Will you accept walk ins?

No. As a policy, all consular applicants are required to have a confirmed appointment prior to coming to the Consulate.

Will there be considerations for ballot drop offs as another option aside from mailing them to the Consulate?

Yes, a ballot receptacle box will be provided at the Philippine Center for voters who wish to personally drop off their sealed accomplished ballots.

Will there be a courtesy lane for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and others with special circumstances?

As a policy the Philippine Consulate General in New York requires all consular applicants to have a booked appointment prior to coming to the Consulate. The Consulate may give exception to meritorious cases, such as those with valid and immediate urgency to their requests. To make a request in case you are unable to book an appointment, you can send an email so we can review the merits of your particular situation to: newyorkpcg.notarials@dfa.gov.ph for Notarization, newyorkpcg.dual@dfa.gov.ph for Dual Citizenship, newyorkpcg.passport@dfa.gov.ph for Passport applications. All requests are subject to evaluation and approval is not guaranteed.

Will the Consulate be open on the weekend of May 7-8?

Yes, the Consulate is open 24 /7 for the entire voting period (including weekends and holidays) from 09 April 2022 to 08 May 2022 for registered voters who wish to personally drop off their ballots at the Consulate. The Consulate will be open on 09 May 2022, the last day for the casting of ballots until 7:00 a.m. Ballots received after 7:00am will no longer be counted.

Will my foreign spouse, who will travel with me to the Philippines, be required to secure additional travel documents from the Philippine Consulate before leaving?

The answer would depend on the intended period of stay in the Philippines and if the spouse is a visa-required national under the Philippine visa regulation. Foreign spouse (as well as children) included in the visa waiver category may avail of the Balikbayan-Program for stays of up to one (1) year. Otherwise, they would need to apply for an appropriate visa.

PH Consul General receives Fil-Am chess player and Woman FIDE Master Megan Paragua

On 08 May, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile proudly welcomed Megan Althea Obrero Paragua, an 11-year-old Filipino-American chess prodigy and fifth-grade student at Columbia Grammar Preparatory School, to the Philippine Center in New York City. Paragua recently achieved remarkable success at the World Rapid & Blitz Cadet Chess Championship 2024, held from 25 to 29 April in Durres, Albania, where she won back-to-back world titles in the Rapid and Blitz categories for under-12 girls.

Paragua previously earned her Woman FIDE (International Chess Federation) Master title at the 33rd Pan-American Youth Chess Festival 2023 held in Chicago, Illinois.

Reflecting on her victory and what chess means to her, Paragua shared, “Chess allows me to showcase my strategic thinking. It’s a unique achievement that proves challenging yet rewarding.” Paragua attributed her passion for chess to her family, particularly her father, Jan Vincent Paragua, who has been a significant influence. Jan Vincent, an expert chess player and active competitor, is also the brother of renowned Filipino chess Grandmaster Mark Paragua.

In her inspiring message, Paragua emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance for young individuals aspiring to achieve their dreams. She stated, “Work hard, dream big, and your efforts can turn your dreams into reality.” Paragua further elaborated on the significance of embracing challenges and setbacks as part of the journey towards success. Her words highlight a mature understanding that success is not just about triumphs but also about how effectively one can learn from failures and continue striving with renewed determination.

Consul General Mangalile expressed immense pride in Paragua’s accomplishments, stating, “Megan’s victory at such a young age brings tremendous pride to the Filipino-American community. The Consulate will always support the flourishing talents of our Filipino and Filipino-American youths.”

Following the press briefing, Consul General Mangalile gave Paragua a tour of Sentro Rizal New York, where they enjoyed a round of chess. END

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York, USA