PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

Balik*Bayan NY 2025 Gathers Fil-Am Founders, Funders, and Mentors to Elevate Philippine Startup Ecosystem Attendees gather for a group photo after an insightful panel discussion during the Balik*Bayan NY 2025 event. (Photo by Erik Aguilar) NEW YORK, 04 December 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, in partnership with Endeavor Philippines, hosted “Balik*Bayan NY 2025” at the Philippine Center in New York on 03 December 2025. The gathering brought together Filipino-American founders, innovation leaders, funders, ecosystem builders, and entrepreneurs to learn, collaborate, and network with the goal to reconnect back home and fuel economic growth in the Philippines. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers his welcome remarks highlighting the event’s objectives. In his video message, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile hoped that the event would achieve three objectives: to facilitate connections between the talented US-based professionals, investors, and mentors and the dynamic entrepreneurs in the Philippines; to showcase opportunities for attendees to be part of the growing startup community in the Philippines by contributing as investors, by being founders themselves, or by mentoring those who are trying to innovate their way to success; and to inspire action  to…

PH Consulate in New York Kicks Off 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women In solidarity with the global campaign to end violence against women and girls, the personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in New York wear orange ties and scarves during the flag-raising ceremony, which marked the beginning of the observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). NEW YORK CITY, 24 November 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY) officially launched its observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW) with a flag-raising ceremony on 24 November 2025. The campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 12 pursuant to Philippine Proclamation No. 1172, series of 2006, calls for collective action to address and eliminate gender-based violence.Personnel gathered at the Consulate to mark the start of the advocacy period, which carries the recurring theme for 2022-2027: "UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines." This theme emphasizes the essential, transformative power of coordinated action across society to tackle this urgent issue. For 2025, the campaign is specifically focused on mobilizing diverse voices and key players in a shared commitment to empower survivors and promote justice.A highlight of the morning's ceremony was…

Parol-Making Workshop Ushers in Filipino Holiday Season in New York Participants proudly showcase their completed parols, some of which will be displayed at the Philippine Center throughout December alongside with the PCG Officers and facilitators. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 24 November 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in collaboration with The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey and Helping Stars Foundation, successfully hosted its annual Parol-Making Workshop at the Philippine Center. Over 50 Filipino families participated in the workshop to mark World Children’s Day and Filipino Values Month. Consul Juan Carlos C. Borromeo welcomes the participants to the workshop. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) In his remarks on behalf of Consul General Senen Mangalile, Consul Juan Carlos C. Borromeo encouraged the participants to rediscover their heritage, strengthen the bonds within their families, and look to the coming year with renewed hope.    Prior to the workshop, Ms. Venessa Manzano of The Filipino School of New York and New Jersey discussed the history and cultural significance of the parol. This was followed by a book reading of Lin Acacio-Flores and Annette Flores Garcia’s “A Child’s Treasure of Philippine Christmas Stories” by Miss New York USA 2024 Marizza…

New York PCG Celebrates National Environmental Awareness Month Through “Resilient Perspectives” Art Exhibit Guests explore Arlo Lagmay’s Resilient Perspectives exhibition, which intertwines themes of identity, perception, and the relationship between humans and nature. The exhibit, held in celebration of National Environmental Awareness Month 2025, runs until 21 November 2025 at the Philippine Center Lobby Gallery. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 13 November 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York celebrated National Environmental Awareness Month with the launch of "Resilient Perspectives”, a solo exhibition of Switzerland-based Filipino artist Arlo Jake Lagmay, at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center in New York.Mr. Lagmay’s artistic approach, which masterfully intertwines themes of identity, perception, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Enriched with vibrant oriental hues and deliberate contradictions, his works reveal the inherent beauty found within chaos. The recurring motif of multiple-irised eyes in his paintings further underscores the complex layers of perception and identity that define his art. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (left photo) and Filipino artist Arlo Jake Lagmay (right photo) delivers their remarks at the launch of “Resilient Perspectives” Art Exhibition (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile…

PH Consulate General Brings Government Services to Filipinos in Massachusetts Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (center) leads the Philippine Consulate General in New York's Consular Outreach Mission to Attleboro, Massachusetts on 09 November 2025. Also in the picture are the Volunteers from the National Federation of Filipino American Association Massachusetts headed by Mr. Frank Celoza. (Photo by Joey Magaso) NEW YORK CITY, 12 November 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully conducted a Consular Outreach Mission on 09 November 2025 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, delivering 66 consular services to Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in New England and surrounding areas.Led by Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, the Consulate General’s team provided passport, notarization, dual citizenship and civil registration services. Post’s Social Security System (SSS) Office also participated, processing the applications of 17 individuals. Consul General Mangalile administers the Oath of Allegiance during a Dual Citizenship ceremony held as part of the Philippine Consulate General’s outreach mission in Attleboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Joey Magaso) Consul General Mangalile expressed his appreciation to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations in Massachusetts, led by Mr. Frank Celoza, for their invaluable support in mobilizing the community and providing logistical assistance. Kababayan in Attleboro, Massachusetts…

PH Consulate, New York City Discuss Further Cooperation in Lead-Up to 80th Anniversary of PH-US Relations Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (left) and NYC Commissioner for International Affairs Aissata M.B. Camara (right) reaffirmed their commitment to closer engagement between the Philippine Consulate and the City Government. NEW YORK CITY, 10 November 2025 — Consul General Senen T. Mangalile met today with Commissioner Aissata M. B. Camara of the New York City (NYC) Mayor’s Office for International Affairs (MOIA) to discuss avenues for strengthening collaboration between the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the City Government following the recent mayoral elections.Both officials exchanged views on potential cooperation in areas such as on law enforcement, economic development, and immigrant welfare. They also discussed ways to ensure that information on programs that can help Filipino-American entrepreneurs and workers integrate are effectively disseminated.The discussion also comes as the Philippines and the US prepare to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026, as well as the 250th anniversary of US independence in the same year. Consul General Mangalile underscored the Consulate’s readiness to work with the City Government and other US counterparts in organizing activities that highlight the enduring…

Philippine Consulate General in New York Holds Reception for Filipino Runners in the 2025 New York City Marathon Attendees of the Carbo Loading Reception pose for a group photo with Consul General Senen Mangalile on 31 October 2025 at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, New York. (Photo by Joey Magaso) New York, 3 November 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted its sixth annual reception to honor and send off Filipino runners participating in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on 31 October 2025. New York PCG personnel, volunteers, and staff  welcomed over 130 participants from various provinces in the Philippines, states in the US, and countries around the world. The event was organized in partnership with Pinoy Runners USA, Pinoy Runners Chicago, Pinoy Runners Global, Fil-Am Tri, JCI Philippine-NY, Knights of Rizal New York, RGI Alakdan New York, Inc., Triskelion Synergy Inc., and Chibops Bakery. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile praised the gathered Filipino runners stating, “It is a true honor and genuine joy to be here tonight, supporting our kababayan as they take on the incredible challenge of the New York Marathon. To our Filipino runners — those who…

Philippine Consulate General and Partners Spotlight Groundbreaking Filipino Filmmakers in New York The panelists shared how their innovative approach and cultural identity have shaped their careers, informed their creative choices, and propelled them to make their mark in the film industry. (Photo by Joey Magaso) NEW YORK, 29 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, in partnership with Likha Labs and Sulo: The Philippine Studies Initiative at New York University, hosted the forum "Lights, Camera, Filipinnovation: Groundbreaking Filmmakers" at the Philippine Center in New York. The event showcased the creativity and resilience of Filipinos in the film industry, who are making their mark on the international stage.The forum featured powerful keynotes from Producer / Marketing and Communications Executive Jeremiah Abraham and Actor / Producer / Director Regina Aquino, who shared how their Filipino heritage has influenced their work. They emphasized the crucial role of community support and the power of storytelling in gaining industry recognition and creating a lasting impact. Mr. Jeremiah Abraham and Ms. Regina Aquino deliver their keynote address during the forum on “Lights, Camera, Filipinnovation: Groundbreaking Filmmakers.” (Photo by Joey Magaso) "It is about…

New York PCG Showcases Filipino-American Creativity in Likha at Kultura Fashion Gallery Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (second to the right) with fashion designers Rafe Totengco (rightmost), Veejay Floresca (second from left), and Bessie Besana (leftmost) at the vernissage of Likha at Kultura: Fashion Creatives Gallery. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 27 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York officially launched the exhibition, "Likha at Kultura: Filipino-American Fashion Creatives Gallery," on 27 October 2025. The gallery launch, held in the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, celebrates the profound artistry, cultural pride, and innovative spirit of Filipino designers and creatives. The exhibition, which will be on view until 31 December 2025, highlights a diverse range of creations that blend traditional Filipino heritage with modern design, reinforcing the Philippines' reputation for world-class talent in the creative sector. Among the designers whose works were featured during the launch include the following New York-based Filipino-American designers: Josie Natori, founder of The Natori Company, known for blending Eastern artistry with Western sophistication; Rafe Totengco, founder of RAFE New York, whose handbags and accessories incorporate elements inspired by his Filipino heritage; Bessie Besana, co-founder of Filipinxt New York, recognized for contemporary designs that…

2026 VIP Tour Launches in New York, Set to Visit Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu Ms. Nora Galleros shares her VIP Tour experience during the event launch. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 24 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York (PDOT-NY) formally launched the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on 23 October 2025 at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.  The event was attended by around 60 guests comprising members of the Filipino American community, media representatives, and travel operators from the New York tri-state area.The 2026 edition of the VIP Tour will take place from 12 to 21 July 2026, featuring the destinations Metro Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu.In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile encouraged members of the Filipino American community and friends of the Philippines to participate in next year’s tour emphasizing that it offers participants a chance to experience the Philippines firsthand, see how the country has evolved, and celebrate its enduring spirit.“This event is not merely a trip; it is a heartfelt homecoming for our Filipino Americans, a journey to reconnect with the heart and soul of the Philippines,” said Consul General Mangalile. Consul…