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JULY 2026
Special Supplement: 50th Golden Year of PIWC
EDITORIAL - JULY '26
United States of America at 250— Still a republic… can we keep it?
NEARING the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787, A constituent, Elizabeth W. Powell, asked Benjamin Franklin of the 39 founding fathers of this 250-year old nation present at the historic assembly—“Well Doctor, what have we got, republic or a monarchy?”
“A Republic if you can keep it,” replied the 81-year delegate from Philadelphia.
Presided over by George Washington, who successfully led the revolution against the British monarchy, the fractious assembly represented by quarrelsome delegates from the first 13 states struggled to find a common ground defined by democratic principles.
Lengthy debates and hard-fought compromises, they finally abided by the rule of the majority but the challenges of protecting the rights of the minority and every citizen would yet evolve with the bill of rights and various amendments.
Over time, America grew into 50 states now one known as the United States of America. This nation has seen upheavals that put the republic into severe tests. The genocidal policies imposed on the Indian nations, the bloody conflict over slavery, the imperialistic involvement in Third World countries, the ascendant of the industrial military complex— these have taken their toll and continue to plague this country—yet it prevailed still, and even taken its role as leader of the Free World.
The survival of the republic has never been, yet again, fully put to crucial test as much as the events we are experiencing recently. The right to vote is constantly being corrupted. Freedom of speech is on the verge of being eliminated. The sacred principle of the separation of church and state is jeopardized. Racism has clogged America’s welcoming door for immigrants and for refugees from countries besieged by war and disasters.
What is really of alarming concern is the apparent widening gap between the rich and the poor, the disparity in the economic conditions of the people that result in unstable state of affairs. Billionaires practically buying the results of our elections. Minorities constantly being marginalized.
Unlike in 1776, the U.S. is now far much more pluralistic, it is no longer bound by one language and religion. Diverse social and cultural factors have moved front and center. Delivery of information is complicated by an advance in technology that ironically increased the likelihood of disinformation and fake news.
Lengthy debates and hard-fought compromises, they finally abided by the rule of the majority but the challenges of protecting the rights of the minority and every citizen would yet evolve with the bill of rights and various amendments
Further, consent of the governed is no longer sufficient to guarantee the existence of a strong republic. The enduring admonition that continued vigilance, devotion and commitment to democratic principles embodied in that constitution that founding fathers had assiduously drafted and carefully promulgated is still the price that all citizens have to pay in our pursuit of happiness, justice and liberty.
None. There is no other way.
Mailbag
PH’s labor export
is importing risk
Dear Editor,
As conflicts escalate in the Middle East, governments around the world are assessing their risks. For the Philippines, the concern is not abstract. It is measured in the number of Filipinos working in the region, many of whom find themselves in the shadows of a possible widening conflict.
The Philippine economy is not just supported by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), it is structurally dependent on them. In 2024, OFWs sent more than $38 billion. Remittances account for about 8.3 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product. These funds support household spending, education, and small businesses nationwide.
The Philippines’ reliance on overseas workers is not merely a matter of economic necessity but a structural feature of its development strategy. OFWs are routinely deployed through institutionalized labor export programs…this not as a temporary solution but as a central pillar of economic stability.
Many Filipino workers are in environments where political tensions and conflict risks are persistent.
In times of crisis, government response focuses on monitoring developments, coordinating evacuations, and providing assistance to affected workers. While necessary and often effective, these measures are largely reactive, activated only after risks escalate.
It is important to recognize that many Filipinos choose to work abroad, drawn by higher wages and opportunities unavailable at home. Government agencies also provide support from predeparture orientation to repatriation assistance. Yet these choices occur within a context of limited domestic employment remain limited, raising questions about how voluntary they truly are.
These realities point to a deeper structural issue. The Philippines does not simply fall short in protecting its workers overseas; it continues to rely on a system in which their exposure to risk is an inherent feature. Economic stability is, to a significant extent, sustained by labor deployed beyond its borders, often in regions where uncertainty is part of the environment.
The Philippines has long mastered the art of responding to crisis. The harder question is whether it is willing to confront the system that makes these crises inevitable. Until then, every conflict abroad will continue to echo at home—not as an exception, but as a consequence.
Andrey Kim Malabed,
COMMUNITY NEWS - JULY 2026
PIWC, FilAm groups to join Chicagoland July 4th Parades
FILIPINO-Americans in the Chicago area are joining various community July 4th parade on Saturday in celebration of the 250th year birthday of the United States of America.
Philippine Independence Week Committee 2026 beauty queens and its officers led by overall Chair Reynel Espiritu are joining the Village of Niles parade that will start at 8:45 am at grounds of Notre Dame College Prep School along Dempster Street and will end at Main and Harlem Avenue at 10 am with a variety show. Evelyn Natividad is the PIWC parade chairperson.
In Skokie, Philippine Americans of Skokie and Friends, will continue its participation in this village annual parade that will gather at the Oakton Community College parking grounds along Lincoln Avenue at 10 am. Parade starts at 12 noon. and end at Kenton Ave. east of Oakton Water Park.
Jelly Carangdang heads the Skokie participants who invited to a picnic at Oakton Park at Kenton Street where the parade ends. Call Jelly at 630-564-7949 for details. At 6:30 p.m. the fun moves to Niles West High School (Oakton Street just west of the Edens Expressway) featuring live music, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show after dusk for 10,000+ patrons! (The fireworks rain date is July 5.) For more event information call (847) 674-1500.
Filipino Americans of South DuPage County will again join the 10 am parade at City of Darien. Alex Simbal is the group president. Gathering time is 8:30 am at the Jewel-Osco at Cass and 75th Streets and end at Hindsdale South High School. Ruben Salazar said that the group has been consistently a supporter of the annual event. This year also marks the 80th year of the U.S. granting of independence to the Philippines on July 4, 1946 after 48 years of colonization. The day is celebrated as Philippine American Friendship Day.
COOK County Treasurer Maria Pappas (in front microphone) hosted June 10 a Philippine Independence Day reception at her offices at the Cook County Building at the Chicago Loop in celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and in recognition of the achievements and contributions of Filipino and Filipino American leaders in the community.
ConGen Melanie R. B. Diano joined Pappas and members of the Filipino community in the event which brought together civic leaders, professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and representatives of various FilAm organizations including ABC Channel 7 reporter Cate Cauguiran, PACCGC President Mae Espina, PIWC 2026 OAC Chair Reynel Espiritu and Chicago BAR President-Emiritus Aurora A. Austriaco. (PINOY Photo by Anong)
PIYESTA Pinoy grand prize raffle winner Judy B. (inset) for the EVA Air roundtrip ticket to Manila. Pictured during the award ceremony in City of Bolingbrook Town Center and Performing Arts Center, June 13 are the emcee Alpha Nicolasin, special guest artist Ruffa Gutierrez, EVA Air General Manager Daniel Chang, Sales Manager Jake Chen and Piyesta Pinoy volunteer Ruben Salazar among other prize donors are Chicken Ati Atihan, LBC, Pinoy Hub Global Cargo, Three Horses Rice and B & A Health Providers. Other photo coverage of Piyesta Pinoy are on passing scenes, p. 43
Rizal Center "Heritage Mural" unveiled
CHICAGO—A collective work of the Filipino American Artists of Greater Chicago was unveiled June 13. The “Heritage Mural” graces the eastern wall of the Jose Rizal Heritage Center, 1332 W. Irving Park in this city. Larry Leopoldo of Sinag and artist Michael del Valle led and guided the realization of the much awaited project.
Inspired by Filipino American immigrants contributions to America particularly the sacrifices of Filipino World War II veterans, its unveiling coincided with the commemoration of the 128th year of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois' 5th Congressional District, FilAm Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth of Chicago's 48th Ward and Ph Consul Melvin Almonguera joined leaders and members of the community at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
(PINOY Photo)
COMMUNITY NEWS - JULY 2026
165th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal Commemorated, June 19
CHICAGO—The 165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal hosted by the Central USA Area Knights of Rizal (KoR)and Ladies for Rizal held June 19 at Margate Park in this city’s north side.
The ceremony commenced with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by KoR member Emil Nicolasin followed by a flower offertory led by Consul Ella Karina Mitra, accompanied by members of the Knights of Rizal (KoR), Ladies for Rizal, and representatives from various Filipino community organizations.
Chicago Area Knights of Rizal Commander Mariano "Anong" Santos welcomed attendees with a brief history of the installation of the monument dedicated to Dr. Rizal, emphasizing his significance in Filipino identity and history in Chicago and the US.
Consul Ma. Theresa Alders delivered remarks on behalf of the Philippine Consulate General, emphasizing that the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal lives on in every Filipino and underscoring his continuing relevance in modern society. She highlighted how Rizal’s ideals and values continue to inspire Filipinos. The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago was also represented by Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel and Protocol Officer and KoR member Martyn Asker B. Orcine.
The event also featured remarks from representatives of various organizations, including Reynel Espiritu of Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) and KoR, Angeles Carangdang of National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Dr. Evelyn Natividad of PACF, Ms. Nerissa Allegretti of Ladies for Rizal and National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NaFCon), Dr. Virgilio Jonson of KoR and PIWC, Mr. Ed Brotonel of KoR Chapter Commander Chicago,Amando Boncales of the KoR Maynilad Chapter and Mr. Felix Gonzales of KoR, Malaya Chapter.
The celebration concluded with a small salu-salo, fostering fellowship among all attendees. [END]
Bringing Home More Than a Suitcase
IF you've ever packed a balikbayan box, you know it doesn't happen in a day. It starts with one thing — a jar of peanut butter your sister requested, a pair of sneakers for a nephew — and slowly grows over weeks. By the time it's sealed and taped, it holds more than groceries and clothes. It holds months of thinking about the people waiting on the other side. If you're planning to fly home with one this year, a little preparation goes a long way.
Baggage Policies Matter More Than You Think
Not all airlines treat balikbayan travelers the same way. Philippine Airlines, long a favorite among Fil-Am travelers, allows two free checked bags in Economy — making it a practical choice when you're bringing boxes. EVA Air and Cathay Pacific also offer competitive baggage policies on their routes to Manila. The differences aren't always obvious when searching online, so it's worth comparing the full cost of your trip, not just the headline fare.
A Few Smart Tips for Balikbayan Travelers
- Book early. Flights with the best baggage allowances and departure times fill up first, especially heading into the holiday season.
- Ask about weight vs. piece limits. Some airlines allow two pieces regardless of weight; others have strict per-bag limits. Knowing this before you pack makes a real difference.
- Consider your routing. A one-stop flight through Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong can sometimes offer better baggage terms than a pricier nonstop.
- Seal and label your boxes before you leave. Clearly marked boxes move through check-in far more smoothly.
Getting the Best Fare
Many of the lowest fares on flights to the Philippines aren't published online. Travel agencies like ASAP Tickets work directly with airlines to access exclusive rates, and their agents can compare baggage policies, routing, and total cost side by side. With agents fluent in Tagalog and Cebuano and over 22 years of experience helping Filipino travelers, it's the kind of personalized help that's hard to replicate on a booking website.
Call +1 888-535-5979 and mention promo code ASAP50 for an exclusive $50 Pinoy Newsmagazine discount. Bring it all home.
PARK TO SHOP - NILES
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