Category: Press Release
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Filipino American History Month: A Living Struggle for Dignity
October is Filipino American History Month, first officially recognized by the United States Congress in 2009. The U.S. Senate was the first to act, passing S.Res. 298 on October 1, 2009, introduced by Sen. Harry Reid with bipartisan co-sponsors, which recognized October as Filipino American History Month. The U.S. House followed on November 2, 2009,…
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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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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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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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An Introduction, and Seven Ways that Your Support Improves Our Community
by Ryan Viloria 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…
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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 …
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Tagalog drums up excitement for learning at Rizal Center
For four hours each week that began July 8, Tagalog words, expressions, and basic conversations shake up fresh enthusiasm for the Philippines’ heritage language as participants apply what they’re already learning in the ongoing Tagalog class in Rizal Center. The class combines grammar fundamentals that form the core foundation and practical conversation that helps ease into…
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Pamana Children’s Library-From the Author’s Desk
This July at Pamana Children’s Library Corner, we are honored to feature The Horse Soldier: A Wartime Secret, a moving story inspired by true events from the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. At the center of this powerful tale is Alice, a young schoolgirl who discovers her family is hiding an American soldier—an act of…
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FACETS Film Forum Premiere: HASIK: “To Sow”: The Story Of Filipino Farmers Fighting For Food Sovereignty
CHICAGO (June 27, 2025) – In a world increasingly shaped by climate disasters and rising food insecurity, Global Seed Savers presents a powerful and urgent story of resilience at the FACETS Film Forum on Friday, June. 27, at 6 p.m. with the Chicago premiere of “Hasik (To Sow)”. In this timely, full-length documentary, filmmakers Marissa…