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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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This website includes selected articles from this week's edition of the Filipino Express. Not all the stories published in the printed version appear on this site.
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To tell us what you think about Filipino Express Online or to comment on the stories published here, E-mail us at Filexpress@aol.com
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The recently concluded 10th Year Celebration of the “ Philippine Fiesta in America” at the Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ surpassed all expectations with an overwhelming attendance of fiesta goers and participating business investors. They literally filled the venue to the rafters with boisterous fun-filled reactions.
As early as Friday, the 15th, the Philippine Fiesta Gala Reception night kicked off the weekend big bash at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel, Secaucus, NJ where a galliard fusion of dining and dancing motivated Philippine Fiesta supporters and friends to dress to their teeth and cut the rug after a long “draught” of significant social functions and events worth attending.
The seven Philippine Fiesta Beauty Pageant Finalists undoubtedly added glitter to the already shining night, specially so with the effervescent presence of celebrity guests Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Divo Bayer, Poca and Rey Kilay.
The incessant high spirit of the fiesta mood profusely continued till the next day, Saturday, Aug. 16, when the symbolic inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony officially heralded the commencement of the Philippine Fiesta Celebration.
Excited and curious fiesta goers crowded the stairway and the venue entrance before the scheduled gate opening… and in a voluminous throng and by group traced the hall entry.
The main hub was given some minor changes as patterned from the last physical arrangements… giving ample space for smooth crowd flow and a well-organized floor plan.
The pleasant visible set-up plus the continuous entertainment were more than enough to spur visitors and business investors to build up such high level of excitement and amusement that lasted 'til closing time.
Filipinos are, by nature, lovers of entertainment and what better way to be amused and socialize at the same time than attending the biggest annual gathering of our “kababayan” which is the Philippine Fiesta. And the said affair was indeed a perfect re-enactment and duplication of a traditional town fiesta complete with booths and tiendas, food galleries, side shows and musical extravaganza.
The participation of top Filipino movie-TV. Personalities ushered in a mammoth crowd of all ages, creeds and ethnicities. The initial appearance of popular celebrities like Bea Alonzo (who's towering in her 5'8” well-proportioned frame), Marian Rivera (who's even more appealing and enticing in person) and Dingdong Dantes (who looks much younger than in his films and photos) sent awaiting fans into a hysterical pandemonium especially so each time they finished their numbers and interacted with the audience.
The second day, being a Sunday, even gregariously generated a slew of crowd that created a much greater impact as inundated by the influx of performing artists and celebrity guests on stage… sending screaming avid fans stars trucked, excited and agog.
Star Records' balladeer par excellence Divo Bayer was a revelation with his own interpretation of Journey's “Faithfully”; Divo's rendition of“The Prayer” captured for him an even larger number of fans and admirers. Not to be outdone was the comic tandem of Poca and Rey Kilay who were both natural scene-stealers with their own brand of comic entertainment and musical ingenuity.
One huge crowd drawer was the final phase of the Miss Philippine Fiesta finalists which selection drew intense cheering and unprecedented tension on both the audience and the candidates. After a series of grueling segments and thought-provoking Q and A (question and answer) portion, the winners were finally proclaimed with towering and voluptuous Fil-Latin beauty from Bronx, New York, Denise Cintron, as winner and romped across the stage regally crowned, with sash and scepter, amidst a thunderous reaction from among her supporters and friends.
Investment visibility and projected profitability had been positively assured of after the two-day festivities amid the proliferation of domestic and international business trading, real estate transactions, commercial and industrial investments and advancements in multi-leveled communication systems. Business investors, old and new, folded shops laced with smiles of contentment as excited spectators went home satisfyingly entertained.
“We're very much pleased with the turnout of this huge event but definitely, everything couldn't have been possible without the support of the several associations in the Filipino-American community who are always behind our every endeavor, the unending generosity of our annual sponsors, trade exhibitors, advertisers and business investors… and not to forget, our regular fiesta goers and visitors. To them we say, 'Thank You' for being part of this success!”
Emotionally essayed by SEPI's President and CEO Nanding Mendez. “While it's true that we did hard work to ensure a momentous triumph over some 'negative forces' it is but fitting and proper to acknowledge those who in one way or the other have been instrumental and contributed to make this event a rousing success.”
Added SEPI's Vice-President Mila Mendez. “Credits should be given to where it's due… of course we have our production staff and crews, our media partners, the parents and finalists of the Miss Philippine Fiesta 2008 and all the artists and performers. Our endless thanks to all of them and 'til next year!”
Leaving no stone unturned and every bit polished to the hilt, Philippine Fiesta organizers once again presented a high-end production expected of them. If the ultimate purpose of Special Edition Press, Inc. (SEPI) was to put up an enterprising, culturally-related, traditionally –conceptualized and entertaining event that unites and converges Filipinos and friends under one roof, they undoubtedly succeeded far beyond everybody's expectations.
The next Philippine Fiesta in 2009, organized by Nanding & Mila Mendez, is scheduled on August 14, (Gala night) and Aug. 15 & 16 (Trade Show and Cultural Event) at the Meadowlands Expo Center.
The promoters are encouraging all Filipino organizations and businesses to be part of this event. For information, call (212) 682-6610 email: sepmgzn@ aol.com website: www.philippinefiesta.com
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to help the Victims of Typhoon Frank - in Collaboration
with the Home-Reach Foundation, Inc. and the
Consulate General of the Philippines, New York
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Charity Golf Event
Sunday/October 5, 2008 starts at 11:00 a.m.
Come and join us for a Charity Golf Event For The Benefit of Project Tulong to help the Victims of Typhoon Frank in Collaboration with the Home-Reach Foundation, Inc. and the Consulate General of the Philippines, New York. The event will be held at the Pine Ridge Golf Club located at 2 Golf Course Drive, Coram, N.Y. 11727 Tel. (631) 331-7930. Shotgun starts at 1:00 pm. Reservations are on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis, and limited number of available slots.
Registration, lunch and program begin at 11 am. Shotgun starts at 1 pm. Golfer includes check in & bag service, lunch, and 18 holes of golf with cart, free sleeve of balls, practice range, dinner awards, trophies and prizes. The net proceeds of the event will be donated to the families and victims of Tropical Cyclone “Frank”.
For more information, please call Robert Zarate (631) 816-4372; Dr. Edgar Lerias (631)697-2830; Ramon Villongco (631) 742-3479; Dr. Pepe Recitas (516)603-8751; Nimia Lacebal (973) 338-1204; Nena Lozada Kaufman (917) 582-1212; Dan De Guzman (973)
768-5677; Bill Rebong (917) 902-2408; Linda Pelayo (212) 967-5784; Nelson Perez (646) 387-8522; Andy Zapata (551) 404-2552 or Philippine Consulate General at 212-764-1330 Ext 306 or 310.
You can also email Robert Zarate at zaraterobert@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.projecttulong.com
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ROSELAND – The spirit of the 2008 Olympic Games continues this weekend as McDonald's, a proud partner of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, invites New York and New Jersey consumers to the Community Zones in popular Asian community neighborhoods
celebrating McDonald’s sponsorship of the Olympics and inviting consumers to the www. facetheglory.com:
H Mart (Union Street location), Flushing, NY on August 23 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Great Wall Supermarket, Franklin Park, NJ on August 24 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Hong Kong Supermarket, Flushing, NY on August 30 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Kam Man Supermarket, Edison, NJ on August 31 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
The Community Zone exhibits a hall of fame on Mc- Donald’s Olympic merchandise available in the United States.
Interactive kiosks at the Zones also offer visitors the opportunity to create their own moment of glory when they upload their photo to an Olympic-themed sports video montage at www.FaceTheGlory.com.
Zone visitors will receive McDonald’s Arch Card® (valued at $2) and instructions to download an e-coupon offer for a free* Southern Style Chicken Biscuit or Sandwich with the purchase of any medium or large beverage at participating restaurants while supplies last.
“The McDonald’s Community Zones offer the Olympics fans and national team supporters a virtual experience that helps them create their own golden Olympic moments. This is a great way for McDonald’s to join our customers in supporting the accomplishments of our Olympic athletes worldwide,” said Michael Anderer, McDonald’s Owner/Operator.
The McDonald’s Community Zones will visit the Chinese, Korean and Filipino consumers in six different locations from August 16 through 31. E-Coupons for McDonald’s latest Southern Style Chicken Biscuit or Sandwich are also available at www.facetheglory.com and will expire on September1, 2008.
About McDonald’s New York Metro Region McDonald’s is the world’s best-known brand and is the global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald’s restaurants, owned by 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area. For more information, please visit www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com
* Hours may vary by restaurant. Limit one per customer/ per drink order. Prices and participation may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount coupon or Extra Value Meal®.
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