Madison Avenue parade

Donning colorful native costumes,  Filipinos took over Madison Avenue in New York City on the first Sunday of June for an advance celebration of Philippine Independence Day.

This year, Miss World 2013 Megan Young (top right) led the celebrity pack, which also included  Black Eyed Peas’ vocalist apl.de.ap, Manila-based singers Kuh Ledesma and Ogie Alcasid (bottom right). Fil-Am district judge Lorna Schofield together with Consul General Mario de Leon and Fe Martinez, president of the organizing association, welcomed Democrat Senator Charles Schumer (above).

Retired US Army Major General Tony Taguba marched with the senior citizen’s group AARP (below).

The crowd assembled at the Philippine Consulate where the event began with a Eucharistic celebration officiated by Monsignor Oscar Aquino. Marchers from various Fil-Am religious and civic clubs, school alumni clubs, marching bands, and activist groups participated in the parade. With reports from The FilAm

PHOTO by Elton Lugay/The FilAm

PHOTO by Eric Lachica

PHOTO by RJ Ensalada

PHOTO by Elton Lugay/The FilAm