Knights of Rizal Canada Region holds its 16th Commanders’ Ball

 By Fe Paca Taduran
Toronto-Canada
November 9, 2016



The Knights of Rizal Canada Region held a very well attended 16th Commanders’ Ball on October 29, 2016 at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall located at 930 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, Toronto. Ontario, Canada.

According to Sir Ed Prillo, KGOR, regional commander, the event was participated in by the officers and members of the different chapters of the KOR from different areas in Canada. The contingent from Montreal in the province of Quebec was 50-member strong. It was led by Sir Rey Balansi, KGOR, Sir Dario Boco, KGOR and Sir James de la Paz, KGOR. Windsor, Ontario was also represented by a group led by Sir Hermie Hernandez, KGOR.

Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte sent his message to the Knights of Rizal in Canada extolling their achievements in their ‘adoptive community in Canada’ and appealed that they work together with him institutionalizing reforms that will benefit and transform the Philippines in the next six years.

Sir Reynato S. Puno Sr., KGCR, Knights of Canada Supreme Commander, praised the Knights of Rizal in Canada for their unity and activities which are highly impacting their community. He encouraged them to ‘continue to be the paragon of the Rizalian values’ in their individual and corporate capacities.

Canadian Senator, Sir Tobias (Jun) Enverga, Jr. KGOR, encouraged his fellow knights to continue upholding the teachings and ideals espoused by Dr. Jose Rizal in their new country Canada, which embraces the similar values.

Consul General Rosalita Prospero was the evening’s Keynote Speaker and Inducting Officer for the new set of Canada Region executives.

On hand to support the Canadian Region of the Knights of Rizal were Sir Jaime T. Marasigan, KGOR, the immediate past Regional Commander of the Knights of Rizal and now the Deputy Exchequer at the Supreme Council, former Regional Commander Popoy Cana, KGCR; Dr. Tom Virey, KGOR; Sir Joe Damasco, KGOR, the Rizal Canada Region Area Commander, and Sir George Poblete, past Regional Commander, and Pro-Patria wardee.

During the event, Sir George Poblete was also honoured with the Knights of Rizal Lifetime Achievement Award, the first one awarded outside the Philippines.
In the meantime, the Knights of Rizal Supreme Council headed by former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir Reynato Puno, will host the 21st International Assembly slated for February 23, 24, and 25, 2017 to be held in Davao City. The events’ expected Guest of Honor and Speaker is Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (***Fe Paca-Taduran***).