FilAm events in New York to welcome the fall season

By Marivir Montebon

New York – The National Federation for Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) – Northeast Region and the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) – UN Relations Office, NY will hold an informational and insightful Townhall meeting about significant strides toward understanding issues, challenges and impacts of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through UN and local government initiatives.

This will be on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 1600 Broadway 4/F on Times Square from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Light dinner will be served. This event holds a special significance as a midway point of the UN 2030 Agenda.

Guest speakers will include Mayor Abby Binay of Makati City, Philippines and Dr. Rior Santos Regional Project Manager of the SDG Fund for Digital Transformation, United Nations Office for Projects and Services (UNOPS) in Micronesia.

The guests will share insights into the UN and local government initiatives aimed at realizing sustainable development goals.  

In a press release, NAFFAA and WFWP said the townhall meeting discuss pressing issues and opportunities brought about by rapid technological advancement, with a special environmental conservation. This session seeks to explore how digital technology can be harnessed to build sustainable cities and communities, ensuring its potential is fully realized while mitigating any potential negative consequences. #

Foundation for Filipino Artists at 35 presents Philippine Ballet Theatre in NYC

Officers of the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Inc. led by its president John Kagaoan and BOD honorary chair Lolita Valderrama Savage are drum beating for the 35th anniversary of FFA in September.

For its milestone year, FFAI will feature the world-renowned Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) in a special performance 'On the Wings of Song' at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Long Island City on September 30, 2023. Matinee is at 2pm ($20 tix) and Gala with dinner at 7pm ($50-130).

Philippine ballet dancers will glide on the music of popular balladeer Jose Mari Chan for a one-and-a-half hour performance.

The PBT was founded in 1987 is currently headed by Ms. Marilou Magsaysay. It is a resident ballet company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It preserves the rich and elegant classical ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle, and Nutcracker and launches contemporary ballets with dramatic realism and stark inventiveness.

Retired Philippine Ambassador Mario Lopez de Leon Jr. is the 35th anniversary celebration's honorary chairperson.

One of the longest running organizations in New York, FFA's vision has been made real by the dedication of founder Aida Bartolome and her team.

The new officers are John Kagaoan, president; Chariel Sabarillo, vice president; Cecile Capiral-Matela, secretary; Caroline Galvante, finance officer; Concepcion Ghosh, outside auditor; and Marcelino Rodriguez, graphic arts consultant.

They were sworn into the office on July 20, 2023 by NYC Clerk Michael MsSweeney at the FFAI Multicultural Center in Queens.

Since 1988, the FFAI has been a proactive in developing and enhancing the northern Queens community. It is the only Filipino art organization in the area that focuses primarily on the field of performance and promotion of Filipino culture among various ethnic and American communities. The yearly projects of the Foundation are four pronged:

The Rondalla

A string ensemble that is an acculturation of Philippine indigenous forms, Spanish symphony and operatic arias, the rondalla has figured prominently in rural Filipino community life. This ensemble consists basically of plectrum instruments: banduria, laud, octavina, guitar and bass. In 1993, the Foundation formed its New York Rondalla and has since been performing locally and in Europe.

The Summer Workshop for Children and Youth

This workshop was borne out of FFAI's concern for youth in the community. Begun in 1998, the workshop proactively organizes comprehensive programs on arts, music, dance, educational tours and sports. These activities lay a strong foundation for programs that help young people develop socially, academically and emotionally in a supportive environment using the facilities of the Corpus Christi meeting rooms.

The Children's Dance Group

Conscious of the appeal and significance of dance to children as a blend of human kinetics, sports and art, as well as its importance in the cognitive, physical and emotional development of youth, the FFAI formed the Children's Dance Group. Dances and songs learned during the summer are performed at concerts and events throughout the year.

The Children's Bell Choir

These groups were launched in 2004 and 2005 respectively, in order to bring ethnic music and indigenous instruments to public awareness and appreciation, and as entertainment in DC different schools and centers of learning in the community including senior citizens.

Its Special Projects include Computer-based After-School Program and Filartists Recovery Program for the Haiyan (Yolanda) Typhoon Victims in the Philippines.

(With information from www.filartists.org and https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/.../philippine-ballet-theatre/) #  

Harana: A concert of Philippine romantic songs in October

Bakás Pilipinas and Ilustrado, LLC, in celebration of Philippine Heritage Month on the 125th year of Philippine independence, present Harana: A Concert of Philippine Romantic Songs on October 19, 2023 7PM at the Old St. Patrick’s Church on 263 Mulberry Street.

The show will feature the development of Philippine romantic songs from the early 20th century to the contemporary period.

Performers include Filipina soprano Jill Maranan (United Nations Singers Alumnae, Ateneo Glee Club Alumnae), Filipina soprano Joy Tamayo (Emmy Nominee, Philippine Madrigal Singers Alumnae), Filipino baritone Carlo Bunyi (Chicago Summer Opera, Longy School of Music Alumnae), Filipino pianist Dennis Bernardo (Kayumanggi Chorale Music Director), and Filipino tenor Rogelio Penaverde Jr. (New York City Opera, Off-Broadway), who also conceptualized and produced the show.

Part of the event proceeds will go the restoration of Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church in Bohol, Philippines which was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 2013. The effort will be led by Bakás Pilipinas, a duly registered non-profit organization in the US that’s dedicated to the conservation and management of Philippine cultural heritage.

For more information on the organization and its advocacies, please visit www.bakaspilipinas.org. #