Consul General Senen Mangalile pins the PIDCI logo to the 2024 Grand Marshal | Photo by Joros Razon
NEW YORK – Following a report that the Philippine Daily Mirror broke early this year, Charina Amunategui, the Philippine Independence Day Parade 2024 Grand Marshal, was genuinely touched by the reception tendered for her when the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) formally introduced her to the community.
Dressed in business attire in a gray stripe blazer over a black blouse, plain gray pants, and black fashion boots, Amunategui evoked an executive fashion as a woman in leadership with a solid personal brand. Her outfit made her look powerful and confident.
When she moved to New York City a decade ago, she said she had just a few friends. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to connect with and know many wonderful individuals within our community,” she told the Philippine Daily Mirror. “Last night was a pinnacle — an opportunity to meet the wider community and open the circle even more. It truly reinforced the sense of belonging and camaraderie within our extended Filipino family in New York.”
Related story: PIDCI to present 2024 Grand Marshal Charina Amunategui at a Grand Soiree event
And Joyce Andes-David, the co-emcee of the Grand Soiree event and director of PIDCI, was equally proud to introduce her, especially when she mentioned that Amunategui was recently bestowed the prestigious “2023 Most Influential Filipino Woman in the World” award in Prague, Czech Republic. The audience clapped in admiration.
“[This] marks a significant milestone in Charina Amunategui’s journey as she continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women leaders,” Andes-David continued.
With nearly a hundred guests in attendance — mostly PIDCI former presidents, former overall chairs, directors (past and current), including community leaders and supporters — Consul General Senen Mangalile, said he was happy to celebrate with them the first anniversary of his service at the Philippine Consulate.
Consul General’s nuggets of wisdom
As honorary overall chair, he shared three lessons about the work of organizations, which he learned from his father. First, the strength of an organization is only measured by the smoothness of the transition from one administration to the other, which he saw from PIDCI elections last year. “I can safely say that PIDCI is sound and strong.”
Second, a heavy load becomes lighter when more than one person or organization carries the load. He cited the Independence Day parade celebration as a heavy load. Representing the Filipino community before the rest of New York is not the burden of PIDCI alone but by everyone representing the Philippines on the first Sunday of June. “I hope you will consistently support PIDCI and its activities and share in carrying the heavy load for the rest of the year.”
Third, he congratulated the grand marshal for carrying one of the heavier loads she would have. When you hear about her accomplishments and qualities that brought her here, he said he was confident a dynamic and accomplished lady of substance would represent PIDCI well. Mangalile said she “has to have a lot of time, patience, and love for the community you will serve this year.”
Time of fear and instability
For her part, Amunategui shared her story of starting a life in Canada, where her family emigrated when she was 14. “I sounded different, we all sounded different, my siblings and I. We come from a different socio-economic place because we were immigrants. It was a time of fear, instability.”
She asked herself what choice she would make: “Do I choose to be afraid or hide behind … or do I stand proud and walk and talk and sound the way I did and become what my parents taught me: the most important thing was love for family, caring for each other, generosity and good health.”
Today, she has overcome fear and instability by empowering herself as a woman of achievement.
Amunategui’s role as Grand Marshal
When asked to describe her role as grand marshal, she replied, “My role is both an honor and a responsibility. I see myself as a symbolic leader representing the pride, resilience, and unity of the Filipino community,” and added that “it involves leading the parade with a sense of cultural pride, fostering a spirit of celebration and connection among participants and spectators alike.”
Added Amunategui: “…[M]y role extends to embodying the values of independence, diversity, and community, reinforcing the significance of this momentous occasion in the hearts of all who join in the festivities.
What she plans to accomplish
Besides fundraising for the organization, as grand marshal, she “aims to leverage her esteemed role to amplify the visibility and cultural richness of the Filipino community.”
“I want to promote a sense of unity and pride, celebrating our heritage and contributions by actively engaging with community leaders, organizations, and youth focused groups to foster collaboration. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact by promoting understanding, appreciation, and connection across generations of Filipino-Americans.”
PIDCI’s 2024 Theme
Arman David, PIDC president, announced the theme of the 2024 celebration: Preserving Our Filipino Culture and Heritage to Unite Generations. He said the theme is “a tribute to the diversity of cultures and traditions that make up our great nation, and the importance of coming together in harmony and respect for one another.”
David said preserving Filipino culture and heritage is “crucial in promoting a sense of belonging and identity for Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad.” He cited “our rich history, traditions, and customs” as a “source of pride, but they also serve as a reminder of our resilience and strength as a people.”
He welcomed the newest member organizations that joined PIDCI and were present at the event, namely UP Alumni and Friends Rondalla, FICA, Queens Long Island Golf Club, Catholic Action of Mary, The Global Trotters, Letran East Coast, USA, Filipino Americans in Long Island (FAMILI), Kagay-anon International, Kalayaan 1521, Seniors Club Inc., and Elmhurst Queen of Heart Lions Club.
