Page 8 - 2017 KA'AKBAY January-June

8 January to June
2017
Innovative Filipino-Run Medical Facility
Opens in Jersey City
Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega (center) cuts the
opening ribbon with Freeholder William O’Dea (2nd from right),
Mr. Mike Florendo (3rd from left), and Bergenfield Council
President Arvin Amatorio (2nd from left) for the Hudson Plaza
Medical Center (Photo by NYPCG)
A new innovation in accessible healthcare run by
Filipinos and Filipino-Americans was launched this month at
the Hudson Plaza Mall in Jersey City, New Jersey on 10
March 2017.
The Hudson Medical Plaza, located in the Hudson
Plaza Mall, is the first multi-service medical consultation
center located inside a mall facility in Jersey City. The
brainchild of the entrepreneurial team of Filipino-Americans
Mike Florendo and Atty. Arvin Amatorio who is currently
serving as Bergenfield Council President, the Medical Plaza
aims to present a new approach to medical care in New
Jersey.
The concept of a multi-service medical facility in a York, film enthusiasts, academics, filmmakers and members
commercial venue was adapted by Messrs. Florendo and
Amatorio from a popular trend in the Philippines of having
medical consultation centers and facilities in mall
complexes. The idea makes access to medical care more
convenient for members of the public.
Speaking at the opening of the Medical Plaza,
Consul General Theresa Dizon De Vega noted that this is an
idea whose time has come for residents of New Jersey and
shows the creative and resourceful entrepreneurial spirit of
Filipino-Americans. It is also a positive way for the Filipino-
American community to invest in their communities and by
doing so further elevating the Filipino-American presence in
the US.
In thanking the friends, supporters, clients, and
staff, Mr. Florendo and Atty. Amatorio emphasized the need
for Filipino-Americans to make their presence felt in the
economic life of their respective communities and to be
involved in commercial ventures with a positive impact on
the community.
Mr. Florendo likewise announced that as part of its
commitment to the local community, they are providing a
special consultation suite for members of the local police
force who oftentimes require quick medical screening on a
day-to-day basis due to the rigors of their job.
Other local officials present at the launch included
Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro and Hudson
County Freeholder William O’Dea. Members of the Filipino-
American Community, particularly those in the medical and
healthcare professions were on hand to support the launch.
Filipino Films in Spotlight in Month-long
film series at the Museum of Modern Art NY
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York
opened its film series, A New Golden Age: Contemporary
Philippine Cinema, last 1 June to a sold out showing of the
documentary Motherland, directed, produced, written and co
-edited by Ramona S. Diaz. The film series took place
during Philippine Independence Month.
Motherland gives an inside view of the busiest
maternity hospital in the Philippines, Fabella Hospital, and
explores the community that is formed within the bustling
charity ward. The film exposes the viewers to challenges
faced by the impoverished patients and the clever methods
that hospital staff conceive of to address their needs.
After the film, MoMA Film Curator La Frances Hui
moderated a talkback with Ms. Diaz and Director of
Photography Nadia Hallgren.
The MoMA series opening night was attended by
representatives of the Philippine Consulate General in New
of the Filipino-American Community.
The film series featured 17 films from around 2000
to the present, by acclaimed Filipino directors including Lav
Diaz, Brilliante Mendoza, Ditsi Carolino, and Raya Martin. It
ran until June 25 2017.
During the talkback, Nadia Hallgren (left) describes their one-month experience in
the maternity ward of Fabella. Ms Diaz (middle) shares her insights on the
Philippine health system, and La Frances Hui (right) gives her thoughts on the
film selection for the series.