Little is known about the fact that the prime mover and father of the Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson, was a "colonial teacher" in the Philippines to inculcate American values to Filipinos as a new colony in the 1900s.

But he veered immediately away from the indoctrination process of Filipinos, noted Filipino American cultural historian Dr. Mark Redondo Villegas. Woodson was coy about it and preferred for a more culturally nuanced education like appreciating Jose Rizal as a freedom fighter for Filipinos, according to the Villegas research study.

Woodson launched Negro History Week in February 1926, which became a monthlong celebration in 1976. He dedicated his life to elevate the history and voices of everyday Black people asserting that “Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly.”

Beyond the rhetoric of listening and forgiveness, Drissa Kone postulates that education is the tool for achieving unity and peace. “We should consider a model of education that trains the whole person – mind, body, heart, and spirit – to produce emotionally healthy and balanced leaders in all sectors of society.”

Kone mentions the need for a collective consciousness for the appreciation of diverse cultures of the post-modern world, as well as the breaking free from colonial mentality. Citing Jamaican Reggae singer Bob Marley, Kone reiterates the call for Africans and African-Americans to emancipate themselves from “mental slavery.”

Branding on being pro-Philippines, pro-poor, and pro-environment, Human Nature pretty much sums up what Philippine enterprises need to do in these trying times. This model was set up by the couple Dylan Wick and Anna Meloto through the auspices of the world-renowned Gawad Kalinga which was founded by Anna’s father, Tony Meloto.

Human Heart Nature has established branches in the Philippines since 2007 and has opened stores in Singapore and the US. Its resource base is farmers cooperatives which have engaged in organic farming and are using natural resources from the land.

When asked by Senator Risa Hontiveros what kind of relationship he had with Alpha Assistenza, Cato said the company was among those that responded when the consulate organized businesses and travel agencies into one community organization in Milan.

Alpha Assistenza has been accused of selling fake work visas to Italy and collecting large amounts of money. At least 68 people have fallen victims, according to GMA News. Alpha Assistenza has denied the allegations.

Momar G. Visaya, editor of Asian Journal, is the newly elected president of the Filipino American Press Club of New York. He and Lindy Rosales vice president will serve for 2024 and 2025.

Visaya brings to the table a wealth of journalistic experience and integrity of over 30 years in print and digital media.

FAPCNY was formed on September 1, 2011. It is a non-partisan and non-political organization which has recently acquired a 501 C3 status.

Carla Mongado has this distinctively sweet and solid voice on stage, earning her not just praises but goosebumps as she renders her songs. She has been performing at small functions in the Filipino American community in the East Coast and has now spread her wings to greater heights. She has set foot on stage off Broadway and outside New York.

She is working on her first solo album and will debut her first solo concert titled “Short Stories” in partnership with the Women’s Immigration and Communications Café (Wiccafe) and Women & Media (WAM).

Her latest gig, titled Christmas in the Dells, in Wisconsin was a test of stamina and vocal artistry as the lead performer. Produced by Legacy Entertainment Group, the three-month show was a resounding success.

The podcast Conversations with MM (CMM) of Awesome Media, Ltd. will be streamed from the West Coast by partner media organization PHLV Radio of the Parkway Media Partners, LLC starting this month.

That makes the two-year-old digital talk show expanding nationwide through social media. CMM provides platform for Filipinos and non-Filipinos in the US for amplifying local journalism and narratives of artists, public leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, common good advocates, and youth.

Philippine actor Red Concepción joins the cast of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical CHICAGO on Broadway, currently running at The Ambassador Theater. He will be playing Amos Hart starting January 15, 2024. He is the first Filipino to play the role on Broadway.

Red is best known for playing The Engineer in the MISS SAIGON US National, and UK and Ireland Tours.

#1 Billboard jazz recording artist Christian de Mesones aka “Big New York” returns to The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA with a dynamic new show on June 23, 2024 at 7PM (doors open at 6:30 PM).

Described as “smooth grooves and funky soul with a Latin flair,” his original compositions feature some of the biggest names in smooth jazz, including legendary pianist Bob James.

The Tandang Sora Project Exhibit is a Philippine cultural highlight of 2023. It features the history of Filipino caregivers and the culture of care as an essential fabric in the Filipino American society.

The Tandang Sora Project exhibit opened on November 17 at the Flushing Town Hall in Queens looked at care, thru various art forms and facets such as memory, connection, storytelling, blessings, engagement, support, attention, place, and rest. The exhibit was curated by Jaclyn Reyes.

Debbie, a Pearl jubilarian of Velez College of Nursing, says: ”The stress of being a nurse is not only physical. It's also mental and emotional because there are many patients who are verbally abusive. I wouldn’t recommend it to everybody.

It's very fulfilling but the same time, it’s hard work. I still want to serve as a nurse. If you’re just in it for the money, then don't become a nurse.”

With digital technology, a global reunion is possible nowadays, such as our December 1 Ruby Jubilee. Forty years after leaving the portals of Colegio Dela Inmaculada Concepcion, the oldest Catholic girls’ school in the Philippines, my school batch ’83 gathered for our reunion in Cebu, New York, and Los Angeles.

Thirty years after their graduation from the Velez College of Nursing in Cebu City, Philippines, 63 Cebuanos from all over the United States, Australia, and Canada trooped to Dallas, Texas on December 1st, to celebrate their Pearl Jubilee.

The Velez College of Nursing is reputed to produce topnotch nursing graduates in the entire Philippines. Batch 1993 produced Board Topnotchers that year with Julie David bagging the no. 1 spot in the Nursing Licensure Examinations. Julie is now the Assistant Vice President of Nursing at her hospital in Florida.

Known for his record to work effectively with Democrats and Republicans, Rep. Andrew Kim says he is the fair choice to unite America, stabilize the economy, and reach a durable peace.

Renowned Filipino international pianists Raul Sunico and Rowena Arrieta performed at a benefit concert on Nov. 10, 2023 for the Handang Tumulong Foundation, a nonprofit assisting victims of natural calamities worldwide.

The stellar performance at the Merkin Hall in NYC was described by Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile as ‘spectacular’ and Edwin Josue as ‘exceeding all expectations.’  

Today, November 7, is national local elections day.

FilAm civic organizations are encouraging Filipinos to vote and make Filipino representation a reality in NYC. According to the New York Civic Engagement Table, only 10.47% of eligible FilAm voters are registered to vote.

Asian Persuasion is directed and produced by Tony- and Grammy-winning producer and director Jhett Tolentino and written by Mike Ang. It boasts of a full Pan-Asian cast and crew under the Jhett Tolentino Productions. Its birthing pangs included logistical challenges and the pandemic. Thus, its autumnal premiere in the Big Apple was a triumph by itself.

Starring Dante Basco (“The Fabulous Filipino Brothers,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender”), Philippine actress KC Concepcion, Kevin Kreider (“Bling Empire”), and Paolo Montalban (“The Girl Who Left Home,” “Mortal Kombat: Conquest”), Asian Persuasion is themed on life after divorce with a hilarious plot. Thankfully, it’s not dragging. It has an exciting twist that knotted the story’s conflict convincingly as the characters redeemed themselves in the end.

Distinctively unique in its use of words that combine location and brand, 87 Ludlow Filipino Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant is a go-to place after work for unwinding and a meet-up with friends. 

Palestinian-American journalist Jamal Dajani told the media: “You have to distinguish this is not a religious conflict or an ethnic conflict as it has been described by media. This is a territorial conflict. It’s a colonial conflict. When you are driven out of your home in 1948 and live in a refugee camp, Israelis are seen as invaders. This has nothing to do with religion. There are extremists who take advantage and say this is about religion. It is not. Historically, Jews, Muslims, and Christians co-existed in the Holy Land for many years.”

The long colonial relationship of the Philippines with America explains why there is a continued migration of Filipinos to the US. From galleon trade to modern-day slavery, and well-respected top-notch nurses, doctors, teachers, workers, and entertainers in the past and present - this is the diversity of Filipinos in the diaspora.

Filipino immigration to America dates to as early as the 14th century. Today, Filipinos in the US stand at 4.4 million (2020 US census estimates), majority of whom are living in California, Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey.

The first recorded Filipino immigrants were sailors on the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. These seafarers deserted the bitter life at sea and the abuses of their Spanish colonialists when they landed in Louisiana and California in 1565.