PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

Philippine Chocolate Tradition Highlighted During World Chocolate Day Officials from the Philippine Consulate General in New York and select members of the Consular Corps pose for a photo with The Chocolate Chamber family, following the event, which featured the evolution of cacao from ‘Bean to Beverage to Brush’. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 07 July 2025 – In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with Cebu-based chocolatier The Chocolate Chamber, hosted a two-day cultural event on 07 to 08 July 2025 at the Philippine Center.  The event featured the evolution of cacao in the Philippines - from ‘Bean to Beverage to Brush’ - through an immersive and multi-sensory experience for participants from the Consular Corps, the Filipino-American community, business owners, and personnel from the Consulate, the Philippine Mission to the UN, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, and the Philippine Center Management Board.The event began with the opening of Mr. John Paul “JP” Toquero Choa’s solo exhibition, “Brushstrokes of Worship and Wonder: A Journey Through Nature, Spirit, and Soul.” The featured artworks were created using “sikwate”, a traditional Filipino chocolate drink, and other natural materials, instead of the conventional painting medium.…

Paaralan Sa Konsulado Opens for 27th Year, Continues to Reconnect Young Generations with their Filipino Roots Breakout classroom sessions at Paaralan sa Konsulado featured lessons on Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine geography, folk and pop songs, arts and crafts, and traditional dances, among others. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK CITY, 07 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA), formally opened the 27th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) on 5 July 2025 at the Philippine Center-New York. Held every Saturday of July, the month-long summer program brings together Filipino-American children aged 4 to 15 for immersive lessons in Filipino language, history, arts, values, and traditions. In his welcome message, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, who is representing Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, described Paaralan sa Konsulado as “a safe space where children can build confidence, connect with peers, and meaningfully express themselves.” He emphasized the importance of heritage learning as a foundation for identity, noting that this year’s program also includes special sessions for Filipino-American parents who wish to refresh their conversational Filipino skills and learn the basics of Baybayin, the pre-colonial Philippine script. AFTA President Rena…

PH Consulate in New York Recognized as Best Organization at 127th DFA Founding Anniversary From right: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, and Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega pose for a photo following the conferment of the Best Organization Award. (Photo courtesy of DFA-Office of Public Diplomacy) NEW YORK CITY, 02 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York was conferred the 2025 Best Organization Award during the celebration of the 127th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) held on 01 July 2025 in Pasay City.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile received the award on behalf of the Consulate, which was cited for its steadfast dedication and remarkable achievements in promoting Philippine interests in the Northeastern United States, strengthening multifaceted bilateral cooperation, and exemplifying the highest standards of diplomacy, service, and international collaboration.In the same ceremony, the following Consulate personnel were honored as Loyalty Awardees for their years of dedicated service to the DFA:35 YearsRaul C. CuarteroRovald Rene G. Valdez30 YearsMaria Annette F. Aquino-HerreraFrancisco E. EnajeRuth M. Galiza25 YearsAdrian Elmer S. CruzMa. Lolinda N. Villameter20 YearsVanessa K. De Castro10 YearsAnna Marie Mae R. GuerraNikka B.…

Philippine Center Hosts Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomes members of the diplomatic corps and trade experts to the Philippine Center for the Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions held on 26 June 2025 (Photo by Nikka Arenal). NEW YORK, 26 June 2025 - The Philippine Center in New York served as the venue for the Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions, a forum organized by the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC) in partnership with Gotham Government Relations.The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps and trade professionals for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of US trade policy.The featured speakers - Mr. Robert J. Leo, Partner at Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP, and Mr. David Schwartz, Founder and President of Gotham Government Relations, offered practical insights into recent trade and tariff developments in the US, as well as legal and strategic approaches for navigating the increasingly complex trade environment. The briefing highlighted the need for stronger engagement, adaptive strategies, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that foreign governments and exporters can effectively respond to shifting US trade dynamics. The event forms part of SOFC’s ongoing efforts to…

PH Consulate Meet with SBMA Officials to Discuss Plan to Advance Economic Initiatives (L-R) Consul Anna Marie Mae R. Guerra and Consul General Senen T. Mangalile met with Mr. Renato W. Lee III, Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, and Ms. Karen Magno, Department Manager III, of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (Photo by Nikka Arenal). NEW YORK, 26 June 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile received officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) led by Mr. Renato W. Lee III,  Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, to discuss potential areas of collaboration to promote Subic as a prime destination for both investments and tourism.  Discussions covered key topics including investment opportunities in shipyard operations, tourism, and manufacturing.Consul General Mangalile expressed the Consulate’s support for SBMA’s efforts and reaffirmed its commitment, together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center and Philippine Department of Tourism in New York, to assist in establishing linkages to advance its investment and tourism objectives. END

Filipino Traditions and Talent Shine in 35th PH-American Friendship Fest in Jersey City Dressed in vibrant Filipiniana, parade participants proudly carry a giant Philippine flag during the 35th PAFCOM Grand Parade in Jersey City. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 23 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York joined the Filipino-American community in celebrating the 35th Philippine-American Friendship Day Grand Parade and Festival organized by the Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc. (PAFCOM) on 22 June 2025 in Lincoln Park, Jersey City.  Jersey City is home to over 16,000 Filipino-Americans and remains a cultural stronghold for the diaspora in the U.S. Northeast.Representing Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz conveyed the Consulate’s appreciation to PAFCOM and its partners for organizing the annual tradition. He paid tribute to the Filipino-American residents of New Jersey for contributing to the progress and stability of their local communities. “My request is that you continue to remain passionate in our history, culture and heritage so that you can impart this to generations of Filipino-Americans,” he said. Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer Cruz addresses the FilAm community of New Jersey during the PAFCOM Parade and Festival opening ceremony.…

PH Consulate, Knights of Rizal Honor National Hero’s 164th Birth Anniversary with Solemn Rites Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the Knights of Rizal gather for a group photo marking the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Philippine Center in New York. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 20 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter jointly commemorated the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony on 19 June 2025 at the Philippine Center in New York.In his remarks, Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR, emphasized the continued relevance of Rizal’s life to Filipinos today, including those living abroad. He reflected on Rizal not as a flawless figure, but as a fellow human being who chose to act when it mattered most. “Just like Rizal, we are not saints, much less gods, but our humanity is what allows us to rise to the occasion, to give what is needed, to fill the gaps that we see in our community,” he said. Consul General Mangalile also acknowledged the indispensable support of the Ladies for Rizal, reaffirming that they do not stand behind the movement,…

Senator Shelly V. Calvo of Guam Engages PH Consulate on Shared Priorities Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, together with Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy and Tourism Representative Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, met with Senator and Majority Whip Shelly V. Calvo of Guam’s 38th Legislature, and Mr. Paul A. Calvo. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 16 June 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomed Senator and Majority Whip Shelly V. Calvo of the 38th Legislature of Guam at the Philippine Center in New York to explore opportunities for engagement to further strengthen the Philippines-Guam relationship.The discussion covered a range of shared interests, including the ongoing advocacy for the inclusion of the Philippines in the Guam Visa Waiver Program, the possible revival of Cebu Pacific’s direct Manila-Guam flights, opportunities to expand medical and Rest & Recuperation (R&R) tourism, and broader avenues for economic collaboration.Senator Calvo, who also serves as Co-Vice Chairperson of Guam’s Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Customs, Utilities, and Federal and Foreign Affairs, expressed openness to exploring collaborative initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties.The Consulate reaffirmed its support to achieve shared goals and promote economic interest of both the Philippines and Guam. END

PH Consulate General in New York Joins #BlueMonday in Support of National Refugee Day on 20 June Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (center) and the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in New York pose for a photo following the flag ceremony in support of the Blue Monday campaign. (Photo by Marvin Dimaculangan) NEW YORK CITY, 16 June 2025 — Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s. 2023, which declares 20 June as National Refugee Day and aligns with the global commemoration of World Refugee Day, the Philippine Consulate General in New York marked the occasion by joining the “Blue Monday” campaign during its flag ceremony on 16 June 2025, in solidarity with forcibly displaced and stateless people.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivered the official message of Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez, Officer-in-Charge of the Secretary of Justice and Chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on the Protection of Refugees, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers for 2025 National Refugee Day. Consul General Mangalile reads the Justice Secretary’s message highlighting the role of the Inter-Agency Committee in strengthening coordinated efforts and upholding the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) In his message,…