For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
September 27, 2021
FYLPRO to launch Filipino Arts Festival featuring Filipino Filmmakers Panel, Akin Ang Korona Screening and Comedy Show
CHICAGO – In celebration of FIlipino American History Month, the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is launching Filipino Arts Festival featuring a filmmakers panel, U.S. screening of Akin Ang Korona and comedy show with Rex Navarette and JR de Guzman on October 9, 2021.
“We are extremely excited to celebrate Filipino-American History Month in Chicago by showcasing talented Filipino American artists, comedians and creatives that will benefit youth leadership programs for the Filipino Community” said Lakhi Siap, FYLPRO Board of Director and Co-Chair of FYLPRO Arts Fest 2021.
In partnership with Asian Pop-up Cinema and Chicago Asian Network, FYLPRO’s Filipino Arts Festival will take place at Alliance Française De Chicago, 54 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. CST with the U.S. screening of “Akin Ang Korona,” directed by Zig Madamba Dulay and starring Nar Cabico, Angel Aquino, Aaron Rivera, Kiray Celis, Kiest Viray and Phi Palmos. “Akin Ang Korona” follows Nanong (Nar Cabico) as his life becomes the focus of a tabloid-format TV show in hopes of finding his lost father.
Following the film screening, at 6:30 p.m. CST, a Filipino filmmakers panel including 3-time Tony and Grammy Award-winning entertainment producer and FYLPRO alum Jhett Tolentino who is set to debut his directorial film starring Dante Basco and Toni Gonzaga, Emmy award-winning Filipinx filmmaker Michele Josue of Netflix’s Happy Jail, Billy Dec who is a 2-time Emmy Award Winning TV Personality, Actor, Attorney and the Founder/CEO of celebrated businesses like Sunda New Asian Restaurants and The Underground Nightclub and Akin ang Korona’s lead actor Nar Cabico will discuss their experience as Filipino American in the film industry moderated by journalist Cat Sandoval.
Lastly, after the panel, a comedy stand-up show with comedians Rex Navarrete and JR de Guzman will kick off at 8:30 p.m. CST. Rex Navarrete has performed alongside headliners such as George Lopez, Russell Peters, Ali Wong, among others over the past three decades. His most popular DVD, “Badass Madapaka”, was filmed in front of a sold-out crowd at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. JR De Guzman has entertained all over the world, having performed for Stand-Up Tokyo and ROR Comedy in Japan, the Jokers Ball in Indonesia, the Badaboom Comedy Series in Amsterdam, and countless other international shows.
“It’s an impressive line-up of notable Filipino Americans in Film from all over the USA coming together for Filipino American History Month here in Chicago! It also is a wonderful comeback to the theater on our third collaboration with Asian Pop-up Cinema,” said Louella Rose Cabalona, FYLPRO President, noting the two organizations successfully pivoted to a drive-in screening last year. “My sincerest thank you for APUC and Chicago Asian Network’s support in helping FYLPRO uplift the profile of Filipinos while also raising funds for our programs benefiting youth leaders.”
Tickets for “Akin Ang Korona” range from $30 to $40. https://fylpro.networkforgood.com/events/34059-akin-ang-korona-us-premiere-fylpro-arts-fest-2021
Tickets for the Comedy Show with Rex Navarette and JR de Guzman range from $50 to $150
All access tickets range from $100 to $120:
For more information on filmmakers and performers and to purchase tickets: https://bitly.com/fylproartsfest2021
The organizers encourage wearing masks for everyone’s safety regardless of vaccination status. Alliance Française De Chicago requires wearing a mask when moving around the building (regardless of vaccination status) and social distancing where possible. For the venue’s Covid-19 safety measures, visit www.af-chicago.org/covid-19-information
About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)
FILIPINO YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM (FYLPRO) is a network of high performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries.
We continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting them to the motherland, we foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community.
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