From the Readers

Thanks from the Silvanos

Hello Tita Vee! Wow!

This Via Times May 2024 issue would travel around the world! Tony & I appreciate all the generous gestures to make the Anniversary & Birthday layout more informative & enjoyable. The inclusion of my Sidebar comments at the bottom page was a Surprise! And the “Please donate blood!”as a final statement is a life saver! This printed gift is a Keeper! Salamat Tita Vero Leighton!

Fondly from Susan & Tony Silvano

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Thanks from the Latino Film Fest

THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WITH US…40 years of the longest running Latino Film Festival in the country

With another memorable festival in the books, the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago extends its deepest thanks to our staff, our volunteers, our sponsors, our visiting artists and, most importantly, you, the public for making this 40th anniversary celebration truly special. Without you, these movies would not come alive. And, without you, we would not be able to bring the best of what our film artists can offer, year after year.

Presented by The International Latino Cultural Center & Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

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“Waves” ft. Apo Whang Od: A Phenomenal Tribute Unveiled During AAPI Heritage Month!

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the electrifying music video for “Waves” ft. Apo Whang Od has officially made its grand debut!

After two awe-inspiring trips to the Philippines to capture the essence of this legendary collaboration, the team behind “Waves” has unleashed a visual masterpiece that pays homage to the remarkable legacy of Apo Whang Od. Honored for life, the video serves as a testament to the indelible mark left by this iconic figure on both Philippine culture and the global community.

Apo Whang Od, also known as Maria Oggay, is a revered Filipina tattoo artist and cultural icon from the Kalinga tribe in the Philippines. At 107 years old, she is recognized as the last traditional tattoo artist of her generation, preserving the ancient art of hand-tapped tattoos, known as “batok,” which has been practiced by her ancestors for centuries. Whang Od’s exceptional skill, wisdom, and dedication to her craft have earned her worldwide acclaim and admiration, making her a symbol of cultural pride and resilience.

“We are beyond thrilled to unveil ‘Waves’ ft. Apo Whang Od to the world,” exclaimed Talilo Marfil, the visionary behind this monumental project. “This music video is not just about entertainment; it’s a celebration of heritage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the AAPI community. Through ‘Waves,’ we honor the legend of Apo Whang Od and invite audiences everywhere to join us in spreading her story far and wide.”

Watch the full music video of “Waves” ft. Apo Whang Od here: https://youtu.be/ie9GTP-6FQI?si=_ iOORkoY5Li3KjP9

This groundbreaking endeavor has been made possible through the generous support of the Art for Justice Fund and the unwavering dedication of Talilo’s supporters, whose commitment to amplifying marginalized voices has paved the way for this transformative collaboration. All proceeds from the music video will go to Kalinga. Kapwa: The unity of the ‘self’ and ‘others’.

Talilo Marfil 503-893-9697 Talilomusic.com

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Thanks to Ryan

Hi Ryan, I just wanted to tell you that so many of my friends have reached out to me and offered their compliments to you on an excellent piece of writing. Thank you so much, I really appreciate our newly-formed friendship.

Madhu Uppal, President Alliance of Indian Americans of Naperville Area

Hi Madhu, Wow – thank you. I appreciate that!

This is just the beginning of more fruitful collaboration. I am big in supporting community events and leaders in the Asian American communities and I am so thankful that our paths have crossed! Keep up the good work! I am copying Veronica Leighton who is the publisher and owner of Chicago Via Times! Ryan Tejero Via Times Columnist

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From Shedd Aquarium

Dear Via Times, The color-changing flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) are now back on exhibit at Shedd Aquarium!

Guests can find these uniquely shaped cephalopods in the Wild Reef exhibit and get a close look at the vibrant yellow, maroon, brown and white markings across their bodies.

Flamboyant cuttlefish use their colorful, strobing bodies to distract prey, communicate with other cuttlefish and warn potential predators of their toxicity. The cephalopods have incredible light receptors within their cells that react to environmental changes, with studies currently underway to learn more about these cells. These animals move by “walking” along the floors of their habitats using their arms and fin-like legs or “dancing” through the water as they swim. Flamboyant cuttlefish live on coral reefs, amongst shallow seagrasses and sand flats in tropical waters of the Eastern Indian and west-central Pacific Oceans. Unlike other cuttlefish species, flamboyant cuttlefish are truly benthic, meaning they live on the bottom of the ocean. These animals are one of only a handful of species at Shedd that only eat live prey (small, bony fish and crustaceans).

Elise Mulligan Coordinator PR Shedd Aquarium