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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 […]
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Parents of the Year Menchu and Judith Sanchez: They don’t believe in spanking kids
By Cristina DC Pastor For registered nurse Menchu Sanchez, being recognized by the White House for her heroism during the 2012 Hurricane Sandy may be a lifetime achievement. Being named, with husband Judith, Parents of the Year is an equally stunning honor. “We’re very happy,” she said of the recognition conferred on them by the […]
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Postcard from the Pines: Revisiting Baguio after 35 years
By Rene Pastor BAGUIO – It was past five in the morning when I found myself waiting at that ungodly hour for the first-class bus to Baguio. It has been 35 years since I last visited the city, zigzagging up Kennon Road on a Dagupan Bus that had its windows open as it swerved up […]
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Consul General bids goodbye, urges community to support each other
By Cristina DC Pastor Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega is a rare-breed diplomat. Actually, extraordinary, if one were to consider how she has been “borrowed” by Manila and “asked to help” senior officials as they ease into their jobs. She is a walking Official Gazette, knows all the Republic Acts from memory, she is pleasant, […]
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Ruffy Ronas: Here’s looking at you, Staten Island
By Cristina DC Pastor Before I got to know him, freelance photographer Ruffy Ronas was just another face in the crowd. He is always ready with a smile, a tap on the shoulder, a polite hug. Because of his height and soldier’s chest he stands out. With his James Stewart haircut, he appears like someone […]
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Madison Avenue parade is on! Amb. Mario de Leon Jr. is honorary Grand Marshal
By Cristina DC Pastor The February 23 meeting between the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. and the community was a running tally of hits and misses: Hits: • PIDCI announced that former Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. is going to be the Honorary Grand Marshal, a new role in the organization’s 28-year history. • […]
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Down Memory Lane on Roosevelt Avenue
By Cristina DC Pastor The long and disorganized stretch of Roosevelt Avenue in Queens — reachable by the 7 Train — was both familiar and unusual. Payag Restaurant at the corner of 52nd Street is now empty. Somewhere on 69th is Rosario’s Ihawan, a new and pleasant-looking restaurant. Rene and I were lured by the […]
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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 […]
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Train station to deliver the Philippines to the world
By Cristina DC Pastor Artist and businessman Jerry Sibal isn’t done yet. A flush floral design studio, a coffee table book, a charmed episode in Macau where he decorated a Vegas hotel chain. Jerry has done all of the above. He is back once again with another breathtaking project. The venue alone says a lot: […]