Social Security Administration Celebrates America’s 250th with Commemorative Cards for Newborns

July 1, 2026

Shahzaib (Shazz) Shakeel

By: Shahzaib (Shazz) Shakeel   The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced a first-of-its-kind commemorative Social Security card for children born in the United States between July 2 and December 31, 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The limited-edition cards, identical in function to a standard Social Security card, will feature the official […]

Planning for the Future: Estate Planning and Personal Finance

July 1, 2026

Janice Dantes

By: Janice Dantes   While my parents and many others in their generation came to the United States for a better life, they are now able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and are also in the position to pass down assets to the next generation. This is truly living the American dream. However, […]

The Gala That Launched a Thousand Chismis (But Also a Thousand Cheers); A Carelessly-Whispered Tact

July 1, 2026

Careless Whispers

By: Nirmla Johnson   Before anything else, congratulations to Overall Chairman Reynel Espiritu and his ever-supportive wife, Hermie Espiritu, whose tireless efforts quietly steered this year’s Philippine Independence Week celebration to success. Despite the inevitable behind-the-scenes critics (because every Filipino event comes with free chismis), they stayed focused from the kickoff, the gala, and the […]

PIWC Celebration 2026

July 1, 2026

Lourdes G. Mon

By: Lourdes G. Mon   In this past Philippine Independence Week Gala Celebration, I noticed that most of the attendees were not the usual people that I see every year. It’s rather understandable because most of the people were guests of the beauty queens. Having said that, from the beginning of the program, guests were […]

Goals-Based Wealth Management: Planning for the Life You Want to Live

July 1, 2026

Financial Topics

By: Jan Paul C. Ferrer   You have unique goals, and your wealth management strategy should be designed to reflect the specific aspirations you have for yourself and your family. It should also go beyond just creating a portfolio to help you plan for retirement and other life priorities, such as saving for your child’s […]

Overview of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

July 1, 2026

Press Release

Lion’s Mane mushrooms, with their unique, shaggy appearance, are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. These fungi grow on hardwood trees and have been a part of traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries. Known for their seafood-like taste, they add both flavor and nutrients to dishes. Their historical significance lies in their use as […]

CPRTV (Chicago Philippine Reports TV) June – July Interviews/Features

July 1, 2026

CPRTV

Lea Agaton. Founder & Outgoing President of Chicago Health Alliance Lions Club, Lion of the Year of the Lions International District IA. Thy Nguyen. Vice President of Impact and Advocacy at Chinese American Service League. Lt. Col. Jaime B. Parent & wife Elizabeth Parent, Educator_ Families Navigating Autism. Pastor Nancy Abiera. Ministry Pastor of Point2Him […]

Lilah Mae Patron Gomez

July 1, 2026

Bata Korner

Precious granddaughter, Lilah Mae Patron Gomez, is a beautiful blessing from God and a source of endless joy and love to her family. Cherished with all their hearts by her proud grandparents, Chaz and Jhun Patron, Lilah brightens their lives with her sweet smile, innocent spirit, and loving heart. She is a constant reminder of […]

Clever Signages

July 1, 2026

James DC

By: James DC   A sign in a shoe repair store: “We will heel you, We will save your sole, We will even dye for you!” Sign over a *Gynecologist’s Office: “Dr. George, at your cervix”; At an Eye Clinic: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, You’ve come to the right place.”; On […]

Kayla (VT columnist) and Mom Pressian Tejero

July 1, 2026

VT Readers

Mother-and-daughter team and VT family members, Kayla (VT columnist) and Mom Pressian Tejero, now both licensed R.N.’s.

Queenie Pacquiao is Set to Study in Loyola University Chicago

July 1, 2026

Bata Korner

CHICAGO BOUND! “It’s bittersweet, of course. Like, I’m gonna miss my friends and everything. But, you know, I’m excited for college.” — Queenie Pacquiao After graduating from Brent International School Manila, Queenie Pacquiao is set to begin a new academic journey in the United States as she heads to Loyola University Chicago. The 17-year-old daughter […]

Bata Korner

July 1, 2026

Bata Korner

By: Bata Korner   Florida students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in cursive writing under a new state law taking effect this week, making the skill a requirement before advancing to middle school. (META) Congratulations on the baptism of Veronica Alexis Ferrer with proud Daddy & Mommy Jan Paul & Lynne Ferrer with Ninang […]

My Secret Love Affair

July 1, 2026

Fun Baking and Cooking

By: Sarah   Oh no, I’m in love with you. Something you may not know, Spaghetti was my first love. Still is. I’m still obsessed with it. I cook spaghetti almost every week, for me, for us. It’s just the dish Glenn and I enjoy the most — not the steak and fries, not even […]

Three Children of a Tricycle Driver Pass Board Exams in One Year

July 1, 2026

Bata Korner

THREE LICENSES “During the test, all I could see were my parents’ faces, reminding me why I had to pass,” Michael Jhared Luzon said. Three siblings from Zamboanga Sibugay turned 2025 into a year of shared victory after passing their respective board exams in the same year. Karen Claire, Nikko Victor, and Michael Jhared Luzon, […]

Mason Needer White’s Graduatuin

July 1, 2026

Bata Korner

America 250 – the Spiritual Heritage that Built This Nation

July 1, 2026

Edward Cortez

By: Edward Cortez   Last July 4th, we celebrated America’s 250th founding anniversary. It was on July 4th, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was eventually signed on August 2, 1776. The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence begins with these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, […]

Fireworks on U.S. Independence Day Celebrations

July 1, 2026

Editorial

Fireworks have been part and parcel of U.S. Independence Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, since its first celebration in July 1777. Fireworks on the Fourth of July symbolize the patriotic celebration of American independence, national pride, and the historic “illuminations” envisioned by founding father John Adams to celebrate the […]

Philippine Independence Golf Tournament

July 1, 2026

Press Release

Lake of Carillion Golf Course – Plainfield, IL Congratulations on a successful 2026 Philippine Independence Golf Tournament at the Links of Carillon Golf Couse in Plainfield. With perfect weather and 140 golfers, it was a fun, relaxed but competitive event for a change. The Fil-Am Lake County Golfers were the big winners coming in as […]

`80 for 80 Project’ In Recognition of Exemplary Filipino-American Women Leaders

July 1, 2026

Veronica Leighton

By: Veronica Leighton   The Philippine Consulate General’s letter addressed to me regarding the “80 for 80 Project,” was saying, ” The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, through its Gender and Development Program, is undertaking a project called “80 for 80” to feature 80 exemplary Filipino-American women leaders in the Midwest United States, who have […]

A Golden Girl Celebrates With A Blast From The Past

July 1, 2026

G-Mail

By: Maria Girlie Pascual   She is always smiling, her big infectious grin from ear-to- ear draws you in like a soft hug in a sea of faces whenever there is an event that she is part of, has organized, has performed in, or just attended for friendship. Yes, she has quite a bandwagon of […]