Film screening, stand-up comedy to kick off Chicago Fil-Am History Month

Comedians Rex Navarette (left) and JR de Guzman will headline Filipino Arts Festival in Chicago. CONTRIBUTED

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) in Chicago is hosting the Filipino Arts Festival, featuring a filmmakers panel, the U.S. screening of “Akin Ang Korona” and comedy by Rex Navarrete and JR de Guzman on Oct. 9, 2021 to mark Filipino American History Month.

“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 member and festival co-chair.

In partnership with Asian Pop-up Cinema and Chicago Asian Network, the arts festival will be held at Alliance Française De Chicago, 54 W Chicago Ave, Chicago.

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.

A Filipino filmmakers’ panel at 6:30 p.m. CST follows the screening, to discuss the experiences of Filipino Americans in the film industry. Journalist Cat Sandoval will moderate.

The panel consists of the following: three-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, a two-time Emmy Award Winning TV Personality, actor, attorney and founder/CEO of celebrated businesses like Sunda New Asian Restaurants and The Underground Nightclub; Akin ang Korona” lead actor Nar Cabico.

A stand-up comedy show at 8:30 p.m. CST follows, starring comedians Rex Navarrete and JR de Guzman. 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 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.

For more information and to purchase tickets: https://bitly.com/fylproartsfest2021