06 November 2013 - The Philippines is one of the countries featured in the coffee table book “Intercultural Reflections in Chicago,” which was successfully launched by the Chicago Consular Corps Ladies Club last October 24 at the Women’s Athletic Club, Chicago. 

The coffee table book is the first of its kind and is the result of the collaboration of the Chicago Consular Corps Ladies Club (CCCLC), in association with the Chicago Consular Corps and in partnership with Columbia College Chicago (CCC). 

The project compiled in one book the history, people, heritage, traditions, artifacts, culinary arts and the historical ties of eight different countries that have Consulates in Chicago.

The Philippine segment highlighted Philippine contributions to Chicago, the influence of urban planner Daniel Burnham to Chicago and the Philippines, the commonalities of faith, the Philippine presence  in major Chicago museums and Philippine cuisine.

With the collaboration of Columbia College Chicago—one of the largest visual, performing, media and communication arts colleges in the United States—a team of student photographers, writers, and editors was formed to realize this project.  

The project was the output of the CCCLC under the term of Fidelis Herrera-Lim, spouse of Philippine Consul General in Chicago Leo Herrera-Lim.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel noted, “Within this book you will find a small sample of the global influence shaping Chicago today.  Each community’s contribution is a testament to the world’s contribution to Chicago and the city’s contribution to the world.”

“As you turn the pages of this wonderful book,” Mayor Emmanuel added, “you will find that the next chapter of Chicago’s global history is already being written.”

Chicago Archbishop Francis Cardinal George, in acknowledging the contributions of the Consular Corps, observed, “This book produced by the Chicago Consular Corps Ladies Club demonstrates the influence of the Catholic faith here (in Chicago) and in other countries, particularly those where Catholicism is the major religion. This volume is as informative as it is beautiful.” 

Around 200 people attended the book launch, many of whom purchased copies of the book and had them signed by the Consuls General who were present in the event.

Proceeds of the sale benefited the SOS Children’s Villages Illinois and the Connections for Abused Women and their Children. END