National Artist Dr. Resil Mojares has always been larger than life. This cool adviser of the student paper Today’s Carolinian guided me gently to be a journalist. That prompting became a lifelong guidance.

After 13 years, the Philippines once again wears the Miss Supranational crown as Katrina Llegado is crowned Miss Supranational 2026. Also, Miss Reina Filipinas pageant debuts.

International pageants fan Felix Manuel writes.

The pilot Masterclass on Writing & Journalism with Dr. Marivir Montebon was well-received by its pioneering nine cohorts from the US and Philippines.

“I especially appreciated how our cohort's discussions applied the discipline's foundational emphasis upon ethics to today's context, such as when we discussed AI and accountability vis-à-vis plagiarism,” said Sean Colaljo from UC Berkeley.

Under Senen Mangalile’s watch, the PCGNY received the 2025 Best Organization Award from the Department of Foreign Affairs “for having promoted Philippine interests in the Northeast, improved bilateral ties, and maintained high standards of public service and diplomacy.”

On his last Media Hour, he gave us a litany of accomplishments which will be turned over to upcoming Consul General Amb. Maria Elena Cristina Maningat.

Veteran entertainment journalist Jo-Ann Maglipon and film scholar Joel David gathered top Philippines films in 𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙀. 𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙈. 𝙋𝙀𝙇𝙄𝙆𝙐𝙇𝘼.: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 100+ 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙢𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝘾𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙖, mapping out key moments in local filmmaking.

The book was launched in August in Manila.

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) concluded its 16th National Empowerment Conference with a renewed commitment for Filipino American empowerment through public service, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, community health, and safety.

A long-running Filipino choir, the Kayumanggi Choral, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year with a concert titled ‘Himig Pamana - A Musical Heritage’ on October 11, 2026 at the Merkin Hall in NYC.

New York just launched its first winter escapade of the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour 2027. Scheduled to take place on February 7-21, 2027, the 2027 edition marks the first time the VIP Tour will be jointly undertaken with the Winter Escapade program with travelers from the United States and Canada.

"Filipino audiences could be so judgmental. It's something I am personally concerned for youth. Social media has amplified hate. Digital technology has become scary," he said during a breezy Saturday luncheon with some members of local New York media at Sushi Tokkoro on Madison.

Art House Theatre in Jersey City will host a landmark double feature, celebrating queer Filipinx art, history, and identity on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Watch the two critically-acclaimed works: Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo, a documentary on queer Filipinx history, and Anak ni Tapia: Leaving Mother, a deeply personal solo theatrical performance exploring migration, identity, and queer experience. Both works have earned acclaim internationally.

The launch of the NJ Farmacy & Peace Garden in the quiet neighborhood in Union Township was well-applauded by the community who created it too.

A collaboration of the global organization Women's Federation for World Peace International, UN Office and the nonprofits Always Forward and the Ecuadorian Foundation for Social Services, the event signals a conscious effort to return to nature for good health, healing, and community cohesion.

Government and sustainability leaders from the US, Philippines, and Mexico say that the success of the seemingly lofty Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the UN is how it has improved the lives of local people. 

At a recent international parallel event to the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, speakers from the Philippines, US, and Mexico agreed on the strategies of community-buy-in, accountable leadership, and collaboration for SDGs to transform lives.

The parallel event, organized by the Women's Federation for World Peace International on July 16, 2026, came at a crucial time when the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are ending in 2030.

Filipino American artist Ronald Cortez sweeps three recognitions for his pastel masterpieces on the 1st half of 2026.

Deputy Consul General in New York Adrian Cruz bids the Big Apple goodbye to begin a diplomatic assignment in Laos as Deputy Chief of Mission, opening doors to broader responsibilities with lots of good memories from the East Coast USA as pabaon.

You haven't really tasted the real purple yam in your pastry or shakes unless you have tried the ube kinampay (Dioscorea alata) which is endemically grown in the province of Bohol, in the Philippines. 

"When we know our rights, we gain the confidence and power to protect our future," quipped Edwin Josue, founding President of the Friends of the Philippines Society USA, Inc., organizer of the community forum Know Your Rights, Protect Your Future.

Assemblymember Steven Raga conceded to Aber Kawas who won in the Democratic primary for NY Senate District 12 late night of June 23, 2026. Raga, a Filipino American, serves as assemblymember for Western Queen’s District 30.

“Tonight was not the outcome we hoped for. Yet I am filled with gratitude, because together, we built more than a campaign. We built a people-powered movement rooted in the neighborhoods of Western Queens—immigrants, workers, families, and neighbors united by a simple democratic principle: that the future of Western Queens ought to be shaped by the people of Western Queens,” he said in his speech.

A Filipino American community grows in the posh Eagle Rock Resort in Hazleton, PA, celebrates the 128th Philippine Independence Day and Father’s Day.

Filipinos in Woodside, home to the majority of those in the East Coast diaspora, formally inaugurated its first park, the Little Manila Park on 70 Street & Roosevelt Avenue on June 13, 2026.

A vision and labor of love of Noel and Dori Gamboa, the park is a result of bayanihan (cooperation) among groups and individuals in New York.

While highly anticipating the 3rd game of the New York Knicks that evening on June 10, we enjoyed a fine dining experience with coconut-centered cuisine. It was tendered by the Philippine Trade and Industry in New York, through the leadership of Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso at the Tradicionale Restaurant on Chelsea.