PH Consulate General in New York Commemorates the 123rd Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal (second row, seventh from left) with Knights of Rizal International Headquarters, Knight Grand Cross of Rizal Supreme Commander Court of Appeals Associate Justice Sir Elihu A. Ybanez, with the Knights of Rizal. (New York PCG photo)
NEW YORK 08 January 2020 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter, held a commemorative event on 19 December 2019 at the Philippine Center on the occasion of the 123rd Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal with the theme “Jose Rizal: Huwaran ng Pilipino sa Ika dalawampu’t Isang Siglo”.
The event was highlighted by a discussion of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal International Headquarters Court of Appeals Associate Justice Sir Elihu A. Ybanez, on the crimes committed by the Spaniards during the Spanish era in the Philippines.
Justice Elihu Ibanez said that “it has been the heroism of Rizal in the face of death that inspire many to be concerned about living for the Filipinos, giving them the decent life and giving strength and individual freedom.”
Hence, he pointed out that “the question is not about how Rizal died, but how he lived.” Instead of enumerating all his well-known qualities and achievements, Justice Ibanez said that he “advocates the renewed pledge of devotion to the ideas and ideals espoused by Rizal.”
The program included a Knighting Ceremony of three new members of the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter including Consul Ricarte B. Abejuela III of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the elevation of other members to the second degree of knighthood. The Knighting ceremony was presided by Sir Justice Elihu A. Ybanez. Chapter heads and members of other areas in the US Northeast were present to witness the solemn ceremony.
The program also featured a dramatic Tableau of Jose Rizal’s execution, staged by the New York Chapter, laying of flowers, and video presentation. Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR) New York Chapter, Commander Sir Mariano Aquino Jr., thanked Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal for organizing the annual commemoration with the KOR.
A citation was given by the Supreme Commander to newly-elected Mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Sir Arvin Amatorio, Esq., KCR and Sir Consul Arman R. Talbo, KCR for his contributions to the Filipino-American community. END
Tableau of Rizal’s execution. (New York PCG photo)
Discussion on the crimes committed by the Spaniards during the Spanish era in the Philippines by Knight Grand Cross of Rizal Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal International Headquarters Court of Appeals Associate Justice Sir Elihu A. Ybanez. (New York PCG photo)
New Knights of Rizal New York Chapter members including Sir Consul Ricarte B. Abejuela III (Leftmost). (New York PCG photo)
Consul Arman R. Talbo receives citation for his contributions to the Filipino-American community. (New York PCG photo)
Newly-elected Mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Knight Commander of Rizal Sir Arvin Amatorio, Esq., delivers his appreciation speech. (New York PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/.