Halo-Halo Day!

Event Dates: October 2 & 11, 2025

DAY 1: Opening Ceremony

Explore a stunning opening night art exhibition in Ida B. Wells Hall, showcasing powerful works from Filipino-American artists that highlight identity, heritage, and creativity. Enjoy electrifying performances by SamaSama Project and the dynamic theater group Circa Pintig, bringing cultural music and dance to life. Hear inspiring remarks from the Philippine Consulate General, Atty Melanie Rita B. Diano, 48th Ward Alderperson, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, and special guest speakers as we come together to celebrate community and culture.

This will be a vibrant evening of art, music, and connection you won’t want to miss!

Schedule
4:30 PM – Wells Corridor open to guests.
5:30 PM – Auditorium doors open.
6:00 PM – SamaSama Project performance.
Program begins: introductions, remarks, cultural performances, ribbon-cutting. ○ 7:00–7:30 PM – Art exhibit opens; guests mingle.
8:00 PM – Closing.

Partners/Collaborators:

Design Drop Studios, Philippine Consulate General of Chicago, 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, State Rep. Hoan Huynh, Sama Sama Project, CIRCA Pintig, DJ Eric Cervantes.

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DAY 2: Halo-Halo Day

Spend the day with us and immerse yourself in Filipino American culture, creativity, and community!

The morning begins with a lively Parol-making workshop led by Celine Guerrero (9:30 AM), followed by an art workshop with Abby Mendoza (10:15 AM). Throughout the day, families can explore the Filipino School of Chicago’s interactive “Pinoy Pathways” exhibit, a hands-on Filipino immigration history timeline with five learning stations, a trivia wheel, and take-home resources like coloring books and pamphlets.

The morning continues with a music performance by Amanda Payne and a special storytelling session featuring the creators of Time to Shine — Stephanie Vivit Lehmann (author), Geri Martinez-Benz (illustrator), Dr. Stacey Diane Aranez Litam (clinical psychologist and author), and Roel N. Vivit (education consultant).

In the afternoon, join us for Welcome Remarks by 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (1:00 PM), followed by an unforgettable performance and Q&A with SamaSama Project, a dance performance by Bibbak IL, and our book lecture series featuring Angel Abcede and Zee Lacson. The day concludes with an art lecture by Ashley Dequilla.

A full day of art, music, storytelling, and community — fun for all ages and the perfect way to celebrate Filipino American History Month!

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FULL SCHEDULE

Morning Programs

9:30–10:15 AM – Parol-Making Workshop
Led by Celine Guerrero. Create your own parol, the traditional Filipino holiday lantern, in this hands-on family workshop.
9:30 AM–4:30 PM – Filipino School of Chicago: “Pinoy Pathways” (All-Day)
Explore an interactive Filipino Immigration History Timeline across five learning stations, each highlighting a different era of history. Families can move at their own pace, spin a trivia wheel, and stop by for coloring books, pamphlets, and information about the Filipino School of Chicago.
10:15–11:00 AM – Art Workshop
Led by Abby Mendoza. A creative session for children and families to explore Filipino-inspired art projects.
11:00–11:30 AM – Music Performance
Featuring Amanda Payne. An intimate performance showcasing Filipino American music and artistry.
11:30 AM–12:50 PM – Storytelling: Time to Shine
Celebrate family and identity with a storytelling program featuring the creators of Time to Shine:

• Stephanie Vivit Lehmann — Author
• Geri Martinez-Benz — Illustrator
• Dr. Stacey Diane Aranez Litam — Clinical psychologist & author (Oxford University Press)
• Roel N. Vivit — Education consultant & creator of the Time to Shine Educator Guide

Afternoon Programs

1:00–1:15 PM – Welcome Remarks
By 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, reflecting on her community leadership and the significance of Filipino American History Month, followed by an introduction to SamaSama Project.
1:15–2:00 PM – SamaSama Project Performance & Q&A
A high-energy live performance blending music, culture, and community dialogue.
2:00–2:30 PM – Dance Performance
By Bibbak IL, showcasing traditional and contemporary Filipino dance.
2:30–3:15 PM – Book Lecture
With Angel Abcede, sharing insights from his work and cultural storytelling.
3:15–3:45 PM – Book Lecture
With Zee Lacson, exploring themes of heritage and identity in literature.
3:45–4:15 PM – Art Lecture
With Ashley Dequilla, on Filipino American art, identity, and cultural expression.
4:15–4:30 PM – Closing Remarks

Partners/Collaborators:

Design Drop Studios, SamaSama Project, CIRCA Pintig, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Angel Abcede, Zee Lacson, Ashley Dequilla, Ate Abby Mendoza, Amanda Payne, Filipino School of Chicago

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