KOR East Coast Regional Commander Sir Atty. Suba
The evening’s activities also solemnly featured a dramatic tableau of Rizal’s execution, staged by members of the New York Chapter.
KOR-NY Chapter Commander Sir Mariano Aquino thanked all those present and new members of the New York Chapter, and expressed hope for more activities geared for the youth in the coming activities of the Knights. END
For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph/ www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/
New members at the knighting ceremony of the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter held during the 122nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in New York on 19 December 2018. (New York PCG photo)
Consul Arman R. Talbo exalted to the rank of Knight Commander of Rizal. (New York PCG photo)