PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

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…

Weaving Workshop at Harvard Peabody Museum Showcases PH Indigenous Textiles Participants immerse themselves in the art of weaving by learning basic techniques and working to create their own woven pieces. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) CAMBRIDGE, MA, 22 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, and Filipino social enterprise Hibla Philippines, successfully conducted a basic weaving workshop at the Harvard Peabody Museum. The event was held in commemoration of National Arts Month and as part of the Consulate’s Philippine Fiber, Fabric, and Textile Promotion Program, which aims to preserve and promote indigenous Philippine weaving traditions while fostering cross-cultural dialogue on textile heritage and sustainable design. Hibla Philippines founder Nice Marquez guides participants through the intricate process of weaving. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) The workshop consisted of two sessions, each attended by 30 participants, including students from design and materials science schools in the Greater Boston area. Participants from Harvard University, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and the School of Fashion Design took part in the hands-on session, which was facilitated by Hibla Philippines founder Romae Chanice “Nice” Marquez. During the…

NYPCG Explores Academic & Cultural Partnerships with Yale Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, along with officers from the Philippine Consulate General in New York, meets with representatives from Yale University’s Council on Southeast Asia Studies to explore academic and cultural collaborations, including research partnerships and initiatives that promote Philippine heritage and scholarship. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW HAVEN, CT, 21 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York continues to strengthen its engagement with higher educational institutions in the U.S. Northeast through a meeting with Yale University. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile met with representatives of Yale’s Council on Southeast Asia Studies to explore potential partnerships in research, cultural exchange, and initiatives that promote Philippine heritage and scholarship at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.Accompanied by Trade Commissioner Benedict M. Uy, Vice Consul Cathe Ryne Denice S. Aguilar, and Economic Assistant Nikka B. Arenal, Consul General Mangalile engaged in discussions with Yale faculty members, including Prof. Erik Harms, Dr. Dini Alethiani, Dr. Ruth Barnes, and Ms. Charmaine Wong. Leaders of Kasama, Yale’s Filipino student association, also participated, emphasizing the growing interest in Philippine culture and studies within the Yale community.The Consulate congratulated Yale on…

PH Consulate Welcomes CCNY FilAm Students for Cultural Immersion Officers and members of the Philippine American Organization pose with Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz (rightmost) and Tourism Director Francisco M. Lardizabal (leftmost). (Photo by Joselito Paz) NEW YORK, 21 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York proudly welcomed a dynamic delegation of Filipino-American students from The City College of New York (CCNY) for a cultural immersion activity at the Philippine Center in New York.These students, who serve as officers and members of the Philippine American Organization (PAO)—a collegiate group dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of Filipino culture on campus—are at the forefront of uniting the Filipino-American community. Founded in 1984 by sisters Gaylene and Genalin Santos, PAO has continually evolved, reinforcing its commitment to promoting Filipino heritage and cultural identity. PAO was established to unite Filipino-American students. (Left) A representative from the Philippine Department of Tourism - New York discusses the office’s mission with the students. (Right) Students witness the dual citizenship oath-taking ceremony. (Photos by Joselito Paz) Throughout the program, students interacted with Consulate personnel who shared valuable insights into a range of cultural, educational, and community outreach initiatives. These initiatives are designed…

PH Consul General Visits PNB New York, Discusses Financial Services for Filipinos and U.S. Businesses (Left) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Vice Consul Cathe S. Aguilar, and Trade Commissioner Benedict M. Uy meet with PNB New York First Vice President and General Manager Eric B. Bustamante during a branch visit. (Right) The delegation meets with PNB New York staff. (Photos by Cathe Aguilar) NEW YORK, 12 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York reaffirmed its commitment to supporting U.S. businesses exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines during Consul General Senen T. Mangalile’s visit to the Philippine National Bank (PNB) New York Branch. He met with First Vice President and General Manager Eric B. Bustamante to discuss the bank’s services for overseas Filipinos and businesses looking to engage in the Philippine market.During the visit, General Manager Bustamante highlighted PNB’s remittance services, investment products, and financial advisory programs tailored for Filipinos abroad. He also discussed PNB New York’s flagship program, which enables overseas Filipinos to finance property purchases in the Philippines. Additionally, he outlined PNB’s financial solutions for U.S. businesses interested in investing in the Philippines, including corporate banking services, trade financing, and assistance in setting up business accounts…