PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York PCG and Sentro Rizal NY Receive Replica of Historic Murillo Velarde Map Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (left) receives a replica of the Murillo Velarde Map of 1734 from Ms. Therese San Diego Torres (right), President of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), in a turnover ceremony held at the Philippine Center on 20 March 2025. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 20 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General and Sentro Rizal New York received an official replica of the Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas, otherwise known as the Murillo Velarde Map of 1734, from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) during a turnover ceremony held at Philippine Center in New York.Dubbed as the “Mother of all Philippine Maps,” the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map was created by Spanish Jesuit Friar Pedro Murillo Velarde, illustrated by Filipino cartographer Francisco Suarez, and engraved by Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay. As the first scientific and comprehensive map of the Philippine archipelago, it remains a significant artifact that highlights the country’s rich cartographic heritage.The map played a pivotal role in the Philippines' territorial claims, serving as fundamental evidence in the landmark 2016 Arbitral Ruling…

New York PCG Hosts an Evening Talk on Mental Health Awareness with Distinguished Filipino Women (Left photo) Philippine Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (third from right) joins FilAm mental health advocates (L-R) Ms. Doris Delgado-Novicio, Dr. Salvacion Francisco, Ms. Michelle Garcia, Ms. Angelita Cordova-Hayes and Ms. Jillian Mariano in a lively discussion on mental health awareness at the Philippine Center. (Right photo) Official poster of “An Evening with Distinguished Filipino Women: Lets Talk About Mental Health.” (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 11 March 2025 -  In commemoration of Philippine National Women’s Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York held “An Evening With Distinguished Filipino Women” featuring a substantive discussion on mental health awareness.In his opening remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile noted that mental health plays a vital role in one’s overall well-being. He observed that those who struggle with their mental health are more likely to experience relationship challenges, physical health issues, and frustrations in attaining their long-term goals. He also conveyed the key message of the event, that it is extremely important to give attention to one’s mental health which is just as important as one’s physical health.Three notable Filipino-American mental health advocates were invited to…

PH Consulate General and NYC SBS Explore Collaboration to Support Filipino Small Businesses (Left) Officials from the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) pose for a group photo following a productive meeting on strengthening support for Filipino-American small businesses. (Right) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (leftmost) and SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross (middle) engage in discussions on enhancing support for Filipino-American entrepreneurs in New York City. (Photos by VC Cathe Aguilar) NEW YORK, 11 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York met with New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Dynishal Gross to discuss ongoing partnerships and future collaboration in support of Filipino-American entrepreneurs in New York City. The meeting focused on strengthening business development programs, expanding outreach efforts, and ensuring that Filipino small businesses can access SBS programs and services.Commissioner Gross welcomed the Consulate’s engagement in supporting Filipino entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of providing small businesses with the necessary resources to grow. Discussions revisited past collaborations, including the Consulate’s participation in the Asian American Small Business Task Force (AATF) and SBS’s engagement in the 10th Filipino Community General Assembly, where Filipino business…

PH and Israeli Consuls General in New York Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomes Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis at the Philippine Center on 10 March 2025 to discuss areas of mutual interest including cultural exchange, community engagement, and economic cooperation. (Photos by Nikka B. Arenal) NEW YORK, 10 March 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomed Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis 2025 at the Philippine Center in New York, where they discussed areas of mutual interest, including cultural exchange, community engagement, and economic cooperation. The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strong and enduring ties between the Philippines and Israel, built on a history of close collaboration.Both Consuls General underscored the longstanding friendship between the two nations, highlighting their common Judeo-Christian heritage, vibrant economic partnerships, and deep people-to-people linkages. They also recognized the contributions of their respective diaspora communities, particularly the Filipino workers in Israel and the Jewish community in the Philippines, as vital links in strengthening bilateral relations.The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore avenues for collaboration, particularly in community relations and economic development, to deepen engagement between the Filipino and Israeli communities in New York and beyond. END

Filipina World Traveler Luisa Yu Visits New York PCG, Marking Women’s Month with Her Story Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (left) receives Ms. Luisa Yu (right) during her courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in New York. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 10 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York warmly welcomed Ms. Luisa Yu, the oldest Filipina to have traveled to all 193 United Nations-recognized countries—a remarkable journey she completed at the age of 79.Born in the Philippines and based in the United States, Ms. Yu’s visit was both a celebration of personal achievement and a tribute to the courage and determination of women who continue to break barriers at any age. Her decades-long pursuit of cultural discovery and connection took her across every continent, with many of those travels undertaken solo.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile encouraged Ms. Yu to explore more of the Philippines’ provinces, a suggestion she welcomed, saying that discovering more of her home country is now part of her plans. Consul General Mangalile shows Ms. Yu around the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center, highlighting the names of Philippine provinces. After completing her journey across 193 countries, Ms. Yu was…

PH Consulate Hosts Unity Iftar in New York, Strengthening Community and Interfaith Ties Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (front row, fifth from right), Assemblymember Steven Raga (sixth from right), officers of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, with members of the Filipino community and interfaith partners and guests. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 07 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with Kinding Sindaw Heritage Foundation, Inc., held its annual Unity Iftar on 06 March 2025 at the Philippine Center, bringing together members of the Filipino Muslim community, interfaith leaders, and government representatives for an evening of spiritual reflection, solidarity, and fellowship. In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile underscored the importance of fostering meaningful connections through shared traditions. “As we break bread together this evening, let this gathering be a reminder that there is more that unites us than that which divides us, that respect is the foundation of every strong community, and that in sharing our traditions, we make room for deeper connections and a greater appreciation of one another,” he stated​. He reaffirmed the Philippine Consulate’s commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding, emphasizing that unity is built not through…

FilAm Women in The Arts Take Center Stage at ‘HERitage’ Exhibit in NY Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (center) and Vice Consul Cathe S. Aguilar (leftmost) with artists Rose Cameron (second from left), Jeanne F. Jalandoni (rightmost), and violinist Adeline Baban (second from right) at the vernissage of HERitage: The Identity and Artistry of Filipino-American Women. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 25 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully launched the HERitage: The Identity and Artistry of Filipino-American Women exhibit on 25 February 2025 at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center in New York. The art exhibition marked the culmination of the Consulate’s commemoration of National Arts Month and the beginning of National Women’s Month, celebrating the artistic achievements of Filipino-American women and their contributions to cultural preservation and identity.Featuring the works of Filipino-American artists Rose Cameron and Jeanne F. Jalandoni, the exhibit explores themes of identity, migration, and cultural heritage. Through this initiative, the Consulate aims to highlight the role of Filipino-American women in the arts, recognizing their impact on shaping narratives of self-expression, heritage, and community.In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile underscored the importance of the exhibit in amplifying the…

PH Consul General Meets with Italian Counterpart to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Consul General Senen T. Mangalile meets with Italian Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele at the Consulate General of Italy in New York on 25 February 2025 to discuss areas of mutual interest, including cultural exchange, academic cooperation, and community engagement. (Photos by Nikka B. Arenal) NEW YORK, 25 February 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile met with Italian Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele at the Consulate General of Italy in New York to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for collaboration. During their meeting, the two officials exchanged insights on consular services, cultural exchange, and academic cooperation. They underscored the importance of strengthening ties between their respective communities and enhancing partnerships in education and cultural programs. The discussion also touched on broader international developments and their potential impact on bilateral and multilateral engagements. Both Consuls General emphasized the value of continued dialogue in fostering closer cooperation between the Philippines and Italy. The meeting concluded with a lighthearted exchange on cultural traditions, particularly the role of cuisine in preserving heritage and strengthening community ties. This engagement reaffirms the strong relationship between the Philippines and Italy and highlights…

NYPCG Joins Iskwelahang Pilipino Boston in Community Gathering Consul General Senen T. Mangalile addresses families and volunteers during the Community Gathering of Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) in Boston, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and cultural preservation in strengthening Filipino-American identity. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) BOSTON, MA, 23 February 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile visited Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) in Boston and joined its community gathering, where families, students, and volunteers came together to celebrate Filipino heritage and culture.During the event, the Consul General delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and cultural preservation. He stated, “In learning, much like in banking, you can only withdraw as much as what you have deposited in education and knowledge.” His message underscored the value of investing in intellectual and cultural development and commended IP for its dedication to fostering a strong and vibrant Filipino-American community. Hibla Philippines founder Romae Chanice “Nice” Marquez shares her journey as an artist, anthropologist, and entrepreneur during the Community Gathering of IP. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) The gathering also featured a keynote presentation by Ms. Romae Chanice “Nice” Marquez, founder of Hibla Philippines, who was in the Greater Boston area for the Weave Your Way Workshop…

PH Consulate General in NY Engages with Find District 1 in “Kumustahan At Kwentuhan” Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Mrs. Maria Fe B. Mangalile, Vice Consul Cathe S. Aguilar, and Trade Commissioner Benedict M. Uy with members of FIND District 1. The event provided a platform for engagement between the Consulate and Filipino-American student leaders to strengthen cultural ties and explore collaboration opportunities. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) BOSTON, MA, 23 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York engaged with members of the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) District 1 in a “Kumustahan at Kwentuhan” networking gathering held at Boston College. The event provided an opportunity for the Consulate to interact with Filipino-American students in the Greater Boston area, introduce its cultural and community programs and consular services, and explore avenues for collaboration with Filipino student organizations in its jurisdiction.FIND, Inc. is a student-led, non-profit organization comprising over 60 Filipino student associations from colleges and universities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is divided into nine districts, with FIND District 1 covering Greater Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The organization serves as a platform for fostering cultural awareness, leadership development, and…