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Ambassador Mario de Leon Jr.: In retirement, a life of contradictions
By Cristina DC Pastor At Starbucks on Fifth Avenue where we met for this interview, the barista called out, “Mario!” I smiled at Ambassador Mario de Leon Jr. – formerly Consul General in New York – as he got his chai tea, teased him about his now untitled life. Truth is, he confessed, as we […]
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Fans swoon, shriek over their favorite Kapuso stars
By Lindy Rosales The doors opened at 5 p.m. to festive music as guests streamed into the Newark Symphony Hall for GMA’s “Sikat ka, Kapuso!” concert. They were offered ice cream samples on their way in. Merilyn Abiva and her husband, who are members of the Ilokano-American Association, were giddy with excitement. So were Nancy […]
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Nanding & Laura find love anew and a life of purpose
By Cristina DC Pastor The prelude to Nanding and Laura’s love story had a religious backdrop. They met at Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado in December of 2013. They were lining up before the buffet table when Fiesta in America CEO Fernando ‘Nanding’ Mendez spotted an old acquaintance, and said, “Hey, I think I know you.” […]
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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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Trans waitress from Brooklyn is 1st Miss Gorg: ‘Different is beautiful’
By Cristina DC Pastor A waitress from Brooklyn is the first winner of the Miss Gorg pageant created to promote acceptance of transgender women, and, as advanced by the organizers, “to celebrate their empowerment.” Her crown slipped and fell on the stage, but Alana Dillon, 21, dismissed the mishap, preferring to call it “my good […]
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Popsie’s Food Truck: ‘Kakanin’ comfort food revisited
By Cristina DC Pastor In her quiet Jersey City home, Marisse ‘Popsie’ Panlilio cooks Binatog while her freezer is packed with quarts of mango and ube ice cream waiting to firm up. Elsewhere in the kitchen, her partner, sous chef Cosette Malig, cuts vegetables. There are slow and busy days in Popsie’s food chamber. But […]
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NYC nannies, caregivers are mostly women of color; number of Asians growing
“Lifting up Paid Care Work: Year One of New York City’s Paid Care Division” was issued this month by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. The report examines the conditions of the city’s more than 202,000 domestic workers — home care aides, house cleaners, and nannies – also known as ‘paid care workers.’ […]
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Kapuso stars share excitement to party on Apr. 7th
GMA Network’s biggest stars Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, Lovi Poe, Alden Richards, Betong Sumaya and Dingdong Dantes are thrilled to bring all-out entertainment to Pinoys in the US and Canada as they prepare for their back-to-back ‘Sikat Ka, Kapuso!’ shows this coming April. The all-star cast are busy rehearsing for their special performances dedicated to […]
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Women on being successful: ‘Don’t apologize’ and ‘Know your limit’
By Cristina DC Pastor Inspiring stories on grit and being earnest were shared by IBM engineer Virginia Policarpio and Penguin publisher Elda Rotor at the Philippine Consulate’s March 12 series commemorating International Women’s Month. Virginia, who is IBM Senior Technical Staff Member and a specialist on cybersecurity, told the audience how as a 12-year-old, she […]