Photo Release

Group photo with the members of the Knights of Rizal (KoR), Ladies for Rizal, and representatives

from various Filipino community organizations. (Photo credit: Mr. Emil Nicolasin)

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders, Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra, Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel and Protocol Officer Martyn Asker B. Orcine, joined the commemoration of the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal hosted by the Knights of Rizal on 20 June 2026 held at Margate Park in Chicago, Illinois.

The ceremony commenced with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by a flower offertory led by Consul Ella Karina Mitra, accompanied by members of the Knights of Rizal (KoR), Ladies for Rizal, and representatives from various Filipino community organizations.

Chicago Area Knights of Rizal Commander Mariano "Anong" Santos welcomed attendees with a brief history of the installation of the monument dedicated to Dr. Rizal, emphasizing his significance in Filipino identity and history in Chicago and the US.

Consul Ma. Theresa Alders delivered remarks on behalf of the Philippine Consulate General, emphasizing that the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal lives on in every Filipino and underscoring his continuing relevance in modern society. She highlighted how Rizal’s ideals and values continue to inspire Filipinos. The event also featured remarks from representatives of various organizations, including Reynal Espiritu of Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) and KoR, Angeles Carangang of National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Dr. Evelyn Natividad of PACF, Ms. Nerissa Allegretti of Ladies for Rizal and National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NaFCon), Dr. Virgilio Jonson of KoR, Mr. Ed Brotonel of KoR Chapter Commander Chicago, and Mr. Felix Gonzales of KoR.

The celebration concluded with a small salu-salo, fostering fellowship among all attendees. [END]

Chicago Area KoR Commander Mariano “Anong” Santos shared a brief background

of the installation of the monument. (Photo credit: Pinoy Magazine)

Consul Ella Karina Mitra led the flower offering ceremony.

(Photo credit: Pinoy Magazine)

Consul Ma. Theresa Alders delivers her remarks.

(Photo credit: Pinoy Magazine)

From left to right: Protocol Officer Martyn Asker B. Orcine, Chicago Area KoR Commander

Mariano “Anong” Santos, Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders, Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra and Cultural

Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel. (Photo credit: Mr. Emilio Nicolasin)