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Consul Arman Talbo (2nd from left on 3rd row) and PACCGP president Brad Baldia, together with the chefs and attendees toast during the virtual Taste of the Philippines event. (Photo by PCGNY)

21 October 2020, New York – As part of the month-long celebration of Filipino-American History Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia (PACCGP) hosted the Virtual Taste of the Philippines on 10 October 2020 at 2:00 pm via the Consulate’s Facebook page.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez in his brief remarks said, “Fil-Am History Month highlights the valuable contributions of Filipino Americans in the economic and social growth of the United States.” He recognized how Filipino-Americans answered the call to be at the frontlines in fighting the coronavirus pandemic in healthcare, law enforcement, military and other essential services. Ambassador Romualdez encouraged viewers to support Filipino-American restaurants and the food service industry which are among the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic.

As the virtual event featured cooking demonstrations from four renowned Filipino-American chefs, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate underscored that the Philippines being an archipelagic country with fertile soil and abundant seas boasts more than “7000 flavors stretching from Batanes to Jolo, with every region and province offering something unique to the palate.”

This wide arrange of flavors was exhibited during the cooking demonstration, where Philadelphia’s Poi Dog Chef Kiki Aranita made kinilaw na kona kampachi (a Hawaiian yellowtail); Maryland’s  Philippine Smoked BBQ & Grill pitmaster Romy and Lalaine Balan showed how to roast lechon and make sisig out of it; Tsismis NYC Chef Jappy Afzelius prepared pasta aligue; and Philadelphia catering chef Genevieve Francisco cooked escabeche.  

To complement these dishes, Dean Gonzaga from Palaweño Brewery New Jersey showed how to make cocktails using Palaweño beer. Several Philippine Department of Tourism #EatsMoreFuninthePhilippines videos, highlighting the country’s culinary tourism offerings were played during the program.

Billy Dec, an Emmy Award Winning TV personality, actor, and restaurateur, shared the story of how his Filipino roots shaped his love for food and the circumstances that prompted him to return to the Philippines to look for his last living elder, learn their recipes, and gain a deeper understanding of his cultural and culinary identity. The result of his journey to the Philippines is the upcoming documentary for PBS entitled “Food. Roots.” slated to launch in 2021.

A video promoting Filipino Restaurant Week (FRW), participating restaurants and chefs, including Fil-Am History Month greetings from FRW participating chefs was shown to encourage viewers to support Filipino restaurants. 

Bill Covaleski, Co-Founder of Victory Brewing Company and Board Chairman of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, called for support to donate to the Hospitality Assistance Response of PA (HARP) to help businesses in the hospitality industry experiencing financial difficulties.

Video greetings from L.A.-based musical group, The Filharmonic and artists Tia Carere, Arnel Pineda, Dante Basco, and Mark Dacascos extending their Happy Filipino-American History month greetings as well as encouraging Filipino-Americans to vote in the forthcoming US elections were also presented.

The event also showcased cultural performances from Ani Gavino with her dance interpretation of “De/scribing Maharlika”, a musical performance from the rondalla ensemble Philippine Folk Arts Society, and songs from the Arato Brothers. DJ Ronnie D. provided a variety of tunes to keep the event lively while Kapitbayan Filipino-American Association, Inc. and Elaine Ficarra led the audience in an interactive Zumba and line dancing session.

Brad Baldia, PACCGP president, and Chris Rivera, NaFFAA National Operations Officer, co-hosted the event. – END

Philippine Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (top right most) poses with PSK students, AFTA teacher volunteers, and parents during the PSK closing ceremony. (Photo by PCG NY)

03 August 2020, New York – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted via its Facebook page the culminating activity of this year’s 22^nd Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) which was conducted online from 27 June to 01 August 2020 in partnership with the Association of Filipino-American Teachers of American, Inc. (AFTA). Due to the pandemic, the Consulate and AFTA innovated and adjusted the PSK curriculum to be able to conduct it online this year.

Out of the 99 students who attended at least one session, 78 students were able to complete the 5-Saturday workshop and proudly displayed what they learned during the closing ceremony. Their achievements were recognized in a simple virtual awarding ceremony where Certificates of Completion were given to them. Medals were awarded to students who excelled in the following categories: outstanding classwork, most creative, most engaged, most inquisitive, best performance and best folk dance presentation, as well as the winners of the Tuklas Talino Essay Writing and Art Contest. Students who have been enrolled for the 3 or more consecutive years in PSK were also awarded with Loyalty Medals.

Garbed in their Filipiniana attire, PSK students Ethan Gauat from Connecticut and Trinity Bosley from Maryland led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem while Kian Francis Inot from New York led the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas. Jacqueline Yabut from New Jersey rendered a number singing the classic Visayan song, Rosas Pandan, which she learned during the PSK. Meanwhile Christian Bond from Florida, together with his father, sang the traditional folk song Bahay Kubo.

The Yabut siblings (Jacqueline, Patrick and Caroline) led the karaoke-style community singing of Smokey Mountain’s A Better World. Also presented during the closing event was a video highlighting the students’ success in learning the Filipino language, folk songs, folk dances, festivals, and arts among others.

In his remarks, Consul General Claro S. Cristobal acknowledged the inspiration and dedication that the children have shown, including their parents’ support throughout the program. He likewise recognized the great sacrifice, innovation and creativity of PSK teachers who have again risen to the challenge during this time and have shown the very high standard Filipino teachers are known for.

Giving their reflections about PSK, Chrissy Steger, parent of 11-year old PSK student Danielle Steger who started with PSK at the age of 5, said that her daughter has developed a deeper understanding of Filipino culture and deeper sense of pride for her Filipino heritage. “I would definitely promote the PSK program to my Filipino friends,” she added. Eleven-year old PSK student Zoe Quijote related her journey since she started PSK at the age of 7, where her pride for being Filipino grew tremendously. “I always look forward to the yearly PSK. I did not only learn about Filipino dances, song and games, but also learn about important Philippine culture and traditions,” Zoe said.

Consul Arman Talbo recognized the dedication and spirit of volunteerism of PSK volunteer teachers from AFTA, namely; AFTA President Marcelo Inot, Dr. Roxanne Cajigas, Cheruby Inot, Josette Baraquia, PSK Principal Dara Valconcha, PSK Assistant Principal Rena Pedaria, Ivy Sacay, Doreen Cabillan, Christian Penas, Lino Arca, Ramil Buenaventura, Sheridan Lambert, Jojo Reynes, Johjoh Demol-Jenae, Olive Abarquez, Jovani Tablezo, and Ann Marie Wilson. He also thanked the Tuklas Talino Essay Writing and Contest judges Rizalina C. Labanda, Carol L. Ramos, Elizabeth Martin, May Hope Acero, Chaz Raimier Penas, and Ramon Penas Sr. He also acknowledge the valuable information and insights shared by the resource speakers during the plenary sessions: child actor and ventriloquist Shane Selloria, Debra Ortiz-Pardi from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Dr. Joie Calub from the NYC Department of Education, and Anton Dayrit from Tradisyon NYC.

AFTA President Marcelo Inot, in his closing remarks, thanked the students and parents for their active engagement during the 5-Saturday PSK program. “It is heartwarming to know that the pandemic did not hinder the children in learning more about the Philippines. They have greatly shown their love for the country as evidenced by the outstanding output and project they have submitted,” Mr. Inot added.

AFTA teacher Ramil Buenventura who served as emcee during the live-streamed sessions, including the closing ceremony, have kept the students and audience connected and engaged, making the PSK event memorable and lively.

The PSK is a summer workshop for Filipino and Filipino-American children between the ages of 5 and 15, which aims to provide children born and raised in the USA opportunities to learn about their Filipino culture and heritage. It ran for 5 Saturdays, from 27 June 2020 to 1 August 2020 (except July 4) from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, with participants learning about Filipino values, heritage, history, art, songs, dances, games, traditions, and conversational Filipino.

This year’s PSK has reached far bigger participants coming not just from the US northeast, but as far as California, Florida and Maryland, too. The daily sessions livestreamed on the Consulate’s Facebook page have earned an average of 2.8k views, with the closing program earning the highest with 4.3k views, the opening program with 3.7k views, the 3^rd and 4^th Saturday both with 2k views and the 2^nd day with 1.8k views. – END

Click the link to watch the episode.

https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/videos/333796457646370/

17 July 2020 – The tenth episode of the online “Kwentuhang Pambata: Learning the Filipino Language Through Storytelling” featured the story entitled “Bilog na Itlog” which was written by Al Santos and illustrated by Josefina Sanchez. It was read by Marilou Din Drapiza of the Association of Filipino Teachers and Educators in America, Inc.

Kwentuhang Pambata is a project of the Philippine Consulate General in New York in partnership with: Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc., Association of Filipino Teachers and Educators in America, Inc., Unified Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Filipino-American Community & Development Center, Iskwelahang Pilipino, The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey and STEM Beginnings.