Enzo Manzano is a rising star in NYC’s political scene

LOS ANGELES – Enzo Manzano is making a name for himself in the field of politics and public affairs in New York City. He has been elected as president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADCNY) – and the Club’s first holiday party drew some of New York’s political heavyweights.

Elected officials and Filipino American community leaders in New York were among those who attended the holiday event last week at 58 Manor in Woodside, Queens.

“I am overjoyed by the support and turnout we received at our first ever holiday party,” said Manzano – the son of veteran actor and TV host Edu Manzano.

Elected officials and Filipino American community leaders in New York were among those who attended a holiday event spearheaded by Enzo Manzano, president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADCNY). CONTRIBUTED

Manzano said the event was an opportunity to connect and expand the Club’s community and to begin a collaboration with New York’s elected representatives.

“Our work is only getting started,” Manzano said.

Remarkable turnout

The high-powered attendees included Assemblymember Steven Raga, who has made history as the first Filipino American to be elected to office in New York State.

Also joining the event were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, State Senator John Liu, Council members Julie Won, Shekar Krishnan, Lynn Schulman and Linda Lee, and local District Leader Melissa Sklarz.

Among the Filipino American community leaders who attended the event was lawyer and best-selling author Loida Nicolas Lewis. CONTRIBUTED

Several Fil-Am community leaders, including lawyer and best-selling author Loida Nicolas Lewis, also attended the event.

Founded in 2016 by Aries Dela Cruz, Marian Guerra and Assemblymember Raga, FADCNY aims to amplify Filipino American voices and advocate for equitable political representation in New York.

The Club reached a significant milestone when Raga, one of its co-founders, became the first Filipino American elected to legislative office in New York State in 2022.

“The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York is very near and dear to my heart, as one of its co-founders,” Raga said.

“I look forward to supporting and participating with FADCNY to grow the club and encourage our community to mobilize and to be active in the democratic processes in New York.”

Leadership team

The FADCNY leadership team includes Manzano, Vice President Michelle Amor, Secretary John Bahia and Senior Advisor Marian Guerra.

One of the political heavyweights who joined the holiday celebration was State Senator John Liu (left), who was introduced by Enzo Manzano (right). CONTRIBUTED

Manzano is not new to political work, having served as New York City Council’s district office director. He also worked as a field organizer for New York City Council member Eric Dinowitz’ election campaign.

He currently serves as deputy director of community relations at the Carpenter Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York (CCA Metro).

Manzano obtained a Master of Public Administration from New York University (NYU) Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Taking a stand

In June 2020, Manzano drew public attention when he took a stand against the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

He held solo protests in New York to raise awareness on how “the Philippine government keeps coming up with ways to silence us back home.”

“Today, I chose to stand outside the United Nations HQ for [three] hours,” he said in a Facebook post. “It took me three days to decide I was actually going to do this.”

He held a sign that read “DUTERTE & THE PHILIPPINE GOV’T ARE TAKING AWAY MY PEOPLE’S BASIC RIGHTS! FILIPINOS CAN’T PROTEST… so I hope the WORLD can see us instead!”

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced it will resume investigation of Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity during the seven-year drug war.