Filipino Community Events in New York

Orlando is admitted and in good standing to practice in multiple courts, including: (1) State Courts of Texas; (2) State Courts of New York; (3) State Courts of Maryland; (4) State Courts of Tennessee; (5) United States Tax Court; (6) Executive Office for Immigration Review; and (7) United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Orlando obtained several degrees, including a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Houston Law Center, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Finance from the University of Houston-Victoria, a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Accounting from the University of Houston-Downtown, and an Associate (A.A.) in Business Administration from Eastfield College in Dallas, Texas. He also obtained his Juris Doctor (JD) and Pre-Law degrees from the University of Cordilleras. Orlando has 15 years of experience in various roles as a Tax Resolution Attorney, Tax Associate, Tax Specialist, Tax Analyst, Tax Consultant, Tax Advisor, and Tax Preparer. As a tax resolution attorney, Orlando helps individuals and businesses resolve tax problems with the IRS and state tax authorities. Tax issues can be incredibly stressful and can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you are facing large tax debts, audits, or penalties. Orlando's role is to provide guidance and support throughout the entire resolution process, ensuring that his clients achieve the best possible outcome. One of the most important aspects of Orlando's job is to stay up-to-date on the ever-changing tax laws and regulations related to estate taxes. This allows him to provide clients with the most current and effective strategies to minimize their tax liability. Orlando works closely with his clients to analyze their financial situation and develop a customized plan to minimize estate taxes while achieving their estate planning goals. In addition to tax resolution, Orlando also provides tax planning and compliance services to help his clients avoid future tax problems. This includes developing tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations, and advising his clients on the tax implications of business transactions. 

Catherine May Co or “May” received her B.S. in Commerce from De La Salle University, Philippines in 1999 graduating Honorable Mention. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Ateneo De Manila University in 2003. While in law school, she interned for Baker McKenzie (Manila office). May is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, and before the Federal Courts of the Eastern District of New York, the Southern District of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second District. She is also qualified as a guardian ad litem under the Office of Court Administration. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association, and Queens Bar Association. She is also a member of the Bankruptcy, Immigration, Matrimonial, Criminal Defense of the Nassau County Bar Association. She speaks English, Filipino (Tagalog) and Mandarin-Chinese (proficient).

Prior to becoming a private practice attorney, Ed Carrasco spent 22 years with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), retiring in the rank of Captain/Deputy Inspector. During his career with the NYPD, Ed worked in a variety of units, including the Police Laboratory, Detective Bureau, PSA 2, the 79, 13, 20, 19, and 23 precincts, Police Academy, and Police Commissioner's Office. Additionally, Ed served as an NYPD liaison to the District Attorneys of New York, Kings, Queens, Bronx, and Richmond counties.

The International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) New York Chapter was established in July 2019 with the mission of building Filipino representation in the finance capital. ISFFA NY is comprised of seasoned professionals from various backgrounds who share the common goal in assisting the growth of Filipinos in the business workforce. Providing development programs such as Leadership, Mentorship and Scholarship; ISFFA seeks to create opportunity for both existing and emerging professionals. ISFFA NY understands the importance of community and keeps members up to date about upcoming events to give back. The International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation whose primary goal is to assist, educate, train and mentor emerging professionals, both domestically as well as globally.

The National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants (NCPACA) is non-profit professional organization represented by accounting professional organizations from various major cities of USA and Canada whose memberships are mostly Filipino, American and Canadian accountants. The Council is committed to serving the accounting professionals by providing its chapters and members the need to turn vision into reality and success. It was organized in San Francisco in the State of California in 1984. The National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants (NCPACA) is an organization dedicated to foster the development of professional accountants living in the United States and Canada. Since its inception over 30 years ago, NCPACA has provided numerous opportunities for its members to grow through professional development workshops. We participate in collaborative projects using the expertise and knowledge we all have gained in our professional careers in the field of accountancy, finance, taxes, audits, and other similar areas. Also, NCPACA members stay current through the years by keeping up with the growing trends and best practices related to the accounting and finance industry. Recently, NCPACA has made its movement to build upon the future of its organization through the recruitment of potential members in college campuses. Scholarships and networking opportunities are provided to those who show a desire to enter the field of accounting.

FALA New York was founded in January 2013 by nine Filipino American attorneys with a shared interest in creating a formal professional affiliation group for Filipino American law students, paralegals, lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals in New York. Today, FALA New York boasts approximately 200 supporters, who subscribe to our news and updates, and attend our various events. FALA New York continues to find new ways to contribute to and strengthen our community. It was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of New York in September 2015 and is presently applying for IRS 501(c)(6) tax exempt status. FALA New York exists to promote the professional development, interests, and success of Filipino-American legal professionals in the Metro New York area.