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Mabuhay mural unveiled in Queens
On June 12th, the Filipino community in Queens unveiled the colorful mural ‘Mabuhay’ (meaning ‘To life’) on the corner of 69th Street and Roosevelt Avenue known as Little Manila. According to the organizers, the ceremony was dedicated to businesses and health care workers risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our […]
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Who is Vilma Bautista and what exactly did she do?
By Cristina DC Pastor Her name is spoken of as if in a confidential whisper by some FilAms who know her — Filipinos with means, leaders of the community. There is nothing nouveau riche about knowing Vilma Hernandez Bautista. “Yeah, kilala ko siya,” shared a Manhattan woman who said their friendship goes way back […]
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Noli producers receive KOR-NY Heritage award
The producers of “Noli Me Tangere, the Opera” led the roster of honorees of the first Dr. Jose P. Rizal Heritage Award organized by the New York Chapter of the Knights of Rizal. Producers Jerry Sibal and Edwin Josue were the recipients of the Cultural Heritage Award for their “significant contribution” in reawakening interest in […]
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‘Very happy and proud,’ says grandpa of Nutcracker’s Charlotte Nebres
By Cristina DC Pastor Charlotte Nebres, the 11-year-old ballerina who plays the young heroine Marie in “The Nutcracker,” comes from a Filipino family in Bacnotan, La Union, whose elders were priests, educators, and doctors. Charlotte is the middle daughter of U.S.-born Joe Nebres, whose family is from the Philippines, and Danielle Nebres who is from […]
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Charlotte Nebres and the FilAm ballet dancers who came before her
By Cristina DC Pastor In the ballet world, they say ‘being black’ is a big thing, a cause for celebration. When Misty Copeland became the first female black principal dancer for a major company like the American Ballet Theatre, it was a joyous, historic moment. In ballet where white dancers — “lily white,” according to […]
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Dance artist Roberto Villanueva goes on a mission trip to the PHL to ‘give back’
Filipino American dance artist Roberto Villanueva will embark on a mission trip to the Philippines as his way of giving back to his birthland. From November 8 to 16, he will be donating his performances, lecture presentations, workshops and master class to some of the top universities in Manila—namely University of the Philippines, De La […]
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‘Talambuhay’ exhibit celebrates Linggo ng Samahan
From September 28th to October 5, an art exhibit and discussion exploring issues, such as immigration and displacement, were presented in celebration of Linggo Ng Samahan (Week of Community). The activities were organized by Anakbayan New York (ABNY) and the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) and held at the Living Artist Gallery Space in […]
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Catholicism and identity in contemporary Philippine art
“Under the Bells,” an exhibition featuring the works of three contemporary Filipino artists will be on view at Pintô International from October 16, 2019 to February 29, 2020. The opening reception on October 16 will start at 6 p.m. Faith, religion, and spirituality are powerful forces in the Philippines. Catholicism, the archipelago’s predominant faith, colors […]
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Manobo artist celebrates the native attire in NYC exhibit
By Ryan Francis Regalado Reyes ‘Pagsaog’ in the Butuanon dialect of the Philippines translates to “celebration.” Filipino multimedia artist and performer Carlito Camahalan Amalla picks this as an overarching theme for the latest overseas showcase of his visual works. The pieces are straightforward homage to the material culture, artifacts, and icons identified with his native […]