Issue 77, July 2024
Senator Risa Hontiveros
Who is sheltering Apollo Quiboloy?
Television is alive and well
Joseph Francia
Nicole Ponseca
Celebrating
Filipino-style Merienda Culture
Letter from the Editor
When stroke came to our house
The early morning of June 29 was like a dream in vivid detail: My husband sprawled on the floor trying to get up. He was using the bed to support himself but he kept sliding down and back on the floor.
I called his name. He didn’t respond. I was in the same room doing editing work and yet I did not hear anything, not a thud, not a call for my name, not a cry for help.
I tried to lift him but couldn’t even if we were working together. I asked if I should call 911 and his response was a groan I could not understand. I dialed 911 without waiting for clear instructions and help came within minutes.
I rode in front of an emergency van while my husband was lying on a stretcher behind us. The woman doctor, after a few minutes of asking questions, a quick scan and interpreting his symptoms, said Rene was showing signs of “significant stroke.” I could tell even without her medical opinion. I’ve seen the signs on my mother who had a stroke in late 1980s. Slurry speech, limbs that weakened into paralysis. He is in ICU as I write this deeply personal piece but seems to show encouraging signs. On the second day of our visit, my daughter and I let him fondle a cellphone and asked him to “swipe” up, down, left, right. His right hand was responding nicely. He could raise it to a count of five, and I excitedly reported to the doctor his “progress.”
I googled “stroke” and found how he came to have this condition. Family history, weight, age are among the risk factors. “Men have a higher risk of stroke than women,” according to Mayo
Founding Editor
Cristina DC Pastor
Managing Editor Rene Pastor
Clinic, “although women are more likely to die of strokes than men.”
In any case, what I’ve seen first-hand (first my mother, now my husband) is quite an eye opener not to take our health for granted. Filipinos, as I’ve found out, are prone to health conditions enabled by a diet rich in fats, sodium and sugar.
“… cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes (contributors to stroke conditions) are the leading causes of death and disease in Asian American adults,” according to a 2023 study by the American Heart Association. Diabetes
is common in Asian American adults in ages 45-84, while Type 2 diabetes is prevalent among 15.6% of Chinese Americans to 31.9% of Filipino Americans.
The time to act is now. We all know what is best for us, but because we humans are by nature stubborn, busybodies, and believe we can defy the odds, we just carry on with life. We can actually live better by eating, thinking and being healthy. Trust me, you wouldn’t want stroke making a visit in the early morning hours. – Cristina DC Pastor
Contributing Writers
running,
prevent health risks. Photo: Unsplash
Senator Risa Hontiveros: U.S. government preparing extradition request for Quiboloy
By Cristina DC Pastor and Lindy Rosales
Senator Risa Hontiveros has disclosed the United States is preparing to send an extradition request to the Philippine government for fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy to face sex trafficking, fraud and smuggling charges.
“We are waiting for good news, hopefully, that the U.S. government will formalize an extradition request,” said the opposition senator who spoke to the Filipino community in New York on June 9 in a Manhattan restaurant. Hontiveros was in town for the Philippine Independence Day celebration. She was also slated to visit California while in the U.S.
According to the FBI, Quiboloy, the founder of a Philippines-based church, is “wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Members who proved successful at soliciting for the church allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States.”
He was indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana, California, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. On November 10, 2021, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest, continues the FBI report.
The Philippine government could take one or two courses of action once it receives the extradition request, said Hontiveros.
“The Department of Justice said that when the extradition request comes in, we can either suspend the cases in the Philippines to make way for the extradition process here in the U.S., or (we can) finish first, dispose of the cases in the Philippines and then make way for the extradition.”
Either way, she added, extradition means “there will be accountability” for Quiboloy’s crimes “especially against women and children.”
Extradition, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, is a government to government treaty that helps bring criminals who have fled the country to justice. The U.S. has extradition treaties with more than a hundred countries including the Philippines.
Hontiveros said there are three outstanding warrants for Quiboloy’s arrest – one from Davao City, another from Pasig, and a third one from the Philippine Senate. If it were an ordinary person, she said one warrant would have been sufficient for an arrest.
“Mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro.” She said she keeps calling Philippine National Police (PNP) General Rommel Marbil requesting frequent updates.
“I said, Sir, there are three warrants. Don’t make him make a fool of the PNP,” she said.
She believes Quiboloy is “obviously hiding in plain sight or there are “people sheltering him.”
“This is not about religious persecution,” said Hontiveros in a press conference with members of the FilAm media. “Dahil kahit ang mga taong simbahan, kahit ang mga simbahan, (they) operate under the laws of the country.”
“Sabi ng lahat, kung nasa Pilipinas pa is Quiboloy, nandoon lang siya sa Davao. Alam naman natin bukod sa teritoriyo yan ni Quiboloy, teritoryo din yan ni…,” she stopped at this point without mentioning names. “Pero, ang hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit hindi pa rin maaresto ng PNP, kaya nanawagan ulit ako sa PNP.”
| The curious case of Alice Guo
Hontiveros also expressed exasperation about the case of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo whose personal background is a source of intense scrutiny in the Philippines.
Guo was recently suspended by the Ombudsman while she is under investigation for her alleged ties to illegal gambling operations in the Philippines known as POGOs. The Philippine Star said there could be more than 300 illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) establishments in the country, quoting the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz. Guo, who is of Chinese ethnicity, denied any links to POGOs, but her true identity remains in question.
“I don’t know yet if she’s a spy,” said Hontiveros. “But she’s not exactly who she says she is. She can’t answer a straight question straight.”
Hontiveros: ‘He is obviously hiding in plain sight or there are people sheltering him.’ Behind her is moderator Romulo Aromin Jr. The FilAm Photo
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy; Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo
Nicole Ponseca: ‘I Am a Filipino’
When Nicole Ponseca was growing up in San Diego, California, her father was very adamant in telling her
“You are a Filipino”. Her father, a Cavite native, wanted her to never forget that Cavite was one of the first provinces to revolt against the Spaniards’ 350 years of colonial subjugation. In fact, the Philippines’ Declaration of Independence from Spain was inaugurated by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite, his birthplace.
Nicole’s DNA never forgot her heritage.
At 20 years old, she decided to pursue her dream of living in New York City, and arriving with just $75 in her pocket. Within 14 days, she was hired by Saatchi and Saatchi Advertising Agency. But through her years in advertising, she realized that her identity as a Filipino is unknown or often, misunderstood.
In her desire of putting the Filipino culture and cuisine in the map, she aimed to become a restaurateur. Working as an advertising executive by day, she decided to learn about the restaurant business the best way she could: by working off hours in several restaurants as a dishwasher, server and hostess. In time, she started her own pop-up Filipino restaurant, Maharlika in the East Village—an endeavor that caught the attention of many foodies, both Filipino and non-Filipino alike. Every weekend since her brunch pop-up launched, Maharlika was fully booked and was getting reservations up to three months in advance.
The success of the pop-up made her decide, along with her business partner and head chef, Dominican American Chef Miguel Trinidad to establish in 2011, Maharlika Bistro and one year later, Jeepney Gastropub in the East Village.
I remember dining in Maharlika, eating a Filipino favorite, Spam, cut into long pieces, breaded and fried to perfection, as an appetizer. It was served like French fries with sweet chili sauce. The cuisine was delicious Filipino food, fused with American staples (think ube waffles and soy-marinated fried chicken, a twist to your regular chicken and waffles) served with sophistication, making Maharlika one of the first modern Filipino restaurants in the area. When anyone ordered balut ( boiled egg with embryonic duck), all the waiters would shout “baluuuuut”. On the wall blackboard was a Filipino word of the week to educate the patrons on a common Filipino culture or custom.
Jeepney, on the other hand, was more rock 'n' roll and rugged. It was the first restaurant that
Her DNA never forgot her heritage.
popularized elaborate dinners served on banana leaves "kamayan-style" encouraging patrons to enjoy their meal by their fingertips sans spoon and fork.
While running her restaurants, she visited the Philippines for several months to research every region’s food culture. The result was her masterpiece- an iconic bestselling Filipino cookbook, “I Am a Filipino” which used the same font as the placards of the Civil Rights demonstrations in the 1960s “I Am a Man.”
After nine years of serving modern Filipino food fare, Maharlika had to close its doors to streamline operations in 2019.
In 2020, the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry, especially in New York City, was hit pretty hard. The ones that survived did so by doing food take-out and delivery, but many chose to close their doors permanently. Unfortunately, Nicole had to make the difficult decision of closing down Jeepney as well at this time.
In the meantime, Nicole could not be denied her passion to celebrate Filipino cuisine. Nicole moved to Miami, Florida and her restaurant Jeepney was listed recently at one of Miami’s 13 Essential Food Hall Dishes in 2021.
“At her progressive Filipino spot inside
1-800-Lucky, James Beard-nominated author and restaurateur Nicole Ponseca serves breakfast Sando, a meal of two eggs, Filipino-style pork belly tocino, and fried cheese on a sesame bun. The luscious sandwich is topped with Bicol sauce, a concoction of coconut, chilies, ginger, and fermented shrimp.”
In the meantime, the Filipino Food Movement scored a big win after the pandemic. The Philippine Consul Generals in the United States decided that it was time to extend the Filipino Food Week into one month and chose April as the Filipino Food Month.
This year on April 27th, Nicole Ponseca was chair of the brunch called “Merienda” held in Chelsea Piers. It was the second year in April that Filipino chefs were involved in celebrating Filipino food at the James Beard Foundation.
Due to budget limitation, she asked chefs Dale Talde, Leah Cohen, Woldy Reyes and Diana Manalang to join her and choose their specialty aside from her own chosen dishes of Salmon Kinilaw with Atchara, Coconut Milk, Pinakurat, Ikura, and Bitter Melon Chimichurri;
Around 50 guests partook of the Merienda to end all Meriendas: Pancit Palabok with Blue Crab Gravy, Smoked Trout Roe, and Chicharrones; Bibingka with Mango Glaze and Black Salt, Pandesal and Keso; Black and White Sesame Bread with Unaged White Cheese, Calamansi Marmalade, and Beef Jerky; Sinangag Frittata with Herb Salad ; Tortang Talong, Japanese Eggplant with Oysters, Olive Watercress, Oaxaca Cheese, and Shacha Barbecue Sauce; Beef Kaldereta and Chicken Adobo Toast and Crispy Potato Strips; Smoked Bangus Toast ; Classic Lumpia with Pork, Shrimp, Carrot, and Cilantro.
Filipino Food Movement co-founder Sonia Delen was not able to attend so she provided complimentary tickets for me and my high school classmate, Leonor Cabigao Bismonte and her executive daughter Lanelle to this incredible iconic experience.
As we applauded the five chefs by the end of the “Merienda”, a valid commentary by Chef Woldy Reyes could explain why Filipino restaurants have not risen to the level of other Southeast Asian restaurants like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesian cuisine.
“When our people eat in Filipino restaurants that have exemplary, above the norm cuisine, their conclusion of ‘how expensive’ knocks down the tireless effort of the Filipino chefs to elevate Philippine cuisine.
But Nicole and the other Filipino diaspora chefs throughout the world are not deterred.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” she says.
11th grader from Queens will have her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol
Amber Sevilla, a Filipino American and 11th grader from Elmhurst, Queens is the winner of the congressional art contest. This was announced by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) on June 11.
The contest, which consisted of entries from Queens high school students, is part of “An Artistic Discovery,” the national art contest held annually by the House of Representatives that showcases the artwork of students in congressional districts all across the nation.
Sevilla’s winning piece – along with the winning artwork from other congressional districts throughout the United States – will now be displayed for one year within the halls of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. She and the other winners will also be invited to Capitol Hill later this month for a special ceremony to recognize their artistic talents.
Sevilla placed first in Meng’s competition for her artwork entitled “2:25 PM” which is an acrylic painting of a photo she took in April 2023 that depicts a relaxed moment with her dad. According to Sevilla, the piece captures the beauty of mundane family moments and highlights the extraordinary found in ordinary, everyday experiences with family.
Sevilla, who turned 17 years old the day after winning, currently attends the High School of Art and Design. She plans to attend art college and hopes to have a career as an art educator or an art curator for a museum.
Meng announced Sevilla as the winner during a reception she held for students who submitted artwork and their families. All of the entries were displayed for the event. The congresswoman also presented all 28 students who entered – from 18 different schools – with certificates of congressional recognition.
“I thank Amber Sevilla for
entering my art contest and I’m thrilled to congratulate her for winning this year’s competition,” said Congresswoman Meng. “The artistic talent shown by the young artists who took part in the contest is outstanding, and every year I continue to be impressed and inspired by the amazing creativity that goes into all of the artwork. I
commend each and every student who participated and I’m excited that Amber’s winning piece will be recognized and displayed in the Capitol for lawmakers, visitors and maybe even the President to see.”
“It’s such an honor to be chosen as the winner of Congresswoman Meng’s congressional art competition! I was absolutely thrilled when I found out that I won, and I’m so excited to soon see my work hanging in the United States Capitol, said Sevilla.
“I’m extremely grateful to Isabella Bustamante, the director of Teen Art Salon – which provides programs to local teens who are passionate about the arts – for encouraging me to enter the contest. I also thank my other art teachers, James Harrington, Ashton Agbomenou and Laura Blau for helping me hone my skills. I was born and raised in Queens, and it means so much to me to be able to give back to and represent my community in Elmhurst.”
In the future, she continued, “I want to be a supportive, caring and skilled art teacher, just like those who have always been by my side throughout my artistic studies in school, and winning first place in this competition is such an encouraging step in that journey.”
Allowable mediums for the contest included paintings, collages, drawings, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art and photographs. The competition was open to all high school students residing or attending school in New York’s Sixth Congressional District.
The Artistic Discovery contest was launched in 1982 for Members of Congress to showcase the artistic work of high school students from around the nation. Since it began, hundreds of thousands of high school students from throughout the United States have participated in the competition.
Amber Sevilla’s dad, A. Redd Sevilla, snaps a photo with U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. Amber holds up her winning artwork inspired by her father. Photo provided by Grace Meng’s office
Activities For All Ages, Trade Exhibits, Sponsors, Business, Concerts & Networking !
AMERICAN DREAM
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY
AUG 17-18 10AM
Saturday, Aug. 17 • Starts at 10am.
Opening ceremonies with community leaders and prominent government o cials; sponsors & exhibitors, featuring Philippine destinations, business to business presentations, concerts, fashion show, health screening, activities for various age groups, childrens’ pavilion, collectibles, live bands and dancing! At American Dream.
Sunday, Aug. 18 • Starts at 10am. Mass celebration followed by colorful Santacruzan parade; sponsors & exhibitors, featuring Philippine destinations, concerts, fashion show, health screening, activities for various age groups, childrens’ pavilion, live bands and dancing! At American Dream.
People’s Ball - Sunday, Aug. 11
Starts at 11am. at Marriott Newark Int’l Airport NJ. This elegant event has brought together influential figures of the Filipino American community. Reserve your seats or a table now. Call 212-682-6610 or email:info@fiestainamerica.com
[Partial List of Saturday Performers] D'Divas Of Good Vibes Line Dancers of St. Vincent • Lirazen Rose • VOX • Bibak NY • Wynnum Sabile Rose • C.E.B.U. Inc.• Kayumanggi Choral • The Amazing Filipiniana Dance Ensemble of New Jersey • Not Shy Dance Crew (KPOP) • Carmelo Designs by Carl Andrada “Filipiniana”
Register at info@fiestainamerica.com to receive a 20% discount on all American Dream-owned rides during the week of Aug. 19-25, 2024
[Partial List of Sunday Performers] KJ Herwig & Friends • Band Of Brothers • The Green Planet • Droovy • The Angels • Bayani • Slaysian • Not Shy Dance Crew • Carmelo Designs by Carl Andrada “Philippine Inspired Costumes” For an updated list of performers, please visit www.gophilppines.co or www.fiestainamerica.com
Connecticut organizations donate backpacks to indigenous Aeta children
For the past 11 years, the Aeta Ministry founded by educator Luzviminda Rivero-Bradley of Wallingford, Connecticut, has provided backpacks full of school supplies to the indigenous children from the mountainous areas in Zambales, Philippines. She has been engaged in this effort with the help of Philippine Frontier Missionaries.
This year, the backpacks were donated by businessman Lawrence Brunoli in honor of his late cousin Michael John Brunoli.
“This was an eye-opening experience for me,” said Lawrence Brunoli, who owns a construction company in his name located in Farmington. “I was glad to do this and getting the opportunity to see the children firsthand was well worth the effort to get there. They were bashful at first, but warmed up quickly, and were very excited and happy.”
Brunoli and Rivero-Bradley traveled more than 16 hours to get to Zambales. During the 10-day trip, he had seen the province’s beautiful scenery and met the nicest people in the remote areas of the Philippines.
Since it was started in 2013, the Aeta Ministry program has facilitated a Feeding Program to raise awareness on the health and educational needs of the Aetas, an indigenous people characterized by their darker skin and curly hair. They are called the “Filipino Negritoes.”
which is not always the case.”
Rivero-Bradley is the director of Community Service Program of Ivy Labs, a college placement and counseling services company in New Haven. As an education counselor, she assists American students looking to find schools in China.
“Given my interest in education in general, and child malnutrition in particular, my focus is on the Aetas of the Philippines, and the dietary and nutritional challenges they face, “ she said. “I believe that many of the ideas and concepts I’ve learned as a health education teacher will help improve the quality of their lives.”
The main goal of the Aeta Ministry is to facilitate different nutrition intervention health programs to bring down malnutrition among children, she said. She is also enlisting Filipino health professionals to collaborate with policymakers to help better understand the correlation among food, community, and family and the consequences of excessive hunger and malnutrition on children.
“Sadly, Filipino children are malnourished more than ever, especially the Aeta children,” said Rivero-Bradley. “Most poor families in our native country, just like my own family, grew up believing that malnutrition is caused by poverty alone,
Appreciative children receive their school bags from Connecticut donors..
Rivero-Bradley added, “These systems can also help us health professionals to analyze how the community thinks, how it understands health-related situations, and help suggest ways to change things for the better and be able to reach a better and more comprehensive understanding of the importance of consciousness-raising intervention.”
Her experience includes being a health advocate. “It is a good start and hopefully this will spark a change on how low-income communities (such as the Aetas) are able and equipped to see malnutrition as a health problem, especially among their children. What motivates me is just getting things done by keeping it simple and reminding myself that one day I will get the message out there that malnutrition is a disease and not a genetic profile of poor people.”
The annual two-week Aeta Ministry also includes the distribution of humanitarian aid, backpacks, school supplies, groceries, slippers, shoes, and clothes.
Brunoli said he plans on helping out again. “It is about making a difference. Something I will continue to do,” he said.
The Philippine-born Rivero-Bradley has resided in Connecticut for over 30 years and has been a teacher for 38 years. She received her master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University.
To learn more about the Aeta Ministry, contact Rivero-Bradley at 928-433-9290 or luz_rivero@ yahoo.com.
Luzviminda Rivero-Bradley. ‘Malnutrition is a disease and not a genetic profile of poor people.’
DI Michael Reyes: A love for dancing since he was 3
By Cristina DC Pastor
Michael Reyes became a dance instructor through a stroke of luck.
Sixteen years ago, he used to frequent a local haunt (Bistro Filipino in South Ozone Park at the time) with his friends Jun Cloma and Allan Matamis when the general manager (Will Reyes Jr.) invited him to join his dancing instructor buddies. Despite being a Business Management graduate from Baruch College, the prospect of becoming a dance host wasn’t something he had envisioned. However, his love for dancing made the decision easy.
“At first I laughed because I didn’t know the protocol, and I used to make fun of my friends at the time,” he recalled with a chuckle. “I was in my 30s then.”
But soon, he found himself immersed in weekend gigs alongside his friends, ballroom dancing with initially hesitant women partners, enjoying complimentary drinks and meals, all while earning a little extra cash.
“Dancing has been a part of me since I was three,” shared Michael, who works as a budget assistant at the United Nations. He attributed his passion to his mother, Corazon Reyes, a registered nurse who had a knack for dancing. “Mom was the dancer. I inherited her talent.”
He began with street dance freestyling in the 1980s, a style that today might resemble a fusion of hip hop and urban popping. Whether it was at family gatherings, parties, or impromptu performances, Michael was always ready to showcase his classic moves.
In 1989, a significant opportunity arose when he was selected by renowned French artist and art director Jean-Paul Goude to feature in a dance video in Paris, coinciding with the celebration of Bastille Day. It was also the year of the Tiananmen Massacre in China.
“I auditioned for it,” he said.
Recalling the experience, he said, “(Goude) directed a small video with nine of us dressed in black with Chinese lettering in bandanas and our bare chests. Three of us came from New York, three from L.A., and three from Paris. Two of us were Filipinos (Dante Adela was the other). I was lucky to be selected. We were there for 10 days. We were treated like kings, business class plane fare and all. It was my first time in Paris.”
| Two films
Two films made an impact on his drive to further his dance skills: Patrick Swayze’s “Dirty Dancing” and “Dance with Me” with Vanessa Williams.
He said, “Those two movies started my curiosity, motivated me and inspired me more to get into ballroom dancing.”
As one of most sought-after DIs in the New York metropolitan area, Michael’s weekends are known to be packed with engagements at various venues. He can be at Bamboo Grill in Bergenfield, N.J., in Starlight Dance Center in Nutley, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Bayonne or at 58 Manor in Queens, New York City. In the Filipino American community, line dancing is a cherished social conduct, and parties are not complete without the women (and some men) getting on their feet to do the Electric Slide after a hearty dinner.
He typically charges $200 to $300 for four to five hours with clients. They can be a group of women or just one individual. No, he does not advertise his service, and no, his family does not share his passion for hoofing it on the dance floor.
His wife works in a big accounting office; they have two children in college. The family lives in Long Island.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the business, Michael remains grateful that he can continue to dance, meet new people, stay fit, and earn a modest income on the side.
As he reflects on his journey from a chance invitation, his love for dance shines through. His advice to women too shy to line-dance?
“It might be a little intimidating at first but don’t ever be shy,” he said. “I’m there to guide you. Don’t even worry about the others on the dance floor! Keep your head up. Dance like no one is watching and most of all, just enjoy yourself!”
‘I love my job’ is a new segment of The FilAm featuring Filipinos who have rare and unique occupations. If you know someone, please pitch us a story at thefilamny@gmail.com.
Dancing with mom and mentor Corazon Reyes, RN.
‘I inherited her talent.’ Photo by Nonoy Rafael
One of the most sought-after dance instructors in the New York metro area. Facebook photo
Joseph Francia: ‘Television is alive and well’
By Cristina DC Pastor
Joseph Francia looks back on his career and glimpses a television executive whose more than three decades’ work in broadcast media was shaped by significant events and crises.
In 1990, he was a young project manager for ABS-CBN Foundation who rushed to the scene of the earthquake in Baguio to lead the effort to fundraise and work with local government units to distribute donations.
This would be followed by the momentous Pinatubo eruption in Pampanga and the massive flooding in Ormoc in Western Leyte, a succession of disasters too enormous for the Philippine government to handle. For Joseph, it was a close-up view of the aftermath of devastations, and it tested his mettle as project manager for the foundation.
“I was there in a time of multiple disasters in succession,” he said in an interview with The FilAm.
In his early 20s, this was followed by a stint Radio and Regional Radio and TV operations, setting up stations across the Philippines as part of the nationwide expansion of a then resurgent, post-EDSA ABS-CBN.
Some 31 years later, Joseph is now with GMA Network (ABS-CBN’s fiercest rival for years) as First Vice President and Head of International Operations.
GMA did not happen right away, he said. After a two-year fellowship at Monash University Business School in Melbourne Australia, he worked in an e-commerce business that required more travel and opening new media markets in Indonesia, Mexico, and other locations. He was invited to join GMA by this time with his track record of starting media operations and seeing them through.
He remains a media professional who is now navigating the impact of social media on television as well as the viewers’ response to changing platforms and content. The rapid rise of social media over the last 10 years has forced changes on television, print, and media as a whole. For example, viewing platforms are now reduced to handheld devices and short-form content heavy on celebrity gossip and images is a
The Francias – Ella, Benjamin, Minnie and Joseph -- shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna province.
On his way to a meeting in Manhattan. Photo by Edwin Josue
staple. He witnessed “media d isruptions over changing habits and more competition for attention,” noting such shifts among Gen Z, millennials, and younger viewers.
“The loss of franchise of ABSCBN in 2020 added another layer of disruption,” he said. “There was loss of jobs, businesses, which was unfortunate but it also gave birth to opportunities.”
“I was a little divorced from local reality,” he said. “I was looking at it from the lens of how they will continue with their line of business. They had an international business as we do. It wasn’t chaotic. But we saw an opportunity to try to make the most of a difficult situation for the industry in general.”
He disclosed that when GMA needed content, there was content available through the ABS-CBN library. That paved the way for an opportunity for collaboration.
What started as a licensing partnership with ABS-CBN “led to other forms of collaboration,” he said. In the international front, GMA and ABS-CBN forged a partnership for GMA’s international channels (GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV) to be available on ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC platform.
It brought the two famously fierce rivals into a full-blown cooperation over programs such as “It’s Showtime” starring Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis. The noontime variety show is produced by ABS-CBN and aired by GMA Network. A press statement from the networks hailed it a “historic collaboration.”
“TV is alive and well,” declared Joseph. “People are not looking only at the big TV screens in living rooms as we did before. There are other screens like laptops and cell phones. You can watch TV on multiple screens. Like any programmer, we had to be on multiple platforms, making sure content is available, relevant, and consumable through
multiple devices. TV is not dead. TV is just everywhere you have a screen to watch content with.”
| Steady presence during the pandemic
The three-year pandemic is another obstacle that GMA, now on its 75th year, has managed pretty well without overextending itself. Joseph said GMA has prided itself as a cautious broadcast network, almost “conservative to a fault.”
“We survived the pandemic through cost efficiency and creativity,” he said. “We find ways, even without the pandemic, to do more with less. It is good management that has shielded us from many crises.”
He added it is their commitment to GMA’s corporate purpose to enrich the lives of Filipinos everywhere with “superior entertainment and the responsible, unbiased, and timely delivery of accurate news that has seen us through.” As
GMA Pinoy TV celebrates its 19th Anniversary this August, he said GMA International will continue to champion the best in the Filipino through their “Home of the Global Pinoys” campaign.
| How he met Minnie
Joseph met future wife Minnie Francisco when they were both working at ABS-CBN. He was then managing Radio operations. Minnie, who worked in the next building, by his humorous recollection, “gatecrashed” his birthday party because all her friends were invited and she wasn’t. “I thought this girl had mojo,” he recalled.
When he met an accident in 1997 in Laoag City where he was working to open a TV station, it was Minnie he phoned first. Joseph and Minnie wed after he recovered. They have two children, Ella, 21, and Benjamin 17. With Minnie back in school for her master’s degree in History at the University of the Philippines, he said tongue-in-cheek how he now supports three students in the family.
Joseph T. Francia was recently honored as “Asia’s Remarkable Leader for Broadcast Media Operations” by the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards.
With ‘Dancing with the Stars' TV host Cheryl Burke. Facebook photos
Vacationing in Cape Town, South Africa
| July 2 to 30
Adult Conversational Filipino, Beginner 2 with Noel Pangilinan
Prerequisite: Must have completed Beginner 1 or consult with School Director
Contact Venessa Manzano, School Director, at 774-257-4669 or info@ filschool-nynj.org
| July 12
Jed Madela (with Dr. Ime Cruz and Excelsa de Jesus)
Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel 135-20 39th Avenue Flushing, NYC
| July 14
Summer Sosyal by the Filipino American Democratic Club of NY 87 Ludlow Street NYC
Calendar of Events
| July 15
Deadline: Applications for Miss Universe Philippines; represent your state
Email resume and 2 headshots to missphilippinesnorthamerica@ gmail.com; subject line; MPNA
| August 16 to 17
Igniting the Power in Us: NaFFAA 16th National Empowerment Conference & Civic Leadership Forum
The Atheneum Detroit | August 17
Fiesta in America: Health & Wellness
American Dream Mall 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford, N.J
| August 17
8th Kids Philippines Annual
Charity Golf Tournament
Pequot Golf Club 127 Wheeler Road Stonington, CT
Contact Cherry at 860-234-4607
| September 7
New York Fashion Week
Now casting for models
Contact Grace Steadfast at 304-601-4368 or email Steadfast.fashion.design@ gmail.com
| September 7
New York Fashion Week with AJ Platinum Productions Metropolitan Pavilion NYC For more info call 801-577-0193
| September 14
OMTA Awards by Knights of Rizal
Long Island Leonard’s Palazzo 555 Northern Blvd. Great Neck, N.Y.
| September 20
Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour Prudential Center 25 Lafayette Street Newark, N.J.
| September 28
28th Biennial induction of officers of the Philippine Nurses Association of New York 1 Marina Drive Bronx, NYC
| October 6
Fashion for Compassion
Cancer Charity Gala by FACC
Hyatt Regency
1800 President’s Street Reston, VA
Contact info@filamcancercare.org
| October 27
14th Annual TOFA
(The Outstanding Filipino Awards)
Honolulu
| November 15
Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour
Palace Theatre Albany N.Y.
Journalist Rose Tibayan succumbs to cancer
Journalist Rose Tibayan passed away on June 20 following a “courageous 14-month-long cancer fight,” according to the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, Illinois.
Her most recent position was director of Public Affairs for the City of Chicago’s Department of Budget, Management, and Finance under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. She was looking forward to working with incoming Mayor Brandon Johnson, says the chapel announcement.
Rose began her career in journalism in New York City and moved to Chicago 20 years ago to join her husband, Don Villar, who is secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor.
She first worked as a page at NBC’s Rockefeller Plaza. She was promoted news assistant at NBC Nightly News. “Rose credits a conversation with television news legend Connie Chung for inspiring and encouraging her to become a reporter,” says the chapel announcement.
She met her husband through her career in television journalism. When they were introduced, Don was a T.V. news writer/producer at WLS-TV ABC7 Chicago. Friends of Rose posted messages of affection and grief on Facebook.
Brad Baldia, president of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, remembers his “dear friend” and expressed regrets he
never got to say goodbye to her. Rose lived in Philadelphia when she was Action News reporter of 6abc.
“When she lived in Philadelphia, she had a very tight group of friends. I will always cherish our many dinners and get-togethers at her apartment, her daily reports on 6abc Action News,” he writes on Facebook. “She died much too early and had so much to give the world. Rest in peace Rose Tibayan. You will be sorely missed!”
A friend from New York, Dr. Mariliz Guerrero Policarpio, shares how she and Rose met in 1989 through her Calendar Girls project.
“Through her project, Rose brought together a group of young Filipina women who were eager and willing to challenge themselves, have fun, and at the same time participate in community outreach,” she writes on FB. It was also through the Calendar Girls pageant that she met Jason who would become her husband.
“Meeting Rose was life-changing for me,” writes Mariliz.
Rose was deeply concerned about women’s issues.
Says Furlong chapel, “She started the Sampaguita Group Foundation to raise college scholarships for young Filipino women. She volunteered her time and skills to the Rizal Center, Chicago’s Filipino American Community Center, where she helped create the website and organized the children’s craft fairs and fundraising events. Following the 2013 devastation of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Rose helped organize relief efforts at the center for the typhoon victims. Among the survivors were her mother-in-law and father-inlaw. They were in the Philippines when the most powerful storm ever made landfall in history passed over them.”
Rose received her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University in New York City.
‘2024 Champions’ of the AAPI community honored
Assemblymember Ron Kim, chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, closed out Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) month by honoring exemplary leaders and organizations from the AAPI community.
Kim presented each honoree with a certificate of appreciation and offered his thoughts on the ways the AAPI community has flourished across the state because of their contributions.
This year's recipients each demonstrated a notable trait or essential virtue that the Assemblyman praised as he honored them. For instance, Lara Gregory received the "Advocate Award" and David Lee the "Pioneer Award". The ceremony featured presenters who were intimately familiar with the accomplishments of the recipients and introduced each of them by highlighting their immense contributions to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
The complete list of this year's honorees: Lara Gregory, director, Filipino Americans for Racial Action; David Lee, president of the League of Asian Americans of New York; Hyun Tak Lee, president, Korean American Association of Queens; Samira Rajan, CEO, Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union; Dr. Ming Wang, founder, Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration; and The Asian American
Adult Day Care Association.
Kim said, "It was an honor and a privilege to recognize this year's 2024 Champions of the AAPI Community. Each honoree has made impressive and impactful contributions to our community and are
fully deserving of the greater recognition and esteem we hope today's ceremony will bring them. I want to thank all of them for their leadership, and look forward to witnessing their continued efforts to improve the world we live in.”
She cared for women’s issues. Facebook photo
Front row: Attorney Lara Gregory, fifth from left, is an Advocate Awardee.
SPED teacher Audrey Ann Bayogos: Inspiring children, transforming lives
Audrey Ann Bayogos’s 23 years’ experience as a special education teacher in the Philippines would become her ticket to the United States.
The years spent patiently imparting knowledge and supporting children with disabilities led her to become a Special Education Specialist at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Daly City, California five years ago. Here, she manages four classrooms spanning Grade 1 to Grade 4, guides students across the spectrum of Autism, Down Syndrome, Language Delays, Intellectual Disability, and Global Developmental Delays. In the Philippines then as in California now, Audrey’s passion in her work shines through.
“Ever since I’ve always believed that each child has potential,” she said. It takes a caring, creative teacher with good communication skills to draw this potential out of her students.
In Manila, she taught at the Philippine Montessori Center in Quezon City and remembers one boy she had nurtured from 3 years old until he graduated high school.
“I believed in him,” she said.
She stayed with her nonverbal student through all rounds of tests and assessments and kept communication lines open with his parents. She made sure she followed specialized instructions and teaching strategies while giving him individualized attention. Audrey said this boy benefited from positive behavior management and was accepted in the regular classes. In the end, he was able to keep up with the others and graduated.
| To California at start of COVID
Audrey came to California in September 2019 a few months before the Coronavirus pandemic erupted in the United States in early 2020. The environment was a challenge as the students held mostly remote classes using a teaching platform unfamiliar to Audrey. Eventually, she was able to learn to use the Zoom app and other tech devices such as iPad, and became comfortable with Google meet app, and Google slides where she developed engaging presentations shown in her class.
“I need to catch their attention,” said Audrey, now teaching for five years in California as a Cultural Exchange Teacher. She made sure her students paid attention for 30 minutes at most and that the parents reinforced the lessons at home. “I constantly communicated with the families to help me. The parents reviewed their children at home, and they sent their set assignments and
interactive work sheets to me by email,” she said. She added how her heart went out to some parents who have two or three children all of them learning via Zoom. “It’s hard to give them individualized attention, but with the help of teachers like us we tried to make it work.”
She remembered a Hispanic (Mexican) student in her class who was able to speak after being her student for two years.
“He is now speaking,” she shared. “I talk to him every day; I tell his grandma to constantly talk to him and he will be able to speak.”
Audrey said she is “proud” of her experience in the Philippines “which I am able to carry with me here. That’s my strength. We Filipinos have patience and resilience.”
| Difficult upbringing
She recalled to The FilAm how she was given up for adoption at a golf course in Manila. The year was 1976. She was three days old when her biological parents handed her to a caddy who would later become her adoptive father.
While Audrey had a difficult upbringing, she vowed to study hard so she could repay her adoptive parents who loved and cared for her. She was a conscientious college student who majored in Psychology at Philippine Normal University. She won scholarships that allowed her to finish her schooling without burdening her parents for matriculation. She later studied for a master’s degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City and dedicated herself to teaching in the Philippines for 23 years before seizing an opportunity to teach in the United States in 2019, alongside other Cultural Exchange Teachers on J1 visas.
In California, she passed rigorous credentialling exams for educators. In time, her school would send her to attend seminars to hone their skills. She became a trainer and also a speaker who went to different schools to talk to parents, teachers and even caregivers on how to handle children with special needs.
“It become my passion,” she said. “Each year I looked forward to such trainings.”
Described as “patient and compassionate” toward her students by a board-certified mentor teacher, she would receive awards recognizing her skills as a SPED teacher: Outstanding Global Special Education Award from the 2023 International Who’s Who Awards; 2024 Asia’s Humanitarian Hero Award given in Muntinlupa City in the Philippines; and the 2024 Dakilang Filipino Awards “Honoring Outstanding and Dedicated Filipino People who serve as our pride."
She thought at first that teaching was just her “bread and butter,” but found out “it is really my passion.”
Teaching is her bread and butter at first and later became her passion. Photos courtesy of Audrey Ann Bayogos
Her students are learning important life skills like cooking.
FilAm father and daughter topbill ‘Hadestown’
By Tricia Capistrano
"Sus ginoo!" Jon Jon Briones exclaims in Hadestown, where he plays Hermes, the messenger god.
I had heard that Briones was in the Broadway musical along with his daughter, Isa Briones, who plays Eurydice, and expected impassioned songs from the father and daughter. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the more senior Briones' Tagalog interjections. He also does some Arnis choreography, but it is subtle; you will have to pay attention.
“Hadestown,” whose music, lyrics, and book were written by Anaïs Mitchell, is a folk, pop, and jazz interpretation of two Greek myths: Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone. In the musical it’s been ages since Persephone has left hell, ruled by Hades. Persephone longs to be above. Because of the conditions on earth, Eurydice ends up in the underworld, and her lover Orpheus travels down to save her. Broadway.com likens the musical to a “hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.”
Jon Jon Briones plays Hermes, who tells the story, and his daughter, Isa Briones, plays Persephone. Jon Jon's name will sound familiar to many Filipinos because he was in the original ensemble of “Miss Saigon” in 1989. The Quezon City native played many roles in “Miss Saigon” and was eventually cast as the Engineer. In
the West End revival in 2014, he was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He reprised the part on Broadway in 2017. Fellow Filipino American New Yorkers and I saw him perform then, and he was excellent.
Isa Briones was born in London.
Both her parents (Jon Jon Briones
and Megan Briones, née Johnson) performed in “Miss Saigon.” Isa was cast in “Hamilton” in 2018. She was the youngest person to join the first national touring company. She played the dual roles of Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and was the understudy for Eliza Schuyler until 2019. On TV, she starred in “Star Trek: Picard” in 2020. In 2023, she starred as Margot Stokes in the Disney+/Hulu series “Goosebumps.”
Unfortunately, baritone singer, Philip Boykin, who was supposed to play Hades, was out when I saw the show, but Alex Puette, the understudy, played the role exceptionally well. Another surprise is that the role of Persephone is played by folk singer Ani DiFranco, who makes her Broadway debut in “Hadestown.”
Jordan Fisher plays a very sweet and fragile Orpheus. He and Isa Briones sing soulfully in this tragic love story. For us Filipinos, Jon Jon Briones' tokens of Filipino-ness make the show even more tender.
Jon Jon Briones and Isa Briones' final performance was on June 30.
Jon Jon waves at curtain call with Isa to his left. Photo by Tricia Capistrano
Jon Jon Briones (center) and Isa Briones star in a Broadway musical about a tragic love story. Photo: ‘Hadestown’ website
Albany celebrates 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence
For the second consecutive year, the Filipino community gathered at the New York State Capitol in Albany on June 4th to commemorate the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
This event, co-organized by the Office of Assemblymember Steven Raga and the Philippine Consulate General in New York, highlights the enduring and strong bonds between New York State and the Filipino community, according to organizers.
The day began with a floor introduction in the Assembly Chamber. Assemblymember Raga, the first-ever Filipino and Southeast Asian American to be elected to office in New York State, introduced the Filipino American community and recognized the presence of Consul General Senen Mangalile, special guests, and the delegation from the Philippine province of Misamis Oriental, including their Kuyamis Festival dancers.
Afterward, a brief meeting with Assembly Deputy Speaker Philip Ramos took place in the Assembly Parlor Room following the official floor introduction. During this meeting, Deputy Speaker Ramos reiterated his interest in sending a New York State legislative delegation to the Philippines to explore mutual opportunities.
The celebration continued at the Well of the Legislative Office Building with a vibrant cultural program featuring performances by various Filipino American community members and organizations. The program included singing performances by Azia Sky Barao, Carla Mongado, Luz Sanchez, and Raffy Tragico from the band Brown Sugar, as well as a dance presentation by the Kuyamis Festival dancers. Attendees also enjoyed Filipino food, prepared by Kusina Resto, a local Albany food caterer.
The program also featured greeting messages from several state legislators, including the New York State Asian Pacific American Task Force Co-Chair
Zohran Mamdani, and Assemblymembers Harvey Epstein, Emily Gallagher, and Jenifer Rajkumar. Deputy Director of Asian American Affairs Sibu Nair from the Office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Director of Asian American Affairs Adam Chen of the Office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James also delivered messages of support, on behalf of their principals.
Later that day, the New York State Assembly adopted a resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim June 12th, 2024, as Philippine Independence Day in New York State; this resolution was sponsored by Assemblymember Kenneth Zebrowski and cosponsored by Assemblymember Steven Raga.
“It is an honor to serve in the state legislature and be able to celebrate the
rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Filipino community in New York State…I am immensely proud to represent such a dynamic and resilient community, not only in Assembly District 30 but throughout the state. Together, we will continue to build bridges of understanding and collaboration, ensuring that everywhere we go–our voices are heard, and our presence is felt,” said Raga.
“Two short days ago, we saw the streets of Manhattan fill up with signs, colors, sounds, and dancing. Yes, it was a testament to the Filipino People’s indefatigable spirit. But today, the Filipinos are bringing it inside the halls of the New York State Legislature: Different venues, but nonetheless, the same spirit. The difference, I suppose, is that the celebration here at the State. Today we are sending a clear message that our celebration of the 126 years of the Declaration of Philippine Independence is our determined efforts to keep the ‘Filipino Voice’ alive and kicking in these halls and beyond. Ultimately, Kalayaan 1521 Council believes that as we continue to show the world that we can unite and rally behind a common cause to support each other, then it becomes, maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan at mabuhay po tayong lahat!” said Sol Kapunan, president of Kalayaan 1521 Council Inc.
“The historic halls of the Legislative Office Building again bear witness to the strong bonds between the Filipino community and the great state of New York. We celebrate under the theme ‘Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.’ – ‘Freedom. Future. History.’ – which echoes the spirit of the Katipunan, whose bravery and patriotism laid the foundation for the freedom the Philippines now enjoys. I call on the Filipino community in New York to draw inspiration from the Katipunan’s courage as we work together to build a prosperous and united future for a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines),” said Consul General Senen Mangalile.
Assemblymember Steven Raga welcomes guests in keynote speech.
Officials and community leaders led by Consul General Senen Mangalile (far left, front row)
Against the backdrop of the NYC skyline, PHL Independence Day marches on
By Cristina DC Pastor
The parade weaved the crowd together, one organization after another: The nurses with the Knights of Rizal with the indigenous dancers with the provincial floats with the teachers with the pageant beauties in their flashy tiaras and so on, their magnificent colors blending into the lingering line of marchers.
It was the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence heralded along New York City’s Madison Avenue where Gregory Peck played the miserable advertising executive Tom Rath in the 1956 film “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.”
On June 2, 2024, Filipino Americans massed on Madison Avenue happy to be one with friends, relatives, and compatriots, sharing food, life stories, and humor. 26th street off Madison became a fiesta atmosphere with food and non-food vendors, the iconic jeepney at the end of the block and the people line-dancing and enjoying karaoke singing in the middle of the street.
“As I walked down Madison Avenue, I was filled with pride in the strength, resilience, and unity of the Filipino people,” said Grand Marshal Charina Amunategui. “I am proud to be part of such a remarkable tradition.” While walking down the 10 blocks, she told The FilAm, she was thinking, “Wow wow wow! The
Filipinos have taken over Madison Avenue!”
For Philippine Nurses Association New York President Laarni Florencio, Madison Avenue felt like it “was my fashion runway, and it was my moment to showcase my pride as a Filipina.”
“To walk the most famous street in NYC in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day was a liberating experience,” she added. “It symbolized freedom from the cultural stereotypes that (Filipinos) are a timid and shy people.”
Consul General Senen Mangalile emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition of marching
down Madison Avenue to showcase to the world “the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Philippines.”
More than 130 groups participated. He noted how some Filipinos after walking with one group rejoins the parade wearing another group’s uniform.
“That’s characteristic of our culture, we are members of so many organizations, and we support so many causes,” he said.
Bishop Efren Esmilla officiated the Independence Day Mass held at the Philippine Center. As the first Filipino bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, his presence was especially significant.
Senate President Chuck Schumer leads parade dignitaries that included Ambassador Mario de Leon; Phoenixville, PA Mayor Peter Urscheler; New York Assemblymember Steven Raga; Bergenfield, N.J. Mayor Arvin Amatorio; and Philippine officials.
The tandem of PIDCI President Arman David and Executive Director Nora Galleros receive kudos for the success of the parade.
This year also marked the presence of Philippine provinces such as Aurora, Pangasinan and Misamis Oriental. Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental had 80 people marching in the parade. The province hosted a booth that offered their specialty products such as corn coffee, Tablea chocolate and Oolong tea.
Aurora province in Southern Tagalog had a float and a booth where they made available their taro and mushroom chips and their organic peanut butter under the Nanay Pacing brand. Tourism,
one of their major industries, boasts their famous beaches and dive spots.
The ASEAN Consuls General from New York that included Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore also marched.
PIDCI President Arman David, whose quiet leadership style demonstrated confidence and humility, looked calm and smiling throughout. At the Gala that followed days later, he spoke with more eloquence on how the parade passed with flying colors.
The true essence of the celebration, he said, was not in the grandeur of the parade or the beauty of the cultural displays. “It is in the warmth of our community, the laughter shared, the friendships formed, and the collective joy of being part of something greater than ourselves.”
He offered a toast to fellow PIDCI officers, member organizations, community leaders, generous sponsors, and numerous volunteers. He cheered as well past Grand Marshals, PIDCI founders, past Overall Chairs, and past Presidents for “ensuring that Filipino presence and pride are celebrated annually on the first Sunday of June, against the backdrop of the NYC skyline.” He said his board of directors worked hard to make the parade a successful one. “We tried our best to make it a fun Philippine Independence Day celebration that we can be proud of.”
“Vibrant and celebratory” was how lawyer Elizabeth Cueva depicted this year’s parade as it appeared to unify regions, youths and generations.
PIDCI, an organization once troubled by financial scandals, was a “breath of fresh air so that the cobwebs of the past were blown away,” she said.
“The vestiges may still be there, but the new leadership had infused it with renewed vigor and filled it with more promise and excitement,” she said.
Photos by Troi Santos, Joros Razón, Lino Ongteco and The FilAm
Bishop Efren Esmilla officiates the Independence Day Mass at the Philippine Center..
PIDCI President Arman David and Consul General Senen Mangalile welcome Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros to the dinner Gala.
The 4th Impact P-pop group of sisters. Fancy finding a jeepney on Madison Avenue.
PIDCI officers at the Gala, with Grand Marshal Charina Amunategui, Consul General Senen Mangalile and special guest Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros.
The pillars of PIDCI comprising the founders, past presidents, and overall chairs.
Photo by Dennis Duran