Photo Release

Left photo: Consul General delivers her remarks. Right photo (from left to right): FAASD President

Alex Simbol, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, and Mayor of Darien Joseph Marchese

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, accompanied by Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, attended the 42nd Anniversary Celebration and Coronation of Muses for 2026–2028 of the Filipino American Association of South DuPage (FAASD) on 09 October 2026 at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

In her remarks, Consul General Diano commended FAASD, under the leadership of its President, Mr. Alex Simbol, for its continued efforts to engage younger generations in preserving and promoting Filipino culture and heritage, ensuring that Filipino values and traditions are not only remembered but also actively practiced and passed on to future generations.

Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese was also in attendance and reaffirmed his support for the Filipino American community. END

Consul General Diano, 5th from right, poses with the FAASD Dancers.

Photo (left to right): Mr. Rene Balcita, Mr. Alex Simbol, RJ Turija, Consul General Melanie Rita B.

Diano, and Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel