by Marilie Bomediano
The Kababaihang Rizalista, Sydney Chapter (KRI) celebrated in style with ‘Salu-Salo Sa Anloague,’ last 28 October 2023 at Rydges Hotel, Parramatta.
The formal dinner gala was the first event of the Kababaihang Rizalista (KRI) whose reason for being is to celebrate the life of Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and promote his teachings. Now on it’s 5th year, the KRI has 28 members and six more were inducted on the night to include: Lady Luriz, Enorio Buitizon, Maria Elena Puzon Conducto, Kaila Erma Cruz,, Josefina Cervantes Musa, Churlya Wurfel and Vice Consul Frances Cleofas of the Philippine Consulate General, Sydney.
“KRI is a not-for-profit international organization called Kababaihang Rizalista – Sydney Chapter (KRI). As the name suggests, one of the organization’s missions is to further study and promote the aspirations, goals and principles of the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal. This includes reading his literary novels, Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and we encourage other Filipino-Australians to do the same,” said KRI President Lady Michelle Baltazar.
The KRI is a worldwide organization and is the female counterpart of the Knights of Rizal. The Sydney Chapter is the first in the Australia-New Zealand region with the Canberra and Melbourne chapters established shortly thereafter. Its members continues to espouse the life and teachings of Rizal.
The evening had a historical flavour and looked back at the historical journey of Rizal’s famous book, “Noli Mi Tangere” as rekindled by stage director, Chi de Jesus. Guest entertainers, Marcus Rivera added to the overall feel of the evening with his rendition of classic Filipino songs, “Mutya ng Pasig” and “Ang Tangi Kong Pag-Ibig”; Jinky Trijo Marsh sang “Rosa Pandan” and “Hahanapin Ko”; plus Zaebrielle Orayenza performing Alyas Two Two and Lexus. The evening was hosted by Edinel Magtibay Rearden of SBS Filipino Radio along with Knights of Rizal, Sir Max Lopez, KCR.
The dinner gala also aimed to raise funds to help recipients such as Rizal Central School in Tacloban, the Restoration Project of the Jose Rizal Heritage House in Calamba, Laguna, and the Feeding Program for the ‘Child Dreamers’ group in Tondo, Manila. KRI Sydney gave A$1,000 donation for the ‘Child Dreamers’ of Tondo through the emissary Ms. Menchie Maneze on the same night.
Guest speakers on the evening included: Consul General Aian Caringal, Philippine Embassy, Canberra; Consul General Rowena Charmaine Aviquivil, Philippine Consulate, Sydney; Lady Marline tucker, President, KRI Canberra; Lady Imelda McLean, President, KRI Melbourne; Sir Danny Peralta, Knight Grand Officer of Knights of Rizal and Supreme auditor; KGOR Knights of Rizal; and Sir Ralph Posada, KCR Regional Commander, Knights of Rizal, Sydney Chapter.
The event was supported by KRI Melbourne and Canberra, and the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR) – Northern Sydney, Canberra, Southern Sydney and Western Sydney Chapters.
Community leaders with Consul General Sydney, Rowena Charmaine Aviquivil seated in the centre.
The Filipiniana ambiance with Jojo and Marideth Lacquian in the centre.
Photos by Bob Reyes and Marideth Lacquian
8 Nov 2023
