Consular Processing: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO HOSTS “FOOD ROOTS” SCREENING, HIGHLIGHTING FILIPINO IDENTITY, HERITAGE, AND CUISINE
Photo 1: Philippine Consulate General in Chicago screens Food Roots on 30 April 2026 at FACETS Cinema in Chicago.
Chicago, Illinois - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago successfully hosted a special screening of the documentary Food Roots on 30 April 2026 at FACETS Cinema in Chicago. The event was attended by County Cook Treasurer Maria Pappas, Consuls General and members of the consular corps, business partners, Filipino restaurant owners, and members of the Filipino-American community.
Held as part of the observance of Filipino Food Month and in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations, the documentary highlighted the role of food as a vessel of memory, identity, and cultural continuity - linking families and communities across generations and geographies. It likewise underscored the growing global recognition of Filipino cuisine and its emergence as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.
The documentary, directed by Emmy Award-winning Filipino-American filmmaker Michele Josue, offers a multi-layered narrative of the life of Mr. Billy Dec – a Filipino-American Emmy Award-winning television host, entrepreneur, restaurateur, lawyer, actor, and former White House appointee during the administration of former President Barack Obama.
Food Roots tells the story of Mr. Dec’s journey to the Philippines toward rediscovering his Filipino roots and the cuisine he grew up with. The film explores not only themes of heritage and the evolving identity of Filipino food, as well as its emergence on the global culinary stage, but also highlights the enduring importance of family - a central Filipino value.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano noted the increasing global recognition of Filipino cuisine and its growing role as an effective tool for cultural diplomacy, highlighting that the Philippines is steadily carving out its place in the global culinary landscape. She likewise acknowledged how Food Roots contributes to this evolving narrative - one that emphasizes authenticity, diversity, and cultural depth - and expressed hope that the film would further strengthen appreciation for Filipino culture and inspire greater curiosity, connection, and pride among audiences.
The Consul General also highlighted ongoing efforts to advance Philippine gastrodiplomacy, including initiatives led by the government to promote Filipino cuisine on the global stage, as well as programs that encourage cultural reconnection and tourism, such as the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour. She likewise noted the role of enhanced connectivity, including the forthcoming direct flights of Philippine Airlines between Chicago and Manila, in facilitating greater access to Philippine culture and cuisine. Citing the growing presence of Filipino restaurants in Chicago, she underscored how these developments contribute to the broader appreciation of Filipino food and strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the United States.
Following the screening, a post-screening discussion was held with Mr. Dec, where he shared further insights into his experiences in the Philippines, the process of filming the documentary, and his perspectives on the continued evolution and global rise of Filipino cuisine. He also reflected on his personal journey of reconnecting with his Filipino heritage, underscoring the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and the role of food in preserving memory and strengthening connections across generations, particularly among Filipino-Americans. The discussion provided the audience with a deeper appreciation of the film’s themes and fostered meaningful dialogue on the broader narratives of identity, heritage, and cultural diplomacy.
After the post-screening discussion, Consul General Diano presented a plaque of recognition to Mr. Dec for his invaluable contribution to advancing Filipino culture and cuisine, for giving prominence to his Filipino roots, and for his partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago in bringing “Food Roots” to the community.
The screening was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, many of whom expressed how Mr. Dec’s story, particularly his struggles and triumphs as a second-generation Filipino-American, deeply resonated with their own experiences. Viewers described the film as an honest and compelling portrayal of his journey, commending its authentic representation of Filipino culture and cuisine. The documentary was widely seen as both inspiring and affirming, instilling a renewed sense of pride in Filipino identity and heritage, while further reinforcing the power of storytelling in connecting communities and celebrating shared roots.
Food Roots is screening nationwide this month on PBS and may also be viewed online at - https://youtu.be/ozQV6rbDKdo?si=pNcu9VtQDP8j8Sm0
Photo 2: Consul General Diano delivers the opening remarks.
Photo 3: Mr. Billy Dec answers questions during the post-screening of Food Roots. Consul Ella Mitra moderates the discussion.
Photo 4: Consul General Diano presents a plaque of recognition to Mr. Billy Dec for his invaluable
contributions to the community and for his partnership with the Consulate.
Photo 5: Consul General Diano (2nd from left) and Mr. Billy Dec (2nd from right), pose with County Cook
Treasurer Maria Pappas (center), Ms. Ann Teano (leftmost), and Ms. Genevieve Presbitero (rightmost),
before the screening.
Photo 1: Philippine Consulate General in Chicago screens Food Roots on 30 April 2026 at FACETS Cinema in Chicago.
Chicago, Illinois - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago successfully hosted a special screening of the documentary Food Roots on 30 April 2026 at FACETS Cinema in Chicago. The event was attended by County Cook Treasurer Maria Pappas, Consuls General and members of the consular corps, business partners, Filipino restaurant owners, and members of the Filipino-American community.
Held as part of the observance of Filipino Food Month and in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations, the documentary highlighted the role of food as a vessel of memory, identity, and cultural continuity - linking families and communities across generations and geographies. It likewise underscored the growing global recognition of Filipino cuisine and its emergence as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.
The documentary, directed by Emmy Award-winning Filipino-American filmmaker Michele Josue, offers a multi-layered narrative of the life of Mr. Billy Dec – a Filipino-American Emmy Award-winning television host, entrepreneur, restaurateur, lawyer, actor, and former White House appointee during the administration of former President Barack Obama.
Food Roots tells the story of Mr. Dec’s journey to the Philippines toward rediscovering his Filipino roots and the cuisine he grew up with. The film explores not only themes of heritage and the evolving identity of Filipino food, as well as its emergence on the global culinary stage, but also highlights the enduring importance of family - a central Filipino value.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano noted the increasing global recognition of Filipino cuisine and its growing role as an effective tool for cultural diplomacy, highlighting that the Philippines is steadily carving out its place in the global culinary landscape. She likewise acknowledged how Food Roots contributes to this evolving narrative - one that emphasizes authenticity, diversity, and cultural depth - and expressed hope that the film would further strengthen appreciation for Filipino culture and inspire greater curiosity, connection, and pride among audiences.
The Consul General also highlighted ongoing efforts to advance Philippine gastrodiplomacy, including initiatives led by the government to promote Filipino cuisine on the global stage, as well as programs that encourage cultural reconnection and tourism, such as the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour. She likewise noted the role of enhanced connectivity, including the forthcoming direct flights of Philippine Airlines between Chicago and Manila, in facilitating greater access to Philippine culture and cuisine. Citing the growing presence of Filipino restaurants in Chicago, she underscored how these developments contribute to the broader appreciation of Filipino food and strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the United States.
Following the screening, a post-screening discussion was held with Mr. Dec, where he shared further insights into his experiences in the Philippines, the process of filming the documentary, and his perspectives on the continued evolution and global rise of Filipino cuisine. He also reflected on his personal journey of reconnecting with his Filipino heritage, underscoring the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and the role of food in preserving memory and strengthening connections across generations, particularly among Filipino-Americans. The discussion provided the audience with a deeper appreciation of the film’s themes and fostered meaningful dialogue on the broader narratives of identity, heritage, and cultural diplomacy.
After the post-screening discussion, Consul General Diano presented a plaque of recognition to Mr. Dec for his invaluable contribution to advancing Filipino culture and cuisine, for giving prominence to his Filipino roots, and for his partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago in bringing “Food Roots” to the community.
The screening was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, many of whom expressed how Mr. Dec’s story, particularly his struggles and triumphs as a second-generation Filipino-American, deeply resonated with their own experiences. Viewers described the film as an honest and compelling portrayal of his journey, commending its authentic representation of Filipino culture and cuisine. The documentary was widely seen as both inspiring and affirming, instilling a renewed sense of pride in Filipino identity and heritage, while further reinforcing the power of storytelling in connecting communities and celebrating shared roots.
Food Roots is screening nationwide this month on PBS and may also be viewed online at - https://youtu.be/ozQV6rbDKdo?si=pNcu9VtQDP8j8Sm0
Photo 2: Consul General Diano delivers the opening remarks.
Photo 3: Mr. Billy Dec answers questions during the post-screening of Food Roots. Consul Ella Mitra moderates the discussion.
Photo 4: Consul General Diano presents a plaque of recognition to Mr. Billy Dec for his invaluable
contributions to the community and for his partnership with the Consulate.
Photo 5: Consul General Diano (2nd from left) and Mr. Billy Dec (2nd from right), pose with County Cook
Treasurer Maria Pappas (center), Ms. Ann Teano (leftmost), and Ms. Genevieve Presbitero (rightmost),
before the screening.