Photo Release

Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel (left) with members of Philippine American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Morales)

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, attended the opening of the annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light celebration at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago, where the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) Performing Arts showcased traditional Philippine dances.

PACF Performing Arts is dedicated to preserving and promoting Philippine culture through music, dance, cultural workshops, and the arts. A longstanding participant in the museum's annual Christmas celebration, with its involvement dating back to at least 2008, the group has showcased Philippine folk dances, traditional Christmas carols, and Filipino holiday customs over the years. Through its performances, PACF helps preserve and pass on Philippine cultural traditions to younger generations of Filipino Americans while introducing the country's rich cultural heritage to the wider Chicago community.

Now in its 84th year, the museum's annual Christmas celebration features more than 50 Christmas trees, including a Philippine Christmas tree, decorated by community volunteers to reflect the diverse cultural and family traditions of countries around the world. The celebration highlights Chicago's multicultural heritage and promotes greater appreciation of the traditions that bring communities together during the holiday season.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is open to the public through Sunday, 3 January 2027.

PACF Performing Arts takes the stage showcasing Philippine traditional dances.

(Photo courtesy of Chicago PCG)

1st photo: Philippine tree display. (Photo courtesy of Chicago PCG).

2nd photo from left to right: PACF Performing Arts Jennifer Visaya, Artistic Director/Instructor Anna Millan,

PH Consulate Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, Cultural Coordinator Michelle Delson, and

Performance Coordinator/Assistant Instructor/ Mrs. PACF 2026 Nikki Garcia. (Photo courtesy of Mark Morales)