The Memphis in May International Festival will be honoring the Philippines in next year’s festival, announced James Holt, president and CEO of MIMIF. The festival, which attracts at least 300,000 visitors, is held annually for the past 35 years, and has paid tribute to at least 30 countries. “The opportunity to experience the immense history […]
By Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. Once again, it is that time of the year when Filipinos feel a different sense of joy and families and friends get together to celebrate the best-loved season in the Philippines. Christmas, or as we call it back home, Pasko, is a special time that never fails to bring […]
By Tony Joaquin Around December during the prewar days in Manila, my parents would take me and my sisters shopping for new and nice clothes to wear for Christmas. The whole family would drive over with Papa behind the wheel of our 1940 Chevrolet to the popular shopping areas, primarily in Escolta. But we also […]
By Cristina DC Pastor The Archdiocese of New York maintained its objection to the holding of Simbang Gabi midnight masses at the consulate building on Fifth Avenue, prompting the possible relocation of the Christmas tradition observed for 25 years by Filipinos in the New York Tri-State. “A mass can only be carried out in a […]
By Laurel Fantauzzo I confess: I was afraid to move to Manila this year. Strange. I had never been afraid before. It was my fourth time here. I’d previously done a Tagalog language program, and the usual visits with relatives. I’d tried for three years to earn a Fulbright grant to return to the motherland. […]
By Ludy A. Ongkeko, Ph.D. Standing out on its own in the Philippines’ metropolitan center is the Quiapo Church, home of the Black Nazarene. Every Friday is Quiapo Day when multitudes troop to the church where hourly masses are held to honor the much-venerated Black Nazarene. Filipinos all over their island nation honor the Black […]
By A. Mabini For my parents First-generation, by established understanding, are Pilipinos who were born in the Philippines and have migrated to the United States. Second-generation Pilipino Americans are those born in America. I linger between definitions. Although by the above criterion, I fall under the former, I came here at a very young […]
In the grand tradition of Filipino celebrations, the congratulations come with the cheers and the comical. The first Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York awards event held October 29 at Carnegie Hall was no different. (See trunk story on the right) You could tell the winners by the coterie of fans following them around, asking […]
By Cristina DC Pastor On a night when it snowed in October for only the third time in 142 years in Manhattan, Carnegie Hall glittered as hundreds huddled to honor and fete 2011’s best Filipino Americans in New York, among them an undocumented immigrant journalist and a transgender woman. “The Empire State is privileged to […]