PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

Philippine Textile Innovation 'KatHABI' Makes International Debut in New York City The latest innovations in textiles and garments made from blended natural textile fibers such as abaca, pineapple, bamboo, Philippine silk, and natural dyes are displayed at the Philippine Center in New York. (Photo by DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute) The Philippine Center in New York became a focal point of cultural and technological convergence as it hosted KatHABI: A Textile Innovation Exhibit from 25 to 28 June 28 and the KatHABI Fashion Innovation Event on 27 June. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, the back-to-back events marked the debut of Philippine textile innovation on the international stage. KatHABI, a portmanteau of the Filipino words "Katha" (invention or composition) and "Habi" (weave), celebrates the masterful creation of textiles through the skillful composition of innovative materials, sustainable processes, and technologies. (Left to Right) Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius Leaño, Jr., and Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy open the KatHABI Exhibit. (Photo by DOST-Philippine Textile Research…

Filipino Innovators Spotlight AI Achievements at New York PCG Forum Filipino AI professionals and enthusiasts share their insights during the panel discussion at the ‘Advancing Filipinnovation’ forum. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted “Advancing Filipinnovation: A Forum on Filipinos Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” on June 24 at the Philippine Center in New York. This event featured significant Filipino contributions and leadership in the rapidly evolving field of AI.   In his welcome remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile emphasized the importance of innovation and the pioneering role of Filipinos. He stated, “AI represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with the world and revolutionizes industries. It is crucial that Filipinos are not just participants but pioneers in this rapidly evolving field.”   The forum's speakers shared their experiences and insights on various aspects of AI. Ms. Angela Mascarenas, Co-Founder of Vokel AI and The AI Furnace, discussed deepfake detection for AI voice fraud and misinformation. Mr. Ryan Carl Yu, Product Manager at Google Cloud AI, shared insights on the intersection of data science, business strategy, and product management. Ms. Michaela Ternasky-Holland, XR Director and Creative Strategist, explored socially and culturally…

PH Consulate general joins FilCom in Queens to Celebrate the 126th Anniversary of PH Independence at Queens Borough Hall, New York Vibrant cultural performances highlight a rich tapestry of diverse talents. (Photos by Adrian Cruz and Florentino Granada) The Philippine Consulate General in New York took part in the celebration of the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence hosted by the Borough of Queens on June 20, 2024. The celebration - held at Queens Borough Hall - was co-sponsored by the Foundation for Filipino Artists Inc., Counsellor Lara Gregory, Kinding Sindaw, and Batangas Varsitarian - East Coast.  Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (center) presented awards to deserving Filipino-American residents from Queens. (Photos by Adrian Cruz and Florentino Granada) The Philippine spirit of bayanihan and pagkakaisa in New York was highlighted as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards presented awards to deserving Filipino-American residents from Queens. The evening celebration was capped with Filipino food, inspirational messages, stirring music and colorful cultural performances. (Left) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and (Right) Queens Borough President Donovan Richards deliver their remarks to the FilCom of Queens, NY. (Photos by Adrian Cruz and Florentino Granada)

PH Consul General in NY Receives Fil-Am Baker, Author, and James Beard Award Winner Abi Balingit Consul General Senen T. Mangalile poses with Abi Balingit and her book, "Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed." (Photo by VC Cathe Aguilar) On 19 June, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile received Filipino-American baker, author, and James Beard Award winner Abi Balingit for a courtesy call at the Philippine Center in New York.  Earlier this month, Ms. Balingit was honored with the prestigious 2024 James Beard Media Award - Emerging Voice Award for her cookbook, “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed.” She was nominated alongside Ms. Abi Marquez, known as the “Lumpia Queen,” for the Broadcast Media Award under Social Media Account, and Filipino media company FEATR for the Broadcast Media Award categories under Visual Media-Long Form and Docuseries Visual Media.  During the courtesy call, Ms. Balingit presented a copy of her book to Consul General Mangalile. “Mayumu”—the Kapampangan word for sweet—reflects Abi’s creativity, innovation, and her heritage as a child of Kapampangan parents. The book is a collection of fusion desserts, featuring classic Filipino recipes “remixed” with American influences. Some of the recipes include adobo chocolate chip cookies, strawberry shortcake sapin-sapin (layered rice cake), and ube cheesecake bars with a sesame cracker crust. Ms. Balingit shared that when…