(Top) Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega delivers her inspirational message and Minister and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel giving his opening remarks during the commemoration of the 162nd Birth Anniversary of Rizal and Wreath -Laying ceremony held at the Sentro Rizal, Philippine Embassy, Seoul. (Below) Ambassador Dizon – De Vega is flanked by the pioneering members of the Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter. (Photos courtesy of KOR Seoul Chapter).
20 June 2023, Seoul. On the occasion of the 162nd birth anniversary Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega delivered an inspirational message drawing upon the wealth of the national hero’s legacy that captured the imagination of Filipinos from across the social spectrum leading to the Philippine nationhood and independence in the late 19th century. His short but fruitful life continues to attract admiration and interest from experts, scholars and students of history even as it offers much enlightenment to patriotic and freedom-loving individuals around the world.
Addressing the newly chartered Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter, she expressed hopes for their ranks to grow and to include Koreans and other foreign nationals who may have encountered Rizal in their studies or travels in the Philippines and have been struck by his courage, intellect, and heroism.
The Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter was officially established during the chartering and knighthood ceremonies conducted by the Manila-based KOR Supreme Commander Gerardo Calderon, KGCR, and Deputy Supreme Commander Raymundo Del Rosario, KGOR, on 28 April 2023 where 11 postulants were sworn in to help propagate Rizalian chivalry and ideals and deepen their understanding of Rizal’s teachings and his relevance to the advancement of Filipinos in Korea.
KOR-Korea Chapter Commander Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Consul General, gave his welcome remarks and, together with Ambassador Dizon-De Vega, led his fellow Knights in making a solemn floral offering to Rizal, while Chapter Chancellor and MWO Assistant Apolonio Alvarez Jr. served as emcee.
A fellowship breakfast sponsored by the KOR-Korea Chapter and viewing of “Jose Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya,” a film commissioned by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines followed the commemorative program. END
(Top) Amb. Dizon-De Vega is joined by members of the Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter and personnel of the Philippine Embassy and its Partner Agencies after the wreath-laying ceremony. (Below L-R) Sir Manolito Barotilla, KR; Sir Jake Velasco, KR; Sir Apolonio Alvarez Jr., KR; Sir Alex Gacrama, KR; Sir Anthony Rafael Gil Cornista, KR; Sir Romulo Victor Israel, KCR; Sir Jose Ma. Dinsay, KR; Sir Geoffrey Adiong, KR; Sir Ernest Joseph Diga, KR; and Sir Denni Carlo Marnilego, KR. The founding members of the Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter with fraternal gesture signifying “Non Omnis Moriar”, not in photo is Sir Joeffrey Calimag, KR. (Photos courtesy of KOR Seoul Chapter). 