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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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On Grandparents Day, remembering the heart of the family
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. The tenth of September was observed as Grandparents Day in the United States. In our homeland, there is a similar observation, but the celebration period is longer: March 11-18, each year; hence, it is named Grandparents’ Week. Reportedly, recognition of the much-anticipated event was made official a few years back […]
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After 42 years, exhuming a bitter memory of Martial Law
By Julia Carreon-Lagoc On September 21, 1972, a day of infamy in Philippine history, Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed Martial Law. This year on the 42nd anniversary of its proclamation, I exhumed this bitter remembrance — the memories ever fresh as when they were first written. NEVER AGAIN! In bold capitals and with an exclamation point. That’s […]
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‘We will not ask for justice politely, we’ll continue to demand for change at the top of our lungs’
By Hanalei Ramos My name is Hanalei. I am a Filipina woman born in Jersey City. I am writing this entry because I am deeply moved by the actions carried out by activists during President Aquino’s speaking engagement at Columbia University’s Low Memorial Library for the World Leaders Forum on September 23. Much of the […]
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Illac Diaz named one of Asia Society’s Game Changer awardees
By Ricky Rillera Illac Diaz, founder of My Shelter Foundation and Liter of Light, is one of Asia Society’s Asia Game Changer awardees. Diaz, who promoted his Liter of Light project in Jersey City two years ago, in partnership with the Philippine-American Friendship Committee Inc. (PAFCOM), is being recognized “for bringing light to those in […]
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Fordham alumna Iris Zalun is the new president of UniPro
The Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc. (UniPro) has announced its executive board for the 2014-2015 year. Iris Zalun, 25, will be leading the Executive Board as president, alongside Noel Aglubat and Kirklyn Escondo as vice president and secretary general, respectively. “I am honored and thrilled to be the new president of UniPro, especially alongside […]
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‘I miss Hector Logrono and now feel the burden of his absence’
By Consuelo Almonte The year was 2012. I just retired from the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations where I served for 43 years. My last position was Press Assistant to the Press Minister. At Loida Nicolas Lewis’s residence in November, I was invited to a dinner for Eric Lachica who was to speak about […]
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‘Filipinos should not shame their President on the world stage!’
By Elton Lugay A heckling incident at Columbia University, where President Benigno Aquino III addressed the World Leaders Forum on September 23, spilled over to social media with Filipino Americans battling each other over how a Filipino leader should not be humiliated before the world stage. It began quietly enough at Columbia’s Low Memorial Library […]