The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Melvin Almonguera and Consul Ella Karina Mitra, joined members of the Filipino community in the Chicago metropolitan area at a meet and greet with boxing legend and former PHL senator Manny Pacquiao at Chicken Ati-Atihan in Niles, Illinois, on 15 August 2026. The event was hosted by the restaurant and Bisayang Mason sa Illinois.

The gathering brought together hundreds of members of the Filipino community, many of whom had the opportunity to meet the boxing legend and take photos with him. The event underscored his enduring connection with Filipinos in the U.S. and the strong community spirit in Chicagoland.

The former senator was in Chicago with his family to accompany his daughter, Queen Elizabeth “Queenie” Pacquiao, as she prepared to begin her college studies at Loyola University Chicago. The Consulate General remains committed to supporting activities that bring together the Filipino-American community and strengthen ties with the PHL. END

(Photos courtesy of Ms. Maryrose Ople, Ms. Ann Teano and Mr. Emilio Nicolasin, Jr.)