This is the second part of Michael Obenieta’s essay series on Philippine National Artist Nora Aunor who passed away on April 16, 2025.

Obenieta is a celebrated writer from Cebu and self-confessed big fan of Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life).

In this essay, Obenieta itemizes the illustrious body of work of La Aunor in the performing arts locally and internationally.

We are republishing the essay of renowned poet and writer Michael Obenieta about Philippine National Artist Nora Aunor who passed away on April 16, 2025.

Obenieta is a celebrated writer from Cebu and self-confessed big fan of Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life).

In this essay, he mentions La Aunor as having trailblazed in producing her epic movie Banaue, earning her the respect as a ‘proto-feminist’ in Philippine movies.

The Filipino American organization Philippine American Friendship Community (PAFCOM), a leading Filipino American organization based in New Jersey, concluded its community news writing workshop to enhance its capability to document and publish its own events.

Perhaps, the greatest take-away the attendees had would be the 5 Wives (what, when, where, why, and who) and 1 Husband (how) in data-gathering and writing.

Filipino-American journalists Rene Pastor and his wife Cristina DC Pastor released their book Living in China 2019-2023: A COVID Diary.

Our Earth Month special features Ms. Sue Phillips, a fragrance entrepreneur in NYC who customizes scents for international celebrities and brand names for over 35 years now. She fashions herself as a ‘scentrepreneur’ born in South Africa, and an actress and entrepreneur in New York. Her fragrances business began in 1990 and is located in Tribeca. Her products and packaging adhere to sustainability principles.

The international women’s group Women’s Federation for World Peace International accorded Phillips the Global Woman Peace Ambassador award for Leadership in Business and Economic Empowerment on March 9, 2025, at the New Yorker Hotel.

Women and Media (WAM) guest Carlos Conde, senior researcher of Human Rights Watch Asia, examines the political fever in the Philippines following the arrest and detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague.

A Taiwanese scholar and champion for gender equality emphasized the importance of researched data in advancing social justice and gender equality. Dr. Lih-Rong Wang, a scholar of social welfare expert said that “development must be data-driven.”

Student-led organizations have always been the heart of any college campus - from cultural showcases and workshops to social mixers and frat parties. In the center of every student body are its student leaders, who take the responsibility of pouring mind, body, and soul into building community.

I’m approaching the end of my third year as well as my term as the president of PAO. As I look forward to stepping down and passing the torch, I use this opportunity as a time to reflect.

A Filipino American organization, PAFCOM, is currently conducting a community news writing workshop, in Jersey City to enhance its capability to document and publish its own events and programs. It is free for the community to join, until the second Saturday of April 2025.

On March 14, 2025, the Biddle Room of the Harvard Club was filled with young and not-so-young women leaders excited to listen to the panel composed of Patricia Licuanan, Philippines; Charlotte Bunch, USA; Carol Bellamy, USA; Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia; Patricia Espinosa, Mexico; Gertrude Mongella, Tanzania; and Soon-Young Yoon, USA. Irene Giner-Reichl was unable to attend. Gail Bindley-Taylor was the moderator. 

The Beijing veterans said that there have been setbacks in the gains of women’s movements because of the lack of political will on the part of government, lack of funds, ongoing wars, and the rise of authoritarianism.

The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC) hosted its annual International Women’s Day Celebration at the Consulate General of India in New York on March 19, 2025, honoring 14 exceptional women from its member
consulates for their significant contributions in various fields, including business, government, academia, and community service.

Veteran journalist Olive Tripon of the Philippines remembers the Beijing Conference on women’s empowerment in 1995 and shares her insights on the gains and threats.

Languages die because of migration, colonization, or poverty, shared CEO of Apicha, Therese Rodriguez. And how do we keep it alive? Speak it and celebrate your heritage.

The borough of Queens just initiated a colorful Mother Language celebration day on February 22, 2025.

To kickstart the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the Women's Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), the Women's Immigration & Communications Cafe (WICCAFE), and the Women & Media (WAM) will hold a concert titled WOMEN DEFYING GRAVITY on March 1, 2025, Saturday, at the Philippine Center on 556 5th Ave. NYC 10036 2-5PM. We feature young artists TJ Castanares and pianist Hyowon Barlaan.

2025 is especially significant for women around the world because it is the 30th year since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on women's empowerment. How far have women all over the world have come in terms of promoting much better lives and communities?

Conversations with MM, the two-year-old platform, hosted and produced by Marivir Montebon, created 52 episodes, predominantly guesting Filipino artists, professionals, and community leaders. It touches on community leadership, professional achievements, and social issues wrapped as #narrativesoftruth and amplified on social media.

The rich heritage of Filipino music takes center stage on December 7, Saturday at the Pasko in America extravaganza at the American Dream Mall in NJ.

The Combined Ensemble of the University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla and the Philippine Chamber Rondalla of New Jersey will showcase the timeless charm of the rondalla, a cherished Filipino tradition rooted in the Spanish colonial era.

The Band of Brothers, will electrify the audience with their classic rock and roll hits. Joining them are powerhouse vocalist TJ Castanares and the soulful Lirazen Rose.

The Center for Cooperative Media (CCM) at Montclair University has selected the Filipino American Press Club of New York as one of the finalists in the 2025 New Jersey Ethnic and Community Media Celebrations & Awards. This ceremony recognizes the excellence and contributions of the Garden State's more than 145 ethnic and community news outlets. 

FAPCNY, formed in 2012 in New Jersey, is the only press organization of Filipino American community journalists in the East Coast.

In this season froth with fear for many immigrants, lawyers and civil rights advocates said DACA will be in limbo and raids will be done for massive deportations in an immigration forum.

They are once again doubling up their response to mounting queries. The upcoming Trump presidency ushered the same fright in immigrant communities reminiscent of his 2016 incumbency.

The launch of the poetry book ‘Parañaque to New York City: Fifty Poems’ flowed splendidly on the evening of October 24 in downtown Manhattan - a full circle moment for author Therese Rodriguez, a civil rights champion and CEO of Apicha Community Health Center (CHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center serving the underserved communities of Manhattan and Queens.

Steadfast in her activism for public health and human rights, Rodriguez is also known for her visionary leadership and untiring commitment to the growth of Apicha (CHC).

1st Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer said that the values of humility, hard work, and optimism, which she attributes from her Filipino upbringing, have been in guiding principles in public service. She holds the highest appointive post in NYC and has served remarkably under three city mayors.