By Cesar Polvorosa Jr. Encomienda Legacy Spanish colonialism implanted deeply unequal class structures across both the Philippines and Latin America. Through systems resembling encomiendas or feudal arrangements, land, wealth, and political power became concentrated in the hands of narrow elites. Over generations, this produced entrenched political dynasties, oligarchic control, regional strongmen, and persistent inequality. Political […]
By Cesar Polvorosa Jr. Standing on the sun-warmed shore of the Yucatán Peninsula during my son’s wedding, watching Caribbean waves roll gently onto the Mexican coast, I was struck by an unexpected sense of familiarity. It felt like the comforting embrace of home. The feeling went beyond the tropical sway of coconut palms and the […]
By Jonathan Melegrito Filipino American students and scholars, artists and healers, public officials and community leaders from across the United States are gathering this week in the nation’s capital for the 21st Biennial National Conference of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). Framed by the theme “PiNoise on the Potomac: Monuments to Change,” the […]
By Romulo Aromin, Jr., MD With only two weeks to prepare and against the backdrop of a heatwave, the world football games, and the long July 4th weekend with the U.S. celebrating 250 years of independence, some 150 northeast Filams in the Tri-state gathered to send off Consul General Senen Mangalile as he assumes the position of Ambassador […]
By Ricky Rillera Every June 12, the Philippines raises its flag, sings its anthems, and commemorates the day in 1898 when General Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite. It was a bold proclamation—aspirational, defiant, and rooted in the belief that a people long denied dignity could finally claim their place among free […]
By Cristina DC Pastor For the first time in the history of New York’s Philippine Independence Day event, the iconic Times Square will serve as the opening venue on the June 6 eve of the Madison Avenue parade. The famous Red Steps, one of Times Square’s most recognizable landmarks, will be the centerpiece of the […]
The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) has announced the 33 community-based organizations across New York State that will receive its 2026-27 AAPI Community Development Fund. Two of them are Filipino organizations: Kalayaan 1521 Council, Inc. and the Dreamweaver Heritage Collective, Inc. The 2026-27 AAPI Community Development Fund awardee cohort is the largest […]
By Elton Lugay St. Patrick’s Cathedral held the first-ever Santacruzan on May 24 while also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Manaoag as thousands of Filipinos packed the church on the eve of Memorial Day. Organized by the Filipino Catholic Apostolate of New York (FILCA), the event drew members of the Filipino community […]
Ongoing until September 30, 2027 iRehistro Overseas Voter Registration Visit website for details: https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/ovf1. June 2 Primary Election: New Jersey June 5 Dinner for a Cause (with Lady Ruffa Gutierrez) By Ladies for Rizal New York Inc. The Players Club Manhattan NYC June 20 Long Island Pinoy Fiesta Florencia Florist & Events 1660 Front Street […]