2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest

The Chicago Journal Staff on November 14, 2025

A Dazzling Evening Under the Lights of Chicago

On May 3, 2025, at 6 p.m., community supporters filled the sanctuary of St. Eugene Church (7958 W. Foster Ave., Chicago , IL) for the “2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest”, a celebration of Filipino‑American talent in the heart of Chicago. Under the thoughtful direction and production of Direk Gerry Rebello, the evening shone with heartfelt performances and a palpable sense of community spirit. The event also gained visibility through Via Times Newsmagazine’s April cover, spotlighting local entertainers and the promise of the show.

Meet the Producer

Photo Courtesy: Alegre De Pilpinas

Direk Gerry Rebello is a producer and director committed to Filipino-American performing arts. His profile reflects years of bridging cultural expression and community uplift. For this 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest, he brought together outstanding vocalists and a respected industry figure—ensuring each talent had a platform to shine. The sold‑out event underscores how community backing and thoughtful direction create memorable shared experiences.

The Voices Behind the Musical Fest

Photo Courtesy: Alegre De Pilpinas

Each performer brought a unique voice and personal journey to the stage. Here is a closer look at the talented roster.

Ellen Balmadrid

Ellen Balmadrid is a talented vocalist based in Chicago, known for her involvement in both music and community events. During the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest, she delivered a performance marked by a clear and expressive tone, which captivated the audience. Her presence contributed to the event’s uplifting atmosphere and reinforced Direk Rebello’s vision of promoting Filipino-American artistry in Chicago.

Marilou Ventura

Marilou Ventura is an active member of the Filipino-American community in Chicago, frequently participating in local events that showcase her vocal talent. At the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest, she brought dynamic energy to the stage, creating a strong connection with the audience. Her performance furthered the festival’s mission of celebrating shared Filipino heritage through music.

Marilou Dichosa

Marilou Dichosa’s performance at the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest was a powerful mix of emotional depth and clear vocal technique. Her involvement in the event highlighted the festival’s commitment to a diverse range of voices, each offering a unique contribution to the collective experience and fostering a sense of community.

Irelyn Arana

Irelyn Arana brought a youthful exuberance and refined vocal style to the stage at the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest. Her performance captured a perfect balance of new energy while honoring the cultural roots central to the show’s theme. She helped bridge the generational gap through music, embodying the spirit of the event.

Ria Jessica Bonjoc

Ria Jessica Bonjoc’s voice stood out at the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest, with a unique blend of clarity and warmth that enriched the overall experience. Her performance underscored the event’s emphasis on showcasing Filipino-American talent, contributing to the cultural depth of the evening and adding to the festival’s meaningful context.

Olivena Dela Pena

Although less visible on social media, Olivena Dela Pena’s performance at the fest was compelling and resonated deeply with the audience. Her inclusion reflected the event’s commitment to providing opportunities for local artists, showcasing the diverse talent within the community, irrespective of their online presence.

Roger Calimutan

Roger Calimutan brought a wealth of experience to the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest. With a strong stage presence, he helped anchor the event, delivering a performance that was both polished and heartfelt. His contribution was crucial in maintaining the professional tone of the event while fostering a sense of community connection.

Ingrid Bantugan

Ingrid Bantugan’s performance added a strong and commanding vocal presence to the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest. She approached the stage with a focused and mindful demeanor, enhancing the event’s goal of celebrating Filipino-American talent in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Rolan Adams & Rolando Crizaldo (Jeremiah Band)

Rolan Adams and Rolando Crizaldo of the Jeremiah Band brought a diverse musical background to the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest. Their performances added both vocal and instrumental variety, enriching the musical experience of the event and perfectly aligning with its vision of inclusive artistic expression.

Janice Israel Delima

As CEO of Alegre de Pilipinas, Janice Isarel Delima played a key role in promoting the 2025 Chicago Stars Spring Musical Fest. Through her strategic media outreach and community connections, she helped amplify the event’s visibility and ensured its success. Her efforts exemplified the power of collaboration in supporting talent-driven events within the Filipino-American community.

A Night to Remember: Celebrating Filipino Talent

The Chicago Shining Stars Concert was an unforgettable evening, made possible by the incredible support of the Filipino community. The event was SOLD OUT and a resounding success, thanks to the collective efforts of everyone who attended.

Congratulations to the exceptional singers who took the stage, giving their all to make the event truly special. Special recognition goes to the visionary producer, Direk Gerry Rebello, whose unwavering belief in the Filipino singers of Chicago continues to elevate local talent.

As the community continues to come together in support of local artists, the power of music will continue to shine. The journey to uplift and celebrate talent remains strong—see you at the next show!

Chicago Starbucks Workers Walk Out on Red Cup Day

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on November 14, 2025

Why Workers Chose Red Cup Day

Starbucks baristas across Chicago joined a nationwide strike on November 13, 2025. The walkout was timed to coincide with Red Cup Day, one of the company’s busiest promotions, when customers flock to stores for free reusable holiday cups. Workers say the timing was deliberate, meant to draw attention to their demands for fair contracts and better working conditions.

At the Evanston Dempster Street Starbucks, more than 30 workers and community members rallied outside the store. They held signs, played music, and chanted in support of union rights. “Unfortunately, money speaks to corporations much more than the voices of people at times,” said Kyle Duda, a Starbucks Workers United member, during the rally.

The strike was part of a coordinated effort across 65 stores in 40 cities. Organizers hoped that by disrupting one of Starbucks’ most profitable days, they could push the company to return to the bargaining table with new proposals.

What the Union Is Asking For

Starbucks Workers United, the union representing baristas, says the company hasn’t made new proposals on staffing, pay, or scheduling since April. Workers argue that understaffing leaves them overwhelmed during peak hours, while wages haven’t kept pace with inflation.

Chicago Starbucks Workers Walk Out on Red Cup Day (2)

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Union members also want the company to address hundreds of alleged unfair labor practices. These include claims of retaliation against employees who supported unionization. “We’ve been waiting months for Starbucks to negotiate in good faith,” said union spokesperson Michelle Eisen, adding that workers are frustrated by the lack of progress.

The union’s demands reflect broader labor movements across the country, but Chicago has been a focal point. Several stores in the city unionized in 2022, and local rallies have drawn strong community support.

How Starbucks Responded

Starbucks has said it wants to reach agreements but disputes the union’s claims. The company argues that it has offered competitive pay and benefits, and that negotiations have stalled because of disagreements over bargaining procedures.

In a statement, Starbucks said, “We respect our partners’ right to protest, but we believe direct negotiations are the best path forward.” The company emphasized that it has raised wages and expanded benefits in recent years, though union members say those changes don’t go far enough.

For customers, the strike meant longer waits or closed stores in parts of Chicago. Some patrons expressed support for the workers, while others were frustrated by the disruption. The mixed reactions highlight the tension between consumer expectations and worker rights.

Why It Matters for Chicago

Chicago has a long history of labor activism, and the Starbucks strike fits into that tradition. The city has been a hub for union organizing, from steelworkers to teachers, and now service industry employees.

The Red Cup Day strike shows how national labor disputes resonate locally. For Chicago workers, the walkout wasn’t just about coffee—it was about fair treatment and respect in the workplace. Community turnout at rallies underscored the city’s culture of solidarity.

Economically, the strike also raises questions about how service sector jobs are valued. With Chicago’s cost of living continuing to rise, workers argue that fair pay and reliable scheduling are essential for stability. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for other service workers in the city.