Ladies of the Knights of Rizal, 35 years

by Ronald Mervin Sison

This year marks 35 years of the Knights of Rizal in Winnipeg, as commemorated by a member statement and a program at the Manitoba Legislature hosted by Minister Malaya Marcelino, MLA for Notre Dame on May 26, 2026.

On June 19, 2026, the Ladies of the Knights of Rizal (LKOR) likewise commemorated their 35th year in an event hosted by Lady Councillor Vivian Santos at Winnipeg City Hall.

Knights and ladies were in attendance with Larry Vickar and family members as the late Lady Tova Vickar was also honoured for her and her family’s immeasurable contributions to the Filipino community in Winnipeg.

The program started with a land acknowledgement by Lady Chasity Martinuk, welcome remarks by Lady Julie Javier LKOR president and Sir Ronald Mervin Sison KCR Winnipeg Chapter commander; Philippine and Canadian anthems by Summer Flora, a history of the LKOR by Lady Julie, a poem from Noli Me Tangere by Lady Clarita Nazario, then both ladies were joined by Lady Councillor Devi Sharma in honouring Lady Tova Vickar with personal testimonies from the ladies and guests, followed by a picture slide show featuring Tova and family to the poignant singing of Lead Me Lord by Summer Flora. A light breakfast followed. Other attendees included MLA’s Malaya Marcelino, Jelynn dela Cruz; city councillors Brian Mayes, Markus Chambers, Emma Durand-Wood, the Vickar family, friends and company staff.