04 October 2014 – October marks the month-long celebration of the Filipino-American Heritage for the entire Filipino population throughout the United States. In New York, an awarding ceremony honoring outstanding members of the community by Filipino American Historical Society (FANHS) served as the opening piece of the festivities.
Philippine Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. graced the occasion, held at the Gallery Lobby of the Philippine Center. He highlighted the fact that the first Filipinos landed 427 years ago in what is now California; and there was already a Filipino even before there was officially a country known as the United States of America. He underscored the increasing importance of Filipinos in American society – in medicine and the sciences, arts, business and industry. He encouraged the participation of the Filipino community in US politics by engaging their legislators on issues concerning the Philippines and the Filipino constituents.
The awardees, chosen by the FANHS Metro New York Board Members, were recognized during the program.
The Outstanding Artist Award was given to Ms. Marissa Aroy, the filmmaker who created the Delano Manongs Little Manila: Filipinos in California’s Heartland, and the Emmy-award winning documentary Sikhs in America.
In youth advocacy, Kristina Rodolfo, former President of New York University’s Filipino student organizations and a co-founder of LEGACY New York was awarded the plaque for Youth Leadership. She authored a book entitled The Other Von Higgely, which is being used in elementary schools to teach children about justice.
Momar Visaya, editor-in-chief of the US-wide Filipino-American publication Asian Journal was the recipient of the Contributions to Excellence Award. The almost omnipresent Momar was not seen during the ceremony, while he was on home leave after a tourism stint in Asia.
The Bayani Award went to the Friends of Randy Gener who organized a benefit and vigil for his recovery when he encountered an unfortunate accident early this year. Ms. Liz Casasola, Ms. Nicole Ponseca, RJ Mendoza-Nadal, Cat Sandoval and Monette Rivera all received individual recognition for their compassionate efforts.
Adjunct Professor of Asian Pacific Studies at New York University Ms Agnes Bing Magtoto was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. A huge supporter of Filipino culture and issues that impact the Philippines, she authored Usapang Babae: Gender Awareness through Theatre, Arts, Games and Processes. She addressed the crowd before she accepted her plaque and thanked her family, friends, mentors and student who shaped her into who is she now, throughout her journey since she moved to the US from the Philippines.
Entertainment was provided by Kinding Sindaw Melayu Heritage group, as well as actors from the production Journey of A Brown Girl. END