Commemoration of the 123rd Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (7th from left, 2nd row) with Court of Appeals Associate Justice Sir Elihu A. Ybanez, KGCR Supreme Commander, KOR IHQ with the Knights of Rizal. (Photo by PCGNY)

New York City – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter, held a commemorative event on 19 December 2019 at the Philippine Center on the occasion of the 123rd Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal with the theme “Jose Rizal: Huwaran ng Pilipino sa Ikadalawampu’t Isang Siglo.”

The event was highlighted by a discussion of Court of Appeals Associate Justice Sir Elihu A. Ybanez, KGCR, Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, IHQ on the crimes committed by the Spaniards during the Spanish era in the Philippines.

New Knights of Rizal New York Chapter members including Sir Consul Ricarte B. Abejuela III (Leftmost). (Photo by PCGNY)

Justice Elihu Ibanez said that “it has been the heroism of Rizal in the face of death that inspire many to be concerned about living for the Filipinos, giving them the decent life and giving strength and individual freedom.”

Hence, he pointed out that “the question is not about how Rizal died, but how he lived.” Instead of enumerating all his well-known qualities and achievements, Justice Ibanez said that he “advocates the renewed pledge of devotion to the ideas and ideals espoused by Rizal.”

Discussion on the Crimes committed by the Spaniards during the Spanish era in the Philippines by Sir Justice Elihu A. Ybanez, KGCR, Supreme Commander, Knights of Rizal IHQ . (Photo by PCGNY)

The program included a Knighting Ceremony of three new members of the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter including Consul Ricarte B. Abejuela III of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the elevation of other members to the second degree of knighthood. The Knighting ceremony was presided by Sir Justice Elihu A. Ybanez. Chapter heads and members of other areas in the US Northeast were present to witness the solemn ceremony.

Newly-elected Mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Sir Arvin Amatorio, Esq., KCR delivers his appreciation speech. (Photo by PCGNY) 

The program also featured a dramatic Tableau of Jose Rizal’s execution, staged by the New York Chapter, laying of flowers, and video presentation. New York Chapter Commander Sir Mariano Aquino Jr., KCR thanked Consul General Claro S. Cristobal for organizing the annual commemoration with the KOR.

Consul Arman R. Talbo receives citation for his contributions to the Fil-Am community. (Photo by PCGNY)

A citation was given by the Supreme Commander to newly-elected Mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Sir Arvin Amatorio, Esq., KCR and Sir Consul Arman R. Talbo, KCR for his contributions to the Filipino-American community.

Tableau of Rizal’s execution. (Photo by PCGNY)

contributed 191227pcgny