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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO BRINGS WORLD WAR II STORIES TO CHICAGO AUDIENCE
CHICAGO, IL – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library, Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation, and Memorare Manila 1945, hosted a special screening of the acclaimed documentary "Children of the War" on 16 August 2025 at the Sulzer Library in Chicago. The event drew significant community interest and featured the presence of Ms. Desiree Benipayo, Executive Producer of the film.
The event commenced with Consul Melvin Almonguera delivering a message from Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, who emphasized the documentary's profound significance in preserving historical memory and its relevance to contemporary audiences.
"These are not merely stories from the past. They are lessons for the present and warnings for the future," Consul General Diano's message stated. "They remind us of the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of peace, and our duty to protect the innocent, especially our children, from the horrors of war."
Executive Producer Ms. Desiree Benipayo's participation added special significance to the screening, providing audiences with unique insights into the documentary's creation and the importance of preserving these vital historical testimonies.
The documentary, which chronicles the experiences of Filipino children during World War II, resonated deeply with attendees. It generated an overwhelmingly positive response from the diverse audience. Many attendees expressed that the documentary should be shared and screened broadly, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring these stories of war victims reach broader audiences.
Consul Melvin C. Almonguera reads the remarks of the Consul General.
Executive Producer Desiree Ann C. Benipayo shares the background of the film “Children of the War.”
Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra and Consul Melvin C. Almonguera present
the Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Benipayo.
CHICAGO, IL – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library, Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation, and Memorare Manila 1945, hosted a special screening of the acclaimed documentary "Children of the War" on 16 August 2025 at the Sulzer Library in Chicago. The event drew significant community interest and featured the presence of Ms. Desiree Benipayo, Executive Producer of the film.
The event commenced with Consul Melvin Almonguera delivering a message from Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, who emphasized the documentary's profound significance in preserving historical memory and its relevance to contemporary audiences.
"These are not merely stories from the past. They are lessons for the present and warnings for the future," Consul General Diano's message stated. "They remind us of the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of peace, and our duty to protect the innocent, especially our children, from the horrors of war."
Executive Producer Ms. Desiree Benipayo's participation added special significance to the screening, providing audiences with unique insights into the documentary's creation and the importance of preserving these vital historical testimonies.
The documentary, which chronicles the experiences of Filipino children during World War II, resonated deeply with attendees. It generated an overwhelmingly positive response from the diverse audience. Many attendees expressed that the documentary should be shared and screened broadly, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring these stories of war victims reach broader audiences.
Consul Melvin C. Almonguera reads the remarks of the Consul General.
Executive Producer Desiree Ann C. Benipayo shares the background of the film “Children of the War.”
Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra and Consul Melvin C. Almonguera present
the Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Benipayo.