Category: News
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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND CAST
Garet: Pinoys in Chicago — A Play About Migration, Morality & Compassion In honor of Filipino American History Month this October, Rizal Center presents Garet: Pinoys in Chicago at the Little Theater of Rizal Center. Garet is a powerful, character-driven play that explores the emotional, moral, and cultural realities of Filipino life abroad. Set in…
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A Message from the Board: Closing One Chapter, Opening a New One
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead with hope, the Board of Rizal Center would like to share a message of gratitude, renewal, and optimism with our community. The past three years have been a period of rebuilding for Rizal Center. With care, patience, and a deep respect for the legacy of…
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Joseph, Salve and Eliana Amarise Kierulf: One immigrant family’s warm and inspiring story
The perfect life for typical US immigrants is multifaceted, encompassing a blend of personal achievements, cultural integration, and a raw boldness to chase and pursue their dreams. Joseph Brian Kierulf and his wife Salve, both Filipino educators now teaching in Chicago’s public schools are one such couple of immigrants. The couple plowed over vicissitudes of life, struggling but committed to spending their professional years mentoring Filipino children in Cebu…
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Tagalog Winter Class Cancelled
Owing to extreme cold temperatures and wind chills that can plunge to dangerous levels in Chicago, the Tagalog Class Winter Schedule originally set to begin on January 19, 2026 is cancelled. Many students who have signed up for the winter term have opted to wait for the Spring program on account of the ongoing cold…
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Making Filipino American History
by: Gabriel “Jay” Catanus In October of 1587, Filipinos landed in what we now call Morro Bay, CA. They were either sailors or slaves on board a Spanish trading ship Nuestra Seniora de Buena Esperanza that sailed between Manila and Acapulco. A similar arrival is recorded in 1595. Many years later, in 1763, Filipino sailors…
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The mini saints and ghoulish little people and adults of Halloween
They were mini saints carrying their respective instruments, attributing to their special holiness. The little St. Cecilia carried a small keyboard representing an organ, signifying her role as patron saint of music. The little Veronica showed extended arms with a length of fabric impressed with the legendary three faces of Christ from Lenten rituals. The…
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Tagalog comes to the rescue in the wintry cold of Chicago
The winter term at Rizal Center’s Tagalog Class will begin on Monday, January 19, 2026, in 2-hour sessions in 15 meetings, for a total of 30 hours. The class will meet every Monday and Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. The nurturing warmth and spirit of the Philippines’ heritage language is designed to temper the…