The 22nd People's Ball

Ambassador Senen T. Mangalile

Public Service

Ambassador Senen T. Mangalile is a seasoned career diplomat whose distinguished service has connected Filipinos across continents with warmth, wit, and purpose. Since becoming Philippine Consul General in New York in January 2023, he has championed partnerships, migrant welfare, Philippine culture, economic ties, and recognition of Filipino American contributions. His diplomatic career has included senior postings in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, where he became the first consul general from an ASEAN country elected president of the Consular Corps of London. A proud Bulakeño, former teacher, and philosophy instructor, he brings intellect and humanity to public service. As he prepares to serve as Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, he leaves New York with a legacy of connection, collaboration, community, and pride.

Arvin Amatorio

Public Service

Arvin Amatorio is a Filipino American attorney, immigrant, and public servant whose journey from Baler, Aurora, to the mayor’s office of Bergenfield, New Jersey, reflects perseverance and purpose. After immigrating to the United States in 2002, he built a distinguished legal career advocating for Filipino nurses and representing the Philippine government in significant international litigation. Elected mayor in 2019 and reelected unopposed in 2023, he has championed modernization, redevelopment, public spaces, and inclusive leadership. A former councilman and council president, Amatorio holds degrees in economics and law and a master’s in international relations from Harvard University. His remarkable story embodies immigrant achievement, civic leadership, and enduring service to both the Filipino American community and the broader public.

Elvy Barroso

Health

Dr. Elvy G. Barroso is an internationally recognized public health leader, educator, nurse, and tuberculosis advocate with more than 40 years of national and international experience. She is President, CEO, and Founder of the Fight Against Tuberculosis Among Filipinos Foundation and served 31 years with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Bureau of Tuberculosis Control. A physician with advanced training in occupational medicine, epidemiology, nursing, public health, and tuberculosis control, she also holds a PhD in Nursing from City University of NY. Her honors include the CDC TB Elimination Champion Award and the Philippine Presidential Banaag Award. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Union, advancing global tuberculosis education and prevention through leadership, research, and advocacy.

Rosemarie Espiritu-Parreño

Education

Rosemarie E. Parreño, PhD, is a distinguished educator whose nearly six-decade career has transformed the lives of immigrants, refugees, and English-language learners. Born in the Philippines and later immigrating to the United States, she understands firsthand how language education can open doors to opportunity and belonging. She taught for 30 years at the City University of New York and now serves as an ESL instructor at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center. Honored with 26 teaching awards, including The New York Times ESOL Teacher of the Year and a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Parreno also mentors immigrants and supports Filipino American communities. An author, songwriter, mother, and grandmother, she has devoted her life to education, empowerment, and service.

Francisco “Kits” Reyes, MD and Cora Reyes

Health

Dr. Francisco “Kits” Reyes, MD, and Corazon “Cora” Cajucom Reyes are distinguished healthcare professionals and longtime pillars of the Filipino American community. A retired surgical physician from Malolos, Bulacan, Dr. Reyes practiced in the Philippines, including at the National Orthopedic Hospital, before immigrating to the United States. Cora built a remarkable career as a corporate nurse and healthcare consultant serving executives in New York and was named among the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World in 2018. Together, they have supported medical, humanitarian, cultural, and civic initiatives across New York and New Jersey. Cora also served as Hermana Mayor of Fiesta in America and held leadership roles in prominent Filipino community organizations.