The death of King Phojanakong opens 2023, the end of ‘Here Lies Love’ finishes the year
The passing of Chef KING PHOJANAKONG on January 2 was an upsetting way to start the year 2023 for the Filipino American community. The beloved owner of Kuma Inn on the Lower East Side died from a rare amoeba infection, according to his family. The culinary community was in grief.
The arrival of new Consul General SENEN MANGALILE brought a certain bounce to the community following the unexplained departure of his predecessor. On January 9, he gave his New Year message extending an “offer of partnership” to FilAms in the Northeast. He has won over FilAms with his friendly demeanor, relatability and folksy humor.
Considered history-making, STEVEN RAGA took his oath as New York State Assemblymember on January 15, becoming the first Filipino American elected to Albany. As a newly certified politician, he pledged to stay away from scandals that would hurt his reputation and to “keep my nose clean.” He has a two-year term.
LOIDA NICOLAS LEWIS’s “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?” is one well-traveled book since it was published in March. The reviews were mostly beaming with praise – “inspiring memoir,” “powerful testament to the strength of an Asian American woman,” etc. — as the author continues to criss-cross the U.S. for book signings.
NORA GALLEROS presided over the well-received 125th Philippine Independence Day parade on Madison Avenue in June. It is Nora’s second year as president of PIDCI. With the recent election of ARMAN DAVID to succeed her, it looks like a new breed and brand of leadership is now in place at PIDCI.
Nine JOLLIBEE WORKERS were illegally terminated when they submitted a list of grievances to management. On July 6, which is National Chicken Day, they held a protest in front of Jollibee Journal Square in Jersey City. The NLRB ruled Jollibee committed “unfair labor practice” and ordered all nine workers reinstated. The fired workers returned to their jobs in October.
‘HERE LIES LOVE’ with its all-Filipino cast captivated Broadway with its immersive theater and the epic story of Imelda Marcos set to pulsating disco music of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Sadly, the musical lasted only five months disappointing some of its fans, after it previewed on June 17 and officially opened on July 20. November 26 was its last show.
LADY AILEEN ORSAL became the first Filipino language preceptor to teach at Harvard University. Aileen, who hails from Cavite, began classes in the Fall term of September amid speculation that House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a nephew of Imelda Marcos, is funding the course.
