Report: Is the $14.95 Monthly MetroCard Promo in Facebook Too Good To Be True? By Lambert Parong

New York - 'Balitang New York' alerts and warns Facebook users and the riding public in New York of a suspicious Facebook post regarding a monthly metro card promotion for  $14.95 only, by completing a quick survey. 

The Metropolitan Transit Authority or MTA in New York's 30-day unlimited card costs $132.

Balitang New York checked this offer and clicked on the Facebook post and the link for the survey, which then re-directed to a website which seemed to ba a legitimate webpage of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. 

After answering the questions, a window opens where you can click and 'Order your Metrocard'. 

After following the prompt, another window opens that shows 'You are the lucky winner!' and instructs you on 'How to get your reward'. 

After clicking that prompt, it opens to a payment information request page to complete your order.

At this point, we stopped and did not provide any information.

We reached out to both Facebook pages via the message button, and got a reply from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority- MTA page and was instructed to call this number 212-878-7440 for media inquiries.

Balitang New York has reported the suspicious post and submitted it to Facebook for review.

Be careful and pay attention about discounted offers when browsing on social media sites. 

Check the website address or domain name of sites, to find out if they are legitimate. Be skeptical and avoid becoming a victim of a scam.

We are reminded that if something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

Text/ screenshots by Lambert Parong

PIDCI's 35th Anniversary Celebration Begins with Grand Soirée and Announces 2025 Parade Details

PIDCI Kicks Off 35th Anniversary Celebration with Grand Soirée and Announces 2025 Parade Details

By Joyce Andes-David

PIDCI Secretary

NEW YORK, NY – The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) held its Grand Soirée event on Saturday, January 11, 2025, marking the beginning of the preparations for the 127th Philippine Independence Day Parade and Celebration, scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 2025. PIDCI is the organization responsible for hosting this annual parade and celebration, as well as raising funds year-round to make this event possible for the Filipino-American community in the Tri-State area. This year marks PIDCI’s 35th anniversary of hosting and sponsoring this incredible event.  

The Grand Soirée was highly attended by Filipino community leaders, including Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and his lovely wife, Mrs. Maria Fe Mangalile, as well as NY Assemblymember Steven Raga. The event took place at EQX – 45 Rockefeller Plaza, offering a stunning backdrop featuring the Rockefeller Tree on its final night of illumination. The evening’s menu was tailored to celebrate the historic Filipino event, making its debut at this venue. Guests enjoyed Mini Ukoy Bites and Lumpia served as hors d’oeuvres, accompanied by a custom cocktail called “Calamansi ni Lola,” which was a favorite among attendees. The night concluded with delightful Filipino desserts of Ube Halaya and Buko Pandan. Guests enthusiastically praised the food and drinks, describing them as both delicious and abundant, all set in a remarkable venue.  

At the fabulous Grand Soirée, the initial spotlight shined on the re-elected 2025 PIDCI President, Arman David, as he delivered his speech and announced the 2025 PIDCI Theme of “Embrace and Preserve Our Culture by Uniting and Empowering the Future”. In his speech, President Arman highlighted that PIDCI aims for this year’s theme to celebrate the past 35 years of its journey and accomplishments in uniting the community. This includes evolving from a one-block parade to the current ten-block route along Madison Avenue, making it the largest Philippine Independence Day Parade outside of the Philippines. The theme also aims to serve as a reminder of the strength we derive from our shared history and the rich diversity of our customs and traditions. He then introduced his 2025 Board of Directors and Officers. After giving a round of applause to the PIDCI Team 2025, the excitement soared as this year’s Grand Marshals were then revealed and introduced.  

The dynamic duo, Dr. Emilio Quines and Dr. Angie Cruz-Quines, are ready to take the spotlight as this year’s well-loved husband-and-wife team leading our 127th Philippine Independence Day Parade! In her acceptance speech as Grand Marshal, Dr. Angie Cruz-Quines humorously mentioned her hesitation about taking on the role, but ultimately gave in to her husband’s encouragement. As one of the original 13 incorporators for PIDCI, Dr. Angie Cruz-Quines is now joining the distinguished group of Grand Marshals, alongside her husband, Dr. Emilio Quines, who is now a two-time PIDCI Grand Marshal.  

The evening unfolded with plenty of dancing, refreshing drinks, a special dance performance by Ariel Marie Obero, 2024 Bb. Visayas and guests seizing the chance to capture their final moments with the beautifully lit Rockefeller tree and, of course, our Grand Marshals and PIDCI Team 2025. This event was the ideal launchpad, creating the perfect atmosphere and excitement for this year’s celebrations leading up to our annual parade.  

As this event serves as the official launch of the 2025 festivities, President Arman noted, “As we move forward, also remember the importance of inclusivity and collaboration, welcoming new ideas and perspectives that can enrich our cultural landscape. Together, we can create a future where our traditions continue to inspire and empower, ensuring that the spirit of the Filipinos shines brightly on the global stage”.

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Opinion: Political Awakening in the Philippines; Protests Demand Accountability from Marcos, Duterte and Congress By Manuel L Caballero

ON MY WATCH

By MANUEL L CABALLERO

POLITICAL AWAKENING IN PH; MASS PROTESTS CONDEMN 2025 BUDGET, DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM MARCOS, DUTERTE, AND CONGRESS; PRESSED FOR IMPEACHMENT OF VP SARA DUTERTE

Some 65 organizations of progressive Filipinos, with thousands of citizens, staged mass protests today, Jan. 31, at the site of the 1986 People Power Revolution in Mandaluyong City and at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. The protestants demanded accountability from top officials of all branches and pressed for the imoeachment of VP Sara Duterte.

The rallyists deplored that President Marcos is the biggest stumbling block to the progress of the impeachment complaints against VP Sara Duterte. "Let’s not forget that P612.5 million in confidential fund of the Office of the Vice President that Sara squandered including P125 million that she wasted in just 11 days." 

Earlier, former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, speaking on behalf of the Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance (CCGG), strongly condemned government corruption and called for accountability from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, and members of Congress.

In a statement posted on Magno's Facebook account, CCGG alleged that the budget prioritizes corrupt politicians' interests, notably by removing funding for essential services like PhilHealth, forcing citizens to rely on political aid for healthcare. They also decried reduced allocations for the 4Ps Program, a social welfare initiative with strict safeguards against misuse, while increasing funding for financial assistance programs vulnerable to political exploitation.

The group criticized significant allocations for pork barrel projects, describing them as corruption vehicles disguised as public works funding. They further claimed the budget weakened public institutions by cutting funds for priority infrastructure projects, reducing support for hiring teachers and educational modernization, deprioritizing public transportation, and scaling back military modernization efforts.

CCGG outlined demands, including a Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the 2025 !. They also called for the passage of an Anti-Political Dynasty Law, full transparency in the budget process, disclosure of beneficiaries of government aid programs, and the elimination of all confidential funds.

The group also demanded Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment over the alleged misuse of P125 million in confidential funds. They urged Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to release findings from an investigation into military aides linked to the funds. Additionally, they pressed for legal action against the Duterte family for alleged crimes, including extrajudicial killings tied to the War on Drugs, and called on the Marcos administration to cooperate with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte's actions.

In their closing statement, CCGG urged Filipinos to rally against corruption and announced a protest at the EDSA Shrine on Friday, January 31. They declared that true unity, healing, and peace are impossible without justice.

"Binigo na tayo ng Kongreso at mga namamahala sa Executive branch; initsapwera ang kapakanan natin para sa pansarili nilang nga interes! Hinding hindi makakamit ang pagkakaisa, paghilom, at kapayapaan hanggang walang hustisya!"

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'Filipinnovation' Forum Celebrates Filipino Creativity & Global Impact in NY

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers his welcome remarks on the remarkable contributions of Filipinos in the marketing and advertising sector. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas)

NEW YORK – Nearly 150 attendees filled the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York for the Philippine Consulate General’s forum, “AD-vancing Filipinnovation: Filipinos as a Global Creative Force.” Organized to celebrate Filipino creativity and leadership in the global creative economy, the event featured keynote addresses and a panel discussion with Filipino and Filipino-American trailblazers in marketing and advertising.

Filipino and Filipino American professionals shared their unique journeys and insights into navigating the intersection of culture and technology during the panel discussion of “AD-vancing Filipinnovation: Filipinos as a Global Creative Force.” (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas)

Mr. Badong Abesamis, Founding Partner of GIGIL, and Mr. Vince Lim, Chief Creative Partner of Dentsu Creative, delivered keynote messages at the forum. Mr. Abesamis highlighted the success of GIGIL in the Philippines, showcasing how the agency’s creative campaigns have transformed brands into household names. He also shared how GIGL is making inroads into the U.S. market, proving that Filipino creativity has a place on the global stage. Meanwhile, Mr. Lim discussed how his cultural upbringing shaped his unique perspectives in crafting campaigns with universal appeal. He reflected on his journey, from creating the iconic  “Fearless Girl” campaign in New York to revitalizing brands like Kraft and Mr. Peanut, emphasizing how cultural sensitivity and diverse experiences fuel innovative storytelling.

Mr. Badong Abesamis (left photo) and Mr. Vince Lim (right photo) deliver their keynote addresses highlighting their experiences and insights on how Filipino creativity continues to thrive on the global stage. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas)

The panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Tina Kuriyama, Content Marketing Manager at Coindesk, featured four distinguished Filipino professionals who shared their unique journeys and insights. Ms. Lisa Angulo Reid, CEO and Co-Founder of Dear Flor, shared how she merges Filipino flavors such as ube and calamansi with cannabis products, breaking barriers in an emerging and often controversial industry. Mr. Jon Luigi Caña, a Cebuano immigrant and Senior Marketing Manager at LinkedIn, explored the importance of blending personal identity with brand storytelling and leveraging LinkedIn to advance professional growth. Mr. Izzy Manaloto, Client Partner at Fandom, discussed the influence of Filipino values in pop culture and media, providing practical advice for aspiring creatives. Finally, Mr. Ralph Roma, an XR Design Consultant and 3D Generalist, showcased his work on the Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum and offered insights on how Filipinos can carve a niche in cutting-edge fields like 3D design and virtual reality. Together, the panelists underscored the importance of representation, collaboration, and cultural pride in driving Filipino success in the global creative economy.

(L-R) Mr. Jon Luigi Caña, Mr. Ralph Roma, Ms. Lisa Angulo Reid, Ms. Tina Kuriyama, Consul General Senen Mangalile, Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy, Mr. Vince Lim, Mr. Izzy Manaloto, Mr. Badong Abesamis, and Vice Consul Cathe Aguilar gather for a group photo after an insightful panel discussion. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas)

In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile highlighted the significant contributions of Filipinos in the marketing and advertising sectors. “Filipinos are also making their mark globally. Here in the United States, many of our kababayan work–and even hold leadership roles–in major agencies and have been instrumental in delivering innovative campaigns. Tonight, we celebrate these individuals, whose work continues to elevate Filipino creativity on the world stage,” he said. He also promoted the 2025 VIP Tour Next Gen, an initiative aimed at engaging younger generations of Filipinos in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and experience the best of the Philippines, urging the audience to support the program in July.

Coffeeright, owned by Filipino-American entrepreneur Anne Estonilo, fueled the attendees with its signature coffee and artisanal desserts, including espresso brownies and adobo chocolate chip cookies.

The forum marked another milestone in the Filipinnovation series, which celebrates Filipino creativity and leadership across industries while inspiring the next generation of innovators.

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