His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Morales graced the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Australian New Zealand Oceania (ANZO) Region end-of-year events and ceremonies held on 22 December 2024 at Pabico Club 55, Mt Druitt, New South Wales.
The program included the chartering of the South West – Indios Bravos; and the combined knighting ceremonies of the Indios Bravos, Canberra, Sydney, Australian Entrepreneur, and Northern Sydney chapters. It also featured the exaltation of Sir Rainier De Silva, Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR), as the Indios Bravos Chapter Commander, followed by fellowship.
The invocation was given by the Western Sydney Chapter Exchequer, Sir Alex del Prado, KCR. This was followed by the pledge to the Philippine national flag, led by the former ANZO Region Deputy Eastern Area Commander, Sir Rado Gatchalian, KCR. The host country was acknowledged by the ANZO Regional Exchequer, Sir Geronimo Jhun Morales, KCR.
ANZO Regional Commander Sir Bob Alipalo, KCR, delivered the welcoming remarks. The newly knighted members of the Order included:
- South West – Indios Bravos Chapter: Sir Howard Nonoy Yu, Sir Ryan Neil Padecio, Sir Fortunato Amper, Sir Ferdinand de la Cruz, and Sir Thomas Choo Kiat Tan.
- Canberra Chapter: Sir Roy Tumbaga, Sir Paul Tanada, Sir Roman Adler Delima, and Sir Pee Jay Esteban.
- Western Sydney Chapter: Sir Sebastian Canicula, Sir Englebert Urfano, Sir Jose Fajardo, Sir Ervin Gunda, and Sir Roger Bachoco.
- Australian Entrepreneur Chapter: Sir Robert Remo Balzola.
- Northern Sydney Chapter: Sir Konstantin George Georgiadis.
A tribute to Rizal was led by the KOR Headquarters former Supreme Auditor (Rizal year 2021-2023), Sir Danilo Peralta, Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR). Sir Peralta emphasised the importance of transparency and leadership.
Past ANZO Regional Commander Sir Felipe Philip Ranoso, KGOR, introduced and led the charging of the Board of Trustees for the newly-established Indios Bravos Chapter. He also introduced HE Ambassador Antonio Morales as the guest of honour, who is also a KCR of the KOR Department of Foreign Affairs Chapter.
“Rizal’s vision of a just, progressive, and inclusive society is a goal that resonates deeply with every Filipino wherever he or she may be,” HE Ambassador Morales said.
“Rizal envisioned the Philippines to be led by educated, empowered, and united Filipinos. Rizal believes that education is the foundation of freedom and progress. Rizal urges us to rise above divisions and work for the collective good. Rizal’s love for the Philippines was boundless. Let us nurture that same love, contributing to nation-building through our talents, resources, and influences.”
The ambassador also highlighted Rizal’s role as an overseas Filipino and diplomat, adding: “He projected the Philippines in his dealings with other people and other countries. If he had travelled to Australia, he would have been inspired by the vastness and greatness of this country and the values of diversity, equity, and multiculturalism.”
The Fraternal message, re-dedication, or pledge of the members of the Order was led by ANZO Regional Commander Sir Alipalo, KCR. Eastern Area Commander Sir Francis de los Santos, KCR, closed the ceremony with his Vote of Thanks and Appreciation.
The event was also attended by the ladies of the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. Sydney Chapter, led by its long-time president Lady Michelle Baltazar. Families and friends of the members of the Order were also present.
Lady Jinky Marsh, Assistant Secretary of KRI Sydney Chapter, and South West – Indios Bravos Chapter Exchequer Sir Ed Pacheco, KR, performed musical numbers during the event. The ceremonies were emceed by Sir Gatchalian, KCR.
