PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

Philadelphia Hosts Inaugural ‘HABI: Discovering Possibilities for Philippine Fibers’ Exhibit and Fireside Chat (Left) The HABI: Discovering Possibilities for Philippine Fibers exhibit is showcased in Hayward Hall, Thomas Jefferson University. (Right) (L-R) Professor Marcia Weiss, Interim Dean of the School of Design and Engineering at Thomas Jefferson University, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, President of Thomas Jefferson University, and Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy officially open the exhibit with a ribbon-untying ceremony. (Photos by PTIC-NY) Philadelphia, PA, 07 November 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center - New York, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and Thomas Jefferson University, inaugurated the HABI: Discovering Possibilities for Philippine Fibers exhibit at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, this exhibit highlights the distinct qualities of Philippine fibers such as abaca (Manila hemp), piña (pineapple fiber), and bamboo, showcasing their modern applications across fashion, design, and industry. Handwoven fabrics, including T’nalak, Piña seda, Kantarines, Pinilian, Kankanaey, Hablon, Pigi, and others, crafted by Indigenous communities and local artisans from various regions in the Philippines, are on display…

PCGNY and SRNY Launch Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum A view of the virtual environment inside the Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum (SRMM), developed by the Philippine Consulate General in New York in partnership with Filipino-American XR Designer Ralph Roma. The SRMM offers a unique, immersive digital platform where visitors can explore Filipino art, history, and culture through 3D-rendered exhibits accessible from anywhere in the world. NEW YORK, 05 November 2024 – In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Sentro Rizal New York launched the Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum (SRMM), a pioneering virtual museum in the Filipino cultural space. Developed in collaboration with Filipino-American XR Designer Ralph Roma, the SRMM offers a cutting-edge, immersive digital experience that brings Philippine history, art, and culture to life.The Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum is a 24/7 accessible virtual platform where visitors can explore curated exhibits, interact with 3D-rendered artifacts, and engage in real-time multimedia presentations, making Philippine heritage accessible to a global audience. The SRMM features:A digital collection of paintings from the Philippine Center in New York, highlighting the artistic talents and cultural expressions of Filipinos.Interactive, high-definition 3D representations of indigenous fabrics from the Philippines, showcasing intricate weaving…

New York PCG and CREBA Discuss PH Real Estate Trends and Future Collaborations (Left photo) The Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) delegation, led by Vice President for International Affairs Alejandro S. Mañalac, poses with Consul General Senen T. Mangalile at the lobby of the Philippine Center during their courtesy call on 04 November 2024. (Right photo) CREBA Members in discussion with Consul General Mangalile during the meeting, where they shared insights on the real estate industry and potential collaborations. NEW YORK, 06 November 2024 — A 20-member delegation from the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) paid a courtesy call on Consul General Senen T. Mangalile at the Philippine Center in New York on 04 November. The delegation, led by Mr. Alejandro S. Mañalac, Vice President for International Affairs of CREBA, is in New York to participate in the Global Real Estate Summit.During the courtesy call, Mr. Mañalac introduced CREBA as a prominent umbrella organization representing approximately 4,000 Filipino firms, individuals, and associations involved in the land and housing sectors, construction, allied industries, and various professional disciplines. Their membership spans a wide array of professionals, including land developers, housing subdivision and condominium builders,…

Filipino American Fashion Design Students Gain Exclusive Insights at the Natori Showroom in New York (Left photo) Filipino-American Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) students snap a group photo at the Natori showroom, celebrating their inspiring visit to explore the work of renowned designer Josie Natori. (Right photo) FIT students closely examine the fabrics at the Natori showroom, gaining firsthand experience with the intricate craftsmanship behind Josie Natori’s designs. (Photos by FIT - Filipino Student Association [FSA]) NEW YORK, 5 November 2024 - Members of the Filipino Student Association (FSA) of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York recently visited the NATORI Showroom in New York City where they explored the work of Josie Natori, a trailblazing Filipino-American fashion designer. The visit was arranged by the Philippine Consulate General in New York as part of its promotion of Philippine fibers, fabrics, and textiles and of Filipino heritage and global talent. The visit offered the students a glance of the creative process, craftsmanship, and the brand’s influence on the global fashion industry. During the visit, the students examined Natori’s use of fabrics, intricate details, and cultural motifs, gaining insights into how heritage and craftsmanship can thrive on the international stage.…

Day of National Mourning for the Victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine NEW YORK, 04 November 2024 – In accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 728, the Philippine Consulate General in New York has lowered the national flag to half-mast today, 04 November, in solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (International name: Trami).The Philippine Consulate extends its heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families and stands in solidarity with the Filipino people, offering prayers as the nation mourns and begins the journey of rebuilding. END

Filipino Runners Celebrated in Pre-Marathon Carbo-Loading Event Hosted by New York PCG Strength in Unity: Over 150 Filipino runners and supporters gathered at the Philippine Center in New York for a traditional carbo-loading reception ahead of the 2024 NYC Marathon. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 02 November 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted a carbo-loading reception for Filipino athletes participating in the 2024 New York City Marathon, drawing together an international contingent of runners at the Philippine Center on 01 November 2024.The event, organized in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York (PDOT-NY), Pinoy Runners USA, Pinoy Runners New Jersey, Pinoy Runners Global, and Fil-Am Tri, welcomed over 150 participants, including Filipino athletes from 24 Philippine cities and provinces, as well as fellow runners from the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. The gathering allowed participants to connect, exchange valuable insights and strategies, and celebrate the shared honor of representing the Philippines ahead of the big race on 03 November.In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomed the runners and highlighted the achievements of Filipino athletes, noting their role as ambassadors of Filipino resilience and…

New York PCG Concludes 2024 Outreach Program with Back-To-Back Consular Missions in Philadelphia and New Jersey Consular Outreach in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. The Philippine Consulate General in New York conducts its consular outreach activity in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania on 26 October, allowing community members to renew their Philippine passports and avail of notarial services without traveling to New York City. (Photo by Consul Ricarte Abejuela III) NEW YORK, 30 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York concluded its 2024 Consular Outreach Program with back-to-back outreach missions held in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania and Stratford, New Jersey on 26 and 27 October, respectively. The two-day initiative served nearly 220 kababayan, facilitating essential consular services closer to home for communities in these areas. Consular Outreach in Stratford, New Jersey. The outreach mission in Stratford includes dual citizenship processing for former Philippine citizens, with consular staff evaluating petitions for reacquisition of citizenship. (Photo Consul by Ricarte Abejuela III) Organized in partnership with the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia (FECGP) and the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey, Inc. (PCSNJ), the outreach events provided passport renewal, dual citizenship processing, notarial, and civil registry services for members of the Filipino community in…

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 2024 — 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…