PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

NYC First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer Leads Conversation for Filipino American History Month New York City First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer (right) shared her insights and experiences during a conversation at the PWC Building, moderated by Ms. Genevieve Gimbert (left), Partner/Principal in PwC’s Financial Services Consulting Practice. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 25 October 2024 - The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York proudly supported the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) in the conversation it organized with New York City First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, held at the PwC New York Office in celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) this October. Moderated by Ms. Genevieve Gimbert, a Filipino-American working as Partner/Principal in PwC’s Financial Services Advisory, the conversation centered on heritage, leadership, and the contributions of Filipino Americans in public service and community development. Reflecting on her Filipino heritage, First Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer shared how her immigrant background and Filipino roots have influenced her leadership. When asked about the unique qualities Filipinos bring to their work, Ms. Torres-Springer shared, “Filipinos are endlessly optimistic. And I try to keep that too, because it keeps me going. Despite all…

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'…

‘Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Complex Symbols & Conflicting Relationships’ Exhibit Unveiled Aboard Olympia Representatives from the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) and the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia (FECGP) cut the ribbon at the opening of the exhibit Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Complex Symbols & Conflicting Relationships aboard Olympia, as Consul General Senen T. Mangalile witnesses the ceremony. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) PHILADELPHIA, PA, 09 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York joined the opening of the Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Complex Symbols & Conflicting Relationships exhibit, organized by the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) and the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia (FECGP), aboard the historic cruiser Olympia.The exhibit delves into the history that ties the Philippines and the United States together, explores the complex shared yet often contentious history between the Philippines and the United States, focusing on the complex legacies of American colonialism and its lasting impact on both nations.In his opening remarks, ISM President and SEO Peter S. Seibert emphasized the significance of this collaboration with the Filipino community. “We were thrilled to work with the community and the committee to bring this exhibition to life. The story of Olympia, the story of the Filipino people, and…

Homecoming sa Konsulado Celebrates 12 Years of Bringing Together Filipino Alumni across US Northeast Participants of the 12th Homecoming sa Konsulado gathered at Van Saun Park in New Jersey, representing various Philippine universities and alumni associations across the northeastern US, coming together to celebrate Philippine culture, unity, and community spirit. NEW YORK CITY, 09 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with various Philippine alumni associations in the northeastern US, held the 12th Homecoming sa Konsulado (HSK) on 05 October 2024 at Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey.With the theme, “Magkaisa sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event brought together 13 alumni from Philippine universities and colleges in a vibrant celebration of Philippine heritage that fostered unity and shared pride in their roots and achievements.Ms. Vivian Talambiras-Cruz, representing the organizing team from the alumni associations, emphasized the importance of HSK in nurturing camaraderie and the deep connections between alumni and their alma maters in the Philippines. She highlighted the event’s continued success and a strong collective effort from the community that made this year’s celebration possible.In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile underscored the role of HSK in strengthening the bonds within the Filipino alumni…

PH Consulate General in New York Announces 2025 Online Voting System and Upcoming Major Events at Media Hour Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (seated directly under the television screen) discusses key updates on the upcoming 2025 Philippine national elections, addressing concerns from media representatives about the security of the newly introduced online voting system. NEW YORK CITY, 03 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted its quarterly Media Hour on 02 October 2024 at the Philippine Center New York, where it presented the introduction of online voting for overseas Filipinos in the 2025 Philippine national elections and a preview of its upcoming events for the remainder of the year.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile informed the Filipino-American media that the online voting system will be implemented for the first time for overseas Filipinos, with the goal of increasing voter participation by providing a more accessible voting process. He added that a comprehensive information campaign is set to be rolled out in the coming months to ensure Filipino communities across the northeastern US are well-informed about the new process and pre-enrollment requirements.Consul General Mangalile also shared the Consulate’s lineup of activities, including the Kundiman Seminar-Workshop and Concert on…

New York PCG Filipinnovation Forum Showcases Filipino Leadership in Advancing Sustainable Development Filipino professionals share their insights and efforts in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the panel discussion at forum on “Filipinnovation: Charting the Path to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 30 September 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted a forum on “Filipinnovation: Charting the Path to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” at the Philippine Center in New York, which featured the contributions and leadership by Filipino and Filipino-American professionals in driving solutions to meet the SDGs. The event brought together young leaders who are making strides in various fields to advance sustainability and inclusivity.In his welcome remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile echoed the sentiments of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, underscoring the critical role of collaboration in tackling issues such as climate change, inequality, and economic growth. He remarked, “The effects of global inequality, economic uncertainty, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change stare at us directly and with an unwavering gaze. We hope that in our own small way, this forum, and the incredible Filipinnovators you will hear from today, will…