The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC) participated at the Chicago Children’s Museum’s “Passport to the World” series that showcased the arts and traditions of Chicago’s many ethnic groups and to provide opportunities for museum visitors to better understand Chicago’s unique multicultural community. During the weekend of June 11-14, 2009, CCM featured the Philippines and hosted displays of Philippine crafts and exhibits, as well as interactive productions by native performers and artists, Families enjoyed the sights, sounds and arts of the Philippines and celebrated the Philippine Independence Day.

FACHIC volunteers provided a workshop on Filipino traditional children’s games. They taught children and families the importance of physical fitness and going outside to play instead of watching TV or playing video games. They demonstrated how to play the game Patintero, a type of game that involves tagging people and boundaries. The children had a lot fun and learned the games that their parents used to play when they were young.

This was the second time that the series celebrated the Philippines. The weekend celebration begun on Thursday evening, June 11, 2009 with an opening ceremony, program of music, and cultural dances. The exhibits and performances continued on Saturday and Sunday (June 13-14). There was a parade of Philippine costumes on Saturday, June 13. The 3-day event included a variety of fun “hand’s on” programs for kids and families.