Poblete conferred Knight Grand Cross of Rizal

Poblete conferred Knight Grand Cross of Rizal

19TH INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Supreme Commander Sir Reghis M. Romero II, KGCR presenting the KGCR Certificate and golden sword to Sir George R. Poblete, KGCR, with Lady Bing Marasigan, Canada LKoR and former Supreme Commander Sir Virgilio R. Esguerra, KGCR.

Sir George R. Poblete, KGCR was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR) by the Supreme Commander Sir Reghis M. Romero II. Sir George was the only recipient on this fifth degree (the highest level in the Order of the Knights of Rizal) in ceremonies held in Baguio, Philippines during the 19th International Assembly on Feb. 24, 2013.

Baguio presentation to Sir George R. Poblete, KGCR

The Knights of Rizal Canada delegates attended the 19th International Assembly in Manila and Baguio City in the Philippine in Feb. 2013. Official Canada delegates include Region Commander Sir George R. Poblete, KGCR, Deputy Region Commander Sir Jaime T. Marasigan, KGOR, Sir Joe Damasco, KGOR, Toronto Chapter Commander Sir Mario Alpuerto, KCR and Lady Bing Marasigan, of the Ladies of the Knights of Rizal (LKoR).

This 19th Rizal International Assembly in Manila-Baguio, Philippines was attended by 200 International delegates. (They include Knights and Ladies from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Republic of Czech, Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines , Canada and the U.S.A. The United States sent the largest international delegation of 40, which included Knights and Ladies from: Florida, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Los Angeles, Arizona, Texas, Cleveland, Chicago, Missouri, Hawaii, and Texas)

International Region Commanders with Supreme Council at Azalea Residences Banquet Hall

Commanders in Rizal Headquarters in Manila

Rizal ceremonies started with the Wreath Laying at Dr. Jose P. Rizal monument in Luneta, Manila. Supreme Commander Sir Reghis M. Romero II, KGCR the Supreme Council and Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, KGCR, welcomed the International delegates in the Rizal Headquarters in the Rizal Building in Port Area, Manila. Special Award ceremonies was held to confer the Pro Patria Award to former Supreme Commander Sir Pablo Trillana III, KGCR.

The International delegates traveled by bus to Baguio, where the Rizal International Assembly sessions were conducted. Sir Regis M. Romero II, KGCR, called the Session to order. Former Supreme Commander Sir Jose D. Lina, KGCR made the opening remarks and overview of the 19th KOR International Assembly. Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan, welcomed the Knights with his inspirational Message. Former Supreme Commander and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sir Hilario G. Davide, Jr, KGCR was the keynote speaker.

Supreme Commander Sir Reghis M. Romero II, with Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim; Sir Roger Quiambao, with the International Regional Commanders Sir George R. Poblete, Canada; Sir Judge Tom Rodriguez, USA, Sir Zane thirlwall, Arab Republic and Middle East; Sir Lino Paras, Europe and Sir Felipe Ranoso, Australia and New Zealand and Oceania. Others are past Supreme Commanders, members of the Supreme Council and Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta, grand niece of Dr. Jose Rizal and Mr. Yasushi Iwasawa of Soka Gakkai International.

Pine City College High School provided the entertainment.

The Rizal Knights and Ladies were invited as guests of Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan to watch the famous annual “Panagbenga” (Floral Festivities), a competition from 21 schools and city bands at Burnham Park Stadium. The Knights and Ladies enjoyed this great spectacle. They said, “it is like watching the opening ceremonies in the Olympics.

The Rizal sessions were held in Azalea Residence Banquet Hall in Baguio. They were officiated by the Supreme Council. Lifetime Membership and Service Medals were awarded to several dozen Knights. Knight Commander of Rizal and Knights Grand Officer of Rizal were conferred to deserving Knights from all over the world. The highest rank of 5th degree, the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal was awarded to Canada Region Commander Sir George R. Poblete, KGCR, the only recipient in this International Assembly in Baguio.

Panagbenga Festivities with Sir Reghis Romero & Mayor Domogan.

The International Region Commanders presented their Region Reports for the Rizalian Year 2011-2012. Workshops were held. The Gala Night and dinner was held on final evening. Closing Remarks and Fraternal Address was made by Supreme Commander Sir Reghis M. Romero II, KGCR.

(PRESS RELEASE)