Welcome to Rizal Center's Community Chronicle, your curated digest of community news, literary and work of arts pieces, reflections, feature stories, and more. Dive into our August edition to stay informed about upcoming events, find inspiration, and strengthen connections within our community.

Whether you are a long-standing subscriber or a new subscriber, we are delighted to have you with us. Together, let’s foster a vibrant, supportive community rooted in the tradition of Bayanihan.

Thank you for being part of our journey—your participation and enthusiasm make our community stronger.

Mabuhay!
The Rizal Center Editorial Team

A Moral Moment

A Moral Moment
by: Gabriel "Jay" Catanus Recently, social media reports surfaced that the federal government was offering six-figure salaries to prospective ICE agents, along with signing bonuses as high as forty-five or fifty thousand dollars— with no educational requirement. The viral complaint tied to this discovery was that an ICE agent’s starting salary far exceeds the average teacher’s annual pay ($84,272), even …

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Dalawang Salinwika sa Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa

Akda ni Ogot Sumulong Agosto ang Buwan ng Wika sa ating lupang tinubuan. Ipinagdiriwang ito at masigasig na itinataguyod ng Komisyon ng Wikang Pambansa sa mga paaralan ang pagsulong ng Filipino bilang Pambansang Wika at ang malusog na pagtanggap, pagtangkilik at pagkalinga ng ating mga Katutubong Wika. Ang English ay isa sa opisyal na wika sa Pilipinas. Dito sa Estados …

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You’re Invited!

Join us for a special discussion of Beyond the White Church – Disrupting Racism, Rebuilding Faith Community by Doug Cunningham.
📍 Philippine American Ecumenical Church
3533 N Albany Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
📅 Sunday, August 10
🕔 5:00 PM

Let’s Talk! Pag-usapan Natin!


Welcome to our newest Bayanihan Newsletter space where we open up dialogue on issues that matter—big or small, serious or everyday. Here, no topic is off limits.

To start us off:
US exports now enter the Philippines tariff-free, but Philippine goods face a 19% US tariff (See article below). Fair deal or one-sided arrangement?

What does this mean for Filipino farmers, workers, and small businesses? How do trade decisions affect our lives here in the U.S. and the Philippines?

We invite you to read, reflect, and share.
Let's Talk. Pag-usapan natin. What do you think? Send your thoughts to info@rizalcenter.org

U.S. exports to the Philippines are subject to zero tariff; Philippine exports to the U.S. face a 19% tariff

US exports to Philippines are subject to zero tariff; Philippine exports to US face 19% tariff
by Connie Triggiano Filipinos will experience an influx of US-made products bound for the Philippines tariff-free beginning this month, August. The very mention of duty-free US imports flooding the Philippines could immediately prompt visions of exquisite gifts at much reduced prices. They are the much-yearned-for stateside goods that satisfy the deep and wistful longing for high-end signature brands in time …

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Essential Guide for Immigrant Resources in Chicago

Essential Guide for Immigrant Resources in Chicago
The Chicago Sun-Times has released a comprehensive Immigration Resource Guide featuring legal, housing, healthcare, and language support services for immigrants in the Chicago area. This vital resource is available in English and Spanish and is designed to help individuals and families navigate local support systems with confidence. Link to article: https://chicago.suntimes.com/la-voz/immigrant-immigration-resource-guide-chicago-letter?

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Featuring: Marissa Domantay

Featuring: Marissa Domantay

Diwata's Flight. Digital illustration printed on heavy cardstock paper, 8"x8" Marissa Domantay (They/Them) is a queer Filipino-American illustrator, animator, and cartoonist. They graduated in 2020 with a BA in Art (and minor in mathematics) and received multiple awards for their leadership and artistic practice. Marissa is passionate about telling unique and silly stories through their cute and whimsical art style. …

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An Introduction, and Seven Ways that Your Support Improves Our Community

by Ryan Villoria Kumusta! I’m Ryan Viloria (he/him), the new Fund Development Officer at the Rizal Center and following in the impressive footsteps made by Tita Angela “Ging” Mascarenas! Supporting this work is an honor and feels personal as a full circle moment for me. I have fond memories of my Lola Luz back in the day, bringing me to …

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Moments that Moved Us!

A Memorable July at Rizal Center: Celebrating Community, Culture, and Connection  

July was a vibrant and meaningful month at the Rizal Center, filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate as a community. From creative workshops to cultural celebrations, each event brought us closer together. Here’s a look back at the seven standout moments that made this month so special: 1. Improv Workshop with Essential Invisible Participants of all ages explored …

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VOLUNTEER NOW!

MORE EXCITEMENT!

WATCH OUT FOR THE DETAILS OF THE EMERGING BIG 4 TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES!
Interested in sharing your thoughts? Email info@rizalcenter.org for more details and to stay updated on class schedules, events, and other information!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by contributors to the Bayanihan Newsletter are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official position or views of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC).
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