Celebrating Heritage and Community: My Experience at the Halo-Halo Project Opening Ceremony
This October, as we celebrate Filipino American History Month, I had the honor of attending the Halo-Halo Project Opening Ceremony at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago — an inspiring event that reminded me why our mission at Pinay Law goes beyond legal advocacy. It was an evening filled with art, music, community, and powerful stories about the Filipino American experience, all woven together into one unforgettable celebration.
The evening began with a warm welcome and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Halo-Halo art exhibit — a vibrant collection showcasing the depth and diversity of Filipino American identity. The name “Halo-Halo,” which means “mix-mix” in Filipino, perfectly reflected the spirit of the event. Just like the beloved Filipino dessert, the exhibit combined many different layers — art, performance, history, and storytelling — to create something beautiful and meaningful.
I was especially moved by the live music from the Sama Sama Project and the cultural performances that filled the space with the sounds and soul of home. Reflections from honored guests, including representatives from the Philippine Consulate of Chicago and Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, offered thoughtful reminders about the importance of preserving our heritage and continuing to uplift Filipino voices in every space we occupy.
As I stood among fellow Filipinos and allies, I felt a deep sense of pride and connection — not just to my roots, but to the work we do every day at Pinay Law. Our mission has always been about more than providing legal services. It’s about empowering voices, preserving identities, and building inclusive spaces where people feel seen, supported, and represented. Events like the Halo-Halo Project are a powerful reminder that advocacy takes many forms — in the courtroom, in the community, and in the stories we choose to celebrate.
Leaving the event, I felt inspired to carry that same spirit of representation and resilience into our work. Just as the Halo-Halo Project brings together many elements to create something meaningful and whole, we at Pinay Law strive to bring together our clients’ diverse experiences and help them navigate life’s challenges with strength and dignity.
The Halo-Halo Project Opening Ceremony was more than just a celebration of Filipino American History Month — it was a reminder of the power of community, the importance of storytelling, and the responsibility we share to honor where we come from while shaping where we’re going.
To learn more about this incredible initiative and the art exhibit, visit www.halohaloproject.org.
