Parol Lighting Kicks Off “Paskong Pilipino 2017” in New York; PNP Chief De La Rosa Leads Special Guests

New York – The Philippine Consulate General in New York launched “Paskong Pilipino” on 5 December 2017 at the Philippine Center with a Parol Lighting Ceremony participated in by a capacity audience from the Filipino-American Community.

Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega welcomed guests to the parol lighting and invited them to take part in the December activities of the Consulate including the 9-day Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado from 5-13 December 2017. “This is our way of bringing some of the traditions, sights, sounds, and flavors of the Philippine Christmas season to our kababayans overseas,” she added.

Special Guest Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was on hand to deliver a message of hope and a request for prayers and support for the men and women of the Philippine police force at the lighting ceremony. He assured the community members that the Philippine National Police will do its utmost to keep their families and loved ones safe back in the Philippines.

Several parols donated by the cities of Angeles and San Fernando in Pampanga Province, known for its exquisitely made Christmas lanterns, were lit up to the delight of Filipinos spending Christmas far from their families and friends in the Philippines.
A bahay kubo (nipa hut) festooned with mini parols and donated by the Ay, Borongan Association of Samar was likewise set up at the Philippine Center Lobby Gallery to add to the festive atmosphere.

The Kayumanggi Chorale based in New Jersey rendered Philippine Christmas carols further adding to the significance of the event. 


Contributed/ PCGNY

PHOTOS | Activists Protest Outside the Philippine Center in New York on International Human Rights Day

Manhattan - On a cold Sunday evening commemorating International Human Rights day, advocates  held a protest rally in front of the Philippine Center in New York to condemn the recent killings of activists as well as religious leaders and the rising threat of dictatorship in the Philippines under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Photos by Lambert Parong/ Balitang New York.

  

Inside the Philippine Center where members of the Filipino community gathered for some light refreshments after attending a catholic mass service held earlier, part of the traditional 9 consecutive "simbang gabi" offertory mass during the Christmas holiday season.

A lone pro-Duterte supporter appeared in front of the protesters and started chanting Duterte's name with a raised fist. 

Photos by Lambert Parong © 2017 Kababayan Media

Dr. Jose Rizal National Hero of the Philippines 121st Death Anniversary to be Commemorated December 21 in New York