By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, Thursday 5 February 2020. The Philippine Embassy in The Hague, together with the Netherlands Chapter of the sublime Order of the Nights of Rizal (1911) organized the launching of the first Dutch translation of El Filibusterismo written by Dr Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. The first copy of the book was presented to H.E. Mr. Jaime Victor Badillo Ledda, Ambassador of the Philippines.
Mr. Lucien Spittael a Rizal expert, delivered a lecture on the life and works of the Filipino colossal Dr Jose Rizal.
Mr. Jan Mulder also delivered a lecture on Rizal. The translation into Dutch was done by Mr. Gerard Arp of Arpenco Publishers. Notably present at the serene event was a contingent of Knights of Rizal in full regalia, coming all the way from Belgium.
After presenting H.E. Mr. Jaime Victor Ledda, Ambassador of the Philippines with the first copy of El Filibusterismo in Dutch, the Order of Rizal anthem was sung and the “Sir” as the knights address one another, shared some experiences, reminiscent of the excellent time they have had with Ambassador Ledda when he was stationed in Brussels. Ambassador Ledda thanked the Order of the Nights of Rizal (The Hague Chapter) and expressed his gratitude for receiving the first copy of Dr Jose Rizal’ book in Dutch.
A reception concluded the fabulous evening.
