Tag Archives: Filipinas

A Shout-Out for @FilBookFest! The First Filipino American International Book Festival

Communications, Event Calendar, Non-Profit & Community, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you are a Filipino author, publisher, potential sponsor or advertiser, chef specializing in Filipino cuisine, a cultural performing artist or cultural performing group, or a Filipino heritage or Filipino history lover PLUS book lover, we would like to get together with you — and see how we can make this event a 1 + 1 = 10!

As the event planning becomes more cohesive, seamless, and integrated, we will all become part of the synergy!

Keep coming back to this posting for updates. My Storify.com posting will be updated automatically after I edit it — as the event takes shape.

Here’s a FIRST to BOOKS, very Filipino!

E-2010: Building The Next Generation of Community Advocates with NaFFAA’s Intergenerational Leadership

Non-Profit & Community, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Somehow, I am finding the energy and the motivation to work on all three of my major projects: My new public relations consulting gig with GMA Network, Inc. through its flagship channels, GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV, my “about-to-be revived insurance career” — where I get to recruit new insurance agents in 48 states — at http://YourInsuranceCareer.com (Team John Oei), and the E-2010: 9th NaFFAA Empowerment Conference this November 19-21, 2010.

For the past four months, I know I lost some more weight because I am TOO busy working on all three projects — one after the other. At least I now know (I’m new, remember?) that at GMA Pinoy TV / GMA Life TV, we have a very tight-knit, efficient team — especially after working on the “PNoy sa GMA Pinoy TV” interview. My heart goes out to my business partners in the insurance business, John and Vonny Oei, who make sure that I bring out the best of my talent and creativity in my marketing and copy-writing, aside from making sure that I take my vitamins.

Everything is as it should be.

I somehow found time to sleep — and best of all, I found time to pray, to meditate, and to reconnect with old friends and family. My husband can feel comfortable knowing that “Lorna has gotten her groove back!”

I’ve teamed up with my former mentor, Ben Menor, and a mutual colleague, Baylan Megino, to provide the first tier of conference management support before the rest of the NaFFAA leadership comes in and helps out. I’ve known for the longest time that this day was coming: the day we can open our doors and welcome everyone to the conference and shout: “Yippee! The YP’s are here — and they’re coming in strong!” (You have to see the slide show if you want to know what YP means.)

I am truly enjoying everything that I am doing in my personal and professional lives. I am unstoppable. I am unbeatable. My creative quotient is on over-drive (not the adrenalin!). My angels are with me every step of the way. Whenever I feel down and out, I allow my pity to wash over me BUT only for a few minutes. Then, I stand up and say to myself, “Lorna, it’s time to SHINE! Remember that you are using your gifts for the good — and that others will share their gifts with you.” Folks, it is AMAZING what a pep talk to yourself can do!

Although I had created a slide show invitation for the E-2010: 9th NaFFAA Empowerment Conference that has an upbeat, almost rhythmically-monotonous cadence, I created a second version — just for me — so whenever the going gets tough, the tough gets going… This conference is already a success because its mission is truly amazing.

Enjoy!

ONE OF MY PROJECTS:

Oct. 17, 2010 in New Jersey: 2nd Annual Lakad Tulong Features Fitness and Fundraising

Communications, GMA Network Inc. ~ GMA Pinoy TV & GMA Life TV, Non-Profit & Community, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here’s a thought: If more people can walk for a cause, then it would be so easy to be healthy and wise! Physical fitness + fundraising + fun always benefit our Filipino American communities. The way my friend, Mohinder Mann, explained it to me during an ALS Walk I joined last month with his team: “The best part is that you get to meet old and new friends — and walk at your pace.” Go ahead — and join the 2nd Annual Lakad Tulong in New Jersey this Sunday, October 17, 2010! Spread the word! (Exclusive TV Media Sponsor: GMA Pinoy TV)

Here is a slideshow from the 2009 Lakad Tulong that Grace Labaguis, one of the GMA Pinoy TV / GMA Life TV consultants, provided so we can look forward to the kind of fun we can expect. Thanks, Grace!

I can also see many of our NaFFAA Region 1 colleagues are actively engaged in this event. Thanks to Roger Alama, Cora Reyes, Elsa Olsen, and Nena Kaufman (among the many, many volunteers) for supporting this wonderful “walk for a cause.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inquiries, please contact:
Nelsie Parrado, Board President – 201.794.7321
Corazon Reyes, 2010 Lakad Tulong Coordinator – 646.789.6788
Mark Habana, Public Relations Officer – 201.841.5518

SECOND ANNUAL LAKAD TULONG EVENT
FEATURES FITNESS AND FUNDRAISING

LAKAD TULONG, the annual walkathon fundraiser coordinated by the Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. (HTFI), will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2010 in Jersey City. Marking the event’s second consecutive year, the walkathon will feature fitness, while raising funds to build and maintain a disaster relief fund for victims of natural calamities in the Philippines. This year’s theme is “Walk for health, Walk to Help.”

In partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY), the foundation aims to surpass last year’s fundraising result of $12,000. To achieve this increased success, members of all communities and ages are encouraged to get involved as walkers, donors, sponsors and volunteers. Those who make the biggest impact will be recognized for their efforts. Forms and additional information are available on the organization’s website (see below).

“As a volunteer member of the organizing committee last year, what became evident to me was how a fundraiser like this bridges gaps and connects people of all ages, backgrounds and professions,” commented Mark Habana, the public relations officer of the foundation. “These disasters struck close to our hearts and it was inspiring to see a community step up to address them in an empowering and fun way.”

The walkathon program will validate the importance of health and fitness. A pre-walk warm-up session, coordinated by a licensed physical trainer, is planned. Following the three-mile walk will be dance segments featuring hip hop artists and “Dancing on the Square,” which is open to all attendees.

This year’s walkathon fundraiser will be held in Jersey City, NJ at 8:00 AM on Sunday, October 17, 2010. It is a 3-mile walk starting and ending at the City Hall of Jersey City at 280 Grove St.

All are welcome to support this initiative by raising funds, gathering pledges and participating in the walkathon as walkers or volunteers. Awards will be given to the organization that raises the most funds and the organization that brings the largest contingency of walkers. One individual will also be recognized for bringing in the most donations that day.

Registration is now open: $30 for adults, $10 for students with student IDs and seniors (age 70-80), free for seniors 80 years of age and older. Commemorative T-shirts will be available for the first 300 people that register on-site for the event. For sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail the foundation at [email protected] See the attached flyer for more details and contact information.

This event is sponsored by GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV, Phil-Am Trading, Phil-Am Foodmart, Casa Victoria and Drs. Greg and Emelie Ongcapin.

# # # # #

ABOUT HANDANG TUMULONG FOUNDATION, INC.
The Handang Tumulong Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to raise funds for the needy in the Philippines, the USA and elsewhere around the world, especially the victims of natural disasters and catastrophes. The Handang Tumulong Disaster Relief Fund is a readiness project for the victims of recurrent calamities in the Philippines. For more information, contact the foundation at [email protected] or visit the website at www.handangtumulong.org.

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN NEW YORK
The Philippine Consulate General in New York provides services and assistance to Filipino nationals residing in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. (www.pcgny.net)

New Jersey - 2010 Lakad Tulong poster with GMA Pinoy TV

EXCLUSIVE MEDIA SPONSOR: GMA PINOY TV / GMA LIFE TV

“Proud to be Kapuso!”

Barry Picazo of Intramuros Restaurant Honors Pinoy Street Food With a 10-10-10 Festival

Business, Communications, Entertainment, Event Calendar, Filipino & Filipino-Fusion Dining Guide, Marketing & Public Relations, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The first time I met Barry Picazo of Intramuros Restaurant, it was through Anthony Cruz Legarda of “Arkiteknik” fame who insisted on introducing both of us. Barry, a young retired financial wizard (at least, that’s what I thought of him) decided that his love for Filipino fusion cuisine was luring him to unexpected places, such as a Financial District “food court” on Third Street (about 25 steps away from Market Street) in San Francisco, California. His foodie experiment at that time was called “Mango Bay Cuisine.”

A few years later, Barry went on to help launch Patio Filipino Restaurant in San Bruno, California. It is well-known for its cozy ambience and Filipino-Spanish cuisine in a patio-like setting.

Then again, another restaurant concept that took advantage of multiple rooms and exponentially, more function room space, convinced this intrepid entrepreneur to take another leap of faith. Thus, a fine dining concept with banquet facilities named “Intramuros Restaurant” was born in South San Francisco, California.

I thought that Barry was quite innovative in using his social media techniques when it came to promoting Intramuros Restaurant. He would make me salivate with his short video clips on his Facebook wall about the lunch buffet specials, happy hour menus (It’s super-valued that I called them dinner menus!), Crab Feasts, Karaoke Nights, and lots of entertainment — from the classic to pop culture.

One of my friends once told me that Intramuros Restaurant is this decade’s version of the defunct Tito Rey’s Restaurant or the Mabuhay Gardens, where Filipinos and Filipino-friendly gourmands would gather to eat and make merry… and yes, especially to see who among their friends would drop in.

It’s all worth it, Barry! The late hours, the juggling of schedules, and aligning common purpose and vision with your business partners. I am so proud of your growth as a restaurateur (this is the foodie speaking!) because you have succeeded in making the Intramuros Restaurant an elegant “five-senses” delight that makes me proud to bring in my family and friends. I feel as if I’ve been a part of your growth… Yes, I still have some recipes to share but that will come during one of my visits (that is, if you can spare the time to foodie-chat).

Keep the Filipino cuisine coming! My cousin, Marisa Abad, was so happy that we took the time to enjoy your dining room (leisurely!) that she brought her friends there to celebrate someone’s 80th birthday party. Another classmate, Cynthia Bernaldez Gaabucayan, also brought her family there. So many friends are flocking to your sacred space in Filipino cuisine. Wait till I take my momblogger sister (aka a very popular food blogger in the Philippines with two blogs, Pinoy Food Blog and Food Photo Blog) to enjoy your exquisite culinary delights. I’m not saying anything to her. We’ll just go unannounced — and I will just have to see what my food blogger-sister has to say about the Intramuros Restaurant.

I’ll be coming back to this blog posting so I can update it.

Let’s ring in the TRIPLE 10 Celebration — on October 10, 2010 — or 10-10-10 — when Barry Picazo invites us to celebrate in style — where else? — at the Intramuros Restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bon appetit!

Pinoy Street Food Festival at Intramuros Restaurant, South San Francisco, California
Pinoy Street Food Festival at Intramuros Restaurant, South San Francisco, California

I’m also including one of your Crab Fest posters as a souvenir in my blog.

Intramuros - Crabs

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For those of you who want to know how to cook Intramuros Restaurant’s Crispy Binagoongan over Grilled Eggplant, click here for the recipe.

Here’s Christina Dunham from Filipinas Magazine Online with Barry Picazo in an episode from the Filipinas Magazine Show on GMA Pinoy TV.

Sept. 18, 2010 on GMA Pinoy TV – LIVE in Anaheim, CA: Eat Bulaga! with Tito, Vic, & Joey

Entertainment, Event Calendar, Marketing & Public Relations, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

They’re coming to Southern California! For those who have grown up with “Eat Bulaga!” — the dynamic trio of Tito, Vic, and Joey have successfully reinvented themselves several times with many, many incarnations of beloved Pinoy pop culture and lifestyle tastes. For Americans of Filipino ancestry and “I love Pinoy!” supporters, this is one show you wouldn’t want to miss!

According to Wikipedia, Eat Bulaga is the longest-running show in Philippine television, running 31 years — and counting.

Eat Bulaga! Live in Anaheim, CA on Sept. 18, 2010
Eat Bulaga! Live in Anaheim, CA on Sept. 18, 2010

For Tickets: Contact numbers: 714 932 7532 or 626 374 4906

According to Charina Vergara Carrera: Island Pacific Supermarket proudly supports “Eat Bulaga, Live in Anaheim” on September 18. Tickets are available at all Island Pacific branches in Southern California.

From Wikipedia:

Eat Bulaga! is a noon-time variety show in the Philippines produced by the Television And Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) and GMA Network’s block-timer. The show is broadcast from The New TAPE Studios (Eastside Studio) at the GMA Broadway Centrum in Quezon City. As of August 14, 2010, it has a total of 9,316 episodes since the day it started airing. Eat Bulaga! is aired Weekdays at 12:30PM to 3:00 PM (PST) and Saturdays at 12:00 nn to 3:00 pm (PST). The show also broadcasts worldwide through GMA Pinoy TV.

This 2010, the show is celebrating its 31st Year on Philippine Television. Eat Bulaga also holds the record of being the longest running show in Philippine Television.

From FilAmNation.com, I was able to get a clear copy of a commercial about the upcoming show from Lorraine Panlilio’s videos.