(PHOTOS – Top: Chargé d’Affaires Romulo Victor M. Israel leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Sentro Rizal Hall together with Vice Consul Jilliane Joyce R. De Dumo – Cornista. Below: Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter Officers and Members.)
30 December 2024, Seoul – In celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Embassy in cooperation with the Knights of Rizal (KOR) – Korea Chapter held a solemn floral offering at the bust of the Philippines national hero at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy.
The ceremony was led by CDA a.i. and Commander of the KOR – Korea Chapter Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., KOR officers and members, officers and staff of the Embassy and Filipino community members.
(Photos – Top: Officers of the KOR - Korea Chapter joined by family members of the Embassy sing the Philippine national anthem at the start of the wreath-laying ceremony. Below: CDA a.i. and Commander Romulo Israel delivers his welcome remarks.)
In keeping with this year’s theme, “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas” (Rizal in the New Philippines: Life and Teachings, As Our Guide), CDA a.i. Israel emphasized the importance of the many writings of Dr. Rizal, citing the dedication to the motherland and love of country.
(PHOTOS - Top left: Welcome Remarks by Sir Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. KCR, CDA a.i. and Commander, Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter. Top right: Sir Anthony Z. Cornista, KOR, Deputy Commander, Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter reads the Rizal Day Message of Sir Raymundo A. Del Rosario, KGCR, Supreme Commander. Below left: Master of Ceremonies Sir Apolonio Gabino Alvarez, Jr. KOR. Below right: Sir Agapito Bulabos, Jr. KR leads the flag-raising ceremonies held every Monday at the Sentro Rizal Hall.)
In his Rizal Day message, Sir Raymundo A. Del Rosario, KGCR, Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Supreme Council, shared that we must “draw inspiration from Rizal’s courage and intellectual brilliance. Let us embrace his unwavering commitment to truth and his unwavering faith in the Filipino people. Let us strive to embody his ideals in our own lives, in our communities, and in our nation”. He further encouraged everyone to “work tirelessly to build a society that reflects Rizal’s vision – a society where education is accessible to all, where freedom of thought and expression are cherished, where social justice prevails, and where the dignity of every Filipino is upheld.”
(PHOTOS – Heads of the attached agencies in Korea, officers and staff and family members of the Embassy, with the participation of the Filipino Community join in the wreath-laying ceremonies commemorating the 128th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr, Jose Rizal.)
The commemoration also showcased videos of two Rizal Shrines from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), “Rizal - Calamba” and “Dambana ni Rizal sa Fort Santiago.” The event concluded with a community breakfast sponsored by the KOR – Korea Chapter. END.
