FWN 5.0: Filipina Women: Leading with intersectionality book launch
SAN FRANCISCO — On June 26, the Foundation of Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) launched the fifth book in the DISRUPT Leadership series titled, “FWN 5.0: Filipina Women: Leading with Intersectionality,” at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
The Philippine Consulate, led by Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer congratulated the Filipina Women’s Network and all the authors who have contributed for the much awaited milestone for FWN. The entire book series brought together 167 Filipina authors from 16 countries whose stories inspire and uplift other Filipina women around the world.
In his remarks, Consul General Ferrer highlighted that “Filipina women are among the most dynamic and courageous leaders. They are the heart of families, the pillars of communities, and the driving force behind meaningful change — whether in public service, business, healthcare, or the arts. Your stories affirm a powerful legacy and an even more powerful future.” He also commended FWN for being a valued partner of the Consulate in empowering Filipina women in the diaspora and affirming the strength and potential of Filipina women’s leadership on the global stage.
During the event, Marily Mondejar, founder and CEO of the FWN, administered the oath of office to Laarni San Juan as she assumes her role as FWN’s Ambassador for Northern California. As an FWN Ambassador for a two-year term, San Juan is entrusted with representing FWN in Northern California, promoting Filipina women’s leadership, and identifying potential awardees for the organization’s recognition programs.Some of the authors and readers of the DISRUPT series read excerpts from each edition and shared riveting narratives with the audience.
‘Mother of all Philippine maps’ received by SF PH Consulate General
MANDALUYONG CITY, PH – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco formally received two replicas of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, known as the “Mother of All Philippine Maps,” during a turnover ceremony held on July 4 at St. Francis Shangri-La Place, Ortigas Center.
The turnover ceremony was led by Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, accompanied by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, on behalf of the Consulate and Mel Velarde, chairman and CEO of NOW Corporation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), together with Therese Patricia San Diego Torres, President of AIJC.
In his remarks, Ferrer expressed deep appreciation to Velarde and Torres for the generous donation. “We are grateful for your donation of this significant map and we are proud to display replicas of the Murillo Velarde map in the Philippine Consulate General and at the Official Residence of the Consul General in San Francisco,” he stated. “The map served as a crucial piece of evidence in the Philippines’ landmark victory in the South China Sea Arbitration in 2016. It provided historical proof supporting the Philippines’ sovereign rights over contested areas, thereby strengthening the country’s case against China’s expansive maritime claims.”
The Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas, more commonly known as the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, was the first scientific map of the Philippines, produced by Jesuit priest Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde, with illustrations by Filipino engraver Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay and cartographer Francisco Suarez. Measuring 24 x 37.5 inches, the map was published in Manila in 1734 and provides detailed depictions of the Philippine archipelago, surrounding waters, and relevant geopolitical features.
Velarde acquired the original map at a Sotheby’s auction in London in 2014, outbidding several international contenders with a winning offer of £170,500. After successfully convincing British authorities that the map was not part of British patrimony, Mr. Velarde repatriated it to the Philippines. In 2017, he formally donated the map to the Filipino people through the Office of the Solicitor General. The original is now permanently displayed at the National Library of the Philippines, inaugurated in August 2024.
The AIJC’s donation of the replicas further ensures that this historical artifact — and its powerful narrative—reaches wider audiences. Consul General Ferrer also briefed the AIJC on the Consulate’s programs and advocacy work, particularly those related to maritime affairs, where the map remains highly relevant in asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco reaffirms its commitment to upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty and preserving its historical legacy, and deeply thanks AIJC and Mel Velarde for their continuing dedication to this cause.
SF PH Consulate General supports Lalo ensemble’s ‘From Sea to Shining Sea’
SAN FRANCISCO — The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco continues to celebrate and uplift Filipino culture and artistry through its support of Filipino-American creatives. On June 27, Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil attended the concert “From Sea to Shining Sea” by the newly formed Lalò Ensemble, held at the Church of the Epiphany in San Francisco.
The concert, under the artistic direction and baton of conductor Dr. Raoul Carlo (Miggi) Angangco, featured a powerful and moving program that showcased both the richness of Filipino musical heritage and the ensemble’s commitment to diversity, storytelling, and cultural exchange through music.
Lalò Ensemble is a Filipino-American choral group that honors the past, champions the present, and envisions the future through its music-making. Drawing from its name — Lalò, derived from the Tagalog word meaning “more,” “further,” or “greater” — the group aspires to create a society where diverse cultures and traditions can thrive by singing the stories of their people.
The concert program featured the world premiere of a distinct and evocative arrangement of Bayan Ko, which deeply resonated with the audience. Other notable pieces included the Bicolano lullaby “Caturog Na, Nonoy,” the traditional Pangasinense folk song “Malinac Lay Labi,” the Cebuano folk tune “Ikapat: Nonot Kamo Kanako,” as well as beloved classics like “Ama Namin” and “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” which moved the audience with their emotional depth and familiarity.
The Lalò Ensemble also performed during the Philippine Consulate’s celebration of the 127th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence, held on 13 June at the Philippine Center.
The Philippine Consulate General remains committed to promoting Philippine arts and culture in the U.S. West Coast and congratulates Dr. Raoul Carlo (Miggi) Angangco, co-founder GP Eleria and the Lalò Ensemble for a successful debut concert. The Consulate looks forward to supporting more initiatives that empower Filipino-American artists and uplift the stories of our community.The group will also performed at Holy Family Catholic Church, located at 500 S Louise St., Glendale, California last July 6 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the website of the Lalò Ensemble at www.laloensemble.com and follow their social media accounts.
