Photo Release

CHICAGO PCG CONSUL GENERAL LEADS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR KANAMI FILIPINO KITCHEN

Aurora, Illinois, 10 August 2025 - Philippine Consul General, Atty. Melanie Rita B. Diano, led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Kanami Filipino Kitchen in Aurora Illinois alongside owner and chef, Mr. Jo Juarez.

Consul General Diano congratulated Kanami, noting that it is a welcome addition to the vibrant Filipino culinary culture in Chicago and the greater state of Illinois.

Mr. Juarez remembered his mother, who passed away in 2023, as the inspiration for Kanami. Ms. Johanna Marie Mirpuri, food blogger and cookbook author best known as Momma Cuisine, shared the origins of Kanami seventeen years ago when Jo and Sha Juarez opened JNS, a Filipino and Asian store in Aurora Illinois, which also sold Filipino meals.

The Philippine Consulate General team was composed of Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, Ms. Janice Lobien, and Mr. Martyn Orcine. [END]

Above: Consul General Diano cutting the ribbon with Mr. Jo Juarez

Above (L-R): Ms. Johanna Marie Mirpuri of Momma Cuisine, Mr. Juarez,

Consul General Diano and Consul Ma. Theresa Alders

Above: Group photo in front of the Kanami Filipino Kitchen