Filipino Community in New York Kicks Off Kalayaan 2025 Festivities with Vibrant Parade in Manhattan
NEW YORK CITY, 03 June 2025 – Hundreds of Filipino-Americans filled Madison Avenue in Manhattan on 01 June 2025 for the 35th Philippine Independence Day Parade, the largest celebration of its kind outside the Philippines. Organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the parade marked the start of this year’s commemorative festivities in the city.
In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile underscored the significance of the annual celebration, noting that for over three decades, it has served to honor the Filipino identity and diaspora in the U.S., foster unity among communities, and recognize the contributions of Filipino-Americans in the country. He encouraged the community to take pride in its roots and remain forward-looking, stating, “As we walk down Madison Avenue, let us be proud of our heritage and confident in our future in this country.”
The outreach continued on 02 June, as the delegation visited two public high schools in Brooklyn: The High School for Global Citizenship and Clara Barton High School for Health Professions. During their meetings with school officials, the university officials discussed the quality, accessibility, and affordability of Philippine higher education. Several students in attendance expressed interest in exploring the Philippines as a future study destination and said they would share the information with their peers.
This multi-day initiative served as a platform to reintroduce Philippine higher education to a new generation of learners and families in the United States. It also marked a meaningful step in strengthening academic partnerships, cultural linkages, and institutional collaboration between the Philippines and U.S.-based communities. END
At the close of the parade, the celebration continued at the corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Street with a lively street fair featuring Filipino food, crafts, and community services offered by local businesses and government units. Dedicated booths for premier Philippine universities namely, Ateneo de Manila University, Cebu Institute of Technology-University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, and University of Santo Tomas were also present, with visiting officials engaging with interested paradegoers. The Philippine Department of Tourism-New York likewise set up a booth to promote the country’s top travel destinations.
Later in the afternoon, a concert was held featuring Filipino-American local artists, 4th Impact, The Voice Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez, Martin Nievera, and P-Pop girl group BINI, who all took part in the parade earlier in the day. Their performance, one of the most awaited parts of the program, drew an enthusiastic crowd of fans and onlookers.
Prior to the parade, a flag-raising ceremony took place at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Mass at Kalayaan Hall, presided over by Rev. Fr. Julian Jagudilla, OFM, who offered a homily and prayer for the Philippines and the Filipino community.
Culminating a full day of celebration, the annual parade has become more than a tradition. It reflects the growing presence and diversity of the Filipino community in New York. Each year builds on the last, offering new ways to come together, engage the next generation, and celebrate how far the community has come. END
