PHILVETS Memorial & Cultural Society of BC, headed by Mr. Fernando P. Salanga, PHILVETS President, celebrated Dr. Jose P. Rizal Day on December 29, 2013 at the Polish Community Centre, 4015 Fraser St., Vancouver, BC., to memorialize the life of our revolutionary hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It was this day 118 years ago when he was executed by firing squad in Bagumbayan. The Vancouver City Council headed by Mayor Gregor Robertson issued a Proclamation declaring December 29, 2013 as Dr. Jose P. Rizal Day in Vancouver, BC. Consul Anthony A.L. Mandap of the Philippine Consulate and Sir Frank Macapagal, Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal, were Guests of Honor. Also present were the leaders of the different Filipino organizations
representing the Confederation of Filipino Canadian Associations; Mr. Romy Mercado, FYSS; Ms. Perla B. de Peralta, FILCANES; Ms. Ching Hipol, ZODIAC CIRCLE; and Mr. Ruben Dioquino, FSCBC.
As part of the program, we featured the lighter side of Rizal in a mimi show dubbed – Rizal, the Romantic-Women of His Life, participated in by the following: CARMEN ROGELLO as Segunda Katigbak; ADORA GAMAYO as Leonor Valenzuela; NENE LINSANGAN as Leonor Rivera; EDUARDA GUILLERMO as Consuelo Ortiga; LEOCISA DE VERA as O’Sei San; NATY BALANGUE as Gertrude Beckette; FELY RESUMADERO as Nellie Boustead; CORA INNIGER as Suzanne Jacoby & JOSIE GARCIA as Josephine Bracken. Dr. Jose P. Rizal was portrayed by ROLLY MIJARES, VP of Zodiac Circle Society.
The Philippine Tapestry presented a cultural show, choreographed by Leny & Letty Arboleda. Dancers: Leny & Letty Arboleda; Rebecca delos Reyes; Imelda Canlas; Clorenda Herd- man & Lucina Lymberatos. The program was organized by Mimi Reginaldo, PHILVETS Program Coordinator & CONFICA Executive Secretary.
Photos taken by Marilyn Cabico, PHILVETS Official Photographer
