Lawsuit alleges Utah hotel exploited Filipino interns
A LAWSUIT was filed on Tuesday, June 25, accusing the luxury Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah of using interns from the Philippines to do menial jobs for long hours with minimal pay. Represented by Asian Americans Advancing Justice and other organizations, the four plaintiffs — namely, Jann Descanzo, Veronica Bondoc, Glen Segundino…
Filipina arrested in the US for recruiting OFWs illegally
Filipina Maria Luisa Estrella Jaidi is facing a maximum of 10 years in prison after she arrested in the United States for visa fraud and illegally recruiting workers. Jaidi, who is married to a Moroccan ambassador, is originally from the Philippines but with residence in New York. She was arrested upon the filing of charges…
Joint PH-China probe of Recto Bank incident a ‘joke,’ says ex-ASEAN official
A FORMER top official of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called the Philippines and China’s joint investigation into the Recto Bank collision a “joke.” According to Dr. Wilfredo Villacorta, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN from 2003-2006 and former ambassador and representative to the international body, the joint probe of the two countries is strange…
Following Eddie Garcia’s death, lawmakers propose bill to protect actors at work
Party-list lawmakers in the Philippine House of Representatives will be filing a bill next month that seeks workplace safety protocols for television and movie productions to avoid accidents similar to the one that led to the death of multi-awarded veteran actor Eddie Garcia. 1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, the bill’s proponent, said the proposal will be…
Philippine Independence Day celebrated at California Capitol
The California Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus led a Philippine Independence Day celebration at the state Capitol on Monday, June 24. The reception was attended by Assemblymember Rob Bonta — the first Filipino to be elected to the state’s Legislature — who delivered remarks, community leaders from across the state, and special guest,…
Fil-Am authors and scholars to hold book talk on June 29
Philippine Expressions Bookshop — one of two bookstores in the United States dedicated to Filipino literature — is presenting another series of Book Talks on Saturday, June 29 with five Fil-Am scholars and authors as participants. The event will be held at their venue, 479 West Sixth St., Suite 105, at the Historic Arts District,…
FASO to debut at the world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall
THE Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will perform for the first time in the world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, August 3, 7:00 p.m. FASO, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as a Fil-Am cultural institution, will have the honor of performing in the home…
Shining onstage: Fil-Am Kylie Abucay sings her heart out as Sandy in ‘Grease’
ONE of the iconic musicals of our time — both onstage and film — is the “Grease,” a story of Rydell High’s senior class of 1959. Many of us have been entertained by the Pink Ladies, “greasers” and the love story of good girl Sandy and bad boy Danny Zuko. Much more, the songs…
Fil-Am elected to head California State Board
SACRAMENTO – A Filipino American community leader was recently elected as the new president of the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists at its commissioners meeting in Southern California last June 13. Dr. Fel Amistad was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2015 and re-appointed in 2018. His mentors include Alice Bulos…
Bronze plaque for Dewey Monument approved by SF Arts Commission
San Francisco – The campaign to install a contextual plaque on the base of the Dewey Monument that would set the battle of Manila Bay in a more accurate historical context is coming to a happy ending. With the location where to install the Bronze Plaque agreed upon, the final approval from the San Francisco…
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak signs funding bills in Vegas’ Chinatown
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community leaders witnessed Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak sign two bills as part of his Las Vegas tour on Friday, June 14. During a ceremony at Chinatown Plaza hosted by the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) and Nevadans Count Coalition, Sisolak signed SB 504, which would allocate $5 million in…
Philippine Ballet Theatre wows Los Angeles with a spectacular performance of Filipino-themed classical ballet
RESOUNDING applause filled the auditorium as the dancers of the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) made their finale curtsies on Saturday, June 15. The energetic company of 20 dancers showed their prowess through mastery of the pieces, and challenging throws and catches that literally had the audience ‘ooh-ing’ and ‘aah-ing’ and bursting into applause as ballerinas…
Top Filipina commissioners honored at LA City Hall event
Two top-ranking Filipina American commissioners were honored during an event at Los Angeles City Hall on Monday, June 18. The luncheon, organized by the LA City Employees Asian American Association (LACEAAA) and LA Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE), highlighted the recent appointments of Jessica Caloza to the city’s Board of Public Works and Susana…
Miss Universe Catriona Gray joins Washington, DC celebration of 121st Philippine Independence Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 400 guests attended the Diplomatic Reception commemorating the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Roof Terrace Restaurant of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, June 17. “It is very opportune that our theme for this year’s Independence Day celebration is ‘Courage…
How an Asian American female sergeant wants to “change as many lives as possible” through sharing Army benefits
With the United States Army’s 244th birthday on Friday, June 14, an Asian American sergeant in Southern California reflects on her time in service. Sgt. Min Na, a Korean American recruiter in Rowland Heights, California, recalls seeking a “new beginning” that involved becoming healthier and more active that then led to her decision to join…
PTAA President Jose C. Clemente III calls on Consul General in New York
New York – Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Jose C. Clemente III paid a courtesy call on Consul General Claro S. Cristobal on June 6 at the Philippine Center. Consul General Cristobal and Mr. Clemente discussed the recently signed Republic Act No. 11262 (amending Republic Act No. 9593), which extends the authority of the…
WATCH: Award-winning indie film ‘Yellow Rose’ releases official trailer
Fresh from a winning streak at three film festivals, the trailer for independent film “Yellow Rose” has dropped on Thursday, June 13. “Yellow Rose,” a product of Home Away Productions and Cinematografo Originals, has received high praise and accolades, recently winning three grand jury awards at the 2019 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, the…