Order of The Knights of Rizal 

 June 19, 2011 - Middleburg, FL (Sir Noli Vianzon, KGCR & Lady Ching Vianzon)

The Filipino American community of Jacksonville, Florida led by the Knights of Rizal celebrated Rizal’s 150^th birth anniversary on June 19 at the Fil-Am Cultural Center site. The camaraderie and closeness of the Filipinos is once again felt during this celebration. This tells us that beyond our common heritage, our community is moved by the spirit of love and compassion for the national hero which makes all of us  member of one extended family. The organization members who supported the event were the Fil-Am Council officers, Filipino American Veterans Society, Bicol Assn, Ilocano Assn, VMA, Travelers of Jacksonville, Bayanihan, FICCA, Legacy of Care and Mandura Group.

Special thanks to those who came early to set up the site- the hard working chapter Commander Sir Jonathan Delmundo and first Lady Carmen, Lady Mading and Sir Ernie Perez, Sir Boyet Padolina, Sir Randy Fletcher, Lady Belen Kiesow, host emcee Lady Lally Ferro, and Lady Emma and Sir Dong Bolante. A most grateful appreciation to the Knights in uniform- Sirs Jonathan Delmundo, Tony Penoso, Rey Deleon and Max Fabella for raising the US and Philippine flags while the community sang the US and Philippine national anthems, to Sir Dory Audije for the invocation and to Sir Manny Manjon for reciting Rizal’s Last Farewell.

Special thanks also to Sir Ray Sales for donating his music system which added life to the celebration, and to those who rendered their vocal participation- Ms Letty Collandra, Conrad Mangune, Sir Tony Penoso, Lady Dory Padolina, Elvis ‘Precisely’ Hernandez, and Sir Jonathan to mention a few. Our heartfelt thanks to all- monetary donors as well as those who brought delicious food, to Ms. Miriam Ellis, Ms. Mely Hansen, and to all who came, your generous spirit of cooperation is greatly appreciated.

On behalf of the Knights of Rizal of Greater Jacksonville, thank you all for celebrating with us!

June 2010
The Rizal Bulletin, Volume 1, No. 11 is now available.  Read what's happening with the Order of the Knights of Rizal around the world.