FIL-AM CELEBRITY UPDATE! Lou Diamond Phillips - Daughter Pictures & Theatre Roles

The pride of all Filipino-Americans everywhere, Lou Diamond Phillips, is still going strong. Yeah, you might remember him from La Bamba, but he's Down Right Pinoy to the fullest. He's an outspoken supporter for Filipino Veterano rights, plays poker and a great actor. Here's a quick update....

Here's his 6 month old daughter Indigo Sanara (takes after mom, can't see Filipinoness yet...hehehe)Theatre Roles:

Tony nominee Lou Diamond Phillips will take on the devilish role of Applegate in the Tony Award-winning musical Damn Yankees. Penned by Richard Adler, Jerry Ross and theatre impresario George Abbott, the Faustian baseball musical will run Aug. 12-17 at Casa Mañana Theatre www.casamanana.org.

Lou Diamond Phillips as King Arthur in Camelot.

ABC Television Reaches Out To Recruit Fil-Ams For Internship Program Despite Desperate Housewives Comment

By RODNEY J. JALECO
ABS-CBN North America News Bureau WASHINGTON D.C. - A top executive of TV conglomerate ABC described it as a "first step" – reaching out to the Fil-Am community - but the controversy over a perceived racial slur in the top-rating ABC program "Desperate Housewives" simply refuses to die down.

Though Disney-ABC TV Group senior vice president for diversity Bob Mendez would not say it openly, the outreach was an offshoot of the indignation triggered by something Teri Hatcher’s character said in last year’s season opener of "Desperate Housewives". The one-liner questioned the qualifications of doctors who graduated from Philippine medical schools.

"As part of an ongoing conversation between ABC and NAFFAA (National Federation of Filipino-American Associations), we agreed to establish a partnership that would allow us to explore ways of addressing the problems of stereotyping and racial bias in mainstream media," NAFAA communications director Jon Melegrito explained.

He stressed that their objective was long term and intended to stop "those practices that are offensive to minorities and people of color."

"Change that takes place within, through dialogue and critical engagement, may actually lead to more substantive gains," Melegrito added.

"We do a lot of outreach in the course of the year," Mendez tells ABS-CBN’s Balitang America during the outreach program at the Capitol Hilton here.

Read more here... Large Fil Am talent pool

HOT FIL-AM EVENT! "Lovewrecked: Diary of a Manilaman" at Skyline College May 3, 2008

Pilipino romance Pilipino Cultural Night, student-run events that celebrate the Filipino American experience, presents its latest production, "Lovewrecked: Diary of a Manilaman," which showcases traditional dances and songs from the Philippines. The musical tells a story of forbidden love. The production is written, directed, produced, promoted, designed, constructed, crewed and performed by students, with the help of Master Danongan Kalanduyan, artistic and executive director of the Palabuniyan Kulintang Ensemble, and Bonifacio Valera Jr., artistic director and founder of the Barangay Dance Company. 7 p.m. today and Sat. $10 advance, $12 door. Main Theater, Skyline College, 3300 College Drive, San Bruno. (650) 738-4346, www.skylinecollege.edu/pcn.

Inaugural flight rediscovers Hawaiian connection

By Maurice Arcache
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:29:00 05/01/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Last April 17, men in Hawaiian shirts and women in floral printed skirts welcomed us to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It was Hawaiian Airlines' way of welcoming us to its inaugural Manila-to-Honolulu flight, dahlings.

Before boarding the Boeing 676-300 jet, we were treated to a performance by musicians and dancers doing what Hawaiians do best-the hula, naturellement.

Formally welcoming us were Hawaiian Airlines' young and dynamic president and CEO, Mark Dunkerley, and Philippine Tourism Authority general manager Robert Dean Barbers.

After the ceremonies, we boarded the plane and took off right at the appointed time. While on flight, Dunkerley took the time to drop by our locations to personally welcome us one by one, making sure everything was all right and that we were enjoying the flight.

Also making the passengers at ease was the dynamo behind this inaugural, lawyer Mike Toledo, president and CEO of Weber Shandwick.

After flying for 10 hours and 15 minutes, we landed at the Honolulu International Airport. Included in the inaugural flight was a hotshot group of Philippine officials, businessmen, travel agents and media men. At the airport, we were welcomed by hula dancers and singers in colorful costumes.

Read more here... Aloha to Hawaii

University of Arizona Asian Pacific American Student Affairs Honors Filipino-American Graduates

The program honors its students, history and supporters during Lotus Laureate graduate recognition night.

By University of Arizona Communications

April 28, 2008

Graduating University of Arizona Asian Pacific Americans were recognized Saturday at the 15th annual Lotus Laureate Graduate Recognition Night.

The convocation ceremony, held in the Student Union Memorial Center, was presented by Asian Pacific American Student Affairs. APASA is part of the UA’s Multicultural Affairs and Student Success, consisting of programs that promote student success and work to make the UA community welcoming to everyone.

Cecilia Lou-Alter was honored for having served as APASA’s founding assistant director. In addition, the event honored Jacqueline Mok, vice provost for academic affairs for her support of the Asian Pacific American community. Mok recently was named vice president and chief of staff, a position she will begin on July 1.

The evening – with a theme of “Leaving a Legacy through Our Success” – included a formal dinner, award presentations, guest speakers, cultural performances and the personal recognition of each graduate in attendance.

Read more here...