On Monday, 22 September 2025, Knights of Rizal Amsterdam Commander Sir Chris Sta Brigida-Kopp, KCR attended the meeting of The Filipino Correspondent Network TFCN with the Filipino Community in the Netherlands, held at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague.
Philippine Ambassador Sir J. Eduardo Malaya, KGOR, delivered the welcoming remarks. He presented to the journalists of TFCN and the Filipino community leaders present the Embassy’s recent achievements, underscoring its continuing significance, particularly given The Hague’s standing as the legal capital of the world.
In a notable gesture, Ambassador Sir Malaya rendered the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, on the piano. While he mentioned that he does not usually perform on the instrument, he chose to do so on this occasion so that all might join in singing, affirming that we are all Filipinos and must remain united, especially in these times.
During the event, Sir Chris SB-Kopp, KCR guided visiting Knight from the United Kingdom, Sir Gene Alcantara, KR, Postulant Ryan Aquino, and some community leaders inlcluding Community Leaders Beth Del Rosario from Stichting Migrante Den Haag and Nora van der Does-Gonzalez of Stitching Bayanihan through the Rizal Courtyard of the Embassy.
The courtyard, a flagship project of the Knights of Rizal – The Hague Chapter in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy, features a bust monument of Dr. José Rizal. This monument was unveiled on 4 July 2023 during the visit of the Knights of Rizal Supreme Council and the European Regional Council, led by then Supreme Commander Sir Gerardo V. Calderon, KGCR.
Sir Ambassador J Eduardo Malaya, KGOR of the Philippine Embassy The Hague
Knights of Rizal Amsterdam Commander Sir Chris SB-Kopp, KCR with Rose Eclarinal Co-founder of The Filipino Correspondent Network TFCN
Knights of Rizal Amsterdam Commander Sir Chris SB-Kopp, KCR with Community Leaders of Beth Del Rosario from Stichting Migrante Den Haag (left) and Nora van der Does-Gonzalez (center) of Stitching Bayanihan.
Knights of Rizal Amsterdam Commander Sir Chris SB-Kopp, KCR (right) with Postulant Ryan Aquino (left)
Sir Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, KGOR, rendering the Philippine National Anthem Lupang Hinirang on the piano
Amsterdam Commander Sir Chris SB-Kopp, KCR (right) with visiting from London, United Kingdom Sir Gene Alcantara, KR (left).
