FILAM September 2021

Issue 43, September 2021

People's Ball

A night of tribute to the Pandemic Vanguards

The strong woman behind the man

Alexis Monsanto

Hollywood designer styles an Olympic star

Photo by Irvin Rivera

Maria Banatao

Letter from the Editor

Americaface s’ changing W

track. Writer Leonard Pitts Jr. put it hen we look back on this way: “It’s why some people find 9/11, what strikes us the likes of Ilhan Omar and Alexanmost in reflection are the changes to our dria Ocasio-Cortez so deeply frightsense of personal secuening, why they rail against masks rity and safety. We simply are no longer and vaccinations as incursions on safe in what we thought of as ‘Fortress their ‘freedom,’ why Tucker Carlson America.’ That disappeared when the warns his audience of older white Twin Towers disintegrated on that far-off people on seemingly a nightly basis early fall day 20 years ago. that they are being ‘replaced.’”

While we remember the 3,000 who The attacks on Filipino Americans perished in that terror attack by extremand other Asian-Americans will ists from an ally nation, the country regrettably persist and may well moved forward. We killed the man who intensify. masterminded that assault in 2011.

But what is also undeniable, when Twenty years later, our new president, taken in the long-view perspective, is declaring he did not want his successor the country’s racial profile is changto inherit what is increasingly a neving irrevocably. We are becoming a er-ending pointless war, said it is time more diverse nation.

We all yearn for a country that is more just, treats everyone fairly, and for all U.S. troops to come home. AfghanWe all yearn for a country that provides opportunity for all. istan falls, the Taliban retakes power, is more just, treats everyone fairly largest race in the United States, with 204.3 because the Afghan forces we trained at under our system of laws, and promillion people. enormous expense, refused to fight for their vides opportunity for all. Will we get there?

What this all means is straightforward: more own country.

There will be setbacks. If anything, white white hysteria.

Putting the pain of 9/11 and Afghanistan desperation will become more difficult for some What we have observed is that scores of White behind, what we should now look at this to accept going forward. moment is a laboriously compiled census Americans are already petrified at the loss of their We believe in the better angels of our nature, that highlights in numbers our demographic majority status and privilege. You combine the in the optimism that Americans from differreckoning over racism, the mindlessly vicious makeup and the sharply changing face of our ent backgrounds and beliefs will embrace the and violent attacks on Asian Americans, and the United States. promise of diversity. In the spirit of a better changing demographic profile, and what do you For the first time in the history of our country, vision for our collective future, hopefully, we expect to get? A more violent backlash. the White alone population dropped below the will progress toward that objective. It is this We do not understand the reasons behind it, psychological 60 percent level for the first time fiery American spirit that makes our country but the emotional eruptions are easy to see and in our history. The White population is still the the nation that we love.

Contributing Writers Tricia J. Capistrano Ludy AstraquilloOngkeko Joel David Mariel Padilla Wendell Gaa Lindy Rosales Maricar CP Hampton Vicky Potenciano-Vitug Angelito Cabigao Danielle Vania Bonus

Founding Editor Cristina DC Pastor Address P.O. Box 8071 New York, NY 10116

Contact Thefilamny@gmail.com

The FilAm is a publication of A&V Editorial THE FILAM |

2

Miguel Braganza mugged on same day his ‘Sandiwa’ show opened

By Cristina DC Pastor

Theater actor, director and “Miss Saigon” alumnus Miguel Braganza was attacked outside his apartment on August 7, the same day his “Sandiwa: A journey of song and dance” concert opened at the Philippine Consulate.

“I

was mugged at gunpoint, and I was hit with a gun,” Braganza said when contacted

by The FilAm. He shared a video showing his bloody head and neighbors coming to offer help. He said a witness took the video using his cell phone.

He said he was coming home to his apartment in the quiet Fort Tryon neighborhood at around 1 a.m. on August 7. When he got out of his Uber ride, he said two black men jumped on him like in an ambush and one of them began to strike his head repeatedly with a gun. He was already in front of his building.

“Two black men attacked…but only one attacked me,” he said. “The other guy was on the street.”

He was so scared his muggers might pull the trigger, he hollered for help. When neighbors were alerted, the suspects ran away. The police arrived shortly after. The video shows a neighbor offering Braganza a towel for his head dripping with blood. “I lost so much blood from the wound.”

He was taken to the emergency room of New York-Presbyterian Hos-

Miguel performing before a community event in Bergenfield, N.J. Facebook photo

‘I thank God I wasn’t shot.’ The FilAm Photo pital and discharged after several hours. He pleaded to be released because “Sandiwa” was having its presentation at the Philippine Cen-

THE FILAM |

ter that same evening. “I was able to catch the second part,” he said.

Braganza believed the incident was a robbery attempt. However,

3

he is not ruling out the likelihood the attack may have been triggered because he looks Asian. “It is more of attempted robbery, a bit of Asian hate,” he said.

Braganza was in the original cast of “Miss Saigon.” He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Silliman University in the Philippines. He was a recipient of the 1987 Walter Terry Memorial Scholarship for Dance and Choreography from Harvard University. While the Braganzas are originally from Pangasinan, Miguel was born in Davao, grew up in Zamboanga del Sur, and spent most of his teenage years in Dumaguete City. He conducts dance and musical theatre workshops for children and teens in New York and Beijing.

He was thankful he survived the attack. “Thank God hindi ako binaril.”

Maria Banatao: The woman behind the man

W

hen I texted Maria Banatao that I would like to talk to her in the morning at excelled despite coming from a 11 a.m. New York small barrio public school. His time – which is 8 a.m. Los Angeles time Jesuit adviser encouraged him to -- she told me that she would prefer to enroll in Engineering at Mapua do it three hours later. Why? Because where he graduated with honors. she would be going to Holy Mass at 8 He also was one of the top finishers a.m. It was August 26th, and it was the in the Board exam.

49th wedding anniversary of Maria and ||First date Dado Banatao.

Diosdado “Dado” Banatao is the FiliTheir first date was in Dado’s car pino tech entrepreneur who innovated at the parking lot of Seattle Universeveral chip designs that revolutionized sity where he was a boarder. She the PC industry in the late 1980s-‘90s. was a bit taken aback that he just He co-founded three start-up companies, bought orange juice and Twinkies S3 Graphics, Chips & Technologies, and from the dorm vending machine Mostron, with some of his products sold as their meal. Through their long to Intel and IBM. Negosentro.com called conversation, she got to know him Maria and husband Diosdado Banatao, as a down-to-earth guy. She was him the first Filipino Tech billionaire. the founder & Managing Partner of From 2002-2006, he made the Forbes impressed that although Dado came Midas List of venture capitalists making She has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, Tallwood Venture Capital. Orange juice from humble beginnings, he had and Twinkies on their first date.

Counseling from the University of Washington. big bets in leading tech companies. big dreams for himself. She knew How did they meet? in her heart that he is passionate In 1968, after working for a year teaching after her enough to do everything to achieve his dreams. After graduation with a BA in Psychology from St. Paul three years of dating -- with a year of being away from College in Manila, Maria was on her way to South each other as Dado was taking his master’s program Carolina with her aunt, Tita Femy, whose son was an at Stanford in California and Maria was working in Oregon as a counselor -- they were married in August enlisted U.S. Coast Guard.

26, 1972 in a simple ceremony in Los Angeles.

Maria’s father, Roman Cariaga, had a degree in They have three children: sons Rey, Desi, and Business from Syracuse University and later comdaughter Tala. The family has now expanded to pleted his Master’s in Sociology at the University of include two daughters-in- law, Gabby and Jinah, and Hawaii. Having lived in the USA for more than 20 son-in-law Thomas, and nine grand-children (six years as an American citizen, he joined the Army boys and three girls). when World War II broke out. He subsequently Dado was always busy with his career and with his returned to the Philippines with Gen. Douglas McArmultiple ventures so there were times that Maria had thur and lived back home. to take on both roles of mom and dad. But, as an ally At the age of 18 and after a year of teaching at the and partner, she was always supportive and conscious high school department of St. Paul, she left for the USA. of her role in the partnership.

Traveling for the first time and with tickets to go to South The Banatao family, from left: Son-in-law Thomas Growney; What is Maria’s secret to a successful marriage?

Carolina, their port of entry was Seattle, Washington. youngest Tala Banatao Growney; daughter-in-law Gabby First: Establish the importance of communications.

With a few hours to spare, she and her aunt visited Banatao; eldest son Rey Banatao; Dado; Maria; second son Each one should be able to tell the other, at the opporwith family friends, the Perena family, in Seattle who Desi Banatao; and daughter-in-law Jinah Banatao. tune time, whatever is happening in his/her life. convinced her to live with them. She would enroll at Second: Husband and wife are a team with mutual the University of Washington where she completed her After three years at Boeing, he decided to take a fullgoals and aspirations for the family. Be supportive of Master’s in Educational Psychology, Counseling. time master’s program in 1971 at Stanford University.

It was at a Halloween party where Dado and Maria His interest in Computer Science led him to design his each other and there should be no blame game.

In another year on August 26, 2022, Maria and met in October of 1968. Dado was then working at own masteral program in both Electrical Engineering Dado would be celebrating their Golden Wedding Boeing as a design engineer for the 747-design team. and Computer Science.

Anniversary. Maria is thankful to God for all the A graduate from the Mapua Institute of Technology Dado’s Horatio Alger story began in a small barrio blessings she and her husband have received during with a BS in Electrical Engineering, he worked a year in Iguig, Cagayan, the son of a rice farmer, Salvador these last 49 years and look forward to their growing and a half as a pilot trainee with Philippine Airlines Banatao and a housewife, Rosita Banatao. His parents old together and enjoying their family. before joining Boeing. enrolled him at Ateneo de Tuguegarao where he THE FILAM |

4

Remembering August 22

By Tricia J. Capistrano

It’s usually a 30-minute drive from Holy Spirit BF Homes, the grade school that I attended, to my parents’ house in Scout Fuentebella in Quezon City. As a fourth-grade school bus rider, however, my commute home from BF Homes Quezon City usually took an hour and a half.

T

he bus would drop off a few stuAt the end of the week, the body of Ninoy dents in Fairview, Tandang Sora, Aquino was put on a flatbed truck. His body was surrounded by flowers and his family. then to Bliss near UP, and then And in spite of the rain, two million people Teachers’ Village, and then the gathered and followed the truck from his Times area. My classmate who won home to Manila Memorial Park. It took 10 the children’s soapbox derby lived there. “My hours to get to the cemetery 30 kilometers turn,” I thought, I was usually next, but that away. day--it was a Monday-- after dropping off my As the protests against Marcos began, I classmate, the driver stopped at an unfamiliar thought about how I could’ve been one of the house, took out all the umbrellas and then the first ones to visit Ninoy’s body but missed the bus mother invited us students to go down. opportunity. I think it’s one of the reasons It was only 5 p.m. but it was dark, rainy, and why I try to stay politically active in the cold. I was tired. I said no. I said I would stay Philippines and in my current home, the in my seat and wait. Someone famous had United States. I don't want to yet again, have died, I gathered, and they wanted to pay their sat out a moment in history. respects.

“I want to go home.” I remember thinking while I put my head against the bus window and waited for almost an hour. I wished they would hurry up.

After dinner that night, while watching the news with my parents, I saw the house where we stopped.

“My school bus went there,” I said.

“Everyone in the bus got off except me.”

“Why didn’t you go?” my mom asked.

“I don’t know,” I answered.

There was a lot of whispering among the grown-ups whenever the topic of politics came up. I was not explicitly told that President Marcos imprisoned his detractors. I think my parents wanted to keep childhood rosy for my sister and me.

On TV, I saw that the dead man’s face was bloated and green. I wondered how I would’ve reacted if I joined the others and saw his face up close. I later read that Doña Aurora Aquino wanted everyone to see what was done to her child. He was shot in the back of his head.

I told myself I would pay my respects the next time the school bus made another visit but I learned that there would be no more stops. The lines of people paying their In ‘Here Lies Love,’ Natalie Cortez sings ‘Just Ask the Flowers’ in remembrance of Ninoy Aquino’s death and a ‘hero’s procession’ (photo above). YouTube photo respects had grown to several streets long.

THE FILAM |

5

EDGESTONE REALTY www.kpedgestone.com (732) 307-3200

LOOKING FOR A REAL ESTATE AGENT CALL ME TODAY!

Gene Del Carmen

Goodnight, Irene

By Lindy Rosales

Makeup and hairstylist Irene Zapanta passed away on July 20 after a long bout with cancer. More than a beautician, she was, to people who knew her, a woman of “class and elegance,” a trusted confidante, a friend to everyone. ‘Everyone’ meant the prominent community personalities whose hair she had fashioned, as well as regular folks who sought her out in her Jersey City salon, Danica & Irene Beauty Concepts.

A

few days ago, tributes started showing up on Facebook for Irene Zapanta. “Irene is gone,” my husband told me.

I was in shock. Irene was such an enduring presence, it’s like she would never leave the community even if Death came by to claim her. We would meet each other in galas and beauty pageant fundraisers where she would dazzle with her gorgeous gowns and creative head pieces. She would light up a room with her titillating laugh, never without a glass of red wine in hand. She would do people’s hair and faces and later emerge looking like she never did many hours of work making people look pretty.

Born Rene De Dios Zapanta in Guagua, Pampanga, she came to the United States in 1986. She worked as a hairstylist first in California trying to get her feet wet in the beauty business. She later moved to New York City and eventually settled in Jersey City. She is well known in the community as a person with a “beautiful heart.”

One who gave generously without ever expecting anything in return. For her many customers, she was known for not being a tattletale. All secrets shared on her salon chair stayed with her, according to someone who has sat in her parlor for hours.

She loved her family dearly. Her brother Jhun Zapanta told me how he was living in another state when Irene invited him to live with her in Jersey City. He would help as the salon handyman which he did not mind doing because it gave him a chance to watch his sister up close as she “worked her magic” doing makeup and hairstyling. “She is the consummate professional,” he said.

The dazzling Irene Zapanta. Photos by Boyet Loverita

||Friends remember “Death may have taken you away from me, but it could never take away your memories,” writes colleague and business partner Danny Yvanoff Julian on Facebook. “You will always be in my heart, in your own special place. RIP.” He is the other half of Danica & Irene Beauty Concepts.

“A woman of class, elegance, fashion and poise,” writes long-time friend Chelle Lhuillier, who formed her friendship with Irene way back 14 years ago “during our clubbing years where we shared so much fun and great memories.”

“You will be missed not only by me but by many in the FilAm community. Your service and contribution to the society of fashionable FilAm women will always be remembered,” says Chelle.

“Rest gracefully in peace,” photographer Boyet Loverita bids his farewell.

“She is such a great friend way back during my Congen days. Prayers for her peaceful repose,” says THE FILAM |

7

With devoted boyfriend Nick Shuster.

Ambassador Mario Lopez de Leon Jr., former consul general in New York.

Irene succumbed from a condition called Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. Dr. Alice Almendral, who paid her a visit in the hospital in her final days, said the cancer has spread to her lungs.

“I’m at peace, Doc. I don’t fear death,” Irene muttered to Almendral as shared on Facebook. “Three weeks ago, I was able to talk to her. She was in good spirits. She was pain-free and never felt that great after 1-2 months of horrible pain.”

Irene is survived by her father Restituto Zapanta; siblings Nanette, Jeanne, Restituto, Jr. and Roehl; siblings-in-law, Joy and Ramon; and boyfriend Nick Schuster. A memorial mass was held on July 24th at Our Lady of Victories Church in Jersey City.

“Nick misses her greatly,” said his father Fred Shuster.

Rest now, Irene, wherever you are. You are loved by many to ever be forgotten.

Duterte foes form U.S. chapter of 1SAMBAYAN coalition

Critics of Philippine President Roderigo Duterte attended the online launch on August 11 of the USA Chapter of 1SAMBAYAN, a coalition representing a broad spectrum of political persuasions of Filipinos at home and abroad.

T

he coalition aims to unite various Filipinos groups and push for a “competent, trustworthy” administration in the May 2022 national elections in the Philippines, according to the organizers. The event encouraged Filipinos in the U.S. to register for the Overseas Absentee Voter and get involved.

The 1SAMBAYAN launch started off with solidarity messages, music videos and a voter registration video guide featuring Filipina actress and artist Maria Isabel Lopez. The solidarity messages came from several organizations, such as U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance, Malaya Movement, Filipino American Human Rights Alliance, and the National Ecumenical Forum for Filipino Concerns-Inland Empire.

The program featured messages from 1SAMBAYAN convenors started by Fr. Bert Alejo, who spoke about the importance of the 2022 election and the need to build institutions “to organize and not just agonize. To put up leaders who know the rules and follow the rules.

To put up people who would bring in new beautiful and powerful laws and implement them. And lastly the need to build up politics itself.”

The dire conditions of the health care system under the Duterte

From left, Dr. Joseph Carabeo, Fr. Bert Alejo, and Yves Nibungco

Renee Louise Co; Joanna Concepcion administration were shared by Dr. Joseph Carabeo who talked about the government neglect during the pandemic. “Kami ay lagi na lang nahaharap sa karahasan imbes na kami ay mag-usap ng kagalingan.

Wakasan na ang ganitong palakad, wakasan para makakita tayo ng mas masiglang bukas!” (We are always faced with violence instead of health and wellness. We must end this kind of rule, we must end it so we can have a healthier tomorrow!)

Student Renee Louise Co gave emphasis on the large part young Filipinos will have in the upcoming elections. She said, “Let’s just keep it THE FILAM |

up. Let’s just ensure that our ideas, our efforts, and our time continue to chip away into the walls. It starts here, it starts in alliance building, it starts in organizations, it starts in 1SAMBAYAN and in 1SAMBAYAN USA.” Joanna Concepcion, representing overseas Filipinos, said, “Napakahalaga ang kontribusyon ng ating mga kababayan sa ibayong-dagat ngayong darating na makasaysayang halalan 2022.

Bawat boto natin ay pagtinding para sa tunay na demokrasya at kapayapaan na batay sa hustisya.

Bawat boto natin ay pagsigaw 8

na tama na, wakasan na, hindi tayo mananahimik lamang” (The contributions of our compatriots overseas are very important in the coming historic 2022 elections.

Every vote is to stand up for democracy and peace that is based on justice. Every vote screams enough is enough, end it now, we will no longer be silent.)

The national coordinator for 1SAMBAYAN USA, Yves Nibungco ended the program by saying that the work of 1SAMBAYAN does not end in the launch. He said, “Kailangan nating maglunsad ng isang malawakang grassroots campaign para i-rehistro ang ating mga kababayan. Kailangan maidrive natin ang point na kailangang tumaya at ma-involve ang bawat Pilipino sa darating na eleksyon.

(We need to conduct a massive grassroots campaign to register our compatriots. We need to drive the point that every Filipino needs to get involved in the upcoming elections.)”

The online meeting was hosted by Ginger Leopoldo and Giselle Tongi.

A riveting rendition of “O Bayan Ko,” composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab and performed by the Ateneo Chamber Singers and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, set the patriotic tone of the launch.

2020 Census highlights nation’s racial diversity

T

he U.S. Census Bureau released on August 12 additional 2020 Census results showing an increase in the population of U.S. metro areas compared to a decade ago. In addition, these once-a-decade results showed the nation’s diversity in how people identify their race and ethnicity.

“We are excited to reach this milestone of delivering the first detailed statistics from the 2020 Census,” said acting Census Bureau Director Ron Jarmin. “We appreciate the public’s patience as Census Bureau staff worked diligently to process these data and ensure it meets our quality standards."

||Population changes since 2010 The population of U.S. metro areas grew by 9% from 2010 to 2020, resulting in 86% of the population living in U.S. metro areas in 2020, compared to 85% in 2010.

“Many counties within metro areas saw growth, especially those in the south and west. However, as we’ve been seeing in our annual population estimates, our nation is growing slower than it used to,” said Marc Perry, a senior demographer at the Census Bureau. “This decline is evident at the local level where around 52% of the counties in the United States saw their 2020 Census populations decrease from their 2010 Census populations.”

The White population remained the largest race in the United States even as the White Alone population decreased by County and metro area highlights: 8.6% since 2010. Photo: Unsplash • The largest county in the United States in 2020 remains Los Angeles County with over 10 million “As the country has grown, we have continued to considerably since 2010. The Multiracial population people. was measured at 9 million people in 2010 and is now evolve in how we measure the race and ethnicity • The largest city (incorporated place) in the 33.8 million people in 2020, a 276% increase. of the people who live here,” said Nicholas Jones, United States in 2020 remains New York with 8.8 • The “in combination” multiracial populations director and senior advisor for race and ethnicity million people. for all race groups accounted for most of the overall research and outreach at the Census Bureau.

• 312 of the 384 U.S. metro areas gained populachanges in each racial category.

“Today’s release of 2020 Census redistricting data tion between 2010 and 2020. provides a new snapshot of the racial and ethnic • All of the race alone or in combination groups • The fastest-growing U.S. metro area between composition and diversity of the country. The experienced increases. The Some Other Race alone or the 2010 Census and 2020 Census was The Villages, improvements we made to the 2020 Census yield a in combination group (49.9 million) increased 129%, FL, which grew 39% from about 93,000 people to more accurate portrait of how people self-identify surpassing the Black or African American population about 130,000 people. in response to two separate questions on Hispanic (46.9 million) as the second-largest race alone or in • 72 U.S. metro areas lost population from the origin and race, revealing that the U.S. population combination group.

2010 Census to the 2020 Census. The U.S. metro is much more multiracial and more diverse than • The next largest racial populations were the areas with the largest percentage declines were Pine what we measured in the past.”

Asian alone or in combination group (24 million), the Race and ethnicity highlights: American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in comBluff, AR, and Danville, IL, at -12.5 percent and -9.1 • The White population remained the largest race bination group (9.7 million), and the Native Hawaiian percent, respectively. or ethnicity group in the United States, with 204.3 and Other Pacific Islander alone or in combination ||Findings on race and ethnicity million people identifying as White alone. Overall, group (1.6 million).

235.4 million people reported White alone or in • The Hispanic or Latino population, which The release of 2020 Census redistricting data provides a new snapshot of the racial and ethnic composi- combination with another group. However, the White includes people of any race, was 62.1 million in 2020. alone population decreased by 8.6% since 2010.

The Hispanic or Latino population grew 23%, while tion of the country as a result of improvements in the • The Two or More Races population (also the population that was not of Hispanic or Latino design of the race and ethnicity questions, processing referred to as the Multiracial population) has changed origin grew 4.3% since 2010. -- U.S. Census Bureau and coding.

THE FILAM |

9

COVER STORY

When Simone Biles said ‘yes to the dress’ of FilAm fashion designer

By Cristina DC Pastor

When Simone Biles pulled out of the Olympics competition for gymnastics, Hollywood fashion designer Alexis Monsanto was one of many who wished her well and cheered her on.

B

iles was one of Monsanto's favorite clients. He saw “the first female African-American allaround world champion” up close and understood what she may have been feeling during her tough time at the games. Some have characterized her retreat as a case of a mental health episode, but Biles has portrayed that wildly-reported moment as “not having your mind and body in sync.”

"It's honestly petrifying,” she shared on Instagram.

She has been in Monsanto’s thoughts as he follows the Olympics cheering Filipino athletes as well as Biles. “She is just human and a beautiful one! I truly support her decision.

She has to take care of herself first and I admire her for this decision,” he said.

Monsanto had dressed Biles in three Hollywood red carpet events.

They met in 2017 when he was “handpicked” by a Hollywood Foreign Press Association member to dress up the multi-medaled athlete. “She was Monsanto’s Goddess Gown for Simone Biles is made of silk lame attending the Golden Globes after in origami pleats. The skirt is a nude gold silk chiffon with two winning several gold medals at the high front slits. The wide empire band is studded with Swarovski Rio Olympics,” he recalled. crystals. Instagram photos After that, in Summer she got invited to the ESPYS to receive the Female Athlete of the Year Award in 2017 and to “We started corresponding via email a week Nickelodeon for the Kids' Choice Awards in 2017. prior to her arrival in Los Angeles. She is a kind, Throughout her huge moments, she turned to the gentle human being and very appreciative. She Jimenez, Misamis Occidental native’s exquisite has always been very kind and polite,” was his gowns and formed a close bond with him. recollection of the Ohio-born champion. Two THE FILAM |

10

Melrose Avenue designer Alexis Monsanto.

Biles’s electric blue dress worn to the ESPYS comes with a detachable silk train. Note the gold chrome belt.

years prior, she was named Olympic Athlete of the Year by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

Monsanto knew Biles to be a celebrity athlete and was bracing himself to meet someone demanding and difficult. Biles turned out to be anything but.

“She was the sweetest and the kindest,” he said.

The meetings and fittings became episodic huddles between designer and client.

“I sent her images of different designs and style line via email ahead of time.

She saw my work and craftsmanship and liked it right away,” he said. “It was (during) the ‘getting to know you’ stage.

She shared with me that her crush Zac Efron made a surprise ambush to the U.S. Gymnastic team in Rio. She also talked to me about her ‘Dancing with the Stars’ experience during rehearsals. She had me sit next to her parents in the studio set watching her dance and compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.”

“When we met in person, she browsed the best three and decided to try on the

The gymnastics champion wore a magenta bondage dress to the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. It is made of layers of bias cut stretch silk chiffon criss-crossing from top all the way to the hem.

Manny and friends

Y

ou know Senator Manny Pacquiao is back in Hollywood when celebrities are crawling all over the Wild Card Gym where he trains.

Two notable well-wishers -- comedian Jo

Koy and actress KC Concepcion – must have been disappointed over Pacquiao’s defeat to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás. At least in these photos taken by Wendell Alinea days before the August 22 fight, everyone looked like a winner.

THE FILAM |

11

gold and said ‘yes’ to the dress!” Her mother Nellie and PR manager were involved in the selection process. He remembers designing for a petite 4’8”, well-toned girl with great upper body muscle features.

Monsanto graduated with honors from the Otis College of Art & Design, a private school in Los Angeles. His education came with a scholarship grant from Textile Association of Los Angeles.

In 2011, he opened his own design studio Alexis Monsanto Atelier, on West Hollywood’s highly coveted Melrose Avenue, a “walking, shopping, peering-into-windows street,” according to an article in The New York Times.

He has been designing for private labels in the 1990s under such names as Miken Clothing, Fluxus, Artisan De Luxe, and Ron Herman Vintage. His creations in collaboration with various brands have been sold at major retailers across the country. He creates dramatic red-carpet and bridal gowns, as well as evening wear and formal pieces. He consults and continues to design clothing that are sold in Nordstom and Neiman Marcus.

Biles is one of many celebrity clients of Monsanto. “It was such a huge honor. She is such an inspiring role model,” he said.

Calendar

of Events ||October 30

Halloween Festival: ‘EZ Mil Panalo’ Live in DMV Crescendo Studios 8109 Lee Hwy Falls Church, VA

||2022, April 15

Jo Koy: Funny is Funny World Tour UBS Arena Belmont Park, Long Island N.Y.

||August 11 to 13 ||Starting September 25 ||September 3

Igal/Pangalay Dance Workshop for Families Memorial Park Pavilion Bergenfield, N.J. To RSVP, email info@filschoolnynj.org

||September 5

9th Annual Filipino American Festival 2021 New Overpeck Bergen County Park 199 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, N.J. For info call: 201-841-3070; 201-757-2568

||September 11

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience by the International Women Artists 300 Vesey St. 3rd floor NYC For tickets, info@ internationalwomenartists.com Krizia: 845-453-1610 Ann: 917-767-0027

||September 11

Starlite Royalty Pageant 2021 Celebrity Theater at Claridge Hotel 123 S. Indiana Avenue Atlantic City, NJ

||September 16

Introvoys The Family 451 Communipaw Ave. Jersey City For Tickets and Sponsorship: 646617-6025

THE FILAM |

FABLII Fall League; $900 per team Island Garden 45 Cherry Valley Avenue #1 West Hempstead, N.Y. Contact Ronnie Ocampo: 516-582-7309 Ian Martin: 516-728-0787

||October 2

PAFCOM’s Western Party Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church 85 Giles Avenue, Jersey City

||October 9

First Light Concert: Arnel Pineda & Bamboo Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino 1900 Pacific Avenue Atlantic City, N.J.

||October 23

Couture: Courage for a Cure presented by Filipino American Cancer Care (with guest Kay Habana, soprano) Westin Tysons Corner Hotel 7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA

12

FANHS National Conference Seattle University

Artist Kilusan Bautista appeals for support for daughter with CHARGE Syndrome

M

ultimedia artist, writer, and performer Kilusan Bautista has opened a GoFundMe campaign as he shares the story of his daughter Phoenix who has developed CHARGE Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects multiple organ systems, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. In the last four years, Kilusan has stopped creating, writing, and performing as he and his wife immersed themselves in their child’s medical care amid a crippling global pandemic. He is now back with a storytelling project titled “PXSO: PhoeniX rising in ScorpiO” for his Master of Fine Arts thesis at the City University of New York, Brooklyn College centered around his life as a father of a child with a disability.

Kilusan has performed coast to coast sharing with his audiences stories about his growth as an interdisciplinary artist and his Kilusan is an MFA candidate at Brooklyn College. contributions to cross-cultural solidarity.

‘PXSO: PhoeniX rising in ScorpiO’ is his thesis project.

He was a recipient of the Outstanding Artist technology (Max MSP), and augmented Award from the Filipino American National Historreality. I began writing PXSO in May ical Society of Metro New York. He was awarded the Congressional Community Service Award’s Kabataan of 2020, in the middle of the New York City quarantine and as I entered my Komemorative in 2006 by California Senator Tom MFA program in the Fall of 2020, I Lantos, and has won a writing contest sponsored by immersed myself in the virtual world the California Council for the Humanities and New with the ambition of developing PXSO. America Media. “PXSO: PhoeniX rising in ScorpiO” Honestly, working on PXSO is helping is an anthem to his daughter. me get through the current global pan- Adorable dad-and-daughter moment. Instagram photos Dear Beloved Community, I hope this message finds you safe and in good demic and offer an authentic piece of I am respectfully asking for your financial health. Thank you for considering to be a donor/ my soul to the world. My daughter Phoenix inspires support and to join me as a partner in PXSO. Here partner for my new artistic project “PXSO : me every day. She is my hero and I am honored to is what your contributions will support: PhoeniX rising in ScorpiO.” I am grounded and share her story through PXSO. -Interdisciplinary Artistic Director accountable to the creation of stories that repreThe second part of PXSO is the formation of a sent the hopes, dreams, struggles and imagination Fathers With Disabled Children support group -Performer/Storyteller of my family, culture and community. PXSO is -Technology Specialist that will begin meeting virtually and eventually a developing artistic project associated with my -Video/Visual Art Technician in-person. The aim of this support group is to Masters in Fine Arts thesis at the City University -Audio Engineer/DJ provide a safe and artistic space where fathers with of New York, Brooklyn College - Performance and -Venue Fees (rehearsals & public presentations) disabled children can share stories, perspectives, Interactive Media Arts program.

-Equipment & Set Design resources and engage in a creative process to raise PXSO is a two-part artistic project that includes an awareness about Disability Rights. In the Spring -Publicity, Promotions & Social Media Camimmersive multimedia theater experience in the late of 2022, I plan to honor these fathers, their stories paign Fall of 2021. For the past year I have been creatively and artistic expressions in an outdoor celebration in -Research & Documentation workshopping stories about my daughter Phoenix the New York City area. In addition to the support All donors/partners will be offered the opporand her life experiences with Charge Syndrome and from PIMA, my MFA program at Brooklyn College, tunity to experience PXSO either in-person or Deafblindness. Despite theatrical stages and college I am blessed to be a new Fellow with Social Practice, through virtual live streaming. Thank you so performance studios being shut down for the past CUNY's exciting new Mellon Foundation-funded much for supporting PXSO and the stories of disyear, I have been developing new tools of storytelling initiative. Both spaces will support the development ability, resiliency and our collective humanity. For that I am excited to present in PXSO such as video and public presentations of PXSO for the 2021/2022 more information please visit www.kilusan1898. and visual projections, audio engineering, interactive school year. com/pxso.

THE FILAM |

13

People’s Ball organizer Fernando Mendez and Laura Garcia.

Juliet Payabyab with Dr. Emilio Quines Jr.

Edwin Josue (center) flanked by Juliet Payabyab (left) and Dr. Connie Uy.

Like the ‘bamboo amid a storm,’ the return of People’s Ball The People’s Ball, a festive gathering of Filipino Americans in the New York area, returned on August 22 paying tribute to health care professionals as well as economic frontline workers -- FilAms and non-Filipinos alike -- calling them the community’s Pandemic Vanguards.

T

his is the first time People’s Ball, a companion event to the annual Fiesta In America (FIA) indoor expo, is giving recognition to non-Filipinos, said Fernando ‘Nanding’ Mendez, founder and president of FIA. The Fiesta expo is waiting guidance from the venue management on when it can safely reopen.

“We are honoring the health care professionals

Fernando Mendez and Laura Garcia (center) with Pandemic Vanguards honorees PACCAL and PNA NJ and their officers.

THE FILAM |

14

From left: Corge Reyes, Dr. Elma Castillo, Evelyn Sison, and Joycelyn Aligarbes.

Eric Bustamante and wife Jedy Bustamante. and frontline workers who put their lives at risk during the pandemic…and answered the call of duty,” he said in his opening remarks.

The Empowerment Awards went to Coleen Sta. Ana, MHA of Sentara Healthcare; Jade Borromeo Flinn of Johns Hopkins Hospital; and Quimberly Villamer, RN of Frontliners Above and Beyond.

Organizations named Pandemic Vanguards

From left, Honorary Patrons Dr. Dino Amarga & Ollie David, with Honorary Chairs Dr. Elma Castillo & Dr. Rod Castillo. were the Philippine Nurses Association NJ; PACCAL, Inc.; and Clara Maass Medical Center.

Individuals who were recognized as Pandemic Vanguards were Fatima Aguilar, RN; Gregorio Calderon, RN; nurse technician Sheila Carino; assistant physical therapist Melvic Gallego; Roma Johnson of the Maryland Department of Health; Kern McKelvey of Clara Maass Medical Center; Nicole Montemar of Overlook Medical Center; mental health screener Roger Mosquera; Myrna Permunian of Weis Markets; Patrick Paragas, RN; Antione Steed of Clara Maass environmental services; Aileen Tababa, RN; and mental health associate Andrew Williamson.

The event was held at the Marriott Newark International Airport hotel with about 300 people in attendance, led by ambassadors and former consuls general Mario de Leon and Claro Cristobal, corporate sponsors led by PNB General Manager Eric Bustamante, community leaders, and musical artists.

The People’s Ball event happened just as New York was coming out of a year-long pandemic paralysis.

“The community, bent from the pandemic’s blows, but did not break,” said Mendez. “Embodying the bamboo’s resilience, we have sprung back.” – Cristina DC Pastor Photos courtesy of Eric Bustamante, Rod & Elma Castillo, Juliet Payabyab, and Francis Sison THE FILAM |

15

Eric Bustamante (right) with Ambassador Mario de Leon Jr.

Former Consul General Claro Cristobal (center), wife Marilou Cristobal, and Eric Bustamante.

‘The Lion King,’ ‘Aladdin’ are back on Broadway and so is FilAm cast “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” are returning to Broadway this fall, it was announced

by Disney Theatrical Productions.

B

oth companies will welcome back nearly all of the cast members who were performing when Broadway shut down last March, along with exciting fresh faces. “The Lion King” begins performances on Tuesday, September 14 at the Minskoff Theatre.

“Aladdin” resumes performances on Tuesday, September 28 at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

New to the cast of “The Lion King” is an 11-year-old Filipino from New Jersey. Vince Ermita will alternate as Young Simba with another newcomer Corey J. This is his Broadway debut. Vince is a member of The Ermita Brothers, formed in 2017 in the basement of the family home in New Milford. The youngest son From left, ‘Aladdin’ actors Jonathan Freeman, Michael Maliakel, Don Darryl Rivera (center), is also the vocalist. He is joined by Michael James Scott, and Shoba Narayan. Photo by Rebecca Michelson. his three musician brothers Junian, Ulysses, and Santino. The band has Don Darryl Rivera as Iago, Mathew before that he played multiple roles performed in churches and in FilideGuzman, Bobby Pestka, and Angelo as Swing, Assistance Dance Captain pino community festivals.

Soriano. and Fight Captain in “A Christmas According to its website, The Don Darryl Rivera was born and Story, The Musical.” He holds a BachErmita Band “was formed by accident when (Vince) would sing along every raised in Seattle. His musical trainelor of Music, Musical Theatre from time his brothers were doing their ing started at age 5 when he took up Belmont University in Nashville. “I’m music lessons. He already memorized piano lessons and danced with the honored and thrilled to be returning all the lines, so when the music Filipino folk dance Kultura. In high to Agrabah for the Return of Broadteacher comes, he was also ready school, he decided, according to his way,” he writes on Facebook. even though he was not included in website, he wanted to pursue a career Bobby Pestka has appeared in Lincoln Center’s “The King and I,” the lessons.” as an actor. He attended Cornish Vince was in the cast of “School of College of the Arts where he received “Bombay Dreams,” and “Flower Rock, The Musical” touring Utah, his BFA in Theatre.

Drum Song.” His film credits include when he got a call from his agent that Mathew deGuzman is a Broadway “The Producers” and “Across the he was going to Broadway. actor and a teaching artist. He was Universe.” He performed in the National Tour of Roundabout’s born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He ||‘Honored and thrilled’ “Anything Goes” and “The Radio City has been a professional actor with Christmas Spectacular” in New York Disney since 2017. He was in the The returning cast of Aladdin City. He is a graduate of Point Park ensemble of “Pippin the Musical’s” features four FilAm company memUniversity. He has a long history first National Tour in 2014, and bers in important roles, including

THE FILAM |

16

Vince Ermita debuts on Broadway this September. with regional theater appearing in major productions, such as “West Side Story” in Pittsburgh, “Guys and Dolls” in Washington D.C., and “Miss Saigon” in Millburn, N.J.’s Paper Mill Playhouse.

Angelo Soriano debuted on Broadway as a Swing in “Aladdin.” He came to Disney with a rich performing arts background that included Disney shows and the National Tour of “Flashdance: The Musical.”

As a Swing in the 2016 production, Soriano assumed many different roles (or tracks), including the principals Aladdin and the adorable villain Iago. A highly focused actor, he has the capability to jump in any of the 12 tracks at any given time. He told The FilAm in a 2016 interview that as one of four male swings, he is officially told of his role, say, two weeks in advance. But sometimes, he learns his fate just minutes before – when one of the ensemble players suffers an injury and can’t continue to perform.

He quipped: “It’s live theater.

Things happen.”

9/11 survivor Frank Cruz opens ‘dirty’ ice cream business in Batangas

F

By Cristina DC Pastor

or bank executive Frank Cruz, the sugary cones and sold on the streets, as opposed to Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001, fancy ice cream manufactured by big food corporaturned into a marker that divided his tions and sold by the gallon in grocery stores. DIC life. Permanently. is part of many Filipinos’ childhood memories.)

Frank barely escaped the burning He learned all he could about the business, tower of One World Trade Center, fleeing into a applied for a license, purchased equipment, and street choke full of dazed, shocked Americans. hired one of the ‘sorbeteros’ to work for him. In “My co-workers and I were going down the 2012, Frank’s Dirty Ice Cream was able to crack the stairs of the World Trade Center (WTC) while the forbidden Batangas malls. firemen were going up,” he recalled. “I remember Former Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose their faces, young and old, I even gave them drinks Cuisia has noted a trend among Filipino Americans from the vending machines as they were carrying returning to their roots and staying for good. They their hoses and heavy equipment. All these firemen are, in the words of the Commission of Filipinos died while trying to save us and others.”

Overseas, “buying a one-way ticket back to the Eight minutes after he got out, the WTC came Philippines.” But retirement was not what Frank crashing down. had in mind. He only wanted to provide jobs to Ten years later and upon his retirement as vice Batangas families. His dirty ice cream business president at Mizuho Corporate Bank, he returned appeared to be taking off, paving the way for a coffee shop he named after his wife of 41 years. to the Philippines. His wife, Vivian, who is active Café Vivian now employs a staff of 6 to 8 people. in the Filipino community through numerous organizations, stayed behind. Their sons, Francis “One of the challenges is finding trusted people,” and Matthew, find the time to visit her in the he shared. family’s pleasant house in West Orange, New The food retail business is a cash-only business and money invariably passes through the hands Jersey, nestled among leafy trees at the end of a sloping road.

He made it possible for dirty ice cream to be sold inside fancy of its employees. One of his workers had been Frank was back in Batangas City, his wife’s caught stealing a large amount. Although very Batangas malls. Photo by Troi Santos hometown, where he felt at home with disappointed because he had helped this Vivian’s family. He rekindled ties with person and his family in so many ways, folks and kin he had not seen in the threeFrank did not press charges. “I always and-a-half decades he was in America. He tell my employees to work hard and not was reflecting on how he would be able to just do their jobs well.” “give back.”

His long-term outlook is for his workA couple of years later in 2012, he opened ers to become co-owners of the company. an ice cream business, Frank’s Dirty Ice He said, “My goal is to be able to help Cream (FDIC), an enterprise that now people by giving them jobs, and I tell provides jobs to a dozen families. It began them you have to love this job because it gives you security and a chance for a as a bright-colored ice cream cart at SM better tomorrow.”

Mall in Batangas City. It has grown into a FDIC’s three branches have remained kiosk in the same mall, another kiosk in SM open during the pandemic although Lipa, and two franchises.

Frank has been in the U.S. most of the “All I really wanted to do was help time. In his absence, his nephew and people,” he said in an interview with The wife managed to keep the business going.

FilAm. “I have kept most of my branches open How did Frank, the 9/11 survivor, end up trying to weather the storm,” he said. “It in the ice cream business? is very easy to close shop but due to my A Divine sign? He’s not sure. He remembered coming out of church one day, and commitment I decided to remain open.” seeing two ‘sorbeteros’ ringing their ice Frank let us in on a ‘scoop.’ He will open three kiosks with Epson Philipcream carts. His memory drifted back to his boyhood and Frank thought: Why is pines in Lima, Batangas this month. dirty ice cream always out on the streets Epson has 21,000 workers. and never inside a mall? (‘Dirty ice cream’ With his growing family: Wife Vivian (seated), sons Francis (far left), Matthew and “The outlook of adding Epson is very typically refers to ice cream scooped in promising, a breakthrough,” he said. wife Dr. Fergie Montero Cruz, and granddaughters Adeline and Emilia

THE FILAM |

17

COVER STORY

After 9/11, Carlos Esguerra rekindles an old love: photography

By Cristina DC Pastor

Carlos Esguerra’s photographs have a hypnotic feel.

H

“It must have been around 1959. I didn’t know even at that time I was already into photography,” he said.

In 1999, after working 30 years as a computer programmer, he picked up the camera again. He joined a photo expedition in New Mexico where he and his wife celebrated her birthday. He discovered the surrounding scenery and reveled taking photos of picturesque national parks, such as Death Valley in California and Bryce Canyon in Utah famed for its rock formations called “hoodoos.”

Carlos and Arlene have two daughters, who embody their father’s twin passions. Camila, the scientist, is currently the head of the Chemical Neuroscience Research Group of the University of Oslo in Norway. The younger daughter, Ivilisse, is the artist. She was a violinist at the Princeton University Symphony He welcomes digital photography: ‘Finally, no more film!’

is Flatiron Building has the gothic look reminiscent of Sleepy Hollow.

His Manhattan skyline are like stacks of Lego blocks arranged according to color. The viewer is transfixed, wondering how the photographer succeeds in deftly presenting the images captured by his shutter.

If you ask Carlos, 80, there is no style or technique.

Some of his best shots were taken by chance, others by sitting patiently for the exact right moment. The insight of an artist is often intriguing, but Carlos presents himself, his style, and his process as straightforward as he can. No pretense, no gimmick.

His favorite: A solitary yucca plant sticking out across a white sand desert in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He took a shot that captured the stalks’ lengthening shadow under the noonday sun. Above, the deep blue sky provided a bolt of color, giving the photo arresting vividness. Carlos was excited about the shot. But his wife, Arlene, his chief critic, endearingly dismissed it as, “Ano ba iyan? Damo?”

“Damo” -- Tagalog word for grass -- won second place at an international photo competition in Austria. The title of the winning shot is “White Sand.”

“Not just second place,” said Carlos with a mild scoffing laugh when interviewed by The FilAm. “I was second place to Maggie Taylor.”

Taylor, he was quick to point out, is a noted surrealist photographer who became famous for her masterful use of Photoshop. Her husband, Jerry Uelsmann, is another surrealist artist who creates images using multiple traditional enlargers inside his darkroom.

“I met the two of them at the awards ceremony in Linz, Austria, in 2004,” Carlos recalled.

He does not remember exactly when he started chasing subjects with his Nikon F5 camera, but an old college yearbook served as a hazy reminder. His 1962 U.P. yearbook says: “Carlos…This guy can take Super Pink Moon over Ground Zero. pictures.”

THE FILAM |

18

retirement to focus on his “re-discovered passion.”

The Taytay-born Carlos — he has a business degree from UP Diliman and an MBA in Economics from George Washington University — had a long career as a computer programmer. One of his historic projects was being part of a team in Chemical Bank that programmed the first ATM machine in New York.

“Nung araw you are limited to two uses a day and to $200 withdrawal. Your balance info was in the main office computer system and not connected to the ATM. We were the ones who programed that connection to the data base,” he said. Wikipedia states that on September 2, 1969, Chemical Bank installed the first ATM in the U.S. at its branch in Rockville Centre.

Orchestra while completing her degree in Government Policy and International Relations. After Princeton, she studied contemporary dance and was awarded a full diploma course in eurythmy at The Eurythmy School in Spring Valley, New York.

||First exhibit The first exhibit was in 2002. No white-wall gallery; just an Italian restaurant on W 17th Street owned by a Japanese.

“It was a very good reception. I exhibited 15 large photos, 20×30 inches,” he said. Someone left a cheeky compliment on the guest book that always elicits a chuckle from Carlos: “The Panna Cotta was bad but the photos were excellent.”

Carlos has been a regular at international competitions – the Austrian Hasselblad Circuit, the Trierenberg Fotoforum, the German Mega Circuit, and Prix dela Photographie Paris – winning awards along the way.

“I join primarily for validation. I want to see whether my photos are good enough,” he said. He has slowed down the past few years, preferring to mount a once-a-year exhibit in NYC, usually at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue. “There’s so many good photographers, so difficult to win now.”

When his computer consulting company suffered because of the 9/11 attack, he decided to take early

||Golden Age

Reflection of the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

THE FILAM |

19

The switch to digital paved the way for what Carlos depicted as the “Golden Age” of photography.

“During the film era, the camera body was just a box. The real important thing was the lens and the film. Now your film is the sensor of the camera, where the technology is. It allows the user continuous autofocus, have the correct exposure, and continuous tracking of the subject, all controlled by the sensor.”

“Now, everyone is a photographer. It’s just fantastic,” he said.

Issue 43, September 2021

Irene Zapanta

The death of a beloved hairstylist

Carlos Esguerra

Vince Ermita

Young Simba roars in ‘Lion King’

Rekindling an old love after 9/11