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Trans woman Cassey Arrobang from Albany crowned Ms. PAFCOM LGBTQ 2026
By Elton Lugay Every time Cassey Arrobang steps into the spotlight, she carries more than a microphone. She carries a story. “As a performer, my greatest goal is to tell a story through every performance,” Cassey, a transgender woman, singer, dancer and community leader from Albany, shared in an interview with this writer. “Whether it’s […]
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From raising five sons to caring for newborns, ‘Tita Miles’ finds her calling
By Elton Lugay Before the feedings, the overnight shifts and the first-time parents looking for reassurance, Milagros dela Cruz Llamas begins with a simple belief: newborn care is not just about caring for a baby. It is also about helping a family find its footing. For more than two decades, Dela Cruz Llamas has worked […]
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How corruption begins with a favor and erodes our community
By Ricky Rillera Corruption in our communities rarely begins with a suitcase of cash or a brazen embezzlement scheme. More often, it begins with something deceptively simple: a favor. A small request. A quiet exchange of influence. A leader who says, “Tulungan mo muna ako,” and a member who agrees because refusing feels impolite, disloyal, or […]
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At NaFFAA conference in Colorado, creating space for emerging voices
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) concluded its 16th National Empowerment Conference after two days of national dialogue, leadership development, cultural celebration and practical community-building. Held August 14–15 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora–Denver Conference Center and co-hosted by NaFFAA Rocky Mountain Region, the conference with the theme “Harnessing the Power of Community: Starting With […]
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PHL tops Southeast Asia in U.S. tourist arrivals, fueled by direct flights and Filipino American ties
By Cristina DC Pastor The Philippines is emerging as the leading Southeast Asian destination for travelers from the United States, according to officials of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in the U.S. They presented the following figures from January to May 2026: Philippines: 531,859 arrivals Thailand: 471,254 Vietnam: 445,813 Singapore: 317,074 Indonesia: 162,808 Cambodia: […]
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Jenny Santi: Art as a path to creating and healing
By Marissa Bañez “I’m a better artist because I’m a therapist, and I’m a better therapist because I’m an artist.” Jenny Santi’s art is the bridge that connects her two passions, each practice informing the other. Her paintings are both a way of making sense of her own life and an outlet for the emotional […]
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‘Ube is ours,’ but what does that really mean?
By Cristina DC Pastor As purple yam becomes a global food sensation, the Philippines faces the challenge of how to protect, define and capitalize on a crop that has become deeply identified with Filipino culture. Ube is many things to many of us. It is ube halaya at Christmas, the colorful swirl in halo-halo, a […]
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Fiesta in America presents 2 weekends of Filipino excellence in New Jersey
Fiesta in America will unite the Filipino American community for two weekends in New Jersey, beginning with the 22nd People’s Ball on Sunday, August 9, at Marriott Newark Airport, followed by the 29th Fiesta in America on August 15 and 16, 2026 at the American Dream in East Rutherford. Admission is free. The celebration begins […]
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Bride fulfills childhood dream: a St. Patrick’s Cathedral wedding
By Cristina DC Pastor For Annaleah Flores Garing, saying “I do” at St. Patrick’s Cathedral was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. A timeless ending to a thoroughly modern romance that began on the dating app Bumble. “I grew up very Catholic,” said Annaleah, 37, whose father is from Lipa, Batangas, and whose mother is […]