Press Release

CHICAGO PCG JOINS THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE 164TH COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

20 June 2025, Margate Park, Chicago - Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders and Protocol Officer Martyn Orcine represented the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago during the commemoration of the 164th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Jose Rizal yesterday, 19 June, at the Margate Park.

Organized by the Knights of Rizal (KoR), led by Sir Mariano Santos of the KoR Central USA Area, it was attended by members of the Filipino community in Chicago.

Consul Alders, in her remarks, focused on Rizal as a pioneering overseas Filipino. She encouraged Filipinos to continue being of service to others, as we navigate how it is to be Filipino in Chicago, Illinois and the greater United States. She also congratulated the KoR for keeping the ideals of Rizal alive, 114 years since its establishment and 74 years since first being chartered.

Remarks were also given by Sir Reynel Espiritu, Incoming Philippine Independence Week Committee 2026 and KoR Bantayog Chairperson commander emeritus; Sir Amando Boncales, Maynilad Chapter Commander; Sir Nick Gilana, chancellor of Malaya Chapter; Ms. Jelly Carandang, representative of the National Federation of the Filipino American Associations; Bishop Eliezer Pascua; and Lady Ella Basilio, who all expressed the desire to involve the younger generations of Filipino Americans in Illinois in commemorative activities to ensure that Rizal’s ideals remain relevant today.

The Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in Chicago is a bronze replica of the original Rizal Monument in Dapitan, Zamboanga by sculptor Antonio T. Mondejar. END

(From left to right) Sir Amando Boncales, Sir Reynel Espiritu (Incoming PIWC Chair),

Sir Mariano Santos, Bishop Eliezer Pascua, Sir Nick Gilana and Martyn Orcine.

Photo credits: Amando Boncales

(From left to right) Herminia Espiritu, Angeles Carandang, Evelyn Natividad, Ph.D,

Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, Lady Ella Basilio, Shirley Quinn and Ms. Mila.

Photo credits: Amando Boncales

Above: Photo in front of the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument during the commemoration

of the 164th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal, 19 June 2025.