Filipino American talk show “Makilala TV,” widely regarded as the longest-running Filipino American television talk show in the New York metropolitan area, is celebrating its 13th anniversary, marking more than a decade of community storytelling, advocacy and cultural connection.
“Thirteen years of conversations. Thirteen years of stories. Thirteen years of connecting our communities,” the show’s hosts said in a joint statement posted on social media. “Makilala TV exists because of you — the voices, the experiences, and the people who remind us that every story matters.”
Launched in the summer of 2013, “Makilala TV” (named after the Tagalog word meaning “to get to know”) was created by journalist Cristina DC Pastor, founding editor of The FilAm, and filmmaker Maricor Fernandez. It has since evolved into a consistent media platform highlighting Filipino American narratives across New York and beyond.
The program is currently hosted by Pastor, Jen Furer and Rachelle Peraz Ocampo, a public health professional and community leader. Together, the trio leads discussions that center on Filipino American identity, civic engagement and pressing socio-political issues, including immigration, health care access and education.
Produced at Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), the show expanded its reach over the years to air on BronxNet (where it became the first Filipino program on the channel) as well as Queens Public Television. It also reaches global audiences through Kapatid International.
Throughout its run, “Makilala TV” has featured hundreds of guests, including community leaders, advocates, artists and changemakers. Its episodes have tackled a wide range of topics, from intergenerational identity to grassroots organizing, often blending personal storytelling with public affairs.
Among its notable milestones was its 10th anniversary in June 2023, by which time the program had produced well over 100 episodes. The show also demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining uninterrupted monthly broadcasts by transitioning to virtual production before returning to in-studio tapings.
Pastor, a respected Filipino American journalist, is also a co-founder of the Fil-Am Press Club of New York and has long been recognized for elevating underreported community issues.
Furer, an author of the immigration memoir “Out of Status,” brings personal insight into immigrant experiences, while Ocampo serves as president of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) New York chapter and has led major community initiatives, including efforts to establish a Filipino community center in Queens.
Over the years, the show has marked key community moments, including coverage of the Little Manila Park landmark in Woodside, Queens, and episodes spotlighting Filipino American youth activism and aging within the diaspora.
As it enters its 14th year, the hosts reaffirmed their commitment to community-centered storytelling.
“Maraming salamat for being part of our journey,” they said. “Here’s to continuing to share, connect, and celebrate our communities together.”
Beyond their shared 2015 Media & Publishing honor for “Makilala TV,” each host has also earned individual recognition from The Outstanding Filipino Awards, which Pastor helped co-found and later served as a board member for many years.
Pastor was named in 2020 as one of TOFA’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos in America, Furer received a TOFA-New York award in 2013, and Ocampo was honored in 2023 with a TOFA President Biden Volunteer Award for her long-standing community leadership.
