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!
