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‘When Strong Winds Blow:’ A children’s book with a message of hope
By Julie Stroud Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was the strongest typhoon ever recorded, with unprecedented wind speeds. Despite advanced warnings, Yolanda exacted a devastating toll on many Filipino provinces. Buildings and trees were leveled, and there was significant loss of life in the surge of water. Headwaters Relief Organization joined […]
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Marvin Cadornigara explains Common Core and why learning Science is more exciting because of it
By Cristina DC Pastor It was another one of those assignments in Science class. The students were asked to submit a ‘project-based science inquiry.’ A Filipino American student, together with her classroom partner, presented a paper on Jose Rizal as an environmentalist. In that report, the students described how the Philippine National Hero, an ophthalmologist, […]
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As Father’s Day nears, I remember Papa and how I learned the English language through him
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are separated by only a month but as celebrations go, the two events seem worlds apart. When I first arrived on these shores in the very early sixties, I was struck by the fervent regard for Mother’s Day. Brunches were crowded. Ditto all other dining […]
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How Diana Lee Inosanto trained ‘Spy’ actress in the Filipino martial arts Kali
“Spy” actress Melissa McCarthy’s skills juggling knives and frying pans is the latest handiwork of stunt performer Diana Lee Inosanto, a martial arts instructor named after her godfather, the great legend, Bruce Lee. Diana is the daughter of California-born Dan Inosanto, a stuntman-actor and a well-known instructor of Jeet Kune Do and Filipino martial arts. […]
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Defense hurls anti-Semitism charges in labor dispute between Marichu De Sesto and Manhattan socialite
By Cristina DC Pastor Anti-Semitism charges were injected into the labor dispute between domestic worker Marichu de Sesto and her former employer Elyse Slaine when lawyers for the defense accused the Filipina of “enlisting the assistance” of anti-Zionist activists to “intimidate, harass” the Park Avenue socialite. “Ms. De Sesto is well aware of the fact […]
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Amnesty International USA’s Kalaya’an Mendoza on activism: ‘Righteous rage is no longer enough’
By Christian Catiis From the Stonewall Riots for gay rights in the 1960s to many recent scattered rallies denouncing police abuses, these demonstrations have a common thread. They evoke a communal call to action for basic human rights providing for equal treatment of every individual regardless of nationality, gender, race, religion or any other status. […]
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Labor leader Maria Castaneda, 2 others honored in immigration gala
About 300 individuals representing community organizations, labor groups, faith organizations, businesses, and government gathered on June 2 to celebrate the accomplishments of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) at its 2015 Gala. The annual gala held at the Capitale on the Lower East Side, honored organizations and key leaders who have contributed tremendously to improving […]
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PIDCI addresses controversial issues, including Independence Day parade cost of $280K
By Cristina DC Pastor The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) laid bare the logistics of organizing the annual Madison Avenue parade, billed as biggest annual gathering in June of Filipinos outside of the Philippines. Last year’s parade had a budget of $280,000, disclosed PIDCI President Fe Martinez during the “ConGen Hour,” a collaborative forum […]
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Emerging Southeast Asian leader Mara Duterte joins June 1 dialogue with President Obama
Young Southeast Asian leaders, such as Mara Duterte are helping to improve the lives of girls in their countries. Duterte is a manager for Girls Got Game, a sports camp for girls who face tough economic conditions in the Philippines. The nonprofit organization is managed by former athletes who use basketball and soccer to build […]