Rooted in History, Rising in Legacy: Filipino Americans Honored by FANHS Metro NY

NEW YORK — In celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) 2025, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Metro New York Chapter honors outstanding Filipino Americans whose achievements reflect the strength and spirit of the community.

With the theme “Rooted in History, Rising in Legacy,” this year’s honorees include educators, artists, and community leaders shaping the Filipino American story across generations.

Rena Pedaria, an educator from Cebu City and president of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA), empowers youth through programs like Paaralan sa Konsulado and Adopt-a-School. Dr. Michael Menor Salgarolo of NYU brings Filipino American history to classrooms through the AAPI curriculum, Hidden Voices.

Lisa Angulo Reid, CEO of Dear Flor and founder of 100 Ways to Filipino, champions cultural pride and leadership rooted in heritage. Noel Pangilinan, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, directs the Philippine Studies minor at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, preserving Filipino identity through education and literature.

Potri Ranka Manis, founder of Kinding Sindaw Heritage Foundation, receives the Bayani (Hero) Award for advancing Filipino-Muslim arts and healing. Clifford Robin Temprosa Li, founder of We Dare to Change, is honored as Distinguished Young Professional, while artist duo ABANG-GUARD earns the Outstanding Artist Award for their acclaimed Makibaka exhibit at the Queens Museum.

As FANHS Metro NY celebrates these honorees, it reaffirms the legacy of Filipino Americans—resilient, creative, and ever rising in the heart of New York City.