Happy Golden Birthday Sir Teddy!

Sir Teddy cutting his birthday  cake

On 11 November 2011, the Ladies for Rizal and Knights of Rizal Bonn Chapter celebrated the 50th birthday of their very own, Sir Teddy Amarga. Sir Teddy is one of the most hardworking Knights in the Chapter, a true asset to the organization.

The potluck event was held at one of the members' residence and was a truly joyous affair. As usual, food was aplenty and drinks were overflowing.

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Congratulations and many happy returns to Sir Teddy from all your brother Knights and sister Ladies!

Happy Birthday to LFR Bonn Adviser, Lady Jeni!

To celebrate the birthday of LFR Bonn Chapter Adviser Lady Jeniffer Plueckebaum on October 28, Sir Peter  Plueckebaum invited all LFR and KOR as well as close friends to a dinner party at the Chinese Restaurant in Tannenbusch. The restaurant is a favorite of the Bonn Chapter for important celebrations, and therefore, the group was able to secure their usual "choice seats" at the corner.

The buffet menu was excellent as usual, and the party went on until late in the evening. Happy birthday to our beloved Chapter Adviser, Lady Jeni Plueckebaum!

LFR KOR holds successful Yugyugan Disco 2011

Partygoers at the Yugyugan 2011

On October 22, 2011, the Ladies for Rizal and Knights of Rizal e.V. Bonn Chapter held another successful and fun-filled Yugyugan Disco at the Sankt Winfried Untekirche in Bonn. Thanks to DJ Dirk and DJ Toni, and especially Lady Gloria M., guests enjoyed dance music from the 1960s to the present and happily danced the night away!  Some party-goers even came early to have their sumptuous dinner at the venue, a mixture of Filipino and German dishes at affordable prices, provided by the hardworking Ladies of Rizal. 

The hilarious muscial/comdey performance of Lady Gloria M. and Lady Josie brought the house down!

Emcee Lady Gloria, LFR President Lady Helen and VP Lady Margie congratulates Nanay Conching who was overjoyed with her grand raffle prize - a brand new android Laptop!

Many door and raffle prizes were given away to lucky patrons. The LFR and KOR sends their congratulations once again to Nanay Conching for winning the grand prize of a brand new Android Laptop! The proceeds of the event will fund our charitable projects in the Philippines. Thanks once again to all our friends and supporters and see you all next year!

Laptop for 1 Euro!

A lot of wonderful prizes are in store for disco-goers and patrons of the LFR and KOR at their annual Yugyugan Disco to be held on Saturday, 22 October 2011. For a tombola ticket worth 1 Euro the following prizes could be won: Laptop Computer, (Two) Navigation Systems, Digital Camera, AEG Dampfbuegelstation (AEG steam iron), AEG Bodenstaubsauger (AEG Vacuum cleaner) rice cooker, 1 sack of rice and many many more!

The proceeds of the event will benefit the various charitable projects of the Knights and Ladies for Rizal in the Philippines. So what are you waiting for? Bring your friends and family, come dance your worries away and get a chance to win one of the several prizes of the night!

Contact: Helen Lacuna 02241-334955
Gloria Marten:02241-81440
Margie Lapinid Amarga: 0228-225965

Or any other Knight or Ladies for Rizal Bonn Chapter members.

Spot the Difference: Rizalista as Religious Cult vs Rizalistas in a Socio-Civic Org'n

One of the Rizalista sects

Rizalista Religious Groups - According to Brittanica.com, Rizalists are any of numerous ethnic religious groups in the Philippines that believe in the divinity of José Rizal, the national hero martyred by the Spanish in 1896. Among many peasant cults it is commonly believed that he is still alive and will return to deliver his followers from poverty and oppression. Rizal has been identified as God, as the second, or Filipino, Christ, and as the god of the pre-Spanish Malay religion. Rizalist cults, such as the Iglesia Sagrada ni Lahi (HolyChurch of the Race) and the Banner of the Race Church (the largest group), synthesize Roman Catholic rituals.

Generally, Rizalista groups immortalize and worship Jose P. Rizal as a divine being. But they also have contrasting views about the persona of Rizal. For instance, some groups consider him as god, the son of Bathala, the reincarnation of Christ, a spirit, an avatar, a saint, a prophet, while others believe that he is a god and a man at the same time. Some of the registered Rizalista groups are Samahan ng Tatlong Persona Solo Dios, Ciudad Mistica de Dios, Adamista, Bathalismo, Watawat ng Lahi, Iglesia Sagrada Flilipina, and Espiritual Pilipino Catholic Church, among others. They are scattered all over the archipelago but most of them are based in Calamba, Laguna and at the foot of Mt. Banahaw in Quezon Province. There are even chapters abroad. 

Photoblog of Rizal @ 150

Here are some behind-the-scene photos during the organisation's trip to Heidelberg to celebrate Jose Rizal's 150th birthday anniversary.

The Ladies pose on the castle front

The day before the celebrations, the group took a tour of Heidelberg passing by Rizal's former appartment in the city center and culminating with a visit to the castle.

Here you see the group (Ladies and Knights and their families) posing in front of  Heidelberg's castle.

The Knights pose in the castle front

The Knights also took the opportunity to have their photos taken with the city of Heidelberg and the majestic mountains below them.

Are Ladies for Rizal, Elitists? An Interview with Lady Helen Lacuna

e·lit·ism or é·lit·ism  (noun).  The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources.

Our first ever interview series features the President of the Ladies for Rizal Bonn Chapter, Lady Helen Lacuna. In this interview, she traces her history with the LFR, shares her perceptions about the current situation of the organization and looks forward to the challenges ahead.

Lady Helen Lacuna (middle), flanked by Lady Margie and Lady Jane

Interviewer: Hi Lady Helen! Thank you for granting us this interview. Could you please tell us the story of how you became a member of the Ladies for Rizal?

Lady Helen Lacuna: Hello to you too! Thanks for the opportunity to be interviewed. I was recruited in 1995 by my husband (Sir Celso Lacuna), who was then a member  of the Committee on membership of the Bonn Chapter. Together with other candidates from Bonn, I was formally inducted on May 21, 1995 in Wilhelmsfeld. 

I: Do you think preserving the ideologies of Rizal is still relevant to Filipinos outside of the Philippines?

LHL: Yes, preserving the ideologies of Rizal is still relevant not only for Filipinos in the Philippines but also for those outside the Philippines. The Filipinos abroad should be taught about the ideas, aspirations, nationalism and patriotism of Dr. Rizal so that they would always be reminded of their home country. 

I: Why is this important?

LHL: By teaching the Filipinos abroad about Rizal's ideas, nationalism and sacrifices for his country, Filipinos residing in foreign countries will always remember their ancestors in the Philippines. Hence, the Filipinos abroad if imbued with Rizal' ideologies, will have a deep sense of national consciousness and belonging to their country of origin. 

Announcing the "KOR LFR Interviews" Series

In the coming weeks a new series of articles - running parallel to the "Projects" articles series - will be added to the website. The new series is called "KOR LFR Interview Series" and it will feature one-on-one interviews with officers and members of the KOR and LFR Bonn Chapter. The series aim to introduce the people behind the organisation, a sort of backstage ticket to the movers and shakers of the group. The series will explore their views and perceptions on living  and working abroad, on their social engagement via the KOR LFR and their vision for the organisation. 

The series will be an exciting chain of articles that allow friends and supporters to get to know the Ladies and Knights like never before. Stay tuned!

KOR LFR Bonn Chapter holds 1st Goal, Norms and Processess Workshop

Sir Dirk explains the procedure to the group

The Order of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Bonn Chapters held their 1st Goal, Strategy and Team Building Workshop at the Evangelische Grundschule in Troisdorf last 17 July 2011. The objective of the  well-attended event was to create a clear understanding of the aims of the organisation, the proper code of conduct among members and procedures to follow during projects. The group believes that, once these fundamental building blocks are understood and practiced by everybody, the team will solidify as a group and teamwork will be more efficient.

Ni Hao, Rizal!

The Ladies and Knights atChina Restaurant Pavilion

On the KOR LFR's recent trip to participate in the 150th birthday celebrations of Dr Jose Rizal (see related post here), the group decided to stop by for lunch at China Restaurant Pavilion at the heart of the historic city of Heidelberg.

Flashback Project 1: Relief for Typhoon Ondoy victims

Typhooon Ondoy (Source: www.pinoygigs.com)

Typhoon Ondoy (Source: www.fobbdeep.com)

Typhoon Ondoy (International Codename: Ketsana) was one of the most devastating typhoons of the 2009 Pacific Typhoon Season, and the most devastating typhoon to hit Manila, Philippines.

After Typhoon Ondoy dumped rains that flooded Metro Manila and its nearby provinces, Typhoon Pepeng pummeled northern Philippines, triggering massive flooding and landslides. The two weather disturbances left more than 600 people dead, and damage to infrastructure and agriculture estimated at close to 30 billion Philippine Pesos, according to the Philippine Office of Civil Defense. Then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of calamity throughout most of Luzon after flood water levels reached a record 20 feet in rural areas. The government has come under a storm of criticism over its slow and inadequate response to Ondoy. 

Current Project 2: Rizal Learning Center in Bohol

Tagbilaran City, the capital of the island province of Bohol, is the recipient of the second current Philippine project of the KOR and LFR Bonn Chapter. The organisation, in cooperation with barangay chairman Odysseus C. Glovasa and other local officials, developed the barangay library of Poblacion 3, one of the 15 barangays comprising the city. 

Rizal Learning Center in Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

In 2007, when the barangay hall building was upgraded, a Learning Center was added in the basement of the new building. Although construction officially finished in 2008, the Learning Center remained incomplete until 2011.  Chapter Commander Peter Plueckebaum and Adviser Jeni Plueckebaum initiated contact to the Barangay and after presenting the situation of the Learning Center to the oganisation, garnered the strong support of the LFR LOR Bonn Chapter. In the months thereafter, bookshelves, tables, chairs and writing boards were gradually supplied to the Learning Center. 

Current Project 1: The Ormoc Project

The biggest and longest -running project of the Knights of Rizal and Ladies for Rizal Bonn Chapter is the Support for the Educational Programme of a Flood Resettlement Community in Ormoc Philippines or simply, the ORMOC PROJECT. The project is in cooperation with St. Philippine Duchesne's Ormoc Workers Foundation (SPDOWF), through its branch office, the Sacred Heart Children's Educational Center, headed by Sister Iraida E. Sua-An. 

Flashback to 1991, more than 8,000 people in Ormoc City perished from flash floods caused by illegal logging and denuded forests. In response to the pressing needs of the victims of flash floods, the St. Philippine Duchesne’s Ormoc Workers Foundation, Inc. (SPDOWFI) was organized. In addition,  the International Society of the Sacred Heart pulled their resources together to offer help for the rehabilitation of poor victims.

Ormoc City is one of the oldest towns and the pioneer city of Leyte, in southern Philippines.  It is a coastal city and due to its geographical location, Ormoc serves as a catch-basin of the rain water coming from the mountains of the province.

For the past years the SPDOWFI survived through donations from donors and friends of the Sacred Heart.   In 2005, The SPDOWFI was able to provide a resettlement area for 40 families who were not able to avail of the government’s housing program.  These families are now settled within a one hectare compound called Barangay Luna.  Half of the property was allocated for the housing project and the other half has been converted into a herbal organic garden and a learning center for children.

Announcing the "KOR LFR Projects" Series

The library in a school in Ormoc, Philippines

A lot of exciting things are happening in the KOR and LFR right now and we are very excited to share these infos with our friends and readers! 

The KOR LFR has always been engaged in socio-civic activities that support and enliven the ideals of Dr Jose Rizal. We hold our fund-raising activities with the ultimate objective of helping alleviate the lives of our countrymen in the Philippines through our projects.

In the coming weeks and months, this website will be featuring a series of articles revolving around a common theme, beginning with our first Series on "KOR LFR Projects". The "Projects" Series will introduce to our friends and readers the different projects that the KOR and LFR are currently engaged in, or will engage into, in the near future. Every now and then, we will also highlight smaller projects that we did in the past to show the range of activities that our organisation engages in.

Of course, we will also provide information on how you could involve yourself if you want to support the current project. So, keep on visiting the website to learn more!

When it rains, it pours! LFR KOR Participates in Bonn Internationales Begegnungsfest 2011

The LFR and KOR Bonn Chapter at their booth

The Ladies for Rizal and Knights of Rizal Bonn Chapter continued with their long standing tradition of engagement in the Bonner Internationales Begegnungsfest on Saturday, 25 June 2011. Continuous drizzles and rain notwithstanding, the LFR and KOR set up their Food booth and Information Corner and was ready for business shortly before 11am. All throughout the day, traditional Filipino dishes, German cakes and hot/cold drinks were being served by the Ladies and Knights to its patrons. The Information Corner alternately played Filipino/modern music, and videos highlighting the life of the Philippine national hero, Dr Jose Rizal on the occassion of his 150th birth anniversary. The Ladies and Knights took the opportunity to explain about Rizal to visitors who were interested on learning more about him and the association.

KOR LFR Bonn goes to Wilhelmsfeld for Rizal’s 150th Birthday Celebration

Ladies for Rizal Bonn: Lady Aimee, Lady Gloria, Lady Susan, Lady Betty, Lady President Helen and Lady VP Margie

On the occasion of the 150^th birthday of Philippine national hero Dr Jose Rizal on 19 June 2011, the Order of the Knights of Rizal Bonn (KOR) and Kababaihang Rizalista Bonn Chapter (LFR) travelled to Wilhelmsfeld near Heidelberg to actively participate in the anniversary celebrations. 

The day before, the 21-strong group (including 4 children) led by Sir Peter Plückebaum, KGOR, Commander, Bonn Chapter travelled the 250 kilometer stretch between Bonn and Wilhelmsfeld via a convoy of five cars and stayed overnight in a nearby hotel. A tour of the castle and Rizal’s various accommodations in Heidelberg was conducted after arrival to help re-acquaint the KOR LFR Bonn Chapter with the city in which Rizal lived for a few months in 1886. Rizal stayed in Heidelberg to practice Opthalmology after finishing his studies in Paris. It is in Wilhelmsfeld near Heidelberg where Rizal finished his novel entitled “Noli Me Tangere” which first saw publication in Berlin in 1887.

Sir Celso Lacuna of KOR Bonn receives Medal of Honor

Sir Celso Lacuna KGOR, Knights of Rizal Bonn

During the 150th birthday celebrations of Rizal at Wilhelsmfeld Heidelberg on 19 June 2011, our very own Sir Celso Lacuna, KGOR, was presented a medal of honor by the Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter in recognition of his untiring support and active participation in the yearly birthday celebrations of Dr Jose Rizal in Wilhelmsfeld. 

Congratulations Sir Celso from the Ladies and Knights of Rizal Bonn Chapter!

Happy Birthday Pepe and Gloria

The beautiful Lady Gloria Buccat

Today marks the 150th birthday of Jose Rizal (also known by his nickname Pepe), coinciding with the birthday of our very own Lady Gloria Buccat! The occasion was made more special because the birthday girl was in Heidelberg together with the Ladies and Knights of Rizal Bonn to participate in the celebration of Rizal's birthday.

VP Lady Margie's Dinner Meeting

Lady Margie and her husband Sir Teddy

LFR Bonn Chapter's very own Vice President, Lady Margie Lapinid Amarga hosted a dinner to celebrate her birthday on 08 April 2011 during the joint meeting of the LFR KOR Bonn Chapter. Lady Margie belongs to the first batch of Filipino nurses in Germany. Her work has brought her to UK but she has decided to settle down for good in Bonn with her husband, Sir Teddy Amarga.

Happy Birthday Sir Dirk

The 19th of March was reserved for a special date: the celebration of Sir Dirk Hampel's birthday. Happy Birthday Sir Dirk!