Entertainment
Explore the rich tapestry of Filipino music, from classic folk songs to the latest chart-topping hits. Discover talented local artists, both emerging and established, as they captivate audiences with their soulful performances. Additionally, experience the joy and energy of traditional Filipino dances, as we showcase the graceful movements and colorful costumes that bring our cultural heritage to life.
JEremy passion
a Filipino-American singer, songwriter, and producer whose music blends R&B, soul, and acoustic pop with heartfelt lyrics and rich melodies. Known for his viral hit “Lemonade” and collaborations with artists like Tori Kelly and AJ Rafael, Jeremy has built a global fanbase with his authentic artistry and smooth vocals.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Jeremy Passion is proud of his Filipino heritage and infuses his performances with the warmth, heart, and depth of his cultural roots. From YouTube fame to stages around the world, he continues to uplift and inspire through songs about love, life, and purpose.
alpha nicolasin
Alpha Nicolasin is a flight attendant for a major US airline and writes on her journal during her layovers. She hosted Hataw Pinoy Chicago, a weekly television show that aired in Chicago from 2003 to 2013. She was the managing editor of The Filipino American Community Builder, a monthly newspaper that served the Filipino community in the Greater Chicago Area from 2002 to 2015.
OLIVE LEOPOLDO
Olive Leopoldo is a dedicated individual who is passionate about promoting cultural awareness and community building. As a member of CIRCA Pintig, she has played an important role in promoting Filipino American culture and history through various programs and events. Her leadership in her high school’s Asian American Club and her role as a Piyesta Pinoy Youth Emcee for several years demonstrate her commitment to fostering cultural appreciation among the youth
PACF Performing arts
Philippine American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts is a cultural group that promotes our Philippine culture through music, dance, arts,food and cultural workshops. We are based in the western suburbs and have members from age 2 and up.
RJ SIlva
mari joy
anna nicolasin
Anna has been singing since she was young – with family, church choir, school choir and a cappella groups, and at Fil-Am events like Adobofest and Piyesta Pinoy. Anna has multiple chronic illnesses, including lung disorders that have made singing very difficult, but has recently started singing again and won this year’s Skokie Idol competition! Anna lives with their husband and their beagle-corgi, Jasmine Milk Tea.
EMILIO nicolasin
He started singing in his native Butuan City in the Philippines, where he was a champion in the regional Tawag ng Tanghalan, the equivalent to today’s The Voice. He honed his abilities while he was a member of Mindanao State University’s Sining Kambayoka Ensemble. Notably, his performance in the lead role (Jamail) in the award-winning play, “Halik sa Kampilan” (Kiss the Sword) earned him rave reviews from the critics, as well as a nod from the Aliw Awards Foundation, which gave him a coveted Aliw acting award, the Philippines’ equivalent of a Tony.
Samasama project
SamaSama Project was launched as Chicago’s premiere Filipino Folk Fusion band in 2008. “SamaSama” translated as “united, together” truly lives up to their name creating a blend of Filipino folk, rock, ska, and Latin music, inspired by a 1970s musical movement called Manila Sound. Over the years, the talented group led by singer and musical actress Lou Ella Rose and husband Baron Lloyd Cabalona, a versatile musician and arranger have made their mark showcasing a fusion of Filipino traditional folk and contemporary music at many notable venues and events. SamaSama Project regularly performs around Illinois and other Midwest States.
no limits band
For over 10 years No Limits Band of Chicago have been igniting crowds in Chicagoland and northwest suburbs with their exhilarating live performance that mirrors the artists they are covering. The band covers all the popular genres from 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s and current hits- with extremely wide selection of disco, rock, pop, r&b, new wave, funk, dance, country, Motown, Latin, and many more that allows them to effortlessly switch musical gears in order to accommodate any audience. Each show is loaded with variety and contrast that takes the audience on a generational tour of music genres.
ingrid bantugan
Ingrid Bantugan is a freelance performer/singer who volunteers to sing for her church and local Filipino events. She has performed at Piyesta Pinoy for 2 consecutive years and is eager to share her gift of music with her community.
Paolo Apuli
a soulful singer-songwriter and guitarist living in Chicago, IL. Drawing musical influences from the laid back vibes of Jason Mraz to the Blues/Rock stylings of John Mayer, Paolo’s music brings a positive message and upbeat energy to the room.
Whether it’s a solo acoustic, live-looping performance or stepping out on stage with a full band, his smooth vocals and musical versatility provide a timeless sound that captivates audiences.
FiA’liwan
FIA’Liwan is a musical group stemming from UIC’s Filipino organization, Filipinos in Alliance (FIA). The Filipino word “aliwan” means entertainment, which reflects the talent, versatility, and flexibility of the group – not just as performers, but as entertainers. Consisting of singers and instrumentalists, the group serves as a creative outlet for those looking to express themselves through Original Pinoy Music (OPM).
Pheobe Teoli
Phoebe Teoli is 16 years old and is a member of PACF Performing Arts. She has been part of this group since 3rd grade. She attends Hinsdale Central High School and is a member of the school choir. She sings for other events affiliated with Hinsdale Central. Phoebe is singing the US National Anthem for Piyesta Pinoy this year! She is also an active volunteer of Filipino American Historical society of Chicago.
Bibbak
BIBBAK Illinois is a cultural organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich culture of the Cordilleran people, a group of indigenous people in Northern Luzon, Philippines.
Santacruzan Rhythm of the Islands Dance Group
philippine greater nurses Association of gc
PNAGC cultural dance group is composed of professional licensed nurses in greater Chicago area
lane tech Kapamilya
Kapamilya Habang Buhay will be performing one of the Philippine’s most popular tradintional folk dances: Tinikling. It is named after the Tinikling bird, which is known for its graceful movements as it walks between grass stalks or steps over twigs. The dance is believed to have originated in Leyte, and is thought to have been inspired by the practice of the locals imitating the birds trying to avoid being caught between the bamboo poles, which were set up as traps for birds. Over time, it evolved into a popular folk dance performed at festivals and celebrations, showcasing agility, rhythm, and coordination.
fia CULTURAL
FIA Cultural focuses on teaching its members aspects of Filipino Culture. This is achieved primarily through the performance of cultural/traditional folk dances and general body meetings, where members may learn to dance. We aim to continue challenging how we understand our heritage by building an environment that fosters both traditional and modern Filipino ideals.
barkada
PSA Barkada is a part of the Philippine Student Association at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Together, we put on a vast assortment of cultural dances and performances that represent the people, customs, music, and attires from many different regions of the Philippines.
