Chicago Is Artsy Town `My Kind of Town’

By: Veronica Leighton

 

Chicago is well-known for its world-class blues scene, theatre districts, and diverse live shows. This city is known for its vibrant nightlife, featuring comedy, cabaret, and specialized musical productions. New study confirms that Chicago is a hub for creative professionals.
That’s why it’s no wonder that Chicago’s Fil-Am ethnic community has been known for having held amazing concerts that feature some local and imported artists from the Philippines entertaining the community from contemporary to modern songs that span various genres.
Lately, our community has welcomed with open arms some Filipino artists to the city of Chicago to meet and entertain and show their diverse talents and leave unforgettable marks to the admiring groups of kababayans.
Jay Gee Macapugay, the actress who played Imelda Marcos in HERE LIES LOVE on Broadway, performed a “Homecoming Concert” on March 21st in a Des Plaines theatre for her friends, fans, and family. The main reason for doing the concert was for her mom. She says, “My mom is immunocompromised from all the “c” treatments, and can’t travel to see my shows anymore. She missed my last three Broadway shows, and it really upset her. But, I will take her health over missing a million of my shows! She’s been in remission for years, thank God!”
Jay Gee, who was once an interview guest on CPRTV, sent Via Times some pictures taken from the sell-out show. The show was livestreamed, and a portion of ticket sales given to the Maine East Fine Arts Department, her high school alma mater.
Famed Filipino singer Nonoy Zuniga (circa 1970’s) held his successful “Kumusta Ka” Chicago concert under the promotion of Direk Gerry Rebello on April 4, 2026 in 19th Century Centennial Center Oak Park. Zuniga is a Filipino singer, actor, host, influencer, environment and PWD Advocate, television presenter and physician. He is dubbed as the “Philippines’ King of Pop Ballads” and “Singing Amputee Doctor” (he is a medical graduate from UST). Zuñiga is an amputee, having lost his right leg in a bombing incident in October 4, 1980, at the Philippine Plaza Hotel.
We’re presenting here some dinner reception photos hosted by Hong Ning Restaurant Carol Stream, owned by Ernie & Malou Wee. Please see some photos taken during the luncheon reception inside the Hong Ning Restaurant.
Acclaimed Filipino actress Angel Aquino attended the film screening of “April” at the Asian Pop-Up Cinema Festival held at AMC New City 14 Cinema last April 2, 2026. Angel starred in the film, shared insights into her role, and received the APUC Pinnacle Career Achievement Award from Consul General Melanie Diano. The program was hosted by Lou Ella Rose Cabalona, a member of the board of directors of Pop-Up Cinema.
The scheduled CPRTV interview with Angel Aquino did not materialize due to some tech problems, but she will be featured in the upcoming May 2026 edition of the Via Times Newsmagazine.
And then, there was the recent concert performance this month of young Filipino contemporary husband-and-wife singers KZ Tandingan and TJ Monteverde, direct from the Philippines. It was hailed a big success held at the Copernicus Theatre in Chicago, handled by Tyrone Tejam as the Chicago line-producer. ##

Luncheon with Nonoy Zuniga–thank you Hong Ning Restaurant

Top photo, hosted by Ernie & Malou Wee, owners of Hong Ning Restaurant, sponsor.

Some photos from Jay Gee Macapugay’s concert in Des Plaines, IL. She held the live-performance concert in honor of her loving mother who has not watched her performances in Broadway New York for 10 years now due to health challenges. Photos included her Chicago friends, mom, brother, and her husband, David McQueen. Jay Gee says: “The concert was amazing. A lot of laughs and tears. However, as soon as I finished my concert, I flew back to New York to start rehearsals for a new show on Tuesday. It’s now so busy for a completely different project. Such is the life of a performing artist!”

L-R: Sophia Wong Boccio, Angel Aquino, PH Consul General Melanie Diano, and Lou Cabalona at the film screening of “April.”

Another celebratory luncheon for the success of Nonoy Zuniga concert with Direk Gerry Rebello and Boy Salangsang at Chef Ping Arlington Heights.