3 Big Reasons to Experience the Wonders of Manila Zoo Chicagoland 2023

Manila Zoo Chicagoland is fast approaching with only a mere three days left! 

For those who are interested in getting in touch with their heritage as well as those who are interested in getting to know the Filipino culture, we invite you to come and witness this modern fiesta hosted by Project Barkada that celebrates culture and identity! Manila Zoo is crafted as a reflection of the Asian-Filipinx community sharing its spirit through food and entertainment to others in a collaborative space. It’s a place where AAPI food, art, and culture come alive and it’s happening all throughout this weekend from September 23-24!

More than anything, it is an immersive event! An early kickoff to Filipino American History Month, Manila Zoo is bringing the nostalgia of the Philippines to Chicagoland as Chicago hosts its second Manila Zoo event, celebrating Filipino and AAPI food and market vendors, live music and entertainment, culture, and much more. The event aims to show the rich tapestry of Filipino-American culture. It's a weekend packed with mouthwatering cuisine, vibrant and captivating entertainment all for the celebration of the Filipino heritage! Plus for the first time ever, the event will bring a real-life Jeepney! Known to be one of the most iconic transportations used by the average Juan, the Jeepney is a known Filipino trademark!

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If you need more reasons to drop by, here are 3 BIG Reasons why Manila Zoo Chicagoland is worth checking out:

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1. Huge Vendor List!

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Manila Zoo has over 40+ Vendors! Feast your eyes on different Filipino products and support fellow Filipino and AAPI small businesses! From food to clothes, to items worth gifting to loved ones that would remind them of the Philippines, you won’t be missing out! From sweet tasty treats brought by Salamat Cookies, to fine modern Filipino illustrations brought by Illi Ferandez Art, to cool apparels and collectives brought by Abakada® and Buhay Collectives, there’s a little bit of something for everyone! 

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Not convinced? Check out the entire Vendor List below:

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VENDOR LIST:

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• Project Barkada (NYC)
• SALAMAT Cookies!® (IND)
• Chicago Asian Network
• Masiramon Chicago
• Clark Street Sports
• Abakada®
• The Boiis Co™(NYC)
• Illi Fernandez Art
• Made By Xtine
• Brew Coffee Lab
• AroundTheWayGrlz
• Novel Pizza
• Ampilfied Apparel 
• Studio Kwoh x Michwu Creations 
• Chicago For Keeps
• Muijistudio
• Amber Agave
• Tatlong Itlg
• IM HOME CANDLES
• Chicago Test Kitchen
• Domantics Shop
• Buhay Collective
• Pineberry Paper
• Parols of America (OHIO)
• Lead By Example Apparel 
• Cakes By Ma
• Laxamana Bake Shop
• Mochinut - Lincoln Park
• Lechonbae (NYC)
• MANO Modern Cafe
• Stephen’s Barbecue
• A Taste of the Philippines
• Sweet Delights Chicago LLC
• Lamon Chicago
• Keyks (NYC)
• Quin-Quin's Pinoy StreetFood
• Emi Tolibas Art
• Valeza
• Cobbler Lane Designs
• Kusinero
• Common Skies
• For us, dear
• Wander From the Known
• Pocket Belly Co (NYC)
• Veloria Coffee
• Krazy Chef's Foods Company (NYC)
• Mabuyami
• Boy George Inasal (NYC)
• FLEURENZ
• tigz!
• Petite Karat
• WE EACH BELONG
• Panda Pao
• Feeltrip records / no requests
• Kaibigans Lang
• EyeKhanic Eat

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2. Live Entertainment throughout the Weekend!

Filipino Artists have been frontrunners in the Music and Entertainment industry so it’s no wonder that this weekend you’ll be able to have a taste of that prowess! Have fun and de-stress and listen to some of the cool beats that would be playing all throughout the event! Catch DJ E-Rock, DJ, Jayfunk, DJ Sabado, RTST, Deneza on Saturday, September 23. 

We guarantee you won’t be able to get enough of Saturday’s entertainment, so we made sure the Afterparty on September 23 will be just as wild! Catch Mikey Jukes, Jake Gatsby, Uncrowned Sounds, and Bvthers Keeper starting 6pm-10pm at Workshop 4200! 

If you think we’re stopping there, Sunday, September 24 will be just as fun! The Whoevers, J.SWVNK, Chaco Beats, DJ Boy Wonder, Mvrk Major!

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3. Have a Laugh during the Stand-Up Comedy Performance!

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If you’re the type to like to share jokes, or you’re an aspiring comedian, or you just simply want to have a good time and share a laugh with your family and friends, well you sure are in for a treat! A new addition to the lineup of Entertainment is the addition of the OG Legendary Comedian Rex Navarrette! Catch him perform on Saturday, September 23!

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Need we say more? We invite you and those who want to know more about the Asian-Filipinx community to come and join us for a vibrant and fun filled weekend! We guarantee that you’ll be immersed with the Filipino-American culture that will leave you hungry for more!

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Presented by: Salamat Cookies, Project Barkada and DJ Zel

In collaboration with FACE, Hoy Luck club, and Chicago Asian Network

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‍When: 

- Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

- Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

- Afterparty on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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Where: 

Workshop 4200, 4200 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

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Admission: 

- Adults: $5

- Kids 12 and under: Free

- RSVP and purchase tickets on Eventbrite

- Free parking available

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GET YOUR TICKETS HERE‍

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