CELEBRATE THE FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
Chicago, Il. – In 2009, the US Congress thru the House of Senate and House of Representatives respectively passed H. Res. 780 recognizing October 2011 and every October thereafter as Filipino American History Month (FAHM) to celebrate the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their historic contributions to the Nation. Starting in 2011, the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) spearheaded an invitation to many Filipino American organizations in Chicago and suburbs to organize a variety of events to celebrate FAHM every October. Since 2011, Filipino American community groups in Chicago and suburbs have been working and partnering together to consolidate and promote the various events in celebration of FAHM every October. We would like to invite everyone to actively participate and support the celebration of the Filipino American History Month Celebrations in Chicago and the Midwest. The schedule of events/activities is listed below. Let us take pride of our Filipino heritage and history. Let us come together and make every October celebration – a meaningful and memorable month.

The Filipino American National Historical Society announces the following theme for the 2018 Filipino American History Month: TURNING POINTS. Three events changed forever the lives of Filipinos and Filipino Americans:
• the declaration of Philippine independence and establishment of the First Philippine Republic,
• the Spanish American War and
• the establishment of Ethnic Studies.
These events were turning points in Filipina/o/x American history. FANHS encourages particular attention to the following events, which have both shaped the Filipina/o/x American experience. FANHS also reminds everyone that the month is HISTORY month, not “Heritage” month. “History” encompasses the experiences and events that have shaped our lives, as well as culture and heritage.
The FANHS Executive Officers encourage all FANHS chapters, community organizations, educational institutions and individuals to dedicate their October 2018 observance of Filipino American History Month in memory of FANHS National Scholar and Trustee, Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon. Dawn had just finished writing a children’s book, Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong, which is scheduled for release October 27 by Bridge + Delta Publishers.
Collecting, preserving, and spreading knowledge about Filipino American HISTORY for our community was an honest and vibrant labor of love for Dr. Dawn Mabalon. As she noted, “History is about the events, experiences and lives of people in our community (in the US) and their impact upon society and the political, cultural and economic events and moments that shape their lives. Heritage is simply about cultural traditions handed down from the past . . . NOT Heritage Month, NOT Filipino History Month, NOT Philippine Heritage Month, NOT Philippine Culture Month, NOT Philippine History Month. It’s FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH. HISTORY!!! HISTORY!!! H I S T O R Y.”

FAHM planned events in 2018 in the Greater Chicago area
Oct 1, Monday at 12noon – 1:00pm – 2018 FAHM Celebration Kickoff as part of the official Illinois Bicentennial Celebration 2018, Concourse Level at James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601. (Contact Mr. Thomas Choi [email protected], Co-hosted by the Consulate General of the Philippines in partnership with the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF)
Oct 11, Thursday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Tagalog 101.* Classes begin on 11 October for 10 (ten) weekly sessions every Wednesday at Hana Center 4300 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. (Contact Mr. TJ Callanto 630-286-2433, Sponsor – AFIRE Chicago)
Oct 13, Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm – “Amped Up” Leadership Seminar,* Roosevelt University, 425 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60605. (Contact Mr. Andres Guerrero 312-240-9500 Sponsor: International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA))
Oct. 14, Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm FAHM Luncheon Honoring the Most Outstanding Fil-AM Seniors* at Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O’Hare Airport 10249 West Irving Park Road Schiller Park, IL (Contact Adeline Fajardo [email protected] Evelyn Natividad,Ph.D. 773-426-5459 Email [email protected])
Oct 20, Saturday 8:00 am – Citizenship Assistance Workshop, Venue TBA (Contact Mr. TJ Callanto 630-286-2433, Sponsor – AFIRE Chicago)
Oct 20, Saturday 11:00 am – FAHM Celebration at Seafood City, 5033 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630 (Contact Mr. Ruben Salazar [email protected] Sponsor – FANHS Greater Chicago Chapter)
Oct 20, Saturday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Pro Bono Employment Law Legal Clinic at Hana Center 4300 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. (Contact Mr. TJ Callanto 630-286-2433, Sponsor – AFIRE Chicago)
Oct 26, Friday 6:00 pm – Film Showing of “El Presidente: General Emilio Aguinaldo Story and The First Philippine Republic” at Indian Prairie Library 401 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561 Sponsor Filipino American Association of South DuPage)
Oct 26, Friday 6:30 pm – Miss Maria Clara presented by Ladies for Rizal,* Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O’Hare, 10249 W. Irving Park Road,  Schiller Park, IL  60176. (Contact Lady Veronica Fertig 773-983-0711, Lady Gloria Kery 773-968-7549 and Lady Carmen Estacio 773-661-2021)
Oct. 27, Saturday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Collecting Ourselves: On the Problems and Potential of Archives Hosted by  Alejandro T. Acierto, This is a FREE EVENT. Admissions to the Museum will be waived for those who RSVP in advance. Presented by From the Vaults: The Philippines Collection and LATITUDE.
Oct 27, Saturday 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm – CIRCA Pintig’s Annual History Costume & Kamayan,* Hana Center 4300 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. (Contact Ms. Ginger Leopoldo 312-956-9489, Sponsor – CIRCA Pintig)
Oct 28, Sunday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon – FAHM @ Holy Name Cathedral serving Filipino Breakfast*, Cathedral Rectory 730 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. (Contact Ms. Grace A. Villamora [email protected])

 Oct 30, Tuesday at 5:30pm to 7:30pm – FAHM observance in memory of FANHS National Scholar and Trustee, Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon. Guest speaker Emily Lawsin will deliver the tribute to Dawn Mabalon. Film showing of Little Manila: Filipinos in California’s Heartland. at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum 800 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607, Sponsor – FANHS Greater Chicago Chapter Contact [email protected]

Another successful Piyesta Pinoy for the books! 

Year five and stronger than ever!

, IL — One of Chicagoland’s biggest celebrations of the Philippine culture returned to Bolingbrook for the 5th year on Saturday, June 9, 2018 and it was a huge success. An estimated crowd of about 7,000 came to join the Piyesta in spite of the heavy rain early morning. The rain stopped just before 11am and the festival went on schedule from 11am to 1030pm without rain. Thanks again to the consistent prayers to St Clare by the volunteers. The weather cooled off later in the evening that brought in more crowd in time for a the celebrity segment and the dance party night that featured four bands.

“Today’s festivities honor the leadership, achievements, and ongoing cultural, economic, and social contributions from the Filipino American community in Illinois. I commend the planning committee for organizing a wonderful celebration of Filipino art, music, cuisine, and culture each year. The efforts of all the organizations and volunteers enhance the rich diversity of our state, and I am proud to join you in commemorating this special day. I congratulate the Filipino American community on this proud day and look forward to further developing our close friendship and partnership. As we build a better future for all our families across the state, I commend the community for its daily efforts in promoting the well-being of the community and richness of Filipino culture here in the Land of Lincoln.” said Illimnois Governor Bruce Rauner who graced the Piyesta Pinoy for the first time. Also attending for the first time is our new Consul General Gina Jamoralin who said in her message “ To the Filipino American community, we thank you for supporting efforts to promote and preserve our rich Filipino heritage while upholding the common values and shared history between the Philippines and United States”.

This year’s festival included the inaugural Piyesta Pinoy Gawad Kalinga 5K (Run, Ruck, Walk. It was a rainy Saturday morning but the inclement weather did not dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of the mission oriented GK Chicago. Our appreciation to the runners, walkers, advocates, volunteers, friends, donors and Piyesta Pinoy.

As in the previous years, the biggest crowd came during the TFC hour. Many thanks to The Filipino Channel for bringing celebrity actor/singer/composer Inigo Pascual along with versatile emcee Poca from the Bay area in California.

Congratulations to the 2018 Piyesta Pinoy Raffle Winners!! 1st Prize – Sahlee Songco One-Eva Air Round trip ticket to the Philippines, 2nd Prize – Teresita Viduya Saladmaster cookware and 3rd Prize – Marietta Dizon 1 LBC Balikbayan Box Gift Certificate.

Festival organizer, the Philippine American Cultural Foundation, would like to thank our organizing partners and hosts – the Philippine Consulate General of Chicago and the Village of Bolingbrook. We also would like to thank our sponsors for their donations and continued support: Platinum Sponsors – The Filipino Channel, Three Horses Jasmin Rice; Gold Sponsors – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Century Properties, LBC Mundial Corporation Rivers Casino and Seafood City; Silver Sponsors – Allstate, Creative Imprints Plus, Eva Air, Mora Asian Kitche, Salad Master/Triple A Health Venture and Signature Event Designs; Bronze Sponsors – AREAA, Bayan Mall, Bolingbrook Bugle, Countryside Bank, Cruise Planners, Equis Future, Geodis and World Remit, ; Donors – Amita Health, BioNWater, Globe, Indomie Noodles, Magnolia and  Nicor Gas. Maraming salamat to MegaScene, PINOY News, and VIA Times/CPR TV for media sponsorship.

Maraming salamat to our Hermano Mayor Brandon Paccion & Hermana Mayor Eden Olarte, Hermano Golbert Bermundo (PESO), Hermanas   Pamela Caguiat Alma Sabejon Rozek, Gloria Sabejon, Thelma Schroeder, Rollin Schroeder and Sandra Santuele,

Maraming salamat to our food vendors Better Way Coffee, Kitty’s Irish Ice, Kona Ice of Wheaton, Mabuhay Restaurant, Manila Fiesta, Mora Asian Kitchen, Ox Tail Filipino Inspired, Seafood City, South Sea Carry Out, Yelo and the concession stand at the venue, Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center.

Maraming salamat to our amazing performers: National anthem singers Emil Nicolasin and Silayan Choir; Cultural performers – BIBBAK Illinois, Chicago Angklung and Rondalla Ensemble, Kulturo, PACF Performing Arts, UIC FIA Cultural,  Lane Tech Filipino Club, Philippine Dance Troupe of Fox Cities from Wisconsin and PASAC; Singers – Richelle Lu, Willi Lucas, Silayan Choir and Nina Mae Vidal; Dancers –UIC FIA Modern;  DJ  Richie Gil and Rommel Gaspar; Musical Bands – Above N Beyond, Blue Marlin Band, Chasing 90, Filipino Musicians of Chicago, Ghost in the Backseat, and Soundredd; and Emcees – Alpha & Emil Nicolasin, Ma. Girlie Pascual, and James Delacruz.

Maraming salamat to all our not-for-profit partners and cultural tent participants –  3JNR Rondalla, Alvin Ibalio, Asian American Law Enforcement Assn, BIBBAK IL, Bolingbrook Park District, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Chicago Suburban Christian Church, Couples For Christ, Derong Brothers Filipino Martial arts (DBMFA), Filipino American Basketball Association (FABA), Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC), Filipino American Lawyers Association (FALA), Filipino American Historical Society Chicago (FAHSC), Filipino Frindship Society, Gawad , International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA), J.Santos, Kampilan Eskrima, Kulturo, Legacy Agency, Legion of Mary, Midwest Association of Filipino American Seventh Day Adventist (MAFASDA), PACF Performing Arts, Philippine Engineers and Scientists Organization (PESO), The Joule Experience, UPAAGC, Westbrook Christian Church and World Apostolate of Fatima

Maraming salamat to the 2018 Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook Committee who worked very hard since last year to make this year’s festival a huge success.: Overall Chair Ruben Salazar,  PACF President Adeline Fajardo, Rae Joyce Baguilat, Romy & Tita Balcita,  Glenn Bermejo, Daniel Boyle, James Delacruz, Jason Dela Rosa and the Photo/Videographers Team, Michelle Delson,  Allen Desiderio and the Security Team, Jan Paul Ferrer, Nell & Lain Frias,  Rudy & Carmen Garcia, Andy Gaston, Everett Icao, Cindy Lopez, Trista Maltizo, Anna Gina Millan, Pia Natividad, Ely & Evelyn Natividad, Alpha & Emil Nicolasin,  Rome Nichols, Ms. Girlie Pascual, Marie, Joanna Ramos, Joy Ranay, Abegail Rodriguez, Merle Salazar, Lisa Simbol, Bryan Ranchero and the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois and all the First Aid Team,.  Thank you to all our volunteers and unsung heroes and excuse us for not listing all your names. The successful operation of each area from souvenir program to communications, raffles, stage performances, volunteers, cultural activities, delicious food, first aid, and others made this celebration truly enjoyable and… the best ever.  It would not be humanly possible to orchestrate such efficient and meaningful activities without your help.

Lastly, maraming salamat to all our kababayans, families and friends who had attended this year’s festival! We hope to see you again next year! We hope that you will continue to join activities that promote our cultural heritage, traditions and pride as a Filipino American community.  Looking forward to your involvement and participation in our next Filipino community event.  MABUHAY!

PIYESTA PINOY 2018 TO DELIVER 12 HOURS OF FUN AND EXCITEMENT

So much entertainment, activities, food, things to see, excitement and fun for the whole family, you’d wish this was a two-day event. Now on its 5^th year, Piyesta Pinoy, the Midwest’s biggest Filipino festival promises to be a “never a dull moment” twelve-hours of merrymaking.

The festival day begins with a 5K Run Roll and Walk at 9AM organized by Gawad Kalinga, and a volleyball tournament from 9AM – 5PM presented by Froghops Sports. A parade at 11:00AM, officially marks the start of the festival.

The main stage entertainment begins simultaneously with the parade with Rondalla music by Chicago Angklung Rondalla Ensemble, followed by the national anthems to be performed by Silayan Choir and Emil Nicolasin, and the introduction of Philippine Consulate and City of Bolingbrook officials. The cultural segment is scheduled from 11AM – 1PM and features performances by PACF Performing Arts, Bibbak Illinois, Philippine American Seniors Association of Chicago (PASAC), Philippine Dance Troupe of Fox Cities, UIC FIA Cultural, Lane Tech Filipino Club and Kulturo. There will be a one-hour technical break between main stage segments to allow people to get food and join in the many activities.

The Variety Show segment is from 2PM – 4PM, and showcases the incredible talents of Silayan Choir, Seafood City’s Sing Sikat finalists, Richelle Lu, Willy Lucas, and Nina Mae Vidal, and an urban dance number by UIC FIA Modern. This segment culminates with three bands performances by Ghost in the Backseat, Chasing 90 and a big segment finale by the Filipino Musicians of Chicago Band (FMOC).

The TFC Celebrity hours is from 5 PM – 7PM and this year’s Celebrity guest is Filipino recording artist and actor Inigo Pascual, popularly known for his 2016 hit single, Dahil Sa’yo, the first number one song on Billboard Philippines’ then-new Philippine Top 20 chart. Supporting him will be Comedian POCA from California. The opening act for the TFC celebrity hour will feature Sing Sikat champion MJ Sumila and LOL segment with fun, games contests.

New this year is the heart pumping foot thumping dance party segment from 8PM to 10PM. With four live bands and a DJ playing non-stop dance party music making this segment worth staying in the festival grounds 2 hours longer.  Enjoy the live band music by Above N’ Beyond, Soundredd, The Blue Marlin Band, and grand finale, a collaboration between Above N’Beyond and Filipino Musicians of Chicago Band (FMOC). So, get those dancing shoes ready. If you don’t dance, bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets (some festival food vendors may stay open late) and simply enjoy the live concert.

Throughout the day, there will be at least ten food vendors to satisfy your Filipino food cravings from comfort food to the ultimate Filipino dessert, halo-halo.  On hand to satisfy your Filipino gastronomic cravings are Manila Fiesta Restaurant, Mabuhay Restaurant and Catering, Mora Asian Cuisine, Oxtail Filipino Inspired, Sandok N Palayok, Seafood City, South Sea Asian Carryout, Kitty’s shaved Ice, Kona Ice of Wheaton and Yelo,

And yes, there are tons of activities for the whole family, the entire day at the cultural tent area, also known as the Visayas tent.   Starting with warm up Zumba session before the 5K Walk Roll and Run.  Zumba workshops will be conducted by Julie Azarcon throughout the day with an exciting finale with DJ Johnny Jay at 7PM.   Other activities include a stilts workshop by Bibbak, basketball three-point shootout by FABA Chicago, Martial Arts demo by DBFMA and Kampilan Eskrima, Tinikling workshop by Kulturo, a Rondalla music workshop by 3JNR Rondalla, Baybayin (Ancient Filipino Script) workshop by Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, Pabitin and Pinata, a video arcade by Galloping Ghost Arcade, meet and greet with JAX of Mortal Combat, and train rides and rock wall climbing courtesy of Bolingbrook Park District. Watch out for free arcade passes and Clique Nutrition giveaways from JAX. PT solutions and Amita Health will provide first aid and stretches for 5K participants.

This year’s cultural partners also include Bolingbrook Park District, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Chicago Suburban Christian Church, Couples for Christ, Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, Filipino Friendship Society, Fountaindale Library, Legion of Mary, MAFASDA, Morton Arboretum. PACF Performing Arts, UPAAGC and Westbrook Christian Church.

The Luzon tent will feature sponsor displays (watch out for giveaways) and merchandise vendors. Mindanao tent is reserved for miscellaneous activities.

So plan your visit to maximize the Piyesta Pinoy experience and the fun. Festival maps and program will be posted all throughout the festival grounds.

This festival is made possible by the support of The Filipino Channel, ABS-CBN News Channel, Cinema 1, Lifestyle Network, ABS-CBN Sports+Action, Three Horses Jasmine Rice, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, LBC Cargo, Rivers Casino, All State Insurance, Ayaland, Creative Impressions Plus, EVA Air, Galloping Ghost Arcade, Mora Asian Kitchen, Salad Master, Signature Event Designs, and Triple A Health Venture.

The Philippine American Cultural Foundation is a 501c3 volunteer-based organization.  For more information, visit our official websites: http://pacfmidwest.org/, www.piyestapinoy.org or www.facebook.com/piyestapinoy.  For inquiries, send us an email at [email protected] or simply send us a message on our facebook page.

TFC Celebrity Inigo Pascual will be performing at PIYESTA PINOY

Chicago, Il. – We are very happy to announce that the biggest Filipino American event in the Chicago area will be back. The 5th Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook)  will be on Saturday, June 9 2018 at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center 375 W. Briarcliff Rd in Bolingbrook. Piyesta Pinoy, or Philippine Fest, is an annual celebration and showcase of Filipino heritage and culture. It features a variety of cultural and fun activities for all generations – live music and dances from both contemporary and cultural performers, authentic Filipino cuisine, cultural exhibits, arts & crafts, train ride, rock climbing, pabitin and other children’s games, an opening parade and other children’s activities.

This year, Piyesta Pinoy Bolingbrook is expecting to attract an even bigger crowd as we welcome The Filipino Channel as our exclusive Philippine media partner and sponsor for the fourth year in a row.  We are happy to announce that TFC celebrity star from the Philippines, Inigo Pascual, will be performing at the Piyesta Pinoy during the TFC hour. Inigo Pascual is a Filipino actor, singer, dancer, endorser, model, musician, performer, and a blogger. Inigo is the son of Piolo Pascual, an award-winning Filipino film and television actor, singer, model, performer, endorser, and producer, and to Donnabelle Lazaro. This year, Inigo Pascual leads the first ever Billboard Philippines Top 20 for his single “Dahil Sa’yo,” making him the first OPM artist to hit the no.1 spot in the BillboardPH Charts. His long list of accolades include FAMAS best supporting actor award in 2016 , first chart topper artist for Billboard Philippines, and Awit Awards for Best Performance by a new male recording artist, Best pop recording, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.

We are happy to announce that the 5K Walk/Run/Ruck will be back at Piyesta Pinoy. This year, @Gawad Kalinga (GK) Chicago will be the event organizer. To register – click on the link here –https://www.active.com/bolingbrook-il/running/distance-running-races/gawad-kalinga-5k-at-piyesta-pinoy-2018.  We’re introducing a lot of new activities this year to make it truly fun for the whole family. In addition to the regular activities from the previous years, there will be basketball, volleyball, and Zumba. The main stage schedule includes cultural program 11AM – 1PM, Variety from 2PM – 4PM, LOL TFC Hour 5PM – 7PM and Dance Party 8PM -10PM. See you there!

Applications for sponsors, partners, donors, businesses and cultural booth tables are now open. We are also looking for lots of volunteers to help with 5k, logistics, security, first aid, children’s activities and other miscellaneous tasks during the day of the event. All volunteers are requested to commit at least 4 service hours and must attend at least one meeting for volunteers scheduled on June 2  at the Seafood City 5033 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL and on May 20  from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the Fountaindale Public Library 300 W. Briarcliff Rd Bolingbrook, IL 60440. To volunteer, register online here.

Kitakits po tayo doon! Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook (Philippine Fest) is brought to you by the Philippine American Cultural Foundation in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General of Chicago and the Village of Bolingbrook.  The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Three Horses Rice are platinum sponsors; Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, LBC and Seafood City are gold sponsors; Bolingbrook Bugle, MegaScene, Pinoy News, CPR TV and Via Times are the local media sponsors. Check out our website piyestapinoy.org  and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PiyestaPinoy/ for more announcements of performers, vendors, activities and schedule. ###