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For all that they share, the Filipino-American and the Filipino are ‘worlds apart’
By Daniel Griffith Looking outside the plexiglass window was, almost, a mistake. Our visibility was limited by the dense, charcoal-colored clouds that obscured life down below. As we circled the city, lightning struck at three-second intervals, accompanied by booming reports echoing into the dusk. My heart beat with a mixture of emotions: one part anxiety, […]
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Dual citizenship applicants will have a mass oath-taking on Oct. 8
“To me, the issue is not about choosing one country over another or having a piece of paper defining who I am. It is about (not) taking our opportunities for granted.” With that, Rachelle Ocampo, project director at NYU Langone Medical Center, took the plunge, applied for dual citizenship and is now the holder of […]
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Ricky Montilla’s art exhibit in Chelsea opens Oct. 10
Painter Ricky Montilla is coming to Agora Gallery through a group exhibition called Modalities of Expression. The exhibit opens on October 10 and continues until October 30. The opening reception takes place on October 16, at 6 p.m. At the borderlands where Impressionism moves towards Realism, Montilla evokes the threefold language of color, shape and […]
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A region in Turkey where no violence or hatred toward others exists
By Wendell Gaa We know very well that Christianity has its roots in the Holy Land of Israel, but it may not be as widely understood that as an established religion and social institution, Christianity actually first blossomed in the ancient lands of Asia Minor, what is today known as Turkey. This is something my […]
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‘I am Filipina’ (Let’s stop looking at magazines, let’s look at each other)
By Chris Aldana Sanders A quick glance at Filipino billboards or a few minutes in front of Filipino TV will tell you what Filipina women supposedly look like: We have pale, rosy-white complexions; we have luxurious, straight hair; we have pointed, narrow, noses. Seems a little out of touch with reality, doesn’t it? I can […]
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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 […]