Damayan’s 2024 Holiday Party Brings Joy and Unity

“First time ko mag attend ng Christmas party, and it was fun and a nice amazing party at nakita ko na masaya ang lahat, thank you din for inviting us!” (Translation: It was my first time attending a Christmas Party, and it was fun and a nice amazing party, and I saw that all were happy, thank you too for inviting us!)- Damayan Member 

Last Saturday, December 14th, Damayan community members celebrated a successful 2024 and the upcoming holidays together at The People’s Forum in Manhattan, NY. Domestic workers, labor-trafficking survivors, reunited families, supporters, and staff all gathered for the Annual Holiday Party and Fundraiser. We raised more than $12,000 to go towards building a Filipino Migrant Workers Center at Queens! Highlights included:

  1. Motivating stories from members Beth and John about how they overcame their difficult challenges, with the support and empowerment of Damayan

  2. Strong testimonies from labor trafficking survivors Alma and Lalaine regarding how they gained confidence in themselves, organized with Damayan, pursued their legal cases, and reunited with their children, after years of forced separation.

  3. Joyful and energetic performances by our superstar singers, Kuya Gene, Ate Analie, and Ate Lalaine, & memorable dances by the children of labor-trafficking survivor Ate Beth. 

  4. Damayan Executive Director, Riya Ortiz’s, 2024 Damayan Accomplishment Report emphasizing our growth in staff members, campaign initiatives, members, and legal case victories for the migrant worker community

  5. Speeches of encouragement by Damayan Founder Linda Oalican and former Board Member Rose Alovera. These speeches highlighted the need to continue supporting the organization to fully grasp Damayan’s mission of serving our community. 

  6. Gift exchange, dancing, singing, and a Filipino buffet! 


Our annual event is the time for celebration, cheer, and community bonding. For many Filipino migrants who are far from relatives in the Philippines, the party brought warmth and a touch of home. For supporters who aligned with Damayan’s mission, the gathering reaffirmed their commitment to Filipino migrant power and organizing. We are now more solidified and ready to resist and fight together in 2025—for fair wages, for just employer treatment, and for our full immigration rights.

Anna Mikhaila Villamor Aller