Dr. Jose P. Rizal statue unveiled in Carson, CA at Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement and Appreciation Gala Night

Notes from a Diary of a Round Brown Girl: Special Guest Writer Actress Thushari Jayasekera.

I go to a variety of events around town and this weekend I was invited to attend a formal appreciation Gala event. On Saturday September 29^th, 2012 I walked into the elegant lobby of the LAX Westin located 5400 W. Century Blvd., L.A., CA 90045.

Organizers were underway with guest check-in for the inauguration of the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Gala Appreciation Dinner. Just that morning, the unveiling of the monument had taken place at 9:00am in the Carson International Sculpture Garden located at 701 East Carson St., City of Carson, CA 90749 by the Filipino American Community in Southern California. The statue unveiling was free and open to the public and the gala night tickets were sold for $60.00. (Please click on the photos to view them regular size).

I entered the banquet hall to see beautifully decorated tables, a band set up and rows of chairs for the dignitaries. The ladies were dressed beautifully and most of the gentleman wore the traditional barong. Though I’v seen that type of shirt, I only learned the name this stylish piece of clothing as the barong that morning. The event was emceed by Lydia Solis & Noel Omega. The opening of the Gala consisted of Parade of Colors, The American National Anthem sung by Sara Mislang, the anthem of the Philippines sung by Sam Santiago, Invocation by Rev. Robert Victoria, the Welcome address by Mon’Chito’ G. Mandap, Chairman, JPRMM and brief remarks by Hon. Jim Dear, Mayor of City of Carson.

I love learning about other cultures and I was delighted to learn about Dr. Jose P. Rizal and the Monument Movement at the “In Spirit of Unity and Patriotism”

I met some community members that I had met before. I enjoyed the delicious food and the entertainment. The band Bits n Pieces provided dancing music for the evening. I had fun talking to the other guests at the table where I was seated and even learned a few words of Tagalog.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines. He was a primary proponent of peaceful reforms during the Spanish Colonization in the 1800s. Dr. Rizal was a scholar, prolific writer, an anthropologist and traveled to many countries in Asia and Europe.
Monuments of Rizal stand in many other parts of the world and he continues to be recognized globally for his leadership to bring freedom, liberation, and justice through peaceful means to all people. This is the first Rizal monument in the State of California. The Rizal Monument is a gift from the people of the Philippines to the people of Carson, CA. The Unveiling of the Rizal Monument is a Joint Project of Various Filipino-American Organizations with the Support of the City of Carson, California and of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to the JPRMM for the invite and specially to Ms. Lydia Solis. Also thank you to Ms. Mary Ann Omega from the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA for the additional gala tickets.

Source: Diversity News Magazine

Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce LA Open House and General Membership Assembly August 23, 2012

You are cordially invited on
THURSDAY, August 23, 2012 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm
OPEN HOUSE & GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY
5121 Van Nuys Blvd., 2nd Floor
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Tel. (818) 802-6888

The General Membership Assembly is an opportunity to meet other members of the Chamber.

•    NETWORKING
•    ADVOCACY
•    CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

Learn to access your benefits as an FACC-LA member. Learn to access your financial assistance and resources.

FREE Admission.
FREE Parking in the building if you arrive before 7 pm
Street parking is available after 7 pm

Hors D’oeuvres & Drinks will be served.
Lots of raffles prizes and gifts for all attendees.
Bring lots of business cards.

For more details, please give us a call for any questions you may have.
We will look forward to see you this coming Thursday evening, August 23rd at 6:30 pm and up.

Induction Ceremony of 2012 Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce LA (FACC-LA) Officer’s Installation

On Friday, March 9, 2012 The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles announced the official results of the FACC-LA election for 2012. The executive officers are: Vic Mercado (President), Lydia Soriano (President Elect/ 1st Vice), Mary Ann Omega (2nd Vice President), Shirley Lumanog (Corresponding Secretary), Vangie Tabberrah (Recording Secretary) and Roy Tabberrah (Treasurer).

The Chamber 2012 Board of Directors are: Bob Crowther, Paul Kao, Susan Maranan, Lulu Mercado, Gladys Balallo, Gemma Bergstrom, Nick Delicana, and Mary Trinidad.

To celebrate the 2012 FACC-LA new officers and board of directors installation the organization will host their Induction Ceremony on Friday, March 30, 2012 at MayFlower Seafood Restaurant (in the Function Room) located at 679 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The event will feature live entertainment and is open to everyone.

Deputy Consul General at Philippine Consulate General Daniel Espiritu have confirmed his attendance to grace on this upcoming event.

GENERAL TICKETS: $25.00 (includes 8 courses of dinner, dance and entertainment) at http://faccla2012inductionceremony.eventbrite.com/  For more details and to reserve your seats please contact: Lulu Mercado (818) 470-5556, Shirley Lumanog (818) 802-6888, and Lydia Soriano (562) 310-8144.

PRESS/MEDIA R.S.V.P. MANDATORY: Contact: Alex Leon at World Wide Vital Marketing Public Relations email: worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

Event sponsors include Mayflower Restaurant (Host), World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations (Marketing and Public Relations), Diversity News Printing Services (Graphic Design), Diversity News Magazine (Media) and many more.

About The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA: The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC -LA), est. 2001 is a 501c(6) nonprofit organization (Tax I.D.#54-2171511).

The FACC-LA was founded in 2001 and continues to promote and further the interests of the Los Angeles business community. As part of the ongoing effort to grow the business community, FACC-LA thrives and ensures maximum return of business owner’s investment of time, energy and dollars. We further develop ways and means to advance the interests of businesses. We provide resources in the growth of existing local businesses and industries as well as providing assistance to new business owners and individuals offering services that will benefit and enhance the quality of life in our society. The chamber also supports and encourages local cultural and civic activities to improve and/ or expand the quality of life in the community. For more information visit http://www.facc-sfv.org.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA 10th Anniversary Awards & Gala Night A Huge Success

The red carpet, awards, dinner and show were running on time at the most classy and prestige event of the year, the every one will be talking about it for months and many years to come.

On Sunday, November 27, 2011 The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles (FACC-LA), celebrated and honored Top Businesses, Business Entrepreneurs and Leaders in the Community at The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA 10th Anniversary Awards and Gala Night held at The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn located at 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood CA 91602 from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

The event featured live performers by Ciamara Morales, Michelle Delos Reyes, Vangie & Bob Crowther, The Classic Harmony and Ang Lahi Philippine Cultural Dance Group.

The Top Business Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders awards will be presented to: Farmers Insurance Group for Large Business Enterprise, Diana Zuniga of Western Union for her Business Leadership and Service Award (Remittance Industry), Pedro Ramirez of St. Vincent Medical Center for his  Community Leadership and Service Award (Healthcare Industry), Tony Vasquez of Beverly Garland Holiday Inn for Business Leadership Award (Hotel Management, Events and Lodging Industry), Susan Maranan of D’ New Aristocrat Restaurant  for her  Business Excellence Award (Restauranteur), Roman P. Mosqueda, Attorney at Law for his Service Leadership Award,  and John Mina for Community Leadership and Service Award (Non-Profit Service Organization).

Also the FACC-LA Founders & Charter Co-Founders that received the Leadership and Vision Awards were: Leo Maranan, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Rick Rolda, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Joe Arciaga, Co-Founder, Executive Director and Noel S. V. Omega, Charter Co-founder, President Emeritus.

Some of the government politicians the were among the honorees were City of Carson Mayor Jim Dear, Councilmember Elito Santarina of City of Carson, Vice Consul Mary Joy Ramirez of the Philippine Consulate Office.

The event was hosted by Jerry Lozano and Ciamara Morales and produced by Mary Ann R. Omega, Vice President and Noel S.V. Omega, Advisor and President Emeritus.

The Prime Event Sponsor were Farmers Insurance Group, Co-Event Sponsors: Western Union, ST. Vincent Medical Center. Technology Partner: Lozatech. Partners are: United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, Filam ARTS, Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce, Asian American Chamber Association, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc. and Media Partners are: ABS-CBN Foundation, Diversity News Magazine, PinoyWatchDog, Kapitbahay News.

About The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles: Making History Since 2001. Rick Rolda, Leo Maranan and Joe Arciaga are the original founders of San Fernando Valley Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFVFACC, Inc. the official name). As of September 2011 the DBA name is now Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA). The three (3) founders started the SFVFACC way back in January,  2001. Noel Omega joined SFVFACC in 2003 as its Public Relations Officer. Noel became the Charter Co-Founder of FACC-SFV in 2005 when he became president and incorporated the chamber. Noel was the President of the chamber from 2005 to 2007. Leo Maranan then became president from 2007 to 2009. During Leo’s term, the chamber presidency was revamped to a yearly term beginning with the next term. Rick Rolda was the President in 2010. The current President this year for 2011 is Rodel Lumanog.

FACC-LA is proud to announce that the organization have grown tremendously in the years since its founding. FACC-LA maintains an office located at the Valley Corporate Community Center at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 205, Sherman Oaks, Ca 91403 where it holds several workshops, Business Mixers, Business Expo, etc. FACC-LA maintains strong relationships with Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC), United Chamber of Commerce (UCC), LA County Business Federation (BizFed), and the Asian American Chamber Association (AACA). For the past years FACC-LA have been active in supporting outreach projects with our Community Partners such as the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT), Heal the Bay, the Philippine Consulate’s OAV, and the Filipino-American Census 2010 Complete Count. In addition, FACC-LA helps people who want to start a business or expand their business and does assist in the Business Grand Opening.  FACC-LA also sits in the board of Federation of Philippine Chamber of Commerce (FPACC) and will host the next Bi-national Convention and Trade show on October 2013 in Los Angeles.  For more information visit: http://www.facc-sfv.com

*Event proceeds will benefit the FACC-LA Program Development Fund and The ABS-CBN “Bantay Bata” Foundation.

Tickets for this event were $55.00 (Prepaid), $65.00 (at the door).

Photos credit to: Bob Delgadillo and Edwin Leviste
Sources: Diversity News Publications, Diversity News TV and Examiner.com

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles 10th Anniversary Red Carpet & Awards Gala Night

On Tuesday, November 22, 2011 On Tuesday, November 22, 2011 The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles (FACC-LA), announced that they will be Honoring Top Businesses, Business Entrepreneurs and Leaders in the Community at the 10th Anniversary Awards and Gala Night to be held on Sunday, November 27, 2011, at The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn located at 4222 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, CA 91602 from 6:00 pm to 12:00am.

The event will feature The Classic Harmony and Ang Lahi Philippine Cultural Dance Group.

The Top Business Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders awards will be presented to: Farmers Insurance Group for Large Business Enterprise, Diana Zuniga of Western Union for her Business Leadership and Service Award (Remittance Industry), Pedro Ramirez of St. Vincent Medical Center for his  Community Leadership and Service Award (Healthcare Industry), Tony Vasquez of Beverly Garland Holiday Inn for Business Leadership Award (Hotel Management, Events and Lodging Industry), Susan Maranan of D’ New Aristocrat Restaurant  for her  Business Excellence Award (Restauranteur), Roman P. Mosqueda, Attorney at Law for his Service Leadership Award,  and John Mina for Community Leadership and Service Award (Non-Profit Service Organization).

The Gala 10th Anniversary Celebration Awardees are:

FARMERS INSURANCE: DAVE BATTLE, District Manager, Farmers District 56, Valley Division - Large Business Enterprise award for serving the Filipino-American Community at-large

Founded in 1928, Farmers Insurance Group has always had a strong commitment to serving our countries diverse population and Small Business Communities.  With corporate offices in Los Angeles, California, the company and its Agents are supporting a host of projects and special events that benefit minority business ownership and celebrate California’s rich multi-cultural heritage. Ongoing projects include The Community Sponsorship Fund, an Agent driven program that supports community and civic activities that benefit diverse cultures, a series of award-winning television programs and educational videos to promote cultural awareness, student video, photo and essay competitions for cash awards and scholarships and the Farmers Community Gathering project that reach out to diverse groups through health screenings, child ID and fingerprint programs and child safety events.

DIANA ZUNIGA: Country Development Manager at WESTERN UNION – Community Leadership and Service Award (Remittance Industry) for developing remittance awareness and access to remittance services for the Filipino-American market in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

PEDRO RAMIREZ: Director of Multicultural Awareness and Prevention Center of ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER – Community Leadership and Service Award (Healthcare Industry) for providing healthcare awareness and services to low-income recipients in the Greater L.A. area.

TONY VASQUEZ: Banquet Manager of BEVERLY GARLAND HOLIDAY INN – Community Leadership and Service Award (Hotel Management, Events and Lodging Industry) for providing quality services and proactive partnership with Filipino-American businesses and organizations in the greater Los Angeles area.

SUSAN MARANAN: Owner and Operator of D’ NEW ARISTOCRAT RESTAURANT – Business Excellence Awardee (FACC-LA Chamber Member) for consistently demonstrating a progressive business trend and setting an excellent example of business growth through the years since joining FACC-LA.

ROMAN P. MOSQUEDA, Attorney-At-Law: CEO and Principal Attorney at Roman P. Mosqueda Law Office – Service Leadership Award (FACC-LA Legal Advisor) for distinguished leadership and meritorious service as FACC-LA’s primary legal advisor over the last 5 years.

JOHN MINA: President, Historic Filipino-Town Rotary Club – Community Leadership and Service Award (Non-Profit Service Organization) for distinguished service in developing leadership and board community participation through the goals and objectives of the Rotary Club.

Also the FACC-LA Founders & Charter Co-Founders will receive the Leadership and Vision Awards are: Leo Maranan, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Rick Rolda, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Joe Arciaga, Co-Founder, Executive Director and Noel S. V. Omega, Charter Co-founder, President Emeritus.

Tickets for this event are $55.00 (Prepaid), $65.00 (at the door) – buy them online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2554885732. To order yours contact: Mary Ann Omega at (818) 430-3972, Vangie Crowther at (818) 558-7912 or Joe Arciaga at (818) 457-8408.

The Prime Event Sponsor is Farmers Insurance Group, Co-Event Sponsors: Western Union, ST. Vincent Medical Center. Technology Partner: Lozatech. Partners are: United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, Filam ARTS, Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce, Asian American Chamber Association, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc. and Media Partners are: ABS-CBN Foundation, Diversity News Magazine, PinoyWatchDog, Kapitbahay News and Close Up Photography and Modeling Agency.

*Event proceeds will benefit the FACC-LA Program Development Fund and The ABS-CBN “Bantay Bata” Foundation.

About The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles: Making History Since 2001. Rick Rolda, Leo Maranan and Joe Arciaga are the original founders of San Fernando Valley Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFVFACC, Inc. the official name). As of September 2011 the DBA name is now Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA). The three (3) founders started the SFVFACC way back in January,  2001. Noel Omega joined SFVFACC in 2003 as its Public Relations Officer. Noel became the Charter Co-Founder of FACC-SFV in 2005 when he became president and incorporated the chamber. Noel was the President of the chamber from 2005 to 2007. Leo Maranan then became president from 2007 to 2009. During Leo’s term, the chamber presidency was revamped to a yearly term beginning with the next term. Rick Rolda was the President in 2010. The current President this year for 2011 is Rodel Lumanog.

FACC-LA is proud to announce that the organization have grown tremendously in the years since its founding. FACC-LA maintains an office located at the Valley Corporate Community Center at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 205, Sherman Oaks, Ca 91403 where it holds several workshops, Business Mixers, Business Expo, etc. FACC-LA maintains strong relationships with Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC), United Chamber of Commerce (UCC), LA County Business Federation (BizFed), and the Asian American Chamber Association (AACA). For the past years FACC-LA have been active in supporting outreach projects with our Community Partners such as the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT), Heal the Bay, the Philippine Consulate’s OAV, and the Filipino-American Census 2010 Complete Count. In addition, FACC-LA helps people who want to start a business or expand their business and does assist in the Business Grand Opening.  FACC-LA also sits in the board of Federation of Philippine Chamber of Commerce (FPACC) and will host the next Bi-national Convention and Trade show on October 2013 in Los Angeles.  For more information visit: http://www.facc-sfv.com

Photo flyer credit to: The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles 

Sources: Examiner.com, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc