I expressed my delight in being part of the commemoration of the 129th martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal at the Philippine Community Centre in Laverton, Victoria – a very impressive building made possible by the Philippine Fiesta Association of Victoria (PFAV).
The beautiful summer day started with the national anthems and a patriotic song, Pilipinas Kong Mahal, by Sir Arlan Fajardo. It set the mood for the event – including the re-enactment of the execution and the monologues of the sorrows of Dr Rizal’s mother (written by Sir Manny Asuncion and portrayed by Lady Imee McLean and Lady Belia San Jose Ramirez) and the anguish of Sisa (portrayed by Gersen Wardlaw from Ballarat). These numbers brought us to tears. The opening prayer by the KRI Melbourne Secretary encouraged us to continue our respect for our national hero and pray for divine assistance for our mother country – the Philippines – and Filipinos.
The unveiling of the bust of Dr Jose Rizal and wreath-laying was led by Consul General Gary Domingo KGOR, Lady Josephine Quintero (great-grandniece of Dr Rizal), Lady Imelda McLean (KRI Victoria President), Sir Walter VillaGonzalo (Area Commander Southern Chapter), Sir Arlan Fajardo (Chapter Commander Melbourne-West), and Sir Fred Jover (Chapter Commander Southeast).
The bust was donated by the sculptor Bonnie Romero – a friend of Sir Arlan Fajardo. The message of the Secretary of the PFAV Inc., Ms Divine Basa, is that the memorial to Dr Rizal should be an affirmation to keep his legacy alive, to treat one another with respect, and to pass on our heritage to our children. Dr Rizal is a model of intelligence, courage, and moral conviction.
The Mayor of Hobsons Bay City was all praises to the dedicated members of the Filipino community. The Consul General echoed her call for the youth’s active involvement – because they are the hope of the future, just as Dr Rizal called for more than a century ago.
Consul General Gary Jesus Domingo KGOR led the Knighting of two new Knights of Rizal and the elevation of seven KOR members into the second degree. They were sworn in as Knight Officers of Rizal, pledging to the patriotic ideals and endeavours of our national hero. The KOR and KRI members renewed their pledge to continue to be respected and admired people of the community.
No Filipino gathering is complete without fellowship and sharing of hospitality and delicacies – including the crunchy ‘empanadas’. The day culminated in photos in front of the newly installed bust of Dr Jose Rizal, one of many located all over Australia and the world.
I was honoured to have met the first-ever Knight of Rizal who was instrumental in establishing KOR and KRI in Victoria – Sir Allan Terrett – with his wife Eve of Ballarat. Thanks to the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. Melbourne chapter, KOR Melbourne West, and Melbourne Southeast chapter for organising this event with the Philippine Fiesta Association Inc. See you next year and congratulations for this very memorable and meaningful celebration.
