Kobe Bryant and Filipina Businesswoman to host charity event for Philippine kids

KOBE BRYANT, GINA ALEXANDER AND THE BLACK CARD CIRCLE FOUNDATION TO HOST UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN AT KOBE BRYANT BASKETBALL ACADEMY


 Los Angeles , CA-- For the first time, the Kobe Bryant Family Foundation and the Gina Alexander Philanthropy Project will host 10 underprivileged children from the Philippines with scholarships to attend the Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy in Santa Barbara, California next month. In a special event to raise funds for this partnership, the Black Card Circle Foundation, a volunteer-run organization created to assist other non-profit groups, will spearhead a special Reception on July 5, 2010 at the Americana in Glendale along with Nike.

“We are so excited and honored that Kobe Bryant has provided us with this opportunity” beamed Gina Alexander. “The kids that we are bringing over from the Philippines will actually get to interact with Kobe Bryant daily and will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn the leadership skills that has brought Kobe 5 NBA Championship rings and distinguishes him as probably the greatest basketball player of all time.” Part of the mission statement of the Kobe Bryant Family Foundation is to raise leaders and teach children to be champions.

“Raising leaders is a sentiment we echo with each of our projects,” says Black Card Circle Foundation Founder and Chairman Lotay Yang. “We are honored to be able to part of this endeavor to help Gina and Kobe with their goals.” The Black Card Circle Foundation exists to attract influential donors, supporters and corporations to promote and spotlight non-profit organizations who empower individuals who otherwise may not have access to opportunities and resources to reach their full potential in life. “Charity is the backbone of BCCF. We want to emphasize that giving back to the community or helping philanthropists and worthy causes is our priority,” says Yang.

The event will include appearances by some of Hollywood ’s top celebrities, a gourmet selection of foods and live entertainment and proceeds will go directly to the Gina Alexander Philanthropy Project. To purchase tickets and for further information, please log on to www.BlackCardCircleFoundation.org.
*****
BLACK CARD CIRCLE FOUNDATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KOBE BRYANT FAMILY FOUNDATION AND GINA ALEXANDER PHILANTHROPY PROJECTS and NIKE

PRESENTS
“A Reception for Underprivileged Children”
MONDAY, July 5, 2010
6:00 pm – 10:00pm

Katsuya at the Americana
589 Americana Way, Glendale, CA. 91210
Ticket prices: $300, $150, $75

Available only at www.BlackCardCircleFoundation.org
No tickets available at the door. This is a pre-sale event.

DISNEY'S THE LION KING OPEN AUDITIONS IN LOS ANGELES FOR CHILDREN SINGERS

Seeking children ages 9–12, with a maximum height of 58”, who can sing, dance and act to play the African lion cubs Simba and Nala. We encourage children of all backgrounds to attend. No performance experience necessary.

Be prepared to be taught the last verse of Just Can’t Wait to be King. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians must remain at the audition site at all times. Be ready to wait.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 26, 2010
9:30am - Sign-in begins
10:00am - Auditions begin
11:00am - Sign-in ends

WHERE:
Screenland Studios
10501 Burbank Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

Casting children for the Broadway, Las Vegas and National Touring companies. Minimum weekly salary is $1,605. Payments subject to applicable state laws regarding trust funds for minors.

FOR AUDITION INFORMATION:
www.lionkingcasting.com • Audition hotline: (212) 827-5450

If you are unable to attend this audition, send a HEADSHOT and resume ASAP to: Binder Casting • Attn: The Lion King Kids 321 W. 44th Street • Suite 606 • New York, NY 10036 http://www.bindercasting.com/

Job Opening: UCR looking for Tagalog Lecturer

Temporary Academic Position

Tagalog Language Lecturer
University of California, Riverside

The Department of Comparative Literature and Foreign Languages at the University of California, Riverside invites applications for a part-time lecturer position in Tagalog language for 2010-2011 academic year. Candidates must have at least an M.A. degree in Tagalog, teaching experience at the college or university level, and a dynamic classroom presence. Duties include teaching five courses in beginning or advanced Tagalog, pending final funding. Salary per course is $4,959.56. The Fall Quarter begins September 23rd.

Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching evaluations, two or three letters of recommendation, and (optional but recommended) 20-minute VHS/DVD teaching demo to: Chair,

Tagalog Lecturer Search Committee, Department of Comparative Literature and Foreign Languages, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0321

Questions/inquiries please email: veronica.valenzuela@ucr.edu

Review of applications will begin June 4, 2010; the position will remain open until filled. The successful candidate must show proof of employment eligibility. The University of California, Riverside, is an AA/EEO employer.

[File photo: Ginang Oliva teaching Filipino classes at Cerritos]

Hollywood Awards Show Host Picks Oliver Tolentino

“Dancing with the Stars” & “Clean This House” star Niecy Nash chose Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino to dress her when she hosted the New Now Next Awards 2010.

The show will air June 17th on the Logo channel. The awards show, now in its third year, is about discovering today what will be trending next year. To that end, the New Now Next Awards gathers icons and stars-on-the-rise to crown the next "big things" in TV, music, film, print and new media long before they hit the mainstream.

Through its past discoveries, has proven it's one step ahead of the hype by calling out some of today's hottest pop culture phenoms long before they were on the mainstream radar. Highlights include Lady Gaga's first ever televised performance with a sizzling rendition of "Just Dance." Hit drama series "True Blood" received the "Best Show You're Not Watching" award months before its Emmy© nominations. Wendy Williams won "Best New Indulgence" before her daytime talk show "The Wendy Williams Show" went national. Leona Lewis received "The Kylie Award: Next International Crossover" as she was just emerging onto the U.S. music scene with her hit "Bleeding Love" and now she is a household name.

Niecy wore a black Oliver Tolentino stretchable beaded long gown for the red carpet arrival ceremonies and then changed into two other gowns for her on-air hosting duties. One was a champagne sequined gown and the other has been described as a “red cloud with shimmering, electric top.”

“Niecy told me she wanted a very dramatic entrance so I’ve tried to provide her with one,” Tolentino said.

Since launching his shop in the U.S., Tolentino has been making waves in Hollywood. His celebrity fans include Kimora Lee, who wore his dress on a cover shoot, Lea Salonga, and Patti Austin.

Fil-Am Boy Needs Donor To Live

Jamison Vincent Abrenica was diagnosed with a severe case of Aplastic Anemia last May. Jamison has undergone test after test, including a bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap. Throughout all of this he has stayed strong and happy. Despite all of the poking, prodding, and needles, he still carries a beautiful smile.

Jamison will undergo chemotherapy and will need a bone marrow transplant. Because he is Filipino it may difficult to find a match for him. His only sister Malia and both of his parents are not a match for Jamison.

Jamison will be turning 2 in August. He loves to play with monster trucks and adores his older sister, Malia.


He also misses being with the other kids at daycare. This is the time of his life where he should be growing and learning and exploring the world. 


His parents are hoping that kind hearts would teach him the beauty in selflessness and humanity by becoming a registered bone marrow donor today and possibly saving Jamison's life.




CONTACT:
Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches | 244 S. San Pedro St. #503 Los Angeles, CA 90012 
(213) 625-2802


A3M is affiliated with Be The Match Registry, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program
http://www.asianmarrow.org/
http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now_Sponsored/join_now_sponsored.html

A Filipino Veteran Remembered

NEW YORK - On Memorial Day millions of American families and friends remember and honor the sacrifices of their fallen warriors. Filipinos in the United States also fondly recall their fallen like World War II veteran Pacifico “Tatay” Timbol, who passed away on May 18.

Timbol was the longtime commander of the American Legion Douglas MacArthur Post in Woodside NYC with more than a dozen elderly Filipino veteran members. Over the past decade, Timbol and comrades were regular parade marchers in the Philippine Independence Day festivals on Madison Avenue. They often visited Capitol Hill in Washington to lobby for their equity benefits and family reunification bills.

Timbol's widow Rosalina and two daughters, Marilu and Carolyn, welcomed more than seventy guests during his May 21 farewell mass in a funeral home in their immigrant neighborhood.

According to the widow, "Tatay" Timbol was born Dec. 5, 1922 in Concepcion Tarlac. During World War II, Timbol was wounded in leg in battle and was held as a prisoner-of-war. There was also a movie script entitled "Kilabot ng Hapon" (Feared by the Japanese) featuring Timbol’s WWII exploits. Rosalina remembered their first meeting and feeding him as a guerrilla when he visited her family. They have seven children and “about eighteen grandchildren.” He worked after the war as a rail inspector for the Tutuban railroad and became a business man in real estate. One of his four sons is Edgardo Timbol, a current town mayor in Davao Del Norte province.

Father Neil Villaviza, a close friend and kabayan from Tarlac, officiated the mass. In his homily, Villaviza said, “Tatay has finally surrendered to God, even his sins. He has returned to his beginning.” Villariza asked his audience to celebrate Tatay’s life and legacy with the loving family.

Legionnaires: Rafael De Peralta, Jesus Novoa, Paul Hipolito, Elpidio Ramos, Mario Lumida and Sonny Sampayan paid their respects to their departed commander. Sampayan, a retired US Air Force Desert Storm veteran, tearfully eulogized Timbol’s dedication and caring leadership in serving his low-income comrades to win US government recognition and veterans pensions. In previous years, Timbol organized his team who were dressed in blue Legion satin jackets to proudly march several blocks on Madison Avenue to draw attention for their campaign during veteran day parades.

Eric Lachica, the executive director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, an advocacy group based in Arlington Virginia, also eulogized Timbol’s optimism and untiring leadership. Lachica recalled his last phone call three weeks earlier with Timbol who was released from the hospital. Despite his weak voice and failing health caused by prostate cancer, Timbol pleaded for ACFV’s to continue to assist his elderly members get their pension applications approved and to pass their Filipino Veterans Family Reunification bills in Congress this year.

Lachica urged the audience to honor Timbol’s memory by continuing his fight to persuade New York Senator Charles Schumer and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney to champion the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification bill S. 2757 and H.R. 2412 now languishing in Congress. More than 20,000 sons and daughters of US citizen Filipino veterans have been waiting for more than 10 years with approved immigration petitions including several of Timbol’s children.

For details, visit the ACFV website: http://usfilvets.tripod.com or e-mail: usfilipinoveterans@gmail.com

American Coalition for Filipino Veterans
======================================================================
(This Memorial Day, let's also thank people like Eric Lachica for their commendable and tireless advocacy for the veterans. -Yong)

EVENT: Make-Up & Model like a PRO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Publicist:

Elgin Zulueta

714.651.8956

Elgin.Zulueta@gmail.com

“Make-Up and Model Like a Pro!”

LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2010) - Calling all make-up and model enthusiasts. ‘Tis the spring workshop season and an elite group of successful make-up artists, international model and photographers in Los Angeles and Asia will be having a one-day makeover workshop on May 15, Saturday at the famed film school IAFT (International Academy of Film and Television) at the chic and urban Abbott Kinney Rd in Venice Beach.

‘Make-up and model like a pro’ workshop is a combination of lecture and guided practical application in make-up and modeling. Hollywood based make-up artist, Eugene Conde, who has done several music videos, films and commercials, together with fashion make-up artists Paula Mauricio and Rod Alcover will share their beauty secrets in make-up application that will enhance your natural beauty. International model, Zara, who has done numerous TV and print ads all over Asia, will give tips on how to look best in front of the camera. There will be an after party capping the day’s workshop with VIP’s from different industries such as film, fashion and entertainment. All artists will personally handle everything; so expect to rub elbows with gorgeous models and modeling insights directly from the experts.

Boost your confidence, overcome shyness and identify your best angles, be with the pro! The workshop fee is $99 per person all inclusive of an IAFT Certificate of Completion, 5 professionally shot studio photos, a $50 worth beauty gift bag, and an after party ticket. So, mark your calendars!

This workshop is a collaboration of IAFT, FilAmNation, and M&P Design House and is sponsored by Red Glass Photography, Design K Studios, Terry’s Essence of Beauty, VuQo Premium Vodka, Good Buzz, and Human Heart Nature. For tickets please call Au at 949.331.8328 and Manny at 310.384.1586.

###

YONG's note: This event is organized by enterprising Fil-Ams, so come and support - and get gorgeous! - this Saturday.

See you there.

Be on BALITANG AMERICA

Here's an announcement/invitation from my reporting mothership, The Filipino Channel's Balitang America.

====

Until May 10, ang ating Isyu Ngayon ay ang ELEKSYON!

Bilang Overseas Filipinos, lahat po tayo ay may saloobin tungkol sa mga kandidato, sa halalan at sa bayan.

Ano ang inyong opinyon?

Tell us!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Record your comments on video, then upload to www.youtube.com. Keep it short (10 - 15 seconds is best!)

2. E-mail the youtube link to balitangamerica@abs-cbni.com

3. Tell us your name, city, and state where you're from.

4. Watch yourself on Balitang America (TFC 5:05 PM PT/8:05 PM ET) or check www.balitangamerica.tv *

*Submissions may be edited for length.

Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed Peasand Jeepney Music Offers Immediate Aid to Victims of Typhoon Ondoy

Native to the Philippines, Apl.de.Ap Requests Global Support

to Assist Thousands Displaced

Los Angeles, Calif., (September 27, 2009) Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas and founder of Jeepney Music pledges immediate aid and asks people from around the world to assist the thousands affected by the typhoon that swept through Manila. Apl, a native to the Philippines and the creative ambassador to country, requests those interested in helping victims to donate through the Apl Foundation relief fund by logging onto www.jeepneymusic.com.

Apl.de.Ap says, “My heart is broken to see so many of my Filipino brothers and sisters hurt by this disaster. We must all bond together and move forward to restore the city we hold dear. I’m asking the global community for their support and donations to assist the thousands of Filipinos affected by this tragedy.”

###

Press Contact:

Alia Mahi Henson

Exposure Public Relations

amahi@exposurepublicrelations.com

(316) 619-4245

(photo: People.com)

FO FYI: US Green Card Production Delays

USCIS is announcing that applicants may experience up to an eight-week delay in the delivery of their permanent resident card while USCIS is in the process of upgrading card production equipment.  USCIS Field Offices will issue temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp to applicants approved for permanent residence at the time of their interview.  You will need to take your passport to your appointment.  If you do not have a passport, you must bring a passport-style photo and government-issued photo identification to receive temporary evidence of permanent residence.

If the application is approved subsequent to your interview or by a Service Center or the National Benefit Center, bring the above documents to an INFOPASS appointment to be issued temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp.

USCIS Revises Direct Mail Program for the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it is revising the Direct Mail Program for the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). The notice of this addition is effective on Jan. 22, 2009, and is published in Federal Register. The notice advises the public to file non-military N-400s with the appropriate Lockbox facilities and provides a 30-day transition period after the effective date for USCIS service centers to forward N-400 applications received at their facilities to the appropriate Lockbox location.

Applicants should continue to file military N-400 cases with the Nebraska Service Center (NSC). In order to assist military spouses, NSC will also accept and process N-400s filed by spouses of military members.

Effective Jan. 22, 2009, applicants must submit Form N-400 and related supplements to one of two new USCIS Lockbox facilities for initial processing, using the following addresses:
If You Reside In: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or Northern Mariana Islands, file your N-400 with:

USCIS Lockbox Facility
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 21251
Phoenix, AZ 85036

Courier and Express Mail Deliveries
USCIS, Attn: N-400
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S. Floor 1
Phoenix, AZ 85036

If You Reside In: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or U.S. Virgin Islands, file your N-400 with:

USCIS Lockbox Facility
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 299026
Lewisville, TX 75029

Courier and Express Mail Deliveries
USCIS, Attn: N-400
2501 S. State Hwy 121, Bldg. 4
Lewisville, TX 75067

The N-400 form instructions will be updated to reflect the new filing procedures.

Filipina Artist Featured in Pasadena Exhibit

Pasadena Society of Artists Holiday Exhibit at VIVA Gallery

The Pasadena Society of Artists (PSA) proudly presents 46 gifted artists for a Holiday Exhibition at the Valley Institute of the Visual Arts (VIVA) Gallery at 13261 Moorpark Street in Sherman Oaks till 27th.

The exhibit showcases 60 artworks done in traditional and contemporary styles and represented in a variety of media such as oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art.

A most recent watercolor painting of distinguished Glendale artist and Art Historian Lynda A. N. Reyes entitled "Boy in Blue" was accepted in this juried exhibition. Her son Roy Natian is also featured in the show with his pen and ink composition titled "GHOTI".

This is a juried exhibition that features the works of select members of the PSA (http://www.pasadenasocietyofartists.org/), an organization of professional artists from Pasadena and nearby communities that has continuously exhibited its members' contemporary art for 80 years. Since its inception in 1925, it has evolved into a varied and vital artistic force that has nourished the artistic growth of the contemporary art scene. The PSA is noted for its vigorous and active membership with high professional standards.

VIVA Gallery is not the traditional art gallery for profit. VIVA is a nonprofit organization run by four supporting art groups (Women Painters West, Valley Watercolor Society, Collage Artists of America, and Valley Artists Guild) that have joined together to operate a permanent Arts Center in the San Fernando Valley. VIVA provides artists with the opportunity for critical exposure and public appreciation of their creative work in a professional environment.

REGISTRATION TO VOTE IN THE PHILIPPINE 2010 ELECTIONS MOVED TO FEB '09

Filipino citizens residing abroad, mark your calendars:

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles wishes to inform the public that pursuant to the Minute Resolution of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the registration/ certification for overseas absentee voters has been moved from 1 December 2008 to 1 February 2009.

All citizens of the Philippines abroad not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election and who wish to vote for President, vice-President, Senators and Party List Representatives for purposes of the 10 May 2010 National Elections must file applications for registration/ certification as overseas absentee voters from 1 February 2009 to 31 August 2009.

The voting period will be from 10 April 2010 until 3:00 p.m. Philippine time 10 May 2010.

For details, please contact the embassy/ consulate nearest your residence or the following websites:

Department of Foreign Affairs (Manila): http://www.dfa.gov.ph/

Commission on Elections (Manila): coav@comelec.gov.ph

Filipino residents of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, ARIZONA and SOUTHERN NEVADA may wish to contact the following:

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500Los Angeles, CA 90010

Attn: Vice Consul John Reyes

Tel. No. (213) 637-3003

Fax No.: (213) 639-0990

FILVOTE'S PHONE BANKINGON ELECTION DAY A SUCCESS

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Filipino-American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) through its nonpartisan voter engagement project, FILVOTE, conducted a phone banking drive to encourage Filipino-Americans to go out and vote on Election Day. This drive was started a week before Election day and peaked during the day itself. FASGI volunteers and staff spearheaded the drive and called everyone on its registered voter list. Most of these people were assisted by FILVOTE to register or re-register to vote.

Majority of the volunteers at FASGI noted that at 1030a.m. most of the Fil-Ams they called already voted and the small percentage that didn’t vote yet said that they are on their way to their designated precincts. Mr.. Peping Baclig, a Filipino-American Veteran, called mostly the Filipino Veteran American seniors, he said that almost all of them already voted through the vote by mail or permanent absentee vote. They collectively observed that there was an unprecedented enthusiasm and excitement among the Filipino-Americans to participate on this election.

There were a lot of first time voters. Those that just felt that they have a need to participate on this historic election. According to one first time voter, Maria Corazon Paus, who was recently naturalized as an American Citizen on October 9, 2008 , “I am elated to participate and feel the benefits of being an American, to have a voice in the process of selecting a new leader to guide the course of this Country I now call mine.” She said her wait to vote was not that long, about 15mins at the Knights of Columbus precinct at Temple Street in Los Angeles . She was there in line at 9 a.m. Although she voted Republican she says she is happy that Barack Obama won because “he has given a lot of Americans hope for a better future” she goes further “I am very happy that I cast my vote, even if my candidate lost, I feel that I still won, we all won.”

It is evident from this election that a huge turnout of Filipino Americans came out and voted. This is a departure from the perception that Fil-Ams are apathetic to the American Democratic process.

[text & photo: Fasgi, Sherwin Shakramy - Legal Program Coordinator]

ADVICE & TOOLS TO SAVE YOUR HOME FROM FORECLOSURE

Homeowners can get tools and important information to prevent foreclosure at a free and comprehensive homeowners preservation fair scheduled for TODAY.

The fair will take place in the Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom, on Pine Avenue, between Ocean Boulevard and Shoreline Drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

Participants must bring a copy of a recent mortgage statement. Counselors and housing experts will offer on-site assistance and information on viable options regarding foreclosure prevention assistance. Presentations will also be conducted on topics which include the foreclosure process and fraud prevention. All information will be kept confidential.

Free parking is available off Pine Avenue at the Convention Center.

The fair will be facilitated by Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services (LANHS), a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agency. For more information, please contact LANHS at 888-895-2647 or via e-mail at counseling@lanhs.org or visit the agency’s website at www.lanhs.org or the City of Carson’s Housing Development Division at (310) 233-4800.

USCIS ESTABLISHES GENEALOGY PROGRAM

Fee-for-Service Program Replaces FOIA Process

Customers can now turn to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for help in researching their family’s immigration history through the agency’s new Genealogy Program.

USCIS maintains historical records documenting the arrival and naturalization of millions of immigrants who arrived in the United States since the late 1800s or and naturalized between 1906 and 1956. Until today, the process to request these records was handled through a Freedom of Information Act / Privacy Act (FOIA) request.

“In many cases USCIS is the only government agency that has certain historical records that provide the missing link which genealogists or family historians need,” said Jonathan “Jock” Scharfen, USCIS’ Acting Director.

The agency expects interest in genealogy to continue to grow. In the past four years alone, USCIS received more than 40,000 FOIA requests for historical records. The new genealogy program will create a dedicated queue for genealogists, historians and others seeking genealogical and historical records and reference services that generally require no FOIA expertise. As a result, USCIS will provide more timely responses to requests for records of deceased individuals.

Individuals may submit genealogy records requests by using the new forms, G-1041 -Genealogy Index Search Request, and G-1041A - Genealogy Records Request. Both forms are available on the new USCIS Genealogy Program page at: http://www.uscis.gov/genealogy. The fees include:

Genealogy Index Search - $20
Copy of a File on Microfilm - $20
Copy of a Textual File Copy - $35.

To read their Frequently Asked Questions page, here's the link.

[text and pic from USCIS]

Filipino Breast Cancer Awareness Day in October

The first ever Filipino Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Southern California will feature screenings and education. It is free & open to the public.

Sunday, October 5th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at the Center Court of the Eagle Rock Plaza (in front of Seafood City Supermarket)
2700 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, 90041.

The event is in in honor of, Ms. Alva Marie Argonza, a five-year civil servant for the state of California who passed away in less than two years of being diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Only 35 years old, she died on June 18 early this year, a loss that devastated her family and friends.

They learned that Filipinos have the highest death rate from breast cancer than any other Asian-American group. As a result, friends and community members rallied together to organize the first ever Filipino Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Southern California. The purpose of the event is to inform, educate, and empower the Filipino community to take charge of their breast health.

Representatives from organizations including Glendale Adventist Medical Center, the American Cancer Society, and Comprehensive Community Health Centers will have booths and offer free health screenings and information. Other collaborating partners include Kiwanis Club of Verdugo Hills, Botana & Gomez Company, Filipino American Business Association of Glendale, Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce, and the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women.

For information, call (818) 409-8100.

[Thanks to Art Pacho for the info.]

HELPING FILIPINOS

There are many Fil-Ams who do so many good things for our kababayans back home. These Pinoys heroically give their time, money and effort without fanfare. Here is one example. You can also be a bayani to our kababayans back home by sponsoring a wheelchair. Instructions on how to help can be found below. ---Yong

==========================================================

WHEELCHAIRS DONATED TO LEYTE RESIDENTS

Ten brand new wheelchairs were donated to needy children and one adult in Leyte by the Wheelchair Foundation of California last January at a turnover ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Two Leyte children with disabilities attended the ceremony. They are Vanessa Bernal, 12 years old from Barangay Hiluktugan, Carigara, Leyte; and Raymark Galit, 7 years old from Barangay Santol, San Miguel, Leyte.

The Wheelchair Foundation has been donating wheelchairs all over the world and finally chose to come to the Philippines to give aid there. The foundation has offered to pay half of the cost of a wheelchair for other wheelchairs in the Philippines while part of the shipping cost will be covered by Knightsbridge Foundation. Donors are encouraged to contribute $135 for each wheelchair to be given to an individual. In Leyte there is a waiting list for 100 individuals requiring wheelchairs but are unable to afford one.

Donors are wanted to provide the wheelchairs to any of the towns where the needy people are from: Baybay, Dulag, Alangalang, Leyte, Burauen, Tabontabon, Tolosa, Pastrana, La Paz, Tunga, Julita, Jaro, Palo, Carigara, and Dagami. The list was prepared by Provincial Social Worker Clotilde Malatbalat.

Contributions for Leyte may be sent in the name of Knightsbridge International and addressed to PO Box 12186, La Crescenta, CA 91224. The contributions will be coordinated by Art Pacho of the Leyte Development Advisory Council and forwarded to the foundation (a non-profit organization) so that one lot order could be made for the province.

Two children received new wheelchairs from the Wheelchair Foundation of California. Shown in the photo seated in the wheelchairs are: Vanessa Bernal and Raymark Galit. Standing next to them is Leyte Provincial Social Worker Clotilde Malatbalat who accompanied the children.

PANAWAGAN: Calamity victims need help

Several provinces in the Philippines were severely affected by recent landslides and flooding incidents. The calamities, caused by Low Pressure Area (LPA) and tail-end of a cold front, have affected the provinces of Mindoro, Bicol, Samar, Leyte and some parts of Mindanao.

As of February 25, 2008, the following areas were declared under state of calamity: Eastern Samar, Albay province, Sigma, Capiz and Magallanes, Sorsogon.

According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), 124,500 families or 597,077 individuals have been displaced from 1,297 barangays (villages) of 123 municipalities in 10 cities. The incessant rain caused the lives of 35 persons, while 27 were injured and 10 are still missing.

The estimated cost of damage to properties has now reached almost $26.6 million or Php 1.089 billion: $6.4 million on agriculture and $ 20 million on infrastructure.

The government's Department of Social Welfare and Development, Office of Civil Defense and other agencies have already initiated relief operations and extended other types of assistance in the affected areas. The provincial governments together with local non-government organizations are also working together to mobilize the needed resources.

Ayala Foundation USA (AF-USA) would like to appeal for your immediate assistance as our fellow Filipinos suffer from the destruction that this severe weather condition has caused.
Please send your donations to:
Ayala Foundation USA
255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065 USA
Tel. no. (650) 598-3126
Fax no. (650) 508-8988
Contact person: Marivic Padilla (marivic@af-usa.org)

[press release]

USCIS TO HOLD U.S. HISTORY & CIVICS ORIENTATION SEMINAR

Volunteers To Receive President’s Award for Service to Older Immigrants

LOS ANGELES – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the White House Office of USA Freedom Corps will hold a volunteer and civics orientation seminar at Los Angeles City College on Thursday to encourage individuals to volunteer to help legal immigrants become more actively engaged in their communities.

During the seminar, the Project SHINE chapter at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award for helping older immigrants learn English and prepare to become United States citizens.

Following the seminar, Alfonso Aguilar, Chief of USCIS’ Office of Citizenship, will teach a citizenship class using the new USCIS video, A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants and engage the students in a discussion using the lesson plan in the accompanying booklet.

January 17, 2008- 10 a.m.
Los Angeles City CollegeEl Camino Theatre
855 N. Vermont AveLos Angeles, CA 90029
Main Office: (323) 953-4000