Consul General Senen Mangalile
On a milestone evening filled with reflections and aspirations, the Philippine Center in New York marked its 50th anniversary with a simple celebration, aptly titled “Fifty on Fifth.” Distinguished guests, diplomats, and stakeholders of the Filipino-American community gathered at the Kalayaan Hall to honor the rich history and enduring legacy of this iconic cultural and diplomatic hub.
Consul General Senen Mangalile opened the evening by welcoming attendees and providing a heartfelt reflection on the center’s origins. “Half a century ago, in the heart of midtown Manhattan, a dream took root,” he said, describing the Philippine Center as more than a structure but “a reflection of a nation’s aspirations, culture, and identity.” He emphasized the center’s role as a “sanctuary for Filipinos, a bridge to the world, and a stage for showcasing the vibrant soul of the Philippines.”
Consul General Senen Mangalile, Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, and Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez led the Fifty on Fifth celebration at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
Established through Presidential Decree 487 on June 19, 1974, the Philippine Center was created with a unified vision to “consolidate, integrate, and coordinate all activities of Philippine government offices and agencies abroad.” Its mission encompasses promoting and preserving Philippine culture, encouraging tourism to the Philippines, expanding the international market for Philippine products, delivering comprehensive public services, and elevating the country’s global image.
Over the years, it has grown into more than a building—it is a symbol of national identity, cultural preservation, and diplomatic excellence.
Mangalile discussed the cultural significance of the center, referencing the marker inscribed at its entrance. Quoting former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, he noted, “More than a place in time or space, the new society is a vision in our minds.” He further reminded the audience that the center was not only a building but also a testament to the vision of its founders and a beacon for generations of Filipinos.
A Tribute to the Past
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine Ambassador to the United States and Chairman of the Philippine Center Management Board, highlighted the center’s pivotal role in connecting Filipinos across generations and promoting Philippine culture globally. “For five decades, the Philippine Center has welcomed hundreds of Filipino and Filipino-American organizations that have held countless exhibitions and events in its Main Hall and lobby,” he said.
Romualdez paid tribute to the vision of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, whose efforts led to the establishment of the Philippine Center and other diplomatic properties in the United States. Despite historical controversies, he credited her with laying the groundwork for these enduring landmarks. “We owe all of this to the vision and foresight of one person,” he said, noting that the center on Fifth Avenue is now an “irreplaceable landmark” and a symbol of Filipino resilience and pride.
Ambassador Romualdez also addressed the ongoing need to preserve and enhance the building. “Already, a substantial amount has been committed for repairs and rehabilitation,” he said, noting past discussions about renovating the building and even expanding it by adding additional floors. While these plans were delayed by the pandemic, he expressed hope that the Marcos administration would continue to invest in the center’s upkeep and modernization. He also reflected on a past attempt to sell the building, emphasizing the importance of maintaining it as an irreplaceable landmark and a symbol of the Filipino community’s enduring presence in New York.
Cultural and Diplomatic Hub
A slide show of Philippine Center photos from the 70s and 80s up to the present was showcased during the dinner, including this one with former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos and other guests.
Over the years, the Philippine Center has evolved into a multifaceted institution, hosting exhibitions, cultural performances, and diplomatic events. Known as the “Philippine House” in its early years, it became a cultural and diplomatic hub that showcased the artistry of Filipinos and provided a sense of home for those far from their homeland.
From its early days, when it housed Filipino institutions such as Philippine Airlines and a restaurant featuring the culinary creations of Nora Daza, to its current role as a meeting point for diplomacy, culture, and community, the center has remained a cornerstone of the Filipino-American experience.
Consul General Mangalile called upon current personnel to continue honoring the center’s legacy. “Let us continue to honor its legacy by performing our duties the best way we can,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of upholding the center’s mission to share the Filipino story with the world.
As the Philippine Center embarks on its next chapter, its leaders and community members remain committed to ensuring it continues to serve as a vibrant representation of the Philippines in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. “Tonight, as we mark ‘Fifty on Fifth,’ we honor the enduring legacy of a vision that continues to take form and substance within these walls,” Mangalile concluded, echoing the pride and hope shared by everyone in attendance.
The evening’s speeches reflected a shared determination to preserve and elevate the Philippine Center as a vital cultural and diplomatic hub.
Ambassador Romualdez expressed confidence in the center’s future and said, “The Philippine Center, under the effective leadership and with the right tools of communication at its disposal, could become an institution prepared to address long-term issues that will outlast even our own lifetimes.”
“The Center does not discriminate based on creed, ideology, or social status. Everyone is welcome to call it their home,” Romualdez added, as he called upon the current custodians of the center to honor its legacy through dedicated service and to ensure it remains a vibrant platform for cultural and diplomatic engagement.
Today, the Philippine Center remains committed to its mission of promoting Filipino culture, encouraging tourism, expanding international markets for Philippine products, and elevating the country’s global image. As it enters its next 50 years, the center is poised to remain a cornerstone of Filipino heritage and a vital bridge between the Philippines and the world.
