On Saturday, 31 May 2026, the Knights of Rizal (KOR) held a distinguished Special Knighthood, Elevation, Exaltation and Awarding Ceremony at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague. The event marked a milestone — the 10th anniversary of the chartering of the The Hague Chapter of the Knights of Rizal, originally established on 26 June 2015.
Presiding over the ceremony were: Sir Albert Arevalo, KGCR — European Regional Commander; Sir Lino Paras, KGCR — Immediate Past European Regional Commander; and Sir Toni Guansing, KGCR — Past European Regional Commander.
Supporting them were: Sir Alexander Atienza Onia, KGOR — Area Commander, Kingdom of the Netherlands; Sir Anton Lutter, KCR — Chapter Commander, The Hague Chapter; As Master of Ceremony: Sir Chris Sta Brigida‑Kopp, KCR — Chapter Commander, Amsterdam Chapter.
Honours and Awards Conferred
Amsterdam Chapter
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Knighthood, 1st Degree — Knight of Rizal: Sir Noel Bacalla Driz Verbeek, KR
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Distinguished Service Medal: Sir Mark Andrew Hernandez, KR
The Hague Chapter
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Knighthood, 1st Degree — Knight of Rizal: Sir BenBen Brazil Luteijn, KR
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Elevation to 2nd Degree — Knight Officer of Rizal: Consul General Eppo Hendrik Horlings, KOR
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3rd Degree Exaltation & Lifetime Membership: Sir Guido Ouwerkerk, KCR/LM
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Distinguished Service Medal: Sir Anton Lutter, KCR
The Order expresses its deepest gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, KGOR (Hon.), for honouring the occasion with his presence and for graciously allowing the use of the Kalayaan Hall. Special thanks are also extended to the Supreme Council, the European Regional Council, and the members of the The Hague Chapter for their unwavering support, assistance, and hospitality in hosting this momentous celebration.
The 10-year anniversary of The Hague Chapter not only commemorates a decade of fellowship and commitment but also reaffirms the Chapter’s dedication to honouring the values and legacy of the Knights of Rizal: patriotism, cultural awareness, civic responsibility and unity — now thriving in the Netherlands and beyond.
