January 13, 2026
Press Release
New York, NY
Rossano R. Fabunan
Interim Secretary General
Concerned Artists of the
Philippines – New York (CAP–NY)
Press Release
New York, NY
Rossano R. Fabunan
Interim Secretary General
Concerned Artists of the
Philippines – New York (CAP–NY)
CAP Launches New York Chapter
The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) formally launched its New York Chapter on January 11, 2026, at La MaMa Galleria | Experimental Theatre Club in New York City. The event marked a significant milestone in expanding CAP’s presence among Filipino and progressive artists in the United States.
The launch was graced by a multi-Palanca Awardee and former professor from the College of Arts and Letters of the University of the Philippines–Diliman. A message from CAP National Chairperson Bibeth Orteza highlighted CAP’s long history of cultural work and resistance, drawing from her experiences in campaigns and demonstrations both in New York and in the Philippines during the Martial Law period.
The majority of attendees were young artists working in film, music, and dance. The program included an orientation on CAP’s history and principles, emphasizing its role in standing alongside the people against Martial Law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and successive regimes that failed to address systemic inequality and social injustice. Participants were also introduced to CAP’s guiding principle of creating art that reflects social realities and advances the struggles of exploited and oppressed communities. The orientation was facilitated by Rose Roque, representative of the CAP National Secretariat.
An interim set of officers was installed to lead the chapter in its initial phase: Jean Suarez as Chairperson, Rossano R. Fabunan as Secretary General, Karressa Abe as Deputy Secretary General, Samantha Alolor as Treasurer, and Potri Ranka Manis as Art Consultant. The interim officers will oversee preparations for the Chapter Assembly scheduled for March 2026 and guide the chapter’s early initiatives.
The leadership committed to ensuring that CAP–New York responds meaningfully to pressing issues affecting marginalized sectors in the United States, the Philippines, and the global community. “The launch of CAP New York is both timely and urgent. It creates a platform where progressive artists can confront social realities and turn creativity into collective action for real change,” Jean Suarez said.
The launch was graced by a multi-Palanca Awardee and former professor from the College of Arts and Letters of the University of the Philippines–Diliman. A message from CAP National Chairperson Bibeth Orteza highlighted CAP’s long history of cultural work and resistance, drawing from her experiences in campaigns and demonstrations both in New York and in the Philippines during the Martial Law period.
The majority of attendees were young artists working in film, music, and dance. The program included an orientation on CAP’s history and principles, emphasizing its role in standing alongside the people against Martial Law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and successive regimes that failed to address systemic inequality and social injustice. Participants were also introduced to CAP’s guiding principle of creating art that reflects social realities and advances the struggles of exploited and oppressed communities. The orientation was facilitated by Rose Roque, representative of the CAP National Secretariat.
An interim set of officers was installed to lead the chapter in its initial phase: Jean Suarez as Chairperson, Rossano R. Fabunan as Secretary General, Karressa Abe as Deputy Secretary General, Samantha Alolor as Treasurer, and Potri Ranka Manis as Art Consultant. The interim officers will oversee preparations for the Chapter Assembly scheduled for March 2026 and guide the chapter’s early initiatives.
The leadership committed to ensuring that CAP–New York responds meaningfully to pressing issues affecting marginalized sectors in the United States, the Philippines, and the global community. “The launch of CAP New York is both timely and urgent. It creates a platform where progressive artists can confront social realities and turn creativity into collective action for real change,” Jean Suarez said.
