05 January 2016 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joined the Canada Region-Ontario Chapter’s Knights of Rizal, Kababaihang Rizalista, Ladies of the Knights of Rizal, The Aspirations of Rizal and Rizal Youth Organization in the Commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at Earl Bales Park, North York Ontario, on December 30, 2015.
The event commenced with the traditional wreath offering to the Philippine national hero’s bust at the Rizal Monument in Earl Bales Park led by Philippine Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero. The commemoration continued at the Park’s community center with a program highlighted by the singing of the Philippine national anthem, recital of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag, invocation, initiation and knighting ritual of new members of the Knights of Rizal-Earl Bales Chapter. The program likewise included the video message of the Chair of the Council of Elders and former Supreme Commander, Sir Lamberto Nanquil, the remarks of Knights of Rizal Regional Commander Sir Jaime Marasigan, and narration of Dr. Rizal’s brief biography and anecdotes by members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal.
In her message, Consul General Prospero underscored the continuing legacy of Dr. Rizal’s life, works, values and ideals which inspired many in Canada and throughout the world. The Consul General also conveyed her appreciation to the various Filipino community organizations for their continuing effort in commemorating our national hero’s nationalism and martyrdom.
Also highlighted during the program was the Knights of Rizal-Canada Region’s awarding of “Exaltation to the Third Degree Knight Commander of Rizal” to Consul Bolivar Bao in recognition of his meritorious service and contribution in promoting Dr. Rizal’s inspiring life and heroism as well as the objectives and goals of the Order of the Knight of Rizal.
The event concluded with the poignant recitation of Rizal’s poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios,” by Sir Alfonso Mejia Arias, an eloquent Spanish-speaking Knight of Rizal. END