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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO COMMEMORATES THE 128TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE AND 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF PH-US DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
CHICAGO, 12 June 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago commemorated the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 80th Anniversary of PH-US Diplomatic Relations with a reception held on 12 June 2026 at the historic Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago.
The event gathered more than 130 guests composed of members of the Consular Corps of Chicago, government officials and their representatives, business leaders, partners from the academe and cultural sector, and leaders and members of various Filipino community organizations from across the US Midwest.
In her remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano underscored the enduring significance of Philippine Independence and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country's heroes. She also highlighted the 80th Anniversary of the Establishment of PH-US Diplomatic Relations and emphasized the important role played by the Filipino American community in strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The Consul General likewise highlighted the accomplishments of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago over the past year in the areas of political, economic, cultural, consular, and assistance-to-nationals, and expressed her gratitude to the Consulate's partners and the Filipino community whose support and collaboration have contributed significantly to these achievements. Looking ahead, she shared some of the Consulate's upcoming initiatives, including the coordination of the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour 2027, which seeks to further promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the US.
Serving as Guests of Honor during the reception were Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Angelito Tenorio, Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio, and South Bend, Indiana Council Member Rachel Tomas Morgan. In their congratulatory remarks, they reflected on their experiences as Filipino Americans and shared insights from their respective journeys in public service, while encouraging members of the community, particularly the younger generation, to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.
Following their remarks, the Consul General presented plaques of recognition to the three officials in acknowledgment of their exemplary public service and dedicated leadership, and for serving as inspiring Filipino American leaders whose achievements reflect the growing contributions of the Filipino diaspora to public life in the US.
As part of the program, the Consul General also presented Certificates of Recognition to six Filipino community leaders in recognition of their invaluable support to the Consulate's consular outreach missions and their dedication to ensuring that government services are brought closer to Filipinos throughout the U.S. Midwest. The awardees were Mr. Rex Alba of the PH American Society of Central Ohio in Columbus, Ohio; Ms. Rose Axman of the Filipino American Association of Greater Wichita in Kansas; Ms. Janette Jordee and Ms. Floresa Balondo of Global Inspiration in Madison, Wisconsin; Ms. Lea Murray of the Filipino American Association of Missouri in St. Louis, Missouri; and Mr. Francis Quevedo of the Filipino Americans of Greater Omaha in Nebraska.
The evening also showcased Filipino culture and artistic excellence through a series of performances. Guests were treated to a special classical music presentation by a string quartet composed of young Filipino American musicians Ms. Caitlin Yambao (violin), Mr. Ralph Pisuena Lausa (violin), Ms. Larissa Mapua (viola), and Mr. Raphael Marañon (cello), whose performance highlighted the musical excellence and artistic talents of Filipino Americans.
Traditional Filipino dances, namely the Cariñosa and Binasuan, were likewise performed by members of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago: Olivia Sweeney, Jackson Day, Sweet Angelic Sarita, Hunter Kolberg, and Hailey De Vera, adding color and vibrancy to the celebration and showcasing the richness of Philippine cultural heritage.
The cultural presentations were complemented by the rendition of the Philippine and US national anthems by Ms. Ingrid Bantugan, which opened the evening's program. Guests also had the opportunity to view selected artworks by Wisconsin-based Filipino American artist Ms. Maria Victoria Walker, whose pieces formed part of a special exhibit showcased during the reception. Together, these presentations highlighted the richness of Filipino artistic talent and cultural heritage and contributed to the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
The reception highlighted the enduring friendship between the PH and US, and reaffirmed the Consulate's commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and fostering closer people-to-people ties throughout the US Midwest. It also served as the culminating activity of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago's series of events commemorating the 80th Anniversary of PH-US Diplomatic Relations. END
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivers her remarks
Attendees consist of government officials, members of consular corps, business sector, partners
of the Consulate, and leaders of the different Filipino community organizations
Representative Angelito Tenorio delivers his remarks
Mayor Ronald Falconi delivers his remarks
At-Large Councilwoman Rachel Tomas Morgan delivers her remarks
Consul General Diano with members of the business sector
Consul General Diano with the leaders and members of the different Filipino community organizations.
Consul General Diano together with the Guests of Honor and Consuls
Consul General Diano awards Certificates of Recognition to the Filipino Community Outreach Partners
Fil Am Music Foundation’s string quartet serenades the audience
Children of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago perform the Cariñosa
Ms. Olivia Sweeney of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago performs the Binasuan dance.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano with Filipino American artist Maria Victoria Walker.
Consul General Diano with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago
CHICAGO, 12 June 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago commemorated the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 80th Anniversary of PH-US Diplomatic Relations with a reception held on 12 June 2026 at the historic Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago.
The event gathered more than 130 guests composed of members of the Consular Corps of Chicago, government officials and their representatives, business leaders, partners from the academe and cultural sector, and leaders and members of various Filipino community organizations from across the US Midwest.
In her remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano underscored the enduring significance of Philippine Independence and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country's heroes. She also highlighted the 80th Anniversary of the Establishment of PH-US Diplomatic Relations and emphasized the important role played by the Filipino American community in strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The Consul General likewise highlighted the accomplishments of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago over the past year in the areas of political, economic, cultural, consular, and assistance-to-nationals, and expressed her gratitude to the Consulate's partners and the Filipino community whose support and collaboration have contributed significantly to these achievements. Looking ahead, she shared some of the Consulate's upcoming initiatives, including the coordination of the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour 2027, which seeks to further promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the US.
Serving as Guests of Honor during the reception were Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Angelito Tenorio, Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio, and South Bend, Indiana Council Member Rachel Tomas Morgan. In their congratulatory remarks, they reflected on their experiences as Filipino Americans and shared insights from their respective journeys in public service, while encouraging members of the community, particularly the younger generation, to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.
Following their remarks, the Consul General presented plaques of recognition to the three officials in acknowledgment of their exemplary public service and dedicated leadership, and for serving as inspiring Filipino American leaders whose achievements reflect the growing contributions of the Filipino diaspora to public life in the US.
As part of the program, the Consul General also presented Certificates of Recognition to six Filipino community leaders in recognition of their invaluable support to the Consulate's consular outreach missions and their dedication to ensuring that government services are brought closer to Filipinos throughout the U.S. Midwest. The awardees were Mr. Rex Alba of the PH American Society of Central Ohio in Columbus, Ohio; Ms. Rose Axman of the Filipino American Association of Greater Wichita in Kansas; Ms. Janette Jordee and Ms. Floresa Balondo of Global Inspiration in Madison, Wisconsin; Ms. Lea Murray of the Filipino American Association of Missouri in St. Louis, Missouri; and Mr. Francis Quevedo of the Filipino Americans of Greater Omaha in Nebraska.
The evening also showcased Filipino culture and artistic excellence through a series of performances. Guests were treated to a special classical music presentation by a string quartet composed of young Filipino American musicians Ms. Caitlin Yambao (violin), Mr. Ralph Pisuena Lausa (violin), Ms. Larissa Mapua (viola), and Mr. Raphael Marañon (cello), whose performance highlighted the musical excellence and artistic talents of Filipino Americans.
Traditional Filipino dances, namely the Cariñosa and Binasuan, were likewise performed by members of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago: Olivia Sweeney, Jackson Day, Sweet Angelic Sarita, Hunter Kolberg, and Hailey De Vera, adding color and vibrancy to the celebration and showcasing the richness of Philippine cultural heritage.
The cultural presentations were complemented by the rendition of the Philippine and US national anthems by Ms. Ingrid Bantugan, which opened the evening's program. Guests also had the opportunity to view selected artworks by Wisconsin-based Filipino American artist Ms. Maria Victoria Walker, whose pieces formed part of a special exhibit showcased during the reception. Together, these presentations highlighted the richness of Filipino artistic talent and cultural heritage and contributed to the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
The reception highlighted the enduring friendship between the PH and US, and reaffirmed the Consulate's commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and fostering closer people-to-people ties throughout the US Midwest. It also served as the culminating activity of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago's series of events commemorating the 80th Anniversary of PH-US Diplomatic Relations. END
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivers her remarks
Attendees consist of government officials, members of consular corps, business sector, partners
of the Consulate, and leaders of the different Filipino community organizations
Representative Angelito Tenorio delivers his remarks
Mayor Ronald Falconi delivers his remarks
At-Large Councilwoman Rachel Tomas Morgan delivers her remarks
Consul General Diano with members of the business sector
Consul General Diano with the leaders and members of the different Filipino community organizations.
Consul General Diano together with the Guests of Honor and Consuls
Consul General Diano awards Certificates of Recognition to the Filipino Community Outreach Partners
Fil Am Music Foundation’s string quartet serenades the audience
Children of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago perform the Cariñosa
Ms. Olivia Sweeney of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago performs the Binasuan dance.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano with Filipino American artist Maria Victoria Walker.
Consul General Diano with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago