Three Events That Showcase Our Heritage

By: Aeron Lancero

 

Magandang Araw sa inyong lahat and the final days of summer are upon us but who does not enjoy fall weather… It’s the beauty of being outside and not being too hot. It is air conditioning all the time which interestingly enough most Fil-Ams, especially my age group like doing.

With that said. it leads me to my story today which is all about events. I have three of them to share and encourage you all to go out and support and bring your non-pinoy friends. If there are places that you can be proud to showcase our heritage, then these three will not disappoint. Better yet, all three are about food and what easier way to share our culture but through someone’s stomach. The great saying is that you become closer after you share a meal and we, as Fil-Ams, do this well. So, tayo na at kumain tayo…

First event to share is something that is very close to my heart. As you may not know, I am a restaurateur and own a few restaurants in the Chicagoland area and opening up a new one in Ohio. Many may think I just eat at my own places and don’t go anywhere else. Although that is so far from the truth, I go out and eat especially when I want the comfort of our very own Filipino food. This event is the newly-opened Hong Ning Filipino Restaurant. If you haven’t heard yet they have moved to another location, not too far from the original location. I had the privilege of being invited to the blessing of Hong Ning. It’s definitely a great practice of Fil-Ams. To not just rely on you but to be thankful to God for all that we received.

Anyway, the place is beautiful as showcased in the photos, especially their wall of art that showcases our culture and heritage in subtle yet modern way. The space is even bigger which is double the size compared to their previous location and, as for the menu, they have all our favorites and added a few more. A week after the blessing I stopped by on a Sunday and a Wednesday and am proud to say they were full. My kababayans, please still spread the word and get people there, one thing we can all do better is to truly support our fellow Fil- Am businesses and again I have no personal stake into this. No pay, no free food, as I will not accept it. This is a restaurant we all can be proud of. Product and service is great, owner Ernie will be happy to listen and resolve.The ambiance obviously is more modern, spacious, and the food are just as good. With their increase in size, they have increased their staff in anticipating more guests to service both in their dining room and also take-out. They are now located at 598 North Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188 and their number is 630.480.2688

Second event is one that has been around sometime now and I am honored on the opportunity to be a judge at it. It is the 8th annual Adobofest. It is hosted by F.A.N (Filipino American Network). There will be an array of food other than adobo, music, arts and different sorts of entertainment. I have had the fortune of attending and being a judge for four times in their 8- year span. The first one was small, and every year it gets bigger. This event is one I would encourage all to come out. Here are my reasons…

1. It’s outdoors, so you can dress comfortably and the weather forecast is that it will be in the 70’s. So all of us who like it a bit cool, well, here you go.

2. It is super-family friendly, where our kids, nephews, godkids, even grand kids will enjoy and see our fun side of our heritage which they are able to participate in.

3. The fun competitions like pulburon and pandesal eating contest. The pulburon one is always funny, especially when you can’t drink any liquids…

4. The adobo which is a mix of home-style and some culinarians who go in to compete. Obviously the one dish currently that we showcase to the world of our culture.

With all this said, come on down and bring your non-pinoy friends to showcase more than just food. Culture, entertainment and, believe it or not, a great way to network with potential employers and entrepreneurs as many of our Fil-Am friends showcase their businesses to help other Fil-Ams.

Adobofest is on September 19th and will be at St. Paul Woods, Grove #1 address is 6594 Oakton Street, Morton Grove. For more detailed information you can go to www.adobofest.com or email edgar@FANChicago.org.

Third event which is one I am really excited about is one that pushes the envelope about our culture and especially our cuisine. If there is only one event you can attend this is one I highly recommend you should attend. This event has been put together by a group that I believe will make waves especially with Fil- Am cuisine. On my next article, I will be sharing with you more about this group and they are someone to be proud of.

Now the event is called Kultura Festival – a Filipino American food and Arts Festival. It is on October 4, 2015. It is being held at Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar. It is being presented by the group named Filipino Kitchen.

They have carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture and the merely curious or uninitiated.

Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best in Filipino-American food and arts in Chicago and the Midwest. Kultura Festival will showcase over a dozen Filipino American chefs, alongside Fil-Am visual artists and performers. Participating chefs include Chef Joelen Tan- Kenny of What’s Cookin’, Chicago?!, Hapa Chicago and Chef Yana Gilbuena of SALO Series. More chefs will be announced. Kultura Festival will coincide with the start of Filipino American Heritage Month. Filipino- American Heritage Month has been a nationally commemorated holiday every October since November 2009, with the passage of United States House Resolution 780 and Senate Resolution 298.

With all these events happening, I do hope that you can find the time to visit all 3 events, bring your family and friends so that you can share our culture. It helps even more that October is the start of Filipino American Heritage Month which makes it easier for us to celebrate and share. Please go out and support, let’s all work together in showing off our culture and more importantly supporting our fellow Fil-Am business owners… They will survive, grow, flourish and give back if we are able to support them.

Thanks again, everyone, for reading. I truly enjoy dining and sharing what other FIL-AMS have to offer especially when it deals with eating. Feel free to share stories at info@filameats.com so I may visit and share with all.

It has truly been an honor and pleasure sharing with you all.

Maraming salamat!Till next month… A very meaningful quote: Genuine Virtue consists of being charitable, loving one’s fellow men and being judicious in behavior, speech and deed. –Emilio Jacinto