New York – Fabulous Philippines: A Perfect Wedding Destination, was launched with an exhibit and reception at the Philippine Center in New York this past April 11-13, 2019. Filipino masterworks of handwoven fabrics come to life in outstanding collections by two of the most respected and internationally recognized fashion designers of the Philippines, organized by Neocolors Productions & Advertising International Inc., as its biggest collaboration with Albert Andrada and Barge Ramos.

Consul Arman Talbo of the Philippine Consulate and Mr. Nicanor Bautista of the Dept. of Trade and Industry led in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Consul Arman Talbo, Barge Ramos, Gina Reyes, Christine  Daguno-Canoy,
Albert Andrada and  Mr. Nicanor Bautista at the ribbon cutting ceremony

April Calampayan showcasing her talent at the event

Neocolors Productions and Advertising International, Inc President and CEO
Dr. Christine May Daguno – Canoy and  Chief Operating Officer Gina Reyes.

Philippine Brand Tanduay, World’s Best-Selling Rum as one of the sponsors of the event

Mike Ang of Tanduay Rum’s US Team

Albert Andrada Showcasing the best of the Philippines; creations and masterpieces worn by Pia Wurtzbach during the 2015 Ms. Universe Pageant displayed at the lobby of the Philippine Center, 5th Avenue, New York on April 11-12.

Internationally-recognized Filipino Designer Albert Andrada

Fabulous Philippines is a Philippine Tourism and Lifestyle event focusing on the development, marketing, and promotion of the country as a perfect wedding destination. This is a celebration of Filipino creativity while making a difference as proceeds of this project will be for the benefit of Educare for Life International Foundation.

“This is a celebration of Filipino creativity, while making a difference as proceeds of this project will be for the benefit of Educare for Life International Foundation, which aims to provide college scholarships to deserving high school graduates, as well as medical assistance, and disaster response and relief operations in times of calamities. – Dr, Christine May Daguno – Canoy, President and CEO of Neocolors Productions and Advertising International, Inc ” 

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Salonga picked songs that appealed to her, both artistically and personally. Her mother had sung her the delicate “Ili Ili” and several others when she was a child, and came to visit during a session. The Tony Award-winning actress and vocalist, used to selling out prestigious venues worldwide, harnessed this connection and dived into the repertoire with heart and grace.

Her powerful emotional ties and artful interpretation shine on Bahaghari (“Rainbow”; release: November 3, 2017, via Naxos Distribution), GLP Music’s latest release chronicling the traditional songs of the island nation. Producers tapped a series of young arrangers to craft the right musical settings for Salonga’s powerful voice, including Salonga’s brother, Gerard. They are straightforward, highlighting the songs’ melodies, words, and Salonga’s wonderfully expressive voice.

“This project felt like the perfect opportunity to introduce the languages of my country to a bigger world. A world that might not be aware of the intricacies and differences between these languages,” Salonga says. “As a Tagalog speaker, many of these tongues feel very foreign and strange, and since there’s always a danger that these languages won’t be spoken by future generations, there was a need on our part to preserve them in some way.”

Bahaghari joins GLP Music’s growing catalog. Founded by Angela Jackson and Rex Niswander, the label aims to deepen connections to language learning and preservation via compelling music. Jackson came from a background in media and corporate communications, a highly successful career that brought her into collaboration with international colleagues. That work opened her eyes to the importance of new language acquisition and language retention in diaspora. She launched an education nonprofit Global Language Project, which brought language learning to under-resourced schools and learners. Jackson teamed up with Niswander to create musical projects that furthered these same goals.

Through a mutual friend, Jackson and Niswander were introduced to Salonga. The singer agreed to participate in their next project. Jackson was intrigued by the educational and cultural resonances an album of songs in Filipino languages might have. She was struck by the state of many of the country’s languages–Salonga sings in several endangered languages on Bahaghari–and wanted to find a way to highlight them.

“There is a large Filipino diaspora in the US and around the world. They have very tight ties to their homeland, yet many children in the diaspora don’t learn Tagalog or one of the other languages,” she explains. “We hope this album can become a resource for families and young learners in these communities, inspiring interest in these languages and their wonderful songs.”

To reach for this goal, Jackson and Niswander knew they needed highly knowledgeable and dedicated collaborators. “The spirit behind the project really came from the team, a collective that has deep expertise,” says Jackson. “There’s Lea, whose contribution is central. Ryan is a leading light in Filipino music and straddles the academic and pop worlds. The album’s designer, Lucille Tenazas, is Filipina, and the liner notes were written by a respected Filipino author, Floy Quintos. They all share a real passion for the country and the language and the culture,” a passion that’s audible on Bahaghari.

Cayabyab is a leading composer, arranger, conductor, and film scorer. He has researched his country’s musical traditions, as well as championed new voices, via a songwriting competition he founded and as a judge on several popular TV talent shows. His deep knowledge of Filipino music proved key to the project.

“I had to choose the most popular folk songs from each region – but there are many to choose from!” he recalls. “The Visayas region has other subregions but I chose one song each from the Cebuano and the Hiligaynon languages. In Mindanao, the main economic and cultural centers either speak Cebuano, Hiligaynon, or Tagalog.”

Capturing the diversity of languages was only one part of the puzzle. Cayabyab also wanted to make the album musically interesting, taking listeners through different moods. “The songs had to be varied in subject, in emotion and in tempo and rhythm,” Cayabyab notes. “The collection could not all be slow songs or only celebratory songs. We had to have a good representation not only of language but of a variety of subjects and emotions. This would hopefully make for a lovely aural spread.” Bahaghari moves from the sprightly “Leron Leron Sinta” and the playful vocal layers of “Sitsiritsit Alibangbang,” to the gentle sway of “Magtanim Ay Di Biro” and the pensive “Matudnila.”

Diversity also reigned in the arranging process, which Cayabyab handed over to several arrangers and musicians. “I was surprised by his proposal, that six different arrangers and performers each work on a few songs. I was skeptical about it, but it actually worked perfectly,” recalls Niswander. “For one thing, the arrangers were so good. They were following Ryan’s directions but they each had their own style.” The arrangements revolve around piano and guitar, with gentle percussion, vibes, flute, and other colorful elements to play off Salonga’s rich voice.

That voice is the thread tying Bahaghari together. “Because the arrangements were all so different from one another, I needed to stylistically adapt my vocals to fit them while holding on to my own voice and how I sing,” reflects Salonga. “The more playful stuff, like ‘Pobreng Alindahaw,’ was just so much fun to do in the studio, and some of the more dramatic music, like ‘Matudnila,’ was straight from the heart. The melodies are just as informative as the lyrics, so I latched on to them.” Listeners will as well, forging new connections to these songs and languages.

Other News

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Watch “Filipino Happy Birthday Song by Nina” on YouTube
https://youtu.be/p635tOMBpow

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Las Vegas, Nevada – December 20, 2015

In front of a global audience, Miss Universe Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The telecast aired live on FOX for the first time ever. Miss Universe Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is a Filipino-German actress and model. Pia was born in Stuttgart, Germany and grew up in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

Grammy Award-winning, multi-Platinum singer and songwriter SEAL, Grammy Award-winning sibling trio The Band Perry, and Golden Globe and Grammy Award-nominated Charlie Puth took the MISS UNIVERSE® stage as performances throughout the night. Emmy Award nominee Niecy Nash, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, football legend Emmitt Smith, and celebrity entertainment mogul Perez Hilton made up the judging panel.

Additionally, for the first time ever, fans worldwide had a say in who was crowned MISS UNIVERSE®. With a virtual seat at the judging table, fans were able to vote on each category to help decide who walked away Miss Universe 2015. Throughout the MISS UNIVERSE®telecast, contestants representing 80 countries competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview.

Visit The Miss Universe Official Website At: www.MissUniverse.com

The Miss Universe 2015 prize package includes: a year-long salary as Miss Universe; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a one-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy College of Visual Performing Arts; a one-year supply of haircare products and tools from CHI Haircare; a new custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by D.I.C; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes; swimwear by Yamamay; a year’s worth of skincare products from Image Skincare; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness @ Le Parker Meridien Hotel and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; professional representation by The Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including casting opportunities, movie premiers, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist. As previously announced, WME | IMG wholly acquired The Miss Universe Organization in September 2015. Prior to the acquisition, IMG had produced a number of shows for The Miss Universe Organization and did so with this year’s MISS UNIVERSE® telecast.

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The 144 citizenship candidates originate from the following 52 countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo, Liberia, Mexico, Montenegro, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Serbia, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, St. Kitts-Nevis, The Gambia, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen. Of those naturalizing, two are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

This year, USCIS will welcome more than 10,000 new citizens in nearly 130 naturalization ceremonies between Nov. 7 and 13. Of those being naturalized, more than 250 are veterans, service members and military spouses. USCIS is asking new citizens and their families and friends to share the experience and photos at their ceremonies via Twitter using the hashtag #newUScitizen.

WHO:
USCIS New York District Director Phyllis Coven

WHEN:

Friday, November 13, 9 a.m. (media will be escorted in starting at 8:30 a.m.)
WHERE:
USCIS NY District Office
26 Federal Plaza (please use the entrance on Duane Street between Broadway and Lafayette)

CONTACT:
Katie Tichacek, USCIS Public Affairs Officer, 212-264-5098, 202-420-9581 (cell) katherine.tichacek@uscis.dhs.gov

NOTE:
Media interested in participating, please RSVP to Katie Tichacek (contact info above) no later than 9:00 am EST on November 13.

– USCIS –

News Release Nov. 9, 2015

USCIS Will Host Naturalization Ceremonies to Honor Veterans and their Families

WASHINGTON—Veterans, service members and military spouses across the country will become U.S. citizens this week as they take the Oath of Allegiance at special Veterans Day naturalization ceremonies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will highlight the sacrifices that military members and their families have made while serving our country. From Nov. 7-13, USCIS will welcome more than 10,000 new citizens in nearly 130 naturalization ceremonies across the country and around the world. Of those being naturalized, more than 255 are veterans, service members and military spouses.

Many current and former military members and their families are eligible for citizenship, including expedited screening and overseas processing, under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Since Oct. 1, 2001, when data collection on military naturalizations began, more than 109,000 service members have become U.S. citizens, including individuals serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Germany, Japan and elsewhere. In 2015 alone, USCIS hosted nearly 175 naturalization ceremonies at military installations in the U.S. and abroad.

“On Veterans Day, we salute the men and women who have so courageously served our country and defended the freedoms that it was built upon. Among our brave veterans are thousands of immigrants, many of whom vowed to defend their new home even before they were citizens,” USCIS Director León Rodríguez said. “It is because of their extraordinary sacrifices, and those of their families, that we can enjoy the rights and liberties of living in this great country.”

USCIS has a robust military outreach program that provides information about immigration and naturalization to service members and veterans at military installations, Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, universities and various military organizations. USCIS also has offices on multiple military installations, including Fort Benning, Georgia; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. These offices identify recruits who may be eligible for naturalization.

USCIS’ Veterans Day activities this year will feature a naturalization ceremony at the USS Torsk and USS Constellation, located at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, on Nov. 11. During this event, Dan Renaud, USCIS associate director for the Field Operations Directorate, will administer the Oath of Allegiance, and Sgt. Maj. Mercy A. Diez of the U.S. Army Band will be recognized as an Outstanding American by Choice.

Other ceremonies include events at:
· American Heroes Air Show in Orlando, Florida, on Nov. 7.
· Cullman Performance Hall of Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina, on Nov. 11.
· Joint Base Lewis McChord in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 13.

In addition, 12 recruits will become new citizens at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, through the Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative. Developed with the Department of Defense, this program allows enlisted service members to complete the naturalization process during basic training.

USCIS invites new citizens, and their families and friends, to share their experiences from the ceremonies through Twitter and other social media using the hashtag #newUScitizen.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook(/uscis), and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

– USCIS –

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NEW YORK —The Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI), a nonprofit organization best known for the largest Philippine Independence Day Parade outside the Philippines, which is also celebrating its silver anniversary this year, is all set to host its annual Philippine Independence Day Parade, accompanied by an all-day street fair andcultural festival, stretching from 38 th Street down to 23 rd Street and Madison Avenue, on Sunday, June 1, from 11:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

First Filipina Miss World Megan Young, who recently appeared at an event in New York toraise funds for the victims of super typhoon Haiyan in central Philippines will headline theparade along with Original Philippine Music (OPM) icons Kuh Ledesma, Cecile Azarcon,Edlyn Peregrina, and Ogie Alcasid; First Filipina Carnaval Queen in Brazil Bessie Badilla;and PIDCI Grand Marshals Drs. Emilio and Felicisima Quines. The Filipino community;the Philippine Consulate General New York led by Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr,who also acts as an Honorary Adviser to PIDCI; Philippine Ambassador to the US JoseLuis Cuisia; Permanent Representative to the United Nations Libran Cabactulan; andnearly 200 Filipino American-related nonprofit and for profit organizations, will march alongMadison Avenue and take part in the day-long celebrations, whose attendance likely peaksat 100,000 people, made up mostly of Filipinos and Filipino Americans who come from theNew York Tri-State area, Pennsylvania, California, Canada, and the Philippines. Scheduled activities include the following:• 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.: FLAG CEREMONY AND INDEPENDENCE DAY MASS at thePhilippine Center, 556 Fifth Avenue. Contact (212) 764-3749.• 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: STREET FAIR, 26thStreet down to 24 th Street and MadisonAvenue. • 11:45 a.m.: PARADE OPENING CEREMONY, 38thStreet and Madison Avenue• 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.: INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE, 38thStreet down to 27 th Streetand Madison Avenue. • 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.: CULTURAL FESTIVAL, 23rdStreet and Madison Avenue For more information, please like PIDCI on facebook, www.facebook.com/pidci

Suite 1501 291 Broadway
New York, New York 10007
Email info@pidci.org
Website http://www.pidci.org/

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Speakers include:

Bishop William Swing, United Religions Initiative

Reverend Tyler Wigg Stevenson, World Evangelical Alliance  

Dr. William Vendley, Religions for Peace

H.E. Archbishop Francis A. Chullikatt, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations

Ven. Dr. Chung Ohun Lee, Won Buddhism International to the UN

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Fiqh Council of North America

Rabbi Peter Knobel, Central Conference of American Rabbis

April 30, 2014

1:15- 2:45 pm

Trusteeship Council Chamber

United Nations Headquarters

UN Passes are required.

Those without security passes must RSVP by April 27 to: April30event@gmail.com

THE COMMITTEE OF RELIGIOUS NGOS AT THE UNITED NATIONS

The Permanent Mission of the Philippines, Global Security Institute,

United Religions Initiative, Religions for Peace, World Evangelical Alliance, and the United Methodist Women

Interfaith Call for Prayers to 

Abolish Nuclear Weapons

April 30, 2014 ~ 10:00-11:00 am

Tillman Chapel

Church Center for the United Nations

44th Street and First Avenue (SW corner)

This service will have unique opportunities for prayer and participation: 

STATEMENTS

We will honor the work of religions, denominations, and organizations that have developed a statement on the elimination of nuclear weapons. You are invited to bring a copy of your position paper to present during the service so that it will become part of the blessing section of the service.

BLESSINGS

There will be a blessing on the work already done and a call to inspire more discussion and actions on nuclear abolition at the community level.

RIBBONS

You will be invited to add your prayer for nuclear abolition on a piece of ribbon. These prayers will create a panel to be linked with The Ribbon International’s panels that went around the Pentagon in 1985.

PRAYERS

Your prayers will help empower humanity to achieve the end of nuclear weapons and the dawn of a culture of peace.

Contact Monica Willard at mbwillard@aol.com to share your organization’s statement at the service and/or to be listed in the program as a supporter of this service. Supporters are encouraged to invite guests and attend the programs.

This service is designed to complement the 1:15 program in the Trusteeship Council Nuclear Weapons and the Moral Compass .

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On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Manila-Polo-Club/135114543202901

History

The Polo Club history dates back in the 1900s when a true lover of Polo arrived in the Philippines – Commissioner of Commerce and Police William Cameron Forbes.

When Forbes became the Governor General, the Philippines officially embraced Polo with the birth of the Manila Polo Club.

The Club was established in November 27, 1909 in Calle Real, Pasay. The original clubhouse was burned down and was rebuilt in 1950 where it currently stands.

Significantly in 1977, the Club assumed its PROPRIETARY classification and the club membership has evolved through the years. As the Polo Club family grows, its legacy continues…

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