Photo Release

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, accompanied by Consul Ella Karina Mitra-Yeager, Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, and Protocol Officer Martyn Asker Orcine, attended and supported the Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival 2026, held at Eugene Field Park on 29 August 2026. The event was also graced by 39th Ward Alderwoman Samantha Nugent, who joined the Filipino community in celebrating its rich musical and cultural heritage.

During the formal program, Consul General Diano presented a Plaque of Recognition to the SamaSama Project in recognition of its continued efforts to promote Philippine culture and heritage through music and the arts, particularly through initiatives such as the annual Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival and The Great Filipino Songbook, which celebrates and reimagines Filipino music across generations and musical genres.

The all-day celebration coincided with Buwan ng Wika, or National Language Month, underscoring the importance of Filipino heritage, language, and cultural pride. The festival featured a diverse musical program, including The Great Filipino Songbook Remix, classical repertoire performed by Victor Santiago Asuncion and the FilAm Music Foundation, Harana, Original Pilipino Music (OPM), and a DJ Remix segment led by DJ Rex Balcita.

The festival also brought together a variety of food and non-food vendors, offering Filipino food, products, and other goods and adding to the festive community atmosphere throughout the day.

The highlight of the festival was The Great Filipino Songbook concert, featuring Lou Ella Rose and the SamaSama Project, which served as the centerpiece of the celebration and showcased Filipino music through fresh and contemporary interpretations.

The event concluded with the BahaiDeals.com Rising Stars Contest, an open-call talent showcase for singers, dancers, and other cultural performers. The contest provided a platform for emerging talents to share their artistry while celebrating and expressing their Filipino cultural identity.

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano (5th from left), Consul Ella Karina Mitra-Yeager (2nd from left)

together with the organizers of Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival 2026

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano (left) with Alderwoman of the 39th Ward Samantha Nugent (right)

SamaSama Project entertains the audience