Philppine Airlines 2007 Golf Tournament

When :
Friday Oct 19, 2007 at 9:00 AM

Where :
San Dimas Canyon Clubhouse
2100 Terrebone Ave.
San Dimas , CA 91773
Telephone: (909) 599-7459

Contact :
Rene Custodio
Telephone: (909) 576-1458


Hole In One
'07 Toyota FJ Cruizer: Sponsored by Keyes Toyota

Raffle Prizes
Round Trip Ticket To The Philippines
NBA Tickets (Staples Center)

And a lot more surprises!!!

Awards and dinner will follow immediately after the tournament

Tournament fee is $110

Breaking News: ABC Agrees To Open Doors To Filipinos

In a letter to Jon Melegrito, Communications Director of NaFFAA, the ABC Senior Vice President of Diversity, Mr. Robert Mendez, agreed to explore a program that might help increase opportunities for Filipinos at ABC. This was in response to my PerryScope article, "Desperate Housewives' Wake Up Call to Filipinos," which Mr. Melegrito forwarded to Mr. Mendez.

In my PerryScope article I proposed a win-win solution to the imbroglio created by the September 30, 2007, episode of "Desperate Housewives" in which a character said, "Okay, before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? Because I would just like to make sure they are not from a med school in the Philippines." Instead of a lawsuit and boycott which have been suggested by many community leaders, I recommended that we should instead be proactive -- not reactive -- and put together an agenda that would give long-term benefits to our community such as jobs, education and other initiatives. I indicated that we should convince ABC to open employment opportunities to Filipino-Americans at all levels -- actors, directors, producers, newscasters, and executives at ABC and its affiliates.

Mr. Mendez's letter said, "You asked about the possibility of exploring a program that might help to increase opportunities for Filipinos at ABC. I am wondering whether you might be interested in helping to organize a meeting in Washington, DC, where my staff and I can meet with Filipinos who are interested in pursuing careers in television and want access to direct information about our many talent development programs. It would be a wonderful opportunity for ABC to deepen the talent pool with candidates from the Filipino community." The complete text of Mr. Mendez's letter can be downloaded below.

Mr. Melegrito sent me an email and said, "ABC listened to the points you raised in your column and here are the results: a) written confirmation that ABC has deleted the ugly scene from the DH Sept. 30 episode, b) a long-term relationship with the FilAm community that will open doors to Filipino Americans and enable them access to positions in ABC as writers, directors, producers, including an internship & training program. We expect implementation of this special outreach program within 3-4 months as a demonstration of ABC's commitment." The complete text of Mr. Melegrito's email is reprinted below.

The name of the game is "win-win" and that's what have been achieved. Both the Filipino community and ABC would benefit from it. It would give Filipinos a presence in one of the major networks in the United States. And the benefits would be long-lasting and irreversible because once Filipino talents are used in ABC programming the other networks would follow.

All the best,
Perry Diaz
Editor, BALITA USA

The Chase for Magno Rubio: by Bernardo Bernardo

Hi, Friends!

Just sharing: I wrote an article on how I chased after a role in the award winning play, THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO. Said 'tell all' is featured in the current issue of Filipinas Magazine (October which, happily, is also Filipino American Heritage Month). Hopefully this will help raise the show's profile in the Filipino community, especially on the West Coast.

You may consider this a gentle reminder (for you or someone you know in the LA area) to experience MAGNO RUBIO at the Los Angeles Theater Center from October 25 to 28, where we open the Latino Theater Festival. c',)

Love,
Bernardo Bernardo

THE PLAY:

Limited Run of THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO at the Los Angeles Theater Center, Theater Two from October 25 to 28, as the opening play of the Latino Theater Festival.

OBIE Award-winning play of “The Romance of Magno Rubio” to have L.A. Premiere at the New LATC on October 25

WHAT: “The Romance of Magno Rubio.” The award-winning play.
WHO: Written by Lonnie Carter.

Based on a short story by Carlos Bulosan. Additional Filipino text by Ralph Pena. Directed by Loy Arcenas. A production of Ma-Yi Theater Company.

WHERE: THE NEW LATC, Theatre 2, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.
WHEN: Oct. 25-28, 2007. Thurs.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 3.

ADMISSION: $28. Students, seniors and groups of ten or more, $15.


RESERVATIONS: (323) 461-3673 (via the Ford Amphitheatre box office service, WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 12 PM -6 PM).

GROUP SALES: (213) 489-0994.
ONLINE TICKETING: www.thenewlatc.com

LATC, a landmark building and City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs facility operated by Latino Theater Company in downtown’s Historic Core, is completing reconstruction and is being reborn as THE NEW LATC. The building is re-opening in grand style with an international festival of theatre and dance. “The Romance of Magno Rubio” is an event in that festival, performing in the venue’s 280-seat Theatre 2.

Winner of 8 Obie Awards, “The Romance of Magno Rubio” here makes its L.A. Premiere.

The play is set in the central valleys of California in the 1930s. Magno, a diminutive Filipino migrant worker, longs for love. Each night before going to bed, he peruses his collection of Hollywood magazines, dreaming of his own Silver Screen romance. One night, he finds a lonely-hearts ad for Clarabelle, a woman from Arkansas who is looking for a pen pal. Believing he’s found the answer to his dreams, he hires a co-worker to write to his blonde beauty.

Working dawn ‘til dusk, picking asparagus by the pound so he can buy love by the word, Magno’s infatuation with Clarabelle grows with each letter received. He proposes marriage and wires money for his fantasy girl to come to California so they can start their new life together. But as Magno soon realizes, reality and dreams don’t always align.

The cast includes Arthur Acuna, Bernardo Bernardo, Ramon de Ocampo, Jojo Gonzalez and Paolo Montalban.

Director Loy Arcenas’ many credits include “Watcher,” “Middle Finger,” “Swoony Planet,” “Flipzoids,” “Stop Kiss,” , Jon Robin Baitz’s adaptation of “Hedda Gabler, and more. Also a first-rank Broadway designer, Arcenas has won design awards from the L.A. Drama Critics Circle, Bay Area Critics Circle, the Jefferson Award, and an Obie for sustained excellence of scenic design.

Playwright Lonnie Carter’s other plays include “Lemuel Gulliver,” “Mothers and Sons,” “The Soverign State of Boogedy Booogedy,” “Necktie Party,” “The Big House,” and more. A Guggenheim and NEA fellow, he teaches playwriting at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Carlos Bulosan (1911-1956) wrote the short story on which Carter’s play is based. Commissioned as a writer by FDR in 1945, Bulosan was blacklisted as a radical activist by Senator Joseph McCarthy less than a decade later. Bulosan’s fiction includes “America Is in the Heart,” “The Cry and the Dedication” and “The Sound of Falling Light.”

Ma-Yi Theater Company is the nation’s premier Asian American performance company. Since its founding in 1989, Ma-Yi has endeavored to develop, produce and present plays and performance works that explore and affect the Asian American experience.

Set design: Loy Arcenas. Lighting design: James Vermeulen. Original music and sound design by Fabian Obispo. Costume design by Clint Ramos. Original movement by Kristin Jackson.

“Trust Ma-Yi Theater Company to make a classy contribution…The ensemble rocks the house!...Gonzalez straddles the story like a giant…What keeps us involved is the skill with which helmer Arcenas has adapted traditional Filipino musical rhythms and storytelling traditions and flawlessly integrated their joyous aspects into a… grim tale.

“No less than street-corner rap, the play’s insistent musical beat (pounded out by sticks that double as martial arts weapons) and rhyming verses (adapted from the Filipino literary tradition of Balagtasan) draw the faithful into a community experience from which outsiders need not feel excluded.”----Marilyn Stasio, Daily Variety

BERNARDO'S ARTICLE ON FILIPINAS MAGAZINE:



"ONSTAGE WITH MAGNO RUBIO"

For our closing night, after a highly successful Off-Broadway run, I gave each member of the cast of The Romance of Magno Rubio a little figurine of Magno clutching a golden heart, standing atop a tiny raft of bamboo tied with twine, with my heartfelt dedication:

On board the S.S. United Snakes
On a Manong's journey like no other
We danced to echoes of distant voices
Broken by the sharp raps of deadly arnis sticks
As we sang of bunkhouse hopes and dreams
Stretching from a stooped, forgotten past
Alive, at last!

It's safe to say that my attempt at blank verse did not give playwright Lonnie Carter any sleepless nights, but I meant every word. I am shameless about this: I chased after every opportunity to appear in Lonnie Carter's The Romance of Magno Rubio after seeing the Laguna Playhouse production. To be more precise, right after scraping myself off the floor, absolutely stunned at the beauty, wisdom, strength and truth articulated by the entire cast every single second they were onstage. Our voices, our story. An excellent Filipino cast in a heart-breakingly beautiful Filipino play on a mainstream All American professional stage. Sweet.

It was too good to be true.

Don't get me wrong, a fairy long time ago, I could have been one of the original "taray-queens," cursed with the cynic's perennial cocked eyebrow, ever ready with the sniff and snooty pout and a bored critic's slasher put-down disguised as wit. I mean, all those Obies and those raving reviews from the Off-Broadway run... and the Manila premiere! What was that all about?

I'll tell you what. Probably the best 90 minutes you'll ever spend in the theatre in your whole theater-lovin' life. Trust me. I'm not easy to convert. (Uhuh! Winkwink-nudgenudge!) But these guys got me singing Hallelujah and chasing after Loy Arcenas, the director, for an audition. I googled him. Did my research. Found his e-mail. Called him, saying I will fly anywhere, anytime to audition, should there be a need for a cast replacement, filler, understudy, whatever. Not so subtly, I ended by saying: I got to be part of this.

And I did.

Who knew? Loy Arcenas is, true enough, a gifted director (from the awesome minimalist chicken-coop bunkhouse set to the choreographed minutae of each actor's Manong movements and characterization, the imprint is unmistakably Loy's); still, he's the same somewhat nerdy-statuesque- Zen- genius and occasional dingbat I knew from Manila and London days when we were both hopeful students in theatre arts. Jojo Gonzales, (fabulous as Magno,it turns out) was a fellow underpaid and recognition-challenged comedian and TV co-host in Manila during our sisig and SanMig youth. As for Art Acuna, Ramon de Ocampo, Orville Mendoza and Ron Domingo, a certified skeptic would be quick to dismiss them as, well, basically Fil-Am yuppie-homeys playing at being down home Pinoy farmers! And Lonnie Carter... is white!!! What were they doing with Carlos Bulosan?!

Well, they were breathing life into what is essentially a slim short story, and in the process helped create a little play that could. (And, incidentally, merited Lonnie Carter the title of "Honorary Pinoy").

From Off-Broadway to Manila, from Laguna Playhouse to Victory Gardens Theatre (Chicago) and Longwharf, then back to Off-Broadway at the Culture Project Theatre as the crowning glory of the recent 1st National Asian American Theatre Festival in New York --- the play, as a somewhat surprised Lonnie Carter puts it, " just keeps getting better!" And who am I to disagree?

The Bunkhouse Boys (as the former and current castmembers of Magno Rubio call themselves now) are, understandably, biting at the bit to get Little Magno to Broadway. For now, the next stop for The Romance of Magno Rubio will be its Los Angeles premiere and limited run, from October 25 to 28 when it opens the Latino Theater Festival.

Don't miss it. It's about time you retraced the route to your roots. Your inner Manong is waiting for you!

Bayanihan Sa Amerika Conference at the Otani Hotel

Los Angeles, CA, 7 October 2007 – The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles (PCGENLA), conducted the Bayanihan sa Amerika Conference at the New Otani Hotel. The conference was attended by 123 participants representing 89 Filipino-American organizations based in Southern California and Nevada.

Similar conferences will be held in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago this month.

Consul General Mary Jo Aragon welcomed the participants to the first Bayanihan sa Amerika conference, and expressed appreciation for the high turnout of participants. In his message to the participants, which was read by Consul General Aragon, Ambassador Willy C. Gaa encouraged Filipino associations and community centers in the US to continue to strengthen their ties with the motherland.

At the start of the plenary session, Consul General Aragon, Tourism Director Annie Cuevas and Trade Representative Archimedes Gomez briefed the participants on the ongoing projects of the Philippine government and the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, and updated them about the positive economic developments in the Philippines.

Mr. Geminiano Arre talked on the relevance and challenges of Filipino community centers and associations in the United States, and shared how the Filipino Community in Honolulu, Hawaii succeeded in raising funds for the establishment of a community center there. He challenged the Filipino organizations to go beyond organizing beauty pageants and induction balls by initiating socially relevant and civic-oriented programs.

Ms. Linda Nietes exhorted participants to instill Filipino values among second generation Filipinos and strengthen their social and cultural ties with the motherland by, among other interventions, encouraging them to read books about the Philippines. She challenged the audience to demand from US public libraries the regular procurement of Philippine books as part of their international collections.

Mr. Winston Emano of the Association for the Advancement of Fil-Am Arts and Culture presented how his organization bridges the cultural and generation gap among different generations of Filipinos in the United States, and promotes a greater appreciation for Philippine culture and arts among mainstream American audiences. He lamented that although Filipino Americans are increasingly being noticed by mainstream American media, much needs to be done to present an accurate picture of their glowing achievements and positive contributions to American society.

Mr. Joel Jacinto of the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans suggested fundraising strategies and financial planning for Filipino organizations. He presented the art and science of fundraising, including its technical and qualitative aspects, and highlighted some sustainable programs among the community organizations in Los Angeles.

Mr. Rick Munda shared Angkop-Gawad Kalinga’s success in getting wide support from both Filipino and American mainstream organizations for Gawad Kalinga’s livelihood and housing programs and models in the Philippines.

The Keynote speaker for the conference was Congressman Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas, who praised Filipinos overseas for their hard work and dedication, and for being credible agents of change in Philippine society. He promoted the concept of patriotic bonds to spur economic growth and to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth in the country.

The succeeding workshops provided the participants the opportunity to share their insights on the next steps the Philippine government and the Filipino organizations in the United States should take to address organizational concerns, strengthen the visibility of Filipino Americans in the US, and contribute to the economic and social development of the Philippines. The general consensus reached by the workshop participants was to work towards making the Philippines a developed country. The participants also agreed that the Filipino Community organizations must coordinate regularly and cooperate more closely so that the Filipino Community will finally be recognized as a force to reckon with in American politics. The participants agreed that the gains of the conference should be sustained through follow-up meetings among participants. The role of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas was also clarified, and various recommendations were presented, including focusing on donor cultivation and financial resources that will best impact the programming of Filipino organizations, and the creation of a CFO clearinghouse to find out what resources are available and to provide opportunities to pull resources together

The Road to Vegas: The Pacquiao Win: The Journey

Pinoywired Exclusive: Check out the great coverage of the Pacquiao - Barrera Fight as well as a lot of highlights at Pinoywired.com.

(Photo, Video & Coverage by Danica Palma and Team)

All rights reserved. You may not modify, publish, transmit, display, participate in the transfer or sale of, create derivative works or in any way exploit the content of the pinoywired.com or any portion of it. Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law, you may not copy, redistribute, publish, display or commercially exploit any material from the pinoywired.com without the express permission of pinoywired and the copyright owner.

THE “MIRACLES” OF MARTIN NIEVERA!

Los Angeles, Ca. – The October 14th concert by Martin Nievera on behalf of Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M) has taken the Philippine “Concert King” back to memories of his youth. In addition, the singer/songwriter, who will be backed by his own multi-piece band, has written a brand new song entitled “Miracle” dedicated to the cause of those fighting bone marrow diseases which, along with his brand new 25th anniversary CD “Milestone”, he will be debuting at the show.

In a recent interview, Martin spoke candidly about why he wanted to participate with A3M and their efforts to help save lives of patients in need of marrow transplants. “In our native country, my best friend and I would make plans and imagine that we were part of some celebrated band, growing up. We would dream of what we would do when we became famous.” Indeed, Martin’s childhood friend, Francis Ruivivar, did get to sing in several Broadway shows. He made history by becoming the first Asian to play the role of “The Engineer” opposite Lea Salonga in the Broadway production of Miss Saigon. Unfortunately, his promising career was cut short and he died without benefit of a marrow transplant because there was no match for him in the national registry.

Even though the numbers of Asians and other minorities in the National Marrow Donor Program are growing every day, few Filipinos register at A3M’s donor drives. When Martin found out about the need for marrow donors, he felt that creating awareness about bone marrow donation within his community was vital.

He said, “I know why they [Filipinos] don’t register. They are afraid. They need to know that it is safe and done with anesthesia. Even registering is easy.” Martin is very inspired not only because of his childhood experience but also because of the positive stories of patients like Christine Pechera, who is now able to live the life of her dreams because of the generosity of someone who didn’t even know her.

To mark the concert with his own inimitable style, Martin penned a new song entitled “Miracle” which he will be premiering at the October 14th show. He has dedicated the song to A3M and will be performing some songs from a special repertoire he is creating specifically for the show. Furthermore, his long-awaited 25th Anniversary CD, “Milestone” featuring some songs he wrote, mad popular and continues to perform, will be available ONLY at the “Miracles” concert.

A3M is committed to helping patients who have been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases like leukemia; we are committed to saving lives. Because marrow types are inherited, ethnicity is a determining factor when patients are searching for unrelated matching donors. Asians and Pacific Islanders comprise approximately 6% of the national donor registry. Not only are patients from these communities afflicted with life threatening illnesses, but they are also forced to deal with the likelihood of not finding suitable donors in time. A3M’s mission is to improve access to bone marrow transplants, in part by building a diverse marrow donor registry so that every searching patient has a second chance for life.

On Sunday, October 14, 2007, Martin Nievera, the “Concert King” of the Philippines brings his own unique style of entertainment to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in a benefit concert “Miracles” for Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M). Martin's stage presence and amazing vocal range earned him the rank of world-class pop music performer in the Philippines and across the globe. The singer/songwriter, who has performed before audiences from Australia to Singapore, Japan to England, Canada to the Middle East; , has sold millions of records worldwide and is a Las Vegas headliner. He is backed by his own ten-piece band in an evening of classic ballads, up-tempo rock 'n roll classics, hits from the Broadway stage and pop tunes from yesterday and today! Martin is "personality mixed with charisma, seasoned with showmanship.”

For information please contact (888) 236 4673 or visit our website at www.AsianMarrow.org

INFORMATION
Martin Nievera in Concert – “Miracles”
A Benefit for Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (www.asianmarrow.org)
In Association with TDRZ Productions, Inc.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Cerritos Center for Performing Arts
www.cerritoscenter.com

Desperate Housewives' Wake Up Call to Filipinos

The September 30, 2007, episode of ABC's "Desperate Housewives" brings to the forefront of debate the issue -- in the broadest sense -- of racism perpetrated and perpetuated against Filipinos. The reaction from Filipinos -- particularly Filipinos in the United States -- was swift and furious. In that episode, the character, Susan Mayer Delfino, played by actress Teri Hatcher, said: " Okay, before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? Because I would just like to make sure they are not from a med school in the Philippines."

A Filipino -- Kevin Nadal -- who saw the controversial "Desperate Housewives" episode on television sent an email to a few friends and started an online petition that has gotten more than 100,000 signatures in six days. His "call to action" took a life of its own and pretty soon it was all over in the Internet. The Philippine Ambassador, the Los Angeles and New York Consuls General, and thousands of individuals and organizations barraged ABC with emails and faxes protesting the slur. On the third day, the power of the Internet generated a synergy that forced ABC to apologize. It was a sweet -- albeit hollow -- victory for Filipinos.

To diffuse the situation, ABC quickly geared into damage control. They promised to take immediate action to removed the controversial scene from all DVD releases and rebroadcasts. They also said that they are willing to start a dialogue with the Filipino-American community. By all indications, everything seems to be moving smoothly towards a detente. Good job, ABC. Or was it a snow job?

The Filipino-American community should not be fooled by ABC's easy accommodation. Remember the "Frasier" episode in 1994 when Filipino women were referred to as mail order brides? After the drum-beating from our community subsided, nothing happened.

Many believed that an apology was not enough to undo the harm done to Filipino medical professionals. I agree. Talks of a lawsuit against ABC started circulating in the Internet. Others suggested that we should boycott ABC and its advertisers. But is this the right course to take? Needless to say, pursuing a lawsuit is going to be very expensive. The question is: who will pay for the cost of litigation and front the retainer fee? We also need to ask ourselves: Would a lawsuit end in win-lose, lose-win or lose-lose situation? From a practical standpoint, in my opinion it could be a lose-win (that is, we lose) situation. And if it turned out to be a win-lose (that is, we win), it would actually be a lose-lose situation. In other words, win or lose, we lose.

The biggest obstacle in pursuing a lawsuit is money -- or lack of money. Where do we get the funds to pay our lawyers? ABC is a giant in the industry and they have the wherewithal to get the best lawyers. And what do we hope to accomplish or benefit from a lawsuit? One episode laced with racial slur would not be enough to win a civil case. And in regard to punitive damages, unless we can prove that Philippine-trained doctors in the U.S. were hurt financially by this episode, no jury would award us with a huge sum. The cost of litigation would be so high that, in my opinion, no lawyer or law firm would take the case on a contingency basis. Unless there is a lawyer from our own community with a war chest big enough to sustain a long and protracted legal battle.

In regard to boycotting ABC and its advertisers, there is no immediate -- and no long-term -- financial impact to ABC and the advertisers. Boycotting ABC would have no effect on their revenues from commercials. And I am pretty sure that they have advertisers lined up to fill empty commercial slots in the event that some of their advertisers would withdraw their commercials. The bottom line is: what is our share of the American consumer market and what impact would a boycott have on the advertisers? In my opinion, there is none or, at best, negligible.

If a lawsuit or boycott is not going to work for us, what then is the best action to take to turn the tables on ABC? A wise man once said, "Don't get mad, get even." Right now we're mad like hell and that's not good.

An opportunity to "get even" presented itself when Robert Mendez, Senior Vice President of ABC and head of its diversity initiative opened lines of communication with community leaders. This is now the best time to be proactive, not reactive. And proactive means we need to put together an agenda that would give long-term benefits to our community -- jobs, education and other initiatives. "Getting even" means convincing ABC to open employment opportunities to Filipino-Americans at all levels. It's about time that we see Filipino-American actors, directors, producers, newscasters, and executives at ABC and its affiliates. "Getting even" means setting up scholarship and other educational programs for aspiring Filipino-Americans in the field of entertainment. "Getting even" means that racism should be eradicated from ABC's programming. "Getting even" means that ABC includes Filipino culture in its diversity program. "Getting even" means a win-win situation so that ABC would go along with our agenda where they too would benefit from it.

But something is happening right now in our community that could erode our ability --and effectiveness -- to negotiate with ABC. Within a few days since ABC apologized, several organizations mushroomed for the purpose of representing the Filipino-American community in negotiating with ABC. Two brand new organizations and a ten-year old organization are now vying for the "right" to represent the community. I wouldn't be surprised if several more organizations would come into existence. And then what?

Ronald Reagan's favorite quote was: "There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." Now is the time for all the organizations, old and new, to come together under an umbrella -- a grand coalition -- that would bring into the fold all those who want to contribute to our common objective which is empowerment. Anything short of that would just be another exercise in futility.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

The Shins Live at the Greek Theatre October 7, 2007 Attracted Huge Audience

The Shins played at The Greek Theatre on Sunday, October 7 in support of their latest release: "Wincing The Night Away" with singer/guitarist James Mercer (pictured) leading the beat.

Entering the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, fans both young and not so young (like me), delved into the rambling and sometimes melancholic great pop music of a band grown-up and confident, they can hold their own in their repertoire, and playful on stage even in between songs. A blonde fan tossed Mercer a single stem red rose which Mercer playfully gave to fun-guy Eric Johnson who meticulously attached the stem rose to his classic white bass guitar. The band started with the huge mixed Los Angeles crowd up on their feet dancing to their their rhythmic jog of pop music.


(The Shins "Turn On Me" Video on the Conan O'Brien Show)

Brought together by a genuine love of pop music – and subsequent eschewal of college aspirations – singer/guitarist James Mercer, drummer Jesse Sandoval, keyboardist Marty Crandall, synthesizer & bassist Eric Johnson who was alternating with bassist and rhythm guitarist Dave Hernandez are The Shins. Mercer had taught himself to play the guitar as a teenager, while listening to bands like My Bloody Valentine and Echo & The Bunnymen. With time, he developed a more pronounced interest in ‘60s pop and the art of well-crafted songwriting. Mercer’s aesthetic, paired with the like-minded sensibilities of his bandmates, gave rise to this most friendly troupe of disbelieving pop heroes.

Recorded over time in Mercer’s basement studio, Phil Ek’s Seattle digs, and in Oregon City with veteran engineer Joe Chiccarelli (Beck, U2) – Wincing the Night Away is a whole new animal. It is the sound of a band growing up and out. Mercer’s infectious, indelible melodic style is still at the core, and unfaltering. But anything can happen around it – and in this case, it does. Channeling a Morrissey vibe, “Sea Legs” pairs a hip-hop (yes, hip-hop) beat with lush melodic lines and searing guitars. Elsewhere the band toys with tweaked-out piano steeped in psychedelic strings (“Red Rabbit”); fractured synth samples (“Spilt Needles”); gauzy, arpeggiated keyboards cloaking thunderous anthems (“Sleeping Lessons”); and, taking cues from early Jesus and Mary Chain albums – sweeping, fuzztoned epics (“Phantom Limb”). Finally, “Turn on Me,” “Girl Sailor” and “Australia” are the lilting, exhilarating, rollicking, rock-solid pop songs we’ve all come to covet from The Shins.

To date, "Oh! Inverted World" and "Chutes Too Narrow" have sold more than a million copies worldwide. No one expected it to debut at number 2 on the Billboard charts after selling 118,000 copies in its first week. Sub Pop had never had a top ten record, much less a hit of this magnitude. Playing at the Greek Theatre here in Los Angeles, Eric Johnson exclaimed in his rendition of a famous Greek quote to Sunday's mixed crowd, stating "We are honored."

Mercer admits that he was baffled but also heartened by the response. Now that he’s been able to keep himself challenged creatively, he’s beginning to accept the possibility that he and his band have the ability to maintain a long career. But, if you ask Portman, Braff and the thousands of die-hard fans, that’s something they could have told you about The Shins a long time ago. I wish they told me early on.The band was something new to me but I really enjoyed my Sunday evening at the Greek and will be starting my week tomorrow smiling...

(Jay Fermin ppp-usa))

Gawad Kalinga's "Paraiso" Movie Now on DVD

"Paraiso", (Paradise), Three stories of Hope.

Order your own PARAISO DVD for a suggested donation of $20.
DVD release: Fall 2007
FIRST MOVIE MADE THE BAYANIHAN WAY!

Maricel Soriano, Cesar Montano, and Michael V, in a pilgrimage of HOPE.. a response to HEROISM....and a pledge of HONOR.

Three inspiring true-to-life Gawad Kalinga stories weaved in a powerful movie trilogy that promises to change your life.



The GK Trilogy:

Umiyak Man Ang Langit (Even If Heaven Cries) is based on Jocelyn’s life experiences who lost loved ones in the mudslides of St. Bernard, S. Leyte. The story captures the pain, the internal struggles and the healing that takes place in all of us once faced with life-changing events.

Ang Kapatid Kong Si Elvis (My Brother Elvis) is a story, on a lighter note, centered on a boy who ate pebbles to satisfy his hunger and a GK volunteer’s family who adopted him as their own. The story captures the challenges and rewards of being involved with GK.

Marie is a story based on how a tragic loss can be turned into a living legacy and a new beginning. Marie Rose Abad perished in the twin tower tragedy of 9/11. Rudy Abad honors his wife with a living legacy.

The movie is the first of its kind whose making in itself captures the very essence of GK, the bayanihan spirit or being heroes for one another. Mainstream movie producers (the likes of Butch Jimenez, senior VP of PLDT , Tony Gloria of Crying Ladies and Tony Tuveria of Eat Bulaga), actors (the likes of Maricel Soriano, Cesar Montano, Robert Arevalo, Ricky Davao, Carmi Martin, Michael V. and Lilia Dizon), and entertainment executives (the likes of Bobby Barreiro, "Paraiso" Executive Producer), all waived their fees for GK and contributed their talents to be a part of the GK movement. The production people and vendors likewise sacrificed and did their own share of GK padugo (bleed for the cause) in getting this movie made.

Building a Paradise for all by reshaping an image, cultivating the mindset and reaching out to a higher calling of being a hero is what Gawad Kalinga is all about.

Be a Hero. Order your DVD today

Kuh & Pops "Divas At The Movies" Concert October 13, 2007 in Los Angeles

Kuh & Pops will be in Los Angeles in their U.S. Tour "At The Movies" featuring songs from the movies we loved this coming Saturday, Oct. 13 with Special Guests NONOY ZUNIGA and CHOKOLEIT at Grand Theater, L.A. Trade Technical College, 400 W. Washington Blvd. between Grand Ave. and Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90015. Tickets $55, $65, $75 and limited VIPs at $100. For tickets and more info pls. call KATZ Entertainment 562-529-8680.

Pacquiao Beats Barrera - Again: Defends WBO Title

LAS VEGAS -- Though Marco Antonio Barrera kept his feet, Manny Pacquiao kept his supremacy.

Pacquiao beat Barrera for the second time Saturday night, winning a gritty unanimous decision nearly four years after the Philippines' favorite son became a boxing superstar with an upset victory over Barrera.

Neither fighter generated many fireworks until a strong finish in their 130-pound bout at Mandalay Bay. But not even an illegal 11th-round blow by Barrera could slow down the lightning-quick Pacquiao, who showed his world-class reflexes haven't slowed in his sixth straight victory.

Barrera lost a point for a head shot that discombobulated Pacquiao after the referee moved in to separate them in the 11th, but Pacquiao recovered in time to reach the final bell.

Though Barrera claims he'll retire after consecutive losses this year, the result was a moral victory, as evidenced by the Mexican fans who stood and cheered the 33-year-old as he left the ring.

Pacquiao caused the only TKO loss of the Mexican champion's career in their first meeting in late 2003, and Barrera refused to go down against one of the sport's knockout artists.

Both fighters raised their arms in celebration at the end, but Barrera's excitement seemed forced. Judge Tom Schreck scored it 115-112 for Pacquiao, while Jerry Roth and Glenn Trowbridge both favored Pacquiao 118-109. The Associated Press also gave it to Pacquiao, 116-111.

Both fighters made $2 million as promoters Oscar De La Hoya and Bob Arum staged an entertaining card in their first joint effort since settling various legal disputes between Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, including a lengthy wrangle over the right to promote Pacquiao.

The Will To Win: Pacquiao - Barrera Fight II, October 6, 2007 at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

It's the dream rematch every boxing enthusiast is looking forward to seeing! The Philippines' very own Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao takes on Mexico's Babyfaced Assassin Marco Antonio Barrera in a 12-round battle for the Super Featherweight Championship! You don't want to miss this epic event!

Can Pacquiao make it 2-0 against Barrera? Or will the Mexican slugger even the score? Don't get left behind on this monumental event! Get Pacquiao - Barrera II on your PCs now!!!

Pacquiao started his boxing career fighting in small venues in the Philippines. His early fights were aired only on local TV. But, Pacquiao's big break came when he defeated a legendary boxer on Nov. 15, 2003... a boxer idolized by many in his country of Mexico and has since beaten many fierce warriors that stood in his way. Pacquiao sent this iconic slugger to the canvas via TKO in the 11th round at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

This figher was Marco Antonio Barrera.

More than four years have passed since that exciting clash of fists. Pacquiao, fresh off a win from Mexican boxing greats Jorge Solis and Erik Morales, is more than ready to knockout his opponent once again. He is in his prime and is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today.

Yet, Barrera has been training hard to extract his revenge on the Pinoy boxing hero. He will not allow defeat to happen again. Barrera is hungry for a win against Pacquiao. He is considering this match to be his last... and will want to go out with a victory.

Manny or Marco? Philippines or Mexico? The excitement is building, the crowds are cheering and the world is preparing for the ultimate battle of strength, will, and heart. Pacquiao vs. Barrera II - THE WILL TO WIN!

Ana Julaton:




Also debuting October 6, 2007 is San Francisco's Fil-Am Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton and Filipino featherweight prospect Michael Farenas have expressed readiness to do their best when they clash against separate opponents in the undercard of today's "Will to Win" card at the Mandalay Bay Events Center here.

The same can not be said, however, of the third Filipino on the undercard, LA-based Vernie Torres who was grossly overweight at yesterday's weigh-in and seemed undisturbed by it.

Julaton, the most decorated Filipina in the history of US amateur boxing, will take on Hondi Hernandez (4-1, 2 KO's) of Arizona in a four-round superbantamweight bout.

Renowned trainer Freddie Roach will be at Julaton's corner in her professional debut.

L.A. Weekly's DETOUR Festival at Downtown L.A. October 6, 2007

Band Line-up includes: Bloc Party, Justice, Satellite Party, Kinky, Comedians of Comedy and many more. Photo Coverage by photographer "N-Dizzle" and will be uploaded soon. See you at DETOUR 2007, Downtown around L.A.'s famed City Hall where numerous bands are scheduled to perform on four live stages. Noon to Midnight October 6, 2007. Los Angeles will really Rock you.





(Thanx to Ms. Marcee Rondan, Senior VP of Mitch Schneider Organization: msopr.com)

La Gloria's Way

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has stirred a hornet's nest when she offered to give presidential pardon to deposed President Joseph Estrada. Estrada was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua -- life imprisonment.

What happened in the past six years is like a zarzuela with La Gloria as the heroine and Erap as the villain. A lot of people, however, believed otherwise; that is, Erap is the hero and La Gloria is the villain. And that's what makes this zarzuela intriguing -- you don't know who the hero and villain are until the curtain falls at the end.

In Act I of "La Gloria and Her Enchanted Kingdom," La Gloria stage-managed the removal of Erap from Malacanang Palace. La Gloria's emissaries convinced Erap to take a "leave of absence" until his medical problem is cured. La Gloria graciously offered to fill in as Acting President until Erap recovers and takes the presidency back. Erap willingly agreed. After all, he needed a break from the jueteng payola the "Jose Velarde" scandals that have been hounding him incessantly. He was led out by the back door where a boat was docked at the Pasig River waiting for him.

On the day Erap left, with the head honcho of the military -- a former Erap loyalist -- by her side, La Gloria was installed as President by the Chief Justice. It was later announced that Erap had resigned. But before Erap could protest, he was charged with plunder, arrested, and jailed. The people celebrated La Gloria's ascendancy hoping that the country's malaise would soon be over.

In Act II, La Gloria 's popularity plummeted to 30% below zero. Shunned and disheartened, she decided not to seek election after completing Erap's unfinished term. Then came a knight in shining armor -- Sir "Dubya" from the faraway land of milk and honey -- who visited her in Malacanang, extolled her, and declared her as his partner in the War on Terror. La Gloria was ebullient. She was convinced that her fate was indeed written by destiny ( iginuhit ng tadhana ) and that she should run for President. She did and won. Almost a year later, another jueteng and the "Jose Pidal" scandals -- déjà vu --surfaced. The First Gentleman, "Figaro," and his son, the "Lion King," were implicated in the jueteng scandal. Right after that, the "Hello Garci" scandal came out which alleged that La Gloria cheated in the election with the help of Garci. The people revolted and demanded La Gloria's resignation. Garci went into hiding and "Figaro" and the "Lion King" went in exile to the land of milk and honey. La Gloria's government was on the brink of collapse. She was about to leave Malacanang to join "Figaro" and her son in exile when, lo and behold, the cavalry led by the indomitable hero "Tabako" came to her rescue. La Gloria survived the revolt and a few days later "Figaro" and the "Lion King" returned.

Intermission: Soon after the unanimous verdict was handed down by the Sandiganbayan, Arroyo said that she was considering giving an unconditional and absolute pardon to Erap. Unconditional? That's baloney! In my opinion, there are secret conditions attached, one of which could be the future of Arroyo herself. She knew that she would likely face charges of corruption -- or plunder -- when she completes her presidency in 2010. It would therefore be logical for her to negotiate a "prisoner exchange" with the opposition camp now. That is, Estrada's freedom now in exchange for Arroyo's freedom in 2010.

One of the red flags that a secret accord is in the making is Resolution 135 -- asking Arroyo to pardon Estrada -- which is authored by Sen. Manuel Roxas and passed by the opposition-controlled Senate. The resolution was also endorsed by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, Jr. who is chairman of the United Opposition. Another supporter is Senate President Manuel Villar, Jr. In another development, Sen. Panfilo Lacson is supporting in principle an amnesty program proposed by Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. It is interesting to note that Roxas, Villar, and Lacson are three known "presidentiables" in the 2010 election. Is it fair to presume that should anyone of them become President they would give presidential pardon to convicted ex-presidents?

But the lone voice in the wilderness is that of Sen. Richard Gordon who issued a press release stating: "After taking the high road in bringing former President Estrada to trial and securing a conviction against him, the nation will be retreating to international ridicule and disrespect by cravenly trying to appease him with a presidential pardon - if certain officials and politicians have their way." He added that "for the Administration -- or certain officials of the Administration -- to be offering at this time a presidential pardon is wrongheaded and contrary to law… This is not the intent or spirit of the law, nor the meaning of justice being tempered with mercy. The verdict must first be applied before any idea of tempering it should be entertained. Above all, there must be some sense of contrition or remorse on the part of the offender before he can be considered eligible for pardon."

Gordon hit the nail right on the head. Indeed, what has been happening is a mockery of justice. In my opinion, President Arroyo has placed her hidden agenda over and above the law. Her misuse of her "presidential pardon" power corrupts the moral standards that the people expect her to live by and rule by.

Act III started with La Gloria nearing the end of her presidency. Erap has been pardoned and is now living in style in the land of milk and honey. La Gloria reminisces the ups and downs of her reign. Indeed, it was the roller coaster ride of her life. She realizes that as soon as she steps down from the presidency, she would likely face charges of plunder before the Sandiganbayan. She's hoping that the next President would be magnanimous and kind to her just like what she had been to Erap. She just can't see herself spending the rest of her life in reclusion perpetua. And like Sinatra's "My Way," La Gloria sings her swan song: "And now the end is near; and so I face the final curtain… Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew when I bit off more than I could chew. But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall; and did it my way." Yes, she certainly did it her way. She regrets, however, that her dream of an Enchanted Kingdom did not come true. "I've loved, I've laughed and cried. I've had my fill; my share of losing. And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing… The record shows I took the blows -- And did it my way!" Curtain falls.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Sign The Petition to ABC TV on "Desperate Housewives" Racial Slur on Philippine Medical Practitioners

Teri Hatcher, Marc Cherry, Felicity Huffman, Nicollette Sheridan and Eva Longoria - At the Annual Golden Globe Awards

Filipino Americans demand for apology from ABC and Desperate Housewives:


Sign the Petition Online Now and let ABC TV know how you feel. Petition author Kevin Nadal stated that as Filipinos, we must stand up for our rights and have our voices heard. This Petition Letter is expected to garner hundreds of thousands signatures. Add your digital signature Now:

Click to Sign Petition Online

(Below is the Body of the Petition Letter that is being sent to ABC TV)

To: ABC
To the producers of "Desperate Housewives" and ABC:

We are writing to express concern and hurt about a racially-discriminatory comment made in an episode of Desperate Housewives on 9/30/07. In a scene in which Susan was told by her gynecologist that she might be hitting menopause, she replied, "Can I just check those diplomas because I just want to make sure that they are not from some med school in the Philippines."

As members and allies of the Filipino American community, we are writing to inform know that this type of derogatory remark was discriminatory and hurtful, and such a comment was not necessary to maintain any humor in the show. Additionally, a statement that devalues Filipinos in healthcare is extremely unfounded, considering the overwhelming presence of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the medical field. Filipinos are the second largest immigrant population in the United States, with many entering the U.S. (and successfully passing their U.S. licensing boards!) as doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. In fact, the Philippines produces more U.S. nurses than any other country in the world. So, to belittle the education, experience, or value of Filipino Americans in health care is extremely disrespectful and plain and simply ignorant. Many of the hospitals in major metropolitan areas of the U.S. (and the world) would not be able to operate without its Filipino and Filipino American staff members.

As Filipino Americans and allies, we band together to ensure that this type of hateful message should not be allowed to continue on our television and radio airwaves. Given the recent amounts of media attention that has been given to Michael Richards (against African Americans), Isaiah Washington (against gays), and Rosie O'Donnell (against Asian/ Chinese Americans), it is ridiculous that this type of hateful speech made it through various screenwriters, the show's producers, the show's actors, and ABC itself.

We demand a public apology to the Filipino American community, and we demand the episode be edited to remove the ignorant and racist remark. We will not allow hateful messages against our community (or any other oppressed community) to continue.


Sincerely,
Juan dela Cruz (Your email will not be visible when you digitally sign your petition)

The Script Starts Here: Marc Cherry - ABC's "Desperate Housewives"

The writer & producer behind Desperate Housewives is almost as controversial as his campy prime-time soap. A self-declared "somewhat conservative, gay Republican," Cherry began his career in the late '80s as Dixie Carter's real-life personal assistant on Designing Women before becoming a writer/producer on the last few seasons of The Golden Girls.


Over the years he worked on a handful of series, including The Five Mrs. Buchanans, about four disparate wives married to a quartet of brothers, which starred DH's Harriet Sansom Harris and featured a character named Bree. By the '00s Cherry seemed washed up. Years had passed since his last project, and HBO, FOX, CBS and NBC all passed on Housewives. Finally, ABC took a chance on the show in 2004 and hit pay dirt. The next year Cherry was named by Time as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2005.

Marc Cherry Fast Facts:

Family moved frequently during his childhood, living briefly in Hong Kong and Iran.
Won $15,000 as a contestant on Dick Clark's game show, The $100,000 Pyramid, during the late '80s.

Paid homage to composer Steven Sondheim by using his songs as episode titles for Desperate Housewives.

Chose the name Wisteria Lane from The Book of Lists because, he told People magazine, "I wanted a beautiful name for the street. Later I found out that the vine crushes everything around it."

College:
Attended California State University, Fullerton, CA
(Did not study at some "Med School In the Philippines")

On the brewing controversial September 30 DH script, Cherry nor “Desperate Housewives” publicist Chandler Hayes issued no rectification action except this statement on behalf of ABC.

"The producers of ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere. There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines. As leaders in broadcast diversity, we are committed to presenting sensitive and respectful images of all communities featured in our programs."

Hayes did not elaborate on the other questions about the issue. Episodes of "Desperate Housewives" are scheduled to air October 7 and 14, 2007, Sundays, at 9:00 p.m.

What Did You Just Say, Teri Hatcher ?

I am sure this episode of Desperate Housewives was alluding to the Nursing Boards brouhaha in the country, but to say it like the entire show (yes the entire show, meaning producers, writers, directors, actors, and whoever has anything to do with it) means to undermine the capabilities of Filipino and Philippine-trained medical professionals is more revolting than Susan/Teri’s harassment by the idea of menopause. For a show with an international following, including desperate housewives in the Philippines and such who feel like they can actually empathize with the show’s femme fatales, I believe they have an obligation to take into account the cultural sensitivities of their audience. I’m not being balat sibuyas (onion-skinned; overly sensitive). As much as I can, I try to comprehend nuances of American culture, too. Or any foreign culture, for that matter. If only to survive watching what they convey as true and universal, and modern.

I am offended, because I learned my profession in the Philippines, and I refuse to be told that all my hard work and sacrifice amounts to nothing more than mediocre, if not questionable. Specially if these impressions come from those who fail to see from my end, or at least check, and don’t know what they are talking about. My textbooks came from the US of A, if saying so is any help to Teri’s understanding.

I can’t even speak for the millions of Filipino medical workers in America and all over the world, whose professionalism and skill have made them prime catch. And what of the thousands of foreign students who come in droves to train in the Philippines?

So mind rephrasing what you have just said, Teri Hatcher?

Or you can say sorry.


i am just disappointed at some who easily dismiss the issue as something common and expected out of a comedy show. some find it OA for reacting to a line taken out of context, that it was wrong to see it as a generalization by the show. well, if one is only to read it as it is, ” some med school from the Philippines“, it does seem harmless, legit even. in the sense that it only alluded to “some” (such as perhaps the diploma mills). it also doesn’t hit us Filipinos as a race, referring only to medical schools. and because that line came from a distressed character.

HOWEVER, viewing and listening to the clip gives one another picture. the same line could take another meaning. and it did. i reviewed the clip several times, and that’s how it came across… it was a sweeping generalization about those trained in Philippine schools… Filipino or not, doctors, nurses, or any other allied health professions. even if it came from a distressed Susan.

By J.A. Medical Practitioner in the U.S.
(Pictured: Mickey with Teri Hatcher: Disney is the parent company of ABC)

Consul Mary Jo Bernardo Sends Letter of Complaint to ABC

MANILA (AFP) - The Philippine government is to seek an apology from the producers of the hit US television series "Desperate Housewives" for a racial slur against Filipino medics, the Philippine Daily Inquirer said on its web site Wednesday.

The officials cited a recent episode where actress Teri Hatcher (pictured), who plays Susan Mayer, asked whether the person attending to her during a medical consultation "can I check those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

Asked if the government would seek an apology from the producers of the show, and ABC television network that carries it, executive secretary Eduardo Ermita said: "Yes, I think we should, on behalf of our Filipino professionals."

"On the face, we can look at it as a racial slur. We are looked down upon too much, considering the number of our medical professionals in the US," the Inquirer quoted Ermita as saying.

Ermita likewise appealed to civil society groups and other Filipino organisations in the US to "call the attention" of the show producers, and Hatcher, to the "racial slur."

Filipino consul in Los Angeles Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon wrote a letter of complaint to the ABC network saying that Filipino medical workers were in demand all over the world.

"The US recognises the students of Philippine medical and nursing schools and in general, does not require additional schooling in the US for Filipino healthcare professionals," she added.

Aragon also said many Americans go to the Philippines for medical services that they cannot afford at home, the foreign department said in a statement.

Malacanang Responds to "Desperate Housewives" Racial Slur

The furor over a slur uttered against Philippine medical schools on the premier episode of the fourth season of the American TV show “Desperate Housewives” has prompted a response from Malacañang Palace.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the TV show belittled the abilities of Filipino doctors and sent a message that Philippine medical schools produced “substandard, inferior” medical practitioners.

The offending remark was made by one of the show’s desperate housewives, Susan Mayer (played by American actress Teri Hatcher). In one scene Mayer asks for the credentials of the gynecologist who examined her and told her that she was approaching menopause.
Mayer said, “Can I check those diplomas ‘coz I just want to make sure that they’re not from some med school in the Philippines.” The premiere episode, which has been posted on YouTube.com, drew criticisms from the Filipino community on the Internet.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon meanwhile has proposed a ban on the popular TV series. Biazon, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said he doesn’t watch the show himself but pointed out that a ban on the show or a boycott by Filipino viewers are possible responses.

Earlier, Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the slur will tarnish the good image of Filipino doctors in the international community. He added that the slur was both irresponsible and without basis.

The Philippine Consulate in New York has said it will send a letter of protest to ABC Network and ask for an apology for the slur. The move came after the consulate office received complaints from the Filipino community, particularly health workers, in the US about the show.

Contact:
Office of the Executive Secretary

Profile :: The Honorable EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Tel.# 735-5334
Fax# 7361076
Email address: erermita@op.gov.ph

"Desperate Housewives" Denigrates Medical Degrees from the Philippines

In last night’s episode (09-30-07) of “Desperate Housewives” on ABC, Susan Mayer, a neurotic character played by Teri Hatcher, insulted those who got their medical degrees from the Philippines.

The scene was where Susan Mayer asked for the credentials of the gynecologist who examined her and then told her about the possibility of menopause. She then responded with:

“Can I check those diplomas ‘coz I just want to make sure that they’re not from some med school in the Philippines.”



If you found this offensive, make some noise!

Petition Online
ABC’s Desperate Housewives Message Board:

File a complaint with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or contact

ABC Audience Relations Department
Tel: (818) 460-7477 and Address: ABC, Inc.,
500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-4551

Questions: Who wrote the scene? Who approved the script? Who thought insulting doctors who got their degrees in the Philippines was a joke?

ABC is a division of Walt Disney Co

(By Maria Maria)

COX Cable Adds GMA TV in Vegas Channel Line-Up

GMA Pinoy TV created a fury of excitement about the arrival of its programming on Cox cable television at the 17th annual Ho’olaule’a Pacific Islands Festival in Henderson. GMA Pinoy TV will available on Cox Channel 269 beginning October 23. From left to right are GMA Pinoy TV reprentatives Onor Pajarillaga, Moses Pajarillaga, Danica Pallanan and Geraldine Mendoza.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Jush Andowitt, GMA Pinoy
(310) 989-4578 joshandowitt@yahoo.com

Juergen Barbusca, Cox Communications
(702) 545-1004
juergen.barbusca@cox.com

COX LAS VEGAS ADDS NUMBER ONE PHILIPPINE NETWORK TO CHANNEL LINE-UP GMA Pinoy TV offers news, movies and entertainment programming from the Philippines

LAS VEGAS and PHILIPPINES—Cox Las Vegas is adding GMA Pinoy TV to its current line-up of cable programming for international audiences. GMA Pinoy TV is a 24-hour channel with award-winning program content geared toward Filipino viewers. GMA Pinoy TV will be offered on Cox channel 269 beginning Oct. 23 and can be purchased as part of a premium channel package or as an individual channel.

“This rollout of GMA Pinoy TV means a tremendous boost in high-quality cable programming specifically for Southern Nevada Filipinos,” notes Juergen Barbusca, manager of communications for Cox Las Vegas. “The wide variety of award-winning programming from GMA Pinoy TV will be one way for some Filipinos to stay culturally connected to their homeland and keep on top of important news and events in the Philippines as well.”

“Since our launch of GMA Pinoy TV in the U.S. in 2005, we have been looking forward to the day when Filipinos in Las Vegas would be able to enjoy our top-notch programming on Cox Digital Cable,” said Joseph T. Francia, Head of GMA International. “We are excited about our partnership with Cox Las Vegas.”

Jannelle So To Receive Community-Building Journalism Award

LOS ANGELES (September 2007) – LA-18 “Kababayan LA’s” Jannelle So will be honored with the Community-Building Journalism Award at the Filipino American Library’s (FAL) 7th Annual Gala on Saturday, October 20 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel (506 S. Grand Ave.) in downtown Los Angeles. Past recipients of this award include Denise Dador, Mona Lisa Yuchengco, and ABS-CBN Global. This year’s Gala will commemorate Filipino American History Month and the 22nd anniversary of FAL.

“It’s a great joy for me to be honored by the esteemed group behind the FAL Gala,” said Ms. So. “When I started my broadcasting career in LA a few years ago, one of my first assignments was to cover this event. And it immediately became my wish, hope, and inspiration to someday be a part of this gathering. I’m thrilled to be a part of this impressive Fil-Am community tradition.”

Ms. So is an accomplished media practitioner in the Philippines where she had a six-year print and broadcast journalism career before moving to Los Angeles, California three years ago. She recently celebrated her first anniversary as host and producer of “Kababayan LA,” Southern California ’s first and only locally-produced show for and about the Filipinos. It airs Mondays through Fridays at 4:30 pm on KSCI – LA 18.

Other awardees that evening include Cheryl Burke (Role Model), Maria Quiban (Role Model), Congressmember Xavier Becerra (Public Service), FilAm ARTS – Association for the Advancement of Philippine Arts & Culture (Community Service), and Bank of America (Corporate Philanthropy). The performers will be Charmaine Clamor, the first Filpina jazz singer to find success on American radio; Angelo “Gelo” Francisco, “Three of a Kind” member and “Karim at Jasmin” lead; Dessa, recognized as “Divette” in the Philippine music industry; and Joni Feliciano, who was honored as the Aliw Awards’ “Most Outstanding Female Performer.”

Cocktails will begin at 6:00 pm followed by the dinner and program at 7:00 pm . Guests will be treated to an elegant night of entertainment with a grand silent auction. More than 450 people are expected to attend the 7th Annual Gala to benefit the first and largest Filipino library in the country. Numerous sponsorship and advertisement opportunities are still available. Pre-sale dinner tickets are $125 each and $150 at the door. The dress code is formal; Filipinaña for ladies and barong tagalog for gentlemen is requested.

Founded in October 1985 by “Auntie Helen” Agcaoili Summers Brown, FAL is one of the most comprehensive repositories of Filipino and Filipino American works with a collection of more than 6,000 titles. Its mission is to actively promote the history, culture, and professional achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans through the book collection, leadership development, and cultural programming, thereby contributing to the achievement of a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America.

The sponsors of the Filipino American Library’s 7th Annual Gala include Burger King (Platinum), Bank of America (Gold), Van Gerard Dichoso, CPA (Silver), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Silver), Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. , Inc. (Silver), and Global Strategies for Diversity and Inclusion department of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (Silver). For more information, contact Jonathan Lorenzo at 213-382-0488, filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net, or online at www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org or www.myspace.com/filamlibrary.