PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

PH Consul General Advocates for Global Citizenship Rooted in Cross-Cultural Understanding and Shared Humanity at Staten Island Event Consul General Senen T. Mangalile speaks on the Philippines’ commitment to promoting peace, security, and human rights on the global stage, with active roles in ASEAN for regional stability and the UN for broader international cooperation. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 28 October 2024 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile was among the guest speakers at “Cultivating Global Citizenship,” an intercultural event hosted by the Social Work Department of the College of Staten Island (CSI) on 24 October 2024. Bringing together students, faculty, social workers, and community members, the event examined ways to strengthen both local and global communities through cultural understanding and shared responsibility.In her remarks, Dr. Sonia Rowe Brown, CSI Lecturer and Intercultural Event Coordinator, emphasized the need for students to actively engage in global citizenship by supporting vulnerable individuals within their communities. She encouraged students to take action by writing to local representatives, advocating for justice, and fostering a sense of belonging for those in need.Consul General Mangalile shared insights on global citizenship, illustrating it through the Philippines' diverse cultural heritage and his experience in foreign service.…

First Kundiman Seminar-Workshop and Concert Held at Manhattan School Of Music for Filipino American History Month Filipino performers sing soulful renditions of Kundiman during the gala concert on 23 October 2024 at the Miller Recital Hall of Manhattan School of Music. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 24 October 2-24 — As part of its celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM), the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Manhattan School of Music (MSM), successfully hosted the first-ever Kundiman Seminar-Workshop and Gala Concert. Held from 21-23 October at MSM’s Miller Hall, this landmark event brought together music students, educators, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts to explore the history, significance, and performance techniques of Kundiman, a traditional Filipino art song and music form renowned for its expressions of love, longing, hope, and patriotism.The two-day seminar-workshop, led by distinguished Filipino musicians and educators Dr. Eugene de los Santos, Ms. Elisanta Cortes, and Mr. Joshua Angelo Mondares, explored the origins of Kundiman, its cultural relevance, and its unique musical qualities. Participants were given a rare opportunity to engage deeply with this rich musical tradition, fostering both appreciation and understanding. Dr. Eugene de los Santos…

PCGNY and SRNY Celebrate Filipino American History Month with Digital Artworks by Venazir Martinez 15 October 2024 - New York, NY — In celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM), the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Sentro Rizal New York, in collaboration with LinkNYC, proudly present a series of digital artworks by renowned Filipino street muralist and visual anthropreneur Venazir Martinez. A LinkNYC kiosk in Times Square displays two of Venazir Martinez's digital artworks in celebration of Filipino American History Month. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) This collaboration with LinkNYC—a pioneering communications network made of cutting-edge kiosks—marks an important milestone in the promotion of Filipino culture and heritage in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. From 15 to 31 October 2024, over 4,000 digital screens citywide will feature Martinez's vibrant and thought-provoking artworks, free of charge, as part of the celebration of FAHM.Martinez's series encapsulates the heart of the Filipino immigrant journey, telling a powerful story of balancing personal aspirations while maintaining deep connections across borders. The artworks delve into the complexities of migration and the shared experiences of the Filipino diaspora, portraying themes of resilience, hope, and cultural pride. The pieces, titled “Our Empire State of Mind,”…

Paramus, NJ Celebrates First Filipino American Heritage Month with Official Proclamation Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (center, holding the proclamation) joins members of the Filipino-American community at the first-ever celebration of Filipino-American Heritage Month in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mr. Denis Niland) NEW JERSEY, 15 October 2024 – The Borough of Paramus, New Jersey, officially declared October as Filipino American Heritage Month during a ceremony at the Borough Hall. This marks the first time that Filipino-American history and the contributions of the Filipino community have been formally acknowledged in Paramus.Mayor Christopher DiPiazza issued the proclamation, highlighting the significant impact of Filipino-Americans across various fields, including culture, business, healthcare, and public service. It also honors their rich history and legacy while encouraging all Paramus residents to foster unity and cultural understanding.Councilmembers Alfredo Nadera and Ace Antonio, who are both of Filipino descent, championed this recognition. Councilman Nadera noted that about 2,000 Filipino-Americans live in Paramus, which accounts for a substantial portion of the borough's 26,000 residents. The proclamation emphasizes the spirit of unity, cultural understanding, and the role of Filipino-Americans in enriching the diversity of Paramus. In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile thanked Mayor DiPiazza and the Paramus…

Major Floren Herrera Becomes First Filipino To Receive West Point’s Nininger Award For Valor at Arms Major Floren Herrera, recognized for his exceptional leadership and valor during the Marawi conflict, receives the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, presented by Lieutenant General Steven Gilland (behind Major Herrera) and Colonel Mark D. Bieger (left) at West Point, New York. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 11 October 2024 – Major Floren P. Herrera made history as the first Filipino and non-American to receive the prestigious Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, conferred by the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. Major Herrera, currently serving in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has gained recognition for his leadership in critical counterterrorism operations.A graduate of West Point in 2013, Major Herrera was honored for his bravery and leadership during the five-month Battle of Marawi in 2017, where he led his platoon against over 1,000 foreign militants and local terrorists. His tactical expertise and decisive actions, including the neutralization of key enemy leaders, were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. For his heroism, Major Herrera was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star, the Philippines'…