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TOFA-NY’s 4th year: Through thanks and tears, reflecting on what’s next for the Filipino American achiever
By Cristina DC Pastor And there was music and wonderful moments. Some tears too, and through it all a challenge to Filipino Americans: It’s time to “take the lead.” The fourth The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York was an occasion to celebrate the achievements of Filipinos in the New York area during Filipino American […]
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Ben Venturina’s ‘Premonition’ debuts at Chelsea Film Festival
By Cristina DC Pastor “A Premonition’s Dream,” a short film produced, written, and directed by Ben Venturina, has been accepted into the October 16 to 19 Chelsea Film Festival. It’s almost like a one-person production because he also played the narrative’s main character. “To officially be a part of the independent film community in […]
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TOFA-NY 2014 honorees announced; Bobby Lopez says ‘tireless work ethic’ comes from being a FilAm
By Oliver Oliveros & Cristina DC Pastor A transgender activist, a chef who is part of a campaign to promote healthy lunches for public school children, and an educator for Teach for the Philippines lead this year’s awardees of The Outstanding Filipino Americans of New York (TOFA-NY), a celebration that rounds up the month-long celebration […]
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Through cheers and tears, Jersey community bids farewell to DCG Zaldy Patron
By Jen Furer “This award speaks more of you than me, you’re a very appreciative community.” ~ Zaldy Patron On the warm autumn night of September 27, about 150 people bid goodbye to a beloved diplomat and celebrated his six years of service to the Filipino American community in New Jersey and New York. By […]
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Denzel Washington scholar gets his big break in theatre
By Ricky Rillera New York-born Daniel Velasco couldn’t be a lot happier these days than to count his blessings. First, he earned his degree last May from the Fordham University where he majored in theatre. Second, he turned 22 in June, and third, he landed the lead role in the comedic drama play “Year Zero,” […]
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For U.S.-, Russia-trained Rowena Arrieta, teaching piano to young kids is ‘paying it forward’
By Ricky Rillera More than two decades ago, Rowena Arrieta, the Philippines’ only Soviet-mentored concert pianist conquered New York with an exceptional performance at the Lincoln Center. Although it was her debut recital and her first at this huge stage, her performance was given critical acclaim. The New York Times writes she had this ‘fevered, […]
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Filmmaker Michael Manese goes raw, edgy in adult flick ‘Maxine’
Up-and-coming filmmaker Michael Manese’s short film, “Maxine,” is having a series of theatrical runs in New York and New Jersey. “Maxine” is a mature, adult-themed, experimental film about a man reminiscing about an old flame as he prepares to leave behind his beloved New York City when he loses his job. The film is experimental […]
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2 violin prodigies navigate a future in classical music in NYC and California
By Elizabeth Lolarga Teenage violinists Bradley Bascon and Jeline Oliva will not find themselves in situations wherein the slight bruise on their necks will be misconstrued as anything more than the result of intense practice. If it is in their mothers’ powers, neither will they find themselves scratching out the story of their days on […]
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At Jersey City picnic, FilAms’ last fling before the end of summer
By Cristina DC Pastor Imagine a Filipino party with trays upon trays of food, where the women are busy cutting, serving, tossing, fanning, and stirring the food, while the men are gathered around a fire pit. Transport this scene to Jersey City, a community with a large Filipino American population of more than 15K, and […]