Blooming Flowers and Landmark Celebrations in May

By: Veronica Leighton

 

May month is characterized by blooming flowers specifically my favorite Lily-of-the-Valley, warmer weather for Chicagoans like me, and the cultural celebrations of May Day and Cinco de Mayo. It is also widely known for honoring mothers (Mother’s Day) and military personnel in the US, alongside various agricultural, historical, and cultural festivals. It also celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHP) Heritage Month, and many other observances like Mental Health Awareness and Nurses Week, popular community engagements like the Kentucky Derby featured in our Fashion column. May’s festive culmination is the Memorial Day holiday.
Locally, weddings, graduations, fashion shows, birthdays, and many other personal events do happen and get celebrated, as you can glimpse from our pages this month.
Mother’s Day is the most favored May celebration. VT family gives salute to our beloved and mostly deceased mothers. My Veronica’s Vibes (page 5) gives salute to my resilient SUPERMOM Nanay, sharing my Facebook post herein with her photo; Pastor Ed Cortez wrote about his interesting article titled, “Five Marks of a Great Mother – the Story of Hannah,” and Maria Girlie Pascual writes about “Mothers and Motherhood in May,” dedicated to her Mom in heaven.
Melody Dizon, R.N. and healthcare entrepreneur, shares with us an interesting insight about a NURSE, in her column titled, “What Is a Nurse? Depends on Who You Ask.” (Nurse’s Week May 6-12, 2026).
Our beautiful Cover Girl feature, popular Philippine actress Angel Aquino, is the acclaimed winner of the Pinnacle Career Achievement Award of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema at the Film Festival 2026 20th Edition held recently in Chicago. Thank you to the Asian Pop-Up Cinema for providing us with the beautiful high resolution photos sent to us for our coverage of the event (see more photos on page 7) most especially to Ms. Sophia Wong Boccio, founder and director. The Philippines movie entry “April” won the People’s Choice award. Double congratulations to Ms. Angel Aquino, who’s now back to the Philippines after enjoying her mini-trip and accolades from her Chicago supporters and fans.
Happy, happy birthday to our VT family May celebrants Faye Mendiola, Sarah Turner, Ryan Tejero, and to my special self. And, happy anniversary to Pastor Ed Cortez and his wife, Kathy.

Happy Birthday to April 21 born birthday celebrator Bobby Leighton! A simple birthday celebration held at Kouklas Greek restaurant in Niles with family.