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Leah Lupao Amadiz: Igorot Filipina unveils indigenous heritage in New York
When Leah Lupao Amadiz represented New York in the Ginang Filipinas National pageant, she was not simply stepping into the spotlight. She was carrying with her the proud legacy of her Igorot roots, upheld through her involvement with BIBAK NY, an organization dedicated to preserving the culture of the Cordillera region. BIBAK—an acronym for Abra, […]
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The history of Kilawin Kolektibo: How Filipina lesbians found community in NYC in the 1990s
By Catherine Espejo Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo, a documentary made by Desireena Almoradie and Barbara Malaran, features archival footage of personal stories that bring awareness to what it meant to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-1990s. The clips in the film showcase lesbian personalities, shedding light on […]
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‘Asian+American’ campaign celebrates the beautiful complexity of Asian American identity: TAAF
The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) has unveiled the “Asian+American” campaign, a national PSA initiative that will encourage Asian Americans to celebrate the complexity and beauty of their dual identities. The campaign uses striking visual storytelling and imagery that will blanket everything from billboards to social media—all to foster pride in being both Asian and American. […]
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On same-sex marriage: Reflections on interview with Renee Salud and Ricky Reyes
By Elton Lugay I recently watched the video interview of Toni Gonzaga with stylists Renee Salud and Ricky Reyes, where they discussed same-sex marriage in the Philippines. I want to share my thoughts on this important issue with kindness, respect, and a broader perspective. First, it’s important to acknowledge that both fashion designer Salud and […]
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Understanding gender-based violence in LGBTQ+ relationships
By Womankind Common Myths About gender-based violence (GBV) in LGBTQ+ Relationships Myth #1: Domestic violence and intimate partner violence mostly occur in heterosexual relationships. Fact: LGBTQ+ communities experience the same or higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault compared to heterosexual communities. Some stats: Gender-based violence affects all communities regardless of sexual orientation or […]
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From Amazon Prime to Zelle, AAPI community’s favorite brands
Amplify AAPI has released its latest Cross Industry Report, offering valuable insights into the brand preferences, media habits, and purchasing behaviors of AANHPI communities—compared to U.S. adults and other racial groups. Created by NORC at the University of Chicago with support from AARP, Amplify AAPI is the largest and most representative public opinion panel of […]
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Ex-New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey: Life after coming out (Part 1)
By Cristina DC Pastor The FilAm Exclusive The decision to interview former New Jersey Governor James ‘Jim’ McGreevey was never in the cards. First, he does not belong to The FilAm brand, meaning he is not Filipino American and he most certainly, I thought then, has not done anything remotely connected with the community. Until […]
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First-ever FilAm comic books festival on June 1st showcases women storytellers
On the same day and at the same location as the Philippine Independence Day Parade, the first-ever Filipinx American Comic and Book Festival on Madison Avenue will be happening in New York City. “I’m excited to be participating in the first annual Filipinx American Comic & Book Festival! I’m most looking forward to being in […]
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Wells Fargo’s Jerome Flores: Embracing diversity at work and at home
By Cristina DC Pastor Jerome Flores started working at Wells Fargo Bank as a young teller. That was 18 years ago or shortly after the merger with Wachovia. It’s his “first real job.” Today, he is one of the Filipino Americans holding top positions in the country’s fourth largest bank. He is the Senior Diversity […]