Rizal’s martyrdom remembered in New York

KoR members Rose Torres-Javier (center-left) with Consul General De Vega and members of the Ladies for Rizal. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK CITY– A recitation of excerpts from Dr. Jose Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” in Filipino by a Knight of Rizal and a Filipino American seventh-grade student and musical numbers by a new chorus were among the highlights of the commemoration of the Philippine national hero’s 120^th death anniversary.

The anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom was marked by ceremonies at the Philippine Consulate’s Kalayaan Hall, hosted by the consulate and the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter (KoR-NY). Rizal was executed by firing squad by order of the Spanish colonial authorities on Dec. 30, 1896.

Dr. Roy Guinto and Michael Dadap (seated with guitar) present “Dulces Las Horas.” CONTRIBUTED

The moving interpretation of Rizal’s last farewell by KoR member Charlie Caramanzana and Filipino-American 7^th grader Abigail Sorio preceded a presentation of “Dulces Las Horas” by classical guitarist-composer Mike Dadap and Dr. Roy Guinto.

Guests included Rose Torres-Javier, great-great-grandniece of Rizal, members of the Ladies for Rizal, former Philippine Ambassador to Italy and South Africa and KoR member Virgilio Reyes, community members, and representatives of other Knights of Rizal chapters in the US Northeast.

Seventh-grader Abigail Sorio offers an interpretation of Rizal “Mi Ultimo Adios.” CONTRIBUTED

Also marking the commemoration were musical numbers by the newly established KoR-NY Male Vocal Ensemble under the direction of KoR member and classical music performer Rogelio Peñaverde, reflections, and remarks by members of the Knights of Rizal. Several new members of the KoR were knighted at the ceremonies.

Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega read one of Rizal’s last letters to his family and offered a commentary on the challenge that the legacy of Rizal poses for all Filipinos – that of placing others, community and country above parochial and personal concerns.

Dizon-de Vega also gave the various KoR Chapters in the US Northeast copies of the book Rizal Without the Overcoat by Prof. Ambeth Ocampo.