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‘When the State demanded silence, artists answered:’ A Ma-Yi symposium
In 1972, Ferdinand Marcos placed the Philippines under Martial Law. His first orders took control of newspapers, magazines, radio and television. Rallies were banned. Curfews were imposed. Critics were arrested. Tens of thousands were detained. People were tortured. Some disappeared. Some were killed. Fear was not a side effect. Fear was the system. Theater did […]
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Hudson Valley FilAms to launch outdoor shrine project for Our Lady of Antipolo Sept 12th
The Fil-Am Catholic Community of Hudson Valley (FACCHV) recently hosted the second annual pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Antipolo at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York. The community welcomed over 400 pilgrims from all over the Tri-state to a day of worship and to take advantage of […]
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How corruption begins with a favor and erodes our community
By Ricky Rillera Corruption in our communities rarely begins with a suitcase of cash or a brazen embezzlement scheme. More often, it begins with something deceptively simple: a favor. A small request. A quiet exchange of influence. A leader who says, “Tulungan mo muna ako,” and a member who agrees because refusing feels impolite, disloyal, or […]
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At NaFFAA conference in Colorado, creating space for emerging voices
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) concluded its 16th National Empowerment Conference after two days of national dialogue, leadership development, cultural celebration and practical community-building. Held August 14–15 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora–Denver Conference Center and co-hosted by NaFFAA Rocky Mountain Region, the conference with the theme “Harnessing the Power of Community: Starting With […]
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PHL tops Southeast Asia in U.S. tourist arrivals, fueled by direct flights and Filipino American ties
By Cristina DC Pastor The Philippines is emerging as the leading Southeast Asian destination for travelers from the United States, according to officials of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in the U.S. They presented the following figures from January to May 2026: Philippines: 531,859 arrivals Thailand: 471,254 Vietnam: 445,813 Singapore: 317,074 Indonesia: 162,808 Cambodia: […]
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‘Ube is ours,’ but what does that really mean?
By Cristina DC Pastor As purple yam becomes a global food sensation, the Philippines faces the challenge of how to protect, define and capitalize on a crop that has become deeply identified with Filipino culture. Ube is many things to many of us. It is ube halaya at Christmas, the colorful swirl in halo-halo, a […]
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Empowerment Awardees Francisco and Corazon Reyes: Partners in healing and service
By Cristina DC Pastor An emergency room physician and surgeon and his corporate nurse wife were among the honorees at Fiesta in America’s Empowerment Awards on August 9, 2026, where they were recognized for decades of professional excellence and community service. Dr. Francisco Reyes and his wife, Corazon Reyes, RN, received the Lifetime Empowerment Couple […]
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Elderly Filipino women aging in isolation; how can the community help?
By Cristina DC Pastor They came to America in the late 1960s and 1970s, young, educated and determined to build lives of their own. Many were professionals. Some came alone, leaving families behind in the Philippines. They established careers, bought homes, built friendships and embraced the independence that America offered. Now, decades later, many of […]
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Fiesta in America presents 2 weekends of Filipino excellence in New Jersey
Fiesta in America will unite the Filipino American community for two weekends in New Jersey, beginning with the 22nd People’s Ball on Sunday, August 9, at Marriott Newark Airport, followed by the 29th Fiesta in America on August 15 and 16, 2026 at the American Dream in East Rutherford. Admission is free. The celebration begins […]