Press Release
07 June 2023
Philippine Consulate General New York Participates in the Celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Queensborough, Queens, New York
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. hosted a Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center in Kew Gardens, New York on 6 June 2023drawing more than two hundred Filipino Americans and special guests.
In his remarks, Queens Borough President Richards expressed his whole-hearted appreciation to the Filipino-American community residing in Queens, even as he praised them for their friendliness and hardworking nature.
Four Filipino-Americans, active in the field of the arts and local government and residents of Queens Borough, were honored by President Richards at the evening event. Philippine culture was celebrated through a Filipino buffet food fest as well as the colorful and energetic performance of the MassKara Dance Group from Bacolod, Philippines, and an indigenous dance and martial arts performance by non-profit theater group Kinding Sindaw. FilAms Calvin Keen gave a stirring rendition of “Ako ay Pilipino” while Roeline “Wee” Ramirez delivered a poetry reading of her original work.
The borough of Queens is home to the largest concentration of Filipinos within New York City. Queens Borough Hall has been holding a Philippine Independence Day event for 18 consecutive years, allowing Filipino American residents the opportunity to express pride in their heritage, celebrate the accomplishments of fellow Americans, and encourage their families to represent the Filipino community with dignity and self-respect.
