Category: Filipino American
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Celebrating Community and Culture in September
On September 14th, the Rizal Center proudly hosted a workshop performance of Krossroads the Musical by Foline Roos, presented by CIRCA Pintig. The event attracted a packed house of approximately 75 attendees who enjoyed a captivating 2.5-hour performance. Following the show, there was a talkback session with the playwright and artists, allowing the audience to…
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PILIPINO KA BA?
by Almira Astudillo Gilles I have been in a strange place lately. I’m not referring to my home on the shore of Lake Michigan—which is my default place for contemplation and rest—but in my mind. The activity on the streets, dictated in large part by instructions from somebody else’s (temporary) place of residence (a large…
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Fighting for the Future
by: Gabriel “Jay” Catanus On September 21, the Rizal Center was packed with grapplers for the grand opening of Rizal Center Jiu-Jitsu. The event was crowded and high-energy— with food, prizes, and live DJ’s, of course— as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners came from all over Chicagoland to support the new initiative, led by black belt…
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In 1901, ‘Thomasite’ US teachers brought English instruction to Filipinos ; in a twist of fate, Filipino teachers from the Philippines are now teaching Chicago kids
by Connie Triggiano This year’s celebration of Filipino American History Month recalls the start 124 years ago of the Americanization of the Philippines. It began with the arrival in 1901 of 600 teachers to the Philippines from the US to establish the public educational system. The teachers planted English as the medium of instruction and…
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Celebrating Community and Culture in August
August was a month filled with meaningful connections and vibrant celebrations at the Rizal Center. Each gathering highlighted the strength of our community and the richness of our culture. Welcoming the MOSAAIC Study We were thrilled to host the MOSAAIC Study right here at the Rizal Center. This initiative allowed participants to take part while…
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Featuring: Lisa Villa-Moser
lisa villa-moser Lisa (b. 1973) is an American contemporary painter and visual artist. She discovered an innate love of art as a child in Manila and went on to develop her talents in Chicago. She studied studio arts at the Chicago Academy for the Arts High School before attending SVA in NYC, SAIC and Parsons…
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Ang Imprentang Humubog ng Kaisipang Filipino Bago ang 1896 Revolution
Akda ni Ogot Sumulong May isang librong nalimbag nito lamang 2023 na nagbigay ng isang pagsipat sa intellectual landscape ng Pilipinas noong huling hati ng ika-19 na siglo. Akda ito ni Lino L. Dizon na may titulong Imprenta De Ramirez y Giraudier. Ayon kay Dizon, maraming landas ang hinawan ang naturang imprenta (tagurian nating “IRG”) …
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My MOSAAIC Experience: Changing How Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Voices Are Heard in Health Research
For too long, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have been grouped as one, and the health guidance we received has not included our voices. It’s time to change that. I recently had the opportunity to take part in the MOSAAIC Study—and it was such a rewarding experience! The surveys were simple to complete,…
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Summer 2025 Tagalog Class just ended
Tagalog Class offers profound experience of joy and discovery of one’s roots and country The ardent highlight was the stirring rendition of the Triumphal March from the opera “Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi. And so the first graduation exercises of Rizal Center’s Tagalog class concluded. Verdi’s “Aida” is the traditional graduation march in the Philippines. Its…
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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…