21 December 2004 – In line with the Department’s intensified efforts to promote Philippine culture, the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago participated in the La Salle Bank@Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier in Chicago, which started on 10 December 2004 and will close on 02 January 2005.

“The Philippine Christmas tree is prominently displayed near the entrance of the Festival Hall. The Consulate personnel, assisted by the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago,  decorated the tree with colorful Philippine ornaments made of abaca, buri, sinamay and other local materials,” Consul General Blesilda Cabrera said.

The Navy Pier, which is one of the best attractions in Chicago, has more than 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops and restaurants situated at the center of the city.  Its Festival Hall was transformed into a winter wonderland featuring  more than sixty brightly colored Christmas trees, sparkling rinks large scale inflatable games, a model train station, a musical carousel and trackless train for all ages.

As part of the multicultural celebration of the holidays around the world, the Transfiguration Dance Troupe, a Filipino cultural group, performed during the opening reception were some 800 guests attended. END
 
 

/gary