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.

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 35^th 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.”

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and Mme. Maria Fe Mangalile (fifth and fourth from left), Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla (sixth from left), PIDCI President Arman David (center), PIDCI Executive Director Nora Galleros (third from left), together with the Grand Marshal, Past Presidents, and Past Grand Marshals of PIDCI, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the 35th Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas)

The event brought together Filipino community organizations and local partners, many of whom marched in traditional attire representing their provincial hometowns. The route was lined with cheering spectators, waving flags and celebrating with music and dance.

Banda El Gobernador of Bacoor, Cavite, one of the Philippines’ oldest and most distinguished marching bands, performed along the route. This year also saw the first participation of a Philippine national sports team, as the Alas Pilipinas Men’s Volleyball Team joined the parade aboard a float and was warmly welcomed by the community.

At the close of the parade, the celebration continued at the corner of Madison Avenue and 26^th 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

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York, USA