WINNIPEG (December 30, 2011) -- Some 115 years ago, the man who dearly loved his people of the Philippines to be free from foreign rule, from ignorance, from poverty and from atrocities inflicted upon them by the foreign ruler was executed in Bagungbayan (Luneta). The Spanish ruler feared him so much at the time, that they condemned him in a kangaroo court so designed to give Dr. Jose Rizal no chance to be a free man. This was a crucial mistake on their part because their action inspired Rizal’s admirers and fellow activists to take up arms and overthrow the foreign power.

All around the world Rizal’s martyrdom is commemorated on December 30th by the Order of the Knights of Rizal International Organizations. This year, the Winnipeg Chapter of the Knights of Rizal (KoR) marked the martyrdom of the Philippines’ national hero with a two-part program.

The first part was the wreath laying held at noon by members of the Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter led by Deputy Chapter Commander Sir Edgar de Leon, KCR, at Rizal’s memorial located at 2400 Portage Avenue.

The second part was the Youth Recognition Awards (YRA) honouring outstanding Filipino youths – Rizal’s hope for the future. The evening event held at Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) was organized by the Winnipeg Chapter Council and Committee Members, led by Chapter Commander Sir Felino de Jesus, KCR.

An offering of flowers and candles in remembrance of Rizal’s ultimate sacrifice was made by Lady Leah Magsino, Lady Grace Davies, Sir Dr. Roland Guzman, KGOR and Sir Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, KGOR.

The recipients of 2011 YRA are Nestor Luis Abarca, Kaye Amira Quizon, Kevin J. Rosario Fiestan, Jiezl M. Lacanilao Abaigar, Coleen I. Fronteras Valdez, Issiah B. Mandia Lozada, Jake Genese Manliguez, Andreah May Gumtang Anterola, Joseph Q. Joven Gille, Ginello L. Suarez, Megan Sumaya Carta, Gerard Francis Sales, Sheena Taway and Yzah Dianna Magpantay Macalintal. Ms. Macalintal is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate program of Kelvin High School with a grade average of 99.2%.

Sir Dr. Tom Colina, KGOR, Sir Councilor Mike Pagtakhan, Dr. Jean Raphael Nepomuceno (past recipient), Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism Flor Marcelino and Andreah May Anterola gave inspirational remarks. .

Levy Abad, a former professor of Rizal’s life, delivered a passionate version of “Mi Ultimo Adios”, a poem written by Rizal to bid farewell to his beloved people on his last night alive.

“The Knights of Rizal is grateful for the kindness extended by supporting donors, the cooperation of high schools in Winnipeg, and the achievements of our recipients – they make us proud members of the Filipino community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the recipients and their parents for honouring our invitation with their presence,” Chapter Commander Sir Felino de Jesus remarked on behalf of KoR Winnipeg.