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New cable program presents ‘a very different look’ at Asian Americans
“Asian American Life,” a new magazine-style television series about the fastest-growing immigrant group in the country, will launch Monday, June 10th on CUNY TV and focus on Asian Americans in the Tri-State area from more than 40 countries, speaking over 150 different languages and dialects. Veteran New York City broadcaster Ernabel Demillo is the producer ...
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Filipino in thought, word…and dress
By Elton Lugay The Philippine Center lobby never looked so resplendent. There in the austere hall stood an array of Philippine ternos aglow in their rhinestones, sequins, beads, appliques, ribbons, and glitters. It was the June 5 opening gala of “Filipiniana Romance: An Exhibit of Philippine Couture,” showcasing 20 elegant ternos designed by noted couturiers ...
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It’s more fun in the ‘gates of hell’
By Bessie Badilla Kababayan, I’m getting white hair and wrinkles by the minute as I read your articles, blogs, posts and comments on Facebook on how upset you are about Dan Brown’s latest book, “Inferno.” By this time, Mr. Brown is smiling because he is getting free publicity from tens of thousands of angry Filipinos ...
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Flores de Mayo & Santacruzan: classic Maytime festivals that inspire nostalgia
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. The month of May has just joined the 2013 scene. Yet, what seeks their place via the vehicle of nostalgia are two festivities central to homespun memories: the Flores de Mayo (flowers of May), and the Santacruzan (Holy Cross), another time-nurtured event. The Flores de Mayo is a showcase of ...
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Why must currency determine our beauty contest winners?
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. Chances are, by now, the readership of TheFilAm has lent some attention or some may have become more than conversant about pageants: beauty and popularity contests, if you will. In some cases, that all-too-familiar yardstick called the trek of currency might possibly have rendered its job. But, if in the ...
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Consul General’s daughter among Santacruzan ‘reynas’
This year’s Reyna De Las Flores (Queen of Flowers) in Catholic Action of Mary’s (CAM) May 26th Santacruzan is Joyce Kathleen De Leon, 17, the youngest daughter of Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. and wife Eleanor. The New York-born Joyce will be joined by Medy Solero Taeza as Reyna Elena and Chelsea Pauline Lumbres ...
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DCG Theresa Dizon-de Vega: FilAms need to be ‘more engaged politically’
By Cristina DC Pastor The night before the interview, she was “dancing” with Jimmy Carter in the interactive documentary about the party-loving Imelda Marcos. Hours after this sitdown, she was administering the oath of allegiance to dual citizens at the Philippine Center lobby. Deputy Consul General Theresa Dizon de Vega’s life is one in perpetual ...
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Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal feted in gala
This year’s Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal, Dr. Rebecca Castro Rivera, was honored at a “Gabi ng mga Bulaklak” gala at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel in Elizabeth, New Jersey on April 15. The evening’s program was highlighted by the investiture ceremony where Rivera was bestowed her sash by last year’s ...
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Mrs. Kalayaan beauty contest marred by ugly accusations
By Elton Lugay This is Ernestine Hollins’s story. Let’s read on because what she has to say may have to do with who we are as a factionalized community living in America. On March 23, Ernestine and several other married Filipino women participated in a beauty and fundraising competition called Mrs. Kalayaan. Proceeds from this ...