On 3 September 2022, Philippine Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz attended the knighthood and chartering ceremony of the first Order of the Knights of Rizal Central Poland Chapter which was held at the Dunajec Castle/Niedzica-Zamek in Nowy Targ County, Lower Poland Voivodeship.
In her message, Ambassador Ruiz highlighted the critical role of Dr. Jose Rizal in the struggle for freedom and independence of the Filipino nation and that he exemplified to all succeeding generations of Filipinos a deep and abiding love for country and people, and undying aspiration for freedom, progress, and democracy for the beloved motherland.
She expressed the hope that the establishment of the very first Knights of Rizal Chapter in Poland will be a vital part of the Embassy’s initiatives to foster and strengthen Philippines-Poland cultural cooperation and people-to-people links particularly as both countries will soon mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The new Knights who comprise the Order of the Knights of Rizal Central Poland Chapter are, as follows: Sir Andreas Rauth, Sir Marko Kempas, Sir Masanori Ogawa, Sir Jacek Żółty, Sir Kacper Żółty, Sir Frank-Michael Maczewski, Sir Michael Faehmel, and Sir Andre Kunz (online from the Philippines). They are led by Sir Johann Mika, KCR who hosted the entire event.
The other VIPs who also delivered messages of support and felicitations were: Mr. Jakub Jamróz (Mayor of Gmina Łapsze Niżne), Mr. Marcin Kolasa (Vice Mayor of Gmina Nowy Targ) and Dr. Agnieszka Buk (Honorary Consul of Germany). The Knights of Rizal dignitaries who conducted the ceremony were: Sir Felino W. Paras, KGCR, Sir Juanito Villa, KGOR, Sir Mario Fajardo, KGOR, Sir Albert Arevalo, KGOR, Sir Stephan U. Breu, KCR, Sir Herbert Cockx, KCR, Sir Geert Verhaegen, KCR, Sir Thai-Qui Tran, KCR, and Sir Christian (Büll) Brunner, KOR. END
The nine candidates for the Order of the Knights of Rizal Central Poland Chapter undergo the knighting and swearing-in ceremony officiated by Sir Felino Paras KGCR at the Dunajec Castle/Niedzica-Zamek on 03 September 2022
L-R: Mr. Marcin Kolasa (Vice Mayor of Gmina Nowy Targ), Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz, Mr Jakub Jamróz (Mayor of Gmina Łapsze Niżne), Mr. Alejandro Ricardo Ruiz
Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz and Mr. Alejandro Ricardo Ruiz pose with the Knights of Rizal (newly knighted and visiting Knights of Rizal) and VIP guests at the conclusion of the ceremonies at the Niedzica Castle on 03 September 2022
Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz (front row 3rd from left), Mr. Alejandro Ricardo Ruiz (front row, 3rd from right) and Cultural and Information Officer Chloe Silverio (front row, rightmost) pose with the Knights of Rizal Central Poland Chapter led by Sir Johann Mika (front row, 2nd from right) and VIP Guests after the ceremonies at the Dunajec Castle/Niedzica-Zamek on 03 September 2022
Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz congratulates Sir Johann Mika KCR for having successfully organized the Order of the Knights of Rizal Central Poland Chapter, the first KOR in Poland and also newest KOR Chapter in the whole of Europe
