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: A PSA by Charlene deGuzman

Charlene deGuzman just released a PSA (Public Service Announcement) titles Filipino: A PSA in celebration of Filipino American History Month. deGuzman, who gained popularity over her youtube video “I Forgot My Phone”, wrote, directed and produced the PSA. Filipino: A PSA includes appearances by Filipino American actors including Vincent Rodriguez III, Ginger Gonzaga, Tess Paras, Jason Rogel, and Eugene Cordero as they give us a brief history of the Philippines as well as spotlighting other Filipinos in the entertainment industry.

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

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 💋"

MARVEL COMICS INTRODUCES A FILIPINA HEROINE IN "THE WAR OF THE REALMS"

Marvel Comics’ upcoming comic book, The War of the Realms will introduce a new team of heroes including “Wave” a Filipina heroine, Aero and Sword Master from China who will be part of the Agents of Atlas. The War of the Realms universe will be set in Asia where the Agents of Atlas will be tasked to save the world.

According to Marvel editor Will Moss, “War of the Realms is this big, big Marvel universe story involving all the heroes from the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Wolverine, the whole line.”

The comic books are set to be debut in May 2019.

H.E.R. wins two Grammys

H.E.R. who received 5 Grammy nominations, took home 2 Grammy awards this past weekend for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance for her song Best Part featuring Daniel Caesar.

21 year old H.E.R., whose mom is half Filipino and dad is African American has credited her parents for her musicality, stating that she has always been around music her entire life and just gravitated towards instruments. When she accepted her Grammy for Best R&B Album Award, she thanked her family by saying,

“I want to thank first and foremost God, and my parents who are in the building and my wonderful sister. Mom, Dad, this is for all the wonderful sacrifices that you made for me. Thank you for embracing my talents and who I am.”

H.E.R. was born Gabi Wilson but in 2016, changed her stage name to H.E.R. which stands for Have Everything Revealed.

"FOOL'S GOLD" BY ALFA

Alfa dropped her latest music video yesterday for her single “Fool’s Gold.” The music video features preschool students who attend Montessori of Walnut and Montessori of Rancho Cucamonga.

On her Facebook page, Alfa wrote about “Fool’s Gold” saying, “I had a song that inherently just connected - it's all about being who you are, knowing this is what makes you valuable...and who better to deliver this than a bunch of candid, hilarious, earnest, adorable, in-the-moment preschoolers?”  

For more info on Alfa, you can head to her website at www.alfa-music.com

KELSEY MERRITT FIRST FILIPINA AT VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW

Kelsey Merritt will be the first Filipina model to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show happening later this year. 21 year old Merritt is no stranger to posing for Victoria’s Secret. This past May she booked her first shoot with the popular lingerie company for their active wear line.

from @kelseymerritt Instagram

Merritt, who was born in the Philippines and graduated last year from Ateneo De Manila University with a BA in Communications juggled going to college in the Philippines and modeling around the world for several years. Upon receiving her degree last Summer, on May 2017 she posted on her Instagram account:

“God knows how hard it was to constantly fly back and forth New York and London while still in school. I had to miss classes, but still make sure that I was on top of everything. At the same time, I had no right to complain I was having a hard time because I was blessed with work. I was living my dream! People often ask me how I managed to do it, and all I say is that as long as you have your priorities straight and manage your time well, then it really can be done.” 

Kelsey Merritt’s other modeling credits include projects with Maybelline, Uniqlo, Kashieca, Palmolive and Vera Wang’s White Bridal Collection.

@KelseyMerritt Instagram

Although Merritt will be the first Filipina model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show runway, Janine Tugonon became the first Filipino to be featured in a Victoria’s Secret promotional material when she appeared in the VS Pink Line. However, Tugonon did not make the cut to appear in the 2016 fashion show.