Central USA Knights of Rizal mark national hero’s 159th birthday

CHICAGO – Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s 159^th birth anniversary was commemorated Monday, June 19 by the Central USA Area Command of the Knights of Rizal (KOR), Ladies for Rizal leaders and members of the Filipino American community and the staff of the Philippine Consulate here.

The annual celebration was marked with a wreath laying at the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument at Margate Park between Marine Drive and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago at 9:00 a.m., led by Consul General Generoso DG Calonge, KGOR, Commander of the Maynilad Chapter, and Mariano A. Santos, Commander of the Central USA. The program also included a flag ceremony and an inspirational message from Dr. Ramon Lopez, the great grand-nephew of the national hero.

A reception followed at the Margate Fieldhouse where leaders of KOR Chapters of Chicago, Magiting, Malaya and Maynilad and Ladies for Rizal led by Lady Carmen Estacio provided brief remarks for the occasion.

Sir Allan Capati, KCR, of Peoria gave the report for Magiting with Sir Randy Famacion, KCR, for Malaya. Nominations for service awards were also announced. Nominees were led by outgoing Consul General Calonge who was cited for his outstanding performance as the top representative of the Philippine government in the area.

Also nominated were Sir Ruben Salazar, KOR, for his leadership in the annual “Piyesta Pinoy,” Sir Herminio de Guia, KOR, for his leadership in “Gawad Kalinga,” Sir Gerry Crisostomo, KOR, for his service for the seniors and founding of the Jose Rizal Lions Club, Sir Jimmy Alban, KCR, for his community service and Lady Dr. Cleofe G. Casambre for her cultural leadership in Filipino Music and her composition of the music for “Ultimo Adios.”

New KOR members were also announced including Sirs Edward Brotonel, KR, (Maynilad), Sir James Choi, KR, (Maynilad) and Sir Francis Icao, KR (Malyaya)Deputy Consul Romulo Israel, KCR, is also slated to take over the commandership of the Manilad after Sir ConGen Calonge’s term of service in Chicago ends in August. Meanwhile Consul Melchor P. Lalulio, KOR, has transfered kis membership to the Maynilad and Sir Rey Elazegui, KR, to the Malaya Chapter.

Consul General Calonge expressed his hope that Filipinos would continue to be guided by the life and teachings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. He stated that, “For as long as there are Filipinos who honor and commemorate Rizal and his works, his legacy will live on and will always be remembered.”