Ladies for Rizal’s Filipiniana Night honors the spirit of national hero
By Aimee Sansait-Termulo
The Ladies for Rizal New York Inc., in collaboration with Eagle Eye Charities, Inc., hosted an elegant and inspiring Filipiniana Night at The Players in Manhattan, New York — a celebration of Filipino heritage, leadership, and service to community.
The evening’s highlights included the “Diwa ni Rizal” Awards, the induction of new members, and a powerful keynote address by Filipino-American philanthropist and civic leader Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis.
The “Diwa ni Rizal” awarding ceremony recognized outstanding Filipino men and women who embody Dr. José Rizal’s enduring values of integrity, excellence, leadership, and service to humanity.
This year’s honorees were:
- Dr. Dely Go – For outstanding contributions in healthcare and community outreach.
- Dr. Ismael Jampayas – For dedication to education and humanitarian service.
- Dr. Emilio Quinez – For leadership in philanthropy and global advocacy for the Filipino community.
Each awardee was celebrated for exemplifying Rizal’s ideals in their professional and personal lives.
Awardee Dr. Dely Go shared, “To be called a reflection of Rizal’s spirit is an honor beyond any title. May we continue to serve our people with compassion wherever we are in the world.”
Atty. Elizabeth Cueva, Esq., president of Ladies for Rizal New York Inc., remarked, “Tonight, we celebrate not just career success—but character. Our honorees remind us that Rizal’s ideals are timeless, living on in every Filipino who chooses to uplift others.”
Welcoming new members
The evening also marked the induction of new members into Ladies for Rizal New York, symbolizing the continuing growth of Filipino leadership within the diaspora.
“As new members take their oath, they join a sisterhood devoted to culture, charity, and nationhood—guided by Rizal’s legacy,” Cueva said.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis reflected on Rizal’s influence on Filipinos across the globe. Quoting the national hero, she reminded guests, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.”
“Rizal once wrote, ‘The youth is the hope of the motherland,’” she added. “Tonight, we broaden that vision—every Filipino who serves with courage and kindness is the hope of the nation.”
Featured were a monologue from an adaptation of missing chapter of “El Filibusterismo ” by award-winning theater actress Toni Go, nostalgic love songs from Kat Capili from the traveling play of Sister Act, saxophone music by Art Sumague, and a fashion show from The El Fili collection of Carmelo Andrada. Project Runway winner Veejay Floresca was also given the Matanglawin Award. The event was hosted by Atty. Elizabeth Cueva and Dr. Romulo Aromin.
The ballroom shimmered with elegant Filipiniana gowns and Barong Tagalog, cultural performances, and heartfelt fellowship—all for a cause. Proceeds from the event will support the ongoing community initiatives of Ladies for Rizal New York Inc.
Ladies for Rizal is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the ideals of Dr. José Rizal through educational, cultural, and civic initiatives that strengthen Filipino identity and service to community.
