30 June 2014 - The Order of the Knights of Rizal – Area Council Belgium with its Area Commander, Albert P. Arevalo, commemorated the 153rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19 in Brussels, Belgium.
A floral offering at the Rizal Marker at Rue de la Champagne 42 signaled the beginning of the commemorative activity.
At the Philippine Embassy at Avenue Moliere, the Knights of Rizal program began at the Embassy garden with a floral offering by the different chapters and counterpart organizations.
The formal ceremony at the Bulwagan ng mga Pangulo commenced with the singing of the National Anthem and the Knights of Rizal Hymn.
Remarks were delivered by Mr. Albert Arevalo, Mr. Lino Paras as Special Adviser to the Supreme Commander, Mr. Rudy Nollas and also from the Commanders of the Aalst, Rizal, Charleroi and Diamond Chapters, Mr. Generoso Rebong, Mr. Jose Peres, Mr. Guy Libau, Mr. Paul Verloo, as well as from the heads of counterpart organizations of Ms. Celanie Francisco of the Kababaihang Rizalista, , and Ms. Mary Ann Ballesteros of the Las Damas de Rizal. The speeches centered on extolling the fine virtues which made Dr. Jose Rizal our national hero.
Consul General Robespierre Bolivar delivered the message from the Embassy on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Victoria Bataclan. He expressed appreciation for the good works and cooperative efforts of the Knights of Rizal in Belgium.
During the event, Mr. Arevalo handed over to the Embassy a painting of the national hero which will be displayed at the Philippine Embassy. The painting is the work of Mr. Sherwin Paul Gonzales, one of the finalists in the “Life of Dr. Jose Rizal in Europe” painting competition. END
