Consulate General in New York, Fil-Am Community Celebrate 121 Years of PH Independence
Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (front, eighth from the left), New York City Commissioner Anne del Castillo (ninth from the left) Prof. Ambeth Ocampo (10th from the left), with the Philippine Consulate General in New York officers and staff, leaders and members of the Filipino American community and guests during the Independence Day Reception in New York. (Boyet Loverita photo)
NEW YORK 03 July 2019 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York, together with the Filipino-American Community in the U.S. Northeastern seaboard, celebrated the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence during the Independence Day Reception held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on 20 June 2019 with the theme "Kalayaan 2019: Courage of the Nation, Compassion for the People."
In his remarks, Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal stated that the auspicious date of Philippine Independence should be commemorated as a reminder that “our freedom was bought with blood, and remind ourselves that we must ever be vigilant and willing to sacrifice, so we and those coming after us shall remain free and be holding in our own hands our destiny.”
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate read the Independence Day message of President Rodrigo Duterte, followed by Consul Arman R. Talbo, who in turn read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.
Musical entertainment during the celebration was provided by Filipino couple Ruth and Cyd Tumpalan. Ruth, a violinist, is the former assistant concertmaster of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and recently won first place in the American Protege International Competition. On the other hand, Cyd, a percussionist, was the lead percussionist for the Hong Kong Disneyland Marching Band. The couple were selected to represent the Philippines in the Asian Youth Orchestra where they did a concert tour of Asia.
Philippine culinary delights from Filipino restaurants were served during the reception attended by Filipino-American leaders, community members, and guests. These include chicken sisig from Apollo Restaurant, ukoy from Tropical Hut, lechon from Philippine Bread House, chicken inasal skewers from Ugly Kitchen, crab pinangat from Asin, turon from Victory Chicken restaurant, and mouth-watering Filipino desserts from Mountain Province Cafe. END
Guests listen to the rendition of Bahay Kubo by Ruth and Cyd Tumpalan. (Boyet Loverita photo)
Consul General Claro S. Cristobal, Madame Marilou Cristobal, and Consulate General officers of the and their spouse, welcome the guests to the reception. (Boyet Loverita photo)
Consulate General officers and staff led by Consul General Cristobal (front center) before the start of the reception. (Boyet Loverita photo)
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/.