2020 Census - We Count

The Census happens every 10 years and counts every person living in the United States (and 5 U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth and the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Funding for our hospitals, emergency services, roads/highways and schools are decided based on the questionnaire.

Many people are skeptical and fear for their privacy. However, the Census is extremely safe and your answers are confidential. They will not be shared with other agencies such as immigration, law enforcement or housing authorities. In addition, it only takes several minutes and it is now easier than ever to fill out the Census. It can be completed via phone, internet and through the mail.

If English is not your first or preferred language, the Census questionnaire is also available in 13 languages. Information and language guides are also available in 59 other languages. For more information, head to www.2020census.gov

For our Tagalog speaking community, please watch the video below for more information.

FILIPINO FILMMAKER MAKES HISTORY AT LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL

Diane Paragas and her film, Yellow Rose, will make history at this year’s 35th Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, making her the first Filipina American Filmmaker to open the festival.  

Directed and written by Diane Paragas, the American movie musical follows the story of Rose, played by Tony award nominee Eva Noblezada, a 17 year old girl who tries to fulfill her dream of becoming a country music star all while facing the threat of deportation. Joining Noblezada is Broadway star and Tony Award winner, Lea Salonga who plays Rose’s aunt. Rounding out the cast is Dale Watson, Liam Booth, Gustavo Gomez, Libby Villari and Princess Punzalan.

“I am so humbled that our film has been chosen for this honor.” Paragas told Deadline.com

Paragas also stated that Yellow Rose has taken over 15 years to make and “it couldn’t come at a more important time when anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high. This is a story for everyone facing challenges in finding their voice, their dreams and, more importantly, their home.”

Francis Cullado, the Executive Director of Visual Communications expressed their excitement in showcasing Diane Paragas as the first ever Filipina American Opning Night presentation, saying

“We feel that Yellow Rose’s themes stemming from our collective experiences of what defines American can create cultural cross-connections throughout our diverse communities.”

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will run from May 2nd to May 10th. For more information, you can head to https://vcmedia.org/festival

EAST WEST PLAYERS PRESENTS MAMMA MIA!

East West Players presents their version of the award- winning Broadway musical Mamma Mia! Directed by East West Players’ Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai, the musical is set to run from May 9th through June 9th at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Mamma Mia! is part of East West Players’ 53rd Anniversary Season themed, Culture Shock, which is about “disrupting the status quo and taking charge of the outsider narrative.”

“I am so excited to bring Mamma Mia! to East West Players. Reflecting on the theme of ‘culture shock,’ this unique production will feature a diverse, Asian American-led cast—challenging the perception of who is perceived as an American abroad and exploring the culture shock we often feel in our own families generationally,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai.

The cast includes The King and I’s Broadway stars Joan Almedilla and Alan Ariano, as well as Grace Yoo, Elvira Barjau, Anthea Neri, Max Torrez, Danny Bernardo, Michael Palma, Kevin Perdido, Nicole Santiago, Ala Tiata, Edelyn Okano, Dekontee Turkile, Andrew Ge, Steven Agdeppa and singer/songwriters AJ Rafael and Jules Aurora.

Opening night will be held on May 16th with previews starting on Thursday May 9th running through Sunday May 12th.

For more information and tickets you can head to eastwestplayers.org

Steven Agdeppa

Michael Palma

Nicole Santiago

Dekontee Turkile

Kevin Perdido

Max Austin Torrez

Edelyn Okano

Elvira Barjau

Grace Yoo

Joan Almedilla

Jules Aurora

Danny Bernardo

Anthea Mae Neri

Andrew Ge

Alan Ariano

Alan Tiata

AJ Rafael

KELSEY MERRITT MAKES SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT 2019 ROOKIE CLASS

Supermodel Kelsey Merritt can add Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model to her rapidly increasing list of credits. Merritt is one of several beauties who have made the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2019 rookie class. She joins New England Patriots cheerleader Camille Kostek, plus size model Hunter McGrady and Bret Michaels’ daughter Raine Michael. Kelsey auditioned for the magazine this past October saying,

“I really want to be a Sports Illustrated model because I love how confident the models are and I want to show everyone who is looking at these pictures and reading the magazine that they can also be confident in their own skin.”

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is scheduled to come out in May.

Merritt also shared several behind the scenes videos of her photoshoot for Sports Illustrated on her Instagram Account.

A little #bts from the photo I posted earlier 💞 #SISwim @si_swimsuit 💋

213.2k Likes, 2,599 Comments - Kelsey Merritt (@kelseymerritt) on Instagram: "A little #bts from the photo I posted earlier 💞 #SISwim @si_swimsuit 💋"

KAREN GALLMAN IS FIRST FILIPINA MISS INTERCONTINENTAL PAGEANT WINNER

47 years after its inception, a Filipina contestant was crowned Miss Intercontinental.  Filipina Australian beauty Karen Gallman became the first Filipina to win the competition which was held at the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines this past weekend.

“It means a lot to me. This is the first time the Philippines has won Miss Intercontinental so I am very happy I could do this for the Philippines. I am speechless. I can’t stop smiling. I am just so grateful,” she said in an interview after her coronation at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Gallman thanked her supporters via her Instagram account and also dedicated her crown to the Philippines.

With her Miss Intercontinental win, Gallman hopes to be a great role model for young women. She added that she wants to be voice for those that cannot be heard and would like to be an inspiration to others. Like current Miss Universe winner, Catriona Gray, one of Karen Gallman’s main goals is to fight for better education for children living in poverty and are from the rural areas of the Philippines.

FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS IN CARSON, CALIFORNIA

October marks Filipino American History Month and once again, the city of Carson will be holding several events throughout the month in celebration.

Kicking things off is the 9th Annual Filipino American History Month Celebration happening on Saturday October 6th from 9am – 12pm at the CJMM Community Center in Carson. The celebration will include special appearances by Fe De Los Reyes & Miguel Vera, along with musical performances by Shekinah Austria, Therese Masangcay Jason Farol, Jeserey Sanchez, Charishma Marquez, Shane Selloria, SCULB PCN, and Kindreds of Carson Dance.

Awards will also be presented to seven outstanding Filipinos: Florante Ibanez, Rose Ibanez, & Arturo Garcia for Community Leadership: Paolo Roca and Matheo Leuterio for Youth Achievement; and LCDR Edgardo Labao and Deputy Melvin Castro for Heroism.

October 16th the FACC-SLAA will present FilAms Got Talent, a dance group competition happening from 1pm – 4pm in the Center Court of the SouthBay Pavilion Mall in Carson. The top 3 dance groups will receive cash prizes.

The following weekend, October 20th is the Leyte Landing Commemoration & Walkathon at the Carson Community Center to commemorate the 74th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing. Following the commemoration and walkathon will be the FilAm Medical, Health, Sports & Wellness Day at the Southbay Pavilion. Medical Practitioners, Nutritionists and various vendors will be on hand for the public.

Closing the month long celebration is the 9th Annual Larry Itliong Day Parade & Festival which will be held at Veterans Park in Carson. The parade will feature Filipino organizations, followed by guest speakers including Johnny Itliong, Cesar Chavez’ son, Fernando Chavez and Roger Gadiano. Awards will be presented to Ivy Quicho and the late Dr. Dawn Mabalon. Musical Performances and the announcement of the Larry Itliong poster contest winners will also be part of the celebration.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR MAKING SLIME

UPDATE: Congratulations to the City of Carson for setting a Guinness World Record! The 2nd annual Community Friendship Day event brought in over 900 participants in becoming the most people making slime simultaneously.

For more info on the record breaking event you can head to - http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2018/8/californian-city-community-comes-together-to-set-massive-slime-making-record-535163

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If you’re looking for a unique, family friendly and fun way to spend your 4th of July weekend in Southern California, then how about celebrating Community Friendship Day on Sunday July 1st at Carson Park? This year, in addition to the very popular annual event, you have the opportunity to be a part of the Guinness World Record.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce South Bay Los Angeles Area (FACC-SLAA) and the City of Carson will attempt to hold a Guinness World Records title for the most people making slime simultaneously. (You do not have to a resident of Carson to take part in this project).

For more information, you can call 310-830-4925 and to register or be a part of this event, you can sign up at any Carson Park.

Since the beginning, FACC-SLAA has been Carson’s partner and organizer for the Friendship Day event. This year, Community Friendship Day will occur on Sunday July 1st from 11am to 3pm at Caron Park which is located on 21411 Orrick Avenue, Carson, CA 90745.