 |
Migrant Heritage Commission's 2nd Annual People's Ball, considered the biggest Fil-Am Gala in Metro DC,
was another resounding success. Over a thousand people attended the gala which carried the theme "Honoring
and Serving the Migrants". Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo of Guam delivered an awe-inspiring speech
and was joined by Minister Carlos Sorreta representing Philippine Ambassador H.E. Willy Gaa, in commending
MHC's programs for the migrants.
The audience broke into laughter when Congresswoman quipped on who to support whether Obama or
Clinton, "No. I still have to wait for a Fil-Am or one with Filipino Heritage from Guam to run for the office
before I make a decision.”
Atty. Arnedo Valera in his welcome remarks presented the program accomplishments of MHC for the first year
and announced the strengthening of MHC as a viable and sustainable institution that will truly provide legal,
health, cultural and Overseas Migrant Fund (funeral assistance) services. He also announced the launching this
year of the Computer Literacy Program based on an informal curriculum designed to equip migrants with basic
computer skills and software knowledge for their professional advancement. "We need to pool our resources
together as one migrant community and strive for a principled unity if we are to be effective in providing
concrete services to the more than four (4 million ) Filipino Migrants in the U.S and our unfortunate brothers and
sisters in the Philippines.”, Valera said.
Attending the People's Ball were members and officers representing almost 98% of the active Fil-Am
organizations in Metro DC in addition to the numerous Fil-Am business representatives and first timer
attendees in the area.
Other special guests include Consul Rico Fos, Mrs. Consuelo Sorreta, newly-arrived Consuls Lito Nayan and Ed
de Vega and Attaché Roger Gonzales. They joined the top people of the DC Mayor's Office of Asia and Pacific
Islander Affairs (Ms. Julia Koo and Mrs. Dory Peters), War Veterans, U.S Coast Guard and Military Officials,
Asia Heritage Foundation, owners of the Neiman Marcus, Fil-Am businesses and MHC sponsors.
U.S Military Major Mark Loyola and the Embassy of the Philippines' Office of the Defense and Military Affairs
Official Fred Cabalsi did the presentation of colors. The guest of honors from the U.S and the Philippine
governments with MHC Executive Board (Arnedo S. Valera, Jesse A. Gatchalian, Grace Valera-Jaramillo, Fr. PJ
Camiring, Ramon Llamas, Antonio Calaro, Sigrid Zialcita, Nolly Ceballos), MHC Board of Event Partner
Advisers (Pio Guding Cabrera, Maryann Herrera, Flor Pantalunan, Perfecto Paras, Vivian Sola, Carl Abella,
Lorna Kivlehan, Walter Crisostomo, Cezarina Alzona & Serge Doverte), Lifeline Int’l Foundation’s Romy and
Grace Capuno, MHC volunteers, various civic, social and cultural and church based leaders and key members
(including the youth) of the community joined in the marching formally opening the gala creating an inspiring
sight on top of the majestic Presidential stairs from the sunken ballroom of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel,
one of the historical landmarks in the nation's capital which hosts Presidential Inauguration Balls.
was another resounding success. Over a thousand people attended the gala which carried the theme "Honoring
and Serving the Migrants". Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo of Guam delivered an awe-inspiring speech
and was joined by Minister Carlos Sorreta representing Philippine Ambassador H.E. Willy Gaa, in commending
MHC's programs for the migrants.
The audience broke into laughter when Congresswoman quipped on who to support whether Obama or
Clinton, "No. I still have to wait for a Fil-Am or one with Filipino Heritage from Guam to run for the office
before I make a decision.”
Atty. Arnedo Valera in his welcome remarks presented the program accomplishments of MHC for the first year
and announced the strengthening of MHC as a viable and sustainable institution that will truly provide legal,
health, cultural and Overseas Migrant Fund (funeral assistance) services. He also announced the launching this
year of the Computer Literacy Program based on an informal curriculum designed to equip migrants with basic
computer skills and software knowledge for their professional advancement. "We need to pool our resources
together as one migrant community and strive for a principled unity if we are to be effective in providing
concrete services to the more than four (4 million ) Filipino Migrants in the U.S and our unfortunate brothers and
sisters in the Philippines.”, Valera said.
Attending the People's Ball were members and officers representing almost 98% of the active Fil-Am
organizations in Metro DC in addition to the numerous Fil-Am business representatives and first timer
attendees in the area.
Other special guests include Consul Rico Fos, Mrs. Consuelo Sorreta, newly-arrived Consuls Lito Nayan and Ed
de Vega and Attaché Roger Gonzales. They joined the top people of the DC Mayor's Office of Asia and Pacific
Islander Affairs (Ms. Julia Koo and Mrs. Dory Peters), War Veterans, U.S Coast Guard and Military Officials,
Asia Heritage Foundation, owners of the Neiman Marcus, Fil-Am businesses and MHC sponsors.
U.S Military Major Mark Loyola and the Embassy of the Philippines' Office of the Defense and Military Affairs
Official Fred Cabalsi did the presentation of colors. The guest of honors from the U.S and the Philippine
governments with MHC Executive Board (Arnedo S. Valera, Jesse A. Gatchalian, Grace Valera-Jaramillo, Fr. PJ
Camiring, Ramon Llamas, Antonio Calaro, Sigrid Zialcita, Nolly Ceballos), MHC Board of Event Partner
Advisers (Pio Guding Cabrera, Maryann Herrera, Flor Pantalunan, Perfecto Paras, Vivian Sola, Carl Abella,
Lorna Kivlehan, Walter Crisostomo, Cezarina Alzona & Serge Doverte), Lifeline Int’l Foundation’s Romy and
Grace Capuno, MHC volunteers, various civic, social and cultural and church based leaders and key members
(including the youth) of the community joined in the marching formally opening the gala creating an inspiring
sight on top of the majestic Presidential stairs from the sunken ballroom of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel,
one of the historical landmarks in the nation's capital which hosts Presidential Inauguration Balls.
Ms. Fe Patalinhug of the Auxilliary Bisaya Medical Association of America & Fil-Am youth Hannah Cabrera
Johnson of the Philippine-American Community Partnership sang the national anthems.
The stunning showmanship of ARMONIA LATINA Show Band, considered the best Latin show band in Metro
DC., carried a whole pulsating night of non-stop dancing amidst moving colorful lights and glittering confettis.
“The venue was first class, the food was great, the band was excellent and dancing was to the max” says Vivian
Sola of the Aklan Ati-Atihan of VA and Phil. Nurses Ass’n of Metro D.C. The menu especially prepared by the
Hotel’s American Chef for the big event had the infusion of Filipino’s Mama Sita’s Mix with American and
French style of cooking resulting in a delectable taste of a gourmet’s cuisine. MHC was grateful to Master Chef
Evelyn Bunoan and husband Oscar who shared their precious time in carefully choosing the special menu with a
Filipino touch.
During the formal Lighting Ceremony, three combined choirs blended their voices singing “Bayan Ko and Ako’
y Pilipino”. Choirs were the Medical Mission of Mercy U.S.A. directed by Sally Rosal/Yolly Arzardon, Fil-Am
Ministry of St. Michael Choir by Meggie Pleyto and FilCom Blessed Sacrament by Candice Cipullo . Ms. Sigrid
Zialcita read the significance of the Lighting Ceremony. The patriotic ceremony had the special participation of
the war veterans & veteran leaders of the community accompanied by the winners/finalists of the ISA’s Mrs.
Aida Bacarra’s group of Miss Teenage Philippines U.S.A. and Trinidad Padama’s group of Miss Teenage
Philippines U.S.A.. Youth members of the Fil-Am Heritage Dance Ensemble, Ultimate Eskrima International, Fil-
Am Ministries of St. Michael and St. Rose of Lima and the Philippine American Community Partnership also
formed part of the youth contingent. An incoming President of a Fil-Am Organization said “I like MHC’s
direction towards unifying the Fil-Am community. It’s very impressive that everybody’s involved in this big
event, from the senior citizens, war veterans, adults from all sectors to the young people, even toddlers are given
a chance to enjoy the event.”
The enormous ballroom had four strategically situated wide screen monitors which provided everyone an
excellent view of the whole program even if one’s table in on the farthest end. This made Bob Guanzon of
Sanbayan, Inc Baltimore say “There’s no bad spot at all in the whole ballroom”. Another observer from
Maryland said “The last time that there was a big gathering like this (aside from last year’s MHC Ball) was 37
years ago when my band performed before a huge group of 800 people. But this gala is very impressive having
come up with a consistent count of over 1,000 guests in 2 consecutive years !”
Leading opera singers and stage performers (Cynthia & Lionel Guico and Liesl Batucan) added to the glitter of
the affair with their special excerpt of songs from the Award-winning Philippine Zarsuela “Something to Crow
About”, a zarzuela based on Dr. Alejandro Roces’ eponymous prize-winning book of short stories- the musical,
directed by Cecile Guidote Alvares, is about the uniquely Pinoy’s fascination with game cocks.. The show is on a
limited engagement and is currently ongoing at the US broadway City of New York.
Another highlight of the gala was the presentation of plaques by MHC and Lifeline Int’l Foundation to Bank of
America and JECI Inc. and the recognition of all sponsors for the event. MHC has a set of loyal sponsors every
year and new sponsors keep coming in. Ms. Grace Valera-Jaramillo, whose diplomatic tour of duty has ended,
was surprised when her name was called to receive a special plaque of recognition from the Fil-Am Community
(represented by Remy Cabrera) for her extraordinary commitment in carrying out her task as “the Philippine
Embassy’s Cultural Officer and Attaché.”
The Filcom leaders cited Ms. Grace’s dedicated efforts in reaching out even to the grassroots community and
inspiring them to promote Philippine culture and help Filipino migrants in need. A veteran leader in the
community said “No other Embassy official had ever done what Ms. Grace had accomplished in terms of
reaching out to the community in so short a time, talking to them, helping them, inspiring them, even dancing
with them. She’s got excellent PR and she’s totally gifted in many aspects including mobilizing people,
coordinating & organizing events etc."
Grace Capuno, President of Lifeline Int’l Foundation in her closing remarks stated “We are very proud of MHC's
accomplishments especially in providing concrete legal services and cultural support for our kababayans in the
Washington D.C. Area. We will also assist them in developing a more comprehensive and responsive Health
Resource Program for our community." The unique Rigodon de Bachata dance by MHC volunteers signaled the
frenzied dancing until the very end.
MHC’s objective in holding the gala was to honor the migrants through the annual commemoration of Filipino
Migration to the U.S., to remind each migrant his significant contribution to both U.S. and Philippine societies.
The big event was also an opportune occasion to recognize our forebears’ challenges they had faced upon
migrating to the U.S. and to thank them all for the graces that the Filipinos are enjoying now in their adopted
country.
Through a powerpoint presentation, guests were informed of MHC’s noble objectives, accomplishments and
ongoing projects of Legal Resource Program, Cultural Support, Health Care Program, Rights Awareness and
Livelihood Skills Program, Networking/Special Recognition of Migrants and the Filipino Overseas Migrant
Fund (Migrants’ Funeral Assistance Program).
Alisa A. Johnson, who attended for the first time, was especially moved by the way the organization acts as a
family for those who have no biological relatives in the U.S.,and the promise that "no one dies alone in the
Filipino-American community. She says, “I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the music. It's hard to
believe that this is only your second year! You guys did a great job of bringing people together for a good cause
and providing lots of fun at the same time.”
Masters of ceremonies Johanna Manalansan Loyola and Roy Fune who were also impressed with the big
number of attendance, anchored the event with much grace assisted by the Gala’s Program Director Nolly
Ceballos, Stage Director Meggie Pleyto and Floor Director Sigrid Zialcita.
Imelda Avellaneda said "I have never seen such a huge gathering with elegance and style and most important: a
lot of dancing ... "I am already reserving one table for my entire family for next year's ball". By the time the Ball
ended, majority of the guests had committed to attend the Migrants' ball again next year.
Some business companies and individuals even wanted to ensure that their advertisements will be included in
next year’s souvenir program by pledging this early their support. MHC limited its souvenir program this year
to one volume avoiding a two volume souvenir program like last year.
MHC was also a little worried with the overflow of guests this year that the Executive Board had requested
some of its Advisers and volunteers to give up their seats should there be a need. But Marriott Hotel was not
taking any chances so it set-up overflow tables from the very start.
Everybody had a fantastic time that no one would dare leave the dance floor and lose their spot until half past
midnight !
Johnson of the Philippine-American Community Partnership sang the national anthems.
The stunning showmanship of ARMONIA LATINA Show Band, considered the best Latin show band in Metro
DC., carried a whole pulsating night of non-stop dancing amidst moving colorful lights and glittering confettis.
“The venue was first class, the food was great, the band was excellent and dancing was to the max” says Vivian
Sola of the Aklan Ati-Atihan of VA and Phil. Nurses Ass’n of Metro D.C. The menu especially prepared by the
Hotel’s American Chef for the big event had the infusion of Filipino’s Mama Sita’s Mix with American and
French style of cooking resulting in a delectable taste of a gourmet’s cuisine. MHC was grateful to Master Chef
Evelyn Bunoan and husband Oscar who shared their precious time in carefully choosing the special menu with a
Filipino touch.
During the formal Lighting Ceremony, three combined choirs blended their voices singing “Bayan Ko and Ako’
y Pilipino”. Choirs were the Medical Mission of Mercy U.S.A. directed by Sally Rosal/Yolly Arzardon, Fil-Am
Ministry of St. Michael Choir by Meggie Pleyto and FilCom Blessed Sacrament by Candice Cipullo . Ms. Sigrid
Zialcita read the significance of the Lighting Ceremony. The patriotic ceremony had the special participation of
the war veterans & veteran leaders of the community accompanied by the winners/finalists of the ISA’s Mrs.
Aida Bacarra’s group of Miss Teenage Philippines U.S.A. and Trinidad Padama’s group of Miss Teenage
Philippines U.S.A.. Youth members of the Fil-Am Heritage Dance Ensemble, Ultimate Eskrima International, Fil-
Am Ministries of St. Michael and St. Rose of Lima and the Philippine American Community Partnership also
formed part of the youth contingent. An incoming President of a Fil-Am Organization said “I like MHC’s
direction towards unifying the Fil-Am community. It’s very impressive that everybody’s involved in this big
event, from the senior citizens, war veterans, adults from all sectors to the young people, even toddlers are given
a chance to enjoy the event.”
The enormous ballroom had four strategically situated wide screen monitors which provided everyone an
excellent view of the whole program even if one’s table in on the farthest end. This made Bob Guanzon of
Sanbayan, Inc Baltimore say “There’s no bad spot at all in the whole ballroom”. Another observer from
Maryland said “The last time that there was a big gathering like this (aside from last year’s MHC Ball) was 37
years ago when my band performed before a huge group of 800 people. But this gala is very impressive having
come up with a consistent count of over 1,000 guests in 2 consecutive years !”
Leading opera singers and stage performers (Cynthia & Lionel Guico and Liesl Batucan) added to the glitter of
the affair with their special excerpt of songs from the Award-winning Philippine Zarsuela “Something to Crow
About”, a zarzuela based on Dr. Alejandro Roces’ eponymous prize-winning book of short stories- the musical,
directed by Cecile Guidote Alvares, is about the uniquely Pinoy’s fascination with game cocks.. The show is on a
limited engagement and is currently ongoing at the US broadway City of New York.
Another highlight of the gala was the presentation of plaques by MHC and Lifeline Int’l Foundation to Bank of
America and JECI Inc. and the recognition of all sponsors for the event. MHC has a set of loyal sponsors every
year and new sponsors keep coming in. Ms. Grace Valera-Jaramillo, whose diplomatic tour of duty has ended,
was surprised when her name was called to receive a special plaque of recognition from the Fil-Am Community
(represented by Remy Cabrera) for her extraordinary commitment in carrying out her task as “the Philippine
Embassy’s Cultural Officer and Attaché.”
The Filcom leaders cited Ms. Grace’s dedicated efforts in reaching out even to the grassroots community and
inspiring them to promote Philippine culture and help Filipino migrants in need. A veteran leader in the
community said “No other Embassy official had ever done what Ms. Grace had accomplished in terms of
reaching out to the community in so short a time, talking to them, helping them, inspiring them, even dancing
with them. She’s got excellent PR and she’s totally gifted in many aspects including mobilizing people,
coordinating & organizing events etc."
Grace Capuno, President of Lifeline Int’l Foundation in her closing remarks stated “We are very proud of MHC's
accomplishments especially in providing concrete legal services and cultural support for our kababayans in the
Washington D.C. Area. We will also assist them in developing a more comprehensive and responsive Health
Resource Program for our community." The unique Rigodon de Bachata dance by MHC volunteers signaled the
frenzied dancing until the very end.
MHC’s objective in holding the gala was to honor the migrants through the annual commemoration of Filipino
Migration to the U.S., to remind each migrant his significant contribution to both U.S. and Philippine societies.
The big event was also an opportune occasion to recognize our forebears’ challenges they had faced upon
migrating to the U.S. and to thank them all for the graces that the Filipinos are enjoying now in their adopted
country.
Through a powerpoint presentation, guests were informed of MHC’s noble objectives, accomplishments and
ongoing projects of Legal Resource Program, Cultural Support, Health Care Program, Rights Awareness and
Livelihood Skills Program, Networking/Special Recognition of Migrants and the Filipino Overseas Migrant
Fund (Migrants’ Funeral Assistance Program).
Alisa A. Johnson, who attended for the first time, was especially moved by the way the organization acts as a
family for those who have no biological relatives in the U.S.,and the promise that "no one dies alone in the
Filipino-American community. She says, “I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the music. It's hard to
believe that this is only your second year! You guys did a great job of bringing people together for a good cause
and providing lots of fun at the same time.”
Masters of ceremonies Johanna Manalansan Loyola and Roy Fune who were also impressed with the big
number of attendance, anchored the event with much grace assisted by the Gala’s Program Director Nolly
Ceballos, Stage Director Meggie Pleyto and Floor Director Sigrid Zialcita.
Imelda Avellaneda said "I have never seen such a huge gathering with elegance and style and most important: a
lot of dancing ... "I am already reserving one table for my entire family for next year's ball". By the time the Ball
ended, majority of the guests had committed to attend the Migrants' ball again next year.
Some business companies and individuals even wanted to ensure that their advertisements will be included in
next year’s souvenir program by pledging this early their support. MHC limited its souvenir program this year
to one volume avoiding a two volume souvenir program like last year.
MHC was also a little worried with the overflow of guests this year that the Executive Board had requested
some of its Advisers and volunteers to give up their seats should there be a need. But Marriott Hotel was not
taking any chances so it set-up overflow tables from the very start.
Everybody had a fantastic time that no one would dare leave the dance floor and lose their spot until half past
midnight !
| Among the many congratulatory messages received: “I like this group (MHC) and their volunteers. No one has air and everybody’s down to earth .. walang mahirap, walang mayaman… that’s what I really really like…everybody’s humble…MHC’s aim is praiseworthy – tumutulong sa mga tao…” Sally Barba, Maryland "The People's Ball is very touching and a beautiful experience which I will include in my battery of memories in my life. I really liked the message in the welcoming remarks of : Let us give America the best that we have but at the same time maintain our national and ethnic Heritage. For what makes America great is that this is indeed a "Nation of Immigrants." Yueh Mei Wu Rowan, a Taiwan National Practicing Lawyer, Virginia Volunteer, MHC Legal Resource Program "People's Ball is very warm and has a friendly atmosphere.... everybody feels that they are all welcome and important" Nobody feels left out in fun and dancing". Eligio Enriquez , Oxon Hill, MD "This is really an amazing experience for me. I even volunteered to bring one of the excited Baltimore City Teachers who attended to the Union Station after the ball." Romy Capuno, Lifeline Int’l “It’s a humongous event .” Manny Lopez, Mabuhay Inc. "For a second year in a row, with this kind of attendance, MHC will go places and what is important is, that night you made your programs and services clear to the Migrant Community." I am still astounded of the over a 1,000 guests even as far as New Jersey, New York, Baltimore, MD, Spotsylvania, Richmond, Stafford Counties in Virginia.” Manny Lozada, The Columbia Bank "It is heartwarming to see the old and new waves of migrants together in one night of festivity celebrating the 101st year of Filipino Migration in the U.S. I would like to commend MHC for bringing the community in unity and reaching out to the migrant workers through its various programs. These migrants are working hard to support their family in the Philippines and resulting to economic gains for our govt. who needs their dollar remittances." Angge Tirso, New Jersey “Congratulations on a very successful event. We were really impressed by the turnout for only the second year and it’s incredible to know that last year was sold out as well.” Sifu Rahim, Washington D.C. ”With everything great, from the show band, the venue, the décor, the food, the program, to the audio-visual and technical effects, the ticket cost seems very low . We got much much more than what is worth our US $ 59.00 or $ 65.00!. We are more than satisfied!” Alma Gangcuangco, Maryland “I love the classic performance of the top zarzuela artists who came all the way from Manila.” Alfred Tecson, Esq., Virginia “I was truly impressed at the number of people who came out to support the MHC.” Roy Fune, Maryland |
Presentation of Colors at the MHC 2nd Annual People's Ball by the Philippine
Embassy's Office of the Defense and Military Affairs Official Fred Cabalsi and
U.S. Military Major Mark Loyola
L-R: ISA's/PFC's Ernie Cordero (behind); Front row: PACP's Ding & Remy Cabrera,
PACC's/PAFAI's Carl Abella & Jeanette Calahong, Mabuhay Inc.'s Jimmy & Judy
Cardano, Consul Ed De Vega, Bank of America's Ramon Llamas, Atty. Arnedo & Mrs.
Elizabeth Valera, Minister Carlos Sorreta, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo,
Lifeline's Romy & Grace Capuno & Consul Rico Fos
Embassy's Office of the Defense and Military Affairs Official Fred Cabalsi and
U.S. Military Major Mark Loyola
L-R: ISA's/PFC's Ernie Cordero (behind); Front row: PACP's Ding & Remy Cabrera,
PACC's/PAFAI's Carl Abella & Jeanette Calahong, Mabuhay Inc.'s Jimmy & Judy
Cardano, Consul Ed De Vega, Bank of America's Ramon Llamas, Atty. Arnedo & Mrs.
Elizabeth Valera, Minister Carlos Sorreta, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo,
Lifeline's Romy & Grace Capuno & Consul Rico Fos
Frenzied dancing started as early as 6:30 p.m. to the pulsating music of the
Armonia Latina Show Band. Imelda Avellaneda said "I have never seen such a
huge gathering with elegance and style and most important: a lot of dancing ...
"I am already reserving one table for my entire family for next year's ball".
By the time the Ball ended, a great number of the guests had already committed
to attending next year's Migrants' Gala.
Armonia Latina Show Band. Imelda Avellaneda said "I have never seen such a
huge gathering with elegance and style and most important: a lot of dancing ...
"I am already reserving one table for my entire family for next year's ball".
By the time the Ball ended, a great number of the guests had already committed
to attending next year's Migrants' Gala.
| PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANNY LOPEZ, Mabuhay Inc. Elizabeth Babiera, MHC and Office of Congresswoman M. Bordallo |
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| - Special Press Releases on Desperate Housewives - |
Press Release
Washington D.C.
New York, NY
October 4, 2007
Reference:
Washington D.C.
New York, NY
October 4, 2007
Reference:
Arnedo S. Valera, Esquire
Executive Director - MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC)
email: migrantheritage@aol.com
http://www.migrantheritage.org
Rico Foz
Executive Vice-President - NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR FILIPINO CONCERNS (NAFCON)
email: nafconusa@yahoo.com
Executive Director - MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC)
email: migrantheritage@aol.com
http://www.migrantheritage.org
Rico Foz
Executive Vice-President - NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR FILIPINO CONCERNS (NAFCON)
email: nafconusa@yahoo.com
| FIL-AM COMMUNITY GROUPS MEET WITH ABC's EXEC MENDEZ IN NY TO DEMAND MORE CONCRETE MEASURES OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISCUSS NATURE OF APOLOGY-PICKETS IN NEW YORK AND METRO WASHINGTON D.C. |
ABC Television Network facing an impending picket and protest in front of Manhattan's ABC Studios on 77 West 66th
Street, New York, NY, October 5 at 6 pm, and October 6 (noontime) at ABC Office, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,
VA 22209 (Metro Washington D.C.), agreed to meet with the Filipino-American Delegation led by NATIONAL
ALLIANCE FOR FILIPINO CONCERNS (NAFCON), PHILIPPINE FORUM AND the MIGRANT HERITAGE
COMMISSION (MHC). As mounting protests and international condemnation for the racial slur made by Actress Teri
Hatcher in a scene with a doctor in Sunday's episode of "Desperate Housewives" where she remarked: "Okay, before we go
any further, can I check those diplomas?Because I would like to make sure they are not from some med school in the Philippines."
Robert Mendez, Esquire, Senior-Vice President for Diversity and Talent Development of ABC NETWORK had a very
cordial and pleasant telephone conversation with Arnedo S. Valera, Esquire, Executive Director of the Migrant Heritage
Commission (MHC) this evening and both agreed to meet in Trump Plaza Hotel in New York at 5 P.M. tomorrow,
October 5th, four blocks away from the organized community picket led by NAFCON and PHILIPPINE FORUM. As a
good faith gesture to the Filipino Community, ABC’s Mr. Mendez assured Mr. Valera that the controversial episode
will be edited and the scene permanently cut and never again be shown even in re runs, DVD set or any format for sale
or rent. Likewise in exchange of goodwill with Mr. Valera, Mr. Mendez agreed to listen to the demands for more
concrete measures of accountability to be presented by the Filipino-American Community panel group led by NAFCON,
PHILIPPINE FORUM AND THE MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC). He further promised to seriously
address all the demands and concerns of the picketing groups.
The picket in front of Manhattan's ABC Studios at 77 West 66th is supported by the following organizations : The New
York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, NAFFAA, Anak Bayan, Movement for Free Philippines, FILIPINOS
FOR RIGHTS AND EMPOWERMENT (FIRE), KABALIKAT and the SENTOSA ++ NURSES.
The picket in Metropolitan Washington D.C. on Saturday, 6 October is to be led by the Philippine Medical Association of
Metro Washington D.C. (PMAMW) and MD to be supported by various Fil-Am organizations, among them are the
Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) DC and MD and the MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC).
Rico Foz of NAFCON, Bernadette Llorin of PHILIPPINE FORUM, a representative of the medical community and Arnedo
S. Valera, Esquire of the MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION will lead the panel that will present the demands of the
organized picketing groups to ABC Senior Vice President, Mr. Robert Mendez.
Among the demands to be presented are: ABC Network Broadcast Public Apology and not simply a one paragraph
statement; Conduct a complete and thorough investigation of those responsible for writing the reprehensible and racial
slur script line; ABC to conduct racial and cultural sensitivity programs for all employees ; ABC should make a
categorical and unequivocal statement that it recognizes the significant contribution of Philippine Health Care
professionals especially our doctors, nurses and other health care givers to the entire U.S Health Care System because of
their competence and high quality of skills; A sincere and proper apology to the Filipino People and the nation and
the Fil-Am community groups for disparaging and maligning the Philippine Educational System and the expressed
racial prejudice to Filipino doctors and physicians; ABC will commit to make episodes and shows that will depict
Filipinos and other minority groups as prominent positive role models of the community and that ABC agrees to
support Filipino-American Community projects that will strengthen racial diversity and harmony in local communities
and at the national level.
NAFCON promised to organize more peaceful ,continuous and sustained pickets and protests together with various
Filipino-American groups and minority groups in the country until the demands are substantially met.
The Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) commends the collective efforts of several immigrant groups, organizations like
Philippine Medical Ass’n, Philippine Nurses Ass’n, APPA and NAFFAA and individuals in the U.S , in the Philippines and
our “kababayans” in other parts of the world who supported and signed a one line-indignation petition which garnered
more than 65,000 signatures within 48 hours when it was posted by Mr. KEVIN NADAL , a Fil-Am college lecturer who
lives in New York. MHC and the Filipino community also appreciate the support of the Philippine government and the
media on this cause.
Street, New York, NY, October 5 at 6 pm, and October 6 (noontime) at ABC Office, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,
VA 22209 (Metro Washington D.C.), agreed to meet with the Filipino-American Delegation led by NATIONAL
ALLIANCE FOR FILIPINO CONCERNS (NAFCON), PHILIPPINE FORUM AND the MIGRANT HERITAGE
COMMISSION (MHC). As mounting protests and international condemnation for the racial slur made by Actress Teri
Hatcher in a scene with a doctor in Sunday's episode of "Desperate Housewives" where she remarked: "Okay, before we go
any further, can I check those diplomas?Because I would like to make sure they are not from some med school in the Philippines."
Robert Mendez, Esquire, Senior-Vice President for Diversity and Talent Development of ABC NETWORK had a very
cordial and pleasant telephone conversation with Arnedo S. Valera, Esquire, Executive Director of the Migrant Heritage
Commission (MHC) this evening and both agreed to meet in Trump Plaza Hotel in New York at 5 P.M. tomorrow,
October 5th, four blocks away from the organized community picket led by NAFCON and PHILIPPINE FORUM. As a
good faith gesture to the Filipino Community, ABC’s Mr. Mendez assured Mr. Valera that the controversial episode
will be edited and the scene permanently cut and never again be shown even in re runs, DVD set or any format for sale
or rent. Likewise in exchange of goodwill with Mr. Valera, Mr. Mendez agreed to listen to the demands for more
concrete measures of accountability to be presented by the Filipino-American Community panel group led by NAFCON,
PHILIPPINE FORUM AND THE MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC). He further promised to seriously
address all the demands and concerns of the picketing groups.
The picket in front of Manhattan's ABC Studios at 77 West 66th is supported by the following organizations : The New
York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, NAFFAA, Anak Bayan, Movement for Free Philippines, FILIPINOS
FOR RIGHTS AND EMPOWERMENT (FIRE), KABALIKAT and the SENTOSA ++ NURSES.
The picket in Metropolitan Washington D.C. on Saturday, 6 October is to be led by the Philippine Medical Association of
Metro Washington D.C. (PMAMW) and MD to be supported by various Fil-Am organizations, among them are the
Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) DC and MD and the MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC).
Rico Foz of NAFCON, Bernadette Llorin of PHILIPPINE FORUM, a representative of the medical community and Arnedo
S. Valera, Esquire of the MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION will lead the panel that will present the demands of the
organized picketing groups to ABC Senior Vice President, Mr. Robert Mendez.
Among the demands to be presented are: ABC Network Broadcast Public Apology and not simply a one paragraph
statement; Conduct a complete and thorough investigation of those responsible for writing the reprehensible and racial
slur script line; ABC to conduct racial and cultural sensitivity programs for all employees ; ABC should make a
categorical and unequivocal statement that it recognizes the significant contribution of Philippine Health Care
professionals especially our doctors, nurses and other health care givers to the entire U.S Health Care System because of
their competence and high quality of skills; A sincere and proper apology to the Filipino People and the nation and
the Fil-Am community groups for disparaging and maligning the Philippine Educational System and the expressed
racial prejudice to Filipino doctors and physicians; ABC will commit to make episodes and shows that will depict
Filipinos and other minority groups as prominent positive role models of the community and that ABC agrees to
support Filipino-American Community projects that will strengthen racial diversity and harmony in local communities
and at the national level.
NAFCON promised to organize more peaceful ,continuous and sustained pickets and protests together with various
Filipino-American groups and minority groups in the country until the demands are substantially met.
The Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) commends the collective efforts of several immigrant groups, organizations like
Philippine Medical Ass’n, Philippine Nurses Ass’n, APPA and NAFFAA and individuals in the U.S , in the Philippines and
our “kababayans” in other parts of the world who supported and signed a one line-indignation petition which garnered
more than 65,000 signatures within 48 hours when it was posted by Mr. KEVIN NADAL , a Fil-Am college lecturer who
lives in New York. MHC and the Filipino community also appreciate the support of the Philippine government and the
media on this cause.
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