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Embassy Booth Promotes E-passport in Filipino Community Picnic
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The Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC organized an information booth at the 2010 Philippine
Festival Community Picnic and Sportsfest at Fort Washington, Maryland on 27 June 2010 to promote the new
electronic passport (e-passport), dual citizenship and other consular services. The Philippine Embassy started
issuing the e-passport on June 21.
The picnic gathered families who enjoyed Filipino food, sports events and art contest. Local bands and Filipino
folk dances and games were also presented in the program which lasted the entire day.
In his remarks, Consul General Domingo P. Nolasco expressed his gratitude to all the Filipino organizations
for their commitment to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. The Consul General also invited
the community to visit the Embassy booth where brochures on the procedure on the application for the
e-passport and dual citizenship are available. Consul General Nolasco encouraged Philippine passport
holders to apply for the renewal of their passports at least six months before the expiration as required by
international aviation regulations.
The picnic capped the month-long celebration of the 112th anniversary of Philippine Independence of the
Filipino Community in the Metro DC area. -- END
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Consul General Domingo P. Nolasco of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC leads the
ribbon cutting to open the 2010 Philippine Festival Community Picnic and Sportsfest at Fort
Washington, Maryland on 27 June 2010. Consul General Nolasco is joined by Philippine
American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) Chairman of the Board Ador Carreon and
President Becky Pagsibigan. The PAFC’s Philippine Festival Committee leads the Philippine
Independence Day anniversary commemoration of the Filipino community in the Greater Metro
DC area.
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The Embassy booth manned by Embassy officers and staff and their families
responded to queries and concerns on the new Philippine e-passport and dual
citizenship.
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Full Slate of Activities Mark Washington DC Commemoration of RP’s 112th Anniversary
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A full slate of events marked the Embassy of the Philippines’ commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the
Declaration of Philippine Independence in the United States capital, covering formal diplomatic events,
acclaimed cultural presentations and exhibits.
The month-long commemoration kicked off with the launching on June 1st of “Brown Strokes on a White
Canvas,” a visual arts exhibit from 22 artists from the Filipino-American community and the Philippines.
Organized together with the Philippine Festival Committee of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities,
Inc. (PAFC), the event highlighted the full diversity of the Philippines and Filipino-American community.
Simbuyo 2010 brought together some 500 guests to the Grand Theater of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints’ Visitors Center in a celebration of Filipino culture and heritage on June 5th.
Now on its second year, Simbuyo carried the theme of Kasarinlan, Kamalayan at Kasuotan and featured
traditional, folk and popular performances by award-winning talents from the Greater Metro DC including 2009
Mayor’s Arts Award recipient for Outstanding Emerging Artist and 2009 MetroDC Dance Award for the
“Outstanding Individual Performance," Jason Ignacio, tenor Allan Palacios Chan, World Doctors’ Orchestra
First Violinist Joel Ang, Adelphi University Associate Professor in Music Sidney Boquiren, former Smokey
Mountain member and now PhD candidate Tony Lambino, Johns Hopkins SAIS Associate Professor Butch
Arroyo, the Fil-Am Christian Church of Fredericksburg, Virginia’s Angklung Ensemble, the Fil-Am Ministry of All
Saints Church of Manassas, VA, the Young Adults Choir of St. Columba and the Singing Diplomats from the
Embassy of the Philippines.
Also featured were the works of Mindanao’s fashion czar Alfonso “Boy” Guinoo during a fashion review of
traditional, modern and ethnic wear from the Philippines. Mr. Guinoo’s participation was sponsored by
Philippine Airlines.
On June 9th, the premiere of the film “Make No Little Plans” was held at the National Mall.
A documentary on the life of architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham, the film featured a segment on
Burnham’s influences in the planning of Manila and Baguio City and showed the link that continues to join the
Philippines and the United States in shared history and values.
Ambassador Willy C. Gaa was among the featured speakers that included Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the
President, Jim Leach, Chair, National Endowment for the Humanities, Caroline Cunningham, President, Trust
for the National Mall, John R. Ettelson, President and CEO, William Blair & Company and Marcel Acosta,
Executive Director, National Capital Planning Commission.
Among the special guests was “Make No Little Plans” voice over talent and Oscar-nominated actress Joan
Allen.
On June 10th, the Embassy launched “Lupang Hinirang,” an exhibit of pen and ink works of Chicago-based
multi-awarded artist Paul C. Balan. Taking his inspiration from the lyrics of Philippine National Anthem, Balan
used iconic images that resounded with meaning and significance to the audience.
On June 11th, Ambassador Gaa led the officers and staff of the Embassy of the Philippines in a meaningful
flag raising ceremony which was followed by the reading of the messages of H.E. President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo. Ambassador Gaa likewise delivered his own message.
On the same day, the Embassy of the Philippines hosted the traditional Vin d’Honneur for the diplomatic
community with the United States Ambassador to ASEAN Scot Marciel as Guest of Honor.
On June 12th, the Philippine Festival Committee held its annual Independence Day Gala Ball. Ambassador
Gaa addressed the audience and gave a recapitulation of the accomplishments of the Arroyo administration,
particularly economic achievements and the successful holding of the first automated elections in the country.
Guest of Honor for the event was DC Deputy Mayor and Filipino-American Valerie Santos.
On June 18th, the Embassy of the Philippines launched an exhibit of ceramic pottery by acclaimed artist
Hadrian Mendoza entitled “Carabao.” Mendoza received the prestigious Anne and Arnold Abramson award for
Excellence in Ceramics in 1997 from the Corcoran School of Art in DC and is the recipient of the Toyota
Foundation Grant Award in 2007.
In all the events, Ambassador Gaa underscored the importance of the bayanihan spirit in building a stronger
Republic and a vibrant Filipino community in the US.
“We thank the community for all their contributions to our diplomatic efforts on all fronts here in the United
States. They are truly are partners,” said Ambassador Gaa. END
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Simbuyo 2010 Marks Cultural Highlight in Greater Metro DC’s Month-Long
Commemoration of 112th Anniversary of Philippine Independence
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The month-long commemoration of the 112th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in the Greater Metro DC
was highlighted by a cultural performance that showcased Philippine performing arts and fashion bolstered by
the Filipino bayanihan spirit.
Simbuyo 2010, a cultural presentation by the Embassy of the Philippines and the Philippine American
Foundation for Charities, Inc. with volunteers from the Filipino community, played to capacity audience at the
500-seater Grand Theater of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Visitors Center here recently.
Ambassador Willy C. Gaa praised the performance, describing it as “performances that made everyone proud
of the Filipino culture and heritage.”
“The artistry of our people shone through, the beauty of our soul was reflected in the performances that were
diverse yet truly representative of our nation. We are happy with the success of this event,” Ambassador Gaa
said after the concert.
Audience members were treated to a virtual tour of the Philippines through folk dances, traditional and popular
songs, choral music and indigenous instruments from acclaimed artists, including an interpretation of Jose
Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios by 2009 DC Mayor’s Arts Award for Outstanding Emerging Artist and Washingtonian
Magazine Top 20 Showstoppers of DC, Jason Garcia Ignacio.
Also featured were the designs and fabrics of Mindanao’s Fashion Czar Alfonso “Boy” Guinoo in a fashion
review. Guinoo was flown in courtesy of Philippine Airlines.
Former member of “Smokey Mountain,” Tony Lambino and Johns Hopkins University Associate Professor
Butch Arroyo performed “Harana” and “Manila” to the delight of the audience.
The evening’s repertoire included angklung rendition of the songs Kalesa and Rosas Pandan from the Fil-Am
Christian Church of Fredericksburg, VA Angklung Ensemble; Igorot dance, Malong-malong and Pandanggo sa
Ilaw from the Fil-Am Ministry of All Saints Church of Manassas and piano and violin duets of Dahil Sa Yo and
Maalaala Mo Kaya from World Doctors’ Orchestra first violinist Dr. Joel Ang and Adelphi University Professor
Sidney Marquez Boquiren.
Multi-awarded tenor Allan Palacios Chan sang “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” in a tribute to all mothers and received a
standing ovation for his heartfelt rendition of “Bayan Ko.” The Young Adults Choir of St. Columba Church
performed “Hesus” and the upbeat song “Urong-Sulong,” both with lively choreography.
The Philippine Embassy’s own Singing Diplomats, in their maiden public performance, also drew applauses
for their renditions of “Ikaw lang ang Mamahalin” and “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko.”
Now on its second year, Simbuyo is envisioned as an annual venue for highlighting the best in Filipino
heritage and culture through the performing arts. END
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Ambassador Willy C. Gaa and Madam Linda Gaa join Mindanao Fashion Czar Alfonso “Boy” Guinoo,
Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. Chair Ador Carreon, multi-awarded dancer and
choreographer Jason Ignacio, the Fil-Am Ministry of All Saints Manassas, VA during curtain call of
Simbuyo 2010. With the theme, Kasarinlan, Kamalayan at Kasuotan, Simbuyo 2010 showcased Filipino
culture and heritage through the performing arts and fashion. Also joining Ambassador Gaa are Elder
Robert Rich and Ms. Anne Santini of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (Photo: Bing
Branigin) END
The Philippine Embassy’s Singing Diplomats perform “Ikaw lang ang Mamahalin” and “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko”
during Simbuyo 2010, held to commemorate the 112th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine
Independence. This is the first public performance of the Singing Diplomats (Left to right: Minister Ariel
Rodelas Penaranda, Consul Arlene Magno, Vice Consul Angelito Nayan, Vice Consul Corina Apostol and Vice
Consul Robert Borje). A cultural concert presented by the Embassy of the Philippines in partnership with the
Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc., Simbuyo 2010 carried the theme, Kasarinlan, Kamalayan
at Kasuotan. (Photo: F. Calimlim FAIA) END
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Showcasing Filipino Nationalism through the Visual Arts
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Ambassador Willy C. Gaa addresses guests during the launching of the exhibit “Lupang Hinirang,” by Chicago-
based visual artist and sculptor Paul C. Balan. Ambassador Gaa cited Balan for the vivid imagery of his works
that were inspired by the lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem. The exhibit of Paete-born Balan was held as
one of the events commemorating the 112th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence. END
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Aquino wants modern, bigger AFP; vows better civilian-military ties
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President Benigno “P-Noy” S. Aquino III, in his meeting today with the country’s military top brass on his
second day in office, said he will make sure that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is modernized,
increased in size and harmonized with civilians.
The new Chief Executive, who assumes right away the constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief of
the Armed Forces, said he wants the new military leadership to be decisive and innovative in driving the
reforms in the armed forces to achieve effective and efficient realization of the country’s defense and security
thrusts.
The President aired these early policy messages as he installed today Lt. Gen. Ricardo David as AFP Chief of
Staff during the formal change-of-command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.
In his message to the military, Aquino said he will ensure that the AFP’s modernization is sustained and made
an instrument of AFP stability and strength so that it could serve the people more.
He said he has issued instructions to the new Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin to focus on the
modernization efforts.
But he gave the advise that allocating more resources to the military should be based on the principles of
professionalism and utilitarianism.
“Tell us what you need and we will give it to you, as long as they are based on principles of professionalism
and utilitarianism; as long as they will benefit the whole institution and not only the interests of a few. If we use
and allocate our resources efficiently, we will not only be able to improve the well-being of our armed forces but
also that of our citizenry. With a livelier and more responsive economy, we will be able to further address your
needs,” the President said.
Along with the modernization, the President added that there will be efforts to expand the AFP, which has not
grown in years, even if the country’s population has doubled. AFP is 120,000 strong, with three major services:
army, navy and air force. A P50 billion modernization law has been enacted in l995, but the lack of budgetary
support and reported misuse of funds have distressed the program.
President Aquino added: “The things I expect of you, and which you can expect of your Commander in Chief,
are things necessary to undertake the modernization of our armed forces. If all of us follow the rules, and insist
on professionalism, integrity is enhanced. If we undertake our tasks with discipline, we can confront all
challenges with the valor the history of our country has proven we all have. If we all work hard, we can find
creative solutions to our problems, assured of strategic harmony within the armed forces, and between
civilians and the military.
Early in his message, the President reiterated to the military his vow during his inaugural speech Wednesday
that he will lead by example and provide the country the right leadership.
“I expect of you professionalism, integrity, discipline, valor, and hard work. You can expect the same of me,” he
said, reminding the troops of the principle of civilian authority over the military. He made reference to his
appointment of Gazmin, a long retired armed forces general but now a civilian, to the defense post which is a
civilian post.
The President also said he believes civilian military cooperation should be in strategic context.
“I say strategic harmony because we must confront the reality that over the past years, strategy took a back seat
to tactical considerations. I believe that the military functions best when the civilian and military leadership all
share a clear understanding of the national security, and have crafted a clear plan which in turn can properly
inform tactical decisions.
The President commended the military for the successful conduct of the first automated national elections last
May.
He said he expects the entire Armed Forces to be the vanguard of the government’s quest to reform itself, to
clean up its own backyard and serve as a model and inspiration for other government agencies.
“With your long tradition of sustaining the high military ideals of honor and discipline, sacrifice and dedication
to serve the people and country, I am certain that the Armed Forces will once again take the lead in delivering
our country and our people lasting peace and stability, development and social progress,” the President said.
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Ceramic Pottery and Sculpture Exhibit Caps Month-Long Commemoration of
Philippine Independence in Washington, D.C.
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Ambassador Willy C. Gaa sounds the gong to open the exhibit of ceramic pottery and sculpture by acclaimed
artist Hadrian Mendoza. Entitled “Carabao,” the ceramic pottery and sculptures were shipped from the
Philippines and used indigenous materials. Mendoza received the prestigious Anne and Arnold Abramson
award for Excellence in Ceramics in 1997 from the Corcoran School of Art in DC and is the recipient of the
Toyota Foundation Grant Award in 2007. “Carabao” capped the month-long commemoration of the 112th
anniversary of Philippine Independence in Washington, D.C. Also in the photo are Madame Linda Gaa and
artist Hadrian Mendoza. END
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Visual Arts Exhibit Kicks Off Commemoration of RP Independence Anniversary in DC
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Ambassador Willy C. Gaa joins Filipino and Fil-Am artists whose works were displayed at the Philippine
Embassy during the exhibit entitled “Brown Strokes on a White Canvas.” The exhibit kicked off the month-long
commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. In his remarks,
Ambassador underscored the need to continue learning and relearning of the rich heritage and diverse culture
of the Philippines. The Brown Strokes on a White Canvas exhibit, began by artist Julian Oteyza, is a partnership
of the Embassy with the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. and its Philippine Festival
Committee. Photo by Julian Oteyza. END
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