Chicago, IL – August 13, 2012. Volunteers from the Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC) took an active role in this year’s Passport to the Philippines event on June 14th through 16th in 2012. This event is part of the Passport to the World series held at the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier that showcases the arts and traditions of Chicago’s many ethnic groups.

A variety of programs, performances, workshops and exhibits that authentically represents Filipino culture and traditions were offered. FACHIC contributed by hosting an interactive demonstration of Filipino children’s games and a healthier version of champorado, a sweet chocolate rice porridge. FACHIC’s version made this tasty dessert healthier using skim milk, brown rice and less sugar. Guests were served samples and offered the recipe to take home and share. In addition, FACHIC displayed their informational booth of healthy lifestyle tips and take away brochures. A printable and downloadable copy of the healthier recipe for champorado can be found at http://www.fachic.org/recipes.

The Philippines joined the Passport to the World program at the Chicago Children’s Museum in June 2008. The Passport to Philippines is now in its fifth year. The Philippines is continually included in the series because the Filipino American community has a sizable ethnic presence and continues to make rich historical contributions to the diversity of Chicago neighborhoods.

Cooperating groups who made this event possible are: Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC), Filipino American Network (FAN), National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF), the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Chicago (UPAAGC) and TUY Club USA.

The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC) is a collaborative of community, health professional, and academic leaders united to address Filipino health issues in the Chicago area. The mission of FACHIC is to increase awareness of Filipino health disparities and to implement health interventions and educational programming to improve the health status of the Filipino community. FACHIC is a 501(c)(3) Illinois nonprofit organization. All programs and services are free and available to all. For more information, visit http://www.fachic.org.