PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York State Capitol Hosts Third Annual Philippine Independence Celebration The Filipino-American community, together with New York State legislators, gather for a group photo at The Well in the New York State Capitol in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Photo by Michael Magsombol) ALBANY, NY, 06 June 2025 – The Filipino spirit echoed through the halls of the New York State Capitol as hundreds gathered for the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration. Held in partnership by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Office of Assemblymember Steven Raga, Kalayaan 1521 Council, the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Inc., Kinding Sindaw, Likha Gallery, Hapag Bistro, Dare to Change Consulting, Inc., and Galleros Robinson, the event marked the third consecutive year the event took place at the seat of the New York State government. Filipino-American community at the Assembly Chamber. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) The event commenced at the New York State Assembly Chamber, where Assemblymember Raga, the highest-ranking Filipino-American official ever elected in New York, introduced the Filipino-American community and acknowledged the presence of Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and the delegation from the City of Bacoor, Cavite. The legislators responded with a round of applause,…

Wisconsin Students Gain Insight into the Philippines at Consulate Talk Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers a presentation “Understanding the Philippines: Political System, Foreign Policy, and Global Role”. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 05 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York welcomed students and faculty from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee for a special lecture titled “Understanding the Philippines: Political System, Foreign Policy, and Global Role,” delivered by Consul General Senen T. Mangalile.The visiting group, composed of undergraduate students in Political Science, International Relations, and Global Studies, is in New York for their Summer Seminar on International Politics and Foreign Policy.In his presentation, Consul General Mangalile provided an overview of the Philippines’ political structure, development agenda, and foreign policy pillars. He emphasized the country’s strategic role in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and highlighted the contributions of the Filipino diaspora and youth to the country’s global identity.The lecture also covered key issues such as maritime security and the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, and its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028.“The Philippines may be a mid-sized country, but we speak with the weight of history,…

Yakan Textile from PH Consulate Now Part of Penn Museum Collection (L-R) Deputy Consul General Adrian Cruz, Ms. Evelinda Otong-Hamja, Penn Museum’s Keeper of the Asian Collection Stephen Lang, Penn Museum’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Joanne Perez-Tiongson, and Vice Consul Cathe Aguilar during the turnover of the Yakan textile to the Penn Museum on 07 December 2024. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 04 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum) have formalized the donation of a traditional Yakan woven textile to the Penn Museum, the largest university research museum in the United States.The Yakan textile was turned over by the Consulate to the Penn Museum on 07 December 2024, coinciding with the visit of Ms. Evelinda Otong-Hamja who led a public program “Threads of Tradition: The Art of Yakan Weaving” at the museum. A fourth-generation Yakan weaver, Ms. Otong-Hamja traveled from the Philippines to New York and Philadelphia to give a series of talks, weaving demonstrations, and a hands-on workshop showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Yakan weaving.Considered the oldest Yakan design, the textile is also known as “the cloth with 70 designs”…

Filipino Community in New York Kicks Off Kalayaan 2025 Festivities with Vibrant Parade in Manhattan Members of the Bayanihan Association of the Capital District (left photo) and Gingoognons in the United States of America (right photo) perform along Madison Avenue in vibrant traditional attire, showcasing regional dances and cultural pride. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) 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…

Top PH Universities Visit New York to Promote Higher Education (Left photo) Visitors stop by the PH universities’ booths following the Independence Day Parade to learn more about university offerings and share information with family and friends. (Right photo) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (center) is joined by PH university officials and community partners at the Philippine University Fair at the Consulate. From right: Assoc. Prof. Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw, DCL (UST), Dr. Philipina A. Marcelo (UST–Santa Rosa), Engr. Bernard Nicolas S. Villamor (CIT-U), Very Rev. Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC (DLSU), Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD (UST), Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches (AdMU), Mr. Arman David (PIDCI), Ms. Nora Galleros (PIDCI), Dr. Leo DP Cubillan (UP), Deputy Consul General Adrian Cruz, Vice Consul Cathe Ryne Denice S. Aguilar, and Mr. Roberto Dumaual. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 03 June 2025 – Five of the Philippines’ premier academic institutions namely, Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U), De La Salle University (DLSU), University of the Philippines (UP), and University of Santo Tomas (UST) engaged with students, parents, and local educators in New York from 31 May to 02 June 2025. The series of activities, co-organized by…

Philippine Graduation in New York Recognizes Filipino Achievers Across the US Northeast (Left) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and Philippine university officials lead the awarding of medals and certificates to the honorees; (Right) Ms. Jubel Jasmin Coronel speaks on behalf of the PGrad Class of 2025, recounting her academic journey and the shared experiences of fellow graduates. (Photos by Nikka Arenal & Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 31 May 2025 – Forty-three Filipino and Filipino-American graduates from various academic institutions across the U.S. Northeast and beyond gathered for the 12th Philippine Graduation (PGrad) on 31 May 2025 at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. A flagship project of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the event provided graduates and their families a uniquely Filipino-style commencement ceremony, complete with a certificate and medal awarding, and the opportunity for loved ones to join them on stage, a moment often missed in U.S. university graduations.The ceremony began with the Philippine National Anthem, performed by Banda El Gobernador from Bacoor City, Cavite, who also led the processional march. Also in attendance were officials and representatives from Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Cebu Institute of Technology University, University of the…

PH Consul General Highlights Filipino WWII Experience at International History Conference (Left photo) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers a presentation on the Philippine experience during World War II at the International History Conference held at Dominican University New York. (Right photo) Historians, scholars, and educators listen with keen interest during the presentation. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 30 May 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile participated in the International History Conference on World War II, hosted by the Dominican University New York, in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the end of the greatest conflict in history.Held from 28 to 31 May 2025, the conference brought together historians, scholars, and educators to share and learn insights, research findings, and perspectives on the global impact and enduring legacy of World War II.Consul General Mangalile concluded the conference with a presentation on the Philippine wartime experience, which shaped the country’s path to independence, defined its national identity, and its contemporary foreign relations.In his closing address, Consul General Mangalile thanked the Dominican University for allowing the Philippine experience to be part of this global conversation. “It is a story of war—but also of dignity, resilience, and recovery. Let us continue…

Filipina Opera Legend Evelyn Mandac Mentors Young Artists in Special Kundiman Masterclass at New York PCG Renowned soprano Evelyn Mandac (left photo) offers live vocal coaching and interpretation guidance to masterclass participants Aretha Angcao, Lauren Florek, Carlo Bunyi, and Ramon Tenefrancia. Each singer performed a kundiman and received real-time feedback on vocal technique and stylistic delivery during the session. (Photo by: Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 29 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York commemorated National Heritage Month with a stirring evening of music, mentorship, and cultural pride through the Kundiman Masterclass with Evelyn Mandac, held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York.The masterclass featured Evelyn Mandac, a living legend in Philippine music and the first Filipina to perform major roles at the Metropolitan Opera. Ms. Mandac mentored four rising vocal talents—Aretha Angcao, Carlo Bunyi, Lauren Florek, and Ramon Tenefrancia—in interpreting and performing the kundiman, a classical Filipino song form rooted in themes of love, patriotism, and resilience. Accompanying them on the piano was Ms. Fides Cutiongco. Audience members engage in a Q&A session with Evelyn Mandac and producer Chiara Cox (via video call) following the screening of “The Filipina Soprano Who Broke Opera…

New York PCG Honors Filipino Harvard Graduates for Excellence and Academic Milestones Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Ms. Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, and Ms. Myrish Cadapan Antonio (standing, center) with Filipino graduates of Harvard’s Class of 2025. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 28 May 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York honored 46 Filipino and Filipino-American graduates of the prestigious Harvard University during the 8th Annual Harvard Club of the Philippines Pinoy Graduation, held on 27 May 2025 at Harvest Restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This marks the third consecutive year of the Consulate’s participation, which began in 2023.The ceremony celebrated the achievements of Filipino and Filipino-American students from Harvard’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. This year’s cohort completed degrees in fields including education, law, business, neuroscience, public health, public administration, and the sciences. It is the largest group since the gathering was first held.Ms. Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, Vice Chair of the Harvard Board of Overseers and a long-time advocate for Filipino students at Harvard, opened the program with a message of warmth and high regard. “Just as we gather in the fall to welcome new Filipino students,” she said, “we gather in the spring to send off our graduates…