By Johnny M. Pecayo
Chairman-Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, MANILA-U.S. TIMES
LONG BEACH, CA -- The Kalayaan of Southern California, Inc. (KOSCI), a non-profit organization registered in the State of California under 501 (c)(3), spearheaded this year's celebration of the 109th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General, headed by newly promoted Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon.
Businesswoman and real estate broker Lydia F. Soriano, President of KOSCI, was on top of the whole event, being the overall chair of the three-day celebration.
The highly successful event could be attributed to the joint effort of Ms. Soriano, along with the KOSCI Board Members and committee chairs, who spent time and effort in putting together precious resources to ensure the execution of the program plans for the Kalayaan Beauty Pageant, chaired by Thelma Calabio; the Gala Night and Banquet; and the two-day Trade Expo and Carfest, chaired by Noel Omega, held June 8-10 at the Long Beach Convention Center, and co-chaired by Leo Maranan and Cesar Calangi.
Consul General Aragon was given the task to introduce the keynote speaker, but before doing so, she gave her own, then read verbatim the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. Aragon mentioned that among the bills authored and sponsored by Senator Pangilinan was Republic Act 9227, improving the salary and providing benefits to Justices and Judges and other members of the Judiciary.
She also requested, on behalf of the Foreign Service, to also sponsor similar bill that would call for increasing the salaries and fringe benefits to employees and officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Pangilinan is Keynote Speaker
Newly re-elected Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan was the Special Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at the Independence celebration and Gala Night on June 9. He also attended the June 8 Coronation Night, and crowned Ms. Shirley Lumanog, Kalayaan's Ambassador of Goodwill which, according to him, was his first time to crown a beauty queen.
In his remarks, Sen. Pangilinan told a huge audience of over 1,200 people, who came resplendent in their Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana attire, that the Philippines owes it to its own heroes the freedom and independence that it celebrates annually.
As an elected official, Sen. Pangilinan cannot help but mention the recent midterm election that catapulted him to No. 1 Senator among the Filipino American voters, and ranked No. 1 also in Europe. Overall, Sen. Pangilinan ranked No. 5 in terms of votes garnered in the May 14 midterm elections.
"I ran for a senate seat as an independent based on my principles and conviction and my belief that politics as usual was no longer the road to victory," the Senate Majority Leader told the huge audience, consistent with his earlier statement during breakfast which he shared with this writer during the exclusive interview.
Pundits and my fellow re-electionists for Senator thought it was a political suicide to run as an independent. "They told me it was a political suicide because I do not have the needed political machinery to run as an independent candidate. But I proved them wrong when I garnered one of the highest numbers of votes and was officially proclaimed last Wednesday, along with nine others," he said.
"People are looking for new leaders who can walk the extra mile to sacrifice for our people. Politics as usual is no longer the road to victory," he pointed out, adding that "it was the right thing to do."
"I had asked for Mrs. Arroyo's resignation two years ago," said the Senate Majority Leader. Prior to that I went to EDSA Dos during the time of then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada." Those bold actions precluded him from joining either the Genuine Opposition or Team Unity.
"Our leaders should have a word of honor. They should have principles and conviction," the visiting senator declared.
Moving on, Senator Pangilinan cited economic comparison and statistics during a 20-year period 1981 until 2001, when the per capita income of China grew 400 per cent; Thailand by 100 per cent; Malaysia by 150 per cent. During the same period, the Philippines per capita income grew by a mere 0.75 per cent. "We slept for 20 years. We have been left behind, due to poor governance," he said.
History
"I am relatively still young at 43," he revealed. He told the Kalayaan attendees that the nation is ready for young leaders.
Philippine history had shown young men galvanized great events which brought about changes in Philippine society. "Jose Rizal was 28 when he wrote 'Noli Me Tangere.' Andres Bonifacio was 29 when he led Katipunan movement. Emilio Aguinaldo was was 29 when he declared our independence from Spain and made our country the first democracy in Asia," cited Pangilinan.
"We cannot do it by ourselves (people in the Philippines). Let us come together, do our share and move our country forward together," Kiko Pangilinan urged.
KC Graduates
"We must do whatever we can to contribute to our country's growth so we can leave a legend. In 10 years, my daughter KC (Ma. Kristina Cassandra) who has just graduated from college, could ask me what I did when our country was in crisis and was having many problems. I would like to reply to her something that I could be proud of. [Over lunch, Senator Kiko told this writer that KC obtained a degree in International Communication from the University of Paris and graduated last May 24. The whole family -- Kiko & Sharon Cuneta and daughters, Simone Francesca Emmanuelle and Mariel Daniella Sophia -- along with their housemaid and Fannie Serrano, attended the graduation.]
"Our nation will finally move forward because of our commitment, our stand and our dedication," he said.
Senator Pangilinan said that overseas Filipinos will be able to influence the results of elections in the Philippines because of its increasing number of voters. "In the next 10 years, the number of overseas absentee voters would reach the million mark. By then, you would be a major force in Philippine elections. You are the missing middle class, and you have a role in shaping the future of our country. You are experiencing a better life abroad, and you will not settle for less."
The youthful senator told the audience that his grandfather was an American citizen, the reason why he was able to study here. "I experienced shopping for food at Oriental markets, to miss the country and to miss adobo -- the reason why speaking to you here is always a sentimental experience for me."
"Every time I am invited to speak abroad, I always get two questions -- "Did I bring Sharon (Cuneta, the Mega Star), and do I look better on television or in person?" The answer to that is "No," because Sharon is taking care of our children back home, and I look better in person than on television.
He went on: "I am 43 years old, pero kapag bagong gupit ako ay parang 29 lang. Sabi nga nila hindi daw ako telegenic dahil mas gwapo daw ako sa personal. At d'yan patay na patay sa akin si Sharon. Pero huwag na ninyong ipagsasabi dahil kapag nakarating iyan kay Sharon ako naman ang patay." (I am 43 years old, but with a new haircut, I look like a 29-year-old young man. They say I am not telegenic which means I am more handsome in person. That's why Sharon likes me very much. But keep this to yourselves because once it reaches Sharon, she will kill me). This light banter brought the house down.
The usual photo op took place just after the program, followed by dancing, interspersed with raffling of prizes, with the round-trip ticket, LAX-MNL-LAX, courtesy of Eva Air, won by Clarina Pio Roda, President and CEO of Heritage Home Loans, based in Covina, California.
Other VIPs who joined the celebration were State Senator Jenny Oropeza of the 28th District of California; Mayor Jim Dear of Carson; Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal of the City of Long Beach, representing Mayor Bob Foster, who was out of town that weekend; Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon of the Philippine Consulate General-Los Angeles; Mayor Antonio Cartagena of Walnut, California; Archbishop Oscar Solis of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Consul Ma. Hellen Barber, Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina of Carson; Mayor Rusty Balderian of Tabon-Tabon, Leyte, Frank Quiambao, Special Assistant to the Director, Office of Homeland Security, State Capitol, Sacramento; Mayor Manuel Lozano of Baldwin Park and other elected officials of surrounding cities.
Invitations have also been extended to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (who sent a beautiful message); Congressman Adam B. Schiff; Mayor Ara James Najarian of Glendale, who also sent a meaningful message; Zoning Administrator Edith Fuentes, highest-ranking Filipino American in the City of Glendale; business owners, business executives, professionals, community leaders and members of the press.
ABS-CBN Global, along with local print media, covered the Gala Night and Banquet. Film clips of the interview with Sen. Pangilinan were aired over Channel 2, the Filipino Channel, based in Northern California, through its Bureau chief, Regina Reyes.
Senator Pangilinan's speech was interrupted more than five times with thundering applause, and was given standing ovation at the end of his speech.
The Gala Night was hosted by Noel Omega, Vice President of KOSCI.
In the early morning of June 9, Senator Pangilinan cut the ribbon to open to public the two-day Trade Expo and Carfest, then spent time visiting every booth and talking to individual exhibitors. The group in charge of the Carfest met with the Senator and showed the Senator around to take a close look at the classic cars on display.
Chairman-Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, MANILA-U.S. TIMES
LONG BEACH, CA -- The Kalayaan of Southern California, Inc. (KOSCI), a non-profit organization registered in the State of California under 501 (c)(3), spearheaded this year's celebration of the 109th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General, headed by newly promoted Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon.
Businesswoman and real estate broker Lydia F. Soriano, President of KOSCI, was on top of the whole event, being the overall chair of the three-day celebration.
The highly successful event could be attributed to the joint effort of Ms. Soriano, along with the KOSCI Board Members and committee chairs, who spent time and effort in putting together precious resources to ensure the execution of the program plans for the Kalayaan Beauty Pageant, chaired by Thelma Calabio; the Gala Night and Banquet; and the two-day Trade Expo and Carfest, chaired by Noel Omega, held June 8-10 at the Long Beach Convention Center, and co-chaired by Leo Maranan and Cesar Calangi.
Consul General Aragon was given the task to introduce the keynote speaker, but before doing so, she gave her own, then read verbatim the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. Aragon mentioned that among the bills authored and sponsored by Senator Pangilinan was Republic Act 9227, improving the salary and providing benefits to Justices and Judges and other members of the Judiciary.
She also requested, on behalf of the Foreign Service, to also sponsor similar bill that would call for increasing the salaries and fringe benefits to employees and officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Pangilinan is Keynote Speaker
Newly re-elected Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan was the Special Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at the Independence celebration and Gala Night on June 9. He also attended the June 8 Coronation Night, and crowned Ms. Shirley Lumanog, Kalayaan's Ambassador of Goodwill which, according to him, was his first time to crown a beauty queen.
In his remarks, Sen. Pangilinan told a huge audience of over 1,200 people, who came resplendent in their Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana attire, that the Philippines owes it to its own heroes the freedom and independence that it celebrates annually.
As an elected official, Sen. Pangilinan cannot help but mention the recent midterm election that catapulted him to No. 1 Senator among the Filipino American voters, and ranked No. 1 also in Europe. Overall, Sen. Pangilinan ranked No. 5 in terms of votes garnered in the May 14 midterm elections.
"I ran for a senate seat as an independent based on my principles and conviction and my belief that politics as usual was no longer the road to victory," the Senate Majority Leader told the huge audience, consistent with his earlier statement during breakfast which he shared with this writer during the exclusive interview.
Pundits and my fellow re-electionists for Senator thought it was a political suicide to run as an independent. "They told me it was a political suicide because I do not have the needed political machinery to run as an independent candidate. But I proved them wrong when I garnered one of the highest numbers of votes and was officially proclaimed last Wednesday, along with nine others," he said.
"People are looking for new leaders who can walk the extra mile to sacrifice for our people. Politics as usual is no longer the road to victory," he pointed out, adding that "it was the right thing to do."
"I had asked for Mrs. Arroyo's resignation two years ago," said the Senate Majority Leader. Prior to that I went to EDSA Dos during the time of then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada." Those bold actions precluded him from joining either the Genuine Opposition or Team Unity.
"Our leaders should have a word of honor. They should have principles and conviction," the visiting senator declared.
Moving on, Senator Pangilinan cited economic comparison and statistics during a 20-year period 1981 until 2001, when the per capita income of China grew 400 per cent; Thailand by 100 per cent; Malaysia by 150 per cent. During the same period, the Philippines per capita income grew by a mere 0.75 per cent. "We slept for 20 years. We have been left behind, due to poor governance," he said.
History
"I am relatively still young at 43," he revealed. He told the Kalayaan attendees that the nation is ready for young leaders.
Philippine history had shown young men galvanized great events which brought about changes in Philippine society. "Jose Rizal was 28 when he wrote 'Noli Me Tangere.' Andres Bonifacio was 29 when he led Katipunan movement. Emilio Aguinaldo was was 29 when he declared our independence from Spain and made our country the first democracy in Asia," cited Pangilinan.
"We cannot do it by ourselves (people in the Philippines). Let us come together, do our share and move our country forward together," Kiko Pangilinan urged.
KC Graduates
"We must do whatever we can to contribute to our country's growth so we can leave a legend. In 10 years, my daughter KC (Ma. Kristina Cassandra) who has just graduated from college, could ask me what I did when our country was in crisis and was having many problems. I would like to reply to her something that I could be proud of. [Over lunch, Senator Kiko told this writer that KC obtained a degree in International Communication from the University of Paris and graduated last May 24. The whole family -- Kiko & Sharon Cuneta and daughters, Simone Francesca Emmanuelle and Mariel Daniella Sophia -- along with their housemaid and Fannie Serrano, attended the graduation.]
"Our nation will finally move forward because of our commitment, our stand and our dedication," he said.
Senator Pangilinan said that overseas Filipinos will be able to influence the results of elections in the Philippines because of its increasing number of voters. "In the next 10 years, the number of overseas absentee voters would reach the million mark. By then, you would be a major force in Philippine elections. You are the missing middle class, and you have a role in shaping the future of our country. You are experiencing a better life abroad, and you will not settle for less."
The youthful senator told the audience that his grandfather was an American citizen, the reason why he was able to study here. "I experienced shopping for food at Oriental markets, to miss the country and to miss adobo -- the reason why speaking to you here is always a sentimental experience for me."
"Every time I am invited to speak abroad, I always get two questions -- "Did I bring Sharon (Cuneta, the Mega Star), and do I look better on television or in person?" The answer to that is "No," because Sharon is taking care of our children back home, and I look better in person than on television.
He went on: "I am 43 years old, pero kapag bagong gupit ako ay parang 29 lang. Sabi nga nila hindi daw ako telegenic dahil mas gwapo daw ako sa personal. At d'yan patay na patay sa akin si Sharon. Pero huwag na ninyong ipagsasabi dahil kapag nakarating iyan kay Sharon ako naman ang patay." (I am 43 years old, but with a new haircut, I look like a 29-year-old young man. They say I am not telegenic which means I am more handsome in person. That's why Sharon likes me very much. But keep this to yourselves because once it reaches Sharon, she will kill me). This light banter brought the house down.
The usual photo op took place just after the program, followed by dancing, interspersed with raffling of prizes, with the round-trip ticket, LAX-MNL-LAX, courtesy of Eva Air, won by Clarina Pio Roda, President and CEO of Heritage Home Loans, based in Covina, California.
Other VIPs who joined the celebration were State Senator Jenny Oropeza of the 28th District of California; Mayor Jim Dear of Carson; Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal of the City of Long Beach, representing Mayor Bob Foster, who was out of town that weekend; Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon of the Philippine Consulate General-Los Angeles; Mayor Antonio Cartagena of Walnut, California; Archbishop Oscar Solis of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Consul Ma. Hellen Barber, Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina of Carson; Mayor Rusty Balderian of Tabon-Tabon, Leyte, Frank Quiambao, Special Assistant to the Director, Office of Homeland Security, State Capitol, Sacramento; Mayor Manuel Lozano of Baldwin Park and other elected officials of surrounding cities.
Invitations have also been extended to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (who sent a beautiful message); Congressman Adam B. Schiff; Mayor Ara James Najarian of Glendale, who also sent a meaningful message; Zoning Administrator Edith Fuentes, highest-ranking Filipino American in the City of Glendale; business owners, business executives, professionals, community leaders and members of the press.
ABS-CBN Global, along with local print media, covered the Gala Night and Banquet. Film clips of the interview with Sen. Pangilinan were aired over Channel 2, the Filipino Channel, based in Northern California, through its Bureau chief, Regina Reyes.
Senator Pangilinan's speech was interrupted more than five times with thundering applause, and was given standing ovation at the end of his speech.
The Gala Night was hosted by Noel Omega, Vice President of KOSCI.
In the early morning of June 9, Senator Pangilinan cut the ribbon to open to public the two-day Trade Expo and Carfest, then spent time visiting every booth and talking to individual exhibitors. The group in charge of the Carfest met with the Senator and showed the Senator around to take a close look at the classic cars on display.
SENATOR FRANCIS "Kiko" PANGILINAN (right), with (from left): Lydia Soriano, Rose de Ocampo and Noel Omega, Gala Night's Master of Ceremonies. -- MUST PHOTO BY ROMEO M. BALBOA
VIPs shown here (from left): Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal of Long Beach; Mayor Jim Dear of the City of Carson; Thelma Calabio, Chairperson of Kalayaan Beauty Pageant; Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Johnny M. Pecayo, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, MANILA-U.S. TIMES; and State Senator Jenny Oropesa. -- MUST PHOTO BY BHETH DELA CRUZ
BENNETTE IBANEZ, Coronation Night Host, Lydia Soriano, Josie de Jesus, Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon, Darna Umayam, and Mrs. Elvisa Rafanan, Mrs. Senior Kalayaan-Philippines 2007. -- MUST PHOTO BY JIMMY PRESTO
KALAYAAN Coronation Night Hosts Johnny Pecayo and Rose de Ocampo from Manila. -- MUST PHOTO BY BHETH EDRA
RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY. Senator Kiko Pangilinan cuts the ribbon to officially open the two-day Trade Expo and Carfest at the Long Beach Convention Center. -- MUST PHOTO BY ROMEO M. BALBOA
SHOWN with Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan (from left) are: Consuelo Balagtas, Myrna Keyes and Bob Keyes. "I really like the speech delivered by Senator Pangilinan, especially when he mentioned about the middle class. If ever Kiko would run for President, we will go back home to give him full support. We will campaign for him," chorused Myrna and Bob. -- MUST PHOTO BY BHETH EDRA
LYDIA F. SORIANO, President of Kalayaan of Southern California, Inc. (KOSCI), and Overall Chairperson of Kalayaan 2007, delivers a message. -- MUST PHOTO BY ROMEO BALBOA
MATILDA REVOLINSKI, resplendent in her Filipinia dress with crown, sash and trophy. -- MUST PHOTO BY JIMMY PRESTO
SENATOR KIKO PANGILINAN gamely poses and displays a copy of the MANILA-U.S. TIMES infront of MUST's booth. He is shown here with (from left): Rose de Ocampo, PRO, Philippines-KOSCI; Johnny M. Pecayo, Chairman-Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, MANILA-U.S. TIMES; Thelma P. Calabio, Managing Editor; and Ma. Hellen Barber, Consul, Philippine Consulate General-Los Angeles. -- MUST PHOTO BY ROMEO M. BALBOA
SHIRLEY LUMANOG emerged victorious to be crowned Kalayaan Ambassador of Goodwill, and is included in the Ambassador's and Consuls General tours to the Philippines on July 12. The group will have the opportunity for the sight-seeing in the local tourist spots, appearance on TV, and meeting with the President at Malacanan Palace. -- MUST PHOTO BY NIC ARRIOLA
2 comments:
Looking forward to Kiko's run for the presidency. I have always felt that without the seed of a strong middle class, that democracy cannot flourish; however, Senator Pangalinan's speech was the first time I have heard those sentiments proffered by a present day politico from the Republic of the Philippines.
I actually enjoyed reading through this posting.Many thanks.
legal transcription
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