More on "Coming Together in Skokie"

I just received this from Jelly Carandang. Thanks, Jelly!


A Great Honor for the Philippines and Its People
By: Jelly R. Carandang


Year 2011 started brightly for Filipinos and Filipino Americans, not only in Skokie, but all over the world.

This year, the Coming Together in Skokie Committee honors the Philippines and Its People, by sponsoring six-week long activities, consisting of artistic, cultural, & historical presentations, book readings & discussions, games, food demonstrations & tasting, movie, etc. Angeles “Jelly” Carandang, Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Illinois Chapter, and a member of the Skokie Plan Commission, and Skokie Park District Commissioner Jerry B. Clarito were tapped as coordinators who called upon other members of the Filipino American community to share insights about the Philippines and its people.

The committee was formed to acknowledge the rich diversity in the Village of Skokie and spearheaded the project as an opportunity to promote literacy and build knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the many cultures around us. The founding members consist of a group of high profile women representing various Skokie Institutions. They are Skokie First Lady, Susan Van Dusen, Niles Township High Schools Superintendent, Nanciann Gatta, Skokie Public Library Director, Carolyn Anthony, Niles Township Indian American Organization President, Usha Kamaria, and owner/manager of Holiday Inn Northshore/Skokie, Sheila Gilani. It is the committee’s goal to do an in depth exploration of a different culture each year through reading and discussing a common book, and enjoying a host of other exciting activities.

The first project was in early 2010 when the Asian Indian community was showcased, with Ms. Vineeta Vijayarghavan, author of the novel Motherland (book selected for discussion), as special guest. Other Skokie institutions joined as co-sponsors. They are the Oakton Community College and the Skokie Hospital. It was a stunning success with more than 3,000 people attending 32 events held over a period of 6 weeks.

In addition to the Skokie Institutions mentioned earlier, other village groups joined as co-sponsors of the 2nd Coming Together in Skokie, showcasing the Philippines and Its People. Among them are the Skokie Park District, Niles Township ELL Center and Skokie’s elementary and middle schools. The Center for Teaching through Children’s Books at the National-Louis College also provided assistance.

“When the Rainbow Goddess Wept” by Filipino American author, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard from California, was the featured book, with “Growing Up Filipino”, her compilation of several short stories for adults and young adults, as an additional option. This year, the committee also selected other books written by Filipino and Filipino American authors for the serious adults and the younger readers. They are: Marketing Dreams, Manufacturing Heroes by Dr. Anna Guevarra a, Tall Story by Candy Gourlay (for Grades 5-8), Willie Wins by Almira Astudillo Gilles (for Grades 1-3) and Lakas and the Manilatown Fish:Si Lakas at ang Isdang Manilatown by Anthony D. Robles (for ages 5-8).

Kick Off
The Kick Off was held Friday, January 28, 2011 at the Niles West H.S. Auditorium, 5701 Oakton St., in Skokie. Before the show, committee members, performers, volunteers and their families & guests enjoyed the variety of native foods served at the private reception. Food for purchase was also available for the general public.

The program started at 7:00pm. After brief remarks from Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen and Deputy Consul General Orontes Castro, a video presentation with statements and comments from committee members was shown. It was followed by a video presentation courtesy of the Department of Tourism in Chicago, showing the wonderful sceneries and activities visitors to our country could enjoy. The musical portion of the program was started by an all male acapella group, Echo Effect, from Niles West High School, followed by a cultural/musical play entitled “The Legend of the Philippine Islands”. The cast of characters consisted of selected members of the Hataw Pinoy Chicago, under Emil & Alpha Nicolasin and the Sama-Sama Project, under Baron Cabalona & Lou Maningas, with the support of the young dancers from the FilAm Club of St. Peter’s and Niles North High School FilAm club. As the program finale, members of the committee were called on stage to be recognized and each one proudly wore the modern and traditional Filipino costumes, made for them by Victor Miller of Fashion in Fashion. It was indeed an honor to see the elite members of Skokie mainstream society, led by Skokie Mayor and his first lady, wearing our native costumes.

In addition to the mayor and the deputy consul general, among the dignitaries who joined the over 400 audience, were District 17 Representative Daniel Biss, Village Trustees Donald Perille and Pramod Shah, Plan Commission Chair Paul Luke, Tourism Director Vernie Morales & Family, Trade & Investment Officer Glenn Penaranda, Cultural Officer Berth Salvador, Skokie Theatre Director Al Curtis, Skokie Lions Past Presidents Walter Holden and Krishna Goyal, Artist Susan Alforque Silvano & husband Tony, Artist Fred de Asis, and of course the following committee members: Skokie first lady, Susan Van Dusen, Niles Township school district superintendent Nanciann Gatta and the following district 219 officers: Anne Roloff, Dale Vogler, Sherry Baehr, Rosamin Bhanpuri, Jim Sczcepaniak, John Leintz, Ryan McTague, Kaine Osburn, Paul O’Malley, & Pete Marcelo, Skokie Public Library Director Carolyn Anthony and staff members, Skokie Park District Commissioner, Jerry Clarito with wife Flor, Niles Township Indian American Organization President Usha Kamaria with husband Omprakash, Niles Township ELL Parent Center Director, Corrie Wallace & children.

The following volunteered their time and resources to insure the success of the event: Nando & Petty de Leon from Tuy Club USA, Adeline Fajardo, Ruben Salazar & Steve from the Philippine American Cultural Foundation, Ely & Evelyn Natividad from the Philippine Week Committee, Rod Ranola & Odette Ramos from the FilAm Prayer Group of St. Isaac Jogues, Vic Ricolcol of Adeline’s Food & Catering Services, Victor Miller and her models: Ping Estrada, Veronica Labiano, Ellen Maguad & Larraine Corpuz, and family members & friends: Nelson Chua, Chit Chua, Jack Alix, Happy & Tina Jimenez, Nina Hornung, Homer Saclayan and of course, the parents of the young performers.

Book Readings & Discussions
The general public and students got the opportunity to listen and inter-act with author Cecilia Manguerra Brainard during a series of book discussions scheduled at the library, at the district 219 administrative office, and Niles North & Niles West High Schools. She flew from California to be a part of the wonderful celebration. The culinary students of both high schools also treated the author and other invited guests to wonderful Filipino Dishes, complete with yummy desserts, after the presentations at their respective auditoriums. Mayor Van Dusen & wife Susan attended the reception at Niles West, while Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim attended the one at Niles North with Consular Officer Berth Salvador.

Ms. Almira Astudillo-Gilles did a book reading with demonstrations at the Niles Township Parent ELL Center and East Prairie Elementary School.

The library became the venue for discussions of books written by Dr. Anna Guevarra, Candy Gourlay and Anthony Robles.

Food Demonstrations & Tasting:
For Valentine’s Day treat, the library hosted a demonstration of native sweets, inviting Pastry Chef, Jack Alix who prepared Sans Rival and Alpha Nicolasin, who prepared polvoron. The over 60 attendees enjoyed both desserts.

Art Exhibits/Workshops
During the 6 weeks celebration, art works of renowned FilAm artists were on display at the Skokie Public Library. The following made Filipinos proud with their creations, which became testaments to our artistic talents: Fred De Asis, Paul C. Balan, Susan Alforque Silvano, and Jun Jun Sta. Ana.

Artist Fred De Asis also presented a workshop on the “Kut Kut”, the lost ancient art technique. He also introduced the “Baybayin”, an ancient writing system used during the pre-colonial years in the Philippines.

People’s Power Day
To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, commonly known as People’s Power Day, the Skokie Park District hosted a brief re-enactment held at the Oakton Community Center. Some native games followed, which were participated in and were enjoyed by the young and not so young alike. Dignitaries present were Mayor George Van Dusen with wife Susan & grandson Anthony, and Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera Lim and wife Fides and some village trustees.

Concerts
Vox 3 vocal collective, a group of diverse musicians presented “Island Magic” celebrating the Filipino Vocal Music at the Petty Auditorium of the Skokie Public Library. The songs range from the Kundiman, a romantic song in Tagalog, to the Balitaw, a sort of dance-dialogue, the traditional cradle songs, and other folk materials. The group’s artistic director, Brian von Rueden said during an interview: “When we’re approached about assembling a recital of Filipino music, our programming coordinators were initially stumped. But it has been a pleasure discovering the charm and depth of these pieces. Many of the songs are unabashedly romantic, with heart fully on sleeve, but also quite well crafted”. As one of about 20 FilAms in the audience of about 150, I felt extremely proud. The performers include soprano Angela Zawada, mezzo-soprano Catie Huggins, tenor Joaquim Luis, baritone Brian von Rueden, and pianist Saori Chiba.

Niles North & Niles West High School Activities
Not to be left out in the celebration of the Philippines and its people, the members of the Filipino Clubs at both Niles North & Niles West High Schools planned several activities. At Niles North, they had the Filipino Cultural Breakfast, Movie showing, Karaoke-Filipino Style, Games & Dances, in addition to the book discussions. At Niles West, they celebrated Filipino Day with dances, exhibits, fruit carving demonstration, and Filipino Martial Arts presentation, also in addition to book discussions.

Oakton Community College – Filipino Festival
For their part in the celebration, Oakton Community College presented musical performances, games and a fashion show, and treated guests to wonderful Filipino finger foods. The performers were all excellent, a lot better than some contestants of the American Idol.

Post Event Evaluation
At the first committee meeting following the event, we got an overall successful rating from the members. It was estimated that over 3,000 people attended the various events. Special mention goes to the Officers and Staff of the Philippine Consulate General Office in Chicago, under the leadership of Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim, for their tireless support through their generous donations and presence at all the main the events during the 6 week celebration. The plaque of appreciation and book they respectively presented to Village Mayor George Van Dusen and Skokie Library Director Carolyn Anthony during the Kick Off, were very pleasant surprises and much appreciated. Gerry Alcantara’s Fil Am TV Asian American Hall of Fame, provided another pleasant surprise when the committee founders were recognized for their promotion and support of diversity. The plaque of recognition was accepted by School Superintendent Nanciann Gatta, Mayor George Van Dusen and First Lady Susan Van Dusen at the awards Ceremony held last May 14 at the Hilton Rosemont Hotel in O’Hare.

Being recognized by the leading governmental institutions in the Village of Skokie, not only brings honor and pride to the Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Skokie, but throughout the world. The Coming Together in Skokie is the latest among the various initiatives that made the Village a model for creating peace and harmony in the community.

Invitation to future Village Events:
I would like to extend an open invitation to Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Skokie and surrounding suburbs to join us at the Skokie July 4th Parade. Please send email to: msjellybeans@aol.com for details.