The Republic of the Philippines
Holiday Notice, December 2024
Filipino Yakan Weaver to Showcase Indigenous Art in New York & Philadelphia 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, is proud to announce two special events featuring fourth-generation Yakan weaver Evelinda Otong-Hamja, who will share the rich cultural heritage of Yakan weaving through demonstrations, talks, and a hands-on workshop in December 2024. Known for their intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors, Yakan textiles are handwoven from fibers like piña (pineapple) and abaca (Manila hemp). 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. New York City: December 6, 2024 | Fridman Gallery In collaboration with Weaving Hand and the Fridman Gallery, Ms. Otong-Hamja will bring her craft to New York City. This event will include a cultural talk and weaving demonstration to be followed by an interactive workshop to be facilitated by Ms. Cynthia Alberto of Weaving Hand where participants can try their hand at weaving. Registration for the cultural talk and demonstration and weaving workshop is available through the…
‘Love The Philippines’ Campaign Brings Filipino Wonders Back to Times Square The 'Love the Philippines' campaign lights up the heart of Times Square in Manhattan, proudly showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and inspiring audiences to experience its wonders firsthand. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 25 November 2024 – For the second year in a row, the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York (PDOT-NY), supported by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, has launched its “Love the Philippines” campaign on a prominent LED billboard in Times Square, New York City.Located on Broadway and 44th corner 45th Streets, the campaign features the country’s rich biodiversity, award-winning beaches, well-preserved traditions, gastronomic delights, and everything that makes the Philippines unique and worth discovering. Through a series of 15-second videos, the campaign highlights the Philippines’ exceptional offerings to inspire international audiences to explore the country.“‘Love the Philippines’ is more than a slogan; it’s an invitation to fall in love with the distinctive sights, stories, smiles, and experiences only our country can offer,” said Tourism Attaché Francisco Lardizabal. NYC's iconic yellow taxi showcases the 'Love the Philippines' campaign as it cruises through the vibrant streets of Manhattan. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) Complementing the…
Parol-Making Workshop Lights Up PH Center in New York Participants proudly showcase their completed parols, some of which will be displayed at the Philippine Center throughout December. (Photos by Joey Magaso) NEW YORK, 23 November 2024 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in collaboration with The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey and Helping Stars Foundation, successfully hosted a Parol-Making Workshop at the Philippine Center. Held in celebration of November as Children’s Month and Filipino Values Month, the event was attended by over 50 Filipino families who came together to honor Filipino traditions and values through the art of parol-making. (L-R) Vice Consul Cathe Aguilar delivers welcome remarks; Ms. Venessa Manzano shares the history of the parol; and Ms. Jane Orendain reads A Filipino Christmas Wish. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) The program began with a presentation by Ms. Venessa Manzano of The Filipino School of New York and New Jersey, who discussed the history and cultural significance of the parol. This was followed by a book reading of Christina Bryner’s A Filipino Christmas Wish by Ms. Jane Orendain. During the workshop, families created their own parols with the guidance of Helping Stars Foundation artisans and facilitators.In…
PH Consulate and NYC Immigrant Affairs Office Strengthen Ties to Support Immigrant Communities (L-R) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Commissioner Manuel Castro, and Policy and Research Advisor Neatric M. Norwood engage in a productive discussion on key issues affecting immigrant communities, including the Filipino-American community in New York City. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 20 November 2024 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York welcomed New York City Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro to the Philippine Center to discuss pressing issues affecting immigrant communities, including the Filipino-American community.During the meeting, Commissioner Castro reaffirmed New York City’s steadfast commitment to remain as a sanctuary city. The Consulate pledged its support in ensuring the Filipino-American community remains informed and protected amidst federal discussions on immigration policies.The discussions also highlighted the contributions of Filipino-Americans to New York City and explored opportunities for collaboration, including through the celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) every October.In a symbolic gesture, Commissioner Castro presented Consul General Senen T. Mangalile with an illustration of “Little Manila in Woodside, Queens,” underscoring the vibrancy of the Filipino American community in New York City and MOIA’s ongoing efforts to celebrate immigrant enclaves. Consul General Mangalile…
Book Discussion and Signing with Bong Serrano, 18 December 2024 In celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos in December, the Philippine Consulate General in New York invites you to a Book Discussion and Signing with Filipino-Canadian author Bong Serrano for his memoir, "Batangas: My Sky and Earth—An Intimate Recollection and Reflection of My Childhood in the Philippines." Join us on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center in New York. Reconnect with your Filipino roots through this nostalgic journey back to the 1970s and 1980s Philippines, where Bong brings to life the warmth of Filipino family, faith, and traditions. A portion of the book sales will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross to support recovery efforts in Batangas and other areas affected by Typhoon Kristine. To RSVP, please visit the link https://bit.ly/3YUVgAF or scan the QR code below. Note: To secure a signed copy, please pre-order the book at https://bit.ly/BookSigningNYC. Books will not be available for purchase at the venue.
PCG Promotes Filipino Flavors at International Food Festival in New York Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (right) shares a moment with a Georgian performer at the SoFC International Food Festival, alongside a display of Filipino dishes that brought the rich flavors of the Philippines to the multicultural celebration. (Photo by Mr. Evan Abayon) NEW YORK, 15 November 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York participated in the International Food Festival organized by the Society of Foreign Consuls (SoFC) on 14 November at the Turkish House in New York. The event, attended by diplomats, consular representatives, media and the general public, celebrated cultural diversity through a variety of international cuisines and performances from participating countries.The Philippine Consulate presented a selection of Filipino dishes, including vegetarian pancit (stir-fried noodles), chicken barbecue, and turon (banana spring rolls), accompanied by refreshing calamansi and mango juices. These offerings provided attendees with a flavorful glimpse of the country’s rich culinary heritage.Ambassador Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye, welcomed the guests and expressed hope for the festival to continue as a platform where people from different cultures come together and share their traditions.Other participating countries included Argentina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan,…
New York Commemorates Ilokana Poet, Advocate Enriqueta De Peralta’s Legacy in Book Launch Ms. Teresita Peralta, a descendant of Enriqueta de Peralta, shares the story behind the development of the latter’s biography, detailing the initial ideas, personal motivations, and research that brought the project to life. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 13 November 2024 — Sentro Rizal New York and the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the International Professional Association of Dingras (IPAD), commemorated the Philippine Book Development Month through the launch of Enriqueta de Peralta – A Woman Ahead of Her Time at the Philippine Center in New York.Enriqueta de Peralta – A Woman Ahead of Her Time celebrates the life and legacy of Enriqueta de Peralta, an Ilokana poet, social worker, and advocate for women’s rights. The book offers an in-depth look at her achievements, along with a collection of her literary works in the original Ilocano language, accompanied by English translations. Through this compilation, readers gain insight into de Peralta’s impact on both literature and social causes, underscoring her role as a trailblazer for women’s issues and cultural preservation. (Left photo) Ms. Patricia de Peralta Quiason, a descendant of Enriqueta de Peralta,…
[RSVP Form] 36th Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, 05-13 December 2024 The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with Filipino Community Organizations in the U.S. Northeast, invites everyone to join us for the 36th Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado. This beloved Filipino Christmas tradition, themed “Liwanag at Pag-asa: Pasko ng Bagong Pilipinas,” will be held from 05-13 December 2024, at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. Weeknight Masses start at 6:00 PM, and weekend Masses at 3:00 PM. Seats are limited. Please RSVP by visiting tinyurl.com/2024SimbangGabi or by scanning the QR code. As we welcome the Christmas season, let’s come together to celebrate our shared faith and cherished traditions, embracing the joy and warmth of this special time.
2025 IMPACT! Program for Filipino Americans The Philippine Consulate General in New York is pleased to announce that the US-Asia Institute (USAI) has opened applications for the 2025 IMPACT! Program for Filipino Americans.The program, which will run from 02 June to 01 August 2025, is a nine-week professional development initiative created by the USAI in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. It offers a unique opportunity for young Filipino-American adults to gain firsthand experience with the US government and political system in Washington, D.C., engage civically, and reflect on their potential role as future leaders in strengthening US-Philippines relations.The program is open to all US or dual US/Philippine citizens of Filipino descent, aged 18 to 25, who are either full-time undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing or recent graduates with an undergraduate degree.Selected participants will receive the “Filipino American Youth Political Leadership Award,” in the amount of a USD 2,000 stipend. Participants will be responsible for all other expenses, including travel, housing (inexpensive housing options are available through the USAI), food, and additional costs. After acceptance into the program, participants must also provide proof of health insurance and sign a liability waiver.For additional information, please visit…