Philippine Consulate General New York Participates in Charm of Asia

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomes all participants to The Charm of Asia Event and encourages everyone to learn more about the AAPI community in New York to foster a more harmonious relationship with everyone. (Philippine Consulate General Photo by Ruth Galiza)

The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully co-organized and participated in The Charm of Asia May Extravaganza New York 2023 at Tangram Mall in Flushing, New York on 06 and 07 May 2023. 

The two-day festival was held in commemoration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and offered a glimpse of the art and culture of various Asian countries. New York elected officials led by NYS Senator John Liu and representatives from the Consulates General of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand graced the opening ceremonies.  

Dancers from CEBU, Inc presented a dance honoring the Santo Niño during The Charm of Asia Extravaganza at Flushing, New York. (Philippine Consulate General Photo by Nikka Arenal).

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivered his welcome remarks, noting that at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, undue negative attention was showered on the members of the AAPI community leading to incidents of anti-Asian hate. He expressed appreciation that this festival would be an opportunity for more people to learn about the culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders which would lead to a more harmonious relationship among various immigrant groups in New York City. 

Performers from Kinding Sindaw, an NYC-based nonprofit dance theater company, showcased dance, music and martial arts honoring the indigenous peoples of Mindanao, Southern Philippines. (Philippine Consulate General Photo by Adrian Cruz)

Officials and staff of the Philippine Consulate as well as the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in New York were present during the two-day festival. Philippine hand-made products and clothes using traditional fabrics were put on display. The event organizer, Asian American Activity Center Incorporated, noted that the festival drew hundreds of visitors and disclosed there are plans to hold another cultural event next year. 

Officials and staff from the Philippine Consulate during The Charm of Asia Extravaganza at Flushing, New York. (Philippine Consulate General Photo by Neil Jahn Padlan)

Flushings is part of the New York City borough of Queens and boasts of a rich diversity of ethnic groups and foreign-owned businesses. Flushing attracts a big number of tourists as it is one of the most diverse cities in New York and in the United States. 

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