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Press Release
CONSULATE GENERAL CO-ORGANIZES ASEAN FAMILY GATHERING
Participants posing for a group photo during the ASEAN Family Gathering held in Northbrook, Illinois on 6 June 2026
(Photo by the Indonesian Consulate General)
CHICAGO 08 June 2026– The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago joined fellow ASEAN missions in Chicago and their families at the ASEAN Family Gathering held at Lake Avenue Woods in Northbrook, Illinois, reaffirming the regional group’s close ties in the Midwest.
The gathering brought together more than 100 officers, staff and their families, led by Consul General Trisari Dyah Paramita of Indonesia, Consul General Bacharee Puengpak of Thailand, and Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano of the Philippines, the heads of the three (03) resident ASEAN consular posts in Chicago, together with representatives from Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
In her remarks, Consul General Diano highlighted the significance of the event as the Philippines serves as ASEAN Chair in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” emphasizing that the gathering demonstrated how friendship and people-to-people ties contribute to stronger regional cooperation, while also recognizing the important support that families provide to public service work.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joining Consul General Trisari Dyah Paramita of Indonesia and
Consul General Bacharee Puengpak of Thailand in the ASEAN handshake (Chicago PCG photo)
Participants enjoying the Indonesian communal dance “Poco-Poco” (Chicago PCG photo)
The attendees enjoyed a variety of friendly games for both adults and children, with each consular mission organizing activities for participants. The event also featured a potluck-style meal showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. The Philippine Consulate General contributed Filipino favorites, including beef kaldereta, chicken inasal, pancit, cassava cake, and leche flan, while the Consulates General of Indonesia and Thailand likewise shared signature dishes representing their respective national cuisines.
The successful gathering marked the return of a tradition among ASEAN representatives in Chicago that had not taken place since the late 1990s, providing a welcome opportunity for officers, staff, and their families to reconnect and foster camaraderie through a fun-filled and family-oriented gathering. END
Children participating in one of the games organized during the ASEAN Family Gathering (Chicago PCG photo)
Adult attendees competing in a keropok-eating challenge (Chicago PCG photo)
Participants sampling Filipino delicacies served by the Philippine Consulate General (Chicago PCG)
Participants posing for a group photo during the ASEAN Family Gathering held in Northbrook, Illinois on 6 June 2026
(Photo by the Indonesian Consulate General)
CHICAGO 08 June 2026– The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago joined fellow ASEAN missions in Chicago and their families at the ASEAN Family Gathering held at Lake Avenue Woods in Northbrook, Illinois, reaffirming the regional group’s close ties in the Midwest.
The gathering brought together more than 100 officers, staff and their families, led by Consul General Trisari Dyah Paramita of Indonesia, Consul General Bacharee Puengpak of Thailand, and Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano of the Philippines, the heads of the three (03) resident ASEAN consular posts in Chicago, together with representatives from Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
In her remarks, Consul General Diano highlighted the significance of the event as the Philippines serves as ASEAN Chair in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” emphasizing that the gathering demonstrated how friendship and people-to-people ties contribute to stronger regional cooperation, while also recognizing the important support that families provide to public service work.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joining Consul General Trisari Dyah Paramita of Indonesia and
Consul General Bacharee Puengpak of Thailand in the ASEAN handshake (Chicago PCG photo)
Participants enjoying the Indonesian communal dance “Poco-Poco” (Chicago PCG photo)
The attendees enjoyed a variety of friendly games for both adults and children, with each consular mission organizing activities for participants. The event also featured a potluck-style meal showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. The Philippine Consulate General contributed Filipino favorites, including beef kaldereta, chicken inasal, pancit, cassava cake, and leche flan, while the Consulates General of Indonesia and Thailand likewise shared signature dishes representing their respective national cuisines.
The successful gathering marked the return of a tradition among ASEAN representatives in Chicago that had not taken place since the late 1990s, providing a welcome opportunity for officers, staff, and their families to reconnect and foster camaraderie through a fun-filled and family-oriented gathering. END
Children participating in one of the games organized during the ASEAN Family Gathering (Chicago PCG photo)
Adult attendees competing in a keropok-eating challenge (Chicago PCG photo)
Participants sampling Filipino delicacies served by the Philippine Consulate General (Chicago PCG)