Sir Ramesh Buzeta, KORNY Chapter Commander | Photo by Troi Santos
A ceremony of remembrance and obligation marked the induction of new members and officers.
NEW YORK — On December 26, the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter assembled at the Philippine Center in Manhattan for a ceremony commemorating the 129th anniversary of José Rizal’s execution, sub auspiciis memoriae et officii—under the charge of memory and duty—during which new members and officers were inducted into the Order.
After the wreath-laying in the lobby, the assembly proceeded to Kalayaan Hall, secundum ritum ordinatum, in accordance with established rite. Before the induction began, the lights were turned off. From the back annex, the candidates were blindfolded and led around. A bell rang as they walked through the middle aisle toward the stage. The rites were carried out with the blindfolds in place. After the rites, the blindfold was removed. The candidates were sworn in under oath, then, one by one, came up onto the stage, knelt on a pillow, and were knighted with a sword. Following the act of investiture, sponsors stepped onto the stage to pin the insignia of the Order on the newly inducted members. After the ceremony, the new knights were welcomed on stage by their fellow members of the Order. The rite advanced steadily, without interruption.
Those inducted were Sir Mario Dalman, KR; Sir John Dajao, KR; Sir Harry Go; and Sir Father Julian Jagudilla, KR.
Several senior members of the Order served as officiating knights during the ceremony. Those present included Sir Roger Alama, KGCR; Sir Elmer Cato, KGOR; Sir Rely Manacay, KCR; Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR; Sir Emilio Quinez, KGCR; and Sir Dean Suba, KGCR.
Sir Roger Alama, who founded Knights of Rizal New York in 1992, addressed the assembly during the induction. He spoke on the chapter’s origins and on the necessity of disciplina and officium in sustaining Rizal’s legacy. He said that living outside the Philippines required heightened attention to conduct and purpose. Education, he noted, remained central to the Order because it shaped character and responsibility.
Sir Ramesh Buzeta, the incoming Chapter Commander, then presided over the induction of chapter officers. His remarks were brief and procedural. He described leadership as a continuing charge entrusted ad tempus, sustained through consistency and service. He then inducted the officers of the chapter in accordance with the statutes and customs of the Order.
The newly inducted officers of the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter include Sir Ramesh Buzeta, Chapter Commander; Sir Cayetano Paderanga, Deputy Chapter Commander; Sir Arman David, Chapter Auditor; Sir Harley Cajote, Chapter Chancellor; Sir Quinn Aranez, Chapter Exchequer; Sir Fred Agcaoili, Chapter Pursuivant; Sir Realino Santos, Chapter Archivist; Sir Gabby Cahatol Casas, Deputy Chapter Pursuivant; and Sir Bill Gleason, Deputy Chapter Exchequer.
Speaking after the induction, Sir Father Julian Jagudilla, KR, delivered a short message on behalf of the newly inducted members. He expressed gratitude for the honor of admission while emphasizing that knighthood carried responsibility rather than status. He said that Rizal’s teachings pointed to patriotism shown through character, sacrifice, and commitment to truth and justice, not just through words. He affirmed a collective pledge to serve the Filipino people and to help preserve the country’s history and values for future generations, closing with thanks to the Order and a call to continue together in service to God, country, and fellow Filipinos.
As part of their induction, members took an oath affirming their commitment to the principles embodied in José Rizal’s life and writings. Their duties include continued study of Rizal’s works, correspondence, and historical context, as well as sustained engagement with Philippine history and civic thought. Members are expected to observe ethical standards in both public and private life, conduct themselves with integrity in professional and community settings, and uphold the values articulated in the Order’s statutes. These obligations reflect principles Rizal repeatedly expressed in his work, including the belief that Non omnis moriar — I shall not wholly die — affirming that ideas endure through responsibility and action.
Participation in the educational, cultural, and commemorative work of the Knights of Rizal is required, including support for lectures, discussions, outreach activities, and memorial observances. Members are expected to advance learning and civic responsibility, consistent with Rizal’s conviction often rendered in Latin as Educatio est fundamentum libertatis — Education is the foundation of freedom.
The Knights of Rizal is defined in its mission and practice as a civic and patriotic order, not a social or recreational association. This distinction is often expressed within the Order through formal Latin formulation as Ordo hic non ad societatem socialem constituitur, sed ad officium, disciplinam, et servitium publicum. This Order is not constituted as a social society, but for duty, discipline, and public service. Members are expected to render faithful service to the chapter and its community by actively participating, fulfilling assigned responsibilities, mentoring prospective members, and cooperating with chapter leadership. This obligation reflects Rizal’s view of civic duty, expressed in Latin as Officium civis est patriae servire — “The duty of the citizen is to serve the nation.”
