'Rizal' movie shown at prestigious Chicago theater

Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal this year, the Chicago city government showed the movie "Jose Rizal" for free at the prestigious Claudia Cassidy Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center on October 8. The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago said the movie "Jose Rizal" by Marilou Diaz-Abaya was shown in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. "It aimed to enlighten and increase the awareness of the public about Rizal's life and work, not only among Filipino-Americans, but also to a broader American audience," the Consulate General said. The movie, considered as the biggest blockbuster film ever made in the history of Philippine cinema, was very much appreciated by the moviegoers and received applause from the audience after the showing, the Consulate General added. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba Laguna. He was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896 after he was found guilty of rebellion, sedition, and forming an illegal association. Attending the event were Rizal's descendant Dr. Ramon Lopez, local officials, and members of the community and movie aficionados. October is Filipino-American History Month in Illinois - particularly in Chicago - after Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued separate proclamations on the matter. Both proclamations recognized the great contribution of the Filipino-American community in the advancement of the United States. The consulate said the United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 298 on October 1, 2009, and the US House of Representatives passed House Resolution 780 on November 2, 2009. Both resolutions recognized October as Filipino-American History Month in the country. With the development, the Consulate and the Filipino-American community in Chicago and suburban Illinois are celebrating the Filipino-American history month with several activities during the month.