Seoul, 29 September 2026 — The Knights of Rizal Korea held today solemn knighthood, elevation, exaltation, and conferment ceremonies at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

Sir Reghis M. Romero II, Past Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, led the solemn rites for the knighthood of 2nd Secretary Antonio P. Villareal, Jr. of the Korea Chapter, and Mr. Se Won Kim and Mr. Joon Young Son of the Seoul Chapter. They were admitted to the First Degree, Knight of Rizal (KR).

This was followed by the elevation ceremony of Sir Agapito C. Bulabos, Jr. and Sir Lev Nikko M. Macalintal to the Second Degree, Knight Officer of Rizal (KOR) of the Korea Chapter.

The next ceremony was the exaltation and oath-taking of Sir Anthony Rafael Gil Z. Cornista, KOR, to the rank of Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR). He also formally assumed his role as Commander of the Korea Chapter.

The highlight of the event was the conferment of the Medal of Recognition of the Knights of Rizal upon H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, in grateful acknowledgment of her extensive support for the Order and the Filipino community, and, more importantly, her support for the continuing strengthening of Philippine-Korea relations in various fields.

Ambassador Fernandez was likewise conferred the distinction of the Las Damas De Rizal Medal, formally establishing the Korea Chapter as part of the Global Sisterhood of Women for Rizal. The distinction was presented by Lady Judy S. Savares-Romero, National President of Las Damas De Rizal–Philippines.

The ceremonies underscored the continuing commitment of the Knights of Rizal and Las Damas De Rizal to uphold the ideals and legacy of National Hero Dr. José Rizal, while fostering fellowship, service, and stronger ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. END