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October 15, 2010
“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.”
– Corazon Aquino –
FIL-AMS AS ARTISTS
Mayor Richard M. Daley has declared October Filipino-American History Month. Among the myriad of Fil-Am events featured this month first and foremost on my mind is ‘The Filipino as an Artist in Chicago’ currently being held at the Philippine Consulate at: 30 N. Michigan Avenue. The art exhibit is on the 21st floor of the Consulate in Kalayaan Hall. The show runs from now through Halloween Day. Some of Chicago’s finest Fil-Am artists have their works on display. Being ‘in the business’ (practicing artist) I know great art when I see it and this is great art!
Showcased are father and son painters Bueno and Fabie Silva, Susan Alforque Silvano, Ceasr Conde, Jun-Jun Sta. Ana, Willi Buhay, and Wivinne Eve Red Buhay. For those who’ve been following Philippine Adventures, I’ve written about Bueno, Fabie, and Willi and highlighted their superb craftsmanship and dedication and service to the Filipino community here and back home through their art. The exhibition is small in comparison to most shows with artists of this high caliber, but the quality of their artistry more than makes up for the shows smallness in size for an art show of this magnitude. The exhibition is sponsored by: the Philippine CPA’s of Greater Chicago and Walgreens, and its FREE.
MALIGAYANG PASKO
I know it’s too early to think about Christmas, but some folks like to get an early start on the holiday season. Me, I’m thinking about the World Series. Normally I’m a Yankee’s fan except for the time when the Chicago White Sox, the south sides finest played and won the 2005 Series. Party goers and kids are more attuned to Halloween.
Reader if you plan to make your own holiday decorations (Christmas parols) it’s high time you learned. Why buy when you can make? Fil-Am artist Fred DeAsis will conduct this popular cultural event. The session is free but you must enroll in advance. Sorry to say the event is scheduled on the same day this article hits the stands Saturday October 16th. I’m sure if you get a Mega Scene early enough and give Fred a call at St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church, 8307 N. Harlem Av, Niles, IL Parish Ministry Center and ask them to connect you to the Parish Ministry Center, I’m sure they’ll be able to squeeze you in but call first. The Rectory’s number is 847-966-8145. I couldn’t find the number for the Ministry Center. This 5th Annual Free Parol Making Workshop will start at noon and should be over in time for their 5 PM Saturday evening Sunday anticipation Mass in case you want to attend. There is another Anticipation Mass at 6:30 but it’s in Polish.
Fred’s Commissioner of Arts and Culture in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a Fil-Am artist of renown though not part of the Consulate art show. He’s a cultural conservationist, art lecturer, and to my knowledge has been hosting the parol workshop since its inception. The aim of Fred’s workshop is to promote one of the Republic’s finest Christmas cultural traditions the art of the Christmas parol or star. Like so many other so-called ‘native’ Philippine traditions, parol making has its origins in the early 1600’s when the Spanish colonized the Islands. It you get this article in time and register for this event, the organizers will want you to bring your camera, be prepared to sing carols, and share food. There’ll be prizes, raffles, a sing-a-long, and a lot of other fun stuff to do. My wife and I will be attending. We’ll see you at the party.
FILIPINO AMERICAN
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Reader have you ever enjoyed an experience so much that you literally wanted to ‘bottle it’ and take it home? Ever saw a movie that was so good that you purchased the CD soon as it hit the market?
Filipino History Month is that experience. The Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC) provides members a rich diet of all things Filipino. Why wait for October when you can savor the experience all year? Their Mission Statement says it all:
• To record Chicago’s Filipino American history
• To preserve and display valuable Fil-Am artifacts and documents
• To host historical exhibitions about Chicago’s Filipino Americans
• To promote public interest in Filipino American History
• To educate non-Filipinos to an appreciation and understanding of the heritage of Filipino Americans
• To establish the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago Museum
There are many good things I could say about this unique museum but Reader I’ll leave that to you. Go ahead and look at their site then make up your own mind: www.fahschicago.org. Their address is:
Mailing Address:
Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago
5472 South Dorchester Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615-5309
Telephone:
(773) 947-8696
Email:
fahschicago@gmail.com
A few years ago when they headquartered out of a tiny storefront near the corner of Ashland and Irving Park Road I was both member and Secretary. I first learned about FAHSC from fellow artist, writer, and current Vice President Willi ‘Red’ Buhay. Willi’s also exhibiting at the Philippines Consulate’s ‘The Filipino as an Artist in Chicago Show.’ A hands-on museum, the FAHSC is always looking for volunteer docents (guides), security guards, fundraisers, marketers and public relations people. They also need entertainers.
Reader times ZUP! Next week we again return to the political area and focus on the upcoming November elections and how it will impact the Filipino-American and other Asian communities. GOD bless you, be sober, drive carefully, and take care of yourself.
“Very few people are true intellectuals yearning for truth, equality among all peoples, and the betterment of society through ideas. Most pretend to be persons of the mind only to show off or subdue those they don’t like through feigned adherence and bitter sarcasm” -Your Writer-
(vamaxwell@yahoo.com)