Press Release

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano received Ms. Lou Ella Rose Cabalona and Mr. Baron Lloyd Cabalona of SamaSama Project on 18 March 2025 at the Philippine Consulate.

Ms. Cabalona briefed the Consul General on SamaSama Project's events for this year, including shows at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in May and at the Old Town School of Folk Music in October. She also apprised the Consul General of her research on the history and evolution of Filipino music in the US Midwest and its influences on Original Pilipino Music.

Consul General Diano, for her part, looked forward to SamaSama Project's upcoming activities in Chicagoland and their continuing research for The Great Filipino Songbook. Consul General Diano likewise committed the Consulate's support to the group's endeavors and expressed appreciation for their music, ingenuity, and artistry.

The Consul General and SamaSama Project also agreed to collaborate on an event later this year, which will serve as a prelude to the Consulate's celebration of the 80th Anniversary of PH-US relations.

SamaSama Project was launched in 2008 as one of Chicago's Filipino Folk Fusion bands. Over the years, they have made their mark in the US Midwest by showcasing their unique sound of Filipino traditional folk and contemporary music. Last year, the group released their first album, "The Great Filipino Songbook," a collection of songs and stories that shaped the trajectory of Philippine music during America's Gold Age of Music.END