Consulate General in New York and Filipino American Community Celebrate 121 Years of Proclamation of Philippine Independence

Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (front, 8th from the left), NYC Commissioner Anne del Castillo (9th from the left) Prof. Ambeth Ocampo (10th from the left), with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, leaders and members of the Fil-Am community and guests during the Independence Day Reception in New York (photo by Boyet Loverita)

New York City – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, together with the Filipino-American Community in the US Northeastern seaboard, celebrated the 121 years of 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 Claro S. Cristobal stated that we should commemorate the auspicious date of our Philippine Independence 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.”

Guests listen to the rendition of Bahay Kubo by Ruth and CydTumpalan (Photo by Boyet Loverita)

Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate read the Independence Day message of President Rodrigo Roa 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, who recently won 1st place in the American Protege International Competition. On the other hand, Cyd, a percussionist, who was the lead percussionist for the Hong Kong Disneyland Marching Band. Both Cyd and Ruth were selected to represent the Philippines in the Asian Youth Orchestra where they did a concert tour of Asia.

Consul General Cristobal, Mrs. Marilou Cristobal, and the officers of the Consulate and their spouse, welcome the guests to the reception (photo by Boyet Loverita)

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.

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