PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York PCG Observes Month of Overseas Filipinos through Book Event Honoring Batangueño Roots Author Bong Serrano shares a moment of connection with the audience, showcasing his memoir as a celebration of Filipino heritage and personal storytelling. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 19 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York commemorated the Month of Overseas Filipinos with a Book Discussion and Signing event on 18 December 2024, at the Philippine Center in New York, featuring Filipino-Canadian author Bong Serrano and his memoir, Batangas: My Sky and Earth. Batangas: My Sky and Earth is a memoir that recounts Serrano’s childhood in Batangas during the 1970s and 80s. Inspired by his late brother Boying's cancer battle, the book delves into family dynamics, cultural traditions, and the shared experiences of life in a multigenerational Filipino household. Serrano captures the essence of provincial life in the Philippines, from church activities and local cuisine to the impact of seasonal typhoons. In his remarks, delivered by Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile reflected on the significance of the memoir as a means of reconnecting Filipinos to their roots. He underscored how Batangas: My Sky and Earth…

New York PCG Hosts Fil-Am Press Club for Fellowship and Appreciation Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (standing, center) with officers of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-NY, the Philippine Department of Tourism-NY, and members of the Filipino-Am Press Club of NY. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 18 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted a year-end Media Appreciation Dinner for the Filipino-American Press Club of New York on 17 December 2024 at the Chart House in Weehawken, New Jersey.In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile expressed gratitude for the media's unwavering support and emphasized their vital role in serving as a bridge—not only between the Philippine Consulate and the community, but also between Filipinos in the US and back home.Consul General Mangalile further underscored the importance of continued collaboration in 2025, especially with a new US administration, key elections in New York, and the Philippine midterm elections. He urged the media to continue shaping narratives that highlight Filipino contributions to education, health, business, and technology, while also advocating for the welfare of Filipinos in the US. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, in a special video…

Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado Marks 36 Years of Bringing Light and Hope to Filipino-American Community in US Northeast ​ Fr. Patrick Longalong reflected in one of his homilies on how small acts of kindness can profoundly impact others, emphasizing that simple gestures of love and compassion often make the greatest impact. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 16 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with 100 Filipino-American community organizations and businesses, successfully concluded the 36th Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, held from 05 to 13 December 2024 at the Philippine Center-New York.With the theme, “Liwanag at Pag-Asa: Pasko ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Light and Hope: Christmas of a Renewed Philippines), this year’s gathering welcomed over 1,000 attendees across the nine evenings, reflecting the community’s strong solidarity, shared faith, and commitment to keeping this cherished Filipino tradition alive.The opening night on 05 December started with the unveiling of the Christmas display at the Philippine Center’s windows led by the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York (PDOT). The display, showcasing Filipino holiday traditions, drew admiration from locals and tourists along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. This was followed by the lighting of the first parol in the Philippine Center’s lobby, symbolizing…

New York PCG Brings Sinehan Sa Konsulado to Harvard Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers an opening video message to welcome attendees to Sinehan sa Harvard, held in commemoration of Rizal Month. (Photo by Ruth Galiza) Cambridge, MA, 07 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully brought Sinehan sa Konsulado (Cinema at the Consulate) to Harvard University, continuing its mission of promoting Filipino culture and cinema since 2008. Held at the Student Organization Center at Hilles (SOCH), the event commemorated Rizal Month with the screening of the 2023 film GOMBURZA. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers an opening video message to welcome attendees to Sinehan sa Harvard, held in commemoration of Rizal Month. (Photo by Ruth Galiza)  The film portrays the martyrdom of Fathers Mariano Gómez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, whose sacrifices profoundly influenced Dr. José Rizal’s writings and sparked the Filipino struggle for independence. Their story remains an enduring symbol of justice, equality, and the resilience of the Filipino spirit.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomed the audience through a video message, addressing a diverse group of attendees, including members of the Filipino community, scholars, and history enthusiasts. Representatives from the Harvard Square Philippine American…

Filipino Yakan Weaver Showcases Indigenous Arts in New York and Philadelphia Ms. Evelinda Otong-Hamja, a fourth-generation Yakan weaver, showcases the intricate artistry of traditional weaving during a live demonstration held on 07 December 2024 at the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 10 December 2024 – In an inspiring series of events, the traditional art of Yakan weaving was celebrated in New York and Philadelphia on 06 and 07 December 2024, respectively. Ms. Evelinda Otong-Hamja, a fourth-generation Yakan weaver shared the rich cultural heritage of Yakan weaving through talks, demonstrations, and a hands-on workshop. Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York with support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Office of Senator Loren B. Legarda, these events are part of the Consulate’s Philippine Fiber, Fabric, and Textile Promotion Program, aimed at raising global awareness and appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of Philippine textiles. Ms. Evelinda Otong-Hamja reflects on her journey as a Yakan weaver, sharing how she learned the craft from her elders and the cultural significance of the vibrant patterns and colors in Yakan textiles. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) During the conversation, Ms. Otong-Hamja reflected…