In early 2000, May Rodrigo volunteered for Our Lady of Ransom's Filipino Christian Community's committee to plan the church benefit. May's responsibility was to hire a Philippine Folk dance troupe, but no troupe could be found. In need of dancers, May recruited teens from the parish and taught 6 Philippine folk dances to 17 teens. For 8 weeks these kids transformed from having little to no dance or performance experience to learning cultural dances and performing for a sold out benefit at Chateau Ritz in Niles, IL. The performance at Filipiniana 2000 was a success with the dancers received accolades from the audience, the parish and the planning committee.

With high interest from the dancers and support from the parish, the troupe continued beyond the benefit to perform for church functions like Simbang Gabi and building a reputation among the community. In following years, the request for performances grew to include the Taste of Chicago, local township festivals, weddings, benefits and parties.

Past and present dancers have spread what they have learned to their high schools and colleges, using their skills and joy of performance to participate in International Days and Cultural Dance Shows.

Now operated by May and Ross Rodrigo, the Filipiniana Dancers continue to perform the dances that make our heritage unique and enjoyable for anyone who is interested.