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Press Release

PRESS RELEASE NO. 24-2022


CHICAGO PCG ATTENDS SANTACRUZAN 2022 IN WOODRIDGE, ILLINOIS


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Consul Ryan Pondoc (right) with event organizers Mr. RJ Turija (left) and Ms. Joanne Turija (middle) after
the Santacruzan procession. (Photo by RJ Turija)


Chicago, 31 May 2022 – Consul General J. Susana V. Paez, together with Consul Ryan Pondoc, attended the Chicago Nightingales’ 5th Induction and Awards Ceremony held on 28 May 2022 at the Drury Lane Banquets in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Chicago, 31 May 2022 – After successfully hosting the 1st Santacruzan Cultural Fashion Show last month, the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago (SCGGC) headed by Mr. Rene John Turija and Ms. Joanne Turija organized the Santacruzan 2022 at the Christ the Servant Catholic Church in Woodridge, Illinois on 29 May 2022. The event was part of the Filipino community’s celebration of the National Heritage Month.

CThe Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Ryan Pondoc, attended the festivity as a show of support and appreciation to the group for promoting Filipino culture and tradition.

The program started with a Holy Rosary, followed by a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Santos “Sunny” Castillo. The crowning of the queens was held after the mass and then followed by the procession. To end the program, there was a fellowship at the church grounds.

Derived from the word Santa Cruz or Holy Cross, Santacruzan honors the finding of the True Cross by Constantine the Great and Helena of Constantinople (or Reyna Elena). In the Philippines, it is usually held on the last day of May to conclude the celebration of the Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May), a month-long festivity in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. END

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Santacruzan participants pose for a group photo after the crowning of the queens.(Photo by Manuel Escalona Jr.)