Philippine Consulate General in Chicago

06/13/2026

[WATCH] 128TH Philippine Independence Day Message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

06/11/2026

COOK COUNTY TREASURER MARIA PAPPAS HOSTS PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY RECEPTION HONORING FILIPINO AND FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADERS

CHICAGO, 10 June 2026 – Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted a Philippine Independence Day reception at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago on 10 June 2026 in celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and in recognition of the achievements and contributions of Filipino and Filipino American leaders in the community.

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joined Treasurer Pappas and members of the Filipino community in the special gathering, which brought together civic leaders, professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and representatives of various Filipino American organizations.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Diano expressed appreciation to Treasurer Pappas for her longstanding friendship and steadfast support for the Filipino community. She highlighted the significance of the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, emphasizing that the Filipino American community remains one of the strongest pillars of the enduring partnership between the two countries. She likewise underscored the invaluable contributions of Filipino Americans in the fields of healthcare, business, culture, media, education, and public service, and commended the awardees for exemplifying excellence, leadership, and service to the community.

During the reception, Treasurer Pappas presented awards recognizing outstanding Filipino and Filipino American leaders whose achievements have elevated the profile of the community in Chicago. Honorees included Mr. Joshua Bicoy, President of the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois; Ms. Lou Ella Rose Cabalona, Artistic Director of the SamaSama Project; Ms. Cate Cauguiran, reporter of ABC 7 Chicago; Ms. Mae Espina, President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago and Regional Banking Relationship Manager Sr. at Huntington Bank; Ms. Veronica Leighton, Editor-in-Chief of ViaTimes Publication and CPRT; Ms. Ginger Leopoldo, Executive Director of CIRCA Pintig; Ms. Gen Presbitero, Chief Nurse Officer of Thorek Memorial Hospital; Mr. Melvin Reyes, co-owner of Mano Modern Café; Mr. RJ Silva, Artistic Director of CIRCA Pintig; and Ms. Ann Teano, Executive Producer of MJD Productions and Charter President of Chicago Nurses for Diabetes.

Treasurer Pappas also recognized the officers and members of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC), headed by Overall Chairperson Mr. Reynel Espiritu, in appreciation of their dedication and continued efforts in preserving and promoting Filipino heritage and culture in the Midwest.

The reception concluded with cultural performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Philippine arts and traditions, further highlighting the vibrancy of the Filipino American community in Chicago. END

06/11/2026

CHICAGO PCG SUPPORTS ANNUAL PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG RAISING AT DALEY PLAZA

CHICAGO, 10 June 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago joined the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) and members of Filipino and Filipino American communities in the annual Philippine Independence Day flag-raising ceremony held on 10 June 2026 at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.

Organized annually by the PIWC, the event serves as a fitting commemoration of Philippine Independence Day and brings together various Filipino and Filipino American organizations in the Midwest to celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom, unity, and pride in Filipino heritage.

Philippine Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas graced the ceremony as guests of honor and delivered remarks before community leaders, organization representatives, and members of the public.

In her remarks, Consul General Diano highlighted the theme of this year's Independence Day celebration, "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan," and underscored the continuing responsibility of Filipinos to honor the sacrifices of the nation's heroes by building a future worthy of their legacy. She also emphasized the significance of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States and recognized the invaluable role played by the Filipino American community and its organizations in strengthening the enduring friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries, while helping preserve and promote Philippine culture and heritage in the Midwest.

For her part, Treasurer Pappas lauded the many contributions of Filipino Americans to the economy and social fabric not only of the City of Chicago but of the United States as a whole. She likewise recognized the achievements of the Filipino American community and its enduring commitment to public service and civic engagement.

The ceremony featured the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine and United States national anthems. Various Filipino and Filipino American organizations presented cultural performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Philippine heritage. The celebration also featured a fashion show by the PIWC beauty queens, who proudly donned traditional Filipiniana attire, adding color and festivity to the occasion.

Attended by representatives of Filipino and Filipino American organizations, community leaders, and members of the public, the annual flag-raising ceremony underscores the unity and vibrancy of the Filipino community in the Midwest and its continuing contribution to strengthening Philippines-U.S. relations.

06/08/2026

CHICAGO PCG JOINS THE PMAC ANNUAL PICNIC AT SEAFOOD CITY

8 June 2026, Chicago - The Philippine Consulate General Chicago joined the Annual Picnic of the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago (PMAC) held on 6 June (Saturday) at the Seafood City Chicago. Chicago PCG was represented by Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders

The event started with a mass officiated by Fr. Cesar Pajarillo, followed by a fellowship lunch.

The PMAC was founded in March 1961 by a group of seven medical doctors chaired by Dr. Isaias Sunga and has been a 501 c(3) organization since 2011.

Consul Alders updated PMAC about the 80th anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic friendship in July. She also encouraged eligible Filipinos to register for the 2028 Philippines Overseas Elections, and provided information on the Very Important Pinoy Tour 2026. Information on these activities and the services of Chicago PCG may be found in its website at https://www.chicagopcg.com/ and social media platforms. [END]

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Photo: (From left to right) Ms. Marylyn A. Lopez, past president of PMAC Auxiliary, wife of prominent surgeon Dr.Ramon Lopez MD, great grandson of Paciano Rizal, brother of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal; Dr. Cleofe Guangko Casambre; Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders; and, Dr. Nida Blankas-Hernaez. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Cleo Casambre).

06/08/2026

CONSULATE GENERAL CO-ORGANIZES ASEAN FAMILY GATHERING

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.

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

06/08/2026

CHICAGO PCG PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL PIWC INDEPENDENCE DAY PICNIC

CHICAGO, 8 June 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago participated in the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) Picnic held on 8 June 2026 as part of the community's celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra attended the event together with Assistance-to-Nationals Officer Atty. Mark Arinquin. The picnic brought together members of the Filipino and Filipino-American community for a day of fellowship and camaraderie ahead of the various Independence Day activities organized by PIWC.

During the event, Consul Mitra personally congratulated Mr. Reynel Espiritu, Overall Chair of PIWC 2026, and Mr. Robert Chavez, Picnic Committee Chair, for the successful organization of the gathering and thanked them for their continued efforts in bringing the Filipino community together.

The Consulate looks forward to participating in the upcoming Independence Day activities organized by PIWC, including the Flag Raising Ceremony at Daley Plaza on 10 June 2026 and the Gala Night on 20 June 2026, and reaffirms its continued support for initiatives that promote Filipino heritage, culture, and community engagement in the U.S. Midwest. END

06/08/2026

Courtesy: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

: Malaking tulong ang public Wi-Fi. Ngunit para makaiwas sa scam, iwasang gumamit nito kapag gumagawa ng financial transactions. 📶

Habang gamit ang public Wi-Fi, maaaring makuha ng mga scammer ang inyong impormasyon.

Gawin ang o para sa mas ligtas at secure na transaksyon. 👍🏼

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

CONSUL GENERAL MEETS WITH MICHIGAN GOVERNOR AND THE CONSULAR CORPS OF MICHIGAN

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano graced the meeting hosted by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and was organized by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to honor the Consular Corps of Michigan on 03 June 2026 at the Governor’s Residence in Lansing, Michigan.

During the meeting, Consul General Diano met with Governor Whitmer and conveyed her appreciation for the invitation to the event. She also met with the representatives from the Consular Corps and executives of the business and trade sectors based in Michigan.

The Consul General took the opportunity to promote the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour in July and the upcoming 2027 VIP Tour, which the Consulate General in Chicago will be the coordinator.

Also present were Philippine Honorary Consul Atty. Marcus Evangelista, Dr. Jose Evangelista, former Philippine Honorary Consul, and spouse Dr. Stella Evangelista.

The MEDC is a public-private partnership that serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, equitable job growth, and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. END

06/04/2026

I am a first-generation Filipino immigrant who came to the United States 10 years ago with the same dream shared by many Filipino families—to build a better life for my loved ones back home and, eventually, bring them here as well. I was raised by a single mother who taught me that life is not always fair, but that my future would be shaped by my own choices, hard work, and perseverance. And don't forget to pray to God in all your circumstances.

When I moved to the Midwest, homesickness became one of my greatest challenges. I missed my family, culture, and the comfort of home, but the experience also opened my eyes to opportunities I never imagined possible. It taught me humility, gratitude, and resilience as I learned to navigate a fast-paced life while staying grounded in my values.

As a real estate professional for the past five years, I’ve found real purpose in helping people—especially fellow Filipino immigrants—navigate and achieve homeownership. Through education, advocacy, and conversations in our own language, I aim to make the process feel less overwhelming and more within reach. Many of my clients didn’t lack the ability to buy a home; they simply needed guidance, clarity, and someone who understood where they were coming from. Being part of that journey with them has been deeply meaningful to me.

I also had the honor of serving for two years as president of a Filipino-American organization that has been serving our community for 39 years, and I currently serve as vice president of the Ohio Asian American Chamber of Commerce. These roles have strengthened my belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together.

The greatest lesson I have learned is that success is never achieved alone—it truly takes a village. If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her to keep dreaming, stay grounded, and trust the journey ahead, because even when it is not easy, it will always be worth it.

Rochelle Arriola Hernan
Realtor and community leader, Ohio