Official Washington's formal “Event of the Year” for top Filipino American community leaders - June 21st
For immediate release
06/20/03 12:00 noon EDT

Official Washington's formal “Event of the Year” for top Filipino American community leaders - June 21st
To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor
Contact: Philippine Festival 2003 Gala Ball Chairman, Carmen Stull 301-260-7472;
Press Relations Officer, Augustus Alzona 301-530-8883, e-mail:
augustus@alzona.com

Press Release (Special Edition – Gala Ball)

WHAT:

Billed as the “Event of the Year” that no member of Philippine American society would want to miss, this month's Philippine Independence Gala Ball is predicted to be the best ever held in official Washington. “We are delighted to host such a function so compatible with this year's theme of 'Embracing Our Diversity'” said Carmen “Menchit” Stull, Gala Ball Chairman, “the
'We are Filipino, We are One' phrase on the gala ball program's logo design strengthens the idea of a union of spirit that dwells in every true Filipino's heart.”

The evening shall be begin with a 6:30 pm “meet and greet” VIP cocktail reception, followed by a spectacular program interspersed with short speeches, dinner, a cultural presentation and ballroom dancing. Famous Filipina choreographer and dance master, Becky Pagsibigan is this year's Program Director. D'Orginals, a large band from Norfolk, Virginia, will be providing live dance music throughout the evening, until 1:00 am.

WHO:

Susan B. Ralston, Executive Assistant to Karl Rove, the Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, will deliver the keynote address at the Independence Gala Ball of the Philippine Festival Committee 2003 (PFC), Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC). Ms. Ralston assists Mr. Rove in overseeing the strategic planning, political affairs, public liaison, and intergovernmental affairs efforts of the White House. “It is an honor to serve President George W. Bush and represent the Filipino community at the White House” said Ms. Ralston, “I look forward to sharing my experiences at the Gala.”

Guest of Honor, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Albert del Rosario, other distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, as well as top Filipino American business and community leaders and prominent socialites, will attend this formal dinner dance.

The PFC is a group of dedicated volunteers from the various Filipino, Filipino-American and mainstream communities throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.

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. On site event parking rate $5. 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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