Issue 85, March 2025
Philippine elections
Dazzling array of unelectables
The new Captain America
Geremy San Agustin
A daughter’s depression, a father’s faith
Arielle Agbayani
Philippine elections : No more celebs , please !
The Philippine general election to be held on May 12, 2025 is one star-studded cast of actors and showbiz celebrities. At stake are 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate. There will also be local elections in provinces, cities, and municipalities.
Let us reference this exhaustive report from Newsfeed PH on who are the show personalities making a run for politics or making a comeback.
“Among the big names seeking another term in the Senate are action stars Ramon “Bong” Revilla and Lito Lapid, alongside former Senate president and TV host Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Reentering the Senate race is sports icon and former Senator Manny Pacquiao.
“TV personalities Ben and Erwin Tulfo are also joining the Senate race. Should they win, they will join their brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, in the upper house.
“Veteran TV host Willie Revillame, former actor Phillip Salvador, doctor and social media personality Willie Ong, and singer-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc have also filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the Senate.
“In the House of Representatives, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, and her sons—Cavite 1st District Rep. Jolo Revilla and Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Padilla—are aiming to maintain their seats. Actor Marco Gumabao is eyeing the position of representative for the fourth district of Camarines Sur, while outgoing vice governor of Oriental Mindoro, Ejay Falcon, is running for second district representative of the province.
“Meanwhile, National Artist for Film Nora Aunor is the second nominee for the People’s
Founding Editor
Cristina DC Pastor
Managing Editor Rene Pastor
Champ Movement party list.
“Reelection bids for local posts include 1st District Quezon City Councilor Aiko Melendez, Quezon City’s 5th District Councilor Alfred Vargas, and Pampanga Councilor JC Parker. Celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez are running for Leyte representative and Ormoc City mayor, respectively. Yul Servo seeks reelection as Manila vice mayor, while Angelu de Leon aims to stay in the Pasig City council.
“Isko Moreno, returning to politics after a brief showbiz stint, is vying to regain the position of mayor in Manila, with his son, actor Joaquin Domagoso, running for a seat in the city council. They are joined by Mocha Uson, Lou Veloso, and Bong Alvarez, who are also running for councilor positions in Manila.
“Vilma Santos-Recto is running once again for Batangas governor, while her son, Luis Manzano, is entering politics for the first time as a vice governor aspirant. Marjorie Barretto, the former actress, is running for Caloocan City’s 1st District councilor, while Aljur Abrenica seeks a councilor position in Angeles City, Pampanga.
“Other notable candidates include Dan Fernando for Bulacan governor, Enzo Pineda for QC 5th District councilor, and “It’s Showtime” host Ion Perez for Concepcion, Tarlac councilor.
“Actor Roi Vinzon is aiming for a board member seat in Benguet District 1, and Monsour del Rosario is running for Makati City vice mayor.
“Meanwhile, James Yap is seeking the 1st District Councilor position in San Juan, and Angelika dela Cruz is running for Malabon City vice mayor. Anjo Yllana is gunning for the vice-mayor position in Calamba, Laguna, while former beauty queen Maricel Morales aims to be a councilor in Angeles City.”
Filipinos, at least the progressive minded, are up in arms on the deluge of celebrity candidates who offer nothing substantial but entertainment. There are other, more qualified politicians such as, they say, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, as well as human rights lawyer Chel Diokno. They are up against marquee names and some are losing hope the celebs with their immense popularity and charm offensive might get the votes.
Filipinos view electoral politics as a one big block party where they meet up with old friends and neighbors. That’s fine. But when it comes down to you all by yourself inside the voting booth, it becomes between you, your wisdom and your conscience. Let’s choose the right people to lead the country and not squander the four years ahead.
Contributing Writers
Marissa Bañez
Tricia J. Capistrano
Joel David
Wendell Gaa
Allen Gaborro
Maricar C. Padilla
Angelito Cabigao
Ludy AstraquilloOngkeko
Lindy Rosales
National Artist for Film Nora Aunor is running under the People’s Champ Movement party list.
Captain America is a brown Filipina named Arielle Agbayani
By Wendell Gaa
The release this month of the newest film by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
“Captain America: Brave New World” has had me thinking about one of Marvel Comics’ newest superheroes who happens to be a Filipina by the name of Arielle Agbayani.
To be clear, she is not meant to be either a replacement or successor to the original Captain America superheroes in the comics, namely Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, but rather she is a character who is inspired from Captain America to take on the mantle of a superhero fighting evil-doers in the name of justice using a shield and hand-to-hand combat skills.
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of obtaining a copy of the fourth issue of a limited comic series entitled “The United States of Captain America” which features the debut of Agbayani. This series was released in 2021 in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the publication of the first comic series to feature Captain America, who is my personal favorite member and leader of Marvel’s Avengers superhero team.
While there is no denying that Steve Rogers is the original character for the role, it is so fitting that among the younger generation of superheroes he has inspired one happens to be one of our own, and this of course reflects modern ethnic diversity in the comic industry.
As I read the portion on Ari’s story, I learned how her Captain America character is a Filipino American college sophomore student who is attending classes at the fictional Hargrove University in Boston, Massachusetts. Like any other typical student, she just would like to live a normal life balancing her academic and social priorities. But she is neither blind nor oblivious to some of the harassment and injustice that she witnesses on campus towards some of her fellow students, unlike how the campus authorities seemingly behave.
When one of her close friends is a victim of an assault by another student who is seemingly “untouchable” because of his family’s wealthy connections, she decides to stand up to crime and don on a mask, shield and a costume designed with a star and brand herself Hargrove University’s own “Captain America” in order to launch a campaign of fear and intimidation against campus bullies.
I’ve noted how Ari is curiously relatable as a person moonlighting between being a young university student talking about everyday topics like costume parties and a tough idealistic crimefighter just like the classic Captain America superhero.
This Pinay Captain America happens to be the
creation of writer Alyssa Wong who is a Filipino American herself. Together with fellow writer Christopher Cantwell, she had worked with artists Dale Eaglesham and Jodi Nishijima to breath life into this new Captain America.
Interestingly enough, she has stated in an interview how she is more inspired by the Captain America version of Bucky Barnes instead of Steve Rogers. Barnes is the comic character who is more popularly known as Rogers’s best friend turned into the su -
pervillain-turned-superhero Winter Soldier. In this regard, Ari is more prone to using tactics which are sneakier, shadier and more subversive compared to the generally more traditional direct approach which Steve Rogers uses in battling criminals.
Knowing this particular aspect of Ari’s personality traits make it all the more interesting to see how much she stands out as her own unique superhero character with qualities that I’m sure will make many comic book fans and pop cultural enthusiasts invested into seeing how her character evolves in the coming years.
Now that Ari’s other Marvel Filipina superhero compatriot Wave/Pearl Pangan has just made her TV debut on the brilliant new animated series “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” which is now streaming on Disney+, I am likewise hopeful and excited to see Ari Agbayani soon making her character debut both on the small and big screen. There can be no more exciting time to see our own Filipino superheroes come to life in one of the biggest pop culture franchises in the world than now!
Writer and creator Alyssa Wong is also FilAm. Photo: www.crashwong.net
Sneakier, more subversive Captain America
Groundbreaking exhibit ‘TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis’ opens in Baltimore
By Crystal Turner Director of Communications & External Relations
Baltimore, MD – The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is proud to announce that its highly anticipated exhibit, “TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis,” is now open. The vast display honoring the museum’s namesake, who was the first African American to run a billion-dollar business, will be available to view until April 2026.
“Seeing this exhibit come to life is incredibly moving, and I want to thank the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for honoring my husband’s legacy with such care and dedication,” said Loida Nicolas Lewis. “Reginald’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers—values that continue to inspire generations. It is heartening to see the museum and the Baltimore community come together to celebrate his impact, ensuring that his legacy not only endures but also uplifts and empowers future leaders.”
TITAN is presented by Grain Management and IMB Partners, sponsored by Neutron Engineering, and supported by Daniel L. Black, and was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Nearly 400 guests attended the event, including Loida Nicolas Lewis, wife of the late business pioneer, and their daughter, Christina Lewis, who were both integral in bringing TITAN to fruition.
They were joined by several of Lewis’ family members, including his siblings, Jean Fugett, Anthony Fugett, Dr. Rosalyn Fugett Wiley, and Joseph Fugett. Also in attendance were some of the exhibit’s sponsors including Tarrus Richardson, CEO IMB partners, Chelsea Grain of the Grain Management family, Brandon Lockett, CEO of Neutron Engineering, and Daniel L. Black, Managing Director at Wicks Group.
Following the ceremony, the museum welcomed the public with a free Community Day on Saturday, February 8th, hosted by the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The event made history for the museum, breaking community day attendance records with over 1,000 visi-
tors. Guests enjoyed a vibrant day of culture, history, and celebration, with food generously sponsored by Johns Hopkins University.
TITAN exhibit sponsor Tarrus Richardson of IMB Partners and media personality Jeff Johnson led a packed fireside chat, reflecting on the profound influence of Reginald F. Lewis on their careers and lives. The engaging conversation captivated attendees, underscoring Lewis’s enduring impact on business,
philanthropy, and Black entrepreneurship.
The exhibit is particularly significant as it marks the museum’s 100th exhibition and opens in the midst of the Museum’s 20th anniversary celebration. A yearlong slate of programs, events, and community engagements is planned to honor this milestone.
Terri Lee Freeman, President of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, emphasized the importance of the
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
Loida Nicolas Lewis: ‘Reginald’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers.’ Photos: TITAN
exhibit in both preserving history and inspiring the future.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary and unveil our 100th exhibition, this moment is especially meaningful,” said Freeman. “Reginald F. Lewis was a trailblazer, maverick and titan who changed the landscape for Black entrepreneurs, and this exhibit is a testament to his vision, determination and hard work. We are excited to mark this milestone with a year of programming dedicated to engaging our community, celebrating our history, and looking forward to the future.”
“TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis” is now open to the public and offers an in-depth look at Lewis’s groundbreaking achievements, from his historic billion-dollar business deal to his lasting contributions to economic empowerment. Visitors can explore artifacts, multimedia presentations, and inspiring stories that celebrate the man whose legacy continues to shape
generations. The exhibit will be on view through April of 2026.
For more information, visit www.lewismuseum. org, follow the @lewismuseum on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, or contact Crystal Turner | Director of Communications & External Relations at crystal.turner@ lewismuseum.org.
Notable guests at the opening reception included: Charles King, CEO of MACRO; James Lopez, President of MACRO; Academy Awardwinning director and screenwriter Kevin Wilmott; Meredith Bowen, President and Chief Investment Officer of Beatrice Advisors; producers Jelani Johnson and Josh Green; SiriusXM anchor Dr. Willie Jolley; Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of The Afro-American Newspaper; Charles Clarkson of Lewis and Clarkson; Robert Winters of JP Morgan; Chief Judge Robert Bell; Clarence Woods, a high school classmate of Mr. Lewis; Dr.
Vedet Coleman-Robinson, CEO & President of the Association of African American Museums (AAAM); Dr. Joy Kinard, Chair of the Division of Political
History at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History; Dr. Ida Jones, historian and archivist at Morgan State University; Mervin Burton, Head of Research at Beatrice Advisors; author Blair S. Walker; Polmarch Don Ervin of the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and Tyler Lee of Grain Management.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture documents, interprets, and preserves the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people in Maryland. The museum serves as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs, exhibitions, and bold conversations that educate and challenge.
The team behind the exhibit
TITAN books and apparel are available at the museum shop.
A poignant moment as widow Loida Lewis and daughter Christina browse a gallery of family photos.
The Girl Who
(Thought She)
Looked Like Kamala Harris
“At age twelve, Paula confronts a school bully who folded easily. Her US Marine father has taught her courage amidst challenges, her school-teacher mother has instilled in her compassion with cleverness. Then she meets a senator who, growing up, has faced enormous life adversities and humbly bears those same traits. An unlikely friendship ensues.ˮ
Gene P. Del Carmen
The FilAm readers get reduced shipping price, author-signed copies.
Order @ gpdelcarmen@gmail.com
PS 150, whose principal is Filipino, is named a National Blue Ribbon school
What’s better for a Monday read than a new, energized leader for a local school? A big Tribeca welcome to Nico Victorino, the recently installed principal of PS 150. He’s often on the sidewalk greeting kids as they arrive, so say hi if you pass by.
Victorino (rest assured he’s older than he looks) came to 150 from just down the street — he’s been an assistant principal at PS 276 for the past seven years, serving under founding principal Terri Ruyter since 2012, when he arrived there as a second grade teacher. It wasn’t an accident — he met her while in grad school at Teachers College, recognized that she was brilliant and followed her downtown.
“I’ve had the blessing to work with wonderful school leaders,” Victorino says. “And I will always work for women when I have the opportunity. My mom raised me and my brothers while working on her own, so I know what women
Victorino was born in Manila and at age 3 came here, where his mother was already at the UN, having worked with an NGO in the Philippines. He finished college in three years and taught at a private school in Jersey until he left to get his degree in special ed. He was working at a school in Harlem in District 75 before he took a spot in one of the ICT classes at 276. In the meantime, he got his license for administration at Baruch.
Even as an AP he spent as much time as he could in the classroom, he said.
“My job in part is to be a presence, for people to know who I am,” he said. “I coached, I was an advisor, I subbed. It’s what you make of the job, and I loved that school community.”
When this position came up he jumped on it. He already knew what the school was about and learned that much of the staff had been there for 20+ years — as good a sign of a healthy community as any, he said.
“I could tell all the adults in the building care about what they do. And as a principal you want to know that it’s all hands on deck. It’s much more fulfilling that way.”
Of course he took the job knowing that little PS 150, with one class per grade tucked upstairs inside IPN, will move next year to a brand new building on Trinity Place and will expand to eventually house three classes per grade (450 kids overall). But he’s excited about that as well. He sees it as an opportuni-
ty — for both the current kids and his staff — to craft a culture. The school will grow gradually, so his first hires will be two new teachers, and he sees the decisions around the expansion as a collaborative effort with his staff.
He also leans on the collective knowledge of the neighborhood’s principals — both current and retired — and rattles off their names like a mantra: Ronnie, Terry, Dana, Jenny, Maggie, Nancy, Zeynep, Shanna.
“I have access to all this institutional memory from all the downtown principals. They have all been so generous, and I have a lot of support,” he says. “And then I have this staff, where I can really trust everyone to do the best job. I
This article, published in Tribeca Citizen, is being reprinted with permission. Just recently PS 150 has been named a National Blue Ribbon school, as announced by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
Nico Victorino: ‘A blessing to work with wonderful school leaders.’
Photos courtesy of Tribeca Citizen
Principal Victorino greets a student and a parent.
Florence Finch, the brave Filipina POW who fought the Japanese
By Marissa Bañez
On November 7, 1947, Florence Finch, daughter of an American father and a Filipina mother, was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Truman for saving the lives of countless World War II American prisoners of war of the Japanese in the Philippines:
For meritorious service which had aided the United States in the prosecution of the war against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, from June 1942 to February 1945. Upon the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands, Mrs. Finch (then Mrs. Florence Ebersole Smith) believing she could be of more assistance outside the prison camp, refused to disclose her United States citizenship. She displayed outstanding courage and marked resourcefulness in providing vitally needed food, medicine, and supplies for American Prisoners of War and internees, and in sabotaging Japanese stocks of critical items... She constantly risked her life in secretly furnishing money and clothing to American Prisoners of War, and in carrying communications for them… Through her inspiring bravery, resourcefulness, and devotion to the cause of freedom, Mrs. Finch made a distinct contribution to the welfare and morale of American Prisoners of War on Luzon.
Florence died at age 101 on December 8, 2016, and was buried with full military honors on April 29, 2017.
The acclaimed movie Six Triple Eight celebrates the true story of African-American women who gave hope, raising the morale of American soldiers in Europe during World War II.
Without taking anything away from Troop 6888, the world should also remember and honor the invaluable contributions of many Filipinas to the American victory on the other side of the world, the Pacific theater. Florence is one such Filipina, whose story must be told and never forgotten.
Soon after the invasion, Florence was hired by the Japanese as a bookkeeper at the Philippine Liquid Fuel Distribution Union. There, she devised a system that allowed her to manipulate information and appropriate enormous amounts of fuel and other substances. These were converted into cash, medicines, and necessities that she smuggled to the prisoners in Cabanatuan and Santo Tomas, which the prisoners used to bribe, buy, and barter for food and essential items from the Japanese and their collaborators to stave off starvation and hopelessness.
On October 16, 1944, Florence was arrested by the Japanese. Asked if she was American, she
proudly responded, “No, Captain. Filipina.”
While imprisoned, Florence suffered beatings, rape, electrocution, hard labor, and starvation until she weighed only 78 pounds. She was exposed to the brutalization of others, including beheadings, water tortures, and indiscriminate killings.
Many older Filipinos can corroborate the viciousness inflicted by the Japanese. My grandfather, Eulogio Garcia, was arrested and tortured. He later became a Philippine Scout and fought alongside Americans, earning a Purple Heart for a Japanese-inflicted gunshot wound. My mother, Manuela Garcia Bañez, spoke of wholesale beheadings of nursing students with whom she started nursing school. She recounted that many others were killed simply for not bowing to the Japanese soldiers. My uncle, Francisco Garcia, died along with thousands of Filipinos and Americans during the infamous Bataan Death March. Unsurprisingly, most Filipinos hoped for an American victory.
After more than three months of horrifying captivity, Florence was rescued by American soldiers and eventually moved to the U.S. Instead of enjoying a comfortable life, she felt compelled to do even more by joining the military. In June 1945, a mere four months after being rescued, she became a seaman apprentice in the women’s branch of the Coast Guard (otherwise known as a “SPAR”), where she was chosen to represent the achievements of women in the Coast Guard – an honor bestowed upon her by the commander-in-chief of the SPARs. She also subsequently received the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Ribbon, the first woman to do so.
In 1995, the Coast Guard christened a building in Hawaii after her.
In October 2024, the Coast Guard officially commissioned its 57th Fast Response Cutter, the Florence Finch (WPC 1157). According to Coast Guard Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, Pacific Area Commander: "The cutter is now the only currently active ship in the United States military named after a Filipino-American." Personally, I’d change that characterization to “Filipina-American.”
During the same ceremony, Florence was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest civilian award of Congress.
With characteristic humility, she once said, “I feel very humble because my activities in the war effort were trivial compared with those of people who gave their lives for their country.” Respectfully, I disagree.
In Six Triple Eight, Captain Charity Adams couched the troop’s daunting task of delivering 17 million pieces of mail as an order “to provide hope,” without which there is low morale. As Anne Frank wrote in The Diary of a Young Girl: “Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”
Florence’s acts of bravery at great personal cost gave others hope and, therefore, also life, courage, and strength. Thus, she paid homage to those who died like my uncle and those who were injured like my grandfather while aiding the Americans against the Japanese. For that, we –Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and Americans alike – should never relegate her inspiring story of Filipina heroism to forgotten history.
Marissa Bañez is a lawyer and an award-winning children’s book author of ‘Hope and Fortune’ and ‘Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors’). In writing this article, Ms. Bañez relied on ‘The Indomitable Florence Finch’ by Robert J. Mrazek, personal family stories, Coast Guard publications, and various internet sources.
Florence in a photo taken in the 1940s. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard/Department of Homeland Security
How daughter’s depression turned Geremy San Agustin’s life around
Emotionally bruised and broke in 2019, Edison, New Jersey family man Geremy San Agustin’s life was, let’s just say, in a slump.
He was working as a health care and insurance professional, had clients here and there, and a cushy life seemed beyond reach. He had $17 in his bank!
Jay, as he is known to family and friends, didn’t know it at the time but his daughter’s struggles with mental health would be his wake-up call.
“She was about to go to Michigan for college,” he recalled that episode, smiling. “We couldn’t find her, she disappeared. Next thing there was an ambulance picking her up. She was gonna take her life.”
Ninamari did not go that far. Her parents pulled their bootstraps, learned all they could about “severe depression” and from there worked as a team to keep the family together.
“My financial situation cannot outweigh my personal situation,” said Jay, 53. “All I wanna do is for my daughter to be safe.”
It wasn’t exactly a case of sink or swim because Jay comes from a middle class family, married into the kin that owned a beloved family restaurant in Colonia, New Jersey known for its Grilled Pompano and Braised Lengua. Most importantly, he has skills, speaks well, and has charisma. He knows his way around the Garden State, had clients he could count on, and was resourceful.
To learn about mental health, he reached out to long-time clients.
“I began helping all these ladies in Residential Health Care Facilities. They’re all over NJ. All owned by Filipino owners. I handle their insurance at the same time, they taught me. I’m learning about high functioning bipolar disease. They feed (people who are intellectually disabled), give them medicine and clothing. I slowly partnered with different organizations that handle these mental health services.”
“I attended focus groups on mental health. Within three months the pandemic came. I became
By Cristina DC Pastor
“I just left it all to God.’ The FilAm photo
more exposed to the disability, COVID and mental health.”
Jay’s immersion into mental health awareness had introduced him to a new community that would need his services.
“I became a designated researcher,” he said. “I research suitable (insurance) plans with good benefits to our senior community also for those below 65 as well. Plans where they can save a lot of money for their health costs.
He became a health care navigator for PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc.) where Filipino elders look to his wisdom to sort out Medicare and at times Medicaid and help them make wise health decisions and come up with a health plan that will cost the least.
| Parents separated
Jay came to the U.S. in 1984 with his mother and two sisters. He was 13 years old, the middle child. He was so into his own world and didn’t realize his parents were separated when they left for the U.S. The happy ending to this story was how his cancer-stricken mom became healed and that his parents eventually reunited and became devoted to the Our Lady of Manaog in New Jersey.
Jay turns to fishing, a calming and therapeutic hobby. He joins a small group of anglers where shop talk often turns to the best way to grill their catch. With wife of 28 years Faye, they created their own company called First Aide Insurance Services where he is CEO and she is Office Manager. They educate walk-ins and regular clients about the complexities of Medicare and sometimes Medicaid coverage and not make it sound confusing.
As for Ninamari? She is about to graduate from the University of Michigan this year, has her own apartment and runs her own Etsy business. She has grown as an artist, writer and all-around creative.
“Cliché to say I just left it all to God, which we kinda did,” was his moment of self-reflection.
Sunday fishing in Belmar, N.J.
Jay and Faye wed 28 years (top photo) ago. They have four children: Joe, Gabe, Nina, and Nadin. Courtesy of Jay San Agustin
Calendar of Events
| March 1
Women Defying Gravity
concert with Thomas John Castanares & Hyowon Barlaan
Philippine Center 556 5th Avenue NYC
| March 1
Deadline to apply for International Contest for Minority Artists Theme: Belonging, Place and Loss In partnership with the nongovernmental organizations
Minority Rights Group and Freemuse, and the City of Geneva
Go to www.minorityrights.org
| March 8
PIDCI Grand Marshal Ball
Da Mikelle Palazzo
69-02 Garfield Avenue
Queens NYC
| March 15
PACCAL International Women’s History Month
Marriott Newark 1 Hotel Road
Newark, N.J.
| March 15, 22, 29 & April 5
PAFCOM Newswriting Workshop
Hank Gallo Community Center
Lincoln Park Jersey City
| April 5
St. Pedro Calungsod feast day celebration
Guardian Angel Church
2978 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn NYC
| April 13
PIDCI Diwa at Ginoo ng Kalayaan
Doubletree Newark 128 Frontage Road Newark, N.J.
| April 19
Riya & Fei Wedding
Terrace On The Park
Meadows Corona Park
Flushing 52-11 111th Street, Queens
| April 26
1st Annual Maharlika golf outing
Holbrook Country Club
700 Patchogue-Holbrook Road
Holbrook, N.Y.
Contact Ronnie Ocampo 516-582-7309
| April 26
Filipino American Association of Engineers (FAAE), Inc. 30th Annual Gala and Induction of Officers
Terrace on the Park 52-11 111th Street
Queens NYC
| May 3
PIDCI Mrs. Kalayaan Ball
Astoria Manor
25-22 Astoria Boulevard
Astoria, NYC
| May 23 to 26
UNIFFIED Educators
International Summit New York City
Contact UNIFFIED
| May 24
PAFCOM’s 35th Anniversary
Grand Marshal Gala and Coronation Ball
Marriott Newark Airport Hotel
| May 24 to 25
Maharlika Memorial Day Cup
Spooky Nook
75 Champ Blvd.
Manheim, PA
Contact Ronnie Ocampo
516-582-7309
| June 1
Philippine Independence Day
Parade
Madison Avenue
Manhattan NYC
| July 16 to 20
46th Annual Convention of the Philippine Nurses Association of America
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
1114 Washington Boulevard
Detroit, MI
| May 24
PAFCOM Gala
Marriott Newark Airport Hotel
1 Hotel Road, Newark, N.J.
| August 23
PIDCI Maria Clara Ball
Astoria Manor
25-22 Astoria Boulevard
Astoria, NYC
| October 3 to 5
Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc.’s 22nd Eastern Region Conference with the theme “Impacting Lives,
Influencing Change”
Live Casino & Hotel Maryland
7002 Arundel Mills Circle
Hanover, MD
|
Oct 17 to 18
UPAA in America’s 23rd Grand Reunion and Convention
Westin Galleria
5060 W Alabama Street Houston, TX
| October
25
TOFA Las Vegas
| ATBP
Now open for applications: Ginang Filipinas America
New York
Contact for more information: 347-220-5230
Ambassador Adelio Cruz returns as consul general to L.A.
The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles is pleased to announce the assumption at Post of its new Consul General, Adelio Angelito S. Cruz.
Cruz is no stranger to the FilipinoAmerican community of Southern California, having led PCG LA from July 2016 to January 2021. He concluded his tour of duty as consul general in Los Angeles on January 31, 2021 and was designated the Chief of Presidential Protocol and the Presidential Adviser for Foreign Affairs at the Office of the President from July 2022 to October 2023. He is looking forward to renewing his strong ties with the community and in further expanding and strengthening the Consulate General’s
linkages with various sociocivic organizations and government partners in areas under PCG LA’s jurisdiction: Southern California, the State of Arizona, and the Counties of Clark, Lincoln and Nye in Southern Nevada. At present, Cruz concurrently holds the position of Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Consular Affairs. He was also Assistant Secretary of the DFA Office of Civilian Security from February 2021 to June 2022. With over 30 years of experience in the Philippine Foreign Service, Cruz served in various diplomatic and consular positions
in the Philippine Foreign Service, namely: as Charge d’Affaires, en pied, in Tripoli, Libya (from 2014-2016); as Consul General in Xiamen, China (2011-2013); as First Secretary and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi (2007-2011), and as Vice Consul then Consul at the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago (19972003).
He is married to Catherine Amon Cruz, and they have three children: Christian Nathan, Aaron Matthew and Angeline Nicole. He is the elder brother of Deputy Consul General in New York Adrian Cruz.
Back to an old post after four years.
Winery raises a glass to Filipina heritage with ‘Pinay Noir’
Filipino-owned Felicità Wine Company has announced the release of "Pinay Noir,” a tribute, according to its owner, to the enduring spirit and remarkable achievements of Filipinas around the world.
Crafted in the lush vineyards of Lodi, California, this rendition of the Pinot Noir is not just a wine, remarked Baguio-born Feli Ortega, a proud Filipina winemaker.
She said Pinay Noir encapsulates the essence of dedication and resilience exemplified by Filipino women, including Ortega’s own family.
“The wine celebrates the life and influence of my late mother, a devoted teacher, and honors her two sisters and nieces, all steadfast nurses, alongside countless other inspiring Filipinas making their marks in their local communities and global networks.
"Pinay Noir is my homage to the strong, courageous Filipinas who have shaped not only my life but also the fabric of our society," she said in a statement. "Each bottle carries the spirit of my heritage and the stories of Filipinas who are leading, innovating, and inspiring across all walks of life."
The statement says Pinay Noir offers a sophisticated palate of bright red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and boysenberry, mingled with subtle earthy undertones. The wine reflects the passion and depth of the Filipina spirit, with each sip embodying the artistry and intricacy that Feli admires about winemaking.
The bottle’s label features a stunning art piece designed by celebrated artist Franceska Gámez, whose work highlights the
vibrancy of Filipina culture. Born in Manila and raised in the Bay Area, Gámez’s artwork on Pinay Noir captures the blend of traditional and contemporary influences that characterize the Filipino diaspora.
Pinay Noir is available in limited quantities online at PinayNoir. com, with limited shipping in the U.S. It is expected to attract wine enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering not only a unique taste experience from an acclaimed wine
region but also a piece of cultural pride.
Feli shared with The FilAm that her father came to the United States as a migrant worker, a young man in the late 1940s. He worked in Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada and mostly in California's Central Valley. Her mother was a grade school teacher in Baguio, Guam and eventually California where the family settled. Feli has an MBA from California State University Sacramento. Asked what got her interested in the winery business, she replied, “It was sort of serendipitous. Just decided to have a go at winemaking and did it.”
Winemaker Feli Ortega: ‘A homage to the strong, courageous Filipinas’.
The label is a stunning piece of art designed by artist Franceska Gámez.
The ‘balikbayan box’ and why we never leave anyone behind
Do you know what this is?
This is a balikbayan box.
You might have had the chance to receive a box like this full of corned beef, chocolates and if your Tita is feeling generous, sometimes a pair of Jordans or Louis Vuitton bag.
This box is more than just cardboard and tape; it symbolizes love, sacrifice, and connection. Typically sent by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to their families back home, these boxes are filled with gifts, food, and personal items. Each one represents a journey—a tangible reminder that love transcends borders.
I have always wondered why Filipinos love to give pasalubong. I think intuitively we understand, for every Filipino given a wonderful opportunity, there are still more deprived back home and so we give them a piece of joy or hope even in the smallest of gestures in a pasalubong.
As a child, I eagerly awaited these boxes from my Dad, who worked in the Middle East in the early ‘90s. Opening one felt like Christmas morning, even in the middle of July! Alongside expected cans of Spam and bags of Snickers, there were special treats that he carefully selected to show his love. His sacrifices were for a bright future for me, his youngest daughter.
Today, I present to you the idea that Filipino values embodied in traditions like pasalubong deserve global recognition. Our approach to leadership, rooted in our culture, often clashes with Western philosophies that dominate our institutions. For instance, Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions show that the Philippines scores low on individualism (17) and high in power distance (94), compared to the high score (60) for individualism and low in power distance (40) for the United States (Hofstede, 2024). While individualism emphasizes personal success, we thrive in a collectivist culture that celebrates bayanihan, kapwa, and pasalubong. Moreover, a high score in power distance indicates our respect for authority, evident in our use of terms like "po," "opo," "ate," and "kuya." This reflects our cultural norms that prioritize hierarchy and respect within relationships. Additionally, the concept of meritocracy, so favored in the West—which suggests that you get what you work hard for—deeply clashes with our cultural DNA.
By Mary Lou Cunanan
When a Filipino dreams, it’s usually not for oneself; a Filipino dreams for the tribe, for the community, and for the family. During my Executive MBA, I noticed most case studies came from first-world countries. When I taught in the university, I found that textbooks and case studies were primarily Western-focused, highlighting a lack of materials suited for the Filipino mindset. We need more representation in our education, with Filipino success stories and role models to inspire future generations.
Being the daughter of an OFW profoundly shaped my perspective.
My father faced grueling conditions to provide a better life for us. The number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who worked abroad from April to September 2023 was estimated at 2.16 million (Philippine Statistics Office, 2023), contributing about 238 billion pesos in remittances (Business World, 2024). This global phenomenon deserves
more case studies to dissect and explore its impact on families and communities, illustrating the essence of pasalubong.
In times of crisis, our resilience shines through. The term “Bahala na,” which originally comes from "Kay Bathala Na," reflects our deep faith in Bathala, one of our deities. It means "come what may," signifying trust in the future despite challenges. It doesn’t mean we don’t care; it embodies our belief in our strength to navigate uncertainty. This compassion has shone brightly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our healthcare workers, about 240,000 of them working overseas, faced some of the highest infection rates globally, prioritizing patients' well-being at great personal risk, embodying the essence of kapwa.
In the United States, based on a study conducted in Berkeley, Filipino nurses make up only 4.5 percent of the workforce, yet they accounted
The author puts a spotlight on the ‘balikbayan box’ on her TED Talks.
for 31.5 percent of nurse deaths from COVID-19 in late 2020 (Berkeley Interdisciplinary Migration Initiative, 2020).
As more Filipinos find success, we are embracing new behaviors—thinking outside the box, challenging authority, and moving beyond blind obedience shaped by centuries of colonization. Yet, as we carve new paths, let us remember the spirit of pasalubong, carrying with us the essence of those we've left behind.
So, how do we promote Filipino values as worldclass leadership ideas? It starts with recognizing and celebrating them! If you’re a successful Filipino or a business with international recognition, highlight the values that led to your success. We often look to foreign stories for inspiration— like Japan's Kaizen philosophy, Italy's design aesthetics, Germany's precision, Switzerland's craftsmanship, and China’s guanxi. But we have our own narratives that can inspire change and innovation.
Let’s embrace the Filipino culture of pasalubong as a symbol of our commitment to one another. I envision a future where the balikbayan box transforms from a necessity into a cherished reminder that we never leave anyone behind. As we celebrate our uniqueness, let’s honor our culture, just like the balikbayan box that always finds its way home.
Knights of Rizal LI to award women, youth leaders
Great Neck, N.Y. – The Order of the Knights of Rizal Long Island (KORLI) and its auxiliary, the Ladies for Rizal Long Island (LFRLI), dedicated to promoting the ideals and teachings of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, are proud to announce its upcoming awards ceremony on May 17, 2025, at Leonard’s Palazzo, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY.
This event will celebrate the exceptional contributions of Filipino women and youth leaders, featuring the debut of the Rizal Women of Malolos and Rizal Youth Leadership Awards.
The ceremony, which will run from 12 noon to 5 p.m., will recognize the remarkable achievements of individuals who embody the spirit of service, leadership, and dedication to the Filipino community. The program will feature the presentation of the esteemed Outstanding Mother Teodora Alonso Awards to five deserving recipients, honoring mothers who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to their families and communities.
In a landmark moment, KORLI will introduce two new award categories: the Rizal Women of Malolos Award and the Rizal Youth Leadership Award. The Rizal
Women of Malolos Award, inspired by the courageous women who advocated for educational reform in the Philippines, will honor three outstanding Filipino women community leaders who have made significant impacts through their leadership and service. The Rizal Youth
Leadership Award will recognize two exemplary young leaders with exceptional potential and commitment to their communities.
"We are thrilled to introduce these new awards, which highlight the vital roles that women and youth play in shaping our community," stated Sir Butch Nunez, Chapter Commander of KORLI. "These awards are a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal and his vision for a progressive and empowered Filipino society."
This event promises to be a memorable celebration of Filipino excellence and leadership. The Order of the Knights of Rizal Long Island encourages the community to honor these outstanding individuals and celebrate their contributions. For event reservations, please get in touch with Lady Tonette Nunez, president of LFRLI at gandanette@ gmail.com or 347-707-0359.
The Order of the Knights of Rizal is an organization dedicated to fostering patriotism, civic consciousness, and the preservation of Filipino heritage.
Let’s embrace the Filipino culture of pasalubong as a simple gesture of joy or hope.
Ladies for Rizal Long Island
FDM Maria Torres-Springer: Can she become NYC mayor?
While she has earned the respect and esteem of people in and around the Mayor’s office, Maria Torres-Springer in not next in the line of succession. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is.
According to the city charter, Williams would assume the position of acting mayor, if Eric Adams were to step aside or be suspended from office by the governor. Williams, a former city councilman, has served as the city's public advocate since winning a special election in 2019. He ran unsuccessfully for New York governor in 2022 losing to Kathy Hochul.
Meanwhile, the city is in tumult as four top Adams deputies, led by FDM Torres-Springer, quit. The top officials who announced their resignations include First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer; Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom; Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi; and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker.
A department spokesperson said the departures are not effective immediately. “They’re going to stay on for the next few weeks to make sure the transition is smooth, and there are already talks about who will replace them,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The four are the officials supervising vital sectors of the city’s economy such as budget, housing, transportation, health and human services, among many other areas.
Adams said he is “disappointed to see them go, but given the current challenges, I understand their decision and wish them nothing but success in the future.
“But let me be crystal clear: New York City will keep moving forward, just as it does every day," he said. “I am solely beholden to the 8.3 million New Yorkers I represent, and I will always put this city first — as I always have.”
The top advisors issued a common statement: “Due to the extraordinary events of the last few weeks and to stay faithful to the oaths we swore to New Yorkers and our families, we have come to the difficult decision to step down from our roles.”
Adams faces a slew of charges ranging from “conspiracy, wire fraud and soliciting campaign contri-
Torres-Springer when she was appointed First Deputy Mayor in October. Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
When she was named Small Business Services Commissioner by Mayor Bill de Blasio Torres-Springer appeared on the Filipino American talk show Makilala TV in September 2015
butions from foreign nationals, among other counts.”
There are additional charges that alleged he “sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him,” according to reports.
But a growing camaraderie has developed between Trump and Adams leading to the president’s’ transition to the White House. Adams strongly denied rumors he sought presidential pardon for the charges.
There remains clamor from the public and fellow Democrats demanding that Adams resign. Governor Kathy Hochul is also under pressure to remove the mayor from office, but she is still weighing her options.
Filipina American Maria Torres-Springer, 48, was first deputy mayor appointed in October. She is respected for her exemplary track record and “distinguished managerial competence.”
“No one knows the inner workings of New York City government better than Maria Torres-Springer,” said Sharon Greenberger, president and chief executive officer, YMCA of Greater New York. “Her expertise spans three mayoral administrations and includes an extraordinary record of action, leadership, and judgment.”
Of course, nothing can stop her from aspiring for the position. The question is: Does she want to be mayor?
Torres-Springer (far left) with Distinguished Filipino Women honorees of the Philippine Consulate: founder of Womensphere Foundation Analisa Balares, Broadway actress Ali Ewoldt, and journalist Elaine Quijano. Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega at far right
Issue 85, March 2025
The brave POW who fought the Japanese
Can she become mayor of NYC?
Florence Finch
Maria Torres-Springer
Pinay Noir Winery honors Filipina heritage