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NEW YORK - Fashion designer Bessie Bessana traded the runway for the racecourse, completing the TCS New York City Marathon after a journey marked by injury, exhausting workdays and determination. At 41, Bessana returned to the iconic race he first ran at 25. His self-reported unofficial finish of 5 hours and 56 minutes represented more than a time on the clock—it marked the fulfillment of a dream he once feared was out of reach. “It’s a goal I thought I would never be able to

NEW YORK - Seventy Filipino American educators who have served New York City public schools for more than two decades were honored by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in partnership with the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA), led by President Rena Pedaria. The recognition celebrated teachers from the classes of 2003 and 2004 for their dedication, perseverance, and contributions to generations of students. Pedaria said the honorees represent the first bat

NEW YORK CITY – For 12 consecutive years, a dedicated group of Filipino running enthusiasts has made the New York City Marathon more meaningful for Filipino and Filipino-American runners through an inspiring tradition of volunteerism, encouragement, and community support. Known as PRNY (Pinoy Runners of New York), the group was formed by Filipinos who shared a passion for running and wanted to give back to fellow marathon participants. Many of its founding members were once m

NEW YORK, NY – The Filipino American community gathered at the Philippine Center in Manhattan for the 2026 Carboloading Reception, honoring and sending off Filipino runners preparing to participate in the iconic TCS New York City Marathon. The reception brought together Filipino American organizations, running clubs, sponsors, friends, and supporters to celebrate the dedication and perseverance of Filipino runners who will take on the challenging 26.2-mile race across New Yor

NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK - Nassau County marked a historic milestone with the celebration of its first Filipino American Heritage Month at the County Executive Building, recognizing the rich culture, history, and lasting contributions of Filipino Americans to the county and the broader American community. The inaugural celebration brought together government officials, community leaders, Filipino American organizations, and cultural performers in a meaningful tribute to the Fi

A trip from Bangkok ended in arrest for a 62-year-old American after airport authorities allegedly uncovered ₱17.46 million worth of suspected marijuana kush in his luggage. The passenger was intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on October 29, 2026, following the discovery of approximately 17.464 kilograms of suspected drugs. According to the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), customs X-ray screening flagged the luggage, prompting a manual inspec

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines issued a volcanic activity alert on October 30 after PHIVOLCS raised Mayon Volcano’s alert status to Level 3, warning of an increased risk of a hazardous eruption. According to the embassy advisory, a moderate eruption occurred at 11:53 a.m., sending an ash plume 3,000 meters above the summit crater. Ashfall was expected in Daraga, Guinobatan and neighboring municipalities in Albay. Alert Level 3 indicates an increased risk of dangerous vol

FLORIDA - Text messages, emails and credit card transactions supposedly showed a missing wife was alive overseas. But investigators say they were part of an alleged cover-up and her husband now stands accused of her murder. Filipino national Epifanio Gaminde has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Maria, following an investigation that stretched to the Philippines. According to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, M

A flight from San Francisco ended in police custody for a 64-year-old Filipino American after authorities served an outstanding arrest warrant at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on October 26, 2026. According to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP), the passenger was wanted in connection with a public document falsification case, with recommended bail set at ₱12,000. Bureau of Immigration personnel alerted NAIA Police Station 1

US DHS Photo A Filipina with convictions for identity theft targeting an older victim and domestic violence was arrested by federal immigration officers in Detroit, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Sarah Jane Hulbert was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 16, DHS said in an October 26 announcement highlighting immigration arrests in Michigan. The agency said Hulbert’s aggravated identity theft conviction involved between

Philippine authorities are investigating Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, following allegations that child sexual abuse material was found among belongings at his former residence in Cebu. Markle, 82, has denied the allegations. The Philippine National Police is examining a laptop recovered from the property. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said forensic findings were expected within a week and that legal action would depend on sufficien

A jury convicted a Palauan national on October 22 of involuntary manslaughter, assault and battery, and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of Filipino worker Alvin Rebamba. Jeremy Guillermin was acquitted of the more serious charges of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault and battery following a four-day trial in Superior Court, according to Marianas Press. Rebamba, 30, died after a confrontation outside Relox Bar in Garapan on November 16, 2025. Pro

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer | San Antponio Express News An American who operated from the Philippines has admitted his role in an identity-theft scheme that targeted thousands of U.S. servicemembers and veterans, using stolen personal information to raid bank accounts and steal veterans’ benefits. Robert Wayne Boling Jr., 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Court documents sho

Handout photo Seniors allegedly signed up for hospice care despite not being terminally ill. Millions billed to Medicare. Some patients unaware they had even been enrolled. These are among the allegations against Filipino American businessman Geoffrey Jimenez, 60, who faces a federal health care fraud charge announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on October 22. Prosecutors allege Jimenez used Transitions Hospice Inc. to bill Medicare approximately $9.8 million for medica

Philippine Catholic Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David criticized Philippine Airlines over cramped seating on his October 20 flights to and from Cebu, a major destination in the central Philippines, saying limited legroom aggravated discomfort from his osteoarthritis. In a Facebook post titled “THE ‘HEART OF THE FILIPINO’?”, a reference to the airline’s advertising slogan, David said he had previously preferred the carrier for its convenience and comfort. On his 6:30 a.m. economy

BAYAN USA Photo NEW YORK - Six months after a deadly military operation in Negros Occidental, Filipino community members gathered at the Philippine Consulate General with a demand: justice for the “Negros 19.” The vigil, part of a nationwide day of action led by BAYAN USA, remembered 19 people killed during an April 19–20 operation in Toboso. Among them were Filipino American activists Lyle Prijoles and Kai Sorem. Organizers accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines of indi

CALIFORNIA - Three Filipino nationals are caught up in a federal election fraud crackdown, accused of casting ballots in the November 2024 election despite not being U.S. citizens. Giezell Viduya Adawag, 41, of Vacaville; José Probitsado Amaro, 51, of National City; and Pamele Arbués Line, 56, of Escondido are among 28 green card holders charged under the Justice Department’s “Operation Protect the Vote.” Authorities announced 11 arrests on October 19 but did not identify whe

A 42-year-old man arriving from Seattle, United States, was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on October 18 after authorities confirmed he had an outstanding arrest warrant. Joint personnel of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) apprehended the passenger following coordination between NAIA Police Station 1 and CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A. The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Cour

WOODSIDE, Queens - Filipino American heritage took the spotlight in Woodside as the community celebrated its first Filipino American History Month (FAHM) Little Manila Parade & Block Party on Sunday, October 18. The occasion brought a celebration of identity and belonging to a neighborhood that generations of Filipino Americans have helped shape. With music, cultural performances, food and community activities on the program, the gathering offered space to celebrate shared ro

A 52-year-old Hackensack woman has been charged with third-degree aggravated assault after allegedly adding a controlled substance to an acquaintance’s tea during a meeting about unauthorized banking activity, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced. Rohweniven Bacani was arrested outside her Hackensack residence on October 15, 2026, following a weeks-long investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Leonia Police Department. According to prosecutors, th

A Chinese ambassador’s declaration that Beijing could easily win if it used force has drawn a sharp rebuke from Philippine officials, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calling the remarks threatening and demanding an explanation. “If we want to use force, we may easily win,” Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said in an interview shared by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela. Jing followed the statement by saying China would not use force and wanted peac

A 59-year-old American national was arrested on October 14 after police rescued nine females, including a 15-year-old girl, who were allegedly being held against their will inside his rented condominium. Authorities identified the suspect only as “Jonathan,” a retired investor from Missouri. Police arrested him at about 10 a.m. at a condominium on Juana Osmeña Extension in Barangay Kamputhaw, according to local reports. The rescue operation began after a mother sought help fr

ICE Photo Filipino national Joshua Gabriel Car Hombrebueno was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on October 12, 2026, following convictions involving secret recordings in a restaurant restroom, according to an Alexandria Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. The Department of Homeland Security included Hombrebueno in its October 14 announcement titled “Worst of the Worst: ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Sexual Predators, and Domestic Assailants.” DHS identified

New York City - From a small island town in Northern Samar to the national beauty pageant spotlight, Josiela Mae Lagrimas has proven that determination, hard work, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality. Lagrimas, a proud daughter of Laoang, Northern Samar, has been crowned the Grand Winner of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2026 and will represent the Philippines at the Miss Intercontinental 2026 pageant on the international stage. Her victory brings pride and recognition to her h