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June 30 - July 6, 2008 | Volume 22 No. 27

For the past 21 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.

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EXHIBIT HONORS WORLD WAR II VETERANS
JERSEY CITY– In celebration of July 4th, US Independence Day and Philippine- American Friendship Day, the Filipino American National Historical Society, New Jersey Chapter (FANHS NJ) will hold an exhibit of photographs honoring American and Filipino Veterans.

The exhibit will illustrate the important role played during World War II in the Philippines by American soldiers from Hudson County and Filipino soldiers who later settled in Hudson County.

The exhibit will be held from July 7 until July 11 at the Jersey City Five Corners Public Library.

The opening reception will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Jersey City Five Corners Library, 678 Newark Avenue, Second Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Featured speakers are: Anthony Cucci, Jersey City Board of Education member and a WWII veteran; and Eric Lachica, Executive Director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans.

A presentation of the Oral History project “Pamana/Legacy” funded by the New Jersey Council on the Humanities will also be featured.

For further information, please call (201) 547- 4543.

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THE 2008 PHILIPPINE FIESTA: AVENUE FOR PHILIPPINE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE USA
NEW YORK––On August 16-17 the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus New Jersey once again opens its doors to the largest indoor gathering of Filipinos on the East Coast. Managed by Special Edition Press Inc. with principal sponsor GMA7 Pinoy TV, the 2008 Philippine Fiesta in America is the definitive celebration for Filipino Americans.

Each year, the Fiesta draws crowds of over 20,000 from far and wide, all looking forward to enjoying a festive celebration of the Filipino culture showcased with vibrant music, folkdances, regional cuisines and products from the Philippines.

The camaraderie that is seen at the Fiesta all throughout the weekend brings the feeling of togetherness of a unified people who despite the odds encountered at times, find solace and conquer homesickness at the Fiesta seeing familiar and new faces of same lineage.

Having come a long way from the migrant workers who came ashore at the earlier part of the 20th century, the Filipino with the strong work attitude and perseverance, has steadily made his way to the forefront of the American business and cultural community – from holding top management positions in large American firms to appearing in world class theatrical and entertainment events. This current population of Filipino Americans have proven themselves to be ideal consumers, with stable credit ratings, and high disposable incomes who set their eyes beyond mere basic necessities.

Big-name companies bearing easily recognizable brands in various industries, find their participation at the Philippine Fiesta tangibly gratifying as exhibitors or sponsors proven by their participation every year.

This year's sponsors are GMA Pinoy TV, Aryty. com/Gorilla Mobile, DirecTV, MYX, Startec, Asian Journal Publications, Inquirer.net, MoneyGram, Tancinco Law Offices and Samantha Lopez Productions, Inc.

Negotiation with more sponsors and exhibitors is still on-going. About 200 booths will be set-up to accommodate business entities from the United States and the Philippines for a face-to-face contact with Filipino American consumers. Registered exhibitors include Port Jersey, Madison Mortgage Corporation, Wall Street Financial Services, Bank of America, Prudential Financial Services, Alquiroz Sources & Designs, Diamond Hut Jewelry Exchange, Bulacan Trade Mission, the Metro Manila Herbal Medicine and Drink Manufacturers Association, Philippine Children’s Fund, Bank of America, United Staffing Registry, Philippine National Bank, Century 21 Properties, One Ayala, Globe Telecom, Bank of Philippine Islands and Westside Mortgage, to name a few.

In addition to the already aggressive efforts of the Philippine Fiesta to bring in producers and manufacturers from the Philippines to exhibit, an initiative from the Philippine Department of Trade and Industries New York Trade Attache, Miss Josephine Romero to bring in DTI members from Central Luzon (for the second year) and Cebu, will contribute to bringing the trade exhibits to a larger scale.

Exhibiting companies from the Philippines come from the real estate development, handicrafts, home decors, Christmas decors, fashion, gift items, fashion accessory, bag, shoes and jewelry industries.

Philippine Fiesta attendees profile is very impressive. A recent on-site survey showed that 65 percent of visitors have household incomes of over $50,000, 70 percent fall within the income-earning age groups between 19 and 59 years and more than 50 percent are professionals and business-owners.

Business and Pleasure

More than a trade show, Special Edition Press, Inc. hosts a star-studded Fiesta with some of the biggest names in Filipino show business. This year, the Philippine Fiesta features a musical extravaganza capped by a live concert to be headlined by GMA PinoyTV stars – Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes and TFC star, Bea Alonzo.

Also appearing on the Star Records talent, Divo Bayer, San Francisco’s pride – the hilarious Rey Kilay & Poca. Local performers include Ciennese Lontok, Samahang Filipino Dance Troupe, Rythmology, Dance Philippine Performing Arts Company (Boston), Bhelle Acedera, Andy Roda, the very popular Juggler Pat Davison & Family and many more.

Other activities include the Miss Philippine Fiesta Pageant Finals, an ecumenical mass on Sunday, August 17, at 10am followed by a very festive Santacruzan. The event will also showcase the Children’s & Chess Pavilions. The Food Court is an attraction by itself featuring a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes with recipes originating from the various regions of the Philippines.

In addition, the Philippine Fiesta Gala in association with the Philippine Physicians of America through the efforts of its incoming President, Dr. Francis Talangbayan, will take place on August 15, 7pm at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel.

The Gala will serve as the opening of the Philippine Fiesta and as welcome and appreciation night for all sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers. Features of the Gala include the presentation of Miss Philippine Fiesta Beauty Pageant, special appearance of the Philippine Fiesta performers and ballroom dancing. Dinner will be served.

The Gala is co-chaired by Resy Millora-Dilag of the Bayanihan of Union and Cora Reyes of the Bulacan Medical Mission ably assisted by Ogie Afable, Rose Javier and Elsa Olsen.

To sponsor, exhibit, advertise or attend Gala and the Philippine Fiesta festivities, please contact Philippine Fiesta USA Inc. at 212.682.6610 or e-mail: sepmgzn@aol.com.

Visit www.philippinefiesta.com for more details and information.

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NEED A VACATION?
THIS YEAR, WHY NOT TRY A STAYCATION
Lowe’s shows you how to create a vacation paradise
in your own backyard
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Instead of filling up your gas tanks this summer for your long-awaited vacation, save money and enjoy a new phenomenon called stay-at-home vacation or, in short, staycation.

This concept has gained huge popularity with families who want a stress-free way to enjoy time together without breaking the bank. With no packing, no flight delays and no “Are we there, yet” chants from the backseat, more families are staying at home and enjoying their backyards as if they were actually miles away from home.

So create your backyard paradise and let’s build it together.

Tropical Paradise

Lowe’s can help you create a beach-front setting to your outdoor living area. Have fun adding a hammock, lounge-chairs, colorful flowers, tiki torches and even a resortstyle ceiling fan, where you can hang it. For extra authenticity, add sand! Then, grab a glass of lemonade and swimsuit and enjoy the summer weather. Be sure to light up the grill and cook an Asian-inspired meal in your new oasis.

Garden Oasis

If your ideal vacation involves gazing out over a beautiful European-style garden, visit Lowes.com/OutdoorLiving and enjoy creating your own garden oasis with summer blooms that fill your yard, giving you the tranquility and peace of mind you need. You can also add items like garden fountains, arbors, trellises and gazebos amid the flowers to create a lush, serene garden escape.

Recommended Products:

Σ Garden Treasures
Cotton Rope Hammock with
Pillow (Item # 226720, $78)
Garden Treasure Aluminum
Strap Chaise Lounge
(Item # 51995, $78)
Weber 18-1/2” One-
Touch Silver Charcoal Grill
(Item #187307, $67.65)
Malibu Solar Tiki Torch
(Item #8228, $14.88)
Garden Treasures
Black Vine and Leaf Trellis
(Item #244143, $35.47)

With Lowe’s products and support, you should be able to set up your own staycation choices, tropical paradise or garden oasis, in no time.

Give yourself or someone you know the gift of choice with the Asian Gift Card. For more information, visit www.Lowes.com.

About Lowe’s

With fiscal year 2007 sales of $48.3 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE ® 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,550 home improvement stores in the United States and Canada.

Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit www.Lowes.com.

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