December 2022

                                          

                  Dr. Rizal’s Life and Legacy Instilled in Youth’s Mind During Christmas Party in Goodyear

        

                    -- An unexpected event happened on the night of December 17, 2022, at the house of Mr. Frank De Leon, a prospective member of the Arizona Knights of Rizal. He and his wife Virgie invited about nine families for a usual Christmas celebration. Except for two families, the seven families who came - the Filipina wives were all married to American military men, who were in the Navy, Air Force or in the Army. After the exchanging of Christmas gifts, Sir Romeo “Joey” Balasta KCR initiated an impromptu presentation of the life, teachings and legacy of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine national hero. He requested Sir Tom D. Rodriguez, KGCR, former Commander of New York chapter and the Knights of Rizal USA Regional Commander for 2012-2014 to give a talk of who was or is Dr. Jose Rizal. One of those attendees was Justin Causing, a senior at the Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise, AZ. His older brother, Rafael and a younger sister, Bella, were also in attendance. Their mother, Genevive is married to Christ Vigliotti, an airforce veteran. Genevive was born in Digos City, Davao, Philippines. Justin’s family moved to Italy because of the airforce base assignment of his step-father Chris. They stayed in Italy for f our years, then to Japan, then finally to Arizona on April 20, 2020. When Justin was interviewed regarding his experience on hearing a talk about Dr. Jose Rizal, he responded, “I like the talk. It is good that we have leaders like you who are knowledgeable about the life of Dr. Jose Rizal. I didn’t relalize that the history of the life of Rizal is an important part of the history of the Philippines. I didn’t know before that Rizal wrote two important novels, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that inspired the Filipinos to revolt against Spain. Another young person who heard the talk about Dr. Rizal was Margie Martin who studied at the Centro Escolar Integrated School until grade eleven in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines and continued her high schooling at the Willow Canyon High School in Surprize. She enrolled in Associate in Arts, pre-requisite of finishing a career on Health Science at the Estrella Mountain College. Based on her grades with a GPA 3.7, she received the President Honor Scholarship for 2020-2022. Margie is working full-time at Walmart in Goodyear while waiting to be accepted for the curriculum on Radiology. She was one of those who received a prize for being able to answer question about the life of Dr. Jose Rizal. When asked an interview about her experience of hearing Dr Rizal’s life and legacy, she answered,”It was good, entertaining, engaging, educational and informative because it benefited the youth in knowing who Dr. Rizal was. And also, it was fun because the speaker gave information that were easy to remember as all the kids were participating and answering questions propounded to them. Margie said that if there will be a “Youth for Rizal” to be formed in the future - that she wants to be a part of it. Margie was a member of Sanghaya – a club for staff of the school newspaper. She was the editor of the school organ of the Centro Escolar Integrated School in Malolos, Bulacan. The host of the Christmas celebration was Frank De Leon, 83 years old, who was born in Bustos, Bulacan, and is married to Virginia Fannie De Leon. . He was a high school student at the University of Manila and continued his studies at the same university and took up Foreign Service for 3/1/2 years before he joined the U.S. Navy. He retired on Dec. 5, 1979 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, after passing the Navy Wide Exam for that particular position. According to the internet, a chief petty officer is the senior enlisted man, the top enlisted rating in his field and, as such, is responsible for the efficient functioning of all persons working under his supervision. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he joined the U.S. Postal Service in Aug. 1980 and worked there for 25 years. He became the president of the Filipino Postal Employee Association (San Francisco Bulk Mail Center) based in Richmond, California with 600 Filipino employees. He was also the president of the Bulacan Association USA in 1988-1992. When asked about his impression of the impromptu presentation of the life and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, he enthusiastically answered, “Well, it was very informative and excellent because it helped informed the younger generation in America of who Dr. Jose Rizal was - as a Philippine national hero.” He further commented that, “the young people who were in attendance were very interested in knowing the life of Dr. Rizal, and I would like to have a “Youth for Rizal, organized for the first time in Arizona.” Another parent who was in attendance was Gemma Cruz Bland. She had four grandchildren who had the opportunity to hear about the life and legacy of Dr. Rizal. Gemma hails from Tagkawayan, Quezon province and is married to a U.S. Navy Robert Bland. The family left for the U.S. and arrived in Chicago on July 18, 1986, then to Florida and then to Arizona in 1994 up to the present. She attended Medical College Career in Phoenix in 1994 and became an RNA, restorative nursing assistant at the Nt. Mountain Rehabilitation Center for about five years. Her grandchildren, Milah, 18 years old, Mikaya, 15 years old, Xavier, 13 years old, and James, 11 years old were also in attendance. When Gemma was asked of her opinion, if any regarding the impromptu program on the life of Dr. Rizal, she replied, “You know I like history and the talk about Dr. Rizal brought back good memories because when I was a kid, we always passed by the house of Jose Rizal. Ever since then, he was already my idol – he was a brave person (dahil ipinaglaban niya and mga Pilipino) because he fought for the rights of the Filipino people.. The children had also a fun time because they were so excited and curious about the Philippine national hero.” As a matter of fact my grandchildren continue to ask me more about the life of Dr. Rizal while on our way home.” Sir Romeo “Joey Balasta”, KCR , who initiated the impromptu program is expecting that what started as something small will turn into a huge part in organizing a Youth For Rizal in Arizona. Sir Joey who was the Deputy Chapter Commander and Acting Chapter Commander in July to December 2018 for the Arizona Knights of Rizal, Inc. is a multi awardee having received six awards, namely: Distinguished Service Cross (9/2/2018), Distinguished Star (2/24/2017)’ Knight Commander of Rizal (9/2/2014); Commander’s Leadership Award (6/15/2015)’USA Regional Commander Certificate of Recognition (6/15/2017. He has attended four International Assemblies of the Knights of Rizal held in Baguio City (2013), Vigan Ilocus Sur (2015), Davao/Tagum City (2017), and Antipolo City, Philippines (2019), and is expected to attend the 23rd International Assembly to be held in Manila Hotel this coming January 29, 2023 where President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will be conferred with the highest degree with the rank Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR). Six young people who answered questions propounded by the speaker, Sir Tom D. Rodriguez, former USA Regional Commander of the Knights of Rizal 2012-2014, received prizes each of a tote bag containing two T-shirts with imprinted photo of Dr. Rizal. The prizes were given by Sir Romeo “Joey” R. Balasta. The recipients were Justin and Bella, son and daughter of Genevive and Chris Viglioti; Erwin De Leon and Margie Martin, son of Frank De Leon and daughter of Virgie De Leon; Leina daughter of Lanie Bihun and Mark Bihun, and Patrick, son of Mary Anne Sansavera and Gerald Sansavera. Other young people in attendance were Ivana and Lianna, daughters of Lovellea Ann Conley, a sister of the well-known Filipino actor, Tom Rodriguez (not related to Sir Tom D. Rodriguez); Anniemae, daughter of Marilou and John Laughner. Sir Tom D. Rodriguez, KGCR, the former USA Regional Commander for the Rizalian year 2012-2014 was conferred with the highest degree with the rank of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR) by the Supreme Council at the 6th USA Regional Assembly on Sept. 5, 2016 held at the Renaissance Hotel in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The conferment citation was signed by the Supreme Commander, Sir Reynato Puno, KGCR former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Sir Tom retired as a supervising administrative law judge for the State of New York in June 2006 and now lives in Arizona with his wife, Fe M. Rodriguez. To watch, the video episode of the impromptu Dr. Rizal’s presentation, go to YouTube Pmaa profile overseas diaries prepared by a prospective member of the Arizona Knights of Rizal, Dermiel “Dong” Robles, who is the CEO and President of the Peoples Media Advocacy Asia) PMAA). Sir Judge Tom Rodriguez, KGCR

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                PRESS RELEASE Knights of Rizal Embarks in a Project of Community Service The Arizona Knights of Rizal, Inc. (AZKOR,INC), A non-proift entity organized under the State laws of Arizona, and a chapter chartered by the Knights of Rizal, an international civic, patriotic, non political organization created by an Act of Philippine Congress, Republic Act 646, in collaboration with the Phoenix Rescue Mission and U-Mom, has launched in June 2022 a water and hygiene bag program to help homeless families living on the street. This project was started by Sir Conrad Ballecer, Jr., head of the Knight of Rizal Community Service and assisted by Sir Ramon P. Quema and Sir Sammy Quema. The chapter commander is Sir Robert Nobis. Sir Conrad Ballecer,Jr. was the first chapter commander of the Arizona Knights of Rizal and the first Area Commander of the Arizona Knights of Rizal Western USA.. Several members of AZKOR, donated cash which was used in buying seventy cases of water. One thousand four hundred bottles of water were already distributed to homeless people living on the street by Sir Ramon and his younger brother Sir Sammy, On behalf of AZKOR they donated 30 cases of bottles to two different homeless shelters every month, namely U-MOM and the Phoenix Rescue Men Shelter The Phoenix Rescue Mission is a Christian nonprofit that exists to share hope, healing and God’s love with all who are hurting in the Valley. Its mission is to provide Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction and trauma. On the other hand, U-MOM’s mission is to provide homeless families and individuals with safe shelter, housing and supportive services to assist them in reaching their greatest potentials. AZKOR donates 30 cases of bottles every month, to U-MOM, and in return U-MOM donates to AZKOR hygiene materials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, shampoo, etc . Out of these donations to AZKOR, Sir Ramon and Sir Sammy prepares hygiene kits (love bags), and they distribute one bag and two bottles of water for each individual homeless persons living on the streets. Sir Ramon’s father middle name is Protacio . Jose Rizal is commonly known as Jose P. Rizal, and P stands for Protacio. No wonder Sir Ramon Quema and his younger brother Sir Sammy Quema are both ardent Rizalist. Sir Ramon intends to donate two table lamps, one big dresser, two nights stands, two lamps and clothings to Phoenix Rescue Mission located at 35th Avenue and Durango Street. The Fil Arizona Historical National Society (FAHNS) awarded the Quema family for being the first generation born in the United States. Their father Ramon Protacio Quema, Sr. came to the U.S. a century ago, in 1922 at the age of 16. He came from Nagbukel, iIlocos Sur, formerly a barrio of Narvacan, Ilocus Sur. He landed in Washington State and became a contractor for the farm fields. As a contractor he paid for the expenses of laborers, and after the second world war, he hired Filipinos to work at the farm. He moved to Arizona in 1940, and met his young bride, Catalina Gonzales, who was born in Scottsdale with Mexican descent. Sir Ramon graduated from Carl Hayden High School in 1971. He became a contractor doing plumbing, electrical and carpentry. He became a supervisor of CAVCO Mobile Home from 1971 – 1980. He retired in 2019. He has four children, Rochelle Leigh, Monica Christine Carruth, Exequiel Elias Quema and Vanessa Quema. His younger brother, Sir Sammy also graduated from Carl Hayden High School located at 35th Ave & Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ. In 1997, he enrolled at the South Maintain College to take up classes in supervision. Afterwards, he became construction laborer for building of casinos. He was one among many laborers in the construction of Caesar’s Palace, Flamingo in Las Vegas, Colorado Bell in Laughlin, and male and female dormitories at ASU, University of Arizona and NAU. He retired in February 2020. He is married to Sheri Orloski, and has a daughter Melissa Robinson. Sir Ramon and Sir Sammy will continue this worthy project of helping the homeless by distributing clothes, socks, shoes, etc. this winter. Anyone who wants to help them accomplish this project, may contact Sir Sammy Quema at 602 499 7280 or email address at qss at cox.net or Sir Ramon Quema at ramonquema7 at gmail.com or his cell phone 480-512-1559. Sir Judge Tom Rodriguez, KGCR

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