People's Centennial Ball celebrates 100 years of Filipino migration to America - June 10th
For immediate release
06/8/06 11:00pm EDT

Migrant Heritage Commission’s “People's Centennial Ball” celebrates one hundred years of Filipino migration (1906-2006) to America - June 10th

To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor
Contact: Arnedo S. Valera, Esq. 703-675-6334, Executive Director, Migrant Heritage Commission http://migrantheritage.org/ ; Augustus Alzona 202-288-8011, Press Relations Liaison http://philippinefestival.org/ e-mail:
PhilippineFestival@gmail.com

Press Release (Special Edition – Centennial Ball)

WHAT:

Billed as the “Event of the Century” that no member of Philippine American society would want to miss, June 10th's People's Centennial Ball is predicted to be the very best ever such event held in official Washington. “We are delighted to host such an elaborate function, so fitting for this once-in-a-century celebration of the contributions that Filipino migrants have made to the United States of America” said Arnedo S. Valera, Esq., one of the three Executive Directors of the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), “we have invited all members of the community, from all walks of life, to come and join us for this historic celebration and fund raiser for a noble cause.”

The evening shall begin with a 6:30 pm VIP cocktail reception, followed by a spectacular program which includes a unique lighting ceremony to greet the one hundred years of Filipino migration to America. One of the highlights of the evening will be the awarding of medals to certain migrant attendees and supporters. Over 1,000 guests will be attending this already sold out event.

One of the cultural presentations will be a very elegant and sophisticated fashion show, by Orientalia Connections Internationale, with a “Waves of Migration” theme. Pianists and violinists representing the youth group, the Philippine Chamber Rondalla of New Jersey, the Filipino-American Heritage Dance Ensemble and the SLIGO Friends will also take part in this once in a lifetime celebration. Another will be an International Rigodon Dance performed by some Filipino American community leaders and other Asian Americans. A live band and DJ will be providing dance music throughout the evening, until 1:00 am. Nerojoc (a youth band) will also be performing for the young crowd in the Tidewater room.

WHO:

Several guests of honor including, His Excellency, Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., other distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, as well as top Filipino American business and community leaders, will be attending this formal dinner dance.

Other officials and dignitaries who will be joining us that evening include: Gerald E. Connolly, Board of Supervisors Chairman, Fairfax County, Virginia; Douglas M. Duncan, County Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland; Jack Johnson, County Executive and Ken Laurey, Deputy Director, Office of Community Relations, Prince Georges County, Maryland; Dr. Franklin Odo, Smithsonian Institution, and Ollie Cantos, Esq., Associate Director, White House Domestic Policy on Special Disabilities.

The Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) comprises a group of dedicated volunteers from the various Filipino, Filipino-American and mainstream communities throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. Distinguished Filipino American community leader, Claudio “Jun” Pedery, Jr., and famous entertainment producer, Jesse A. Gatchalian, are the other two of the three MHC Executive Directors.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 10, 2006. 6:30 pm-1:00 am, Reception, sit-down dinner, program, ballroom dancing. National Dress/Barong or Black Tie. Prepaid tickets required. Event is sold out.

WHERE:

Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202. On site event parking available. You may view a gala ball invitation and more information regarding the Migrant Heritage Commission at
http://migrantheritage.org/celebrations.html


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