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 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

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

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

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

PTIC New York Philippine fashion heritage is taking the spotlight at Yale University through HABI: A Philippine Textile Exhibition, a month-long showcase celebrating the color, craftsmanship and cultural stories woven into traditional Filipino fabrics. Presented at Yale’s Luce Hall, the exhibition brings together textiles from communities across the Philippines, offering U.S. audiences a closer look at the artistry behind the country’s centuries-old weaving traditions. Severa

Filipino-American leaders from across Alaska came together in Fairbanks for the state’s first Alaska Filipino Leadership Convening, a milestone gathering that celebrated community, culture and leadership during Filipino American History Month. Held Oct. 2 and 3, the two-day event brought together representatives from nine Filipino organizations across Alaskaunder the theme, “Lifting Filipino Voices: Strengthening Community Connections.” The gathering aimed to build stronger t

NEW YORK - The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) has concluded its election for a new set of officers for 2027, with longtime Filipino-American community leader Mariano “Nonong” Aquino Jr. elected president. Aquino will succeed 2026 PIDCI President Ofelia “Lea” Frain and take the helm of the organization responsible for staging New York City’s annual Philippine Independence Day Parade and related celebrations. Aquino has held several leadership positions in PI

New York - As the UN General Assembly 81st session stretches home this week, Filipino leaders in the diplomatic and nonprofit sphere here have added their voice to the call that all members of the Security Council must have veto powers, or none at all, for the sake of substantial peace. Veto power must be democratized, they contend. For feminist leader Indai Sajor, veto powers of the Security Council must be extended to its member states. Sajor, a convenor of the Internationa

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America–Philippines Chapter, Inc. (AFTA-PCI) are looking to expand their partnership to support literacy, teacher development, and educational opportunities for Filipino learners in the Philippines and abroad. During a courtesy visit to the CFO, AFTA-PCI officials shared plans to broaden their teacher-training and student-support programs following the successful 2026 Balik-Turo Caravan held

A total of 868 Filipino nurses preparing to work in the United States participated in a series of special pre-departure seminars organized by the Migrant Workers Office of the Philippine Embassy in 2026. The Migrant Workers Office concluded its Special Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (SPDOS) series on September 15, with 187 Filipino nurses bound for U.S. healthcare jobs joining the final virtual session of the year. The March 17 seminar drew 418 participants, while 263 nurs

Filipino-Canadian political representation is taking center stage in several Canadian cities as candidates seek seats on city councils and school boards in the 2026 municipal elections, including races in British Columbia and Ontario. In Surrey, British Columbia, at least three Filipino-Canadian candidates are seeking seats on City Council: Noemi Victorino, Narima Dela Cruz and Dan B. Carlos. All three appear on Surrey’s official list of council candidates for the October 17

Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala is taking her US Open momentum from the court to the fashion capital of the world, making a high-profile appearance at New York Fashion Week just as international attention surrounding the young star continues to grow. Eala attended the prestigious Tory Burch fashion show, adding a major fashion moment to what has already been a breakthrough period for the rising Filipino athlete. But behind the cameras and fashion headlines was a personal

Police have identified a suspect in the killing of an American national and his Filipina wife inside their home in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, marking a major development in the investigation. Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said the couple’s household helper positively identified the suspect from photographs in a police rogue’s gallery. According to Polinar, the helper identified the man as the same individual w

American rising star Iva Jovic ended Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s US Open campaign after surviving a dramatic three-set battle, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The highly anticipated third-round showdown lived up to the hype as the two friends traded momentum before Jovic pulled off a late comeback to reach the fourth round. Eala refused to go quietly after dropping the opening set, storming back to take the second, 6-3, and force a deciding set. The Filipi

NEW YORK - The highly anticipated US Open showdown between Filipino tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala and American rising star Iva Jovic will be played on the sport’s biggest stage Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, September 5. The third-round match had been expected to draw another huge crowd following the massive fan support surrounding Eala at Flushing Meadows. Arthur Ashe Stadium, which seats more than 23,000 spectators, is the largest tennis stadium in the world. The move

A growing debate over court assignments at the 2026 US Open has sparked outrage among tennis fans, with questions being raised about whether popularity and commercial appeal are beginning to influence who receives the tournament’s biggest stages. At the center of the controversy is rising Filipina star Alexandra “Alex” Eala, who was scheduled to play on the major stage of Louis Armstrong Stadium, while World No. 2 Elena Rybakina, a Grand Slam champion and one of the leading c

NEW YORK - Filipino American tennis player Andre Ilagan is getting his shot at the US Open after receiving a wild card into the men’s qualifying tournament following the strongest stretch of his professional career. The 25-year-old Honolulu native, whose parents immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines, will compete at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, as he attempts to earn a place in the main draw of one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tourna