• Echo hits town, meets fans • Independence Day from 10-6

Photos by Elton Lugay

By Elton Lugay

Jericho Rosales was a hit with fans during a meet-and-greet June 4 at the Payag Restaurant in Woodside, Queens. The ABS-CBN contract star is in New York to headline the 113th Philippine Independence Day parade and festival on Madison Avenue the following day.

“It’s been 10 years since the last time I was here and I am very honored to be able to join you on this important occasion,” Echo said on arrival.

Although still jet-lagged from his 20-hour flight from Manila, Echo graciously spent time with his fans. They were delighted to have their favorite actor hop from table to table for some picture taking and a bit of chitchat.

Jericho Rosales became a household name following the popularity of the TV soap “Pangako Sa’yo.” He has starred in over 30 films and television shows, including “Santa Santita,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” for which he won Best Actor, and “Pacquiao,” where he played the boxer Manny Pacquiao and also picked up an acting award. He is currently one of the most sought-after dramatic stars in the Philippines.

“He’s the only ‘Mister Pogi’ I know who can really act,” swooned Joyce Cezar, a paralegal assistant at a Manhattan law firm.

The actor is also a singer and songwriter, and has released four albums.

Photo op with fans

As Manny Pacquiao

Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General issued the following schedule for the June 5 Independence Day parade.

The events start with a flag raising at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue at 8:30 a.m., and ends at 6 p.m.

The street fair featuring an array of cuisines, accessories, services and products opens at 10 a.m. on Madison Avenue from 24th to 26th streets. A cultural show at the northside of 23rd Street and Madison starts at 2 p.m.

The parade, considered the highlight of the day, starts at 11:45 a.m. at 37th street and Madison, ending in front of the Grandstand at the corner of 27th Street. The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. said this year’s parade theme is the Dinagyang festival of Iloilo, a colorful ceremony honoring the Sto. Nino.

Among those invited are: New York senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Carolyn Maloney, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

Philippine colors



3 Comments

  1. January Hakrar wrote:

    Great post!

  2. Lady Thurau wrote:

    I enjoy your site! 🙂

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