Knights of Rizal Amsterdam

19/06/2026

26/05/2026

The halls of the historic Posthoornkerk in Amsterdam were filled with celebratory music marking the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Netherlands relations as soprano Rachelle Gerodias impressed Filipino-Dutch community members, families and friends in Amsterdam and nearby areas. Read more 👇

25/05/2026

A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to everyone who joined us for the Kalayaan 2026 Concert Amsterdam in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines–Netherlands Diplomatic Relations and our advance celebration of Philippine Independence Day.

This memorable evening of music, culture, and friendship would not have been possible without the support of our partners and sponsors. Our sincere appreciation to the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands, Filipino LGBT Europe, the Knights of Rizal - Kingdom of the Netherlands, our community organisations, and our generous sponsors and supporters for helping make this celebration a success.

Thank you very much to all our guests, performers, volunteers, and members of the Filipino-Dutch community who celebrated this historic milestone with us.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, and mabuhay ang pagkakaibigang Pilipino at Dutch! 🇵🇭🇳🇱

20/05/2026

Spotlight: Shermaine Velasco

As we continue the countdown to the Kalayaan 2026 Concert Amsterdam on 22 May, we are pleased to introduce another remarkable artist who will grace the stage for this special celebration of 75 years of friendship between the Philippines and the Netherlands.

Born in Amsterdam to Filipino parents, Shermaine Velasco is an accomplished classical pianist who completed her studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and later earned her Master’s degree at the Conservatory of Utrecht. Throughout her musical journey, she has received recognition for her outstanding musicianship, including honours at the Peter de Grote Festival in Groningen and the audience prize during the Rotterdamse Pianodriedaagse.

An active chamber musician and dedicated piano teacher, Shermaine brings both artistry and elegance to every performance. She will accompany acclaimed soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park during the concert evening.

📍 Venue: Posthoornkerk
📅 Date: 22 May 2026

🎟️ Read more and reserve your seat now:
👉 https://forms.gle/cn1i5yULMThU1yXd8

Stay tuned as we continue our weekly Performer Spotlight Series leading up to the concert.

20/05/2026

Special Performance Spotlight: Byeong In Park✨

As part of the Kalayaan 2026 Concert Amsterdam this Friday, 22 May, we are honoured to present a special performance by internationally acclaimed Korean baritone Byeong In Park.

Trained under renowned tenor Francisco Araiza at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, Germany, Mr Park has built an impressive international career spanning Europe and Asia. His operatic performances have brought him to prestigious stages in Germany, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines, performing leading roles in celebrated productions including La Traviata, Eugene Onegin, La Bohème, Lohengrin, Cosi Fan Tutte, Turandot, and Don Pasquale.

Critics have praised his rich voice, depth of interpretation, and commanding stage presence, establishing him as one of the distinguished baritones performing in the Asian classical music scene today. Alongside his performing career, he also mentors aspiring vocalists through the Gerodias-Park Voice Studio together with his wife, acclaimed soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park.

🎶 Experience this special musical evening celebrating 75 years of friendship between the Philippines and the Netherlands at the beautiful Posthoornkerk.

📅 22 May 2026, 6:30pm
🎟️ Read more and reserve your seat via:
👉 https://forms.gle/cn1i5yULMThU1yXd8

16/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Beauty Essence Naturals for being one of the valued sponsors of the Kalayaan 2026 Concert Amsterdam.

Known for its handcrafted natural skincare products made with carefully selected ingredients, Beauty Essence Naturals continues to promote wellness, self-care, and natural beauty through its artisanal creations. Read more: https://beautyessencenaturals.com/

We are deeply grateful for your partnership and support for the Filipino community and the arts in the Netherlands.

🎶 Join us on 22 May 2026 at the Posthoornkerk for an evening of music and celebration featuring internationally acclaimed performers from the Philippines and the Netherlands.

🎟️ Read more and register here: https://forms.gle/JX3R5KoBui7YPwDx5

11/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Esquisine. for being one of the valued sponsors of the Kalayaan 2026 Concert Amsterdam.

Known as “a catering that designs for you”, Esquisine continues to bring creativity, elegance, and exceptional culinary experiences to every occasion. We are truly grateful for your partnership and support for arts, culture, and the Filipino community in the Netherlands.

🎶 Join us on 22 May 2026 at the Posthoornkerk for an evening of music and cultural celebration featuring internationally acclaimed artists from the Philippines and the Netherlands.

🎟️ Read more and register here: https://forms.gle/JX3R5KoBui7YPwDx5

11/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Ria Money Transfer for supporting the Filipino community in the Netherlands and for being a valued sponsor of the Kalayaan 2026 Concert Amsterdam.

Join us on 22 May 2026 at the Posthoornkerk as we celebrate 75 years of friendship between the Philippines and the Netherlands through music and culture, featuring soprano Ms Rachelle Gerodias, pianist Ms Shermaine Velasco, and a special performance by baritone Mr Byeong In Park.

🎟️ Read more and register here: https://forms.gle/JX3R5KoBui7YPwDx5

💸 Send money with €0 fees on your first transfer with promo code HELLORIA via Ria Money Transfer:
https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/DXb3x2Fam2b

Thank you, Ria, for helping keep our community connected across borders.

11/05/2026

Chartering of the Ladies of Rizal Amsterdam and The Hague Chapters in the Netherlands

The Ladies of Rizal Amsterdam Chapter and the Ladies of Rizal The Hague Chapter were formally installed and recognised during the Special Knighthood, Elevation, and Oath-Taking Ceremony of Chapter Commanders of the Knights of Rizal, held on 25 April 2026 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague.

Leading the newly established chapters are President Lady Chinita Dinglasan of Amsterdam and President Lady Norma Lacorum of The Hague.

The successful installation was made possible through the leadership and guidance of Sir Johnny Villa, KGOR, European Regional Commander, together with Sir Anton Lutter, KCR, Area Commander for the Netherlands, and Sir Chris Sta Brigida-Kopp, KCR, Deputy Area Commander for the Netherlands.

During the chartering ceremony, Sir Alex Onia, KGOR, Supreme Council Archivist, underscored the importance of counterpart and affiliate organisations in advancing Rizal’s teachings and legacy. Together with Kababaihang Rizalista and Las Damas de Rizal, the Ladies of Rizal play a vital role in promoting his ideals—empowering women, fostering education, and strengthening the moral and civic foundations of the community.

As we commemorate the 137th anniversary of José Rizal’s Letter to the Young Women of Malolos (22 February 1889), we are reminded of its enduring relevance. In his letter, Rizal praised the women of Malolos for their courage in seeking education and resisting oppression, emphasising that true piety is rooted in reason and understanding, not in blind obedience. He called on women to cultivate strength of character, uphold their dignity, and fulfil their vital role as shapers of society—particularly as mothers entrusted with forming the minds and values of future generations. More than a historical document, his message remains a powerful call for women to be enlightened, courageous, and steadfast in the pursuit of truth and progress.

Dr. José Rizal’s Letter to the Young Women of Malolos was originally written in Tagalog during his stay in London, England on 22nd February 1889. To read the English translation, pleases kindly visit this link: https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1727/jose-rizals-letter-to-the-20-young-women-of-malolos-translation-from-tagalog

11/05/2026

Filipina soprano, Rachelle Gerodias-Park

We are honoured to introduce our first artist for the upcoming concert — the internationally acclaimed Filipina soprano, Rachelle Gerodias-Park.

With a career spanning over three decades, Rachelle has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages and collaborated with renowned conductors and orchestras across Europe and Asia. She is a Hall of Fame awardee for Best Female Classical Performer and a proud recipient of multiple national honours recognising her excellence and contribution to the arts.

From her historic European debut in Turandot in Vienna to performances with leading symphony orchestras worldwide, her voice continues to captivate audiences with depth, elegance, and power. Beyond the stage, she is also deeply committed to nurturing future talents through music education and her foundation.

🎶 This is a rare opportunity to experience world-class opera and classical artistry right here in Amsterdam.

🎟️ Confirm your attendance via the link below:
👉 https://forms.gle/JX3R5KoBui7YPwDx5

Stay tuned as we reveal more incredible performers in the coming days.