Key Bush administration official to address top Filipino American community leaders - June 21st
For immediate release
06/17/03 10:00 am EDT

Key Bush administration official to address top Filipino American community leaders – June 21st
To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor
Contact: Philippine Festival 2003 Chairman, Marie Remy Cabrera 301-654-4522;
Press Relations Officer, Augustus Alzona 301-530-8883, e-mail: augustus@alzona.com

Press Release

WHAT:

Susan B. Ralston, Executive Assistant to Karl Rove, the Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, has accepted the invitation from the Philippine Festival Committee 2003 (PFC), Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC), to deliver the keynote address at their annual Independence Gala Ball. Top Filipino American business and community leaders, political activists, prominent socialites, as well as distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, including Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Albert del Rosario, will also attend this formal dinner dance.

WHO:

Ms. Ralston assists Mr. Rove in overseeing the strategic planning, political affairs, public liaison, and intergovernmental affairs efforts of the White House. “In her position, she is the most influential Filipino American in the Bush administration”, said Carmen Stull, PFC Gala Ball Chairman, “We are honored to have her as our keynote speaker.”

The PFC is a group of dedicated volunteers from the various Filipino, Filipino-American and mainstream communities throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. “We look forward to hearing Ms. Ralston address issues of most concern to Filipino Americans and, time allowing, those of all Americans at large,” said Marie Remy Cabrera, Overall Chairman of this year's Philippine Festival Committee.

WHY:

This formal gala ball also coincides with the annual June 12th celebration of the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. The current global "war on terrorism", joint mutual defense treaties, and the Philippine's unconditional support of American interests abroad has further reinforced the longstanding close ties and empathy between the two countries. Filipino Americans continue to be the fastest growing Asian Pacific American group of naturalized citizens in the United States. Their growing power and influence in America was publicly acknowledged at the warm reception given by President George W. Bush to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, during her recent official State visit here.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 21, 2003. 6:30 pm - Reception. 8:00 pm. - Dinner, program, dancing. National Dress/Barong or Black Tie. Confirmed reservations required.

WHERE:

Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia. You may view the gala ball invitation and latest event information via the Philippine Festival 2003 link at www.pafc-inc.org

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