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What Obama started, Congress must finish, urge immigration advocates
By Maricar CP Hampton While President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration was well received by the Filipino community, many of its leaders continue to urge Congress to pass a law that would provide a more permanent solution to the broken immigration system. “This is undoubtedly big news for our community,” said Romeo Ymalay, Co-Chair […]
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Eric Gamalinda to unveil latest novel at Asia Society on Dec. 1
Eric Gamalinda’s complex, compelling and troubling new novel “The Descartes Highlands” is brought to life through dramatic readings by actors Alexis Camins, Jennifer Betit Yen, and Ben Mandell, with a conversation between Gamalinda and writer/filmmaker Jessica Hagedorn on his work. This event, to be held December 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the […]
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A surprise birthday party, gentle ‘roast’ for TOFA-NY chair Elton Lugay
By Mayette Timblaco-Geraldino Through a Carnegie Hall event that can only be described as world-class, Elton Lugay has been instrumental in recognizing Filipino Americans who are among “the best and most committed,” in the words of Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. So, in a private celebration befitting a respected and highly admired trailblazer, friends […]
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Ferguson: A need for empathy
By Maria Cruz Lee Thousands of people are reacting this morning (of November 25) to the fact that the grand jury in Ferguson, MO chose not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for his actions in the shooting death of unarmed teenager, Michael Brown. I watched the press conference last night and was actively participating in […]
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‘The FilAm community accepted, loved and respected me regardless of who, what I am’
By Chelle Lhuillier The Center’s Gender Identity Project Organizing Committee, LGBT rights and equality advocates, friends, and allies, fellow speakers, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. A few weeks ago, I was reading an online news article and these struck my attention. ” Two years ago, I got jumped. Four months ago I got stabbed. Two […]
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On Thanks and Giving Day, FilAms gather as family and count their blessings
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. The past few weeks have, according to news reports and advertisements, were hailed by shoppers who have embraced “Black Friday madness.” Although the pitch means pre-holiday bargains to induce bigger shopping sprees, it seems the frequency of holiday weekend offerings (like the forthcoming Thanksgiving Day) is ceaseless. Restaurants, groceries and […]
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Racing to the White House without losing my sanity…and my lipstick purse
By Mayette-Timblaco Geraldino The first light of dawn was just breaking over the East River horizon when the Q train pulled above ground to traverse the two-decked Manhattan Bridge. I had to quickly snatch a glimpse of the stunning New York City skyline and the stone archway portal of the bridge, styled after the Porte […]
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As legalization looms, Jose Antonio Vargas says, ‘I can now go back and see my mother’
By Cristina DC Pastor One of the much anticipated initiatives in President Obama’s planned executive action was the expansion of DACA or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. On November 20, Obama made it official: He unveiled a plan to expand the coverage of DACA and offer relief as well to undocumented parents of citizens […]
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Go Big: An open letter to President Obama
Dear President Barack Obama, You have one final opportunity to significantly improve the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants living inside the United States, who contribute positively to the social tapestry and recovering economy of our country. These people long for the respect and acceptance from the country they call home. They consider themselves American […]