-
Grand Central Terminal rolls out red carpet for Philippine tourism, business and culture
By Cristina DC Pastor Don’t be surprised if, from May 9 to 12, you will spot some men in Ati-Atihan soot and women in colorful couture at the Grand Central Terminal Main Concourse on your way to work. The frolicsome music of the rondalla is likely to lead you to Vanderbilt Hall as you exit […]
-
Classical pianist Cecile Licad: ‘I’m like a carpenter, I build stuff.’
By Cristina DC Pastor I was at Carnegie Hall on January 18 watching “Cecile Licad, Piano,” a recital made memorable by the pianist’s ebullient performance and her hypnotic way with the keys. She was wearing an elegant gown beaded at the back. On the day of my interview, a week later, it was Cecile Licad, […]
-
Michael Young: Playing the sax while connecting with his mother’s homeland
By Wendell Gaa This article is part of a continuing series on Filipino Americans who have returned to the homeland, lured by more fulfilling careers and an opportunity to bridge and embrace their two cultures. Michigan-born Michael Young has been living and working in Metro Manila for the past 11 years now. An entrepreneur, he […]
-
Ea Torrado choreographs loss, grief, and healing
Playing Sisa at the Lopez Museum in 2014. Inspired by the ‘loss of identity of mothers and the Motherland.’ By Cristina DC Pastor How many stages of grief are we allowed to have? Four? Seven? In Ea Marie Torrado’s 32 years, the grieving came in waves and stages: The father she knew nothing about, her […]
-
Once, my life intersected with V.C. Igarta
By Eileen R. Tabios In my last few years living in New York City — before moving to San Francisco about 18 years ago — I spent time with Venancio C. “V.C.” Igarta, the foremost artist of the Manong generation. By the time I met him through an introduction by poet Luis Cabalquinto, he had […]
-
‘Painting doctor’ Mars Custodio, 75
By Cesar Lumba Mars Custodio was my closest friend when I was living in New Jersey. We went through the turbulent ‘70s and ‘80s together, often hanging out Friday nights at his house because he had been depressed by his oncology patients’ passing despite his herculean efforts. Mars could never attend the funerals and wakes […]
-
Short film by Queens artist captures the tempo of NYC in transit
By Panday Banale I am an artist and community activist. My birth name is Mary Ann Ubaldo, although I am better known as Panday Banale, a name that was given to me, a Babaylan (a Filipina healer, spiritual leader, or community worker), depicting my ancient roots as artist and activist. I have found affirmation in […]
-
Pianist Raul Sunico to play Chopin to Canseco in Oct 21 concert
In celebration of Filipino American History Month, internationally acclaimed pianist Raul Sunico will be featured in a concert on Saturday, October 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Music Center on W 67th Street. In a 1982 concert at the Alice Tully Hall, The New York Times described him as “a young pianist […]
-
Loida Lewis to receive lifetime award from Womankind, is serenaded by Madrigal Singers
Businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis, widow of TLC Beatrice Founder and CEO Reginald F. Lewis, will receive The Phoenix Lifetime Achievement Award at Womankind’s 35th Anniversary Benefit Gala on November 1, 2017, for her contributions to Asian American communities through her advocacy, influence, and generosity. Formerly the New York Asian Women’s Center, Womankind is a leader […]