Philippine Consulate General in New York

Did you know that our national hero, Dr. José Rizal, was once a tourist right here in New York City?

Arriving on Sunday morning, 13 May 1888, Rizal spent three days exploring the "Big Town"—as he called it—marking the final stop of his transcontinental train journey across the United States. During his brief stay, he checked into the historic luxury Fifth Avenue Hotel in Manhattan overlooking Madison Square Park. He spent his days exploring the city's sites, sketching the Brooklyn Bridge, and later standing on the deck of his departing ship to observe the newly dedicated Statue of Liberty.

On 16 May 1888, he left New York for Liverpool, England, aboard the SS City of Rome, which was the second-largest ocean liner in the world at the time.

Upon crossing the Hudson River into the Tri-State area, Rizal fondly noted in his diary that it was as beautiful and majestic as the Pasig River of his youth. However, his overall reviews of America were highly mixed. While he marveled at the country's intense energy, industrial progress, and high standard of living, he was deeply disturbed by the instances of racial prejudice that he witnessed.

Rizal’s presence in the Big Apple is heavily honored to this day through two permanent local landmarks. First, the intersection of Woodside Avenue and 58th Street in Queens—the vibrant heart of New York's Filipino community—is officially co-named Dr. José Rizal Way. Second, a permanent commemorative plaque and cultural hub dedicated to his memory is housed right inside the Philippine Consulate General on Fifth Avenue.

Rizal’s footsteps remind us that the connection between the Philippines and New York is generations deep!

On the occasion of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Niagara Falls Illumination Board, is pleased to announce that Niagara Falls will be illuminated in the colors of the Philippine flag on 12 June 2026, at approximately 10:15 PM for 15 minutes.

The public may view the special illumination through the live cam link:
https://bit.ly/4dTrRwD

Please note that all illumination times are approximate and subject to change according to light conditions. Those who wish to view the illumination in person are reminded to follow applicable public health and park guidelines.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York honored 47 Filipino graduates from Harvard University on 26 May 2026, by presenting certificates and awarding medals to them to celebrate their academic success.

The recognition ceremony brought together families, mentors, and community leaders who gathered to express their pride and support for the graduates during this milestone.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York joins all those celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice.

May this sacred occasion inspire devotion, compassion, and generosity, and bring peace and blessings to you and your loved ones.

Eid Mubarak!

The Philippine Consulate General in New York joins the observance of Ease of Doing Business Month this May 2026, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 818, s. 2025.

This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Achieving Results through Transparency and Accountability: Towards a More Productive Bagong Pilipinas,” and aims to raise public awareness on government reforms, promote transparency and accountability, and encourage collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and the general public.

Through this observance, the Philippine Consulate reaffirms its support for continuing efforts to make doing business in the Philippines easier, more transparent, and more responsive to the needs of the public.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA), invites Filipino and Filipino-American youth ages 4 to 15 to join the 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK), an annual flagship summer program that celebrates Filipino identity, values, and heritage.

The theme for this year’s PSK is Pinag-aaaralan ang Nakaraan, Hinuhubog ang Kinabukasan (Learning Our Past, Shaping Our Future)

PSK learners will be treated to four Saturdays of engaging sessions on Filipino values, history, art, songs, dances, games, traditions, and basic conversational Filipino, led by dedicated educators from AFTA.

🗓 Dates: July 11, 18, 25 July and 01 August 2026 (Saturdays)
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
📍 Venue: Philippine Center, 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036

Places are limited. Register soon by scanning the QR code or visiting the link: https://tinyurl.com/yswdskbb until 26 June 2026.

We look forward to welcoming new and returning participants as they explore, embrace, and celebrate what it means to be Filipino.