PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

2024 VIP Tour Visits Northern Mindanao In Historic First Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, 29 July 2024 – The 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour delegation continued to explore the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines from 25 to 28 July with a visit to Northern Mindanao, the first in the tour’s history. The tour included stops in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Iligan, which provided the delegates with a comprehensive experience of the region’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental Two VIP Tour participants from San Francisco pose with the Kuyamis Festival dancers during the welcome dinner hosted by Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy on 25 July 2024 at the City Tourism Hall. (Photo credits: Department of Tourism - Northern Mindanao Office) On 25 July, the delegation visited Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, where they were welcomed with a joint dinner hosted by Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy. The dinner highlighted the Kuyamis Festival which showcased the region's rich cultural heritage. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, representing the delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm…

Philippine Consulate General in New York Conducts Consular Outreach Mission in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania READY TO SERVE! Filipinos in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and nearby states awaiting their turn to avail of consular services at the Philippine Center in West Mifflin, PA. (Photo by Mr. Jose Magaso) NEW YORK, 24 July 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully conducted its third Consular Outreach Mission of the year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania known as the northern urban industrial anchor of the Appalachian region of the United States. The consular outreach was conducted on 20 July 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. at the Philippine Center in West Mifflin, PA. The mission served over 80 Filipinos residing in Pittsburgh, and nearby states like Ohio and West Virginia. The outreach mission was conducted in partnership with the Filipino-American Association of Pittsburgh, Inc. (FAAP), led by its President, Ms. Lani Mears. The range of consular services offered included passport application and renewal, retention and reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under RA 9225 (Dual Citizenship), overseas voters registration, and the legalization and notarization of documents. PRESERVING FILIPINO HERITAGE AND IDENTITY: Vice Consul Paolo Marco Mapula administers the oath of allegiance to dual citizenship applicants (above) and…

2024 VIP Tour Discovers Negros Occidental’s Vibrant Culture and History Bacolod City festival dancers perform during the Mayor's Night dinner hosted at the Bacolod City Government Center on 23 July 2024. (Photo by Erik Aguilar) Bacolod City, Philippines, 25 July 2024 – The 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour continued to uncover the rich culture and history of the Philippines  on 23 and 24 July with a visit to various cities in Negros Occidental, namely Bacolod City, Silay City, and Cadiz City. Participants of the 2024 VIP Tour meet with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose "Bong" Lacson at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol on 23 July 2024. (Photo by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental) Local products are displayed at the Technology and Livelihood Development Center of the Negros Occidental Province, which was visited by the 2024 VIP Tour participants on 23 July 2024. (Photo by Erik Aguilar) Upon arrival at the airport on 23 July, the delegation was greeted with a vibrant dance performance by MassKara Festival performers. After lunch, the Bacolod leg commenced with a comprehensive tour of the city. This included visits to sugar cane plantations along the Circumferential Road, the historic Lacson Ruins, and the Technology…

2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour Kicks Off in Manila The 2024 VIP Tour delegates pose for a photo at the Rizal Monument following the wreath-laying ceremony on 22 July 2024. (Photo by Erik Aguilar) Pasay City, Philippines, 22 July 2024 – The highly anticipated 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour has officially begun with a series of activities in Manila on 21 and 22 July. Close to 230 participants from various regions across the United States are part of this year’s tour, which aims to reconnect Filipino-Americans with their heritage and promote the Philippines as a premier travel destination. The tour began on 21 July with a dinner that featured entertainment courtesy of GMA7 at Seda Manila Bay. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the lead coordinator for this year’s tour, addressed the participants during the dinner, highlighting the importance of the VIP Tour in reconnecting Filipino-Americans with their roots and encouraging participants to fully engage in the upcoming activities. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, along with Manila City Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto and Capt. Bong Manzano (GSC) of the Philippine Navy, leads the wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park…

PH Consulate General in New York Celebrates Filipino Creativity at 10th Marry Me at Marriott Gala Models showcase stunning bridal creations that blend traditional Filipino elements with contemporary designs on the runway at the 10th Marry Me at Marriott Gala. (Photos by Erik Aguilar) Pasay City, Philippines, 20 July 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York proudly joined the 10th Marry Me at Marriott Gala on Friday, 19 July, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. Organized by Marriott Bonvoy in partnership with FILIPINXT, the event celebrated the exceptional talent and artistry of Filipino designers. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile addresses the audience, highlighting the importance of promoting Filipino culture and creativity on the international stage. (Photo by Erik Aguilar) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile represented the Philippine Consulate General in New York at the gala. “As Consul General of the Philippines in New York, part of my mission is to promote Filipino culture, identity, and heritage. Filipino creatives have so much to offer. “We deeply believe that the time is ripe for Filipino artists, designers, and innovators to claim their rightful place in the world,” said Consul General Mangalile in his message.The Philippine…

New York PCG Holds Pre-Departure Briefing for 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour Participants Participants of the 2024 VIP Tour engage and ask questions during the virtual pre-departure briefing on 11 July 2024. The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully conducted a virtual pre-departure briefing for participants of the 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on Friday, 12 July. Close to 70 VIP Tour participants from all over the United States attended the briefing in preparation for their upcoming journey. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile warmly welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude for their enthusiasm in joining the 2024 VIP Tour. “I am particularly excited that this year we are including cities in Northern Mindanao for the first time, showcasing the diverse and rich tapestry that makes our nation truly special,” he stated. Rajah Tours Philippines, represented by Mr. Michael Charles Kipping, provided detailed information about the tour itinerary, airport transfers, and essential travel tips. Tourism Attaché Francisco M. Lardizabal also contributed valuable travel tips and extended his best wishes to the participants for a safe and enjoyable journey. The briefing included a dedicated Question & Answer session, allowing the participants to address their questions or concerns with Rajah…

Philippine Consulate General in New York Conducts Consular Outreach Mission in Rochester, New York READY TO SERVE! Filipinos in Western New York awaiting their turn to avail of consular services at the Henrietta Recreation Center in Rochester, NY. (Photo by Ms. Evelyn Villacastin) The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully conducted its second Consular Outreach Mission of the year in Rochester City located in the western part of upstate New York on 06 July 2024. The mission served more than 70 Filipinos residing in Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo. The outreach mission was conducted in partnership with the Filipino-American Association of Rochester, Inc. (FAAR), led by its President, Ms. Ethel Conley, and took place at the Henrietta Recreation Center from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The range of consular services offered included passport application and renewal, retention and reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under RA 9225 (Dual Citizenship), civil registration, and the legalization and notarization of documents. On behalf of the Philippine Consulate, Vice Consul Paolo Marco Mapula, the team leader of the mission, expressed deep gratitude to FAAR for their unwavering support and dedicated efforts. He emphasized that FAAR’s collaboration was instrumental in extending much-needed consular services to many kababayan…

PH Consulate General in New York Opens 2024 Paaralan sa Konsulado PSK participants engage in dance, music, and art lessons under the guidance of their teachers from the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA). (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Association of Fil-Am Teachers in America (AFTA), officially opened the 26th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) at the Philippine Center in New York on 06 July. Held annually, the PSK provides a fun and interactive environment for young Filipinos and Filipino-Americans aged four to 15 to learn about their vibrant cultural roots. Participants can reconnect with and celebrate their Filipino heritage through history and Filipino language lessons, arts and crafts, music, dance, and games. Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer Cruz (left photo) and AFTA President Rena Pedaria (right photo) share warm welcome messages with students, parents, and volunteer teachers and assistants. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) In his welcome message at the opening ceremony, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz underscored the PSK’s role in providing participants with unforgettable experiences that foster growth, development, and lifelong memories. Meanwhile, AFTA President Rena O. Pedaria expressed the continued commitment and dedication of AFTA…

New York PCG Hosts Inaugural Pistahang Bayan to Celebrate Kalayaan 2024 with the Filipino Community Performers at Pistahang Bayan 2024 captivate the audience with traditional Filipino music and dances (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 02 July 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York brought a vibrant slice of Filipino culture and heritage to the US Northeast, with the first-ever Pistahang Bayan celebration on 30 June 2024.  Held at the Lincoln Park in Jersey City, this landmark event, co-organized with Filipino community leaders, drew over 3000 Filipinos from across the region. Jointly organized by the Philippine Consulate and leaders of various Filipino Community organizations in the Northeast United States, Pistahang Bayan 2024 kicked off with a Community Mass, setting a reflective yet joyous tone for the day’s festivities. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, in his welcome remarks at the opening ceremony, expressed appreciation for the community's active participation and efforts to bring the gathering to fruition. He emphasized the importance of unity within the Filipino community. "The objective is simple," he stated, "to foster unity among us as people and as a community. Now more than ever, that should be the resounding call." He further highlighted that the…