02 July 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney and members of the Filipino community commemorated the 153rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with wreath-laying ceremonies held at two landmarks dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal in New South Wales.
On June 19, Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Consul Marford Angeles and staff members of the Philippine Consulate General joined the officers and members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR) led by the OKOR Sydney Chapter Commander Ralph Posadas, OKOR Regional Commander Philip Rañoso, as well as Filipino community leaders and media, in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Plaza Ibero-Americana located near Sydney Central Station.
During the ceremony, Mr. Posadas spoke of the importance of commemorating Rizal’s birth and remembering his legacy. This was followed by Consul Angeles’ reading of excerpts from a speech delivered by Riza before his compatriots at the Cafe Habanero in Madrid, Spain, on 31 December 189. Consul Angeles is also a member of the Order of the Knights of Rizal. OKOR Regional Commander Philip Rañoso spoke on the concept of unity, and Dr. Rizal’s exhortation that everyone should work for the good of the country. OKOR officers Arnul Pan and Danny Peralta, respectively, emceed the program and delivered the closing remarks.
In coordination with the Consulate General, the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown (RPMC) headed by Mr. Rey Manoto, also organized a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Campbelltown City. It was attended by officers and members of the Campbelltown Regional Filipino Community Council (CRFCC) led by Ms. Lourdes Kaiser, the officers and members of OKOR, and members of the Filipino community in New South Wales. Among the attendees at the wreath-laying ceremony in Campbelltown was 95-year-old Rosalina Garcia, mother of Filipino community representative Violi Calvert.
Consul General Louis thanked the participants for keeping the memory and ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal alive and encouraged them to continue to hold the ceremony and other activities honoring the legacy of Dr. Rizal. Consul General Louis said that the best way to honor Rizal’s memory is to live out his ideals, foremost of which is his love of country. END