The Order of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Southern Australia – Victoria and Tasmania – together with the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (KRI) Melbourne Chapter hosted the El Amor de Rizal Charity Dinner on 6 December 2025 at the Grand Star Receptions and Convention Centre in Altona North.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the installation of a Dr Jose Rizal bust at the Philippine Community Centre in Laverton. This will be the second Rizal monument under KOR Southern Australia, following the unveiling of the first bust in September this year at the Philippine House in Shepparton.
In his welcome address, Sir Walter Villagonzalo, KCR OAM, Southern Australia Area Commander (Victoria and Tasmania), said the monument would serve as a lasting reminder of Rizal’s ideals.
“The monument will stand as a lasting symbol of our pride, our history, and our commitment to ensuring that Rizal’s ideals will continue to inspire future generations of Filipinos in Australia. Together, KOR and KRI embody a spirit of unity and collaboration, ensuring that men and women stand side by side in honouring Rizal’s legacy and advancing the values he championed,” he said.
The event was attended by Philippine Consul General in Melbourne Sir Jesus “Gary” Domingo, KGOR, along with Consul Ralph Vincent C. Abarquez and Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao. Also present was Lady Josephine Quintero, the great-grandniece of Dr Jose Rizal through the lineage of Soledad Mercado.
Young performer Andre Edward Dela Cruz entertained guests with two Christmas songs. Members of KOR and KRI also presented cultural dance numbers, featuring Hagibis-style music and the traditional Cariñosa. A short presentation on the origin of both organisations was also part of the evening’s program.
A public auction of paintings by Richard Manning and a raffle draw were held to help raise funds for the cause. Mstr Albert Wierenga and Ms Leila Baladjay were named Best Dressed for the night as Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara, respectively.
PHOTO CREDIT: Angelito Valdez Jr.
“This charity event was the first combined project of the KOR and KRI Victoria chapters. KRI aims to work in harmonious alliance with KOR Melbourne chapters in venerating the memory of Dr Jose Rizal and in propagating his ideals, teachings, and virtues,” said Lady Atty Imelda McLean, KRI Melbourne Chapter President.
Lady Quintero, meanwhile, reflected on Rizal’s relevance today.
“In today’s world, where distractions and self-interest often weaken our sense of nationhood, Rizal’s example reminds us of the value of character, excellence, and moral conviction. By sharing his story – his sacrifices, writings, and wisdom – we inspire the next generation to believe that each of us, in our own way, can contribute to the betterment of our community and our country,” she said.
Consul General Domingo also encouraged Filipino-Australians to keep Rizal’s legacy alive.
“We should take inspiration from what Rizal did – he sought to share what he learned about the latest advances in Europe with the Philippines. Let us continue to support humanitarian and economic development work back home. Let us do more in inspiring our children and second-generation Filipino-Australians to know Rizal, our literature, our culture, our heart, and our language, including regional languages. The bust is a great manifestation that invites people to ask who Rizal is. El Amor de Rizal. Let us take greater effort in teaching, exhibiting, and continuing his love for our country and our youth,” he said.
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