KOR Central Canada Commemorates Rizal’s 126th Martyrdom

In consonance with the international mandate of the Knights of Rizal organization, the

Central Canada Region under Region Commander Sir Romulo Sinajon, KGOR, organized

a fitting commemorative program to honor the 126 th anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s

martyrdom at the premier Earl Bales Park Rizal Monument in Toronto, Ontario on

December 30, 2022. This year’s program of activities is hosted by the Earl Bales

Chapter with Chapter Commander Sir Chris Marfil, KCR, as Chairman along with the

concerted support of affiliate organizations – ALKOR, Aspirations of Rizal, Kababaihang

Rizalista, LKOR, and the Rizal Youth Council.

This program was earlier planned to consist of two parts, namely, First Part: Wreath

Laying Ceremony outside at the Earl Bales Park Rizal Monument, and Second Part:

Program Proper, Dinner, Musical numbers, Awards Presentation, Speeches and Photo

Sessions to be held inside the Banquet Hall of the Earl Bales Community Center. This

plan was conditional and subject to the unpredictability of Winter weather conditions.

Luckily, during this day, we were blessed with an unusually warm, double digit positive

temperature with only slight drizzle, and therefore, the original plan was followed;

otherwise, the First Part would have been done also inside the Banquet Hall.

Among the dignitaries who came and participated in the ceremonies were Toronto City

Ward 6 Councilor Sir James Pasternak, KCR, and Guest Speaker Toronto Consul General

Sir Orontes V. Castro, KCR. They led in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the pedestal of

the Rizal Monument assisted by the Region Commander. This was followed by Wreath

Laying by the Region Council Officers and Advisers, and all the representatives of the

affiliate organizations.

The entire program was very well coordinated and executed, kudos to the hard working

members of the Host Earl Bales Chapter and the full support of the affiliate members. A

good array of foods and desserts, potluck style, compliments to all generous donors,

did our Dinner time filling and most enjoyable for all the member attendees and

postulants for knighthoods. Consul General Sir Orontes V. Castro, in his inspiring

message, acknowledged the important role of the KOR organization in reminding our

citizenry in the pursuit of the Rizalian goals for the good of our native land. As its

official representative, he encouraged us to become dual citizens so we can participate

more effectively in the affairs of our native land especially in political matters, and also

acknowledge the remittances from all of us overseas to help the Philippine economy.

Another highlight of the celebration was the classical rendition of “Ang Bayan Ko” by

ALKOR member, Soprano Lilac Cana, a 2010 Philippine PAMANA Awardee for Arts and

Culture, a fitting tribute to the memory of our foremost National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal,

who dedicated his genius and eventually his life for our country.

To encourage commitment for the growth of our KOR fraternity, the Region

Commander distributed certificates to all members who were recently promoted and

exalted to higher degrees of membership. Photo sessions with the Consul General

followed before we parted ways for our individual destinations. Lest we forget, the

Masters of Ceremony, Sirs Richard Saldana and Arnel Caballes, be given a round of

applause for keeping the entire proceedings lively with no dull moments in between.

Article contributed by Sir Lapu-Lapu Cana, KGCR