Kalayaan 1521 Council, Inc.

07/16/2026

07/10/2026

🇵🇭 What a day to remember!

Relive the unforgettable moments from the 2026 Kalayaan 1521 Filipino Day Grand Parade as our community came together to celebrate Filipino heritage, culture, and unity. From the colorful parade and cultural performances to the smiling faces and shared memories, every moment reflected this year's theme, "Rooted. Rising. Reclaiming."

To everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, sponsored, and supported this celebration, thank you for making this event a tremendous success. Your passion and commitment continue to strengthen and uplift our Filipino American community.

A heartfelt thank you to the Filipino Artists and Musicians, led by our 2026 Mrs. Kalayaan 1521 Council, Jem Stahl, for creating the Kalayaan 1521 theme song featured in this reel. Your music brings our mission, culture, and community to life.

Thank you for celebrating with us. Until next year, Mabuhay!

07/10/2026

An extraordinary honor. A lasting affirmation of our mission.

Kalayaan 1521 Council, Inc. is deeply honored to receive this Special Citation from Governor Kathy Hochul, conferred upon our organization in recognition of its "life-changing impact" and with best wishes for its continued success.

In the citation, Governor Hochul recognizes Kalayaan 1521 Council's enduring commitment to celebrating, preserving, and uplifting Filipino culture, heritage, leadership, and community through cultural programming, educational initiatives, youth engagement, and community partnerships that strengthen opportunities for Filipino Americans across New York.

This extraordinary honor belongs to everyone who has helped build Kalayaan 1521 Council. At this milestone, we are proud to recognize the vision and dedication of our Founding Board of Directors:

* Sol Jasper Kapunan, Founding President
* Mary Ann Gozon Kapunan, Corporate Secretary
* Nathan Roehl Ty, Corporate Treasurer
* Cecille Castillon-Weinstein, Public Relations Officer

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers, community partners, sponsors, performers, participants, and supporters whose dedication and belief in our mission have made this recognition possible.

Together, we remain committed to preserving our heritage, empowering future leaders, and building a legacy of service that will continue for generations to come. 🇵🇭🇺🇸❤️

06/30/2026

Thank You to Our Valued Sponsor!

The Kalayaan 1521 Council proudly extends its heartfelt appreciation to State Farm and Rob Field, State Farm Insurance Agent, for their generous support of the Filipino Day Grand Parade 2026.

Your commitment to serving local communities and your partnership with Kalayaan 1521 help make this celebration of Filipino heritage, culture, and unity possible. Together, we are creating opportunities to bring families, friends, and communities together while honoring the traditions that connect us.

Thank you for investing in our mission and for helping us celebrate the richness of Filipino culture.

✨ Rooted. Rising. Reclaiming.✨

06/30/2026

🇵🇭 Maraming, Maraming Salamat! 🇵🇭
The Kalayaan 1521 Filipino Day Grand Parade was more than just a celebration. It was a beautiful reflection of the strength, unity, and pride of the Filipino community. None of this would have been possible without the incredible people and organizations who generously shared their time, talents, resources, and unwavering support.

With our deepest gratitude, we proudly acknowledge:

✨ Our Event Committee
Sonia Uytiepo, Event Chair
Prissy Paz, Event Secretary
Narcisa Wallace, Event Treasurer
Cleofe Rodgers, Head of Vendor Subcommittee
Sushchimita Laurence, Head of Hospitality Subcommittee
Rafael Tragico, Head of Parade & Performances Subcommittee

✨ Our Board of Directors
Sol Jasper Kapunan, Founding President
Mary Ann Gozon Kapunan, Corporate Secretary
Nathan Roehl Ty, Corporate Treasurer
Cecille Castillon-Weinstein, Public Relations Officer

✨ Our Corporate Sponsors
GMA Pinoy TV
Kapamilya Restaurant
New York State Nurses Association
NiskTalgia by the River
Pepper Executive Concierge
RLC Residences

✨ Our Distinguished Guests & Community Leaders
Governor Kathy Hochul
Congressman Paul Tonko
State Senator Patricia Fahy
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero
Mayor Dorcey Applyrs
Immediate Past President of the Albany Common Council, Corey Ellis
Councilmember Sergio Adams
Consul Juan Carlos Borromeo, Philippine Consulate General in New York
Sibu Nair, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Council member Alfredo Balarin
Councilmember Art Lumpkin
Albany County Legislator Susan P**o
Albany City Schools Board President Sridar Chittur

✨ Our Cultural Ambassadors
Mrs. Kalayaan 1521 Council 2026 – Jemimah "Jem" Stahl
Miss Teen Kalayaan 1521 Council 2026 – Shania Marie Murray

✨ Our Community Sponsors
Boscov's
Dr. Jose & Mrs. Nebres
First New York Federal Credit Union
Hannaford
Keeler Honda
KeyBank
Rick Grugan - Lia Toyota
Price Chopper
Rebecca Galusha
Rob Field – State Farm Insurance
Stewart's Shops
TJ HVAC & Service Installations LLC

✨ Our Vendors
ALA Bakeshop
Amado's World Apparel
Books for Pinoys Foundation
BYC K Beauty
Dache LLC
DAKILA Clothing
Dong's Food Truck & Catering
FOODBITES
Four Treats
Gracy's Shoppe
JEMazing Creations, LLC
Julia's Closet
Kapamilya Restaurant
Kechua World
Lechonbae
LOGAN & CO.
Makicraft
Mike Miscellaneous
Miss K LLC
Nothing Bundt Cakes
OK Na To NYC
Salve's Filipiniana & Barong Outfit
S&D Taste & Tradition
SO SARAP NYC
Supreme Health Systems of NY
The Dreamweaver Collective

✨ Our Participating Organizations
Albany Medical Center – C2 Colorectal Surgery and Urology
Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Greater New York (APOAAGNY)
Binhing Pinoy: Albany Pinoy Nurses & Medtechs
FAANNY, Inc. NY
Filipino-American Community of the North Country, Inc.
FUNraisers of New York, Inc.
Kinding Sindaw
Knights of Rizal - New York Chapter
Phil-Am Club of Schenectady
Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI)
Philippine Nurses Association of New York – Capital Region Subchapter
Sinulog Dance Troupe – Capital District, Albany, NY
The Dreamweaver Collective
Tinikling Dancers

✨ Our Performers

Bands

Brown Sugar
Get Loose with Chef Dave
Take One
Wicked Indios

Solo Artists

Angela Breanna Villamor
Ben Uytiepo
Celine Casasola
Cris DiGiulio
Divina McGuirk
Jem Stahl
Apo Moon

✨ Our Masters of Ceremonies
Cherryl Escobar
Michelle Danao
Mikhaela Singleton

✨ Our Volunteers
Adrian Galia
Brett Uytiepo
Christopher Hechanova
Cody Keefe
David Bates
Jose Villeza
Mila Keefe
Regina Josol
Reuben Stevens

Your support reminds us that when our community comes together, we don't just celebrate our heritage—we strengthen it for future generations.
From all of us at Kalayaan 1521, thank you for celebrating with us. We look forward to creating even more meaningful memories together in the years to come.

🇵🇭 Rooted. Rising. Reclaiming.

06/29/2026

The Future Shines Bright: Miss Teen Kalayaan 1521 Council 2026 is an Ambassador for the New Generation! ✨

At just 14 years old, Shania Marie Murray represents a new generation of Filipino American leaders. A high honor roll student, dedicated athlete, and aspiring nurse, she embodies the values of hard work, compassion, resilience, and service.

The Miss Teen Kalayaan 1521 Cultural Ambassador Program was established to ensure that young Filipino Americans remain connected to their roots, embrace their cultural identity, and carry our community forward. Every tradition we establish today is an investment in young people like Shania, who will one day become its stewards.

We are especially proud that Shania accepted the challenge of serving as Miss Teen Kalayaan 1521 Council 2026. It takes courage, commitment, and heart to step forward as a representative of one's community. By embracing this role, she has chosen not only to celebrate her Filipino heritage but also to inspire her generation to do the same. 🇵🇭💙

06/29/2026

All Hail Queen Jemimah "Jem" Stahl, First of Her Name! 👑❤️

This year's Mrs. Kalayaan 1521 Council embodies the beauty, grace, poise, and excellence of the Filipino American community.

As Mrs. Kalayaan 1521 Council 2026, Jem is honored to represent the strength, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of the Filipino people. Through her platform of promoting culture, compassion, and meaningful connections, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their roots, pursue their dreams with confidence, and use their unique gifts to make a positive impact wherever life leads them.

06/29/2026

"For one day each year, we gather together in friendship, camaraderie, and fellowship to celebrate our identity and shared heritage."

Sonia Uytiepo, Event Chair of the 2026 Filipino Day Grand Parade.

Photography: Troi Santos

06/29/2026

An official recognition. A lasting record.

We are deeply honored to receive this Proclamation from Senator Patricia A. Fahy recognizing Kalayaan 1521 Council, Inc. and the 2026 Filipino Day Grand Parade.

We are deeply honored to receive this Proclamation from Senator Patricia A. Fahy recognizing Kalayaan 1521 Council, Inc. and the 2026 Filipino Day Grand Parade.

More than a ceremonial document, this proclamation becomes part of the public record, recognizing Kalayaan 1521 Council as a Filipino-led nonprofit dedicated to preserving culture, cultivating future leaders, strengthening civic participation, and creating meaningful spaces where Filipino identity can be celebrated across generations.

We are grateful that our mission and contributions to the Filipino-American community continue to be recognized by our elected leaders. We remain committed to building a legacy rooted in service, unity, and cultural pride. 🇵🇭🇺🇸❤️

06/28/2026

Maraming salamat, Assemblymember Romero, for standing with the Filipino American community. 🇵🇭✨

We are honored to recognize the continued support of Gabriella A. Romero, who joined us at the 2026 Filipino Day Grand Parade and Celebration!

Before serving in the New York State Assembly, then-Albany Common Council Member Gabriella A. Romero championed our community by sponsoring Resolution 68.71.22R (MC), which officially recognizes June 12 as Philippine Independence Day in the City of Albany and honors the Filipino American community of the Capital Region and Upstate New York.

Her early support helped lay the foundation for the recognition and celebration that continues to grow today. Seeing Assemblymember Romero celebrate alongside our community this year is a meaningful reminder of the strong partnerships that make events like the Filipino Day Grand Parade possible.

Kalayaan 1521 Council extends its sincere appreciation to Assemblymember Romero for her steadfast commitment to recognizing Filipino heritage, celebrating our contributions, and strengthening the bonds between our community and the State of New York.