Fil-Am Golfer JJ Spaun Is Newest PGA Champion

JJ Spaun (Source: PGA Tour)

Fil-Am JJ Spaun became golf's newest PGA champion with a two-shot victory at Oakmont Country Club (See Skysports for story).

Fil-Ams Nicole Scherzinger and Darren Criss Bag Tony Awards

Nicole Scherzinger clinched “Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical” at the 2025 Tony Awards, held June 8. Darren Criss also bagged the “Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical” (See Inquirer.net for story).

Fil-Am Gina Ortiz Jones Is Elected Mayor of San Antonio, TX

Mayor-elect Gina Ortiz Jones (Source: Department of Defense)

Gina Ortiz Jones, a Filipino American who served as under secretary of the Air Force during the Biden administration, won a runoff election on Saturday to become the mayor of San Antonio, making her the first openly gay leader of the seventh-largest city in the country (See The New York Times for story).

PH Mangoes Arrive in Italy

Philippine Mangoes (Source: Bilyonario)

Philippine mangoes, known for their distinct sweetness, have officially hit Italian shores, marking a historic first for the country’s agricultural exports. Over 500 kilograms of the coveted tropical fruit recently arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, with high hopes of capturing the Italian market (See bilyonario.com for story).

Fil-Am Scientist Named NYU Interim Dean of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Michael Purugganan (Source: Esquiremag)

Dr. Michael Purugganan, a Filipino American scientist, was recently appointed as interim dean of New York University's Faculty of Arts and Science., effective July 1, 2025. He previously served as the Dean for Science, under the Faculty of Arts and Science, at NYU from 2012 to 2019 (See esquiremag.ph for story).

Filipino Student Is Harvard Magna Cum Laude

Eion Nikolai Chua (SOurce: Manila Bulletin)

Filipino student Eion Nikolai Chua, 22, graduated magna cum laude with highest honors at the prestigious Harvard University in the US, earning a double degree in Chemistry and Economics with a Master's degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, all completed in four years of his stay at Harvard (See Manila Bulletin for story). 

Rap Artist Ruby Ibarra Wins NPR Tiny Desk Contest

Fil-Am rap artist Ruby Ibarra was named as the winner of the 11th annual NPR (National Public Radio) Tiny Desk Contest, an annual "search for the next great undiscovered artist." The 37-year-old rapper beat out nearly 7,500 other entrants with her song "Bakunawa" (See KTVU for story).

Green Card Holders Risk Scrutiny, Detention at US Airports

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is warning travelers this summer holding green cards that they could face detention when traveling through airports. There’s been much concern following reports that ICE agents have detained individuals returning to the U.S. from the Philippines (See AsAmNews for story).