From the Readers

[INVITATION] Mini-seminar on Philippine healthcare BPO on 13 May 2025

Dear Editor, The Consulate General invites Filipino/Filipino-American Home Health agency owners/managers and healthcare entrepreneurs in Illinois to an in-person mini-seminar on Philippine healthcare BPO to be held on 13 May 2025, 3:00pm-4:30pm, at the Consulate. Please register via the QR code or thru email: konsulado@chicagopcg.com. Sincerely, Philippine Consulate General in Chicago

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First Cabaret Show Invite

Dear Ninang Vero, So excited to share, I am premiering my first Cabaret show here in Chicago this coming May. We’ve done many shows before but this show CONFESSIONS OF A CONTRALTO: A Filipina’s Life In Song is very special and dear to me because its sharing my journey as an immigrant artist in America and it also features many songs I love — Broadway, jazz and American classics! Can the poster and the write up can be included in the next issue of Via Times? If any of the writers are still looking for topics / or someone to interview, i would love to talk about this show. I can also have our Director Ken Baker also do the interview if you like. Thank you, NInang!! Lou Ella Rose Cabalona

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CMAA’S ANNUAL GALA VOICE & VISION- APRIL 10

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is proud to announce its 2025 Annual Gala, to be held on April 10 at Zhou B Art Center. This year, the Gala will shine a spotlight on CMAA’s Adult Education program, a cornerstone of CMAA’s mission, empowering individuals and transforming lives through education and support. CMAA’s Adult Education program has been pivotal in providing essential services, including English language classes, job readiness training, and community-based support, all aimed at helping immigrants and low-income individuals integrate and thrive in their new communities. This year’s Gala will celebrate the impact of these programs, highlighting the stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through education and opportunity. The Gala showcases the strength and resilience of the people we serve and brings together our community to continue this important work. The 2025 CMAA Annual Gala will feature a night of inspiring speeches, a silent auction and raffle, and performances by youth in CMAA’s after-school program. The event is an opportunity to connect with community leaders, donors, and supporters committed to the cause of education and empowerment. CMAA

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Together in Action: Gratitude and Momentum from the CIMA Retreat

Dear CIMA Partner, We are deeply grateful to each of you for making the first annual Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA) Retreat a powerful and transformative gathering. Your presence, insights, and collaboration remind us of the strength we hold—not just as individual news and/or media organizations, but as a collective force for sustainable, independent journalism in Chicago. Being together in action is more than just convening; it is a commitment. A commitment to lifting each other up, to building the infrastructure your newsrooms and media organizations need, and to ensuring that independent media remains a vital, thriving force in our communities. Every conversation, every idea shared, and every connection made during this retreat strengthens the future of CIMA and the organizations we each serve. As we move forward, let’s harness this momentum. Let’s turn our shared vision into sustained action—whether through resource sharing, collaborative reporting, audience engagement, or advocating for policies that support independent journalism. Our collective sustainability depends on the strength of our partnerships and our willingness to work together. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep building, innovating, and making an impact. The future of independent media in Chicago is ours to shape! With gratitude and solidarity, Jhmira Chicago Independent Media Alliance

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Hooray Chicago!

You get “toilet legs” less than most other cities Hey VIA Times, Ever sat on the toilet so long, that you have to re-learn how to walk when you stand up? That’s toilet legs. Sudoku Online recently surveyed people in major U.S. cities about how often they get toilet legs and what they’re doing on the pot for so long. Highlights from Chicago: • Only 19% regularly get toilet legs (ranks 3rd lowest in the U.S.) • Only 15% sit on the toilet 5 mins or more after being done • 63% bring their phone to the bathroom most of the time Thanks, Claire Martin-Tellis