Washington, D.C
How the Luneta inspired US capital—and other PH links to Washington

PH INFLUENCE ON US A photograph of Luneta taken in the early 20th century. —photos from University of Michigan Library website and Erwin Tiongson
WASHINGTON, DC — Unknown to many, a picturesque national park in Washington, DC that features the iconic Tidal Basin and is widely known for its cherry blossom trees was inspired by Luneta Park in Manila.
US first lady Helen Taft, who had lived in the Philippines while her husband William Howard Taft Luneta Park was civilian governor general in the Philippines, wanted to have a public space in DC similar to Luneta where people could meet for social gatherings. Her husband was elected president of the United States in 1908.
Philippine and US ties first arose after Spain ceded its long-standing colony of the archipelago in 1898. It remained an American colony until the United States recognized its independence in 1946. Years later, Manila would become Washington’s oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific.
READ: Need for mini Luneta parks
During their time in the Philippines in early 1900, the Tafts spent most of their evenings at Luneta Park listening to the popular Philippine Constabulary Band, which would later be invited to Taft’s inauguration parade in DC and the launch of the park itself, the West Potomac Park.
“That Manila could lend anything to Washington may be a surprise to some persons, but the Luneta is an institution whose usefulness to society in the Philippine capital is not to be overestimated,” the first lady wrote in her memoir, “Recollection of Full Years,” published in 1914.
Connected histories
For Georgetown University professor Dr. Erwin Tiongson, a Nueva Vizcaya native now based in DC who describes himself as a community historian, this is just one of the many ways that illustrate how the Philippines and the United States in the US capital are deeply intertwined.
Tiongson and his family have spent the last 12 years digging up these kinds of stories for a passion project—dubbed as the Philippines on the Potomac—but it has been turning into an educational resource that people may look back on.
Just last year, he published a book called “Philippine-American Heritage in Washington, D.C.” that contains some of those stories they have so far discovered that traces the connected histories of the two nations along the streets of DC, which are often overlooked and rarely found in textbooks.

PH INFLUENCE ON US A 1910 postcard of West Potomac Park in Washington, DC. Georgetown
“When we started this project 12 years ago, in a way, we started it because we wanted something for our children,” Tiongson recently told Filipino journalists participating in a reporting tour hosted by the US Embassy in Manila.
“If you want to characterize this project that we’ve been leading, it’s an effort to find our older home right here where we live …. We were trying to find traces of our older home right around us,” said the professor, who first moved to the United States in the 1990s.
PH ‘executive experience’
Tiongson said his discoveries over the years have made him realize how Philippines-US relations became “mutually transformative.”
“I was taught to believe that the US basically created institutions in the Philippines. The derogatory term is sometimes, ‘civilized the Philippines,’” he said.
But the United States did not start as a centralized government, and it was their colonial experience in the Philippines that taught them how to run a country, he pointed out.
“In fact, some people call the Civil War the war of the states because some states wanted certain things, including slavery, and others did not. Imagine if that was the context, and then suddenly, in 1901, they were running a country, our country, and they were also designing for the first time programs that would later become part of their federal government here,” he said.
“It’s not like they taught the Philippines how to create institutions in a way that colonial experience taught them how to create institutions. It’s been mutually transformative that many people acquired important experience in the Philippines, which they brought back to the US and changed their way of life here,” he added.
Taft, for instance, became president of the United States “on the strength of his executive experience in the Philippines,” he said.
Tiongson and his family have been conducting free walking tours around DC over the last decade for small groups of professionals, students and even diplomats, to guide them around sites that display the cultural heritage of Philippine-American ties.

PH INFLUENCE ON US. University professor Dr. Erwin Tiongson said Luneta as an inspiration and model for the DC park is just one of many Philippine “traces” on Washington’s experience in its colonial administration of the country.
“We do it pro bono, so we don’t charge anybody. It’s just to raise awareness of all these aspects of Philippine-American history,” he said.
As part of the tour, he brings along all the artifacts he has collected, from postcards to photos and other memorabilia to show his guests.
They have identified over 100 sites in DC that showcase those Philippine-American cultural links. For instance, the Bataan Street NW was to honor the Filipino and American troops captured on the Bataan Peninsula by the Japanese during World War II. Manuel Quezon, who served as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, lived on K Street where he was exiled. At the time, he was a nonvoting member of the US Congress as resident commissioner.
With the help of the Philippine Embassy in the United States, they have developed a map for a self-guided tour for these sites in DC.
There are many more stories waiting to be told. Tiongson estimated that his book only represents a fifth of all the stories he and his family have gathered over the years.
“The work never stops. I’ve been telling friends, I teach economics at Georgetown, if I retire now and if all I do is to write about everything I found, I will never finish. That’s how much materials we have,” he said.

Washington, D.C
List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, May 30 – June 1

We share the best things to do every weekend in The Weekend Scene newsletter – it’s free to subscribe!
AAPI Heritage Month is coming to a close. Watch our special here, then consider stopping by one of the restaurants or cultural centers we highlighted before the month is out.
But as one month-long cultural celebration ends, another — Pride Month — begins. We’ve got our big guide to WorldPride here.
Jazz in the Garden is here! The lottery for this weekend’s concert on May 30 is already closed, but it’s not too late to register for first one in June.
Pools are open, if you’re willing to brave the cold and rain to jump on in. Our own Juliana Valencia tried it, and you can too after picking a spot from our handy dandy pool guide.
If you’re craving ocean air, maybe a semi-spontaneous beach trip is in the cards? There are plenty of sandy spots in driving range from the District. We’ve got a list.
Here’s what to do this weekend in the Washington, D.C. area.
What to do in Washington, D.C.
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Frankenstein”: Opens Tues., Klein Theatre in Northwest D.C., $39+
WorldPride Film Festival: Tue.-Thurs., Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – D.C. Bryant Street & Crystal City and Atlas Performing Arts Center
World Pride Black Queer Film Festival: Tue.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m., Blackburn Digital Auditorium at Howard University, free
CiNeMatic – “Coco”: Weds., Alethia Tanner Park, free
District of Pride Showcase: Wed., 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, free
Wet and Julie Byrne: Wed., 8 p.m., Union Stage, $33+
Street Fest Art Gallery Openings: Thurs., 5:30-8:30 p.m., Union Market District
Sunset Cinema: Thurs., 7 p.m., Transit Pier at The Wharf, free
First Sips of Summer: Fri., 5-10 p.m., Smoke & Mirrors, $70+
DC Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks: Fri., 8 p.m., Audi Field
National Arboretum extended hours: Fri., Open until 8 p.m., Northeast D.C., free
Washington Mystics vs. New York Liberty (Pride Night): Fri., 7:30 p.m., CareFirst Arena in Southeast D.C., $62+
Jazz In the Garden: Fri., 6-8:30 p.m., National Gallery of Art, free (registration required)
Extraordinary Cinema: The Bourne Identity: Fri., 8:30 p.m., The Reach Lawn at the Kennedy Center, free
Ctrl+Alt+Connect: Spritz Sol Flow: Sat., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Eckington Hall, $58.30
Scavenger Hunt of the Smithsonians: Sat., 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., $20
(D)rafts and (C)rafts: Sat., 1-6 p.m., DC Brau, $10-55
34th Annual Glover Park Day: Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Guy Mason Recreation Center
Newark Street Community Garden 50th Anniversary Celebration: Sat., 1-3 p.m., Newark Street Community Garden, free
Color Me Calm: An Adult Coloring Experience: Sat., 2-5 p.m., Anacostia Arts Center, $30
An Evening In Paris at the Embassy of France: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Embassy of France, $99+
Jazz In the Heights Festival: Sat.-Sun., Sycamore & Oak, free (reserved tickets)
Project Glow ‘25: Sat.-Sun., RFK Festival Grounds, $105+Crochet Classes with Fairy Ring Fibers: Sun., 11 a.m., Rhizome DC, pay what you wish ($35 recommended)
What to do in Maryland
Metallica M72 World Tour: Weds., 6 p.m., Northwest Stadium Landover, $63-$150
Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever: Weds., 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, $101+
Pride Night @ Chesapeake Baysox: Thurs., 5 p.m., Prince Georges Stadium, free
A Taste of Riverworks: Sat., 11 a.m., Poolesville, free
Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Calvert & Bladen Sts. Annapolis, free
EFFERVESCENT: A Pride Social: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Creative Suitland Arts Center, $17.85
In the Life: A LGBTQIA + Pride Celebration: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, free
Salute the Sunset: United States Air Force Concert Band: Sat., 7-8 p.m., National Harbor, free
Pride Family Day: Sun., 11 a.m., Glen Echo Park, free
DMG plays Bowies Summer Sunset: Sun., 6 p.m., Allen Pond Park, free
What to do in Virginia
Thursday Night Trivia: Thurs., 6 p.m., The Spot at Belmont Bay, $25 per team
Lake Anne Sunset Paddle: Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m., Lake Anne Boat Dock, $20
Sunset Concert at River Farm Featuring Soulfire: Thurs., 6-8 p.m., American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, $20 parking (free admission)
Chicago the Musical: Fri.-Sun., Capital One Hall, $80+
Fab Fridays Live Music: All Fired Up: Fri., 7 p.m.., Reston Metro Plaza, free
Arlington Pride Vendor Festival: Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hyatt Regency DCA, free
Nature Journaling Club: Sat., 10 a.m., Del Ray Artisans Gallery, free (bring your own supplies)
Loudon Pride Festival: Sat., 12-6 p.m., Ida Lee Park, $5
Virginia Wine Festival: Sat.-Sun., Tyson’s Corner, $55+
Big Lick Comic Con NOVA: Sat.-Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $25+
Movie at the Mill – ‘Pride & Prejudice’: Sat., 8:30 p.m., Colvin Run Mill, $1016th Annual Taste of Del Ray: Sun., 1-3 p.m., Mount Vernon Recreation Center Fields, $10-$75
Washington, D.C
Man killed by stray shot into his Northwest DC home

A stray shot flew into a man’s home in Northwest D.C. on Sunday evening and killed him, police say they believe according to an initial investigation.
The man was 59-year-old Jose Carcamo of Northwest D.C.
Officers were called to an apartment building in the 1500 block of Ogden Street, in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, at about 6:20 p.m., Executive Asst. Chief Andre Wright told reporters later Sunday.
The man was found in an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. D.C. medics treated the man but he died, Wright said, calling his death “tragic.”
D.C. police have not yet made any arrests, but they say Carcamo was not the intended target.
“We don’t believe that this shooting, which happened in the rear of this location, has anything to do with him,” Wright said.
It started as a normal Sunday evening. Carcamo was eating dinner at his home in Columbia Heights. His mom was in another room when she heard the sound of gunshots and rushed to check on him, only to realize he’d been killed.
Carcamo’s mom lives in El Salvador and had to come to D.C. to spend Mother’s Day with her son.
He worked in construction and was in the process of building a house for her in their home country.
Officers were searching for clues and working to speak with potential witnesses. No information on a suspect was released.
Police will seek justice for the victim, his family and his community, Wright said.
“We can’t shrink in fear. I think that’s what these perpetrators want – but they’re wrong. And so we intend to stand alongside this family and community and bring justice to this community, and for as long as it takes, stay here to help restore the sense of peace that every community deserves,” he said.
Anyone with potentially relevant information is asked to contact police. A $25,000 reward for information is available.
Police say they’re now trying to find surveillance video to help with the investigation, as Carcamo’s mom is now left to grieve her son.
D.C. crime statistics show homicides are down 8% this year compared to the same period last year, with 61 victims this year and 66 last year. Reports of violent crime are down 22%.
Police records show in the past five years, the area around Ogden Street has had seven homicides, 52 assaults with a dangerous weapon and 101 robberies.
One neighbor said it’s why he’s planning to move out.
“People want to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and I just have not ever felt safe in this one,” said neighbor Nacho Echazarreta.
Several other neighbors didn’t want to be identified but also told News4 they feel unsafe in the area.
Washington, D.C
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Washington DC from May 27-29 to meet senior US officials; what's on agenda? | Today News

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will go on a three-day visit to Washington DC, US to meet with senior officials of the Donald Trump administration, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
Misri will be in the US capital from May 27 to May 29, the MEA said in a release on the day.
“Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri will be visiting Washington, D.C., USA from 27-29 May 2025 to meet with senior officials of the US Administration,” it noted.
Misri’s visit is a follow up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US earlier in February to meet President Donald Trump, the MEA said.
“The visit is a follow up to Prime Minister’s visit to the United States in February 2025, when both sides had launched the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century,” the release noted.
What is India-US COMPACT?
During their meeting in February, PM Modi and President Trump reaffirmed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. As a testament to the deepening ties of the countries, the leaders had together launched the “US-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century, aimed at driving transformative progress across key sectors.
“Today, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi launched a new initiative – the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century” – to drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation,” the White House said in a joint statement.
“Under this initiative, they committed to a results-driven agenda with initial outcomes this year to demonstrate the level of trust for a mutually beneficial partnership,” it added.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met in the US in February, the leaders had committed to designate senior representatives to advance these negotiations and to ensure that the trade relationship fully reflects the aspirations of the COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology).
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