PH Consulate General in Chicago Holds Historic Kalayaan 2019 Reception
Consul General to Chicago Gina A. Jamoralin and Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr. receive Chicago Consular Corps officials during the Kalayaan 2019 celebration. (Chicago PE photo)
CHICAGO 28 June 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago hosted a reception to commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Union League Club of Chicago on 18 June 2019.
Together with officials from the Chicago Consular Corps, United States federal, state and local government institutions and business community, Filipino community leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, as well as participants in the first U.S. Midwest Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) Immersion Program and former Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) delegates graced the occasion in their colorful Filipino attire.
Consul General to Chicago Gina A. Jamoralin led the Consulate General officers and staff in receiving the guests. As host of the event, she accepted congratulatory messages and proclamations from U.S. Representative Janice Schakowsky, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, State Attorney General Kwame Raoul, State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and Kankakee Mayor Chastity-Wells Armstrong.
The Consul General called to mind the courage and heroism of Filipinos who fought for the country’s independence. As she noted in her welcome remarks, “It is only fitting that we commemorate their sacrifices which allowed us the present generation of Filipinos to be where we are today – free, prosperous and one nation.”
She likewise lauded the enduring bond between the Philippines and the United States. She hailed the close people-to-people relations and increased two-way trade particularly with Midwest states and flow of investments from Midwest-based companies. Milestones in the two countries’ longstanding relations that promote not only mutual economic benefits, but also strengthen their common democratic foundations.
Consul General Jamoralin thanked the U.S. officials for their presence and special messages and her fellow Consuls General in Chicago for their support. She also expressed appreciation for the members of her team, Filipino community leaders, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for helping realize the visit and lecture of Professor Ambeth Ocampo in Chicago, and all the guests.
A special musical number was performed by Grammy-nominated Filipino tenor Rodell Rosel featuring a Basil Valdez hit. It was followed by a presentation on the relaunch of the Midwest YouLeaD Immersion Program on 3-9 January 2020, Philippine tourism and investment video materials, and generous serving of traditional Filipino food. END
Filipino tenor Rodell Rosel (leftmost) belts out a Basil Valdez song, “Nais Ko”. (Chicago PE photo)
Consul General Jamoralin together with Cook County Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes, Czech Consul General Jaroslav Kanturek and his wife. (Chicago PE photo)
Filipino community leaders showcase their Filipino attire with 2018 CFO Presidential Awardee Mr. Edward Brotonel wearing his medal. (Chicago PE photo)
Consul General Jamoralin, flanked by Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr. (seated right), Consul Ryan Gener (seated left) and staff members of the Philippine Consulate General take a minute to pose for posterity. (Chicago PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago/.