Breaking the Silence: Separation and Cultural Stigma in Filipino Families

April 1, 2026

Janice Dantes

By: Janice Dantes   In many Filipino households, family is everything. Values like unity, respect, and sacrifice are deeply ingrained, often making separation feel like more than just a personal decision—it becomes a cultural burden. For many connected to the Philippines, ending a marriage can feel like a failure not only to themselves, but to […]

Featuring Local Guest Singers: IRELYN ARANA, MARV ALBERTO, JC DUGOS, DARYL LEONG, ACIE BELEN Special guest appearance: Geraldine De Leon Quipse, Mrs. Philippines PIWC 2026 Emcee: Jovie Calma

April 1, 2026

Press Release

ComED

April 1, 2026

VT Advertisers

Financial assistance with you in mind ComEd is committed to making it easier for families to take control of their energy bills. That’s why we created the Smart Assistance Manager to help you find the assistance and payment options that are right for you. You may be relieved to discover what you are eligible for. […]

Philippine Engineers & Scientists Organization 52nd Anniversary Gala & Induction of Officers Theme: Making a Difference: Bridging Science, Technology and Society

April 1, 2026

Press Release

November 9, 2025 at Allegra Banquets, Schiller Park, IL USA PESO Awardees Exemplary Dedicated Service 2023-2025 (Group) From Left: PP Tom Serrano (proxy for PP Gilbert Bermundo), President Anita Sladek, Treasurer Clarisa Mayhay, PP Marilin Solomon, Vincent Pecucci (proxy for Auditor Mila Bensing), Matthew Fernandez (proxy for Haidee Fernandez),  IPP Dr. Evelyn Natividad and Hannah […]

DALISAY (Dely) VILLALON Fil-Am Icon For Untiring Leadership, Dedication, & Involvement To The Community

April 1, 2026

About Our Cover

VT’s April Cover Girl Dalisay (Dely) Villalon is a very popular mover- and-shaker and a distinguished female leader for more than fifty years in the ever-active Filipino American community of Chicago. An independent-minded woman and steadfast in spirit who has single-handedly raised her family for the last forty years, she is a proud mother of […]

Bata Korner

April 1, 2026

Bata Korner

By: Boom Boom Cabalona, Kenzo Pascual Wildoer, Christopher Miranda   A major move in Filipino education According to reports, the Philippines is now accepting American students for special courses offering academic credits and cultural immersion, announced April 2, 2026. Officials say programs include short-term and semester exchanges through partnerships with U.S. universities, expanding global education […]

Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest

April 1, 2026

Publisher's Notes

By: Veronica Leighton   What is it in April that makes so many people feeling jubilant, hopeful, refreshed, and inspired? We guess it’s the beauty of April–a welcoming, embracing, and nurturing month. This must be the reason why so many artists, celebrities and philosophers have expressed unforgettable quotes about April. Such as, Mark Twain: ““The […]

April Showers Bring May Flowers

April 1, 2026

Kayla Tejero

By: Kayla Tejero   Happy April! We start off the month with one of the most fun days of the year, and that is April Fools. It’s a day to pull harmless jokes on our friends. Towards the end of the month, we celebrate earth day. Let us be grateful for our planet and what […]

UPAA in America Grows its Scholarship Programs

April 1, 2026

Press Release

UPAAA renewed its scholarship projects with the UP College of Public Health (CPH). Two of the major donors – Drs. Ed and Joy Celo recently met with the CPH Dean, staff and some grant recipients in Manila. The following are photos and testimonials of Soriano-Celo undergraduate thesis assistance grantees. To donate: https://upaainamerica.org/Scholarship To join: https://upaainamerica.org/join-us […]

U.S. Navy Launches Campaign in Chicago to Recruit Healthcare Talent

April 1, 2026

Headliner News

Recruiting healthcare professionals to join the military is a major challenge for all U.S. armed forces branches. During the month of April, the Navy is addressing the challenge head on by executing an integrated marketing blitz in Chicago designed to resonate with early career physicians, nurses, and dentists, aged 26-32, who are eager to focus […]

Nell & Lain Frias

April 1, 2026

VT Readers

Active community leaders and popular printer of the community’s souvenir books, husband-and-wife team Nell & Lain Frias.  

From the Readers

April 1, 2026

From the Readers

Thank You From BBWC Thank you Ate Vero for the wonderful BBWC write-up. We would like to encourage women to join us. We have weekly Zoom Bible studies on Wednesdays at 7pm to help us grow spiritually. For those interested please DM me for information on how to join. Maritess V Wynkoop __________ Thank You […]

Parties Make The World Go Round

April 1, 2026

Fun Baking and Cooking

By: Sarah   Money makes the world go round. Love makes the world go round. Coffee, Music, Stock Market and the list goes on. But what I always look forward to are THE PARTIES…Parties make “my world” go round and round. What shall I wear? What unique gifts I could give? And yes, I got […]

The Golden Plaque Syndrome: Recognition-for-Sale Industry

April 1, 2026

Careless Whispers

By: Nirmla Johnson   In certain circles of the Filipino diaspora, there exists a fascinating cultural phenomenon—let’s call it The Golden Plaque Syndrome. It’s a condition where the deep, noble desire for recognition evolves… slightly sideways. Not upward into excellence, but outward—toward shiny trophies, framed certificates, and titles long enough to require a second line […]

The Stress of Long-Term Love Relationships

April 1, 2026

Nancy Abiera

By: Nancy Abiera   “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always […]

Investing 101: A Beginner’s Guide

April 1, 2026

Financial Topics

By: Jan Paul C. Ferrer   Investing can be complicated and overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. Understanding the fundamentals can help you make sense of the risks and opportunities associated with investing. It can also help you make more informed—and more confident—decisions about your portfolio, so you can put […]

Our Survivor Benefits: Protection for Your Family

April 1, 2026

Shahzaib (Shazz) Shakeel

By: Shahzaib (Shazz) Shakeel   Losing a spouse is difficult emotionally and financially. Social Security can help during this time. When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse – even if you’re divorced. You may be eligible for survivor benefits if: • You are age 60 or […]

U.S. Drops Shocking “Do Not Travel” Warning For One Of The Most Popular Destinations Right Now

April 1, 2026

Headliner News

Travel plans can change overnight. One moment, a destination is trending across social media feeds and travel blogs. The next, it’s flagged with a serious warning from the U.S. government. That’s exactly what just happened with Turkey, a country that has quietly become one of the hottest destinations for American travelers. With stunning coastlines, rich […]

Then and Now

April 1, 2026

Faye Mendiola

By: Faye Mendiola   Florencia Manuel Cholewa Mrs. Chicago PIWC 2005 THEN: A high school grad at De Los Santos Community HS in Bulacan. THEN: Mrs. Chicago PIWC 2005. THEN: Florence, graduating from high school. NOW: Florence with her siblings, all Chicago residents, Dely Villalon, Joy Manuel, and Celie Beauprie   Ligaya (Joy) Manuel Current […]

Psalm 40: Thanking God in Advance

April 1, 2026

Edward Cortez

By: Edward Cortez with wife Catherine Cortez Have we ever tried thanking God first for the answers to our problems rather than presenting our problems to Him first and then thank Him later? If truth be told, we are prone to presenting our problems before God first before we offer our gratitude – and only […]