Consular Processing: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Press Release
CHICAGO PCG CELEBRATES AAPI HERITAGE MONTH AT JONATHAN BURR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Consul Ella Karina Mitra (6th from left, back) and Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel (1st from right)
pose with Principal Amy Klimowski (2nd from right), Nurse Grace Hernandez (1st from left), and the Filipino
students from Jonathan Burr Elementary School.
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago conducted a book reading activity and delivered a short presentation on the Philippines in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month on 22 May 2026 at Jonathan Burr Elementary School.
The activity aimed to introduce students to Philippine culture and heritage while fostering greater appreciation for the diversity of AAPI communities.
Through storytelling and interactive learning, the program provided students with an engaging opportunity to learn more about the Philippines and its people.
Consul Ella Karina Mitra opened the activity by sharing fun facts about the Philippines, including information on its geography, languages, food, and culture, among others. Students were also shown a short Philippine tourism video that offered a glimpse of the country’s natural attractions and cultural landmarks. Following the presentation, Consul Mitra led an interactive reading of the book Luis and the Enchanted Creatures, which introduced students to Filipino stories and themes in an engaging and accessible way.
Following the book reading, Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel facilitated a short question-and-answer segment based on the story. Students enthusiastically participated in the discussion, and those who answered correctly were awarded books about the Philippines, adding a fun and interactive element to the activity and encouraging active participation throughout the program.
The event was attended by around 200 students from Grades 5 to 8 and formed part of the Consulate’s continuing public and cultural diplomacy initiatives to promote greater awareness and appreciation of Filipino heritage among young audiences in the US Midwest. END
Students listen to Consul Mitra as she reads “Luis and the Enchanted Creatures”
Consul Ella Karina Mitra (6th from left, back) and Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel (1st from right)
pose with Principal Amy Klimowski (2nd from right), Nurse Grace Hernandez (1st from left), and the Filipino
students from Jonathan Burr Elementary School.
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago conducted a book reading activity and delivered a short presentation on the Philippines in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month on 22 May 2026 at Jonathan Burr Elementary School.
The activity aimed to introduce students to Philippine culture and heritage while fostering greater appreciation for the diversity of AAPI communities.
Through storytelling and interactive learning, the program provided students with an engaging opportunity to learn more about the Philippines and its people.
Consul Ella Karina Mitra opened the activity by sharing fun facts about the Philippines, including information on its geography, languages, food, and culture, among others. Students were also shown a short Philippine tourism video that offered a glimpse of the country’s natural attractions and cultural landmarks. Following the presentation, Consul Mitra led an interactive reading of the book Luis and the Enchanted Creatures, which introduced students to Filipino stories and themes in an engaging and accessible way.
Following the book reading, Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel facilitated a short question-and-answer segment based on the story. Students enthusiastically participated in the discussion, and those who answered correctly were awarded books about the Philippines, adding a fun and interactive element to the activity and encouraging active participation throughout the program.
The event was attended by around 200 students from Grades 5 to 8 and formed part of the Consulate’s continuing public and cultural diplomacy initiatives to promote greater awareness and appreciation of Filipino heritage among young audiences in the US Midwest. END
Students listen to Consul Mitra as she reads “Luis and the Enchanted Creatures”