10/29/2026
Congratulations to Michael Dadap for this distinction! It's Filipino American History Month, and we thank New York State Assembly Member Steven Raga for this Citation:
"WHEREAS, in recognition of October 18th, 1587, as the anniversary of the first Filipinos to arrive to the North American continent, we honor the contributions of Filipino Americans who have given exemplary service to the Great State of New York; and
"Whereas, born into a musical family in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, Michael Amper Dadap is an accomplished composer who earned his degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines before moving to New York in 1971 to pursue classical guitar and music theory at Mannes College of Music, followed by composition and conducting studies at The Juilliard School; and
"Whereas, Michael's 1974 debut at Carnegie Recital Hall launched a career as a classical guitarist that eventually took him across the United States, Europe and Asia, all while showcasing his Filipino musical identity, drawing from Philippine folk idioms; and
"Whereas, Michael has written scores for the 2021 documentary "A Long March," which tells the story of Filipino-American World War Il veterans fighting for recognition and benefits long denied them, and composed the music for the 2025 documentary "The
Road to Sydney," while serving as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of New York's Children's Orchestra Society since 1984; and
"Whereas, Michael founded the Young Symphonic Ensemble in 1992, giving young musicians the chance to perform alongside distinguished artists, pioneered the Philippine rondalla tradition in the United States, co-founded the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), and has mentored countless young Filipino-American musicians; now, therefore, be it
"Proclaimed, that as a duly elected Member of the State Assembly of New York, I recognize that in Michael Amper Dadap we have an outstanding individual, worthy of the highest of esteem & honors from the Community, Assembly District 30, the Borough of Queens, the City of New York, the Great State of New York, and the United States of America.
- Signed, Steven Raga
Member of Assembly
State of New York
!
