10 July 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, in cooperation with the Order of the nights of Rizal (OKOR), organized a lecture as part of the Consulate General’s activities to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini on July 5.
Entitled “When God Provided the Weapon: From Rizal’s La Liga Filipina to Bonifacio’s Katipunan to Mabini and the Revolution-1892 to 1898 and beyond”, the lecture by Professor Floro Quibuyen covered the Philippine Revolution and the roles of heroes Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini in the struggle for independence. According to Professor Quibuyen, Rizal inspired Bonifacio, who began and organized the armed resistance against the Spaniards, and Mabini, who provided the structure for a revolutionary government under Aguinaldo.
Professor Quibuyen expressed admiration for Mabini who came from a humble background and had to support himself through school. He said that despite having to work for his board and lodging by teaching children and doing odd jobs, Mabini obtained in Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the highest academic distinction of “sobresaliente”, matching Rizal’s scholastic achievement at the Ateneo de Manila. Prof. Quibuyen added that Mabini’s intellect was put to full use while serving under the administration of Aguinaldo.
The Professor also noted how Mabini was steadfast in pursuing the Philippines’ independence even as he was exiled to Guam and when he returned to Manila.
Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis thanked OKOR Sydney Chapter Commander Ralph Posadas and Professor Quibuyen, himself an OKOR member, for collaborating with the Consulate General on the lecture. The members of the OKOR Canberra Chapter led by Commander Ariel Pattugalan, also attended the event. Other guests included Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR) and Blacktown City Councillor Jess Diaz, Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR) Ricardo de Vera and OKOR Regional Commander for Australia, New Zealand and Oceania Philip Rañoso. The members of OKOR, their families, Filipino community leaders, and members of the media were also present at the event.
In her message, Consul General Louis noted how Mabini, despite suffering from his physical condition, continued to give of himself fully to the cause of Philippine independence and to serve his country, including as the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Consul General Louis expressed hope that Mabini’s brilliance and heroism, rooted deeply in patriotism, will be a source of inspiration for Filipinos today.
The lecture program also featured musical numbers by OKOR member Richard Peralta and by Mr. Rene Tinapay. END