Issue 91, October 2025
Msgr. Oscar Aquino, 88 A community in mourning
In grief, he found comfort in politics
betMayoral James Solomon
His vision for Jersey City
Bergenfield Councilman Salvador Deauna
Letter from the Editor
Bidding bullshit
By Mary Lou Cunanan
Let’s stop pretending this is normal.
Sarah Discaya and her husband have turned government bidding into a personal slot machine—rigged so they always hit the jackpot.
With nine construction firms under their control, they’ve cornered ₱30 billion worth of DPWH projects, most of them flood-control contracts that never seem to deliver. And yet, here she sits in front of the Senate, claiming her companies “compete” against each other. Compete? That’s not competition—it’s a con. It’s stuffing the ballot box, fixing the fight, stacking the deck.
However you call it, the game is rigged. The purpose of bidding is simple: fairness. It’s supposed to give the people the best project at the best price. But when one player enters nine times under different masks, fairness dies. What we get instead are ghost projects, shoddy work, and the same family laughing all the way to the bank. This is not just incompetence—it’s complicity.
Agencies let blacklisted firms like St. Gerrard and St. Timothy keep winning contracts despite
Sarah Discaya, whose family owns nine construction companies that compete against each other to bid on public works projects, appears at a Senate hearing. Photo: PNA.gov.ph
unfinished or substandard work. Billions in taxpayers’ money go straight into the pockets of companies already proven untrustworthy. That’s not a loophole. That’s willful betrayal.
And the arrogance? Discaya flaunts it. At the Senate, she casually admitted to owning 28 luxury cars—a Rolls-Royce Cullinan worth ₱42 million, a G-Wagon,
Founding Editor
Cristina DC Pastor
Managing Editor
Rene Pastor
Address
P.O. Box 8071
New York, NY 10116
Contact Thefilamny@gmail.com 646-717-7460
Bentleys, Mercedes-Maybachs, Cadillacs. Her explanation? Some are for her kids, some for her staff. While floodwaters drown communities, she stockpiles toys worth more than most Filipinos will see in a lifetime.
As if that wasn’t enough, she tried to buy her way into politics, throwing over ₱1 billion into a doomed mayoral run against Vico
Sotto in Pasig. She plastered her face across the city, paraded herself in glossy interviews with Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao, and still got crushed—326,000 to 26,000. Pasig said no. Loudly.
But here’s the infuriating part: losing the election didn’t end her empire. She and her husband still dominate public works contracts. Every peso stolen from a classroom, every unfinished dike, every botched road project—it all lines her garage with another Bentley. This isn’t just corruption. It’s an insult. To taxpayers. To communities begging for real flood protection. To every honest contractor who can’t even get a foot in the door.
We’re told bidding is transparent, that it serves the public good. But what we’re watching isn’t governance. It’s daylight robbery dressed up as paperwork. So let’s call it what it is: Bidding? More like bullshitting.
Mary Lou Cunanan is a writer, world traveler, and business consultant who helps top executives navigate international business with confidence. A proud Filipina, she’s on a mission to celebrate stories of remarkable Filipinos wherever they are in the world.
Contributing Writers
Marissa Bañez
Tricia J. Capistrano
Joel David
Wendell Gaa
The FilAm is a publication of A&V Editorial
Allen Gaborro
Maricar CP Hampton
Ludy AstraquilloOngkeko
Lindy Rosales
43 years ago the Philippine Center performs its first-ever FilAm matrimony
By Cristina DC Pastor
Darlene Dilangalen and Jesus “Bong” Borromeo first met in 1975 on a flight from Davao City to Manila. At the time, she was still a junior nursing student.
In 1980, she left her hometown in Cotabato for New Jersey as a new nurse graduate to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital (now the St. Joseph’s University Medical Center) in Paterson.
It was at St. Joseph’s that she became friends with a Dr. Thelma Figueroa, who happened to be close to Mrs. Vicky Pineda, the wife of Ambassador Ernesto Pineda, who was then consul general at the Philippine Consulate.
One day, Mrs. Pineda was admitted overnight for observation, and Darlene stayed with her as a private duty nurse.
“I refused to charge her a fee, and she was so touched by the gesture that it began a genuine friendship,” she shared. “Soon, I was being invited to the Pinedas’ apartment in New York City for dinners and Filipino gatherings.”
“By early August of 1982, Bong, who had come to the U.S. with his parents, asked me to marry him. I mentioned the idea of holding the wedding at the Philippine Consulate to Mrs. Pineda. She was delighted and quickly spoke with the Ambassador. The plan moved forward, though one practical question was raised in jest: ‘Binata ba talaga yan?’ (Is he truly single?)
The date for the couple’s historic wedding was set: August 30, 1982. Darlene, then 25 years old, wore a white summer dress paired with an Annie Hall bowler hat. She paid $50 for the registration. Her best friend from college was there, along with about 10 guests, a
mix of coworkers and Mrs. Pineda’s friends. Among them were the owner of the Philippine Bread House Elma Santander and another diplomat Willy Gaa. The officiant: Congen Pineda.
Originally, the plan was to simply have lunch afterward at Hop Kee in Chinatown. But Mrs. Pineda, “with her trademark thoughtfulness, transformed the day into something far more memorable,” as recalled by Darlene.
“She arranged flowers, a photographer and videographer, and even a reception at Maharlika Restaurant owned by Nora Daza, which was located on the lower level of the Consulate. There was music, and when I walked down to the area where the ceremony would be held, it felt like a true celebration—thanks to her generosity. I will never forget their kindness for as long as I live.”
Darlene and Bong’s wedding at the Consulate was the first-ever held there. In fact, it opened the doors for other couples to opt to be married in a venue which is an extension of Philippine sovereignty. Consular officials are authorized by the Philippine government to perform “marriage solemnization” after the couple submits required documentation which includes birth certificates, Philippine passports, U.S. visas, and proof of dissolution of previous marriage if it applies.
The marriage license costs $25.00, and the solemnization fee is $60.00. The $50 paid by Darlene 43 years ago has not increased much.
“My best friend Lisa Tomimbang later married Hercules Marasigan at the same venue, and I even read that Marilen Montenegro also had her wedding there. That day remains one of the most unforgettable milestones of my life.”
And as if one wedding was not enough, Bong and Darlene went on to marry three times in 1982—first at the Consulate, then before a judge in Passaic, and finally, on September 11, with a church wedding in Jersey City.
The couple have three adult children: Jonathan, Juanito and only daughter Jade Borromeo Flinn, a nurse and the director of the Johns Hopkins Biocontainment Unit.
Darlene, wearing an Annie Hall-style bowler hat, and Bong say ‘I do’ at the Philippine Center in 1982.
The wedding is officiated by then-Consul General Ernesto Pineda.
The pair today, regulars at community social events. Photos courtesy of Darlene Borromeo
On FAHM, let’s support our Filipino restaurants
October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM), the result of the activism of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) in 1992. The U.S. Congress in 2009 officially declared October as FAHM to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans.
Why October? The first documented arrival of Filipinos in the continental U.S. was on October 18, 1587. The Galleon trade between Spain and the Philippine via Mexico was in full swing when Luzones Indios landed in what is now Morro Bay, California, from aboard a Spanish galleon. We can say they were also the first TNT (tago ng tago).
This October month, let us patronize at least one Filipino restaurant a week and choose from the multitude of restaurants in New York City and environs.
Here are some suggestions from the Internet:
1. Tito Rad’s Grill 49-10 Queens Blvd, Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 205-7299
2. Kusina Pinoy Bistro 69-16 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377 347-924-9977
3. Binondo by Kabisera 50 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002 (646) 398-8566
4. Kabayan Bistro Lounge 69-09 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 424-0080
5. Tradisyon 135 W 50th St # 11-5, New York, NY 10020 (646) 866-6900
6. Jollibee 609 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018 (212) 994-2711 Jollibee 1500 Broadway Street, Times Sq, New York, NY 10036 (646) 540-9695 Jollibee 90-15
Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373 (718) 592-3900
7. Ihawan 40-06 70th St, Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 205-1480
8. Max Restaurant 687 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 907-2733
9. GUGU Room 143 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 (646) 329-6875
10. Mama Fina’s 167 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 (917) 262-0893 Mama Fina 253 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201)773-0975
11. Kalye 111 Rivington St New York NY 10002 (646) 287-9153
12. Naks 201 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003 (917) 2620893
13. Tadhana 151 Allen St, New York, NY 10002 (646) 360-4939
14. Little Chef, Little Cafe 5-43 48th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (845) 310-4255
15. 87 Ludlow 87 Ludlow St. NY 10001 no telephone listed
16. Renee’s Kitchenette & Grill 69-14 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 476-9002
17. Patok by Rach 5057 Broadway NY NY 10034 (914) 424-6677
18. Barkada Social Club 33-05 Broadway Astoria NY 11106 (718) 255-6222
19. Philippine Bread House 530 Newark Avenue Jersey City NJ 07306 201-659-1753
20. Grill 21 346 East 21 Street NY NY 10010 (212) 473-5950
If you search online for ‘Filipino Restaurant’ in a location near you, you will be surprised that with more than 4.5 million Filipinos (including the undocumented and dual citizens) according to the most recent census, Filipino restaurants can be found all across the United States.
Gugu Room in Manhattan
Ensaymada from Philippine Bread House in Jersey City
Tito Rad’s in Queens
Eve Cho Guillergan: Filipino-Korean lawyer aspiring to be NYC civil court judge
By Catherine Espejo
Born in Korea to a Filipino father and a Korean mother, Eve Cho Guillergan is charting a path in New York City toward Law and Justice.
Most recently, she won the Democratic primary for Civil Court judge. It was an outstanding accomplishment that, she acknowledged, boosted her confidence.
Guillergan, 61, told The FilAm that if she wins in the general election in November, she will be the first Filipino woman to be elected to the civil court bench in New York City, and the first Korean to be elected to the civil court bench in Queens.
“There could be historical implications for the Asian community, particularly Asian women,” she said. “Being both Korean and Filipino means I carry the stories, resilience, and hopes of two immigrant communities. It shapes the empathy I bring to my work and fuels my drive to ensure everyone has a fair shot at justice.”
Civil Court judges handle a variety of cases with the public along the lines of financial disputes and consumer debt. She explained how she is determined to dig deeply into the facts, research the law thoroughly, and prepare meticulously once elected.
Guillergan migrated to the United States when she was 12 years old when her mother married an American soldier. Her website states that “her mother grew up during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and her stepfather was a Vietnam War veteran.” Eve was raised in Missouri and Dutchess County, New York.
She went to New York University for college and earned her law degree from Rutgers School of Law in Newark, New Jersey.
Her childhood was a blend of two rich cultures that exposed her to the individuality of each in the arts, politics, cuisine and traditions. She learned early on to appreciate diversity, not just her own, but also of others which, she said, helped her connect with people from all walks of life. She said she was raised in a hard-
working immigrant household where perseverance, integrity, and education were core values.
She chose to pursue immigration law because of the immigration inequities she had witnessed in Missouri. It wasn’t until having represented immigrant cases that she considered being the person who stood in their corner. She visited a law firm with the intent of learning how to use the justice system to “help those without a voice.”
“I chose immigration law to help people navigate a complex system, protect their rights, and keep families together,” she said.
In one memorable case, she aided in the trial of an asylum seeker that hadn’t made any progress over the years. She described it as one of the most meaningful moments of her career and reaffirmed why she wanted to become a lawyer.
Guillergan has persevered and stayed steadfast in her legal career. Her accolades include serving on the Leadership Advisory Council of the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater NY (KALAGNY). She also sat on the board mentoring young Korean American attorneys, promoting diversity, and strengthening connections between the bar and the
community.
“Advocacy means fighting for my clients’ interests with both skill and heart,” she said. “Empathy ensures that I see my clients not just as cases, but as people with lives and dreams.”
Guillergan is slowly climbing the political ladder as she takes her dreams with her to the general election. She’s been reaching out to local leaders, immersing herself into community, and hoping to make things better for their lives.
“I hope to increase voter engagement, especially among communities that historically have not had a strong voice in judicial elections,” she said.
With Assemblymember Steven Raga…and Filipina community leaders (from Left) Tess Dela Cruz, Potri Ranka Manis and Dely Go. Facebook photos
Born in Korea, she migrated to the U.S. at age 12.
Rev. Msgr. Oscar Aquino, 88
The statement “Jack of all trades master to none,” did not apply to Rev. Msgr. Oscar A. Aquino because for 87 years he had empowered himself in all aspects in life. He is culturally, socially, educationally, spiritually, and morally excellent and loved by the people of all walks of life. He is referred to by Ambassador Cecilia Rebong as the Filipino Community in New York.
Msgr. Aquino was born in Mangaldan, Pangasinan on February 7, 1937 destined to be a priest. In all levels of his education he got the highest honors and finished his doctorate degree in Canon Law in Rome Summa Cum Laude simultaneously taking up Bachelor of Laws and Diplomate in International Pastoral Sociology. His dissertations were so outstanding that they were published in the Vatican and distributed to all Pontifical universities worldwide. He was ordained on April 1, 1962.
Prior to coming to USA he was appointed as the Chancellor and Oeconomous of the Archdiocese and Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Philippines, until he was made a Vicar General. He also constructed several churches in honor of his parents. He was promoted as a Monsignor in 1974, one of the youngest in his time. He assumed all of the duties of the ailing Rev. Msgr. Mariano Madriaga of the Archdiocese of Dagupan-Lingayen. He also worked as the secretary and the chair of the late Pope Paul VI during his visit to the Philippines in 1970.
On his way to Rome, he dropped by the United States, spending some time in New York. He was approached by many struggling Filipinos experiencing immigration hardships and poor working relationships. They needed an advocate and someone with stature to represent them. This changed his mind and he decided to settle in New York City to help Filipinos achieve their American Dream.
Soon he became a very strong advocate for Filipino-Americans fighting drugs charges, harassments, racial discrimination and unfair labor conditions. He provided venues for mediation, sports facilities for young people and even sponsored those without legal papers. He also recommended that abused
women and homeless people be provided food and housing by the government.
Msgr. Aquino became the co-pastor of the late Rev Fr. Robert Lott at St. Francis de Sales Church where they worked together for the rehabilitation of abandoned buildings into affordable housing units in East Harlem. They established the Assisted Living, a model home for the elderly on Fifth Avenue. Later he moved to St. Lucy Church as the administrator and when this was closed he moved to St. Malachy Church on 49th Street. “Monsie,” as he was fondly called by people close to him, did not forget his kababayans. He donated regularly to the Gawad Kalinga projects, built the Seminary in San Fabian, Pangasinan, and supported the “Departure Area” for retired priests in Bonuan, Dagupan City.
Msgr. Oscar was a man full of humor. He loved to be with people in social gatherings or functions. He is a “Yes Minister”, a dancer but he had to pause after he had an accident a few months ago. He was able to recover so quickly because of his positive attitude and strong faith in God. He wanted to continue serving the Lord even at his advancing age.
He was the Grand Marshal of the PIDCI in 2008, assisting in the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day parade. He was a spiritual adviser to many organizations, churches and community-based organizations. He was at one time the president of the Filipino Priests in North America and had received numerous awards and citations.
Fiesta In America’s People’s Ball Empowerment Awardee 2023
At his age in 2023, he did not plan to retire. He would forever be the Judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal and the loving pastor of everyone. He believed that this Empowerment Award was long
overdue but expressed appreciation for it. He believed the highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it but what they become by it. – Originally published in Fiesta In America Publication
Beloved Msgr. Oscar Aquino shown in his residence at St. Malachy Church. Photo by Nanding Mendez
Leah Lupao Amadiz: Igorot Filipina honors indigenous heritage
When Leah Lupao Amadiz represented New York in the Ginang Filipinas National pageant, she was not simply stepping into the spotlight. She was carrying with her the proud legacy of her Igorot roots, upheld through her involvement with BIBAK NY, an organization dedicated to preserving the culture of the Cordillera region.
BIBAK—an acronym for Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province—was founded in 1994 and now counts approximately 112 active members in New York, said Leah, who serves as its public relations officer.
“Proudly Igorota, proudly Filipina,” she declared at the national Ginang competition held in Seattle-Tacoma, Washington.
The Igorot are an indigenous people of Northern Luzon in the Philippines. The name means “people from the mountains.” Leah herself bears the traditional name Gum An, passed down from her grandmother, in keeping with Igorot custom that honors ancestral lineage through names.
A Practical Nurse, Leah, 41, moved to New York in 2018 and works as a home health aide. She lives in South Richmond Hill with her 15-year-old daughter Mythea, while her 21-year-old son pursues college in the Philippines. Her husband, a U.S. Navy serviceman based in San Diego, was supportive of her decision to join the pageant.
“Even if it meant less time together, he supported me wholeheartedly and even drove me to the airport and picking me up after,” she shared.
Crowned as Ginang Filipinas Global 2025, Leah sees Ginang Filipinas as more than a beauty competition.
“The pageant gave me a platform to serve, advocate, and proudly share our culture. I met inspiring women, built friendships, and realized that together we can make a stronger impact. It was one of the most meaningful journeys of my life.”
Standing on stage among contestants
with their own stories reaffirmed her purpose.
“This journey is not only about wearing a crown. It is about carrying forward the advocacy of cultural preservation and education, especially for the youth. Our traditions, dances, and stories are treasures that must live on. They are not just tales of the past but the living heartbeat of who we are as a people.”
She explained that BIBAK serves as a platform to showcase the Cordillera’s traditional dances, indigenous music, and attire. Beyond performances, the group also raises funds for scholarships, medical aid, and disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. At the same time, it continues to teach and preserve vital elements of Cordilleran heritage—such as the native language, gong-playing (gangsa), and cultural identity. She said BIBAK’s mission is to “promote, preserve, and pass on the rich indigenous heritage of the Cordillera region while fostering unity among Cordillerans in the diaspora.”
Beyond her involvement in BIBAK, Leah is also active in JCI (Junior Chamber International) New York, SOLIBAO
(Solidarity of Igorots Based in America Organization, Inc.), and the Baguio Kindasan Lions Club International. She firmly believes culture endures when it is shared.
“Tradition and identity will continue to thrive,” she said, “when we embrace them wholeheartedly—even if we’re thousands of miles away from home.” –Cristina DC Pastor
BIBAK members pose for posterity after marching in the Philippine Independence Day Parade along Madison Avenue in Manhattan in June 2025.
With her daughter Mythea wearing the Igorot attire made of woven fabric
Leah looking glam and glittery as Ginang Filipinas New York
YAMAN festival unveils roster of distinguished guests
Athree-day cultural marketplace and festival celebrating the artistry, heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Philippines will be held at the iconic Marriott Marquis in Times Square from October 31 to November 2, 2025, in commemoration of Filipino American History Month. Among the personalities expected to headline the event are:
Sofronio Vasquez, champion of NBC’s The Voice USA Season 26
Sofronio is the first Asian male and first Filipino to win a top U.S. singing competition, his voice according to Reba McEntire “sounds like butter.”
Loida Lewis, author and chair, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation
Loida is a Filipino-born American businesswoman, civic leader, motivational speaker, author, and lawyer. She recently wrote a book, “Why Should Guys Have All The Fun?” An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood, and Running A Billion Dollar Empire.
Lee Hower, co-founder & partner, NextView Ventures
Lee is the co-founder and partner of NextView Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that has invested in more than a hundred technology startups, helping to shape the next generation of innovative companies. Lee was an early employee at PayPal and became one of the co-founders of LinkedIn.
Anthony Cruz Legarda, fashion designer, textile technologist
Anthony’s visionary work bridges tradition and innovation. He is renowned for integrating authentic handwoven fabrics from the Philippines and Asia into contemporary fashion.
Ro Concepcion, founder, Binata Millinery
Ro is a Filipino-American milliner based in Queens, NY. Ro launched his hat label, Binata Millinery, in 2020 as a tribute to his father and Filipino heritage.
Cynthia Alberto, founder of the Brooklyn-based healing arts studio Weaving Hand
An artist, designer, and founder of Weaving Hand, Cynthia’s works explore the many intersections between weaving and healing; craft and sustainability; and the importance of looms—an integral component of weaving history—recognizing their role in shaping this timeless craft.
PJ Gubatina Policarpio, co-founder of Pilipinx American Library
PJ is a Filipinx cultural leader and creative collaborator —a curator, educator, programmer and community organizer — with over 10 years of experience in curatorial practice, museum education, public programming and art administration. His Pilipinx
American Library, an itinerant library and programming platform is dedicated to diasporic Filipinx perspectives.
Jon-Luigi Caña, Content Creator, Culture Maker, Linked Marketer
Jon-Luigi Caña is a strategic digital marketer with B2C + B2B experience, drawing from his previous roles in creative development, branded media partnerships, and editorial production. Currently, he’s on the Integrated Marketing team for LinkedIn Talent Solutions, specifically LinkedIn Learning.
Daniel Corpuz, chocolatier
Daniel’s Chocolatier is an artisan chocolate shop that handcrafts Asian and Filipino inspired chocolates and confections. A pastry chef and chocolatier based in New York City, he graduated from the Culinary
Institute of America, and worked in Michelin restaurants like The Modern, One White Street, and The Clocktower.
Jennifer Redondo, In Her Purpose founder & Kollective Hustle writer
Jennifer Redondo is a versatile, detail-oriented, and results-driven professional who spent over a decade in the Silicon Valley tech industry. She currently mentors young women for FASTER and Kollective Hustle.
Raquel Dang, Baby's Kusina Philadelphia, chef & restaurateur
Raquel Dang is the owner and chef of Baby’s Kusina and Market, a modern Filipino restaurant opening soon in the Brewerytown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Despite not having a traditional culinary background, Raquel and her husband ran a successful pop-up and supper club for five years called Tita Emmie's which has been featured in both print and TV.
Lisa Angulo Reid, co-founder & CEO, Dear Flor
Lisa Angulo Reid is the co-founder and CEO of Dear Flor, the first Filipina-owned cannabis company making 100% vegan gummies with bold Filipino flavors like ube, calamansi, and buko pandan. Founded by Lisa and her husband Brian, Dear Flor isn’t just selling edibles— it’s claiming space for Filipino culture in an industry where it’s long been invisible.
Brian Reid, co-founder, Dear Flor
Brian is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience at Wall Street’s top firms. He is now the CFO of Dear Flor, the first Filipina-owned cannabis brand. He also serves as treasurer of the FilAm Democrats of NY and is on the executive board of the Filipino American National Historical Society of Metro New York.
Franck Ferrari, vice president - International Sales @ Jewelmer
Chita Timon Falan, master weaver of Tnalak and Tboli performer
Estrellita Godwino Tabidad, Tboli entrepreneur and performer
Cecille Castillon-Weinstein, founder & president, The Dreamweaver Collective, YAMAN Honorary Advisor
Darlene Dilangalen Borromeo, Board of Advisor, The Dreamweaver Collective, YAMAN Honorary Advisor
Prima Guipo Hower, co-founder Tboli Library & Culture Hub, Board of Advisor, The Dreamweaver Collective, YAMAN Honorary Advisor
Al Hower, Peace Corps Officer (To give an American perspective on life of the Tboli in the 1970s)
Michael Angelo Yambok, Tourism Officer, Lake Sebu and president, Helobung Dance Troupe
Arnold Lopez, founder Nexus Edu, Humble Investment
LinkedIn co-founder Lee Hower. Photo by NextView Ventures
The Voice winner Sofronio Vasquez with philanthropist and CEO Loida Nicolas Lewis. Facebook photo
Through grit and grief, Bergenfield Councilman Salvador Deauna found politics
By Cristina DC Pastor
Salvador ‘Buddy’ Deauna turned 80 in May. After nine years as councilman of Bergenfield, New Jersey, he still could not believe how he ended up in politics.
“When people ask me how I got into politics, I always say it was totally unexpected,” he said in an interview with The FilAm. “I have no experience and never imagined myself in public office.”
Buddy was raised by simple folks from Paracale, Camarines Norte. His father was a farmer and his mother a small-town homemaker. He said discipline and Faith were deeply ingrained in him and his 15 siblings.
The eldest of eight boys and eight girls, Buddy said life was spartan and full of responsibilities. Being the eldest, he was expected to help his siblings.
In the Philippines, he worked as a collector for the British-run Smith, Bell & Co., and later became a salesman of Land Rovers, trucks, and other machinery, including equipment for abaca fiber for another company.
“I was ambitious and I enjoyed sales,” he proclaimed. It was during this time that he met Manila-born Marcela ‘Cely’ Tabuzo, his future wife, who was working as a secretary in the same British company. “It was love at first sight. I was so shy then I couldn’t even hold her hand.” After four years of courtship, they married in 1972.
In 1985, the entire Deauna family including their four small children migrated to the United States. Life was good in the Philippines, said Buddy, but “armed with a dream, we tried to take a chance on the land of milk and honey.” Because Cely’s mother and sisters lived in Manhattan, they were confident they had a place to stay. “Hindi kami nalungkot.”
His first job was a room boy in a New York hotel. “I was never choosy about work.”
Later, he sold electronics at Trader Horn on 14th Street in Manhattan, quickly rising from salesman to assistant manager, then manager. Eventually, he ran a store in Jersey City but the traffic and the long commute prompted their move to Bergenfield.
| A death in the family
Tragedy struck in 1993 when his youngest son, only 12, was killed in a bicycle accident. “He was in a bicycle with fiends when they crossed the railroad tracks.” That loss, he muttered, “devastated our family and changed me deeply.” Joshua was the youngest of four children, two of them twins.
Chairing a council meeting.
He left his job and spent two years at home cooking, cleaning, grieving.
“I was totally depressed, I just stayed in the house. I didn’t want to be involved with people. Sabi ko sa wife ko, just give me time I think I will recover.”
Eventually, with encouragement from Cely, he began to go out again and worked as an airline ticket salesman for a friend’s travel agency. He found his way back by opening his own agency in 1994.
“I had always been a salesman, and this business became my lifeline. We sold airline tickets, organized pilgrimages, and arranged tours across Europe and the Holy Land,” he said. “A salesman will always be a salesman.”
Asian Pacific Travel has been around nearly three decades, moving from an office to his home only when the pandemic erupted. His involvement with the Bergenfield community started from there.
| A businessman emerges
“As a businessman, people knew me through church, civic organizations like the Lions Club, and the local Chamber of Commerce, where I even became president. During election season, both Democrats and Republicans would visit me. Over
At home. ‘My heart remains in Bergenfield.’ Photos provided by Deauna family
family with 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
time, I found myself helping the Democratic Party by putting up lawn signs. Tulong lang. So when an opening came up on the Democratic ticket in 2016, they asked me to run. To my surprise, I won,” he recalled laughing, bringing back a funny memory. “From that time on until the last election I got re-elected.”
Being known in the community, he was tapped by the Arvin Amatorio team to lead his mayoral campaign. The U.S. Census put the Bergenfield population at 28,400, about 6,000 are Filipinos.
In November Buddy will be running for his fourth term.
Among his proudest accomplishments together with the council are the construction of the municipal building, the renovation of roads and sidewalks, the widening and improvement of parks and memorial fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds.
“We also worked on the Veterans Memorial Park near the Teaneck border. These projects gave families and young people safe and beautiful places to gather,” he said proudly.
Through ordinances, resolutions, and committee work, Buddy said he tries to focus on practical improvements, things that people see and feel every day. “For me, public service is not about politics but about community.”
Looking ahead, he said his plans are simple: “To continue serving Bergenfield for as long as I can.”
At the same time he wants to continue enjoying his days with Cely, their children and grandchildren.
“We’ve been blessed with a large family, including two granddaughters who are now nurses, another granddaughter who is a Business Studies graduate, a grandson who will be graduating from
the New Jersey Institute of Technology, majoring in computer science, and another grandson studying to be a doctor. The youngest granddaughter is still in elementary,” he said proudly.
“Every year we go back to the Philippines, but my heart remains in Bergenfield, where we’ve built our life.”
In the evening of his life, Buddy sees politics not as a career but as a continuation of his journey—as a farmer’s son, a salesman, a grieving parent, and a community builder.
“I worked hard, raised a family, and built a career. Politics was never part of the plan,” he said.
In 2022, celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss
The large Deauna
Buddy with Mayor Arvin Amatorio (center) and the Bergenfield Council at the recent opening of the new Municipal Building.
Calendar of Events
| October 2
Casino Night from Charm City 22nd Eastern Regional Conference of the Philippine Nurses Association of America
Live Casino & Hotel
7002 Arundel Mills Circle Suite 7777
Hanover, MD
| October 2 to October 30
Fall 2025 Adult Conversational Filipino, Beginner 1 with instructor Bing Magtoto Deadline for enrollment is Monday, September 29
For more information, contact 774257-4669 or info@filschool-nynj.org
| October 3 to 5
Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc.’s 22nd Eastern Region Conference with the theme ‘Impacting Lives, Influencing Change’
Live Casino & Hotel Maryland 7002 Arundel Mills Circle Hanover, MD
| October 4, 2025
Alagaan ang Salaysay Exhibit Flux IV
56-21 2nd Street
Long Island City, NYC
| October 4
Sinagtala: A Concert of Philippine Love Songs from the Romantic to Modern Period
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
3110 Thomson Avenue
Long Island City NYC
| October 4
Sarimanok featuring the Philippine Ballet Theatre
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
3110 Thomson Avenue
Long Island City NYC
| October 4
Gala Night: A Night for Noble Nurses
22nd Eastern Regional Conference of the Philippine Nurses Association of America
Live Casino & Hotel
7002 Arundel Mills Circle Suite 7777
Hanover, MD
| October 5
Jubilee for the Filipino Apostolate Archdiocese of Newark
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 89 Ridge Street Newark, N.J.
| October 5
Filipino Heritage and History Month (and honoring San Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod)
Gala Filipiniana by the Filipino Apostolate Archdiocese of Newark
Hilton Meadowlands
Two Meadowlands Plaza
East Rutherford, N.J.
| October 11
Filipiniana Night: A celebration of Filipino excellence (hosted by Ladies for Rizal NY & Eagle Eye Charities Inc.)
The Players NY
16 Gramercy South Park NYC
| October 11
4th Annual Fundraising all-Asian Basketball Tournament (50th Anniversary of the Scouts Royale Brotherhood)
Torne Valley Sports Complex 115 Torne Valley Road Hillburn, N.Y.
Contact Ronnie Ocampo at 516-582-7309
| October 11 to 12
3rd Annual Convention of Philippine Science High School International Alumni Foundation, Inc. (Pisayian)
-Mark Twain House 351 Farmington Avenue Hartford, CT
-Dinosaur State Park
400 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT
| October 12
5th Anniversary of the Filipino American Cancer Care: Fashion for Love, Care and Hope Charity Gala
Hyatt Regency Reston 1800 Presidents Street Reston, VA
| October 12 (rain date: Oct 13)
4th Annual Filipino American Festival
Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
For those interested to become sponsors, vendors or volunteers visit www.hspaa.org or email contact@hspaa.org
| October 17
The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA)
Orleans Showroom 4500 W Tropicana Boulevard
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas, NV
| October 18 & 19
La Mama Kids by Kinding Sindaw Community Arts Space, La Mama 74A East 4th Street NYC
| October 20 & 25
New Americans Program presents Kinding Sindaw: The Story of the Magical Butterfly "Paruparo" Queens Public Library Woodside Branch Flushing Branch on October 25
| October 20
Lea Salonga: Stage, Screen & Everything In Between The Town Hall 123 West 43rd Street, NYC
| October 21
Book launch of Rhacel Salazar Parreñas’s "The Trafficker Next Door: How Household Employers Exploit Domestic Workers"
Princeton Public Library 65 Witherspoon Street Princeton, N.J.
| October 25
Always & Forever: Pops
Fernandez & Martin Nievera Palladium Times Square 1515 Broadway, NYC
| November 19
Maya’s Hope Lotus Ball
Edison Ballroom 240 W 47th Street NYC
| December 15 to 23
6th Annual Simbang Gabi Church of the Assumption 8 Riverside Avenue Westport, CT
An afternoon bank robbery with 3 women as suspects (Chapter 1)
By Gene del Carmen
Starting this month, The FilAm is publishing excerpts from Gene P. del Carmen’s “The Pork Bun Heist and Other Stories,” published in 2014.
It was around 3:35 in the afternoon when the NYPD detectives arrived at the crime scene bank. Three fast-food restaurant managers readily spoke to them and identified themselves as the robbery victims. All three managers had that pale frightened and worried look on their faces for the business funds they had lost, all in a flash. One of them, the lady manager of a Dunkin Donuts, was in tears. She was worried about her job after this robbery. They all confessed, it happened too quickly, too suddenly, there was no way they could have resisted the snatchers.
Three o’clock in the afternoon is when all restaurants in New York City come to a virtual calm after the extended busy lunch period. For most of them, it was also the time when their shift changes, the morning/lunch crew leaves, while the afternoon/dinner crew arrives. After counting all the money from the morning shift, the restaurant managers put keeps them in a cash pouch to make the bank deposit and also get the needed cash register coins and change for the next shift. The bank is usually only about a few steps from the businesses. Managers feel safe walking to the bank knowing they are carefully clutching on the money pouches as securely as they can for those few steps to the bank.
“Three o’clock bank” was the time and place of common relief for these restaurant managers. After that very busy morning and lunch dining time, they all come out and talk about their day at the bank where the eager engaging tellers are just happy to take their money. For all of them, it had become a much needed respite to de-stress, chat, and for a brief moment, re-energize themselves for the next shift.
About thirty-five thousand dollars was the total amount robbed and lost from the three restaurant managers this mid-afternoon. Detectives Capulong and Robbins, both ten-year veterans of the New York City police arrived at the crime scene first. They found the managers truthful and honest, no signs of foul play. Visibly shaken, all three managers told them the same story.
As each of them were nearing the bank, a Caucasian female grabbed their money pouch from their secure holds and quickly ran away. There were three female snatchers, one for each pouch.
They all wore similar beige colored dresses with visible zippers in front, similar light brown colored hair, rubber sneakers, and dark glasses. One of the male managers chased a suspect but he was not fast enough. The snatchers ran away so quickly, weaving through pedestrians, heading to three different directions, and they just disappeared in these crowded city streets. From their sad, frustrating accounts, Detectives Capulong and Robbins suspected these were well-planned heists.
It was after five when the detectives finished taking the managers’ and bank employees’ statements. They retraced the snatchers escape route, checking the street alleys, looking for possible clues the snatchers could have left behind. They found none.
“I’m in the mood for some Chinese pork buns and noodles,” Capulong suggested to his partner, both sweating a bit from the afternoon heat. “Me too, but the nearest pork bun place is one subway ride away,” Robbins complained. “It will be worth it,” Capulong insisted.
The pork bun is a Chinese flour dough delicacy that is steam-cooked till it rises to a nice firm yet supple bun. “Siopao” is the Chinese name for it, with sauteed spicy pork which by far is the most popular filling, making it the easy name “pork bun.” Fillings like vegetables, Chinese sausage, chicken, and others have become favorites as well. The bun sizes vary with each restaurant that serve it. It goes quite well with a bowl of Chinese noodle soup called “mami.” So, pork bun and soup has become the favorite combo food for many New Yorkers. It fills the bun connoisseur just right, not too light nor heavy.
As the two detectives savored the steamy pork bun and soup, they talked about the snatching robbery.
Robbins: “Those snatchers knew the bank deposit schedules well, could they have been tipped by a bank employee?”
Capulong: “Possibly by restaurant employees too.”
Robbins: “The snatchers were women wearing similar beige dresses!”
Capulong: “Beige, so they can quickly blend and be lost in the crowd.”
Robbins: “And they had dark glasses on!”
Capulong: “Yes, none of our victims gave a good facial description, except they were Caucasians.”
Robbins: “And they were quick to run away, they wore sneakers! How can they run so fast without bumping into pedestrians?”
Capulong: “Those snatchers were local; they knew the streets very well. I’m also thinking, they might have had a fourth accomplice waiting nearby with a getaway car.”
Robbins: “You’re right, this was a well-planned robbery!
Capulong: “Very clever too.”
To be continued next month. The book is available on Amazon.com.
At NYFW, Darren Apolonio captures beauty in the bizarre
By Ferlie Andong
Iattended New York Fashion Week for the first time, and came in with zero expectations. It was a little early when I arrived so I caught parts of the rehearsal for Darren Apolonio’s Spring Summer 2026 show at the Flatiron District in Manhattan and wondered what I was about to witness. I was stunned to see a nonbinary model wearing a triple-breasted silicone prosthetic shirt and some over-the-top ensemble. While some pieces in his collection are costume-like, others are surprisingly wearable— skirts, tops, and cropped pants suitable for evening parties and as streetwear.
The Manila-born creative, known for his fearless aesthetics, leaned into his fascination with the bizarre to present a lineup that was part performance art, part wearable rebellion. At this season’s New York Fashion Week, Apolonio transformed the runway into his bold homage to the world of the “freak show.”
“I’ve always found beauty in the bizarre,” Apolonio explained to The FilAm when asked about the theme.
Inspired by 19th- and early 20th-century traveling exhibitions that showcased human oddities, he said he sought to reinterpret that history through his own lens.
“I wanted to create characters for my own freak show that resonate with my brand,” he said. “The last show I did with F/Row, I was inspired by the idea of a dystopian city overrun by criminals clad in leather and glitter, and at the end I have this beautiful black woman covered head to toe in gunmetal silver, as if she were the new Statue of Liberty. I wanted to create characters for my own freak show that resonate with my aesthetic in my brand so I came up with a human disco ball where she’s pretty much covered in glitter and naked on the runway. There’s the woman with three tits, which is a tongue-in-cheek play of how I always tend to play with sex and there’s also a character called the glampire, which is exactly how I see my main models as just glittery rock stars of the night.”
The intention, he explained, was to provoke awe and curiosity: “I always want the reaction to my work to be like: I don’t know what the fuck I’m looking at, but I can’t stop staring.” It seemed to work.
While much of the collection dripped with theatricality, Apolonio also made sure to include pieces that could be worn beyond the runway. “There’s a huge streetwear aspect to my clothes,”
he explained. “When you break them down, they’re pretty much wearable. Especially for the menswear—I haven’t bought anything outside of underwear and socks in years. I just make everything I wear.”
This blend of accessibility and avant-garde underscores his approach: fashion for the everyday that still feels like a statement.
“I’ve always commended streetwear culture for being accessible. I want my brand to give people a way to look like glitter punk rock stars.”
| Behind the mask
For his finale walk, Apolonio emerged masked—a choice that raised eyebrows among viewers looking at one another in search of an explanation.
“This is my fifth fashion week show, and I’m realizing the kind of designer I want to be,” he said. “I don’t mind not putting a face to the brand
name. I make everything myself, so the recognition is appreciated, but I don’t need to parade around saying, ‘Hi, it’s me, Darren!’”
The mask also provides comfort in high-pressure settings, he added.
“I’ve learned I have a tendency toward social anxiety. I’m an introvert, a loud introvert,” he admitted. “I’m happiest when I’m alone, making clothes and listening to Y2K emo music. Wearing a mask helps me feel at ease in what can feel like a manic social setting.”
Apolonio said “the illusion that fashion is a snobby, exclusive affair is being disrupted by more experimental designers like myself.”
His work is a reflection of his Piscean nature, he said. An act of escape from the beauty norms he grew up around in the Philippines.
“Philippine fashion has always been riddled with ‘traditional pretty’ pageants and nightgowns. It’s
Nonbinary model wearing a three-breasted silicone shirt. Photos by Deandre Watkins
The designer: ‘I’m a loud introvert.’
beautiful, but being exposed to that world pushed me to create something different, something subversive.”
For Apolonio, style is less about the clothes and more about the energy.
“I’m all about the vibes,” he said. “I tell my models not to worry about being pretty and chic— they already are. I’m open to weird and campy. Someone in just a T-shirt and jeans could be the most fashionable person I’ve seen, if they carry themselves with the right energy.”
That sense of vibe, drama, and character has become his signature, shaping runway shows that blur the line between fashion and theater.
| From Manila to Manhattan
Born and raised in Manila, Apolonio studied Multimedia Arts at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde before pursuing fashion at SCAD in Hong Kong and Savannah. His trajectory has taken him from underground subcultures across Asia and Europe to the runways of New York, with a
memorable stop as a contestant on Season 19 of Project Runway. While he didn’t take home the top prize, he quickly became one of the season’s most memorable personalities—a label he continues to live up to with each collection.
Now based in New York, he continues to carve out space for his brand: glittery, campy, unapologetic, and—most importantly—his own.
Ferlie Andong is a freelance writer and an advertising executive for Kaisa Communications based in New Jersey.
From ube-scented candles to Halo-Halo-inspired trinkets, Filipinxt Marketplace opens to the public
By Sarah Gassel
Rose Rubio was on the way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art when she was stopped by a familiar sight. Spilling out onto West 43rd Street, a stylish, growing crowd stood outside a wooden double-door entrance. For New York Fashion Week, this wasn’t an uncommon occurrence. Instead, it was a commonality between Rubio and several members of the group that caught her interest — they were both dressed in modern Filipiniana.
She was elated to discover they were waiting for the debut of a marketplace for Filipino designers and businesses. Before she immigrated to the U.S. two and a half years ago, Rubio used to attend fashion shows in the Philippines. Immediately getting in line, the Met was a distant memory.
Before long, the window blinds lifted to signal the grand opening, revealing an already packed and lively environment. The host of the marketplace, Filipinxt, a New York City-based platform for Filipino designers, had just wrapped up its sold-out Spring/Summer 2026 New York Fashion Week show.
This was the fourth runway show the platform had held since its founding in 2023 by fashion designer Bessie Besana and lawyer and entrepreneur Rob Mallari-D’Auria. However, the marketplace would be the first event held by Filipinxt to bring Filipino designs and products to the public for sale.
“I think a lot of times Filipinos, we get lost in the mix,” says Alexandra Dorda-Marcu, the founder of the Filipino-inspired lifestyle brand Kasama. “So, I love these events that really celebrate what it is that we do.”
Inside, there was no being overlooked. “The aesthetic in the Philippines is very vibrant,” Dorda-Marcu says. “It's a very maximalist aesthetic. There's a lot of more is more.”
Throughout the space, it showed. Vivid greens, yellows, and reds seemed to dance between the racks of clothing. At Dorda-Marcu's table, Ube-scented candles and a halo-halo-inspired necklace highlighted how color finds its way into every corner.
Equally apparent was the craftsmanship throughout the room. Many of the collections incorporate traditional textiles, including the modern Filipiniana fashion brand Style Ana’s. Its designs include the different weavings from two provinces: Ilocos and Abra. Due to the detailed nature of the weaves, the usage of them leads to unique pieces.
“We only make a few pieces,” says Sheryl Ann Buenaventura, the owner of Style Ana. “What you see, we cannot replicate anymore.”
Some of the weaves can take months to produce, which is what Citadel Cruz, the owner of Engkantada Talyer, calls “labor of love.” In the corner where her pieces hung, rich colors, organza and beading brought the name of the business to life.
In addition to weavings from the Abra and Kalinga provinces, two pieces she highlighted include hand-embroidered Baybayin. Soft strokes displayed “malaya” on one and “bahala na” on the other. For Cruz, the incorporation of the Baybayin is both a celebration and reclamation of her indigenous roots.
“You have to wear your culture. You have to be proud of it,” Cruz says.
The event took place September 13 and 14 and featured over 10 Filipino-led brands, with products ranging from skincare, to jewelry, to sportswear. For many of the brands, it was their first time collaborating with Filipinxt.
“We feel honored that we are part of Filipinxt,” Buenaventura says. “It's like working with family here.”
Not only does Filipinxt give recognition to Filipino-led brands, but it also creates a space for the fashion community to celebrate Filipino culture and heritage.
“It's not hiding at home,” Rubio says. “It's out here, in one of the biggest fashion weeks, and it makes me so proud.”
Originally from southeastern Connecticut, Sarah Gassel is a freelance journalist and graduate student at NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute studying magazine journalism.
Filipinxt co-founders Bessie Besana (3rd from left) and Rob Mallari-D’Auria (far right) help cut a ribbon to open the marketplace. Consul General Senen Mangalile (2nd from right) and Deputy Consul General Adrian Cruz (far left) are guests of honor.
Mayoral candidate James Solomon ‘absolutely’ will not allow ICE to enter Jersey City
By Cristina DC Pastor
Out of the seven candidates vying to succeed Steven Fulop as mayor of Jersey City, James Solomon is working to distinguish himself in a crowded field.
First elected to the City Council in 2017 after an upset victory against the political machine, Solomon—a cancer survivor—has built a reputation for pushing reforms that seek to benefit all families.
In an interview with The FilAm, he emphasized that “affordability will be the number one priority” of his administration, acknowledging that the “outrageous cost of property taxes in Jersey City is a huge reason why we’re in an affordability crisis.”
Solomon holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College.
Just two months after marrying Gabrielle Ramos in 2015, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Today, he is grateful to have reached the milestone of being cancer-free. He and Gabrielle are proud parents to three daughters: Camila, Corinne, and Noelle.
The FilAm: What do you think of Donald Trump and how he’s doing his job so far?
James Solomon: Donald Trump has been an absolute disaster for Jersey City and our country. Trump ran on a platform on lowering costs, and clearly, it was all a lie. The cost of living has only skyrocketed with every day he’s been in office, and more people think they’re worse off today than they were a year ago. We need change, now.
TF: Are you confident of receiving 50% of the vote? Are you confident of the support of the Filipino community?
JS: Jersey City holds nonpartisan elections for mayor in November; the top-two vote getters then compete in a runoff election in December. We expect to secure a spot in the runoff and win in December.
I am proud of my long-time commitment to the Filipino community. Me and my family are parishioners of St. Mary’s Church and am honored to have my family and I participate in the Flores De Mayo/ Santacruzan hosted by Catholic Action of Mary. I have also carried long-time partnerships with PACCAL and the Knights of Rizal. Furthermore, I was one of the honorary grand marshals in this year's PAFCOM Parade that celebrates the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines. I’m additionally so proud to have served in the Council with Rolando Lavarro – the city’s first Filipino American City Councilmember and first Asian American City Council President — and that he agreed to run again as Council At-Large with my slate. Rolando has been a champion for affordability and an accountable government.
TF: What is your vision for Jersey City?
JS: I want a Jersey City that’s affordable, with real affordable housing and units that rent at less than $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000 a month. Jersey City government under a Solomon administration and Council cares about its residents, doesn’t balance lopsided budgets on the backs of working families while allowing developers to get millions of dollars in tax breaks at our expense. I want clean, safe streets and city services — from trash pickup to 911 — that’s actually responsive. And I am committed to a diverse and inclusive city that respects the dignity of our working families. I’m running to be that mayor.
TF: What have been the Filipinos’ contributions to the growth and progress of JC?
JS: It's been reported that Filipino healthcare workers in particular worked so hard to care for others during the COVID-19 pandemic that they recorded higher rates of getting sick. When I think of the community's contributions to Jersey City, that's one of the first things I think of: the love, care, and dedication Filipinos have to our community and each other.
For decades, the very best of the Philippines — nurses, doctors, first responders, educators, and more — have made a home in the United States. Many immigrated as World War II veterans who fought for the U.S. against Japan; many more have since immigrated here for professional or academic opportunities, or to build new lives for their families. The Filipino community's contributions to Jersey City are still tangible today. Filipino institutions like Jersey City’s PAFCOM and PACCAL continue to serve working class people all over the city. They offer not only culturally relevant activities, but also free health and wellness programs. Filipino small businesses are part of Jersey City’s economic engine, from well-established businesses like Philippine Bread House and many small eateries along West Side Avenue, like Victory Chicken or Apollo. Their grit, determination, and success have paved the way to even attracting international brands like Jollibee to invest in Jersey City. Now, a new generation of Filipino Americans in Jersey City are starting businesses and making their mark here — from the coworking space Narra Collective, to Jersey City’s first pudding scoop shop Baonanas, and the wildly successful new local bakery, Panaderiya Salvaje. Jersey City will continue to welcome, support, and grow with the Filipino community.
TF: Affordable housing is a big issue. Renters are being marginalized by luxury apartments. How do you plan to fix that?
JS: For too long, Jersey City has let developers call the shots. As mayor, I’ll require every new project to include at least 20% affordable units—renting below $1,500 and even $1,000 a month—so families can actually live here while easing market rents. Rolando Lavarro has also championed 20% affordable units for new projects during his term as Council At-Large.
TF: Jersey City is such a diverse community with some residents probably undocumented. Will you allow ICE to enter your city?
JS: Absolutely not. ICE has no place in Jersey City and I will use the full power of my office to ensure we remain a sanctuary city. That means that, as long as I’m mayor, JCPD will not collaborate with ICE on anything, including sharing sensitive data. City officials and employees will also be trained on our sanctuary city law to ensure full compliance.
With wife Gabrielle and their three daughters. Photo: Solomonforjc.com
There is a Manila Avenue in Jersey City with a Filipino population of 16,000 to 20,000. Facebook and Instagram photos
Muralist Jappy Agoncillo: The heart of a craftsman, the grit of an athlete
Artist Jappy Agoncillo recently presented HOWLIN', a two-day pop-up exhibition at All Street Gallery in the East Village, marking his solo debut in New York.
The show featured a new collection of small works and creative collaborations that capture the restless energy and risk-taking spirit of an artist carving out a new path.
Best known for bold, large-scale murals and vivid, story-driven imagery, Agoncillo turned inward for HOWLIN', offering a raw and intimate glimpse into his evolving visual language. The exhibition showcased character-driven pieces, loose narrative studies, and experimental works that explored the tensions of transition—both stylistic and personal.
Hailing from the Philippines, Agoncillo has earned a reputation as one of Manila’s most prolific young artists. Now based in New York, HOWLIN' channeled the urgency and hunger of a creative leap into unfamiliar territory, marked by pressure, reinvention, and relentless drive.
The pop-up also featured collaborative works with an eclectic mix of street artists, fine artists, and illustrators, including Wizard Skull, Lamour Supreme, Riisa Boogie, Zeehan Wazed, Jason Naylor, and more.
'I'm
The Manila-born artist and illustrator has been working as a freelance creative since his college days in the Philippines in 2015. His family is quite a modest one. He grew up with his grandmother while his parents both worked full time.
“My mom was an executive assistant and my dad worked in the airline service industry. I have two siblings, one older and one younger. To my knowledge I’m the only one in the family, both immediate and extended, to pursue a career in the arts full-time,” he shared when interviewed by The FilAm.
He didn’t have a full formal arts education. As he recalled right out of high school, he went to the University of Santo Tomas for fine arts, “but got burnt out quickly.”
“I moved to NYC in 2023 after obtaining an O1 Artist Visa in 2021. I initially applied for the Visa in 2020 but the pandemic had delayed my plans. Over the past three years I split my time between NYC and Manila, spending the Spring-Fall in New York and spending Christmas and winters in Manila.”
Since moving to NYC he has joined a strong community of contemporary and street artists, and has worked with clients such as the NY Giants, Sharpie, 88 Rising, and Unilever.
“When it comes to artistic ability, like any artist, I’m my own biggest critic, and I’m very unsure about how good I can be, but I lean on the fact that I have an insane work ethic and a hunger and ambition to match,” he said.
He thought that art wasn’t his calling as a career, so he shifted to Legal Management in De La Salle University, hoping to become a lawyer. While in school, he continued to paint, eventually getting hired for various commissions. He started to work as an artist in his free time, sacrificing nights out with his friends and weekends with his family to work. He finished his degree in Legal Management and ended up still pursuing a career in the arts, “albeit on my own terms.”
After working for some time as a muralist and illustrator in Manila, he had built up enough of a portfolio and saved up enough money to try to make it as an artist in the U.S.
He said he loves challenging projects, putting himself in tough positions to see how he is able to work his way out.
“I love trying things that people may deem impossible - just to see for myself if I can do it or not,” he said. “Every piece I create, every idea I have needs to be better than the last, and I push myself to continue improving, with the ultimate goal of seeing just how far I can take my art career.
I love creating things and building worlds and making things with my hands. I have the heart of a craftsman, but I approach everything with the grit of an athlete.”
His goal ultimately is to share his unique perspective with people, and see the joy that his work brings to them.
A poster for Johnnie Walker.
my own biggest critic.' Photos courtesy of Jappy Agoncillo
Issue 91, October 2025
Eve Cho Guillergan
Will she be the 1st FilAm in NYC civil courts?
Leah Lupao Amadiz
Pageantry becomes Igorot Filipina’s platform