Major General Antonio Taguba

fil-am who’S WHo
NOVEMBER 2014
Major General Antonio Taguba
Community Ambassador for AARP
In This Issue. . .
Ollie’s Grapevine
Rewind
4
A Word from
The Editor
Oliver Oliveros
3
Preparing for the Inevitable
Sometimes life reminds us that life itself is short.
Cover Story: General Taguba
Events We Love: IFFM
The World Is My Oyster
12
13
When my youngest sister, Joi, suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm
in the afternoon of June 12, 2002, her critical care doctor
straightforwardly told me and my parents to just go home; wait for
the medical staff’s phone call; and prepare for the inevitable. I can
still vividly remember that Joi woke up early that morning; took over
all the household chores; and fed her two-year-old son like nothing
unforeseen was about to happen.
8
Alas, shortly after my parents and I got home, the phone rang;
the voice on the other side of the line broke the sad news: Joi had
already died. She was only 22 years old.
A death in the family is certain to happen, sometimes at the most
unexpected time. Fortunately, my family’s emergency preparedness
at that time helped us get through those tough moments. Without
missing a beat, my mom was able to pull her pre-need funeral
insurance policy out of her drawer in the master bedroom. For my
part, I was able to easily retrieve Joi’s life insurance policy and her
son’s college education plan, along with the phone numbers of her
former classmates and co-workers, from her desk drawer. We all-my mom, dad, and I, even my other sister, who was then teaching
preschoolers in Bangkok--knew where to find those important
documents because we were told their locations beforehand.
Photo by Rolan Gutierrez
Starting conversations on essential preparedness planning should
come early on among Filipino families, whose topic of death,
even sex, is, sad to say, traditionally taboo. Besides discussing
preparations for loss of life, members of any family should also talk
about steps to do when someone gets laid off from work; when
someone gets sick; or when someone retires at 50+ or 60 years
old, which AARP Community Ambassador (Ret.) Major General
Tony Taguba—our cover subject this month—has been strongly
advocating to Filipino-Americans.
“Somebody has to start that conversation. It should be the parents,
but in case the parents do not do that, the oldest child, or the
youngest child, or whoever wants to talk about it should bring that
up,” Major General Taguba says.
As we grow older, we are also bound to realize that the things we
regret most in life are the things we did not bother to do earlier.
So be wise, and plan ahead.
Life is fleeting.
Major General Antonio “Tony” Taguba being interviewed
at the Philippine Center
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fil-am
who’s who
2 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO
november 2014
STAFF Editor-in-Chief Oliver Oliveros • Managing Editor Myrna Gutierrez • Layout Artist & Photo
Editor Rolan Gutierrez • Marketing/Sales Director & Columnist Ollie David • Marketing/ Sales
Executive & Columnist Prospero A. Lim, MD • Contributing Writer Maricar CP Hampton • Publisher
Fil-Am Who’s Who, Inc.
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Live Out Your Destiny
Ollie’s
Grapevine
Ollie David
“To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.”
- Robert Louis Stevenson
What’s it all for? Most people come back to that question repeatedly throughout their lives. Human beings yearn for meaning. Being
true to your own essence and making the most of your talents and abilities seems like the simplest answer, and it’s a realistic one as
well. We get this amazing chance to shine, so let’s not let it pass us by. We don’t have to be the wealthiest, most beautiful person in the
world, we just have to make the most of our unique talents and circumstances.
“Today, I will be in tune with myself, and I will push myself to accomplish as much as possible. “
Hold Your Head High.
“Seek respect mainly from thyself, for it comes first from within.” - Steven H. Coogler
Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. We’re concerned about what others are thinking of us. What really matters, though,
is what we think about ourselves. If I truly measure the creature that I am—the way I treasure all those I love, others will sense it and
respond with respect.
Today, I will walk with my head held high.
I know I am not inferior to anyone.
Cozying around with Joyce Pilarsky at my home.
For more pictures of Joyce, see page 7.
Photo by Rolan Gutierrez
Fall Fat-Burning Food
Fall is here: the temperature is changing; leaves start to fall;
and pumpkin-flavored everything is hitting the store shelves
soon. The fall season’s harvest produces some the most
affordable fat-burning food. Head to your local grocery store;
make your way to the produce aisle; and stock up on these
nutrient-dense goodies.
Apples. Pectin, the high insoluble fiber content, increases the
metabolic rate and helps you stay full between meals. Adding
pectin to your diet restricts cells from taking in fat and helps
cells absorb water.
Ginger. This odd-shaped root enhances thermogenesis and
reduces feelings of hunger, and helps you lose weight from fat,
not just water. Another added benefit of ginger is its helpful role
in reducing muscle tiredness and its ability to speed up muscle
recovery, helping you stick to your workout routine.
Pumpkin. Being low in calories and high in fiber, pumpkin is
a great addition to any dish. Its taste is very neutral and can
be added to savory dishes as well as sweet ones. Containing
more potassium than a banana, pumpkin makes a great
“refuel” after a hard workout.
Beets. Maintaining a healthy and energized body is beneficial
to your diet. Beets are full of vitamins and minerals, and contain
no fat! Their high fiber content will help you stay full longer,
minimizing snacking.
Parsnips. Naturally sweet in flavor and low in cholesterol,
parsnips help keep blood sugar on an even keel.
Brussel Sprouts. These sprouts can help you build more
muscle mass, which burns more fat. Even though these
sprouts do not contain a full spectrum of essential amino acids
or complete protein, they can be made complete by eating with
a lean source of protein, such as a cut of lean beef or fish.
Cinnamon. Not a food, but a spice, cinnamon doesn’t add
calories and helps you burn fat. Cinnamon works as a natural
vasodilator, which enhances circulation of blood and increases
body temperature.
november 2014
FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 3
Back to Cabaret
Miguel Branganza II performs at Metropolitan Room
Gail Banawis delights audience.
September-October
Rewind
Rolan Gutierrez
Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz
Pietro Cardinal Parolin celebrates mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo
Friends Indeed USA 10th Anniversary
Dr. Fely Quines awarded ‘Woman of Worth’
Mary Jane and Dr. Edgar Lerias
UST Medical Association Ball
President Dr. Prospero A. Lim heads the delegation
Seated L-R: Guest, Dr. Letty Bravo, Dr. Auring Gonzales, Guest
Standing L-R: Guest, Guest, Dr. Ely Parico, Rev. Dr. Gary Villanueva,
Dr. Pros Lim, Dr. Tony Gonzales, Guest
L-R: Drs. Ed Vallejo, Cecile Vallejo, Zeny Young, Pros Lim,
Malou Buendia, & Tony Buendia
Dr. Marissa T. Santos, Dr. Prospero A. Lim
and Ollie David
Pan American Citizens Action League Awards
Photo courtesy of PACCAL
Lumen Castaneda, President; Rose Javier, past President;
Linda Mayo, Founder and President Emeritus; and
Ramona Gapasin, Ball Vice Chairperson
The Outstanding Filipino-Americans of NY (TOFA-NY)
AARP sponsors the 4th TOFA-NY Awards Night at the Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall.
Juliet Payabyab (on the podium) accepts TOFA-NY’s
Award for Senior Welfare and Advocacy.
TOFA-NY Founder Elton Lugay on podium
with Board of Directors Oliver Oliveros (L) and
Cristina DC Pastor
Pilipino American Cultural Arts Society
Philippines’ “The Voice Kids” Darren Espanto
wows the audience during the finale.
Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron’s farewell party
Photo courtesy of Ollie David
Party was held at residence of Atty. Dean and Carina Suba. L-R: Dr. Pros Lim,
Dr. Fely Quines, Carina Suba, DCG Zaldy Patron, Ollie David, Dr. Emilio Quines,
Fe & Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, Roger Alama
2014 Miss USA First Runner-Up Audra Mari
and Darren Espanto
Joyce Penas Pilarsky ‘60s-Inspired Fashion at
Fashion Week Brooklyn
Mrs. Asia International Global 2014
Joyce Pilarsky’s courtesy call at the
Philippine Consulate; with her are
Consul General Mario De Leon,
John Guarnes (L) and Olive Osias-Magpile (R)
MAMMOvan Fundraising
Breast Cancer Imperative Inc President and Founder
Delia C. Baquiran (seated 2nd from L ) with guests
Photo courtesy of Ollie David
Seated L-R: Connie Almonte, Delia Baquiran, Ollie David,
Dr. Grace Rabadam Standing L-R: Angie Molina, Nanding Mendez,
Myrna Gutierrez, Dr. Emilio Quines, Grace Labaquis, Guest,
Dr. Fred Dungca, Dr. Frank Rabadam
Oktober Festa
Joyce Penas Pilarsky
Raul Estrellado (2nd from R) celebrates
his birthday with his wife Linda (R) and friends at the Cafe 81.
Vynzz Gesmundo, Rene & Cynthia Ballenas, Arnel Piamonte and
producer Nanding Mendez
Major General
Antonio
Taguba
Start Conversation on
Senior Care Early
By Maricar CP Hampton
Photos by Rolan Gutierrez
understanding what they have in terms of heath care insurance. It
is (understanding) what they are entitled to,” he explained.
He continued, “In the military, we are OK; but it does not mean
that is all you need because you might need a supplemental
(insurance). If you are looking for caregiving and long-term care,
what does that mean and what will that cover? At 65, you get
Medicare. What do you get with Medicare? With caregiving,
Medicare does not cover everything. That is out-of-pocket stuff.
Medicaid will cover, but your income has to be under 2000. If you
need assisted living, Medicare will be able to cover that; but as far
as home care, that might be negotiable. Understanding all of that is
a very difficult task.”
W
ith the mere mention of his name, what easily comes
to mind is the Abu Ghraib scandal of 2004. Major
General Antonio “Tony” Taguba after all authored the
investigative report on the abused Iraqi inmates at the
Abu Ghraib prison in the hands of American soldiers. Although
the report may have been humiliating for the George W. Bush
Administration, he was then a source of pride for the FilipinoAmerican community.
Fast forward to 2014 and Taguba is well into his retirement. But
this trusted leader and second highest-ranking Filipino- American
officer in the U.S. Army is nowhere close to slowing down. In
fact, he continues to live a purpose driven life by pursuing great
endeavors to give back to the community. “Retirement is like an
oxymoron; we do not really retire,” Taguba said, “We retire from
work, but we do not retire from life.”
It was in 2007, after 34 long years of active duty, that he decided
to hang up his fatigue uniform. He was 56 then. “When I retired, on
the contrary, I wanted to stay in the Army for another year. I really
did not have a plan.”
For Taguba, joining AARP was something personal. In 2006, at a
family reunion, his mother, Maria, revealed she was diagnosed with
cancer. At that time, his father, Tomas, was not doing too well, too.
The news naturally came as a shock to the family. “I knew my dad
was not getting better; he needed a lot of care,” Taguba shared.
“Then my mom told us, when we had a family reunion, that she
was dying with cancer. So instead of having a happy reunion, all of
a sudden, (caregiving became) a crisis action planning.”
With his siblings scattered across the U.S., two sisters live in
Hawaii and the rest live in the mainland, it was difficult for them
to arrange caregiving. “That is why I am sharing my story with our
communities so that they do not make caregiving into a crisis.
Somebody has to start that conversation. It should be the parents,
but in case the parents do not do that, the oldest child, or the
youngest child, or whoever wants to talk about it should bring that
up.”
Setting an example, Taguba and his wife, Debbie Steinbrueck,
agreed early on that when it comes to retirement they do not want
their children, Sean, 29, a captain in U.S. Army, and daughter,
Lindsay Keys, 32, who works in a non-denominational church in
South Carolina, to be burdened with financial debt to take care of
them. “We do not want to leave our children with a lot of debt. It is
unfair to them. (We) do not want them to complain that they have
to use their funds in order to get us treated in a nursing home. That
is not why we raised our kids; we raised them to be successful.”
He admits the Army did give him time
“That is why I am sharing my story with our communities
to think about his options as a civilian,
among them: volunteering, doing partso that they do not make caregiving into a crisis.
time work, traveling, and mentoring young
Somebody has to start that conversation.”
leaders. But for the first several months,
all he wanted was to take it easy. “I really
Asked if retiring in the Philippines ever crossed his mind, he said,
just wanted to focus on taking time off for about six months and
“No. My parents thought about it, but stayed with us. We never
then work anew.”
have forgotten where we were born; where our roots are; but my
Since then, Taguba has been named Community Ambassador for
whole family has decided we are going to stay here in the U.S.”
AARP, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization advocating for the
country’s population age 50 and older. As an AARP Community
He then goes on to offer some practical tips on how to start the
Ambassador, Taguba travels around the country to meet with
conversation on caregiving. It is as simple as “kwentuhan lang,”
community members and talk about caregiving, health and
Taguba said.“The conversation can be like, “Mom, Dad, where do
retirement.
you want to retire? Do you want to retire here or in the Philippines?
When asked to identify some issues or barriers to medical care
Their reply maybe why are you asking that question? (And you can
among elderly Americans, Taguba says it is “understanding the
say), we have plans as well and we want to be close to you. We
new Affordable Care Act. For those who are under 50 plus, it is
want to take care of you. If you have that kind of conversation way
early, there will be a plan in the making.”
Taguba, who hails from Sampaloc, Manila, is the the second
of seven children. His father was drafted into the Philippine
Scouts in 1942, at the height of the Japanese attack on the joint
American-Filipino force, led by General Douglas MacArthur. His
mother, meanwhile, spent much of the Second World War living
across the street from a Japanese-run prisoner-of-war camp in
Manila. She made sure their children got a good education and
learned good values. “There were four of us that were born in the
Philippines. Then when we moved to Hawaii, three more sisters
came along. Our lifestyle was plain, but it helped us to develop
the discipline and good values that are often taken for granted
now,” he recalled.
Taguba, a slight man with a friendly demeanor, keeps himself in
shape by eating the right food and running at least one marathon
a year. He said it is “therapeutic” and helps him maintain a sound
mind and body. “I used to run four (marathons) every year, but
it takes a lot of training to run a marathon 26.2 miles. So I just
decided maybe two half marathons a year; one marathon a year;
and run in between five miles to 10 miles. It helps my mind—also
eating healthy; maintaining a good clean lifestyle; spending more
time with the family; and being nice to my wife.”
At 64, Taguba is living a full life. He talks about his work with the
Filipino-American World War II Soldier Recognition Project. Its
goal is to get the U.S. Congress to honor Filipino World War II
veterans with Congressional Gold Medals. “They are the ones
that gave us our freedom and liberty back in World War II. The
record shows over 260 soldiers, along with my dad, fought and
defended the Philippines; at that time, in 1941, the Philippines
was still a U.S. commonwealth. So by and large, they were also
defending the U.S.,” he explained. “After 70 years, they still are
wanting to be recognized. It has taken us a long time. We have
to do this for them.”
He is also passionate about the next generation. Together with
other Army retirees, he co-founded the Pan Pacific American
Leaders & Mentors (PPALM), where aside from being the
chairman, he also mentors young Asian Americans with their
careers and life goals. He believes ensuring a good education is
key in achieving success in life.“Without a good education, a lot
of our folks, especially the young Filipino generation, will get lost.
I really admire that they are pursuing it (their education). This is
the millennial age, the information technology age, but I tell these
youngsters whatever they do, pursue it and do not waste their
time.”
He also emphasizes the value of mentorship.“Whatever these
young people want, whether they plan to work in the corporate
world or in the financial, education, or science sectors, (the
important thing is) be a leader and find a mentor that they can
confide in to help them become successful.”
During Taguba’s time in the military, he and his family moved
a total of 17 times. His service tours included assignments in
Germany, South Korea, the U.S., and Kuwait, where for 10
months he served as Deputy Commanding General.
Seven years into retirement, Taguba says he misses the “human
interaction” with young soldiers. “They are a very fascinating
group of people. They are the ones that make us leaders and
officers successful in life. We give them the best leadership we
can and we take care of them as well. We also help them take
care of their families and help them become successful.”
As AARP’s Community Ambassador, Taguba will again be
crisscrossing the country from San Francisco to New York in the
next few months to attend several community events and speak
about caregiving, as well as the Congressional Gold Medal
project for Filipino World War II veterans.
november 2014
FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 9
(Ret.) Major General Tony Taguba led a talkback at the first-ever Filipino-American Forum On Aging and Seniors at the
Philippine Consulate on 5th Ave. early October. Sponsored by AARP API Community, the special event was organized by
Pagasa Social Foundation Inc., Filipino-American Human Services Inc., Pilipino American Unity for Progress, and
National Federation of Filipino-American Associations-Region 1.
10 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO
november 2014
Gary V.
Celebrates Turning
50 and 30 Years in
Show Biz
Photos by Loren San Diego
R
enowned singer and songwriter Gary
V. celebrated turning 50 and his
three decades in show business by
performing a 30th Anniversary Concert
in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday,
September 20. Three thousand fans from
around the country attended a one-nightonly event at the Trump Taj Mahal.
Gary V. has released 28 albums in the
U.S. and Asia and has been awarded five
Platinum albums, four double Platinum
albums, three triple Platinum albums, and
two sextuple Platinum albums. He has won
11 Awit Awards for Best Male Recording
Artist and has appeared in many films
and television series. In 1998, he became
a UNICEF Philippines’ first National
Ambassador.
Gary V.’s 30 Anniversary Concert was
presented by AARP, the world’s largest
nonprofit, nonpartisan membership
organization dedicated to social change
and helping people 50 and over improve
the quality of their lives. AARP members
received a 35% discount on ticket prices.
AARP provides value to its nearly 38 million
members and their families by focusing
on issues that reflect their concerns and
interests like economic security, caregiving,
and health. The organization also offers
savings on quality products and services,
like Gary V.’s one-night-only concert.
“AARP congratulates Gary V. on
turning 50. Welcome to the club!” said
Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of
Multicultural Markets and Engagement,
Asian American and Pacific Islander
Audience. “Gary shows us all how strong
and vibrant 50 looks today. We’re proud
to have ‘Mr. Pure Energy’ in our ranks and
know he’ll continue to inspire others with
his performances and philanthropic work.”
“Gary V. is grateful for the opportunity to
celebrate this milestone with our fans and
AARP members,” said Gina ValencianoMartinez, Vice President of Manila
Genesis Entertainment and Management,
Inc.
Gab Valenciano, dubbed “Super Selfie
King” on social media, joined dad Gary V.
on stage for a few numbers. Special guest
AKA Jam, winner of X-Factor Philippines,
also performed.
Presenting Sponsor AARP partnered with
ABS-CBN Foundation International, the
Filipino American Community Athletic
Association of Greater Philadelphia, the
Filipino Executive Council of Philadelphia,
the Philippine Community of Southern
New Jersey, Inc. (PCSNJ), the Philippine
Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI)
in New York, and media partners Asian
Journal, Filipino Express, and TFC (The
Filipino Channel) to promote the concert.
The crowds that attend his concerts, both
in the Philippines and abroad, now span
three generations. Gary V. continues to
tour around the globe entertaining millions
of fans.
Events
We Love
IFFM Honors
Innovative, Personal,
and Experimental Films
Photos By Rolan Gutierrez
The Fourth Annual International Film Festival
Manhattan (IFFM), held in October, places the
spotlight on Asian, Latino, and international
filmmakers. Countries included this year were the
United States, Philippines, Spain, Mexico, Canada,
Venezuela, Japan, Singapore, and Russia.
According to IFFM Festival Director Luis Pedron,
“We have featured a lot of Filipino and Latinothemed films and filmmakers, which made our
event even more passionate and much hotter
this year. We also emphasized on collaboration;
so hopefully in the next few years, we will see
collaborative films springing out of IFFM.”
Best Actor (Mulat)
awardee Jake Cuenca
with IFFM founder Luis
Pedron
Best Director
(Kaikou, Japan) awardee
Jacky Woo
Best Make Up/Body
Design/Special FX
(Kaikou. Japan) awardee
Yoko Matsumoto
Best Director – Global
Feature awardee
Diane Ventura
Lifetime Achievement
awardee
Domingo Hornilla Jr.
IFFM Founder
Luis Pedron
Pedron adds, “We’re happy where we are heading.
We are growing every year. We will continue being
innovative, personal, and experimental.”
As a matter of fact, IFFM, co-founded by Pedron
and Garry Balasta, is already planning for its fifth
milestone anniversary next year.
The fourth Annual IFFM awards gala was
successfully held last October 23 at Philippine
Center’s Kalayaan Hall on Fifth Avenue.
www.IFFMNewYork.com
www.facebook.com/IFFMNewYork
www.youtube.com/IFFMNewYork
www.twitter.com/IFFMNewYork
IFFM Founder
Luis Pedron
n o v e2014
m b e r awardees
2014
12 FIL-AM WHO’S WHOIFFM
and filmmakers
Best Feature film awardee “In Nomine Matris” team
Clara Ramona, Will Fredo, Best Actress awardee
Liza Dino, Greg Macaraeg, and IFFM team Luis Pedron
Gerry Balasta, Erin M O’Kane, Susie Hu
On Relationships
T
here are many kinds of
relationships: There is one
between a husband and his
wife; among parents and their
children; among siblings; among
friends, or even among pet owners
and their pets.
What is common to all these
kinds of relationships is love and
understanding.
Surprisingly, we love them whether we like them or not, really.
A mother once told me about her son whom she was having
difficulty with: “I love my son, but I don’t like him,” she said.
(How honest of her to accept the truth.)
Indeed, some of the people we love are difficult to love or like.
We have to understand them to be able to know them better.
Sometimes we are prejudiced; we prejudge them without giving
them a chance to explain. We have already formed an opinion
and thought that is the reality.
How wrong are we about this?
The World is
My Oyster
Dr. Prospero A. Lim
In any relationship, understanding is in the forefront, and with it,
just as important, is trust.Without understanding and trust, any
relationship will have no chance to survive. There will be no
validation of the real purpose of people’s lives.
We are happy when a relationships runs without any problems.
However, this type of relationship doesn’t last very long. There
will be time when little things will start to bother any relationship.
On a personal note, I love recommending to people and friends
to put to heart the lyrics of the song “Little Things Mean A Lot,”
Truly, its lyrics seem to tell you what to do: “Throw her a kiss
from across the room. Say she looks nice when she’s not.
Touch her hair when you cross the room. Little things mean
a lot...” Isn’t it beautiful to tell someone these sentiments? It
certainly will endear the ones who say these words to their
intended.
Moreover, a pet wants to be cuddled when you come home;
certainly, someone in your life would want to be acknowledged
the same way.
Try it.
Surely, you won’t regret it.
SHOOTER’S TIP
This photo was taken
noontime, which
is a difficult time to
shoot. I asked my
lovely model Dianne
Jagonase Dingle
(just married) to pose
under the dangling
flowers and leaves.
The sunlight filters
through and gives a
nice partial highlight
on Dianne’s hair plus
glow on the foliage. I
used a fill-in flash to
lighten up her face
while focusing on her
beautiful eyes.
HAPPY SHOOTING!
november 2014
FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 13
Community
Calendar
JNM
Automotive llc
Dec 4-12 Simbang Gabi Sa Konsulado 2014
Come celebrate with us at the Philippine Center. Weekday
masses at 6:30pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more
information, call Ave Pimo 917-536-2789, Vivian Talambiras Cruz
973-325-7824 or Ms Olive Osias-Magpile 212-819-9665.
Dec 6 Simbang Gabi Sa Katedral / Tatlong Maria
Join the 8th Simbang Gabi Sa Katedral at Saint Patrick’s
Cathedral on Fifth Avenue at 2 p.m. “Ang Tatlong Maria,” a oneact-play, directed by Miguel Braganza, and Christmas Party will
follow at Cathedral High School, 1011 First Ave and 56th St., at
4pm. For more information, call Linda Bolano 347-224-2996.
ASE Certified Technician
Facility # 7107672 • DCA Lic # 1469108
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Repair
Brakes • Electrical/Electronics • Engine Repair
Engine Performance • Tune-Up • Transmission
Front End • Rear End • Suspension • Steering
Exhaust & Muffler • Heating & Air-Conditioning
Dec 20 PAGASAsfi Chistmas Community Fashion
Dinner-Dance Wear your favorite Christmas attire and join the community
fashion dinner-dance to be held at the Sheraton LaGuardia East
Hotel, 135-20 39 Ave., Flushing, NY starting at 7pm. For more
information and tickets call Consuelo Almonte
347-488-9386.
NYS Public Inspection Station
Dec 27 Meet & Greet with Renee Salud
Philippine fashion icon Renee “Mama” Salud will be in NY/NJ for
a meet and greet to promote his fashion show on June 27, 2015
at the Double Tree Hotel, Newark Airport, starting at 10am. He is
open to all interested to order gowns, Barong Tagalog, etc. For
more information. call Ollie David 732-499-7995.
Tel (718) 969-0541 • Fax (718) 521-6068
Ask for Sunny, Noel or Maria (347) 257-7141
159-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing, NY 11366
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(Baltimore City, Baltimore County,
Hartford County & all over MD)
Pete 443.527.2274
HERSHEY,Harrisburg,
Mechanicsburg PA
Mimi-717.813.0538
14 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO
november 2014
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONNECTICUT, UPSTE NY
SURE PINOY STORE
145 Water St. Quincy MA
JUN - 617.328.8880
339.793.0668
FORT WASHINGTON MD
737 Cady drive,
Fort Washington MD 20744
NOLI– 301.248.8807
LONG ISLAND
FIESTA FOOD MARKET
14 W. Merrick Rd.
Valley Stream NY 11580
Buboy - 516.872.4677
Northern VA, DC, Montgomery
Prince George County of MD
ROCKY - 571.419.8489
WHO
We Are
We’re Now A One-Stop-Shop Media Company
Fil-Am Who’s Who, your
favorite lifestyle magazine, is
only one year old; but we feel
we have so much more to offer
beyond the magazine.
Thus we recently expanded our publishing company’s
products and services from the
monthly magazine to public relations
and social media management,
photography and videography, journal
and website production, and event
management, and instant photo
print services. Of note, our instant
photo print service has proved to be
a big hit at various Filipino-American
community events. Attendees to
these events are photographed by
professional photographer Rolan
Gutierrez; photo prints—enclosed in
classy cardboard frames—are made
available in just a few minutes for an
affordable price.
Dr. Prospero A. Lim
With more than 50 years of
combined experience in media
and communication, Fil-Am Who’s
Who Inc.’s experienced senior staff
members Oliver Oliveros, Rolan
Gutierrez, Joseph Pe, and Myrna
Gutierrez — under the able guidance
of Dr. Prospero Lim and Ollie David
— assure our growing list of clients
only quality outputs and consistent
communication campaigns from
corporate headshots to single, multiple
camera event coverage; from publicity
efforts to social media engagement;
Oliver Oliveros
and from brand positioning to
integrated marketing communications.
Dr. Prospero A. Lim, former
president of the University of Santo
Tomas Medical Association of New
York, has a private psychiatry practice
in Staten Island, where is he has
been a longtime resident since the
late ‘70s. He has been a competent
leader for several organizations such
as the Philippine Independence Day
Council Inc., Knights of San Lorenzo,
Waray Community Association USA,
Katbaloganon Association USA,
Joseph Pe
Empire City Medical Lions Club,
Knights of Rizal-New York, San
Lorenzo Ruiz Association in America
and Philippine Medical Association in
America.
Ollie David is a multi-award winning retired math and science
teacher who taught at Newark Public Schools District for
nearly 40 years. She has been recognized as a distinguished
educator by “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” for
her sustained excellence in teaching. She has served as
chairperson of the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc.’s
grand marshal ball. She is also a medical volunteer for the
Philippine Medical Association of America.
Oliver Oliveros holds a master’s degree in public relations
and corporate communication from New York University. For
nearly 20 years, he has been handling reputation and media
management for various brands,
including Pepsi and Nickelodeon,
Broadway shows and stars, and
international recording and concert
artists. Besides Fil-Am Who’s Who,
his column also appears regularly
on BroadwayWorld.com, the largest
theater news site on the Internet
primarily covering Broadway,
London’s West End, and regional and
international theater productions.
Ollie David
Rolan Gutierrez
Myrna Gutierrez
To engage our newest services
call 917-502-9887 or email
[email protected]
Rolan Gutierrez, a computer
programmer turned photographer
and print layout designer, began his
photography career as a landscape
photographer with the UP-Diliman
Mountaineers during his college days.
For so many years later, he has been
doing portraiture, event coverage, and
designing organizational publications.
He served as the official photographer
during 2013 Miss World Megan
Young’s recent visit to New York
and New Jersey, which successfully
raised funds for super typhoon Haiyan
victims in central Philippines.
Joseph Pe is a multi-award winning
filmmaker-videographer whose credits
include “What’s The T?” a 10-minute
documentary about transgenders in
San Francisco and New York City,
which won third place in the Scary
Cow Film Festival in San Francisco;
“Mata” (Eye), which won third place
in the 1999 Experimental Alternative
Film Festival at the Cultural Center
of the Philippines; and “Lost Paris
Tapes,” which was screened at the
Asian Film Festival and ABC No Rio
Gallery in New York City. He also
dabbles in acting in theater, television,
and film.
Lastly, our business manager Myrna
Gutierrez is a computer programmer,
who is also a sought-after community
organizer and entertainment producer.
Currently, she is the public relations
officer of PAGASA Social Foundation.