Fil-Am Book on Identity, Culture and Life in the US launched in Greater DC area
|
| |
13 July 2009 – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa joins author Dr. Ludy Astraquillo
Ongkeko during the launching of the book “Forty Years of Writing in America” at the World Bank recently.
Louis Fullante, Professor of Journalism, English Communication and International Studies of UCLA, in his
review of the book wrote: “Dr. Ongkeko’s work is a must-read not only for current and future generations of
Filipino Americans but also for members of the immigrant society who have sought their place in America. Dr.
Ongkeko’s work draws interest in the complexity of life for the Filipino immigrants in America, and on the
rapidly changing and constantly evolving sociopolitical and socioeconomic landscape of the Philippines.”
Dr. Ongkeko was an educator in the Philippines before she relocated to the United States and became a
Professor at the University of Southern California. The book, published by Jack Bacon and Company, was
launched in Los Angeles in February 2009. END
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. wins Two awards in 2009 Pistang Pilipino
|
| |
13 July 2009 - Consul General Domingo Nolasco of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. receives
from the Philippine Festival Committee the Best Decorated Organization Tent Award at the Pistang Pilipino
held recently in Fort Washington, Maryland.
This is the second year in a row the Embassy received the award. The Embassy delegation, led by Consul
General Nolasco, was also awarded the Most Spirited Delegation.
Pistang Pilipino is one of the activities organized by the Philippine Festival Committee and the Philippine
American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) as part of the month long commemoration of the 111th
Anniversary of Philippine Independence. END
|
|
|
 |
|
|
PCG Hong Kong assisting OFW with “Serious” A/H1N1 Flu
|
| |
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it is
extending full assistance to a 37-year-old female OFW from Tarlac province who is currently confined at the
United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong, Kowloon, in what Hong Kong health authorities described as a
“serious case of human swine influenza.”
The Filipino, who arrived in Hong Kong on June 28, was reported to have flu-like symptoms on June 29 and
was admitted to the hospital on July 7, initially diagnosed with “severe pneumonia”.
On July 11, the Consulate was informed by the attending doctor that a “molecular” test had confirmed her to be
an A/H1N1 case.
The Consulate immediately contacted the Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) of the Department of
Health (DOH), which runs the DOH 24-hour A/H1N1 hotline, to brief them about the case and to provide
appropriate medical attention to the patient’s family and other close contacts in the Philippines.
The Consulate continues to be in constant touch with the patient’s family members and friends in Hong Kong
and has advised those among them who recently interacted with the patient to consult a doctor as a
precautionary measure.
The Consulate has also talked to the patient’s husband in the Philippines to update him of his wife’s
condition, assure him of the government’s support and inform him about the need for his family and relatives
to immediately consult a doctor.
Filipinos working in or intending to travel to Hong Kong are urged to exercise the highest vigilance against the
A/H1N1 flu.
Those in the territory affected by the spread of the A/H1N1 influenza are encouraged to send a text message or
call the Consulate’s 24-hour hotline at 9155-4023. END.
|
| |
RP Embassy in Moscow Commemorated 111th Anniversary of Philippine
Independence
|
| |
3 July 2009 - Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Victor G. Garcia III reported to the Department of Foreign
Affairs that the Philippine Embassy in Moscow commemorated the 111th Anniversary of the Declaration of
Philippine Independence at the Embassy grounds.
The commemoration kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a mass. A brief program was held
featuring Filipino native dances, signing and a raffle sponsored by the Embassy.
Some 300 members of the Filipino community participated in the event. END
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
Inauguration of Creative Art Exposition on RP Cultural Identity and Folklore in
Barcelona
|
| |
Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Eduardo Jose A. de Vega reported to the Department of Foreign
Affairs that he and other members of the Consulate attended the inauguration of a creative art exposition on
Philippine cultural identity and folklore, designed and put up by Spanish-Filipino artist Valeria Cavestany.
Held at the Casa Asia of Barcelona on July 9, the exposition entitled “Archipiélagos de la memoria”, features
an artistic depiction of Philippine fauna and wildlife (with animal figures such as roosters and lizards created
by the artist); a display of various maps of the country; and a wall listing various Philippine sayings, as
translated into Spanish and Catalan.
Examples of the sayings featured were “When a lizard (tuko) makes sounds, expect a visitor“, “If a gambler
encounters a serpent, it means bad luck”, “If a spider comes at night, good luck will come”, and others.
Over 100 guests who attended the inauguration were also entertained with a rendition of three Filipino songs
(“Dahil sa Iyo”, “Mamang Sorbetero” and “Anak” ) by a group of singers from the local Filipino community.
Ms. Cavestany told Consul General de Vega that the project was intended to be a reflection on the meaning of
the true essence of Filipino identity, given all the waves of internal and external migration of people which the
nation has encountered.
In mounting the project, the artist was assisted by Senior Consultant John L. Silva of the National Museum in
Manila, and the exposition will remain at the Casa Asia until the end of September 2009.
The Casa Asia institution was formed in Barcelona in 2001 as a consequence of the Asia Plan established by
Spain in order to increase Spanish awareness of and presence in the Asia Pacific region. Since then, the
Philippines has been prominently featured in its programs, and the institution will play a major role in
Barcelona’s hosting of the Philippine-Spanish Tribuna in February 2010. END
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
GEICO lauds RP Embassy in Washington for Diversity inclusion efforts, highlighting
Fil-Am’s contributions to US Economy
|
| |
13 July 2009 - US Insurance company giant GEICO lauded the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. for its
continuing efforts on diversity inclusion as well as for highlighting the contributions of Filipino-Americans to the
American economy.
In a letter to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa, GEICO Vice President for Public Affairs
Rynthia Rost said the Embassy of the Philippines helped to “emphasize the theme of goodwill and education
of our associates regarding the contributions of diverse communities.”
The Philippine Embassy participated in GEICO’s 3rd Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month recently
with the delivery of a speech on Filipino Americans and Philippine-US trade relations.
Ambassador Gaa’s speech, delivered by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Robert Borje, emphasized the
growing Asian-Pacific American community, with a focus on the economic contributions of Filipino-Americans.
The remarks quoted a recent study by the University of San Francisco showing Filipinos are among the
biggest spenders in the United States, spending an average of $88.6 billion dollars in goods and services.
The remarks also cited the robust economic ties between the Philippines and the United States with trade of
US$6.3 billion and American direct investments in the Philippines of $241 million in 2008.
Rost described the talk as “very informative” and thanked Ambassador Gaa for his support for the event.
GEICO is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States (based on 2008 market share
data as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, March 2009). It is the fastest-
growing major auto insurer in the U.S., with policies-in-force growth of 8.9 percent in 2008 and employs
24,000 associates. END
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
House Chair on Veterans Affairs meets Filipino Veterans in Hawaii
|
| |
Representative Antonio M. Diaz, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Head of the
Philippine Delegation, met the Filipino Veterans of World War II, for a town hall meeting at the Philippine
Consulate General in Honolulu on July 4.
Accompanied by Representative Roman Romulo, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs
and Defense Undersecretary and PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina, Representative Diaz re-lived with
poignant details on what would have been a peaceful day to commemorate the feast day of the Immaculate
Conception but turned to be a day that would change the fates of many Filipinos. He recalled how the
Philippines was brought forcibly into the devastations of World War II with the fateful bombing of Pearl Harbor
on 7 December 1941.
He told the meeting of his deep appreciation to U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye for his dedication to the cause of
Filipino veterans and his persistence in convincing his colleagues in Washington to include in ARRA 2009 the
$198-million Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) as ARRA 2009 was first and foremost designed
to stimulate the U.S. economy.
He said the Philippines was ravaged by the Japanese forces during World War II and could not help but reflect
at the “irony of history” of having Japanese-Americans from Hawaii - U.S Senators Daniel K. Inouye, Daniel
Akaka and U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono - as the Filipino veterans’ staunchest friends and champions
in their fight for recognition for their services during World War II.
Acting Head of Post Lourdes S. Tabamo conveyed the Filipino Veterans’ appreciation to the Philippine
Delegation as well as their request for assistance in the passage of the federal Family Reunification Act which
is set for hearing on July 25. The bill, if passed, will allow sons and daughters of veterans to come and live in
the United States.
The Philippine delegation attended to the inquiries of the Filipino Veterans on the implementation of the FVEC,
as well as on Philippine veterans’ pension, payment for disability, revalidation and the need for updated
contact addresses to ensure receipt of pension and other benefits. END
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
Medals, Leis and a Heartfelt Mahalo (Maraming Salamat Po) to the Filipino Veterans of
WWII in Hawaii
|
| |
“Filipinos fought valiantly not for recognition, or benefits, but for the anguish they felt for America’s losses at
Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941,” Representative Antonio M. Diaz, Chairman of the House Committee on
Veterans Affairs and Head of the Philippine Delegation, emphasized in his remarks at the special event
entitled “A Tribute to Filipino Veterans of World War II” on 3 July 2009 in Honolulu.
One hundred forty men and women Filipino veterans of World War II in Hawaii were honored by the Hawaii
State Legislature with a Certificate of Appreciation “as true heroes, for their loyalty, dedication and spirit of
service to the United States and the Philippines,” and a Commemorative Medal.
The Tribute, spearheaded by the 22-strong Filipino Caucus at the Hawaii State Legislature led by Vice
Speaker Michael Magaoay, was sponsored by the First Hawaiian Bank.
The event’s keynote speaker U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, long-standing advocate for the rights of Filipino
veterans who worked successfully in the inclusion of the $198 Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation in
ARRA 2009, described the tribute to the veterans as “well deserved” and the compensation package as “long-
overdue.” Also there to honor the veterans were U.S. Congressmen Mazie Hirono and Neil Abercrombie and
Honolulu Mayor Muffi Hannemann.
Representative Roman Romulo, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and member of
the Philippine Delegation, felt overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude to these veterans, “We owe them so much.
Freedom, democracy, they have given us so much.”
“I am thankful and happy to see everyone here, we have struggled together, since Bataan and Corregidor…”
said Mr. Felix Cabangon, president of the Philippine Scouts Association of Hawaii (pictured right with Adm.
Keating, US Pacific Command, and Cong. Diaz), as he scanned the familiar faces of his co-veterans, in their
80s and 90s, most of them already frail, yet looking military sharp and festive with their white and purple leis,
clutching their medals, “…. but there used to be more of us, many more… we are the last ones now…” END
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
Ilocos Norte Governor visits Hawaii
|
| |
The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu hosted a Mabuhay and Bon Voyage Party for Ilocos Norte
Governor Micahel Marcos Keon, organized and sponsored by the various Ilocano associations in Hawaii on
June 29.
The Governor was welcomed not only by an Ilocano crowd but also some Visayans, Bikolanos and Tagalogs
who were invited by their Ilocano friends. People from different associations brought food, drinks and
delicacies, and participated in the entertainment part of the program.
The highlight of the evening was the powerpoint presentation of the Governor wherein he outlined his four key
areas of concern: health, agriculture, education and tourism. The Governor reported on the status of his plans
and projects for Ilocos Norte, which he delivered in English and Ilokano.
The United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH), the umbrella organization of Filipino associations in Hawaii,
gave a plaque to the Governor in recognition of his achievements as Governor of Ilocos Norte from 2007. The
Governor received the plaque from UFCH President Edie Agas while Ms. Lina Longboy, President of the Oahu
Filipino Community Council (OFCC) and other members looked on.
Ms. Emme Tomimbang, a media personality in Hawaii who is a second generation Filipino from Ilocos, gave
the Governor and his party of Ilocos Norte Mayors and Board Members, her CD “Mabuhay with Aloha – the
Hawaii Filipino Experience 1906-2006.” The CD chronicles the experiences of the Filipinos in Hawaii since
their arrival in 1906 until a century later in 2006.
The Governor thanked the Consulate staff and everyone who assisted to make the affair a success. He was
received by various Filipino organizations since his arrival on 20 June and had meetings with Hawaii Governor
Linda Lingle and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. He also flew to Maui and spent a few days meting the
large Filipino community in Maui.
Ilocos Norte is one of five Philippine provinces with sister-state relationships with Hawaii. END
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
RP Ambassador to Venezuela joins Aruba Pinoys in celebrating Philippine
Independence Day
|
| |
Philippine Ambassador to Venezuela Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia flew to the Caribbean island of Aruba recently to
join the Filipino community in their celebration of the 111th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine
Independence.
Aruba, a 33-kilometer long island forming part of the Dutch Lesser Antilles, is now home to more than 3,000
Filipinos, most of whom are employed in the island’s largest industry – tourism and hospitality. Aruba falls
within the consular jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Caracas.
Ambassador Batoon-Garcia and Consul Anthony Mandap led the Filipino community in the traditional flag-
raising ceremony on June 12, held at the Princess Wilhelmina Park in the capital, Oranjestad. The event is
organized yearly by Ami Henriquez-Mendez, Philippine Honorary Consul to Aruba.
Governor Fredis Jose Refunjol, Aruba’s head of government, graced the occasion along with the President of
the Aruba Parliament, Mervin Wyatt and other ranking Aruban government officials and dignitaries, as well as
employers and friends of the Filipino community. Minister of Culture Ramon Lee spoke on behalf of Prime
Minister Nelson Oduber.
Ambassador Batoon-Garcia thanked the Aruban government for its hospitality and the recognition it gives to
the Filipino workers, praised the Filipino workers on the island for their hard work, their excellent work ethic,
and their unique adaptability to the local environment. She also commended efforts to support their families
and help sustain the Philippine economy despite their distance from their motherland. The audience
appreciated President Macapagal Arroyo’s Independence Day message.
Ambassador Batoon-Garcia met with Gov. Refunjol to personally convey the greetings and message of
goodwill from President Arroyo. She also acknowledged the hospitality and favorable working environment
offered by Aruba to the Filipino overseas workers. The two officials likewise noted opportunities for expanding
economic, trade and cultural ties between the two countries.
Recognizing the potential of Aruba, Ambassador Batoon-Garcia also met with Dr. Greg Peterson, head of Free
Zone Aruba, an agency tasked to accelerate Aruba’s trade and investment relations with other countries. Both
officials committed to explore possibilities to expand their bilateral economic and trade ties.
A highlight of the Ambassador’s visit was the Philippine Independence Day dinner program organized by the
United Filipino Community of Aruba (UFILCOA) headed by Ricky de Peralta.
In her brief remarks, Ambassador Batoon-Garcia conveyed the President’s greetings, thanked members of
the community for upholding Filipino traditions, and urged them to participate in the election of the country’s
national officials through overseas absentee voting. Consul Mandap read the Independence Day message of
Secretary Alberto G. Romulo to the applause of the UFILCOA members. END
|
| |
| |
|
