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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