VIA Times – October 2022 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Veronica Leighton
As I have stated in Publisher’s Notes on page 4 about the beautiful and colorful month of October that’s filled with all kinds of fun events and activities, many of which we have been familiar with, such as the Halloween, Octoberfest, and, of course, the showcase of the ethnic Filipino American History Month and Black History Month, we ought to mention also the other significant ones that impact many lives. Bear with me, as there are quite a few that we have not heard before. They are: Cyber Security Awareness, Fire Prevention Week, Walk to School Month, College Changes Everything, Abuse Awareness Week, Lawsuit Day, Illinois Electric Vehicle Week, Black Women Equal Pay Day, and dozen more organizations/groups to give support and inject awareness to many citizens’ lives in this country.
It seems that we either have been toughened up by the real Covid virus or Covid scares around us or maybe we are starting to be back and “return to normal,” despite rumors of another deadly virus coming up soon to hit us. The general populace is now getting up to go out. get involved, socialize, interact, mainly making up for lost times (two years of Covid, to be exact).
In our small but super-active community alone, dances and clubs functions flourish and compete in choices of dates and venues to hold their functions. Private and personal parties, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.) abound, work recognitions/awards are plentiful. Airports and destination places are filled to capacity. Nice to see that we are alive!
Concerts/entertainment shows direct from the Philippines visit and perform for us here in Chicago, from big stars to newbies. First time that we have witnessed almost a weekly parade of stars to entertain us. The idea of helping amazing talents from the Philippines is great as they know our hearts yearn to welcome such talents.
Congratulations to those stars who have visited us this year alone. Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Rachel Alejandro, Vina Morales and Bryan, Nina, Alden Richards, Sue Ramirez, Angeline Quinto, Budakhel, Aegis, Pomoy, Martin Nievera, REO Bros Band, and likewise to our supportive local producers, I.e., Direk Gerry Rebello, Jason dela Cruz, Eric Magundayao, Tyrone Tejam, Joel Segal, Sharon Roman, Excel Entertainment. Coming up soon in December before Christmas, Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz, oldies but goodies.
Would like to make a special mention about a local piano con – certo artist, Victor Santiago Asuncion (featured by Ryan Tejero in Via Times September 2022 issue) who played Tchaikovsky masterpieces with the New Philharmonic at McIninch Art Center in Glen Ellyn, September 25. Victor makes us so proud being a standout in the professional group of the New Philharmonic. It was a standing ovation for his goose-pimply performance. A very humble man, Victor is the founder of the FilAm Music Foundation.
We are showing on this Vibes page some pictures taken by Via Times during some of the concerts mentioned above. Overall, we are so proud of our visiting talents and the very supportive producers who bring entertainment to us, here in Chicago, now that we can claim that we can go outside and be with people or the crowd. ##
Filipino Master pianist Victor Santiago Asuncion performing with the New Philharmonic at the McIninch Art Center in Glen Ellyn.
Top Filipino Artists That Performed in Chicago in 2022
Sharon Cuneta and Regine Velasquez, produced and directed by Direk Gerry Rebello.
Packed Copernicus Theatre for the Budakhel performance with Angeline Quinto, Budakhel artists are Bugoy Drilon, Daryl Ong and Michael Pangilinan. Produced by Excel Entertainment.
Vina Morales concert with Bryan at Oak Park Theatre. Produced by: Tyrone Tejam.
Popular Alden Richards with Sue Ramirez. Produced by Sharon Roman.
The Budakhel at a luncheon meet-and-greet and interview with Girlie Pascual at the Hong Ning Restaurant in Carol Stream, shown with owner Malou Wee, Veronica, and producer/director from the Philippines.
