The 3rd Knights of Rizal Australian New Zealand Oceania (ANZO) Regional Assembly in NSW was held at Condell Park Club Bankstown on the 18th of June 2023 with the Immediate Past Supreme Commander Sir Elihu A. Ibanez, KGCR as Guest of Honour. The assembly was called to order by the ANZO Regional Commander Sir Ralph Posadas, KGOR. The invocation and pledge to the flag were led by the Vice President of the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (KRI) Sydney Chapter Lady Judith Del Prado and KOR Sydney Chapter Commander Sir Francisco De Los Santos, KCR. The KOR Supreme Council, Council of Elders, Regions and Chapters were acknowledged by Deputy ANZO Regional Commander Sir Tom Baena, KCR. Supreme Auditor Sir Danilo Peralta, KGOR gave a tribute to Rizal prior to the message of Sir Lambert Tagayuna, KCR, the Special Legal Officer of the KOR Headquarters. His speech focused on the importance of good leadership and financial transparencies towards good governance.
The attendees were reminded of the wisdom of young Rizal “Pepe” during an intermission number presented by KRI Sydney Chapter Assistant Secretary Lady Jinky Marsh as the narrator. The Moth and the Light (Ang Gamu-Gamu at ang Liwanag) from the Mi Primer Recuerdo : Fragmento de mis Memorias of Dr Jose Rizal highlighted his high levels of reasoning and understanding at a young age. It also put emphasis on the key influence of his mother, Dona Teodora Alonzo, on him. KRI Sydney Chapter Assistant Treasurer Lady Marilyn Mendez played the role of Dona Alonzo while the seven year old Marcus Alexander Marcial took the role of the young Pepe.
Immediate Past KOR ANZO Regional Commander Sir Cesar Bartolome, KGOR introduced Her Excellency Ambassador Maria Hellen B. De La Vega as the guest speaker. H.E. Ambassador De La Vega is also the adviser to the KRI Canberra Chapter.
The keynote speaker who was the Immediate Past Supreme Commander Sir Elihu A. Ybanez, KGCR was introduced by the Immediate Past Executive Director of the KOR Headquarters Sir Gilbert San Diego, KGOR. Sir Ybanez’s message focused on Rizal and the Filipino diaspora : Crossing borders, expanding horizons and enriching the world.
The Knight’s Rituals followed suit which included the initiation of postulants to the First Degree – Knight of Rizal (KR), the elevation to the Second Degree – Knight Officer of Rizal (KoR) and the exaltation to the Third Degree – Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR). Service awardees were also presented with their medals which included the Distinguished Service Cross to the KOR Sydney Chapter Commander Sir Francisco De Los Santos, KCR and Medal of Recognition to the KRI Sydney Chapter President Lady Michelle Baltazar. H.E. Ambassador De La Vega was also awarded with a Medal of Recognition for her dedication and exemplary service for the promotion of the ideals of Rizal. During her stint as Consul at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, she spearheaded in 2003 together with the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Movement Inc. the installation of the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the City of Carlson International Sculpture Garden in Los Angeles County. H.E. Ambassador De La Vega also spearheaded and unveiled, together with the Knights of Rizal Sydney Chapters, the installation of Dr. Jose Rizal’s bust at the Philippine Embassy grounds in June 2022. She promoted international awareness of the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal in Avenida de Filipinas in Madrid, Spain and the bust of Rizal at Hibiya Park in Tokyo, Japan.
The assembly was ended with the fraternal message and re-dedication led by the Immediate Past Supreme Commander Sir Elihu A. Ybanez, KGCR.
Wreath laying, flower offerings and memorial ceremonies were held across four locations in New South Wales where busts and statues of Rizal were erected and installed. They were at Ibero Plaza Central in Surry Hills hosted by KOR Sydney Chapter, Rizal Park in Rooty Hill hosted by the KOR Northern Sydney Chapter, Ashfield Park hosted by the KOR Western Sydney Chapter and Rizal Park in Campbelltown hosted by the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown.
