Events 2002 - Friday, March 8th,2002
An embassy team led by Ambassador and Mrs. Cesar B. Bautista visited Merthyr Tydfil in Wales on March 8th, 2002. The visit was part of the continuing Outreach Programme of the Philippine Embassy, whose aim is to bring the Embassy’s services and information campaign to wherever there are Filipino communities.^
The visit to Merthyl Tydfil involved the participation of the London chapter of the Knights of Rizal and Maclariz, led by Sir Barry Bowman and Ana Bowman, respectively, and was highlighted by the KoR’s donation to the Borough Council of Merthyr Tydfil. of a bronze bust of Dr. Jose Rizal as well as copies of the Philippine national hero’s books. The mayor Roy Thomas accepted the bust as well as a number of Rizal's books and poems for the Council Library. The Rizal books donated by the KoR London chapter were: Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Miscellaneous Correspondence of Rizal, Miscellaneous Writings of Rizal, Rizal-Blumentritt Correspondence vols. 1 & 2, Mi Ultimo Adios in foreign and local translations vols. 1 & 2.
The Knights present were Sir Barry Bowman, KGOR, Sir Charles Gabula, KCR, Sir Phillip Williams, KCR, Sir Allen Reilly, KR, Sir Cesar Caraon, KOR, Sir Michael Rothery, KOR, Sir Alfonso Taguiang, KCR, Lady Ana Bowman, Lady Ester Gabula, Lady Betty Williams, Lady Lita Manelli, Lady Laihla/Lahlia Rothery, Lady Aurea Taguiang, Lady Isabel Cooper and Lady Dolly Baker.
Members of the London Chapter with 9 officials from the Philippine Embassy on the road to Merthyr Tydfil.
Sir Barry Bowman, KGOR, presents the Bust of Dr. Rizal to Mayor Roy Thomas of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. 15 members of the London Chapter traveled in the coach with 9 members of the Philippine Embassy led by H.E. Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista.
Sir Barry Bowman, in his presentation speech, remarked at the “lovely coincidence” that the two contributions of the Filipino people to Merthyr Tydfil were connected with healthcare - the services of the Filipino nurses, and the works of a Filipino doctor, Jose Rizal. He also noted that the word “merthyr” referred to “martyr”, which was how the Filipino national hero was regarded by his people.
Our members with H.E. Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista, Mrs. Marie Bautista, Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil Roy Thomas, Mayoress Mrs. Dylys Thomas.
back row: Sir Phillip Williams, Lady Isabel Cooper, Sir Allen Reilly, Lady Ana Bowman, Sir Barry Bowman, Sir Charles Gabula, Mayor Roy Thomas, Mayoress Dylys Thomas
front row (l-r): Lady Dolly Baker, Lady Betty Williams, Lady Lita Manelli, Lady Ester Gabula, Miss Laura Thomas, Mrs Bautista, Ambassador Cesar Bautista, Lady Aurea Taguiang, Lady Lahlia Rothery.
Missing from picture Sir Alfonso Taguiang and Sir Michael Rothery.