Latest news with #JoseRizal


Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Celebrating a year of honour, service: Knights of Rizal — Doha hosts Knighting, Exaltation ceremony
Darlene Regis In a ceremony marked by tradition, camaraderie, and a profound sense of purpose, the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Doha Chapter recently celebrated its first anniversary with an unforgettable Knighting and Exaltation ceremony. Headed by Chapter Commander Dr Elvin Fajutagana, KCR, and Area Commander Dr Jose Villanueva, KCR (Oman-Qatar-UAE), the event underscored the members' steadfast commitment to upholding the ideals of the national hero, Dr Jose Rizal. Amidst an atmosphere filled with pride and honour, nine new members out of 14 were dubbed, while eight out of 10 were exalted to the prestigious rank of Knight Commander of Rizal. Additionally, the chapter welcomed 8 new KOR Life Members out of 10 applicants, solidifying the bonds of brotherhood and service within the organization. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Guest of Honour and Speaker, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar,His Excellency Mardomel Celo Melicor, and Honorable Eduard Ferrer, Labor Attaché. Their insightful words served as a powerful reminder of the values that drive the Knights' mission, encouraging them to continue their noble endeavors with passion and dedication. In recognition of exceptional service, the celebration also featured the presentation of Distinguished Service Awards to deserving individuals from both the Knights of Rizal and Las Damas de Rizal Doha Chapter, honoring their invaluable contributions to the organization. As the Knights of Rizal Doha Chapter embarks on its second year, they do so with renewed dedication and a strengthened resolve to carry forward the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal. Through their unwavering commitment, they continue to serve as beacons of inspiration both within their community and beyond.


New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Gig workers coalition welcomes RON95 price reduction, toll freeze
KUALA LUMPUR: The eHailing Malaysia Coalition (Gem) has welcomed the government's announcement on the reduction of RON95 petrol price and the continuation of current toll rates, calling it a positive step that offers temporary relief to gig workers. Gem chief activist Jose Rizal said the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would slightly ease the daily cost burden faced by e-hailing and p-hailing drivers, many of whom operate on tight margins. "Alhamdulillah, Gem welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement on the RON95 price reduction and toll rate retention. It is a positive move that brings some relief to the e-hailing and p-hailing community in dealing with daily cost pressures," he told the New Straits Times. Earlier, Anwar announced that toll rates for 10 highways would remain unchanged this year. The price of RON95 petrol will also be reduced to RM1.99 per litre when fuel subsidies are rationalised. However, Jose said the impact of the government's move remained relative and subjective, given that wage rates were still dictated by platform companies and regulated by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) under the Transport Ministry. "To date, Apad continues to be seen as rigid and unresponsive to our many demands," he said. He said what the community truly needed was a structural change in wage protection, and urged the government to fast-track the tabling of the Gig Workers' Bill 2025. "Gem places high hopes on the Human Resources Ministry and the commitment of Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong to table the Gig Workers Bill in the upcoming Parliament sitting. We believe this can be a real game changer for the future of the gig economy and its workers," he said. Jose added that gig workers continued to face income instability due to a lack of formal wage protection, and called for stronger regulatory intervention to ensure fairer treatment by digital platforms.


GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Veteran director Fritz Ynfante passes away at 84
The veteran television director Fritz Ynfante has passed away. A family member, Peachy Ynfante-Talanay, confirmed his death to GMA News Online on Tuesday. Ynfante passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Monday at the age of 84. His cause of death was not immediately known. Per Ynfante-Talanay, whose mother is a second cousin of Direk Fritz, her uncle would have turned 85 on August 4. Direk Fritz was known for helming various TV shows, including the popular music variety show "Penthouse Live," which starred Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez as co-hosts. The show ran on GMA Network in the '80s. Aside from Direk Fritz's work behind the camera, he was also an actor, starring in the 1998 GMA Pictures film "Jose Rizal," as well as Lino Brocka's "Gumising ka... Maruja" (1978) and "Mananayaw" (1978), among others. He had also served as a consultant of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. On Instagram, Nievera paid tribute to Direk Fritz as he shared a photo of the two of them together along with a heartfelt caption. "He gave me my first pair of wings as a TV host on a television show called 'Penthouse Live' and was a true believer of the Pops and Martin team. He always trusted us with his direction and his gazillion changes on every script," he wrote. According to Nievera, Direk Fritz was instrumental in his television career, adding that he was also among the first who helped transform Fernandez from concert princess to concert queen. "Tito Fritz I will forever be grateful. I will miss you. Thank you for all you did not just for me, but for all of us whose careers you scolded and molded until each of our dreams came true. I love you!" —CDC, GMA Integrated News


Filipino Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Las Damas de Rizal Doha chapter marks first anniversary with induction and gala
The Las Damas de Rizal Doha Chapter celebrated its first chartering anniversary with an induction and oath-taking ceremony on July 11, 2025, in Qatar. Members and guests gathered to honor Dr. Jose Rizal's legacy and the organization's achievements in its inaugural year. The event began with a procession and invocation led by Chapter Auditor Lady Sheila Marie Cantos, followed by the playing of the Qatari and Philippine national anthems and the Las Damas de Rizal hymn. In her message, Lady Dr. Anne Binondo, Chapter President, highlighted the importance of Rizal's ideals and women's role in preserving them. Meanwhile, a video message from Lady Lina 'Nenette' Brosas, founder and Paris Chapter President, underscored international solidarity within the Las Damas de Rizal community. Sixteen new members were inducted through a formal ritual that included an oath-taking, candle lighting, and pinning of insignia. Lady Victoria Bedon spoke on behalf of the new members, sharing their commitment to the group's mission. Service awards were given to founding members for their dedication, while Celso Collado Dahil of Haute Couture was recognized for designing the organization's new Filipiniana gown collection. The formal program ended with closing remarks from Lady Grace Moran, VP External Affairs. The celebration continued with a gala dinner and dancing, joined by the Knights of Rizal Doha Chapter, strengthening ties within the Filipino community abroad.
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GMA Network
11-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
On 9th anniversary of PCA ruling, AFP commits to remain steadfast in protecting WPS
The AW159 helicopter of the Philippine Navy's BRP Jose Rizal prepares for take-off as part of the Exercise SAMASAMA on October 14, 2024 in the West Philippine Sea. Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook account The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and "protect what is rightfully ours" in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). "As the protector of the nation's territorial integrity, the AFP remains steadfast in its duty to uphold this ruling through deliberate and sustained action," the AFP said in a statement. READ | AFP Statement on the 9th Anniversary of the 2016 PCA Ruling#AFPyoucanTRUST#OneAFPOnePhilippines#StrongAFPStrongPhilippines#OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture — Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) July 11, 2025 "We continue to carry out regular maritime and aerial patrols, enhance our maritime domain awareness, and support the whole-of-nation approach to ensure the security and well-being of our communities, especially our fisherfolk," it said. "Every operation we conduct in the West Philippine Sea reaffirms our commitment to protect what is rightfully ours. With professionalism, vigilance, and resolve, we will continue to defend our territory, uphold our sovereign rights, and promote peace — always anchored on international law and guided by the interests of the Filipino people," the AFP said. On June 12, 2016, the PCA based in The Hague, Netherlands issued a ruling on the case filed by the Philippines in January 2013. The case hinges on the legal status of reefs, rocks and artificial islands in the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Island group. Manila's 15-point case critically asks the tribunal to rule on the status of China's so-called "nine-dash line", a boundary that is the basis for its 69-year-old claim to roughly 85 percent of the South China Sea. The PCA invalidated Beijing's massive claims in South China Sea. "The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the 'nine-dash line'," the PCA said. "[Although] two Chinese navigators and fishermen, as well as those of other States, had historically made use of the islands in the South China Sea, there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or their resources," it added. —KG, GMA Integrated News