On December 4, 2025, we were thrilled to welcome students and chaperones from Niles West High School to our Rizal Center! This visit provided a wonderful opportunity to engage with youth and share the rich history of our Filipino American community, all while preparing for our annual Paskuhan celebration.
Welcoming Youth to the Rizal Center
The day began with a warm welcome introducing the center’s mission and its historical significance. Students learned about the Bayanihan Circle, which embodies Filipino values such as Aksyon (Action), Bayanihan (working together), Kapitbahayan (neighborly concern), and Damayan (compassionate mutual aid).
The Bayanihan Hall was beautifully decorated for the festive season, showcasing the warmth and joy of Filipino holiday traditions. As the students explored the center, they discovered that Filipinos celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm, often beginning their decorations as early as the “ber” months—September, October, and November! This light-hearted joke brought smiles and laughter, highlighting the unique cultural practices that make our community special.
Community Engagement and Activities
Throughout their visit, students participated in presentations from community leaders, including Marilou Mariko Carrera from AFIRE and Abby Eusebio, a proud Niles West alum, from CASL. Abby shared valuable insights on community engagement and social justice, inspiring students to embrace opportunities for involvement.
Jordan Francisco and JD Armedilla also inspired students with their stories of community engagement, encouraging them to explore their passions and seek active participation in their communities.
In addition to learning about our community’s history, the students engaged in a hands-on activity, creating greeting cards for our older adults in preparation for the upcoming Paskuhan 3.0 event on December 6th. This activity fostered intergenerational connections and highlighted the importance of community service.
Cultural Experience: Arroz Caldo
An essential part of the students’ experience was enjoying Arroz Caldo, a comforting Filipino rice porridge perfect for Chicago’s cold winter months. Prepared by Chef Larry Leopoldo, this dish warmed everyone up and added a historical touch, as it is believed to have been one of José Rizal’s favorite meals. Students also savored Salabat (ginger tea), enhancing the communal atmosphere.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wileen Hsing, the Chinese Language and Asian American Studies teacher at Niles West, for reaching out and facilitating this enriching experience. The festive atmosphere, combined with engaging discussions and hands-on activities, made the visit memorable for everyone involved.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration and welcoming more youth to the Rizal Center in the future!
Ginger is an educator, actor, director, producer, and community organizer. She is the founding Artistic Director of the Center for Immigrant Resources and Community Arts (CIRCA), and Executive Director of CIRCA Pintig. Her work include performing, and facilitating theater productions and workshops for all ages. Ginger has created youth heritage curricula with techniques that utilize a basic integrated theater arts workshop methodology as well as Activism & Art workshops, STEAM Education, and programming that supports the TEAACH Act for K-12 public school educators and students.
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