Fil-Am's laundry delivery business in New York thrives amid pandemic

NEW YORK - Businesses that depend on foot traffic such as coin operated laundromats have closed shop and probably will remain closed for the rest of the self-isolation period due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But Filipino-American Rechelle Balanzat's business is still standing.

Juliette Laundry is a 24-hour app-based laundry business in the Upper West side neighborhood.

"We are seeing a slight uptick in acquiring new clients. Some people are reaching out to us because their cleaners have shut down. So I picked up new clients, not only in Upper West Side but in downtown Manhattan, midtown Manhattan because the cleaners in their neighborhood have shut down," said Balanzat.

To date, nearly 10 million US workers have filed for unemployment benefits nationwide.

Balanzat said she is keeping her business open, not only to keep her employees from becoming part of the unprecedented statistic but to also keep serving the needs of frontline emergency workers who do not own laundry facilities in their own homes.

"Now we're dealing with stressed out clients. Some of them are doctors at the hospitals, they're stressed out and we're dealing with that so I decided to offer our services to all first responders, for all officers, doctors and nurses," she said.

She assured that it's safe and convenient.

"We have reorganized our operations so that there is little to no human contact. Were strictly pick-up and delivery, unless clients choose to come and deliver and drop off clothes to our store but we're picking up from their doorman or from outside their apartment door," she said.

Despite the bleak business outlook when it comes to the economy, Balanzat sees hope and opportunity.

"Even though it is challenging right now, these moments are defining and you have the chance to really discover your hidden strengths and access your imagination for creative solutions. This is opportunity, so long as you have that positive midset and positive perspective," she said. 

The uncertainty in the business world will most likely continue as health experts call for residents to keep staying at home to stop the spread of the virus, at least until the end of the month or until further notice.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Pinay elected as Daly City Mayor

The Filipino hub of Daly City elected a Filipina-American as its new mayor on Monday.

Mayor Juslyn Manalo previously held the position of vice mayor to Daly City, which has the highest concentration of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans of any mid-sized city in North America.

Manalo’s track record includes service to Filipino World War II veterans and housing programs for lower income families.

Joining Manalo in serving Daly City is another Filipino, Ray Buenaventura. Buenaventura will serve as the city’s new vice mayor.


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2 Fil-Ams teen missing in California

Authorities are searching for a pair of missing Filipino-American teenagers and are asking the public’s help to find them.

Jann Derrick, 19, was last seen at his parent’s San Lorenzo home on October 22.

The 5’8” tall and 110 pounds teen exited the Montgomery Street Bart-Muni Station in San Francisco that afternoon, according to data from his clipper card used for public transportation.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Alameda County Sheriff at 510-667-7721.

In a separate case, 15-year old Ambra del Mundo of Concord, California has been missing since October 25th.

The girl is 5 feet tall and weighs 100 pounds.

Anyone with information about her is asked to call the Concord Police Department at (925) 671-3333.

Read more on Balitang America

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Jollibee opens first Florida branch, Fil-Ams get taste of home

JACKSONVILLE, Florida - Filipino-Americans braved chilly weather and got in line before dawn to get a taste of their homeland at the opening of the first Jollibee location in this state.

Craving Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti, Carine and Andre Velasco drove over 3 hours from Winter Haven to camp out outside the restaurant with their two children.

“It feels like home. We miss home,” said Carine. “Nagho-homesick kami (we get homesick), and eating Filipino food — especially Jollibee, it’s kinda like home.”

Helen de Nardis from Westside Jacksonville was the first customer in line.

“I’m excited, I’m celebrating!” she said.

The Philippines' largest fastfood operator has 31 other stores in the US, according to its website.

"Nagulat na naman kami sa excited na mga kasama natin, mga kababayan natin na, naghihintay sila dito," said Jollibee Foods Corp group president for North America Jose Miñana.

(We are surprised by the excitement of our fellow Filipinos who waited here.)

Jollibee opened its first store in Canada last December and Filipino-Canadians braved freezing temperatures to order their favorites.

Read more on Balitang America

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Daly City CA mulls becoming sanctuary city

DALY, CA -- Residents of Daly City are considering declaring the area a sanctuary city amid U.S. President Donald Trump's crackdown on undocumented migrants.

Daly, which is the largest city in San Mateo County, California has a very large Filipino population.

Some Fil-Am members of the Daly City Council are pushing to declare itself a sanctuary city to protect undocumented immigrants.

They say that as a sanctuary city, Daly will join over 400 jurisdictions across the United States in standing up to what they say is anti-immigrant rhetoric of Trump.

Daly Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo, who proposed the idea, said Daly City needs to step up.

"If you look at the climate we are in now and people want to feel safe, people want to know there are safe havens. That's the difference," she said.

"People need to see it in writing for them to feel safe," Manalo said.

However, some members of the council are also apprehensive over the move.

Councilor Mike Guingona said becoming a sanctuary city meant losing out on some federal funding.

"I want to be real careful about that. I want to be careful for a number of reasons because we do have federal funds that are at stake here in our city and we rely on them a little more than other cities because we're an entitlement city," Guingona said.

City Manager Patricia Martel said she is unable to give an exact figure on how much money Daly stands to lose from Federal funding, but said it will be "several million" dollars.

Daly City Mayor Glenn Sylvester, meanwhile, said the city has already been acting as a sanctuary by refusing to comply with federal agencies in releasing information on its residents.

"Some folks are living in fear thinking that they are going to be deported. That is not the case. Here in Daly City, we pride ourselves---the schools, the police departments, and the medical facilities--we don't ask what your current immigration status is but you have sanctuary," Sylvester said.

"What I gather from the crowd today is that they don't know that so we need more of an outreach program," he continued.

The city council said it will study the impact of a potential loss of federal funding and see what resources can be made available to undocumented migrants.

Hundreds of illegal immigrants have been arrested in the U.S. amid Trump's pledge to deport 2-3 million undocumented migrants after taking office.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Some Fil-Ams heed mandatory evacuations as dam threatens flooding

YUBA CITY, California - Filipino-American Plen Brion received a mandatory emergency evacuation order at his Pluma Lake home on Sunday afternoon, after the emergency spillway at the Oroville Dam began to erode, threatening to flood communities.

The spillway guards against the dam’s overflow when water levels are high.

Complying with the message, Brion was among some 188,000 people who evacuated from several Northern California counties.

On Monday, Brion briefly returned to his home to pick up his medication.

“As you can see from this place the house is not clean the dishes are still in the sink… because we just left because it was an emergency!” Brion said.

Brion and his family have lived in their home for the past decade. He said he never expected something like this could happen.

“Flood insurance wasn’t mandatory anymore because they just upgraded the levees. But right now, the levees are kind of high with water,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Yuba City, Ed Hernandez and his family decided to stay than evacuate from their home Sunday night.

“As a Filipino, I’m used to a flood and I know that during a flood, we can still swim outside the house and I want to experience it in America,” Hernandez said in jest.

“We know that it takes time for the water to come down from the dam,” he said. “My kids would like to go right away, and my eldest son was at the Kings game last night…he was telling me that he would go to Stockton, but his mom told him to come home,” Hernandez added.

The Hernandez family spent the night together watching for updates about the dam.

“We kept seeing the numbers decline as the hours [went on]… so we ended up staying,” said Kenneth Hernandez. “But a lot of our friends, a lot of our neighbors, did go to other cities and evacuated.”

The Oroville Dam, America’s tallest dam, remains intact. Officials say water is no longer flowing over the emergency spillway, and lake levels are continuing to fall.

But evacuations continue, as officials try to make repairs before new storms hit later in the week.

Read more on Balitang America.

source:  news.abs-cbn.com

LGBTQ community rallies against Trump

NEW YORK CITY - Artist Lady Gaga’s Superbowl 51 halftime show may seem politically free, but hidden in her songs of unity and inclusion were edgy lyrics of protest just in time for the LGBTQ protests nationwide against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in New York City.

The performance included an implied message of inclusion for immigrants in America. The "Queen of Monsters" even managed to sneak in a pro-LGBTQ stand in her song “Born This Way.”

Seen by more than 100 million people, Lady Gaga’s subtle but subversive political statement at Sunday’s Superbowl game came just a day after thousands of LGBTQ community members and supporters gathered outside the historic Stone Wall Inn in New York City.

They sent a loud message to the White House: “Love, not hate. That’s what makes America great!”

“We are allies united by our otherness, and if we didn’t know it before, thanks to Donald Trump, we know it now,” said actress Cynthia Nixon at the rally. “Yes, we are stronger together.”

Fil-Am LGBTQ leaders showed their solidarity with immigrants and refugees affected by the President’s executive orders on immigration.

“We may live in uncertain times, but I am 100% certain that Apicha Community Health Center will be here everyday, as we have for the past 27 years,” said Theresa Rodriguez of the Apicha Community Health Center.

The fear of losing LGBTQ rights protected under President Obama is now a possibility under the Trump administration.

“I have to check Twitter or Facebook every few hours just to see if I have rights or not, and that’s unacceptable,” said Aries Dela Cruz of the Fil-Am Democratic Club of New York City.

“Now we have this presidency which is illegitimate. He was not elected with the popular vote, he has no mandate, he’s not governing with the idea of being the President for all Americans in mind.”

New York City Human Rights Commission chair, Carmelyn Malalis, assured rally-goers that human rights are the law of the land.

“If you are discriminated against, if you are harassed because of who you love, what you believe, what you’re seeing, report it,” said Malalis. “When you see hatred, when you see acts of discrimination or harassment, call us at 718-722-3131.”

Organizers said another mass protest, dubbed as “A National General Strike Against the o-called Administration,” will be held at the Washington Square Park on February 17.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Filipinos join women's march against Trump

Filipinos were among 2 million people who flooded the streets of US cities on Sunday in a peaceful day of women-led protests a day after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

Pinay expatriate Cassie Panal, who participated at the main "Women's March on Washington," called on the new administration to uphold and protect women's rights.

"I think it's important for us to stand for what we believe, most importantly women's rights. For me, women's rights are human rights,' she told ABS-CBN News.

Another Filipino, Arvin Parco, said he joined the mass action "to show that men are also supportive of women, for all that they're fighting for and for human rights they're supporting."

"It's all about unifying and coming together. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. It's all about supporting each other," he added.

Also present in the rally were undocumented workers alarmed by Trump's hard stance against immigrants and his plans to repeal the affordable care act.

Tina, an undocumented caregiver shared, "I'm afraid because of the new president, a new command. He doesn't like other people... The healthcare, I am very worried of that."

Organizers of the Washington march estimated the turnout at 1 million, with huge crowds joining sister marches around the country -- and tens of thousands more marching worldwide.

Rain does not stop thousands of demonstrators participating in Women's March in San Francisco | via @RommelConclara pic.twitter.com/YYELOJuWLX

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 22, 2017
 

LOOK: Protesters in Nevada take part in the Women's March on Washington | via @bevllorente pic.twitter.com/ygmK0GA4ME

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 22, 2017

Trump has angered many people with comments seen as demeaning to women, Mexicans and Muslims, and worried some abroad with his vow on Friday to put "America First".

The newly inaugurated president has also vowed to repeal the Obamacare which aimed to ensure healthcare for the millions of Americans who are neither covered by public insurance, nor by their employers.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington said it recognizes the rights of Filipino-Americans to join the protests against Trump.

"It is part of their democratic process at nirerespeto po natin iyun, pati na rin po ang karapatan ng ating Filipino Americans na makibahagi," said Darell Artates, third Secretary and vice Consul of the Philippine post.

(It is part of their democratic process and we respect that, as well as the right of Filipino-Americans to participate.)

The Embassy has not monitored any untoward incident during the rallies, but Artates urged Filipinos in America to be vigilant.

The Filipino community in America, which has some 3.4 million documented members, is one of the fastest growing communities there.

-- With reports from Reuters; Agence France Presse; Henni Espinosa, Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN News

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Chelsea Clinton meets Fil-Ams in New York for mom's presidential campaign

NEW YORK CITY-- Filipino-Americans have met with US democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's daughter Chelsea Clinton, at a special reception in New York in support of the Clinton campaign.

Headed by Loida Nicolas Lewis, the Hillary Victory Fund was able to raise over $100,000 and was attended by about 50 guests.

Chelsea acknowledged Nicolas Lewis’ support of her mother and highlighted the theme of Hillary Clinton’s platform that “stronger together,” the US can build a stronger economy, protect the nation and the world, and celebrate American values.

“Chelsea was wonderfully eloquent. Feet on the ground, charming, personable and utterly convincing about her faith in her Mom’s being president of the USA,” Lewis said.

Chelsea also reiterated the support of the Fil-Am community and highlighted Clinton’s involvement with the Filipino community, citing her attendance at a major National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) event as first lady many years ago.

“For Filipino-Americans, this election offers a historic opportunity to make a difference. Hillary Clinton brings a consistent track record of public service, fighting for issues that touch our lives; healthcare, children, families, women, and immigration policy,” Clinton supporter Angelie Berrie said.

Members of the Sponsor Committee include Loida Nicolas Lewis, Angelica Berrie, Geraldine Acuna Sunshine, Gail Alvarez and Carla Villacorta, as well as Christina Lewis Halpern, Leslie Malaika Lewis, Dr. Angie Cruz, Edwin Josue, Susan Grant, Matthew Tollin and Bruce Reed.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys in Nevada laud Clinton's plans for higher education

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - If she becomes president, Hillary Clinton promises to make education affordable for millions of Americans.

Under Clinton’s plan, families with income up to $125,000 a year will pay no tuition at in-state four-year public colleges and universities by 2021.

This benefit immediately applies to families making $85,000 or less a year. All community colleges will also offer free tuition.

The situation in the Silver State is pretty dire when it comes to education.

The outstanding federal student loan debt among Nevadans now exceeds six billion. About one in every two Nevadan graduates of four-year colleges is in debt, with an average balance of a little over $20,000.

Filipino parents like Ramil Mactal are hoping for relief to come soon.

“If it helps even in one family, it’s worth it. I mean, I’m sure it’s gonna help a lot of people and, you know, those people that needed it, it’s good for them,” he said.

College student Lynette Hull says Clinton’s plan will help many struggling immigrant families.

“It’s gonna help my family and a lot of Pacific Islander families across the state and really just minorities in general. Like, particularly my family, we would save $26 thousand with her new plan. That’s a lot of money that could go to my future like law school and all that kinds of stuff,” she said.

Clinton’s plan would also allow borrowers to refinance loans at current rates, benefiting about 25 million people.

The Democratic presidential candidate also intends to take immediate executive action to offer a three-month moratorium on student loan payments to all federal loan borrowers.

This would allow borrowers to consolidate their loans and avail of repayment plans to reduce their monthly interest payment and fees.

“Our students deserve every kind of help that they could get to get the education that is needed and I’m all for it. said Rozita Lee, a community leader.

"It would definitely help that’s why I wanna be sure that we know when and where to apply for it so that we can get our Asian-American and Pacific Islander students to be there to apply,” she added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Ams in Orlando grieve for friends lost in mass shooting

ORLANDO, Florida - Thousands of people gathered at a candlelight vigil for the victims of Pulse nightclub massacre while Filipino members of the LGBT community shared what it’s like losing friends in the attack.

A sea of candles covered the lawn of the Dr. Philips Center Performing Arts in Orlando on Monday night as thousands of people came to mourn the victims of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub.

Organizers said the candles represent their commitment to move forward and to stand together against acts of terror and hate.

A bell tolled for each of the 49 victims. Their names read aloud so that they will not be forgotten.

Filipino-American members of the LGBT community also came to pay their respects to friends they lost in the hands of a terrorist.

"Love is love. Love doesn't discriminate, and to have hatred towards the gay or anybody because of their race or their culture, it' still uncalled for, don't discriminate," said Ronald Alcantara.

For Vilmar Abelarde, it's like Stonewall all over again. In 1969, the Stonewall riots in Manhattan's Greenwhich neighborhood ignited the gay liberation movement in the US.

"Two of my friends died, they won't be forgotten. I think we remember them. I think Stonewall propelled us to where we are today and I think this is gonna get us further," he said.

Abelarde said prayers and acts of solidarity such as this vigil are good but he wants to see more action, especially from elected officials and lawmakers.

US President Barack Obama is set to visit Orlando on Thursday to pay his respects to the families of the victims of the worst mass shooting in US history.

Some hope the president will touch on America's fight to defeat ISIS and possibly press for stricter gun control.

For now, the community in Orlando remains unbowed.

A sign projected on one of the buildings in downtown Orlando says: "Our heart may be broken but the pulse of our city goes on."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

2 Pinays win prestigious Daly City awards

DALY CITY, California – For the first time in Daly City’s history, two Filipinos were bestowed the city’s highest yearly honor for its residents.

Outgoing Daly City Mayor and Filipino American Ray Buenaventura named Dorie Paniza as Citizen of the Year. The Youth of the Year award was given to Jasmine Cruz.

Serving as Daly City’s Culture and Arts Commissioner and as the President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County, Paniza said she has dedicated her life to bringing more awareness to the Filipino American community.

"I still feel overwhelmed and also happy and grateful for being awarded Citizen of the Year for Daly City. I also feel satisfied now and proud for my mom that I’m her daughter," Paniza said.

Since she was 3, Jasmine Cruz trained in a variety of dance styles including jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and classical ballet.

Now 13 years old, Cruz has won numerous awards and was given the opportunity to train and perform around the world, including the Homecoming Gala of Ballet Philippines 45th Anniversary in Manila.

"I’m really honored and excited. It’s just a general adrenaline rush really because this is a really big thing for me," Cruz said.

Paniza and Cruz are both humbled by the recognition and hope it can inspire Filipinos in communities everywhere.

"I’m again, really honored because the fact that I have the opportunity to show that we can do this and we have the talent and the drive to do it is really amazing,” said Cruz.

“Daly City is well-known as a Filipino community,” said Paniza. “Now is the time that all the Filipinos should unite and work together to be proud that we are Filipino not just here in Daly City but all over the world.”

As the first dual Pinays to receive the honor, Paniza and Cruz say they hope it won’t be the last.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Ams weigh in on Pemberton guilty verdict

The legal counsel for the US Pinoys for Good Governance offers analysis of the Olongapo court's guilty verdict of US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton in the homicide of transgender Filipina Jennifer Laude.

Balitang America, December 2, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinay opens first kamayan-style restaurant in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO - A new Filipino restaurant in San Francisco is offering diners kamayan-style dinner.

Pampalasa restaurant is located in the South of Market neighborhood, an area historically known to have a large Filipino community.

Owner Jennifer Villamin and Chef Bayani Inclano Jr. offer the city their take on Filipino culture and food.

"We're not fusion but we're not specifically very traditional either. It's more representative of a lot of us, American-born Filipinos and our experience with food. Our menu is very traditional in a sense that we keep the traditional names but a lot of the ingredients are very modern," Villamin said.

Pampalasa is San Francisco's first "kamayan-optional" restaurant that aims to make Filipino cuisine more accessible for first-time customers.

"We set up this entire experience for you so that you can eat with your hands and feel comfortable about doing it and be willing to learn an aspect of Filipino culture that [you] never knew about," said Villamin.

Other Filipino Americans say they are getting re-acquainted with their roots through food.

"I was born in the Philippines so we would eat with our hands but it was never a presentation like this," said Nilma Rubin. "It wasn't like a huge celebration kind of thing. It was a normal daily thing so it's actually really cool to see that here."

Filipino-Americans say that are proud to see that other people also enjoy Filipino food and customs.

"It's amazing that they could take our culture in, accept it and have fun with it too," said Jasmine Tadema.

The Laris siblings celebrated their father's birthday at the restaurant. They said eating kamayan-style made the birthday more memorable.

"It's nice. It's very communal," said Alfredo Laris. "It's very family oriented and there's a lot of different flavors you can share. It's really wonderful."

"Going from eating with a spoon to your hands was a completely new experience but it was a really good experience none the less," said Osvaldo Laris.

A vegan, meat and seafood option is available for kamayan dinners with the lechon kawali quickly becoming a local favorite.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Ams celebrate International Day of Peace

PASADENA, California – The United Nations recently celebrated the International Day of Peace, a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples.

Peace and unity and Filipinos were at the forefront of the United Nations celebration.

The Los Angeles chapter of the United Nations held its annual United Nations International Day of Peace with the Philippines and Sri Lanka as host nations of the special day.

"We should have more of this," said one of the performers, Gelo Francisco.

Another performer, Joan Almedilla added, "It's good to know other people, especially the arts, their dances, other food, and their culture because we can't really go to every country"..

The theme for this year's celebration: Human Rights.

Former LA County Sheriff Lee Baca and Miss Sri Lanka 2004 Anarkali Akarsha, celebrated with them, sharing their insights on the need for human rights.

"World peace and human rights are something that can be categorized as a responsibility not just of government, not just of a city in any country in the world. It is beyond just one domain that we're ever going to have," Baca said.

For Filipino community leaders, the acts of goodwill and fight for equality are part of their daily lives.

"Our work is concentrated on doing good for others, making sure that families that are suffering in their lives are given dignity," said Yey Cornell of the Filipino American Service Group Inc.

The United Nations began observing the International Day of Peace every September since 1982. This year was a grand celebration as Pope Francis visited the UN headquarters in New York just days after the special day.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How Fil-Ams remember 9/11 attacks

It's been nearly 14 years since the September 11 attacks. While many Filipinos in New York now feel relatively safe, the threat of terrorism remains. - ANC, The World Tonight, September 10, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Am chilldhood friends take dream out west

CALIFORNIA – Two childhood friends are among the most prolific Filipino-Americans on YouTube with close to four million subscribers and thousands of video hits. But the Wassabi Brothers are just getting silly in front of the camera.

Ten years ago in Durham North Carolina, a pair of Filipino-American childhood friends had wild ideas.

Today, Roi Fabito and Alex Burris, known as the Wassabi Brothers, are among YouTube's brightest stars with some 3.8 million subscribers, even grabbing the attention of some celebrities.

"We love it, especially the Filipino fans from Manila, they go the hardest. They have Philippine groups like Wassabi Philippine fan group. It's awesome," said Burris.

"We love it. It brings a smile to our faces knowing that we're making people happy," said Roi Fabito.

The duo is known for their over the top videos that includes a 2-man sketch comedy show from silly twists on everyday activities, to music video parodies, wild ideas they have no real explanation for.

"Sometimes, we just dream of it, sometimes randomly," said Fabito.

Burris added, "And then something in life will happen and it'll trigger a script."

"I think, usually they just like us together. Our personalities just intertwine and that's the reason they watch us," Fabito said.

The duo recently moved from the eastern seaboard to Hollywood where they are continuing to make new projects and gaining more fans.

While Burris admits he was the class clown, Fabito said he would've gone to work in computer science if it wasn't for their blazing rise to Internet stardom.

"I wouldn't be the same person I am now if I didn't have YouTube to express all this craziness that we have. I think it changed us for the better," Burris said.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinay's tribal-inspired fashion a big hit in NY

NEW YORK — Twinkle Ferraren's design style features traditional Filipino handwoven fabric made for modern everyday wear.

It's an uncommon combination but the Filipino designer rose to the challenge to make it her own distinct style.

"I love tribes. For me tribes speak about our heritage, our culture. It's the soul of a country. It's how you know who you are," she said.

From Benguet Province to Sulu, Ferraren has been working with ethnic and tribal communities around the Philippines to find that special heritage materials that would give her design a distinct Filipino look and feel.

Her modern silhouettes are hand-embellished with embroidery, bead work, and print-painting. Inspired by tribal artisans, the geometric details of her creations are organic and natural.

"A lot of it geometric, because of the weave meanings, some of it are mountain, turtle, frogs, crabs, fishbone, the ocean. So you can just imagine this is the kind of area that they are living in," she said.

A designer for 10 years, Ferraren learned what it takes to make her ethnic designs relevant to the modern fashionistas. Even her swimwear and island wear collections are everyday wearable fashion.

For young Filipino American customers who are always on the lookout for designs that would showcase their ethnic roots, the wearability of Ferraren's creations is also a big plus.

"It's really great because it provides a jumping point for me to talk about the Philippines with my friends, even strangers," New Yorker Stephanie Chrispin said.

Founders of the Second Annual Ethical Pop-Up Shop said Ferraren's designs are a big hit in the Big Apple.

Andy Katz, co-founder of Jewel Lotus Global Ethical Market Place, said, "There's something really unique and special about the designs coming from the Philippines. They're a bit more like an earthy grounded feel. Some of the weaves and the thread that are being used, they're so incredible."

Ferraren said, "We have everybody from all over the world here in New York and then they appreciate it. So then you realize that it's not only for Filipinos, but it's for the world. So it's exciting, she said.

The Jewel and Lotus Ethical Marketplace for a Better World runs until August 23 at the Mark Miller Gallery in Manhattan's Lower East Side.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

San Francisco fiesta puts focus on Pinoy pride

One of the biggest Filipino American celebrations in the country kicks off this weekend in San Francisco. Balitang America, August 6, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys strip down for 'No Pants Subway Ride'

NEW YORK – While most New Yorkers are all bundled up on a frigid afternoon these train riders are dropping their pants on the subway all in the name of comedy.

“It’s so weird but it’s very exciting because you have no pants inside the subway and people are looking at you but you have to pretend that you totally forgot to put on your pants that day,” said Golda De La Merced of New York.

Organized by comedy group Improv Everywhere, founder Charlie Todd says, the very first "No Pants Subway Ride" prank started in New York in 2002 with only seven pant-less riders.

Today, this subway strip-down happens in 60 cities in over 25 countries.

In New York alone, there are over 4,000 riders.

This Filipino-American came all the way from Philadelphia to show off his super-hero undies.

“If you ride the subway on a regular day you will see grim faces and the whole concept of the No Pants Subway Ride is to bring a little joy, bring a little humor and hilarity to the daily lives of people who ride the subway,” said Kevin Mitra.


But not everyone is amused.

"For kids like me, it’s like a euphemism,” said Tiffany of Jersey City, New Jersey. “It’s unethical. It’s not respectful but this is New York, America.”

Cos-player Glen Robert Corral dressed up as a pant-less Captain Jack Sparrow.

“I think it’s their way of showing their freedom, liberty, their freedom of speech and expression,” said Corral.

“With all the stuff that’s happening in the world and in the news lately, this is what it should be like, everybody having fun, and hanging out and laughing,” said Conan Jorge, an Ozone Park resident.

Riders converged at the Union Square Park to show off their skills, this time in dancing.

For 14 years, the New York subway strip-down has become a yearly tradition without fail, and there are no signs that we are going to see the end of it any time soon.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com