THE RIZAL CENTER

Visitors to the Rizal Center will step into a gleaming white-tiled lobby lighted by a crystal chandelier. The Center has three floors. On the main, or second, floor one will find Kalayaan Hall where large events, like the Friday Night Kamayan, are held. Above the main floor are several offices, one of which houses the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Chicago, and another, the Illinois Veterans Equity Center. Below the main floor is the Luzviminda Social Room, a bar, a commercial kitchen, and the FACC President's office. 

THE RIZAL ROOM

The Rizal Room is used for conversations or quiet study. It contains the Center's small library. Here, there are several mementos including a portrait and bust of Dr. José P. Rizal. In one corner, a statue of the Blessed Mother watches over the room. Among the furnishings are a wooden conference table and chairs, and a pair of high-back wooden benches all from the Philippines. On one wall hangs a collection of paintings depicting the Philippine alphabet by Filipino American artist, Erbu. Oils on another wall show past FACC presidents.

KNIGHTS OF RIZAL

Off the lobby sits the memento room of the Order of the Knights of Rizal. The Chicago chapter, which was founded in 1998, is part of an international charity organization. Established in 1911, the Order of the Knights of Rizal is dedicated to spreading the ideas and teachings of Dr. José Rizal, who inspired the Philippine Revolution. On December 30, 1896, at the age of 35, Rizal was executed by firing squad for his work that led to Philippine independence from Spain. Less than two years after Rizal's death, the Philippines won its independence and, on June 12, 1898, was finally free after nearly four centuries of Spanish colonial rule.