By: Chair Mann
The 7th Annual Regional Assembly of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) was held last Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1 in the historic city of Montreal, home to 40,000 Filipino-Canadians. The KOR from Eastern Canada Region played host to (how many) Knights from across Canada and the United States of America.
KOR Eastern Canada Regional Commander Sir Rey Balansi, together with Sir Gerry Dansil, Sir Dario Boco, Sir James Dela Paz and other Chapter Commanders and officers, together with Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc. (KRI) Montreal Chapter President Lady Esperanza Balansi, led in welcoming and hosting the KOR Supreme Commander Sir Raymund Del Rosario who came all the way from the Philippines to address the assembly and other delegates and commanders worldwide.
KOR chapters all over Montreal are always gracious hosts and organizers of important events like this. The first day’s “Meet & Greet” saw old KOR acquaintances from far and wide renewing bonds of friendships and commitment to the ideals of our national hero, Jose Rizal.
The plenary session heard from Supreme Commander Sir Raymundo Del Rosario KGCR the “State of the Order Address” wherein he reported the accomplishments of the KOR in the 8 months of his tenure. Speaking before a packed crowd, Sir Raymund, as head of the Order, reaffirmed the KOR’s commitment to the very principles that Rizal championed. He also called on the Order to continue being a cohesive body of Knights and Ladies, transcending geographic boundaries to serve a higher cause.
The assembly that followed also heard from various Knights who spoke on topics such as: “The Noli Me Tangere, what Maria Clara Represents in Real Life”; “The Twist of Noli Me Tangere”; and “How the KOR Can Help our Fellowmen in the Philippines.” The Gala Night fellowship was a fun event filled with dance presentations, songs, and coupled with excellent Montreal cuisine.
Left picture shows Sir Courytney Doldron KGOR receiving his sash and certificate of promotion from the Supremo Sir R. Del Rosario, KGCR. Right picture shows elevated Knights Mann Nacario, KCR, and Sir Mar Lopez, pledging allegiance to the KOR and the ideals of Rizal.
On the final day of the assembly, KOR officers across Canada who had promoted the ideals of Dr. Jose P Rizal were elevated to the next rank. They were recognized for their unselfish contributions to the Order. Sir Mar Lopez KCR, and Sir Mann Nacario from KOR Calgary Chapter were elevated to the 3rd degree.
The most notable KOR elevation was given to Sir Courtney Doldron, Chapter Commander of KOR Willowdale in Toronto. This was the only promotion vested on a KOR Commander coming from the Central Region.
In closing, with Rizal in mind, Knights and Ladies were one in proclaiming “NON-OMNIS MORIAR”