Tag Archives: philippines

By Amanda L. Andrei Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda), struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013. Nearly one year later, visiting Tacloban, Leyte, is a surreal experience. What does recovery look like an anniversary later? Considered a transportation and trade hub for the islands of Leyte and Samar, Tacloban is one of the major cities in the Visayas region …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Washington, D.C.–Some 40 Filipino teachers, who are victims of human trafficking by an illegal Philippine-based recruiter, joined a national call-to-action rally organized by the militant advocacy Gabriela-DC group in front of the Philippine embassy on March 24. The rally took place despite the snow that closed down embassy and federal offices in the nation’s capital. The …

Compiled by: Mary Tablante 1. First Gay Couple Granted U.S. Visa in the Philippines The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines granted visas to same-sex couples for the first time during the first week of December.  Noel “Aeinghel” Amaro and Robert Cotterman were the first same-sex couple that received a fiancé visa. Even though same-sex marriage is not recognized in the …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Photos by JLI The sun and cool fall weather were the bonus attractions at the 10th Annual Asian Festival, held on September 28-29 in Maryland, enticing thousands to linger leisurely on opening day and to come back the following day. The crowds enjoyed the world famous “Bamboo Orchestra” from Beijing, China, the concert featuring international star …

By Amanda L. Andrei Fact: New York City is a gastronomic paradise. Whatever your palate or budget, you can find something to eat. Even when narrowing it to only Asian cuisines, the choices are staggering to the point of bewilderment. But if I’m going to spend a weekend in the city, I’m visiting my roots and checking out Filipino food. …

Emerging From the Shadows By Mary Tablante and Jhee Yoon Rockville, MD—Ray Jose thought his future looked bright during senior year at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. The Philippine-born athlete with an interest in medicine was intent on attending a university. So he was elated to be offered three college scholarships for track. But when he announced the wonderful …