PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL NEW YORK

P R E S S R E L E A S E

PR-MDL-69-13 20 June 2013 - MTdeVega

New York Marks 152nd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

20 June 2013, New York The breadth and depth of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizals legacy was manifested in an evening of words, music, film, poetry and ceremony at a special commemorative event co-organized by the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter and the Philippine Consulate General in New York. The program, held on 19 June 2013 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center included an induction ceremony of new members of the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter, a performance by soprano Antoni Mendezona who will essay the plum role of Maria Clara in the highly anticipated staging of Felipe Padilla de Leons Noli Me Tangere Opera; a poetry recital of an original work A Free Mans Choice by multi-talented Daniel Darwin; and the screening of a short film Kumusta Ka, Dr. Rizal? directed by Jason Zavaleta and starring Count Federico of Wardal. Noli Musical Director Michael Dadap and pianist Benjamin Dia also performed at the event. Speaking on the occasion of the 152nd anniversary of Rizals birth, Consul General Mario de Leon noted that the evenings program speaks of the influence Rizal continues to have among Filipinos and non-Filipinos and across the generations. For their part, Mr. Jose Ramos and Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis likewise cited the need for all Filipinos to continue studying the life of Rizal and to take a more active role in promoting the interests of the country and Filipinos the world over. Four new members were inducted into the Knights of Rizal: Atty. Jose Poblete, Romel Lapay. Michael Dadap, and the Philippine Consulates Assistant Finance Officer Thormuzie Indanan The well-attended event ended with a Community singing of Bayan Ko. END

L-R Consul General de Leon, Dep Consul General Dizo-de Vega, Mrs. Loida Nicolas Lewis & Knights of Rizal offer flowers on the occasion of the 152nd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Rizal;; Guests at the event

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L-R Consul General de Leon delivers a Keynote Message; Knights of Rizal-NY Chapter Commander Jose Ramos welcomes guests to the event; Mrs. Loida Nicolas Lewis delivers a message on the legacy of Rizal

L-R Mr. Roger Alama, Mr. Francis Sison, Mr. Jose Ramos and Mr. Arman Porto induct the 4 new Knights of Rizal; the new Knights of Rizal take their oath; NYPCG Asst. Finance Officer Thormuzie Indanan and wife Carol at the Induction Ceremony

L-R Atty. Jose M. Poblete responds on behalf of the new Knights; Consul General de Leon with Count Federico of Wardal, and the Noli Me Tangere Opera Team of Michael Dadap, Gerry Sibal and Edwin Josue; Emcee Atty. Dean Suba of the Knights of Rizal

L-R Soprano Antoni Mendezona with Michael Dadap and Benjamin Dia; Poet and Dancer Daniel Darwin recited A Free Mans Choice; Guest Artists with Deputy Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega (photos: Michael Jay Tolentino)

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