New York, NY – The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) hosted its 2025 Grand Marshal Ball on Saturday, March 8th, at Da Mikelle Palazzo in Queens, NY. This event is akin to the Oscars, where the Filipino community arrives dressed in their finest gowns and tuxedos. It was a sophisticated evening dedicated to recognizing and honoring the Grand Marshals who will lead our 127th Philippine Independence Day Parade and Celebration on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
It was a spectacular night featuring fireworks as the PIDCI Team 2025 were introduced led by President, Arman David, along with 2025 Honorary Grand Marshals, Josie Neri Jampayas and Mike Jampayas and our main celebrants , 2025 Grand Marshals, Dr. Angie Cruz-Quines and Dr. Emilio Quines, Jr.
As the evening progressed, motivating speeches were delivered by Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and Arman David, President of PIDCI. They highlighted the rich heritage and lively culture of the Filipino community, along with the anticipation surrounding the annual Independence Day Parade in NYC. President Arman also announced a special guest for this year’s parade, generating excitement and enthusiastic cheers from the audience, who felt a surge of Filipino pride.
Before the official introduction of our 2025 Grand Marshals, the attendees enjoyed a delightful waltz performance featuring eight dance couples: Arman David and Lea Frain, Freddy Burke and Tara Nucum, Matt Reyes and Grace Reyes, Jazshua Andes and Ireen Casimiro, Lino Ongteco and Linda Ongteco, Arnel Piamonte and Marissa DeGuzman, Roly Postadan and Dr. Francia DeVera, and Andrew David and Isabel Faustino.
Following the waltz performance, the audience was captivated by the unexpected arrival of our 2025 Grand Marshals on a dazzling moving stage. This breathtaking moment, accentuated by fireworks and a delightful serenade from John Pio, undoubtedly became the evening’s highlight, perfectly honoring our Grand Marshals.
The couple was met with thunderous applause, cheers and admiration, embodying the pride and spirit of the Filipino community. Dr. Angie Cruz-Quines and Dr. Emilio Quines, Jr. expressed their gratitude and excitement, emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural pride.
The event concluded with a lively dance floor, where attendees mingled and celebrated late into the night, their laughter and joy echoing the community’s excitement.
PIDCI’s Grand Marshal Ball truly set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable parade, filled with colorful floats, traditional performances, and the warm spirit of togetherness that defines the essence of the Filipino people.
About the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI)
The Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDC) is a nonprofit organization incorporated on February 14, 2002, best known for the biggest Philippine Independence Day Parade outside the Philippines, which is held first Sunday of June along Madison Avenue, together with an all-day Street Fair and Cultural Festival. These events are attended by about 100,000 predominantly Filipinos and Filipino-Americans from the New York tri-state area and Pennsylvania, visitors from neighboring states, and California, and Canada.
Contact
Arman David
2025 PIDCI President
Joyce Andes-David
2025 PIDCI Secretary
