NY gala marks 118 years of PH freedom, 70 years of PH-US ties
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia Jr. was guest of honor at the gala luncheon at Cipriani. YETBO LOVERITA
NEW YORK CITY – Under the grand arches of a landmark New York City building, 350 members of the Filipino American community in the US Northeast, resplendent in their Filipiniana garb, gathered June 12 for an afternoon of outstanding Filipino talent and a gourmet repast to celebrate the 118th anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-US diplomatic relations.
The luncheon gala, held at Cipriani 42nd in Midtown Manhattan, was hosted by Consul General Mario L. de Leon Jr. in partnership with the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Inc. (FFAI), a New York City-based non-profit organization that serves the Filipino artist community.
In attendance were representatives of the Philippine and US governments, business, media and the Filipino American community in the US Northeast, with outgoing Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia Jr. as guest of honor.
Farewells
The occasion was also an opportunity for the Filipino American community to pay tribute to Consul General de Leon, who is ending his term soon, and for Ambassador Cuisia to bid his farewell when he relinquishes his post on June 30.
Boston-based Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla performing a rousing folk song and dance medley. YETBO LOVERITA
Over a sumptuous three-course lunch, guests heard distinguished speakers articulate on the ties that bind the two countries and experience the talent of young Filipino Americans in the performing arts.
Guests also heard from the gala’s beneficiary organization, the FFAI, and the proposed Multi-Cultural Community Center project; witnessed the launching of the Filipino American General Assembly Community Directory, which is a listing of all Filipino American community organizations; and joined a silent auction of paintings and other important items. A couple of lucky guests won round-trip tickets to the Philippines from Philippine Airlines and Eva Air.
Consul General de Leon thanked the Filipino American community for actively elevating the profile of the Philippines and Filipino in the US.
“I admire your dedication and hard work in promoting our heritage and honoring our country during the past Independence Day celebrations through flag-raising ceremonies, street parades, formal galas, and community picnics,” de Leon said.
Pleasant surprise
He got a pleasant surprise when prominent community leader Mrs. Loida Nicolas-Lewis paid tribute to him and offered him a token of appreciation on behalf of the community.
Outgoing Consul General in New York Mario L. de Leon Jr. bidding farewell to Filipino-American community. YETBO LOVERITA
Ambassador Cuisia underlined how close people-to-people bonds continue to drive the strong relations between the Philippines and the US. “The alliance (between the Philippines and the United States) is anchored on its people,” Cuisia said.
He also thanked New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio for recognizing the contributions of Filipinos to the social, economic and cultural landscape, and for entrusting Filipino Americans with positions in government.
The two officials were represented by New York Power Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Quiniones and New York City Chief Technology Officer Minerva Tantoco, who read congratulations issued from the offices of the governor and the mayor.
Documentary
A documentary, “Friendship Beyond Treaties,” a 15-minute video on the 70-year relationship between the Philippines and the US was screened. It was produced by People’s Television Network and commissioned by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC. The documentary was released that week across the United States.
Aida Bartolome, FFAI founder, explained the proposed Multi-Cultural Community Center project that will benefit from the proceeds of the luncheon. The Center, to be located either in Queens or in Manhattan and operational by 2021, will host activities for seniors and youth, ranging from athletics, music, arts, workshop and history seminars. Bartolome appealed for donations to purchase the building for the Center and support its operations for 10 years, estimated at about $5 million. De Leon presented Bartolome a $5,000 check raised from the luncheon reception.
Consul de Leon presenting $5,000 check raised by the luncheon to FFAI founder Aida Bartolome. YETBO LOVERITA
Classically trained soprano Katrina Saporsantos and tenor Rogelio Peñaverde rendered kundiman numbers. Rising young stars Jared Martin and Kirby Asunto gave stirring renditions of original Pilipino music.
Second-generation performers of Boston-based Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla gave a rousing folk song and dance medley, and up-and-coming second-generation singers of Broadway Barkada’s Isabel van Vleet, Loresca Lanceta and Sacha Iskra capped the afternoon with Broadway and OPM favorites. Angel Ram, a well-known pop vocalist on the New York club scene, provided the entertainment during the pre-lunch cocktail hour.
Community listing
Rounding off the activity was the launching of the Filipino Community General Assembly Directory, a listing of Filipino American community groups in the 10 states under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in New York. It was produced in cooperation with GMA-7 International.
Raffle winners took home the floral centerpieces by noted New York-based floral and event designer Jerry Sibal.
The Silent Auction sold, among others, original prints by the Father of Filipino Print-Making Manuel “Mang Maning” Rodriguez Sr., paintings by renowned Filipino artists Fernando Kabigting and Manuel Baldemor, a photograph by New York Lucie Photographer of the Year Award finalist Paul Resurreccion, and premium tickets to the historic performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.
The round-trip air tickets to the Philippines from Philippine Airlines and Eva Air went to Derick Soria Hidalgo and Mary Ann Mendoza Herrera, respectively.
