Steven Raga Running as First Filipino American to be Elected in New York State Assembly

Candidate Steven Raga asks for help in this historic campaign to be the first Filipino American to be elected to the New York State Assembly. Woodside, Queens. Little Manila New York. June 12, 2022.

Vote, Volunteer or Donate. 

Visit ragaforqueens.com

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Video by Lambert Parong Email us at info@kababayanmedia.com Kababayan Media © 2022 All Rights Reserved

NYC Health + Hospitals Administers First COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under Age 5

Dr. Hannah Jackson’s 9-month-old daughter was among the first babies to receive the vaccine today at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines available for children under age 5 at pediatric practices in all public hospitals.

New York, NY – NYC Health + Hospitals today administered the first COVID-19 vaccines for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that children as young as 6 months be vaccinated against the virus. The city’s public health care system will offer Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for children under the age of 5, and as young as 6 months, in the pediatric practices at all its 11 hospitals.

 

“The next step towards a return to normalcy is around the corner for our youngest New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I know how long parents and caretakers of our little ones have been waiting for the moment their youngest would have access to a COVID-19 vaccine, and I encourage everyone to get their child vaccinated now that this moment has arrived to keep our children safe and healthy.”

 

“NYC Health + Hospitals has already administered more than 1.75 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and we are proud to now offer this vital protection against serious illness and death to our youngest New Yorkers,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “I encourage all parents to make an appointment with one of our pediatricians, because these vaccines will ensure their kids can safely enjoy daycare, preschool, summer camp, and other activities.”

 

“We thought a lot about this, but in the end the decision for us was really easy,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff in the Office of Ambulatory Care Hannah Jackson, MD, MPH, whose 9-month-old daughter was among the first babies to receive the vaccine today at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “The concern around side effects was so much lower than the ability to be able to protect her against severe disease and Long COVID especially.”

 

NYC Health + Hospitals patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment for their child’s vaccine by calling their pediatrician’s practice directly.  Anyone who is not a NYC Health + Hospitals patient can use the City’s Vaccine Finder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment at other locations.

 

The Pfizer-BioNTech primary series for babies and toddlers is three doses. The first two shots are given three to eight weeks apart. The third is given at least eight weeks after the second. The three-dose vaccine is one-tenth the dose of the adult Pfizer dose. Children will be closely monitored for 15 minutes after each dose in the event of a rare allergic reaction. Children may experience similar side effects of vaccination as adults, with usually mild effects lasting one to two days. A parent or guardian must provide consent for their child to be vaccinated.

 

The vaccines help children develop immunity and provides them with protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. The more contagious variants that have been spreading have caused some children to get sick, be hospitalized, and die. The best way to protect children is to get them vaccinated as soon as possible. All children, including those who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

 

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NYCHealthandHospitals or Twitter at @NYCHealthSystem. 

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Video: Little Manila Avenue Inaugurated; Sign Unveiling and Street Party in Queens, New York

Little Manila Avenue Street Sign Unveiling in New York

Video by Lambert Parong

Made with love for the Filipino community and beyond.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, Mabuhay ang Pilipino.

Dedicated to my wife Ann and kids Yve & Kai. Thanks for the love and support.

Featuring, Xenia Diente; Michael Garrovillas; May Madarang; Fr. Julian Jagudilla; Lola Beth Diente; Joseph Castillo; Jackie Mariano; Kazz; Kimberly Camara; DJ Estioco; Edna Escurel; Lardner Unabia; Carolyn Marticio; Jaclyn Reyes and.....

Phil-Am Food Mart; National Alliance for Filipino Concerns NAFCON; the Filipino American National Historical Society-Metro NY and Little Manila Queens Bayanihan Arts and....

  

Everyone involved in the street co-naming initiative and unveiling ceremony including supporters, allies and volunteers.

Thank You Councilmember Jim Van Bramer for sponsoring the Little Manila street co-naming bill.

Thank you NYC Council for unanimously passing this bill and enacting this into law.

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Maraming Salamat. Thanks Everyone. 

Sending Peace, Love and Good Health Your Way.

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U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman Calls on President-Elect Marcos, Secretary Locsin to Reaffirm Commitment to Philippine-U.S. Alliance and a Peaceful and Prosperous Indo-Pacific

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman called on President-elect Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to congratulate the incoming President for his landslide victory in the recently concluded national elections, while emphasizing the paramount importance of the bilateral ties and alliance of the Philippines and the United States. (DFA-OAA Photo)

MANILA - Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. received U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) this past June 9th. In her farewell call to Secretary Locsin, Deputy Secretary Sherman personally thanked him for his significant contributions to the Philippine-United States alliance, especially in light of the restoration of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in July 2021. 

SFA Teodoro L. Locsin Jr, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman (DFA-OPCD Photo by Philip Fernandez)

Secretary Locsin welcomed the United States’ reaffirmation of its commitment to the alliance. The Deputy Secretary said that the U.S. will help the Philippines meet its defense modernization goals and address the daunting regional and global challenges both countries face. 

L-R: DFA-OAA Principal Assistant Emile Josef B. Garcia, DFA-OAA Director Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, DFA-OAA Deputy Assistant Secretary Gunther Emil M. Sales, DFA-MOAO Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce, DFA-OAA Assistant Secretary Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, SFA Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Melissa Brown, U.S. Department of State Senior Advisor Josh Rubin, National Security Council Director Kathryn Paik (DFA-OPCD Photo by Philip Fernandez)

Deputy Secretary Sherman likewise committed to support the Philippines’ economic recovery efforts, including its transition to clean energy and digitalization. The United States remains an important and strategic trading and investment partner of the Philippines. 

Both sides also agreed to engage constructively on protecting democracy and human rights at home and abroad. Secretary Locsin reiterated the Philippines’ invitation for the U.S. to support the three-year UN Joint Program on Human Rights (2021-2024), which demonstrates the highest level of the Philippines’ commitment to inclusive partnerships and continuing reforms in the areas of human rights, accountability and rule of law, and to investing in the capacity-strengthening of national institutions.

Also present during the call were Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, incoming Executive Secretary Victor D. Rodriguez, incoming Special Assistant to the President Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr., and officers of the DFA-Office of American Affairs. (DFA-OAA Photo)

Prior to the call on the Secretary, Deputy Secretary Sherman also called on President-elect Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. The Deputy Secretary is in the country to meet with both outgoing and incoming administrations to discuss concrete ways to further strengthen the relations amidst the Philippine Government transition.

Accompanied by other U.S. State Department, National Security Council and U.S. Embassy Manila officials, Deputy Secretary Sherman assured the President-elect of the United States’ commitment to work closely with his incoming administration, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as in trade and investments, climate change, pandemic response, and technology. Both sides also voiced their strong interest in maintaining peace and promoting prosperity in the region.

Deputy Secretary Sherman is the highest ranking State Department official to visit the country since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Deputy Secretary is visiting the Philippines for the first time, as part of a series of visits to the region. 

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A Sign for the Times, Filipino Community Celebrates Co-Naming of Little Manila Avenue in New York City

Woodside Queens, NYC - On June 12, 2022 from 12 - 1:30pm, the Filipino Community will be celebrating more than “Independence.” This June 12th marks the 124th anniversary of Philippine Independence from Spain but will also mark the first year of Roosevelt Avenue and 70th Streets being co-named Little Manila Avenue.  

The effort to co-name this stretch of Roosevelt Avenue is organized by Phil-Am Food Mart, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns, the Filipino American National Historical Society-Metro NY and Little Manila Queens Bayanihan Arts. The campaign to install a Little Manila Avenue sign was launched in the summer of 2020, and was confirmed by the New York City Council in December 2021.

Confirmed speakers include: Council Member Julie Won, Former Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Phil-Am Food Mart representative Joseph Castillo, and Little Manila Queens Bayanihan Arts founder Xenia Diente. There will also be a performance by Chef Kimberly Camara, co-founder of Kora, the popular Filipino-inspired bakery.

Filipinos have been in NYC since the early 1900s and possibly before. The 1903 Pensionado Act, meant to quell Filipino opposition following the Philippine-American War, also intended to expose Filipinos to American values. During this time Filipinos came to the U.S for higher education with some deciding to stay and reside in Brooklyn.

Larger numbers of Filipinos came to NYC in the late 1960s and 1970s after the quota was dropped from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.  Filipinos came to fill the demand for doctors, nurses, accountants, architects, engineers and teachers. With Filipino healthcare workers recruited to work at Elmhurst Hospital, many Filipinos relocated to the surrounding area, including Woodside. The block between 69th and 70th Street on Roosevelt Avenue has the highest concentration of Filipino businesses and restaurants, and remains that way today with the Filipino grocery, Phil-Am Food Mart, in continuous operation since 1976. 

With Roosevelt Avenue being formally co-named, the impact and influence of Filipinos on the neighborhood is being recognized but also validates the need for further government support of small business, care workers and grassroots community-oriented organizations. Please join us as we unveil the street sign for a celebratory event at 12PM on June 12th at 70th Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

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UniTeam East Coast Conveys Unity and Support for President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr and VP-elect Sarah Duterte at PH Independence Parade in New York By Susan Viorge

UniTeam East Coast Conveys Message of Unity and Support for the New Administration at the New York Philippine Independence Day Parade

Written By Susan Viorge

Photos by Noli Pola

New York -  UniTeam East Coast volunteers  approximately 700 BBM-Sara supporters, the biggest contingent in the  124^th Philippine Independence Day parade  marched with high energy  and enthusiasm as they carried a giant Philippine Flag , wearing white shirts  printed with their “Bagong Pilipinas” theme and waving Philippine flaglets to the crowd.

The UniTeam East Coast sang the BAGONG LIPUNAN and in unison chanted BBM-Sara for the entire duration of the parade  conveying the message of  unity and solidarity and calling for the entire Fil-Am community to support  the historical election of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as president  and Davao City mayor Sara Duterte as vice president. 

The Philippine Independence Day Parade  in New York City on June 5, 2022  was revived  after 2 years hiatus brought by the Covid 19 pandemic.  

Who wouldn’t shed tears of happiness to see the various sectors of society from all ages  together with a substantial number of  our “senior citizens” who  didn’t mind the heat as they waited for their turn to march along Madison Avenue! They endured the long walk with excitement as they sang and danced  “Bagong Lipunan” and as they waved the Philippine flags with pride.

The Uniteam was honored to march with reigning Miss Republic of the Philippines International Excelsa de Jesus dressed with her Filipiniana outfit designed with the colors of the Philippine flag. Also in the group is Rev. Arnedo Valera, Esquire from Washington DC who performed  the Philippines’ ancient martial art weapon “Arnis” or  Eskrima stick fighting of Pinakatay group in a traditional Barong Tagalog handwoven by the Tiboli Indigenous groups from Davao City. 

How can you match  the  unparalleled volunteerism and sacrifice of the UniTeam organization? The organizers were inspired and in a state of awe by everyone’s dedication and commitment positively exhibiting  their willingness and commitment  to serve the  organization . The underlying thread that binds all of the UNITEAM marchers their “Undying Love for their native land , the Philippines. Indeed, they have shown the essence of what Bayanihan Spirit Is all about. 

The parade was organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council , Inc (PIDCI) in New York wherein the Filipino-American  community showcased their  colorful , traditional Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana dresses, cultural dances and delectable Filipino food . More than 100 Filipino organizations attended the said parade.

Photo by Flor B.

Call to Reject Marcos-Duterte Closes Out Philippine Independence Day Parade

Photo by Marion Aguas

New York City –  Chants that denounced the incoming president and vice president of the Philippines reverberated along Madison Avenue as nearly 500 marched in the Never Forget! Contingent that rounded out the eleven block parade route along Madison Avenue in the Philippine Independence Day Celebration (PIDC) in New York City last Sunday, June 5. 

Photo by Marion Aguas

Marching behind a massive banner that read “Never Again! Continue the Fight for Genuine Democracy!” a mix of young and old – from martial law survivors in their 70’s and 80’s to Filipino youth from college and university student groups to supporters of Leni Robredo– all chanted together in unison to bring their message forward. The contingent garnered support from more than thirty organizations.

Photo by Marion Aguas

Led by Broadway and performing artists, the throng sang, “Di nyo ba naririnig? Tinig ng bayan na galit. Himig ito ng Pilipinong di muli palulupig (Don’t you hear it? It’s the voice of angry people. This is the song of the Filipino that won’t be oppressed again).” The song is a Tagalog adaptation of the Les Miserables protest anthem first performed in 2017 at the 45th commemoration of Marcos Sr.’s Martial Law at the height of Duterte’s drug war and curtailment of press freedom.

Photo by Marion Aguas

PIDC marshals attempted to prevent the contingent from participating, confronting leaders several times throughout the day, even grabbing one marcher while en route. Martial law survivors and elders holding the lead banner asserted, “Let us march!” and were joined in the chant by hundreds in the contingent and on the sidelines. “The effort to stop us from expressing the sentiments of millions of Filipinos during a celebration of Philippine independence is an omen of what lies ahead with the Marcos-Duterte administration,” said Julie Jamora of Never Forget! Coalition Steering Committee.

Photo by Marion Aguas

Resolute in their fight for genuine democracy, the contingent stood their ground and completed the parade route. Some onlookers joined from the sidelines and chanted “Never Again to Martial Law!” and “Marcos, Duterte, Walang Pinagiba! Parehong Tuta, Diktador Pasista! (There is no difference between Marcos and Duterte! They are both puppets, dictators, and fascists!)” 

Photo by Marion Aguas

At the end of the march, in front of the parade grandstand, the Never Forget! Contingent unfurled a second banner reading “Reject Marcos-Duterte!” to a cheering and supportive crowd. According to organizers, the contingent “repudiates Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte because they epitomize the authoritarian, dynastic, and deceitful character of Philippine politics.”

Photo by Marion Aguas

Following the parade, the Never Forget! contingent launched a cultural show at Madison Square Park. One passerby remarked, “Thank you for doing this. My brother was killed during Marcos’ martial law. [The Marcoses] are trying to erase that history, but we can never forget.” Another passerby recounted his own experiences of detention and torture.

Photo by Editha Mesina

The wide support for the contingent’s message is an indication of the growing people’s democratic opposition to the incoming regime. The Never Forget! contingent represents a broad unity of Filipinos across the Northeast that aspire for a truly democratic Philippines. The contingent rejects the system of patronage and oligarchy plaguing Philippine politics, currently embodied in the nefarious Marcos-Duterte tandem.

 

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Kalayaan/Freedom 5K Run Celebrates 124th Philippine Independence By Bel Molina

Kalayaan/Freedom 5K Run celebrates 124^th Philippine Independence

The 2^nd annual event gives opportunity to commemorate historic event

By Bel Molina

New York - On Sunday, June 5, 2022, several runners in New York City gathered to celebrate the 124^th Philippine Independence. 124 years ago on June 12, 1898, the Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by Filipino revolutionary forces. It asserted the sovereignty and independence of the Philippines from the colonial rule of Spain. 

From L-R: Deputy Consul General Arman Talbo of the Philippine Consulate General of NY, organizers Bel Molina and Ruby Lagare, flag bearer Gerald Tabios, and organizer Anthony Galsim.

The annual Kalayaan/Freedom 5K Run was launched last year by runner friends Anthony Galsim, Bel Molina and Ruby Lagare, to celebrate Philippine Independence within the New York City running community. This laudable event helps raise awareness of the Filipino culture in the New York City running community while promoting health and fitness. 

Several NYC running groups participated in the event sharing the common ideals of health, fitness and community.   These include Midnight Runners NYC, Balut Patrol, UFRGVN, Adidas Runners NYC, Asian Trail Mix, Front Runners NY, On Running, Pinoy Runners USA/New Jersey, Queens Distance Runners, and Woodside-Sunnyside Runners. 

Runners ran the 3.1-mile course along Fifth Avenue from the Philippine Center on 45^th Street, to the iconic Central Park and back to the scenic Madison Park along Madison Avenue, where the Philippine Cultural Program and Street Fair was being held in light of the Philippine Independence Day Celebration.

Multi-awarded Filipino ultrarunner Gerald Tabios proudly carried the Philippine Flag throughout the course. Jon Perroni, Tommy Chou, and Jojo Santiago paced and kept the runners on track. Sponsors Tradisyon NYC, Kabisera NYC, First Principles NYC, and the Philippine Consulate General of New York provided gift items for the fun trivia games throughout the course.

Photo credit: Redford Mancio and Dustin Dalisay

Opinion: Young Fil Ams Dominate New York PH Independence Parade | By Manuel L. Caballero

ON MY WATCH

BY MANUEL L. CABALLERO

YOUNG FIL AMS DOMINATE NEW YORK PH INDEPENDENCE PARADE

Over 400 young Filipino Americans in black dominated the traditional PH Independence Day Parade today, June 5, along Madison Avenue in New York City. Perhaps, next to the equally young beauty queens and the colorful Tribu of Gingoog.

It's amazing to watch the energy of those young FilAms, who either learned from their parents or from social media or books the true history of the Philippines under Marcos Sr. And watched for themselves the six years of the brutal and violent Duterte rule.

Those pro-democracy groups and advocates (1SAMBAYAN, MALAYA MOVEMENT and NJ/NY Pink Caravan groups) marched in the “Never Forget” contingent "to continue the fight against tyranny and for genuine democracy in the Philippines, given the rampant fraud, historical revisionism, disinformation and repression that transpired in the recently concluded national election."

Photos by Edwin Josue.

MLCJUNE 5, 2022