Fil-Am Who's Who, November 2014

fil-am who’S WHo NOVEMBER 2014

Major General Antonio Taguba Community Ambassador for AARP

In This Issue. . .

Ollie’s Grapevine Rewind

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A Word from The Editor

Oliver Oliveros

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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

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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.

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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 We use information sources that we believe to be reliable, but do not warrant the accuracy of those sources.

Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Fil-Am Who’s Who articles and other information on the website are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the publication date.

fil-am who’s who 2 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

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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. Copyright © 2014 Fil-Am Who’s Who, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fil-Am Who’s Who invites you to contribute articles, letters, comments, or pictures to the editor. Please email submissions to filamwhoswho@gmail.com. For advertising inquiries, please email adsfilamwhoswho@gmail.com or call (732) 499-7995, (917) 502-9887, or (917) 502-9891.

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.”

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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.

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(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.

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Gary V.

Celebrates Turning 50 and 30 Years in Show Biz Photos by Loren San Diego

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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

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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

vice r e s e r ca Quality done right! s 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

LICENSED AND ACCREDITED BY THE PHILIPPINE SHIPPERS BUREAU YORK PA & Neighboring Twn James Laygo - 717.654.3254

NEW YORK OFFICE: 39-12 A 63rd Street, Woodside NY BERGENFIELD NJ OFFICE: 76 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield NJ JERSEY CITY NJ OFFICE : 449 Hoboken Ave. Jersey City NJ 07306

TOMS RIVER NJ RJ SARILING ATIN 4561 Lakewood Rd. Toms River NJ 08755 NILO– 732.642.0513 DELAWARE BALAN STORE 867 S. Dupont Hway New Castle DE 19720 BALAN– 302.757.1431 MARYLAND NOTTINGHAM MANILA SEAFOOD & MARKET (MD,DC,VA,GA, FL) 8836 Belair Rd. Nottingham MD 21236 DON - 410.529.0663 (Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Hartford County & all over MD) Pete 443.527.2274 HERSHEY,Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg PA Mimi-717.813.0538

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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 filamwhoswho@gmail.com

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.