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Why Ryan Songalia’s heart belongs in the Philippines
By Ryan Songalia Admittedly, I’d rather be writing this essay from the warm, tropical surroundings of Manila than the arctic environs of New York City in February. Since my first trip to “the Motherland” in December of 2010, my heart has been torn between my native New Jersey and the Philippines. As time has gone […]
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Corky Lee’s photos go on exhibit in Long Island
Self-taught photographer Corky Lee has been documenting the vibrant and fast-emerging Asian and Pacific American community for over 40 years. In “Asian Roots/American Soil,” the ubiquitous Corky – a second generation Chinese American — will exhibit photographs of the day-to-day lives of Asian Americans as well as historical moments in American history. The exhibition will […]
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Immigration lawyers warn would-be TNTs: ‘Bill is not for you’
By Cristina DC Pastor A dear friend from way back is trying his luck in New York, crafting a life that is enticing and full of creative adventure, also a future that is legally uncertain. What’s for sure is he is not going anywhere. He is staying at a cousin’s house in Queens while looking […]
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How chocolate changed Melissa Alviar’s life
By Cristina DC Pastor On February 5th, Melissa Alviar will be opening her Upper West Side home to an intimate soiree of chocolate and wine lovers. There won’t be any self-inflicted hedonism, no whips and chains. While the match-up seems to suggest heart-thumping decadence, she swore everything that will be passed around is “healthy.” Welcome […]
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Art without boundaries: Lynda Reyes’s white walls
Los Angeles artist Lynda Reyes has been chosen to exhibit at the ‘Bound:’ Women’s Caucus for the Art Juried Exhibit in New York. The exhibit is being held at the Phoenix Gallery on Eleventh Avenue until February 23rd. Reyes said her oil painting “White Walls” was chosen for the group show. Juried by Cora Rosevear, […]
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‘Sisterakas’ screens in New Jersey Feb 1 to 7
“Sisterakas,” the top grossing film in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival, will screen in American theaters from February 1st. Three of the theaters are in New Jersey. The movie, jointly produced by ABS-CBN Star Cinema and Viva Films, is described as an “outlandish comedy.” It stars Philippines’ Queen of All Media Kris Aquino and […]
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18 songs, only one Lea Salonga
By Elton Lugay For the umpteenth time, I found myself craning my neck and applauding vigorously as I watched my all-time favorite Filipino singer, Lea Salonga. I promised my editor this would be my fourth and last review, but I did not sign it in blood so there is no record of my pledge being […]
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Will King Phojanakong find his dream house Downtown?
Chef King Phojanakong of Kuma Inn and Umi Nom Asian restaurants was looking for a bigger house for his growing family. “As a true New Yorker I’ve been living in rentals my whole life. I think it’s time to move. The one-bedroom is getting smaller,” he said. Two developments are giving the move a sense […]
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Human trafficking and the rescue of Rina Hernandez
By Cristina DC Pastor Rina Hernandez was grateful to October superstorm Sandy. Somewhat. If not for the widespread destruction and chaos the hurricane brought on Staten Island, this nanny would not be able to plan her escape from her allegedly abusive Egyptian employers. “Nagpapasalamat po talaga ako sa Sandy,” Rina, 52, told reporters at a […]