20 November 2023, Seoul – In another milestone for the promotion of Dr. Jose Rizal’s life and works in South Korea, the Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter recently held knighthood, elevation, and awarding ceremonies at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy.

Sir Dr. Reghis M. Romero II, KGCR, former Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal and Member of the Council of Elders, officiated the Knighthood of and conferral of the First Degree (Knight of Rizal) to Sir MSgt. Carlito P. Quindo, PN(M), Assistant to the Defense and Armed Forces Attache of the Philippine Embassy, and Sir Prof. Kim Dongyeob, PhD. Prof. Kim, who studied and earned his doctorate at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, became the first Korean national to be admitted into the Order of the Knights of Rizal.

Sworn to reiterate their solemn pledge to spread by their acts the ideals and teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal, eight members of the KOR-Korea Chapter were elevated to the Second Degree (Knight Officer of Rizal), namely: Sir Anthony Rafael Gil Z. Cornista, Deputy Chapter Commander; Sir Denni Carlo V. Marnilego, Chapter Pursuivant; Sir Manolito R. Barotilla, Chapter Exchequer; Sir Jose Ma. S. Dinsay, Chapter Auditor; Sir Jake Raymond T. Velasco, Chapter Archivist; Sir Geoffrey B. Adiong, Deputy Pursuivant; Sir Prof. Joeffrey M. Calimag, PhD, Deputy Exchequer; and Sir Ernest Joseph P. Diga, Chapter Trustee.

Sir Romero likewise administered the awarding of the Distinguished Service Medal to Prof. Kim Dongyeob for his translation of the Noli Me Tangere into the Korean language. He currently holds the position of Director of the Korea Institute for ASEAN Studies at the Busan University of Foreign Studies and manages the “Advancing Philippine Studies Program” at the university.

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega congratulated the newly initiated and promoted members and encouraged them to continue to inspire, like Rizal, Filipinos and Koreans alike to lead a meaningful and purposeful life. She likewise paid tribute to Professor Kim and his contributions to the development of Philippine Studies programs in Korea.

Also present to assist in and witness the ceremonies were Lady Judy Savares, Vice President for International Affairs, Las Damas de Rizal; Sir Maximo Salvador Salazar, KGOR and Sir Mark Roy Boado, KGOR of Sucesos Chapter; Sir Kyle Lyel Lim, KCR of Haribon Chapter; and Sir Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr., KCR of Korea Chapter. END