Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Photo featured on Gapers Block and Chicagoist
Cinco de Mayo Parade on May 4, 2008
Cermak and Damen in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood
Featured on Gapers Block on 5/7/08
Cermak and Damen in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood
Featured on Gapers Block on 5/7/08
Original Photo posted on Flickr can be found here.Also published in Chicagoist, "the most popular local blog in the Windy City...dedicated to documenting the Second City and all its quirks."
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Manny Pacquiao coming to Chicago, May 21
Manny to meet Diaz, fans in downtown Chicago
World Champion David Diaz gets ready for June 28 match in Vegas
Web Exclusive
May 5, 2008
Text, Photos and Video by Ted Regencia
Chicago, IL -- Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is coming to Chicago on May 21 to promote his upcoming fight in Las Vegas against World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion David Diaz.
This was revealed by Bernie Bahrmasel of Double B. Publicity, Inc., which handles the publicity of the June 28 match at the world's gambling capital.
"It will be Manny Pacquiao's first visit here in Chicago," Bahrmasel said.
He said the "meet and greet" will be at the Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago. Additional details of the event will be announced at a later date.
Chicago is the hometown of Mexican American fighter Diaz. He was born and raised in the Humboldt Park area, and also trains here.
Last Sunday, May 4, Diaz was at the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago to lead the annual Cinco de Mayo parade, an event celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. A substantial part of the Chicago population is of Mexican ancestry.In an interview before the parade, Diaz revealed little about his training, but added that he is looking forward to his bout with the top Filipino boxer.
"We are both made for each other, and I think we're going to give a great and exciting fight for the public. This is what the fight is all about, to make the public happy and the fans happy," Diaz told this reporter.
Asked how he would match up with Pacquiao, who defeated a number of his Mexican compatriots, Diaz refused to make a prediction.
"Let's just wait and see how the fight goes. I'm not a big prediction guy. I just don't believe in that. We should be humble, and we both are humble fighters," Diaz explained. "We like to prove ourselves in the ring."
Diaz was quick to add that he hopes to give a good fight and keep his title from being snatched by the 29-year old fighter from General Santos City in Mindanao.
Last year, Diaz, 31, (34-1-1, 17 KOs), successfully defended his title by defeating another Mexican star Erik Morales, whom Pacquiao also defeated in the past.Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs) currently holds four world titles, including the World Boxing Council super featherweight belt.
Not all Filipinos are rooting Pacquiao. Diaz revealed that he has some Filipino friends in Chicago who want him to win.
"I've got a bunch of Filipino friends. Fortunately for me, they're going to be rooting for me. They're like, 'we know you, you're our buddy', so I feel fortunate and happy about that," he said with a grin.
At the start of the parade route, Diaz was beaming with pride as he greeted and pose for pictures with his fans. He was accompanied by his wife, Tanya and son David Jr. Another son, Elias was not present.
Of his being chosen as the parade's grand marshal, Diaz said: "It's beautiful, because I've always claimed that my heritage, even though I was born here in the US, is Mexican. My life, my upbringing has been Mexican. For them to honor me to lead the parade, you can't get higher than that."
Diaz, who started training as a boxer at age eight, also thanked his family for supporting his career saying, "without them, my achievements that I have done would not have been possible." "So I thank them from the bottom of my heart, so may God bless them always," he added.
As the parade rolled on, tens of thousands of parade spectators cheered "Viva Mexico" and "Viva Diaz" to the delight of Diaz and his family, aboard a top-down sports car.
Meanwhile, Bahrmasel said tickets are still available for the June 28 fight at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas , Nevada.
Tickets are sold at "face value." For information, call Bernie Bahrmasel at 773-592-2986.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Fil-Am in Politics
Pinay lawyer wins primary, eyes history in Illinois Assembly
PINOY Newsmagazine/
Philippine News
February 2008
Text, Photos and Video by Ted Regencia
Chicago, IL -- A top Filipino-American real estate lawyer is eyeing history in Illinois, as she makes a run for a seat in the State Assembly.
Aurora Abella-Austriaco, ran unopposed during the Democratic Primary, garnering 9,875 votes, almost double the votes of the 16-year Republican incumbent she's facing in the November 4 general election.
Austriaco still faces an uphill battle since her district has been under Republican control for 118 years. But she expressed confidence that she will prevail, citing a "shift in demographics" and the voter's appetite for "change."
If elected, Austriaco will be the first ever Asian American state representative in Illinois, also known as the Land of Lincoln, for being the hometown of the Civil War-era President Abraham Lincoln. She will represent a district, which includes the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, where former first lady and New York Senator Hillary Clinton grew up.
One major hurdle for Austriaco is to appeal to the predominantly white and conservative constituency in her district.
"If you look at my sixteen years that I have done public service, it cuts across every organization, every racial boundary. I have represented mainstream organizations, and I have not had any problem. The fact that I am Asian, that has never been questioned in these leadership positions," she said in a recent interview.
Austriaco is the immediate past president of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. Recently, she was elected secretary of the 22,000-strong Chicago Bar Association.
Austriaco said her heritage adds value to her brand of leadership. "I think the fact that I am a Filipino-American, obviously relates to the fact that, that is my heritage and I am very proud of it."
The Manila-born mother of two, vows to prioritize legislation promoting affordable healthcare, access to human services, education and strong family values.
"We are such a community of strong family values that we really value children, because they are our future leaders. We want to provide them good education," she stressed.
Austriaco also vowed "to work both aisles" in the Democratic-Republican divide at the assembly "to effect change." "I am engaged and I am always there, really connected to the community. Whatever organization I'm involved in, I am always there. I am not an absent leader," she added.
As a long-time real estate lawyer, she also vows to pass laws protecting those affected by the on-going real-estate and sub-prime mortgage mess.
"Foreclosure is a very real problem. We have lots of people that have been victims of foreclosure," she lamented. She said her leadership experience in the 22,000-strong Chicago Bar Association would help her craft legislation to fix the problem.
A member of the Maine Township Democratic Organization, Austriaco's candidacy has been endorsed by that group as well as by the Illinois AFL-CIO and Democratic leaders including Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. She is also backed by the Chicago chapter of the Asian American Action Fund and the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago.
Three years ago when she ran as a Trustee of the Maine Township, US Senator Barack Obama personally campaigned for her.
Austriaco is married to Dr. Jerome Austriaco and they have two daughters, Danielle and Isabelle.
As a teenager and freshman student at Miriam College, she along with her sisters came to Chicago to join her parents here. "I can't forget that day that we actually left, because on our way to the airport, was when [Ninoy] Aquino was assassinated," Austriaco said as she recollects that "life-changing" moment in her life.
Philippine News
February 2008
Text, Photos and Video by Ted Regencia
Chicago, IL -- A top Filipino-American real estate lawyer is eyeing history in Illinois, as she makes a run for a seat in the State Assembly.
Aurora Abella-Austriaco, ran unopposed during the Democratic Primary, garnering 9,875 votes, almost double the votes of the 16-year Republican incumbent she's facing in the November 4 general election.
Austriaco still faces an uphill battle since her district has been under Republican control for 118 years. But she expressed confidence that she will prevail, citing a "shift in demographics" and the voter's appetite for "change."
If elected, Austriaco will be the first ever Asian American state representative in Illinois, also known as the Land of Lincoln, for being the hometown of the Civil War-era President Abraham Lincoln. She will represent a district, which includes the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, where former first lady and New York Senator Hillary Clinton grew up.
One major hurdle for Austriaco is to appeal to the predominantly white and conservative constituency in her district.
"If you look at my sixteen years that I have done public service, it cuts across every organization, every racial boundary. I have represented mainstream organizations, and I have not had any problem. The fact that I am Asian, that has never been questioned in these leadership positions," she said in a recent interview.Austriaco is the immediate past president of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. Recently, she was elected secretary of the 22,000-strong Chicago Bar Association.
Austriaco said her heritage adds value to her brand of leadership. "I think the fact that I am a Filipino-American, obviously relates to the fact that, that is my heritage and I am very proud of it."
The Manila-born mother of two, vows to prioritize legislation promoting affordable healthcare, access to human services, education and strong family values.
"We are such a community of strong family values that we really value children, because they are our future leaders. We want to provide them good education," she stressed.
Austriaco also vowed "to work both aisles" in the Democratic-Republican divide at the assembly "to effect change." "I am engaged and I am always there, really connected to the community. Whatever organization I'm involved in, I am always there. I am not an absent leader," she added.
As a long-time real estate lawyer, she also vows to pass laws protecting those affected by the on-going real-estate and sub-prime mortgage mess.
"Foreclosure is a very real problem. We have lots of people that have been victims of foreclosure," she lamented. She said her leadership experience in the 22,000-strong Chicago Bar Association would help her craft legislation to fix the problem.
A member of the Maine Township Democratic Organization, Austriaco's candidacy has been endorsed by that group as well as by the Illinois AFL-CIO and Democratic leaders including Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. She is also backed by the Chicago chapter of the Asian American Action Fund and the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago.
Three years ago when she ran as a Trustee of the Maine Township, US Senator Barack Obama personally campaigned for her.
Austriaco is married to Dr. Jerome Austriaco and they have two daughters, Danielle and Isabelle.
As a teenager and freshman student at Miriam College, she along with her sisters came to Chicago to join her parents here. "I can't forget that day that we actually left, because on our way to the airport, was when [Ninoy] Aquino was assassinated," Austriaco said as she recollects that "life-changing" moment in her life.
Crime and Punishment
Feds hunt int'l drug ring fugitive
PINOY Newsmagazine/Philippine News
January 2008
By Ted Regencia
Chicago, IL -- Federal authorities are in hot pursuit of an international drug ring member who may have fled to the Philippines.
This following a massive drug bust, which netted more than a dozen arrests, including a top member of Filipino gang in Chicago.
Carlo Panadero, 36, formerly of suburban Des Plaines, is now considered a fugitive and is "believed to be in the Philippines", the Department of Justice Northern District of Illinois said.
While refusing "to further discuss the case", Assistant US Attorney Randall Samborn indicated in a separate interview last December 14, that his office could decide to release a photograph of Panadero to help in his capture.
Panadero, and 20 other defendants, are charged with "conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and more than 500 grams of mixtures containing methamphetamine and quantities of Ecstasy or MDMA."
Specifically, Panadero aka "Chito" and "Ted", "a citizen of the Philippines and a lawful permanent US resident," is accused of being involved in the sale and delivery of 10,000 Ecstasy pills and marijuana, to undercover federal agents, between December 2003 and February 2004.
Panadero�s 27-year old brother, Carlos Jr. or "CJ", who is in federal custody, is also charged for helping in the negotiation of the drug sale. According to authorities, Carlos Jr. introduced the undercover agents to his brother and another suspect.
The operation, conducted by federal and local Chicago authorities, was the culmination of a four-year investigation into an international drug-trafficking network, authorities said.
The investigation originated from the DuPage County Sheriff's Department in 2003. Authorities first traced the origin of drug shipment to Canada. The drug shipment would then arrive in Chicago and distributed "by two separate crews with connections in Chinatown and with the Latin Kings street gang."
"This case demonstrates that law enforcement agencies won't just stop at county or international borders in their pursuit of international drug-trafficking organizations that invade our communities," the highly-respected US Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald declared. Fitzgerald was responsible in putting former Illinois Governor George Ryan to jail. He also prosecuted the CIA leak investigation.
Another suspect in custody is Ivan Myint, 38, formerly of Gurnee, who is charged separately in a pending federal case, the 150-page affidavit said. Myint is described as a member "Flip City Kings", the so-called Filipino-based faction of the Latin Kings street gang in Chicago.
Two years ago, Myint was also arrested and charged with a federal narcotics offense. With the assistance of his brother, Michael, who is also being charged, he reportedly fled to Mexico. Michael also reportedly stored 16,000 Ecstasy pills at his residence and later delivered them to another undercover agent. Michael also allegedly stored drug ledgers for his brother, Ivan.
Still, another suspect is Melvin Dumanlang, who reportedly acted as a lookout during a drug delivery. He also reportedly smuggled into the US drug samples from Canada.
At least 10 of the alleged co-conspirators appeared in court last December 6.
If convicted, each faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life without parole and fines up to $4 million.
PINOY Newsmagazine/Philippine News
January 2008
By Ted Regencia
Chicago, IL -- Federal authorities are in hot pursuit of an international drug ring member who may have fled to the Philippines.
This following a massive drug bust, which netted more than a dozen arrests, including a top member of Filipino gang in Chicago.
Carlo Panadero, 36, formerly of suburban Des Plaines, is now considered a fugitive and is "believed to be in the Philippines", the Department of Justice Northern District of Illinois said.
While refusing "to further discuss the case", Assistant US Attorney Randall Samborn indicated in a separate interview last December 14, that his office could decide to release a photograph of Panadero to help in his capture.
Panadero, and 20 other defendants, are charged with "conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and more than 500 grams of mixtures containing methamphetamine and quantities of Ecstasy or MDMA."
Specifically, Panadero aka "Chito" and "Ted", "a citizen of the Philippines and a lawful permanent US resident," is accused of being involved in the sale and delivery of 10,000 Ecstasy pills and marijuana, to undercover federal agents, between December 2003 and February 2004.
Panadero�s 27-year old brother, Carlos Jr. or "CJ", who is in federal custody, is also charged for helping in the negotiation of the drug sale. According to authorities, Carlos Jr. introduced the undercover agents to his brother and another suspect.
The operation, conducted by federal and local Chicago authorities, was the culmination of a four-year investigation into an international drug-trafficking network, authorities said.
The investigation originated from the DuPage County Sheriff's Department in 2003. Authorities first traced the origin of drug shipment to Canada. The drug shipment would then arrive in Chicago and distributed "by two separate crews with connections in Chinatown and with the Latin Kings street gang."
"This case demonstrates that law enforcement agencies won't just stop at county or international borders in their pursuit of international drug-trafficking organizations that invade our communities," the highly-respected US Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald declared. Fitzgerald was responsible in putting former Illinois Governor George Ryan to jail. He also prosecuted the CIA leak investigation.
Another suspect in custody is Ivan Myint, 38, formerly of Gurnee, who is charged separately in a pending federal case, the 150-page affidavit said. Myint is described as a member "Flip City Kings", the so-called Filipino-based faction of the Latin Kings street gang in Chicago.
Two years ago, Myint was also arrested and charged with a federal narcotics offense. With the assistance of his brother, Michael, who is also being charged, he reportedly fled to Mexico. Michael also reportedly stored 16,000 Ecstasy pills at his residence and later delivered them to another undercover agent. Michael also allegedly stored drug ledgers for his brother, Ivan.
Still, another suspect is Melvin Dumanlang, who reportedly acted as a lookout during a drug delivery. He also reportedly smuggled into the US drug samples from Canada.
At least 10 of the alleged co-conspirators appeared in court last December 6.
If convicted, each faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life without parole and fines up to $4 million.
2008 Presidential Elections
Obama, Huckabee win Iowa on message of change
PINOY Newsmagazine/Philippine News/Inquirer.net
January 2008
Text, Photos and Videos by Ted Regencia
Des Moines, IA -- For one night on January 3, the midwest state of Iowa became the epicenter of American politics, as voters participated in the traditional caucus, catapulting Senator Barack Obama and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee to the top of the Democratic and Republican race for the White House.
Running on the message of change, Obama and Huckabee wrest Iowa from their better-known and well-financed rivals, such as New York Senator Hillary Clinton and multi-millionaire former governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney. The first-in-the-nation Iowa Caucus, a rudimentary process of securing votes by hours of debate, deliberation, even horse-trading, and eventually show of hands, could create momentum for both candidates as they move the next states.
"They said, our sights were set too high. They said, this country was too divided, too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose. But on this January night, at this defining moment in history, you have done what the cynics said we couldn't do," said Obama, who made history by becoming the first African American to ever win Iowa, a state that is 96 percent white.
"We are one nation, we are one people, and our time for change has come," added the junior US senator from Illinois, to rousing applause by supporters who packed downtown Des Moines' HyVee Hall.
Obama's Filipino-American supporters, a very rare sight in this state of vast farmlands, were visibly thrilled to witness a son of a Kenyan migrant, claim victory.
"I think it is just [an] amazing part of history. I think we are sending him off to the other states with great energy, and to show the rest of the United States that this is what we need and this is what we want," said Joy Esposito, a Filipino American native of San Diego and ten-year resident of Des Moines. Esposito's parents were born in Hawaii to Filipino immigrants.
"We are so happy to do this in Iowa," added Esposito. It was her second time to caucus and her first as a precinct captain for Obama. Esposito related how Obama's grassroots organization worked, knocking on doors and talking to friends and neighbors, by phone and over coffee, to discuss the merits of his candidacy.
As the votes were counted in Esposito's precinct, four of the eight voters who showed up eventually sided with Obama. Of the record-breaking 200,000 plus who voted Democratic, Obama got 38 percent of the votes, John Edwards got 30 percent and Clinton, 29 percent. About 100,000, many Christian Evangelicals, voted Republican, boosting Huckabee, a Baptist minister.
Another Obama supporter, Cherry Welch, a native of Butuan City, Philippines also expressed her excitement for being part of the caucus.
"I am really excited, and I think he can make a big change for our country, and we are ready for him," Welch, who is married to an Iowan, said. The 25-year resident of Iowa said Obama also won in her precinct. "It's a historic moment for Iowa," she quipped. Obama also won in her precinct.
Clinton's third place finish was particularly disappointing to her better-organized Filipino-American supporters here. Several gatherings had been organized by the community for the former first lady, a long-time supporter of the Filipino veterans issue. In one of their recent meetings, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, an early endorser of Clinton, showed up. LA has a significant Filipino population. National leaders in the Filipino community, such as Irene Natividad, Maria Luisa Haley and Janelle Cabrera also travelled to Iowa, as part of Clinton's outreach to the Asian community here.
In Chicago, a five and a half-hour drive east of Des Moines, Filipino American leaders, many affiliated with the local chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), were openly supporting Clinton. They also travelled to next-door state of Iowa to volunteer and convince other Filipinos to vote for Hillary, a native of Illinois. While many NaFFAA officers volunteered for Clinton in their personal capacity, the organization DID NOT endorse any candidate.
At the Filipino Store in Des Moines, owners Dwight Roberts and wife Benilda's excitement for Hillary Clinton was apparent. Just hours before the caucus, Benilda, a native of Talibon, Bohol, a first-time caucus participant said she is supporting Clinton, "because she is a strong advocate on immigration." "She will help reunite Filipino families, and she is very supportive the veterans," she added. The Roberts' eight-year old daughter, Kimberly, also volunteered in the Kids for Hillary in Iowa, making posters and countdown signs, and attending rallies. The couple caucused in Indianola, Iowa.
The on-slaught of support for Obama, however, was too much for Clinton to overcome. Among 18 to 29 year-old voters, Obama secured over 50 percent of the votes, to Clinton's 10 percent. Among women, expected to be the natural base for Clinton, she was also defeated by Obama, 35 to 30 percent. Many Independents and Republicans also caucused Democratic, so they can vote for Obama.
Los Angeles Councilman Eric Garcetti, who represents the historic Filipino Town, said of Obama: "This is a phenomenal victory. I think this represents a point in our history that we will look back on and say, this is when the country began to be unified again and began to move in a direction that America deserves."
Garcetti, who flew in to Iowa to campaign for Obama, said he is "the natural candidate" for Filipino American voters because "he shares the experience of so many Filipino families." "He is somebody who understands the struggles that Filipino families, and families of color go through. He is the natural candidate for the Filipino community, not because simply of his background, but also because of his ideals."
Several caucuses and primaries are scheduled after Iowa, including New Hampshire on January 8. Major states such as California and Illinois are set to hold it's primary on February 5, the so-called "Super Duper Tuesday."
January 2008
Text, Photos and Videos by Ted Regencia
Des Moines, IA -- For one night on January 3, the midwest state of Iowa became the epicenter of American politics, as voters participated in the traditional caucus, catapulting Senator Barack Obama and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee to the top of the Democratic and Republican race for the White House.Running on the message of change, Obama and Huckabee wrest Iowa from their better-known and well-financed rivals, such as New York Senator Hillary Clinton and multi-millionaire former governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney. The first-in-the-nation Iowa Caucus, a rudimentary process of securing votes by hours of debate, deliberation, even horse-trading, and eventually show of hands, could create momentum for both candidates as they move the next states.
"They said, our sights were set too high. They said, this country was too divided, too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose. But on this January night, at this defining moment in history, you have done what the cynics said we couldn't do," said Obama, who made history by becoming the first African American to ever win Iowa, a state that is 96 percent white.
"We are one nation, we are one people, and our time for change has come," added the junior US senator from Illinois, to rousing applause by supporters who packed downtown Des Moines' HyVee Hall.
Obama's Filipino-American supporters, a very rare sight in this state of vast farmlands, were visibly thrilled to witness a son of a Kenyan migrant, claim victory."I think it is just [an] amazing part of history. I think we are sending him off to the other states with great energy, and to show the rest of the United States that this is what we need and this is what we want," said Joy Esposito, a Filipino American native of San Diego and ten-year resident of Des Moines. Esposito's parents were born in Hawaii to Filipino immigrants.
"We are so happy to do this in Iowa," added Esposito. It was her second time to caucus and her first as a precinct captain for Obama. Esposito related how Obama's grassroots organization worked, knocking on doors and talking to friends and neighbors, by phone and over coffee, to discuss the merits of his candidacy.
As the votes were counted in Esposito's precinct, four of the eight voters who showed up eventually sided with Obama. Of the record-breaking 200,000 plus who voted Democratic, Obama got 38 percent of the votes, John Edwards got 30 percent and Clinton, 29 percent. About 100,000, many Christian Evangelicals, voted Republican, boosting Huckabee, a Baptist minister.
Another Obama supporter, Cherry Welch, a native of Butuan City, Philippines also expressed her excitement for being part of the caucus.
"I am really excited, and I think he can make a big change for our country, and we are ready for him," Welch, who is married to an Iowan, said. The 25-year resident of Iowa said Obama also won in her precinct. "It's a historic moment for Iowa," she quipped. Obama also won in her precinct.
Clinton's third place finish was particularly disappointing to her better-organized Filipino-American supporters here. Several gatherings had been organized by the community for the former first lady, a long-time supporter of the Filipino veterans issue. In one of their recent meetings, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, an early endorser of Clinton, showed up. LA has a significant Filipino population. National leaders in the Filipino community, such as Irene Natividad, Maria Luisa Haley and Janelle Cabrera also travelled to Iowa, as part of Clinton's outreach to the Asian community here.
In Chicago, a five and a half-hour drive east of Des Moines, Filipino American leaders, many affiliated with the local chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), were openly supporting Clinton. They also travelled to next-door state of Iowa to volunteer and convince other Filipinos to vote for Hillary, a native of Illinois. While many NaFFAA officers volunteered for Clinton in their personal capacity, the organization DID NOT endorse any candidate.At the Filipino Store in Des Moines, owners Dwight Roberts and wife Benilda's excitement for Hillary Clinton was apparent. Just hours before the caucus, Benilda, a native of Talibon, Bohol, a first-time caucus participant said she is supporting Clinton, "because she is a strong advocate on immigration." "She will help reunite Filipino families, and she is very supportive the veterans," she added. The Roberts' eight-year old daughter, Kimberly, also volunteered in the Kids for Hillary in Iowa, making posters and countdown signs, and attending rallies. The couple caucused in Indianola, Iowa.
The on-slaught of support for Obama, however, was too much for Clinton to overcome. Among 18 to 29 year-old voters, Obama secured over 50 percent of the votes, to Clinton's 10 percent. Among women, expected to be the natural base for Clinton, she was also defeated by Obama, 35 to 30 percent. Many Independents and Republicans also caucused Democratic, so they can vote for Obama.
Los Angeles Councilman Eric Garcetti, who represents the historic Filipino Town, said of Obama: "This is a phenomenal victory. I think this represents a point in our history that we will look back on and say, this is when the country began to be unified again and began to move in a direction that America deserves."
Garcetti, who flew in to Iowa to campaign for Obama, said he is "the natural candidate" for Filipino American voters because "he shares the experience of so many Filipino families." "He is somebody who understands the struggles that Filipino families, and families of color go through. He is the natural candidate for the Filipino community, not because simply of his background, but also because of his ideals."
Several caucuses and primaries are scheduled after Iowa, including New Hampshire on January 8. Major states such as California and Illinois are set to hold it's primary on February 5, the so-called "Super Duper Tuesday."
Filipino Achiever
Filipino journalist bags Global Media Award
PINOY Newsmagazine/
Philippine News
January 2008
Text, Photos and Video in Washington D.C. by Ted Regencia
Washington, D.C. -- A disturbing look on sex, media and children and a separate story on population explosion and its effects on the environment, won Philippine television reporter Melclaire Sy Delfin the 2007 Global Media Award from the Washington-based Population Institute (PI).
Delfin, of television network GMA 7 and its US affiliate GMA Pinoy TV, was cited for Best Individual Reporting for her articles "The Forbidden Games Filipino Children Play" and "When Wells Run Dry: A Tragedy Looming Large."
The lone Asian awardee shared the stage with a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, a radio show host from the African country of Cameroon, and nine other recipients, during a ceremony, December 5, at the Rayburn House of Representatives Office Building in the US capital.
"Being a journalist, my goal is always to provide accurate and complete information. So that my countrymen, the Filipinos, can make the right choices for themselves and for the country," Delfin said in a short remark after receiving the award.
"I am definitely honored by this award, especially that it comes from a very respected international organization," she said in a separate interview.
Former director of the Philippine Press Institute, now Washington-based executive of Global Media Ventures, Adlai Amor was also at the ceremony to congratulate Delfin.
"I am delighted that [she] won this award. It shows that Filipino journalists have what it takes to compete in the international stage. I hope other journalists will follow her path and will continue to make us Filipinos proud throughout the world," Amor said.
The Media and Family Planning
Coincidentally, a Filipino professor from the John Hopkins University was guest speaker at the event. Jose G. Rimon II, senior deputy director of the university's Bloomberg School of Public Health, stressed the crucial role of media in educating the populace about population control.
Using scientific findings, he pointed out that mass media is the most "cost effective" way of reaching its target audience, even as he stressed the important role of government in promoting reproductive health issues.
In the case of the Philippines, Rimon urged the government to do more to promote family planning. He said that despite economic growth the country now enjoys, poverty still persists because the economy cannot keep up with an even faster population growth.
Rimon said that while the Philippines share the same economic growth as neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, it has 18 million more people.
"The Philippines would never progress as long as their is no political will to address this issue. We have been left behind by most of our Asian neighbors. At one time we have been compared to Thailand, and they have surpassed us. And we were being compared to Vietnam, and Vietnam has surpassed us in this area. What else is there to compare," he said.
Despite the strong opposition of the highly-influential Catholic church to numerous family-planning methods, Rimon believes there's a way to find "common ground" to work together
"From my experience, if you talk to individual priests in the parish level, they do understand the issue. But sometimes they have to toe the line. But there's a lot of progressive thinking even within the Catholic church. It's not monolithic in this particular issue, so probably you just need to find a way so that some kind of common ground is found, and which politically everybody can work together," he said.
Private corporations and non-government organizations must also do more to encourage responsible family planning, Rimon added.
Population explosion
In the two articles Delfin wrote, she showed exactly how unrestrained population explosion affected the populace, as described by Rimon in his statistics.
In the story "The Forbidden Games Filipino Children Play," Delfin delves on "the shocking sexual precocity of Filipino children."
Because of lack of proper sex education, limited parental supervision due to poverty and family size, combined with continuous bombardment of images on television, the Internet and magazines, children have become exposed to risky sexual behaviors as told by the article.
Delfin reported how she witnessed children living in an impoverished area in Manila, simulating sexual acts.
"Most often, it is a taboo talking about it (sex) with children in many Filipino families. This leads children to explore it on their own, thinking it's just another game," Delfin wrote earlier in explaining her story to the Population Institute's Media Awards Committee, headed by a respected Indian journalist, Rahul Singh.
Meanwhile, Delfin's other piece, "When Wells Dry: A Tragedy Looming Large" looks at dwindling of natural resources amidst population growth and increased pollution and contamination.
The Population Institute, which handed out the award, is an international, educational, non-profit organization that seeks to voluntarily reduce excessive population growth, through universal access to family planning information, education and services.
While based in Washington D.C., it does not accept funding from the US government. Established in 1969, the Institute has members in 172. It is headed by Dr. Lawrence Smith Jr, president.
Philippine News
January 2008
Text, Photos and Video in Washington D.C. by Ted Regencia
Washington, D.C. -- A disturbing look on sex, media and children and a separate story on population explosion and its effects on the environment, won Philippine television reporter Melclaire Sy Delfin the 2007 Global Media Award from the Washington-based Population Institute (PI).
Delfin, of television network GMA 7 and its US affiliate GMA Pinoy TV, was cited for Best Individual Reporting for her articles "The Forbidden Games Filipino Children Play" and "When Wells Run Dry: A Tragedy Looming Large."
The lone Asian awardee shared the stage with a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, a radio show host from the African country of Cameroon, and nine other recipients, during a ceremony, December 5, at the Rayburn House of Representatives Office Building in the US capital.
"Being a journalist, my goal is always to provide accurate and complete information. So that my countrymen, the Filipinos, can make the right choices for themselves and for the country," Delfin said in a short remark after receiving the award.
"I am definitely honored by this award, especially that it comes from a very respected international organization," she said in a separate interview.
Former director of the Philippine Press Institute, now Washington-based executive of Global Media Ventures, Adlai Amor was also at the ceremony to congratulate Delfin.
"I am delighted that [she] won this award. It shows that Filipino journalists have what it takes to compete in the international stage. I hope other journalists will follow her path and will continue to make us Filipinos proud throughout the world," Amor said.
The Media and Family PlanningCoincidentally, a Filipino professor from the John Hopkins University was guest speaker at the event. Jose G. Rimon II, senior deputy director of the university's Bloomberg School of Public Health, stressed the crucial role of media in educating the populace about population control.
Using scientific findings, he pointed out that mass media is the most "cost effective" way of reaching its target audience, even as he stressed the important role of government in promoting reproductive health issues.
In the case of the Philippines, Rimon urged the government to do more to promote family planning. He said that despite economic growth the country now enjoys, poverty still persists because the economy cannot keep up with an even faster population growth.
Rimon said that while the Philippines share the same economic growth as neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, it has 18 million more people.
"The Philippines would never progress as long as their is no political will to address this issue. We have been left behind by most of our Asian neighbors. At one time we have been compared to Thailand, and they have surpassed us. And we were being compared to Vietnam, and Vietnam has surpassed us in this area. What else is there to compare," he said.
Despite the strong opposition of the highly-influential Catholic church to numerous family-planning methods, Rimon believes there's a way to find "common ground" to work together
"From my experience, if you talk to individual priests in the parish level, they do understand the issue. But sometimes they have to toe the line. But there's a lot of progressive thinking even within the Catholic church. It's not monolithic in this particular issue, so probably you just need to find a way so that some kind of common ground is found, and which politically everybody can work together," he said.
Private corporations and non-government organizations must also do more to encourage responsible family planning, Rimon added.
Population explosion
In the two articles Delfin wrote, she showed exactly how unrestrained population explosion affected the populace, as described by Rimon in his statistics.
In the story "The Forbidden Games Filipino Children Play," Delfin delves on "the shocking sexual precocity of Filipino children."
Because of lack of proper sex education, limited parental supervision due to poverty and family size, combined with continuous bombardment of images on television, the Internet and magazines, children have become exposed to risky sexual behaviors as told by the article.
Delfin reported how she witnessed children living in an impoverished area in Manila, simulating sexual acts.
"Most often, it is a taboo talking about it (sex) with children in many Filipino families. This leads children to explore it on their own, thinking it's just another game," Delfin wrote earlier in explaining her story to the Population Institute's Media Awards Committee, headed by a respected Indian journalist, Rahul Singh.
Meanwhile, Delfin's other piece, "When Wells Dry: A Tragedy Looming Large" looks at dwindling of natural resources amidst population growth and increased pollution and contamination.
The Population Institute, which handed out the award, is an international, educational, non-profit organization that seeks to voluntarily reduce excessive population growth, through universal access to family planning information, education and services.
While based in Washington D.C., it does not accept funding from the US government. Established in 1969, the Institute has members in 172. It is headed by Dr. Lawrence Smith Jr, president.
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