Philippine Parade Ushers in Independence Month Commemoration in New York
(From left) New York Judge Lorna Schofield, New York Power Authority President and Ceo Engineer Gil Quinones, Grand Marshal Dr. Rod Castillo, Grand Marshal Dr. Elma Castillo, PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Mrs. Louie Barcelon Locsin, Councilman Jonathan Wong, Councilman Salvador Deauna at the Parade Ribbon-Cutting
08 June 2017 NEW YORK – The largest Philippine Independence Day Parade outside the Philippines successfully took place in the heart of New York City on June 04.
The annual Philippine Independence Day Parade organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) once again drew crowds of Filipinos and non-Filipinos to witness colorful floats, marchers, bands, community organizations, and special guests and performers.
Stretching for 11 blocks along New York City’s famed Madison Avenue, this year’s parade was participated in by over 100 Filipino-American Associations throughout the US Northeast Region covering 10 states as well as special guest performers such as Martin Nievera, Lani Misalucha, Jessica Sanchez, Mikey Bustos, Christine Allado, Shane Ericks, and Northeast-based cultural groups. Ms. Philippines World 2014 Valerie Weigmann also graced the occasion.
One of the highlights of the parade was the special appearance of Philippine international beauty title holders Ms. Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Ms. International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, and Ms. World 2013 Megan Young. This was the first time that all three international title holders appeared at one event. Parade viewers jockeyed for position to either catch a glimpse of the guests or to take photographs. The beauty queens and other special guests all took part in promoting Philippine tourism and culture throughout the day’s events in keeping with the parade theme of “Retracing our roots, Weaving our Identity, and Celebrating Filipino greatness”
New York and Philippine officials including New York Power Authority President and CEO Gil Quinones, Judge Lorna Schofield, Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Promotions Board of the Philippines Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano, and Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega,Councilman Salvador Deauna, and Councilman Jonathan Wong all took part in the parade.
Mr. Quinones also presented the Consulate General and the PIDCI with copies of a Resolution and letter from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo commemorating Philippine Independence Day. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio likewise issued a proclamation honoring Philippine Independence Day.
The lively parade was capped by a Philippine Street Fair and Cultural Show beside Madison Square Park. Various Filipino-American groups, restaurants, and stores took part in the Street Fair which featured Philippine cuisine, products, and also services for the community.
Other major participants in the fair included the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets Team which set up a basketball area to the delight of basketball-loving Filipinos and Filipino-Americans.
The Cultural Show which drew crowds in the afternoon featured messages and performances from the parade special guests and Filipino-American talents based in the US Northeast.
Prior to the parade, a Flag-Raising Ceremony and Mass organized by the Philippine Consulate General and the PIDCI took place at the Philippine Center in New York. END
For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph/ www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHConsulateNY
Parade viewers join a group photo with the Filipina title holders (photo by Joyce Andres David)