Sillimanians join the 127th Philippine Independence Day Parade in NY
Alumni Update for June 2-8, 2025
SUAANYNJ’s Philippine Independence Day Parade participation has been a yearly tradition. Chapter President Juliesette Divinagracia Hatulan led the Silliman alumni contingent, with the presence of Chapter President Elect Joseph “Toto” Calderon, Silliman University Trustee Dr. Evangeline Bravo-Manjares, and other officers and members of the chapter.
The annual parade, the largest celebration of its kind outside the Philippines, is organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile underscored the significance of the annual celebration, noting that for over three decades, it has served to honor the Filipino identity and diaspora in the U.S., foster unity among communities, and recognize the contributions of Filipino-Americans in the country. He encouraged the community to take pride in its roots and remain forward-looking, stating, “As we walk down Madison Avenue, let us be proud of our heritage and confident in our future in this country.”
In celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day, the Silliman University Alumni Association New York-New Jersey (SUAANYNJ) Chapter joined hundreds of Filipino Americans who gathered along Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York, on June 1, 2025, for the 35th Philippine Independence Day Parade.
(L-R) SU Trustee Dr. Evangeline Bravo-Manjares, Juliesette Divinagracia Halulan, and Edelisa Bravo-Gaviola strike a pose at the parade.
SUAANYNJ’s Philippine Independence Day Parade participation has been a yearly tradition. Chapter President Juliesette Divinagracia Hatulan led the Silliman alumni contingent, with the presence of Chapter President Elect Joseph “Toto” Calderon, Silliman University Trustee Dr. Evangeline Bravo-Manjares, and other officers and members of the chapter.
The annual parade, the largest celebration of its kind outside the Philippines, is organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile underscored the significance of the annual celebration, noting that for over three decades, it has served to honor the Filipino identity and diaspora in the U.S., foster unity among communities, and recognize the contributions of Filipino-Americans in the country. He encouraged the community to take pride in its roots and remain forward-looking, stating, “As we walk down Madison Avenue, let us be proud of our heritage and confident in our future in this country.”
Outstanding Silliman Awardee Dr. Dely P. Go (center in red) joins SUAANYNJ officers for a photo opportunity. Dr. Go was the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) Parade Grand Marshal in 2023.
At the close of the parade, the celebration continued at the corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Street with a lively street fair featuring Filipino food, crafts, and community services offered by local businesses and government units.
Later in the afternoon, a concert was held featuring Filipino-American local artists, 4th Impact, The Voice Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez, Martin Nievera, and P-Pop girl group BINI, who all took part in the parade earlier in the day. Their performance, one of the most awaited parts of the program, drew an enthusiastic crowd of fans and onlookers.
