21 July 2014 – Filipino-American fresh graduates gathered and celebrated their accomplishments together at the second annual Philippine Graduation at the Philippine Center New York on June 9, organized by Pilipino Unity for Progress (UniPro) and Legacy New York in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
About 30 gleeful students from New York, New Jersey and even as far as Washington, DC – whose majors ranged from various fields of Medical Sciences, Business Management, Communications and Arts – participated in the ceremony.
When the Philippine Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. gave his welcome address, he quoted a few lines from the cult pop song “Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” to frame his advice for the youth. He stressed the importance of understanding their heritage as Filipino-Americans and keeping a strong network of like-minded people who share their values as a support group while they build their careers. He urged them to capitalize on the virtues of the Filipino to achieve their life goals and be able to contribute and give back to the community.
First Filipino-American Federal District Judge Lorna Schoefield delivered the keynote speech and shared to the youth her adventures growing up and her journey as a child of an immigrant mother that led to her present success. She encouraged them to explore the world, to seek opportunities and ways to improve themselves. Judge Schoelfield reminded everyone that her office is open to all of them, should they need her assistance and advice.
St. John’s University’s Filipino student organization, P.A.R.E., reprised the cultural skit they performed during Battle of the Barrios last March, which drew cheers and laughter from the audience during the intermission.
New York University B.A. Journalism graduate and UniPro staff member Kristina Rodulfo delivered the class valedictory address; she suggested that her peers find a role model they can emulate as well be strive to be an inspiration to others.
The graduates received a customized P-Grad medal and a diploma written in Filipino signed by the Philippine Consul General. END