Proud Of Our Mothers And Our Heritage

By: Veronica Leighton

 

There are so many things going on around us on this lovely month of May, but I think the one that tops it all is MOTHER’S DAY. Don’t we just love our mothers? Don’t forget to read our Editorial on “What makes mothers special.”
I would like to share with our readers my short post on Facebook pertaining to my special Heavenly mother. “Today, I want to give salute to my late MOTHER, who I can describe as a SUPERMOM for her strength of mind and character, wisdom, organization,
brilliance, generosity, ambitions, compassion, and extreme survival instincts. She was an amazing woman that, hopefully, I can write a book about her struggles, her determination, her love and cares, her tears, and her fights for survival, one of these days.
My Nanay was an easy person to love and be loved by everyone that met her. How nice to hear and reap words of love and respect from other people who had a nice chance to meet her when she was still alive, whenever I meet and see them around these days. I love you and miss you, Nanay! Happy Mother’s Day! Also sharing the special photo of me and my mom that I’ve kept close to my heart all these years.”
Congratulations to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas for hosting a special celebration honoring the enduring impact of mothers on May 11, in the Treasurer’s Office. Pappas recognized mothers from nearly two dozen countries and ethnicities, highlighting their vital role in strengthening families, communities, and society in America and across the world.
Around our beautiful community, we are showcasing our beautiful culture and heritage in conjunction with the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage celebration, or, alternatively, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, an annually observed commemorative month in the United States.
Let’s start from the following exciting events:
• The Asian Comedy Fest on May 30, a full-night takeover featuring 13 of the most incredible performers in the city. The biggest night of Asian Laughs teams up with the Chicago Asian Network @the comedyplex in Chicago.
• Then there’s the AAPI Night Royals vs White Sox at Rate Field on May 7. invitation from Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHDC).
• Filipino Nurses in America Exhibit May 15 International Museum of Surgical Science, an exhibit of the greatest migration never told, sponsored by the Filipino American National Historical Society of Greater Chicago.
• SamaSama Project presents Lou Ella Rose and Friends: The Great Filipino Songbook at Epiphany Center for the Arts. This show was selected as part of Chicago Cabaret Week — a “niche” concert in a beautiful, intimate venue.
• Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago to the 29th Annual Asian American Showcase that took place May 7 to 12, 2026. Presented in collaboration with the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media, the Showcase highlights compelling works by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander filmmakers KAPWA (Shared Identity): Filipino American Shorts at Gene Siskel Film Center.

Food Roots Screening
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago successfully hosted a special screening of the documentary Food Roots on 30 April 2026 at FACETS Cinema in Chicago. The event was attended by County Cook Treasurer Maria Pappas, Consuls General and members of the consular corps, business partners, Filipino restaurant owners, and members of the Filipino-American community.
Held as part of the observance of Filipino Food Month and in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations, the documentary highlighted the role of food as a vessel of memory, identity, and cultural continuity – linking families and communities across generations and geographies. It likewise underscored the growing global recognition of Filipino cuisine and its emergence as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.
The documentary, directed by Emmy Award-winning Filipino-American filmmaker Michele Josue, offers a multi-layered narrative of the life of Mr. Billy Dec – a Filipino-
American Emmy Award-winning television host, entrepreneur, restaurateur, lawyer, actor, and former White House appointee during the administration of former President Barack Obama.
Food Roots tells the story of Mr. Dec’s journey to the Philippines toward rediscovering his Filipino roots and the cuisine he grew up with. The film explores not only themes of heritage and the evolving identity of Filipino food, as well as its emergence on the global culinary stage, but also highlights the enduring importance of family – a central Filipino value.

 

Thank you to the special luncheon treat at Yu’s Mandarin Wheeling to Grace Macapugay and Caloy, shown in picture with Veronica and Gerry Rebello.

 

Congratulations to Maya Leighton on her graduation from Florida Atlantic University receiving her Baccalaureate Undergraduate Degree in Business. Maya joined by her happy family, Dad Bobby, Mom Christy and brod Christian at her graduation.