PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York PCG Showcases Filipino-American Creativity in Likha at Kultura Fashion Gallery Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (second to the right) with fashion designers Rafe Totengco (rightmost), Veejay Floresca (second from left), and Bessie Besana (leftmost) at the vernissage of Likha at Kultura: Fashion Creatives Gallery. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 27 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York officially launched the exhibition, "Likha at Kultura: Filipino-American Fashion Creatives Gallery," on 27 October 2025. The gallery launch, held in the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, celebrates the profound artistry, cultural pride, and innovative spirit of Filipino designers and creatives. The exhibition, which will be on view until 31 December 2025, highlights a diverse range of creations that blend traditional Filipino heritage with modern design, reinforcing the Philippines' reputation for world-class talent in the creative sector. Among the designers whose works were featured during the launch include the following New York-based Filipino-American designers: Josie Natori, founder of The Natori Company, known for blending Eastern artistry with Western sophistication; Rafe Totengco, founder of RAFE New York, whose handbags and accessories incorporate elements inspired by his Filipino heritage; Bessie Besana, co-founder of Filipinxt New York, recognized for contemporary designs that…

2026 VIP Tour Launches in New York, Set to Visit Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu Ms. Nora Galleros shares her VIP Tour experience during the event launch. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 24 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York (PDOT-NY) formally launched the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on 23 October 2025 at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.  The event was attended by around 60 guests comprising members of the Filipino American community, media representatives, and travel operators from the New York tri-state area.The 2026 edition of the VIP Tour will take place from 12 to 21 July 2026, featuring the destinations Metro Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu.In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile encouraged members of the Filipino American community and friends of the Philippines to participate in next year’s tour emphasizing that it offers participants a chance to experience the Philippines firsthand, see how the country has evolved, and celebrate its enduring spirit.“This event is not merely a trip; it is a heartfelt homecoming for our Filipino Americans, a journey to reconnect with the heart and soul of the Philippines,” said Consul General Mangalile. Consul…

PH Consulate General in New York Serves Diverse Audience a Taste of Filipino Culinary Heritage Filipino and non-Filipino food enthusiasts in New York savored a diverse buffet spread of Filipino cuisine during HANDOG SA HAPAG. NEW YORK, 21 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully hosted "Handog sa Hapag: A Filipino Food Tasting Experience" on 16 October 2025, reaching a largely non-Filipino audience with the rich flavors of the Philippines. Held at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall, the event showcased Filipino food as a vital component of the nation's cultural identity and advanced the Consulate's cultural diplomacy efforts. The culinary event, which commemorated Filipino-American History Month, was a continuation of initiatives that began during Filipino Food Month to promote and preserve Filipino cuisine. Partnering with New York-based Filipino-American culinary artists Chef Woldy Reyes and Chef Abi Balingit, the Consulate presented a curated tasting experience featuring traditional and contemporary dishes. A sumptuous buffet spread served to guests during HANDOG SA HAPAG. Guests were treated to a menu that highlighted regional flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques from the country's three major island regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The menu was intentionally designed to appeal to both Filipino and…

Filipino Alumni Reunite at 13th “Homecoming sa Konsulado 2025”: A Celebration of Heritage, Culture, and Community at PH Consulate Attendees of the Homecoming sa Konsulado pose for a group photo with Consul General Senen Mangalile on 04 October 2025 at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, New York. (Photo by Joey Magaso) NEW YORK CITY, 17 October 2025 – The spirit of camaraderie, culture, and shared heritage took center stage at “Homecoming sa Konsulado 2025”, a vibrant alumni homecoming-themed gathering of Filipinos in the northeast US held last 4 October 2025 at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, New York.The event promoted the theme “Yakapin ang Pinagmulan, Ihanda ang Kinabukasan” (Embrace Our Roots, Prepare for the Future). This day-long event brought together around 125 Filipino alumni from 15 universities and colleges across the Philippines who are now residing in the Northeastern United States.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile opened the event, encouraging Filipinos abroad to show love for the Philippines through simple acts relevant to the developments in the Philippines — fighting misinformation, promoting tourism, supporting local artisans, and practicing kindness and unity. The gathering honored the role of education in shaping Filipino lives but also highlighted the deep connections and shared values that…