Today, we gather to honor a remarkable milestone – the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Center building on 5th Avenue. This iconic edifice has stood as a beacon of Filipino heritage and culture in the heart of New York City for half a century. It has been a home away from home for countless Filipinos, a place where they could find a piece of their homeland in a foreign land. Over the years, the Philippine Center has hosted numerous events, fostered a sense of community and promoted the rich and diverse culture of the Philippines. As we celebrate this golden jubilee, we pay tribute to the visionaries who made the Philippine Center a reality, and to the generations of Filipinos who have kept its spirit alive. Here’s to the Philippine Center, to its 50 years of service, and to the many more years to come