-
Bukidnon tribal ‘datu’ promotes Talaandig music from NYC to S.F.
“I couldn’t imagine myself taking train ride(s) to Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. When I was small I took a carabao ride to the mountains of Mt. Kitanglad.” With that post, Bukidnon tribal leader and musician Waway Saway invited Filipino Americans to watch his May 4th performance at the Lincoln Center. “Definitely, we will have good […]
-
Philippine cultural center receives $1.5M state grant from Hawaii
Hawaii has released a state capital improvement grant to help construct the nonprofit Kauai Philippine Cultural Center (KPCC) in the capital city of Honolulu. The grant was released on May 6 a week into the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month of May. Gov. Neil Abercrombie presented a $1.5 million check to Kauai Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, […]
-
Grace Villamil’s intimate mementos of her travels to the Philippines in ‘Pasalubong’
By Amanda Schmitt “Pasalubong” is an intimate photo book by Grace Villamil, including images and drawings created during her first experiences in the Philippines. The book is both a reflection and a meditation on her personal relationship with the country. Pasalubong is a Tagalog word (the national language of the Philippines) for the gift you […]
-
Mideo Cruz talks post-‘Poleteismo’ and the concept of visual trauma
By Cristina DC Pastor Mideo Cruz’s hair was tussled, his face sleepy as he shuffled around a Manhattan apartment in his flip flops while his wife prepared food for a small party of eight they were hosting that night. He slumped on a chair, his posture wrinkling his shirt but not the bold words printed […]
-
Why must currency determine our beauty contest winners?
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. Chances are, by now, the readership of TheFilAm has lent some attention or some may have become more than conversant about pageants: beauty and popularity contests, if you will. In some cases, that all-too-familiar yardstick called the trek of currency might possibly have rendered its job. But, if in the […]
-
Young FilAms imagine their future, and write about it
By Cecile Caguingin-Ochoa I was in an essay-writing contest but I did not write. When long-time officer of the Filipino American Press Club of Los Angeles (est. 1978), Inc. Evelyn Portugal threw in a suggestion to hold a writing contest among our children or grandchildren, everyone got excited. “This is the time for our own […]
-
My mom: Realizing the American Dream at 82
By Suzanne Lansangan-Sabangan The front door of my condominium opened at 10 a.m. with my mother poking her head in and telling me she was ready. The swearing-in was to begin at 1:30 p.m. That was not new to me as she always made sure she was one or two hours early for any appointment, […]
-
‘Glee’ welcomes Jessica Sanchez as Frida Romero
By Elton Lugay Scoot over, Sunshine Corazon. Frida Romero is the new ‘frenemy’ in “Glee” as Jessica Sanchez steps into the TV series as the lead singer for a rival glee club. Charice Pempengco played visiting foreign student Sunshine Corazon for one season of “Glee.” That character has since been written off. “I’m (supposed to […]
-
Filipino Americans value health insurance, rank high in coverage
By Cristina DC Pastor Events planner Josie Briones may be undocumented, but she has made it her responsibility to provide for her own health care coverage. Although her work is seasonal and so is her wage, she pays a monthly premium under Aetna’s Individual Plan. For $400 a month, her plan allows her unlimited doctor’s […]