Celebrating Pride and Filipino heritage at the NY State Capitol

More than 200 attendees from across the 30th Assembly District and New York State gathered at the New York State Capitol on June 4th to celebrate the 126th Philippine Independence Day. CONTRIBUTED

ALBANY, NEW YORK—The season of Pride is upon us once again. My friend Chelle Lhuillier, a World Pride Ambassador, and I traveled yesterday to Albany to attend the Governor’s Pride Brunch at the Mansion. What was supposed to be a 2.5-hour drive from Queens turned into a 5-hour ordeal due to a commercial truck accident on the freeway, causing us to arrive much later than anticipated. Unfortunately, we missed the celebration with Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Determined to make the most of our trip, we paid a courtesy visit to Assemblymember Steven Raga, who was busy with the final day of the legislative session. Asm. Raga, the first Filipino and Southeast Asian American elected to office in New York State, graciously took a break to give us a VIP tour of the Assembly Chamber and a glimpse of the Senate Chamber in action.

This visit provided a wonderful opportunity to meet the young assemblyman and explore the Capitol for the first time since he took office in 2022.

Last year, for the first time ever, the Philippine Independence Day was celebrated within the hallowed walls of the executive chamber. Thanks to Asm. Raga for raising our flag in the Capitol.

On June 4, the Filipino community once again gathered at the New York State Capitol to commemorate the 126th Philippine Independence Day. Co-organized by the Office of Asm. Raga and the Philippine Consulate General, the event underscored the strong and enduring bonds between New York State and the Filipino community.

More than 200 attendees from across the 30th Assembly District and New York State gathered at the New York State Capitol on June 4th to celebrate the 126th Philippine Independence Day. CONTRIBUTED

“It is an honor to serve in the state legislature and be able to celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Filipino community in New York State,” said Asm. Raga in his speech. 

“This celebration is not just a commemoration of our history but also a testament to the enduring spirit and contributions of Filipinos in New York. I am immensely proud to represent such a dynamic and resilient community, not only in Assembly District 30 but throughout the state. Together, we will continue to build bridges of understanding and collaboration, ensuring that everywhere we go, our voices are heard, and our presence is felt.”

For his part, Consul General Senen Mangalile emphasized the event’s importance: “As we gather for the second year at the state capitol to commemorate the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the historic halls of the Legislative Office Building again bear witness to the strong bonds between the Filipino community and the great state of New York,” the ConGen said. 

A VIP tour of the Assembly Chamber in the NYS Capitol with Asm. Steven Raga, the first and only Filipino/Southeast Asian elected official in New York State. CONTRIBUTED

“We celebrate under the theme ‘Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.’ (‘Freedom. Future. History.’) which echoes the spirit of the Katipunan, whose bravery and patriotism laid the foundation for the freedom the Philippines now enjoys.” 

ConGen Mangalile calls on the Filipino community in New York to draw inspiration from the Katipunan’s courage “as we work together to build a prosperous and united future for a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines). Thank you to Asm. Raga and his office for their initiative and invaluable support in co-organizing this celebration with the Philippine Consulate.”

The event at the Legislative Office Building’s Well included vibrant cultural performances by Filipino American community members and groups, featuring musical talents like Azia Sky Barao, Carla Mongado, Luz Sanchez, and Raffy Tragico from the band Brown Sugar, along with a dance performance by the Kuyamis Festival dancers from Misamis Oriental. Attendees enjoyed Filipino cuisine from Kusina Resto, a local Albany caterer.

Later that day, the New York State Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by Asm. Kenneth Zebrowski and co-sponsored by Asm. Raga, memorializing Gov. Hochul to proclaim June 12, 2024, as Philippine Independence Day in New York State.

Asm. Raga, who is currently running for a second term, reiterated his commitment to the Filipino community and his dedication to creating policies that foster inclusivity and equality. 

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan at mabuhay tayong lahat!