"Brown Strokes on a White Canvas" - Opening Reception June 8th
For immediate release
06/06/03 11:00 am. EDT

Philippine Festival 2003 Art Exhibit's Opening Reception June 8th
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

Media Advisory

WHAT:

The trend setting "Brown Strokes on a White Canvas" art exhibit at George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia, shall be the backdrop for the exclusive opening reception of this year's Philippine Festival 2003. Guests will be treated to Philippine dance, music and light refreshments, as well as enjoy the visual delights of unique works of art.

The Philippine Festival Committee 2003 (PFC), of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) www.pafc-inc.org has launched a major series of community events for the month of June 2003. Net proceeds from many of these events will be contributed to worthy charitable causes.

WHO:

Renowned artist Julian Oteyza of Arlington, Virginia, assisted by singer Linda Pirrone, a PAFC officer, have put together this traveling art exhibit, which serves as quite a creative artistic appetizer to this year's festival. Artist statement is attached.

The PFC is a group of dedicated volunteers from the various Filipino, Filipino-American and mainstream communities throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. This year's festival committee is chaired by Marie Remy Cabrera of the Montgomery County Philippine American Association (MCPAA) of Maryland. The PAFC is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that undertakes charitable, educational and cultural projects.

WHY:

The local Filipino and American community leaders who are contributing their time, labor and other valuable resources for these events are continuing the tradition of charitable work that Filipinos are well known for. This festival 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 closeness between the two countries. Filipino-Americans continue to be the fastest growing Asian Pacific American group of naturalized citizens in the America. Their growing power and influence in America was recently epitomized during the especially warm reception that President George W. Bush gave to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at her recent official State Visit to the U.S.

WHEN:

"Brown Strokes on a White Canvas" opening reception: Sunday, June 8, 2003, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Free admission. Various other events, mainly free and open to the public are scheduled throughout the month of June. You may view the latest calendar at www.PhilippineFestival.org

WHERE:

Reception will be held at George Mason University, Professional Center, 3401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. Other events are at various venues throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan and suburban areas. More information is available at www.PhilippineFestival.org

Press is invited.

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