It was of paramount significance when Philippine Fiesta in America, now simply tagged Fiesta in America, added another feather to its already feathery cap when it hosted an appreciation party last August 27 following the highly successful celebration of its annual event last August 17 and 18 at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. A specially conceptualized appreciation party was planned that would be memorable and meaningful for all guests.
Set at the posh Broadway Lounge of the New York Marriott Marquis, a three decade-old Times Square landmark in the heart of New York City’s bustling metropolis, the venue of last Tuesday’s appreciation bash was a perfect choice fit for such occasion
Despite invites sent out in a very limited time frame, there was a heavy turnout of prominent personalities, distinct Fil-Am community shakers and movers, Philippine dignitaries, media partners, Special Edition Press (SEP) staff, friends, and benefactors who, all throughout Philippine Fiesta’s fifteen years, have been consistently supportive of the firm’s advocacy and have devotedly stood by its side.
A perfect host and well-experienced event planner and organizer, Fernando “Nanding” Mendez, SEP President and CEO, conceptualized the set-up for the convenience of every guest and attendee.
The Broadway Lounge, which is strategically located at the northwest wing of the hotel’s eight floor, offers a vantage view of Times Square’s vicinity and the epicenter of every pre or post theater date. Stylish and modern, this elegant watering hole of regular theatrical supporters, is known for its delicious and uniquely prepared artisan cuisine and homey atmosphere.
Guests enjoyed feasting on delectable shareables of NYC food truck-inspired Taco pork carnitas with cilantro and salsa verde, classic beef slider with aged cheddar and pickled raisin, artisan flat bread pizza topped with fresh summer tomatoes and arugula, assortment of cold cuts, and an unlimited serving of sodas, juices, and wines and spirits. The bountiful table was not only fully laden with feast-for-the-eyes delicacies but with appetizing healthy food options as well.
The crowd effortlessly created a friendly atmosphere readily induced by the venue’s welcoming ambiance. There was boisterous laughter prevailing over from one table while across the room, another group was seriously indulged in a seemingly business-related tete-a-tete as they gregariously imbibed their wine in between friendly arguments. Noticeably, all arriving guests had to go around and greet every one before they could finally decide to find a group to join in.
Everyone had a grand time. What with the great reception, the great deal of camaraderie among attendees, the great way to recharge, socially inspiring opportunity, and the great accommodation accorded by the host. It was such a party worth attending.
“With this kind of business built and founded through a mutual progression and able support from the community, this is our humble way of saying ‘Thank You’ for all the unprecedented support and trust we’ve shared together,” SEP’s Nanding Mendez said
“This is also our own way to let everyone know how grateful we are for having them part of our life…and that every little thing done for Philippine Fiesta matters most to us. Their concern fuels our schemes and keeps us focused and driven,” added the high man on the totem pole.
If there’s but one very significant face absent and sorely missed in the crowd it would be that of Mila Beltran Mendez’s, Philippine Fiesta’s soul and spirit. The only consolation there was could only be the continuing success of the legacy she left behind and that all things written about the Philippine Fiesta won’t be complete without her name being mentioned and her wholehearted dedication to the well-patronized annual event being sincerely exalted.
Incidentally, the recent event was made possible with Nanding’s hard working and ever reliable staff composed of his editorial, administrative, cultural, and accounting teams: Editor-in-chief Len Manansala, Art Director Manny Mendez, Graphic Artists Ivan Beltran and Dave David, Audio-visual technician Jortz Dimaculangan, Account Manager Vicie Allam, Account Executive Grace Baldesseri, Accounting Manager Jesse Arteche, Administrative Manager Katrina Loberas, Cultural Festival Director Ogie Afable, Cultural Festival Manager Rose P. Javier, IT Manager/Webmaster Nathan Mendez, Event Supervisors Nina Mendez, Mervin Mendez, and Richard Coralde, Event Chairs Darlene Borromeo, Mely Garcia, Tet Palencia, Lilian Vita, Rhodora Lyness and Virgie Wilcox.
In October, SEP will again be on the go with another excitement-pulsating project, the October Fiesta, in connection with the worldwide celebration of the German’s annual festival, Octoberfest. Just stand by and be aware of such must-attend event and we’ll keep you posted with more details soon.
Kids Sing for Bantay-Bata 163
In any part of the world, welfare of children has been the foremost concern of the government since from their generation will emerge the future leaders of their countries, the true hope and “messiah” of the next era.
Filipinos, by nature, have been consistent in their practice of child care and protection. With the advent of mounting cases of heinous crimes involving children and people around them, ABS-CBN, one of the Philippines biggest and widely patronized television networks, spearheaded the drive against the maltreatment of children and aide them in their recovery to live back to a normal life. Thus, the establishment of Bantay-Bata 163.
Bantay Bata 163 is a child welfare program launched in 1997 to protect disadvantaged and at-risk children through a nationwide network of social services. It includes the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and abused children, training and advocacy on child abuse prevention, rehabilitation of families in crisis, educational scholarships, livelihood, community outreach and medical and dental missions.
The organization offers literally any assistance that every abused child needs, be it medication, food, shelter, education, or therapy. Bantay-Bata has feeding programs, and educational scholarships. Subscribing to the adage: “a sound mind in a sound body,” Bantay-Bata empowers them with proper education and nutrition to help them attain their dreams.
Through the unwavering support and generosity of individuals and concerned organizations around the world, Bantay Bata 163, the child welfare arm of ABS-CBN Foundation, continues to serve and protect Filipino children. For the abused, Bantay Bata 163 provides the child helpline 1-6-3, legal services and shelter, to help them heal and move on from situations of physical and sexual abuse to safer and more caring environments and families.
Volunteers and relevant assistance are welcome to help and support Bantay-Bata especially those that are related to medical and dental missions (doctors, dentists, nurses), hotline specialists (social workers, psychologists), tutors (for math and English subjects), counseling (lawyers, psychologists), and special events (ushers, marshals, facilitators, activity coordinators).
Protected by the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act or Republic Act 7610 (Art.1 Sec. 3) defines child abuse as maltreatment, whether habitual or not.
Having a long list of humanitarian concerns and charitable activities, Bantay-Bata’s operational scope covers the following: physical abuse, negligence in the child’s physical, educational, and emotional needs, sexual abuse, sexual exploitations, emotional abuse, child trafficking, child labor, and child abandonment.
In its continuing effort to promote their advocacy while discovering and exposing God-given talents among the youth, Bantay-Bata 163 launched an intimate benefit concert that featured young Fil-Am talents and celebrity guests at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center New York last Wednesday, August 28.
Top billed by Jenn Cuneta, and Joannie Feliciano the said concert also featured homegrown and promising talents like tenor Jared Martin, Alyssa Shoemaker, Kirby Asunto, Regene Seven Odon, Ryan Ramos, Leona Ramos, and the Paaralang Pinoy Choir. The rehabilitation of Bantay Bata Children’s Village benefits from the proceeds of the event.
Respected veteran broadcast journalist, public servant, and iconic member of the history of the broadcast journalism in the Philippines, Tina Monzon Palma added glitter as guest speaker to the already glittery affair. Palma, in her untiring and unquestionable humanitarian efforts where she has long been involved ably heads Bantay-Bata 163 and Sagip Kapamilya Programs of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. (AFI). Currently the newscaster for the Philippine nightly news program The World Tonight and the gracious broadcaster is also the host of Talkback with Tina Monzon Palma, a weekly issue-oriented interactive talk show considered as the first truly Filipino interactive television show.
Kids Sing For Bantay-Bata was made possible through its east coast coordinators and organizers Joji Babuschak, Ledy Almadin, and Gani Puertollano.
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