Justin Suico

✨ As Filipino American History Month comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible journey this has been.

This year, I had the honor of serving as Lead Project Manager for The Halo-Halo Project along with the director . A celebration of Filipino creativity, culture, and community in the heart of Chicago. What began as an idea grew into something so much more; a collective movement to unite Filipino voices across Illinois and highlight our impact on American culture and diversity.

From art and music to storytelling and education, the passion and pride shared by everyone reminded me why representation matters, when we tell our stories, we give others the courage to tell theirs.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible:
, State Representative , Philippine Consulate General of Chicago, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Stephanie Vivit Lehmann, Dr. Stacey Diane Aranez Litam, Roel Vivit, Angel Abcede, Zee Lacson, Ashley Dequilla, Abby Mendoza, Celine Guerrero, Amanda Payne, Bibbak IL, and The Filipino School of Chicago.

🎧 — for keeping the energy alive all night.
📸 Justin Pagsisihan — for capturing every beautiful moment.

🏛️ Special thanks to the Chicago Public Library and Harold Washington Library Center for their partnership and support in bringing this vision to life.

This project was more than an event.. it was a movement. A reminder that when our community comes together, we don’t just celebrate history, we make it.

Now that the dust (and the soreness) has settled, I’ve finally had time to reflect on what was easily one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life: the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

All the months of training, early mornings, quiet discipline, and focused intention led to this moment. And by mile 12, my body hit a wall.. sharp pain shot through the side of my knee, and every step after became a battle. I limped through miles of pain. But there was never a thought of stopping.

Because I didn’t run just for myself.
I ran to honor my parents, and for every person affected by cancer. I carried their names on my back, your loved ones, your stories, your memories. That was my fuel when the pain tried to stop me.

Shout out to Pilsen for the loudest, most soulful support on the course. You lifted me when I needed it most. You have my fight and strength!✊🏾

Huge thanks to for the opportunity to be part of the official campaign, and to the for believing in me to represent this cause with heart.

To everyone who donated: thank you. Your generosity helped me reach my goal, and more importantly, helped make a difference.

This was more than a marathon.
It was healing.
It was purpose.
It was proof that through pain, we can still push forward with love.

Through this journey, I carry you. 🏁💙

🌟 Last chance to see it in person.
This is the final week to view my piece "Tetsuo" at the Evanston + Vicinity Biennial, closing on September 21st.

I’m deeply honored to have been selected Best in Show out of 80+ incredibly talented artists from across the Midwest. Being chosen in such a competitive field means the world to me.

If you haven't made it out yet, this is your last opportunity to experience the work in full detail and scale. Thank you again to everyone who visited, shared kind words, and voted—your support has been overwhelming.

📍 Evanston Art Center
🗓️ Through Saturday, Sept 21

📷 Photo cred: the talented Mr.