FIL-AM NEWS TODAY MAGAZINE

CATRIONA GRAY FROM PHILIPPINES CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2018

2018-12-17T00:33:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, December 17, 2018, the 67th Annual Miss Universe pageant, was held on at IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani Popular 3 Rd, Ban Mai, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand. On the day Catriona Gray from Philippines Crowned Miss Universe 2018.

For complete story visit Diversity News Magazine at:

MABUHAY! CATRIONA GRAY FROM PHILIPPINES CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2018

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2018/12/16/mabuhay-catriona-gray-from-philippines-crowned-miss-universe-2018/#.XBn_HVxKiyK

Virgelia Productions Is Accepting Applications for Miss Asia USA 30th Anniversary Cultural Pageants

2018-05-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Virgelia Productions Inc., announces its pageant season 2018 is now accepting applications for contestants for the 30th annual Miss Asia USA, Miss Teen Asia USA, Mrs. Asia USA and the 7th annual Miss Latina Global, Miss Teen Latina, Global, Mrs. Latina Global and Miss Europe Global Cultural Pageants.

This year’s contestants will compete for an amazing array of prizes, including full college scholarships for a BA or MBA degree, Acting Scholarships, photo shoot packages, elegant evening wear, various shoes and accesories, a majestic crown, sash, opportunities in the entertainment industry in modeling and acting, and the prestige of a year-long reign as the title holder of the premier pageants.

The pageants will take place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 on Saturday, November 17.

In addition to the prizes, contestants will receive various benefits from the sponsors as well as a myriad of opportunities to attend high profile red carpet events in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area, fashions shows, and fundraisers in support of noble charitable organizations. Each contestant will represent their ancestral country in order to promote their culture, tourism and strengthen our bonds through a unity of diversity.

For more information visit our media partner Diversity News Magazine at: VIRGELIA PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES ITS PAGEANT SEASON 2018 IS NOW ACCEPTING CONTESTANT APPLICATIONS FOR THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY CULTURAL PAGEANTS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero to Government: Kill Hunger, Not Hungry Farmers

2016-04-18T13:10:00.001-07:00

SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA—Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has vowed bigger budget allocation for the agriculture sector under the “Gobyernong may Puso” of Sen. Grace Poe to ensure that no more Filipino farmer or fisherman will go hungry because of the lack of support from the government.

According to the independent vice-presidential bet, he and Poe aim to make the agriculture sector more lucrative to end the sense of desperation among farm workers as reflected by protesting farmers in Kidapawan City last April 1.

“Maglalaan kami, 10 porsyento ng national budget, o P300 bilyon para sa agrikultura. Pangunahing gagawin po namin ay libre ang irigasyon,” Escudero said during the flag-raising ceremony in Laguna, where the “Gobyernong may Puso” tandem took their campaign sortie.

“Layunin po naming gawin ito para mapataas ang kita ng magsasaka at hindi naman mangyari yung nangyari sa Kidapawan. Hindi ba’t nakakalungkot? Yung nagpapakain sating magsasaka, wala mismong makain. Hindi nila dapat patayin ang gutom. Dapat patayin nila ang gutom o kagutuman,” he added, in reference to the violent dispersal of protesting farmers in Kidapawan City which left three farmers dead and dozens more injured.

The farmers were demanding 15,000 sacks of rice to stave off hunger after losing their crops to El Niño-induced drought.

Running under a platform of inclusive growth, Escudero and his presidential running mate plan to allot at least P300 billion for the agriculture sector to meet the needs of farmers like farm-to-market roads, free irrigation service, crop insurance and post-harvest facilities—steps that would boost the household income of farmers by 7-8 percent.

Under the P3.002-trillion national budget for 2016, the agriculture sector has a total allocation of P94 billion, including the P40.2 billion earmarked for the Department of Agriculture and P32.7 billion for the National Irrigation Administration.

To achieve inclusive growth, Escudero said it was important for the government to address the ills of the agriculture sector, which hosts 60 percent of the poorest families in the country.

Chiz Wants Full Accounting of DA, National Irrigation Administration Funds

2016-04-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

Independent vice-presidential candidate Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero wants Agriculture Secretary Processo Alcala to account to the public every centavo that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has spent to help the farmers affected by the drought spawned by the El Niño phenomenon.

“I call on Secretary Alcala to disclose to the public where he used the taxpayers’ money entrusted to his department to help the agriculture sector. The public deserves no less than a complete accounting of the total and entire DA funds,” Escudero said in the face of mounting complaints from farmers battered by the extreme weather condition.

The violent dispersal in Kidapawan City of poor farmers demanding food and help from the government has brought to light the lack of funding and support from the DA, the agency mandated by law to look after the welfare of the agriculture sector.

“Taon-taon himihingi si Secretary Alcala ng pondo sa Kongreso para tulungan daw ang mga magsasaka at ibinibigay naman namin. Ang hindi katanggap-tanggap ay kung sino pa nagpapakain sa atin ay iyon ang walang makain. Nasaan na ang pera ng mga magsasaka?” asked the leading vice-presidential contender.

For 2016 the government has allotted a total of P91 billion for the agriculture sector, with the DA receiving the highest allocation of P40.33 billion from P39 billion last year.

The budget for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which is responsible for irrigation development and management, was also increased to P32.74 billion this year from P28.75 billion in 2015.

“Nasa kamay ni Secretary Alcala ang pondo ng mga magsasaka. Walang dahilan para tipirin ang mga magsasaka sa perang sadyang inilaan para sa kanila. Sabi nga nila eh ‘aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo?’ Ibuhos na ang pondong yan sa agrikultura para sa tunay na nangangailangan,” the veteran lawmaker said.

According to Escudero, former chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, funding is immediately available to assist El Niño-hit farmers if the government genuinely cares for the agriculture sector, which hosts 60 percent of the country’s poorest. “Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw may dahilan.”

Under the current National Expenditure Program, some P39 billion in Calamity Fund can be tapped for food aid, various cash-for-work programs, farm subsidies and emergency employment, to help farmers reeling from the impact of El Niño.

On top of this, money is also available to assist the sector under the P6.7-billion Quick Response Fund farmed out to 12 major agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (P1.32 billion), DA (P500 million) and NIA (P500 million).

Since last year, Escudero has been pushing the DA, which is notorious for underspending, to download funds intended to help farmers and fisherfolk facing the threats of El Nino in the wake of repeated warnings from PAGASA that the farm sector should brace for the harsh weather condition.

Similarly, he asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to extend help to the sector by providing alternative livelihood and source of income.

Recently Escudero has called on the DSWD to include calamity victims like the El Nino-hit farmers in the conditional cash transfer program but sans the usual requirements imposed on CCT beneficiaries. He also wants free irrigation for all farmers if he wins in the May elections.

Three farmers died and dozens others were injured when police tried to break a barricade set up by protesters along Cotabato-Davao Highway in Kidapawan City to seek food assistance. The farmers, including lumads, are asking the government to increase the three kilos of rice in government subsidies per quarter to 15,000 sacks of rice, and provide free seeds and other inputs to replace their crops.

Chiz: Mindanao Peace Must Continue Whoever Wins Philippines Polls

2016-03-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Leading vice-presidential candidate Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the country’s next leaders must build on the administration’s gains in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to achieve an all-inclusive peace and economic prosperity in Mindanao.

According to Escudero, the search for a lasting peace in Mindanao must continue regardless of who wins in the May 9 elections in order to establish a comprehensive Bangsamoro framework that promotes true inclusivity.

“Pabor ako sa isang panukalang batas na mag-aamyenda sa ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) para mas mabigyan sila ng mas malawak na kapangyarihan pero dapat sumasang-ayon sa Saligang Batas. At ito ay dapat gawin matapos kunsultahin ang bawat stakeholder Kristiyano man o Muslim, sa loob man o sa labas ng ARMM area,” Escudero said.

He added: “The next administration will have a golden opportunity to cure the glitches, loopholes and shortcomings of the proposed legislation, which we all envision to bring peace and economic development in Mindanao.”

March 28 marked the second anniversary of the historic Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace deal signed by the government with the MILF to end the long years of armed conflict in Mindanao.

The draft BBL remains pending with both chambers of Congress mainly due to the failure of proponents to involve other stakeholders, aside from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in the consultations. Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has admitted that the proposed legislation has no chance of being passed in the 16th Congress with a few session days left.

The veteran legislator said achieving lasting peace in Mindanao, which has endured decades of political and armed conflicts, must be the priority of the next administration.

“Ito ay dapat isulong sino man ang magiging pangulo, sino man ang magiging ikalawang pangulo ng ating bansa. Dahil tapos na dapat ang panahon ng paggamit ng baril, bala at bomba para resolbahin ang hindi pagkakaunawaan ng mga Pilipino. Walang katumbas pa rin ang pakikipag-usap at maayos na diyalogo,” said Escudero, who is running alongside Sen. Grace Poe, the top pick of voters in various pre-election surveys, under “Gobyernong may Puso.”

The independent candidate said the future framework should be an improved version of the Malacañang-backed BBL drafted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and endorsed by the MILF.

More importantly, he said, the next administration should make sure that the framework includes the applicable advocacies, positions and proposals of all stakeholders in the region.

“Dapat nakapaloob sa framework ang lahat ng pagbabago para ma-improve ang kasalukuyang sistema sa ilalim ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Escudero pointed out.

“At higit sa lahat, dapat maging mas inclusive ‘yung panukalang anuman ang tawag mo maging improved ARMM, amended ARMM o Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Importante na magpatuloy ang usapin at ma-improve pa natin ang ARMM,” added Escudero.

This is precisely the reason, Escudero said, why he and Poe plan to allocate P1 trillion, or about 30 percent of the 2016 of the current budget, to Mindanao in their first year in office to fast-track development projects in the region and encourage businesses, if they win in the national elections.

“Layunin namin ni Sen. Grace na maglaan ng 30 porsyento ng pambansang badyet para sa Mindanao. Ito ay para iparamdam sa Mindanao na hindi lang dapat Metro Manila lagi,” he said.

Accepting Nationwide Applications for 2016 Pageant Contestants: Apply Now

2016-03-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

On Friday, March 18, 2016, Virgelia Villegas from Virgelia Productions Inc, announced that is now accepting applications for 2016 contestants for the 28th annual Miss Asia USA, Miss Teen Asia USA, Mrs. Asia USA and the 5th annual Miss Latina Global, Miss Teen Latina Global and Mrs. Latina Global Cultural Pageants.

This year’s contestants will compete for an amazing array of prizes, including full college scholarships for a BA or MBA degree, cash prizes, an acting scholarship, photo shoot packages, elegant evening wear, various shoes, a majestic crown, sash and the prestige of a year-long reign as the title holder of the premier pageants for Asian and Latina women.

The pageants will take place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 in November 2016.

For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at:

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2016/03/18/a-nationwide-search-is-on-for-beauty-pageant-contestants-apply-now/#.VwLGqqQrLy0

Join the Crowning of 27th Annual Miss Asia USA/ Mrs. Asia USA and 4th annual Miss Latina Global/ Mrs. Latina Global Pageants

2015-11-15T00:24:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Virgelia Villegas from Virgelia Productions Inc.

On Friday, November 13, 2015, Virgelia Villegas, President of Virgelia Productions, Inc., announces that Virgelia Productions Inc. is set to present back-to-back 2015 Miss Asia USA and Miss Latina Global / Mrs. Latina Global Cultural Beauty Pageants!

Its an event not to be missed, the 27th Annual Miss Asia USA/ Mrs. Asia USA and 4th annual Miss Latina Global/ Mrs. Latina Global Pageants will be held at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 on Saturday, November 21 – 22, 2015. Red Carpet at 4:00 pm and show begins at 5.30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Courtesy of Virgelia Villegas from Virgelia Productions Inc.

HOSTS/EMCEES
Tony Cabrera, to host both pageants– Is the Morning News Anchor for the CBS and FOX affiliates in Santa Barbara. He most recently worked at the ABC station in Los Angeles where he was a correspondent for the nationally syndicated entertainment news show, “On The Red Carpet!” On November 21, he will be co-hosted by 2012 Miss Asia USA, Christine Kan, a Princeton Graduate who will be co-hosting the Miss Asia USA and on November 22, he will be co-hosted by Ruby Muniz, First runner-up of Miss Latina Global 2014.

The pageant will present over 40 contestants. The contestants will mesmerize the audience in the opening number of the glorious parade of national costumes, followed by the contestants’ dance presentation wearing the presenting sponsors active wear by Cool Jade 90210, to be followed by the sensational swimsuit competition and the final stage of the evening’s competition, is the elegance of the evening gown competition. As the Asian and Latin communities continue to grow phenomenally in the US, these pageants celebrate and display the beautiful traditions, the beautiful women and rich cultures of these communities. For ticket inquiries, text 818-641-7779.

Virgelia Productions Inc. welcomes on board our new presenting sponsor Cool Jade 90210 and want to thank our returning sponsors as well our new sponsors. Please click on their logos to visit their websites and learn about their products, services or brands. Our presenting sponsors are: Cool Jade 90210 and International American University, Malibu Design Group, and Shail K.

About Virgelia Productions Inc. and Virgelia Villegas:
Virgelia Productions, Inc. is a certified minority woman owned corporation. A professional full-service event planner and producer of: Miss Asia USA, Mrs. Asia USA and Miss Teen Asia USA. As well Miss Latina Global, Miss Teen Latina Global and Mrs. Latina Global and the newly acquired name Miss Europe Global. We are committed to delivering creative, high quality and memorable events that will continue to surpass expectations.

Virgelia Villegas, is the president of Virgelia Productions started her career in the USA at the Beverly Hills Hotel Catering and Sales Department, she then moved on to the Westin Bonaventure Hotel as the lead Senior Catering Sales Manager for 11 years where she amassed awards as the highest sales person for multiple years, she was then later recruited to work for the historical Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles. Armed a stellar business ethics and a determination to win, she started Virgelia Productions, Inc. in 2003. Balancing a full time business and a demanding hotel career was Virgelia road for 8 years, up until 2010, when she finally decided to give time and focus on Virgelia Productions.

For more information about our upcoming events and to request for media credentials, please contact:VirgeliaProductions@yahoo.com, Toll Free 1-800-831-9880, Text us at 818-641-7779 or visit our websites at www.VirgeliaProductions.com,www.MissLatinaGlobal.com & www.missasiausa.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Steven Escobar, Account Executive and Media Liaison
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
Linda England, Events & PR Coordinator
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
TELS: (818) 787-1249 or (213) 867-1997
worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

P.S.: We want to thank press/media interested to cover our event: Please note to be consider your outlet for our events, we would like to see your coverage. Please email us post coverage and after coverage links, website, magazine/newspaper or clips/attachments to be considered for the event and future ones. Email links to: worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News TV and Diversity News Radio are proud media partners of the 27th Annual Miss Asia USA/Mrs. Asia USA and 4th Annual Miss Latina Global / Miss. Latina Global Cultural Pageants 2015!

To read complete article visit Diversity News Magazine at:

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2015/11/13/27th-annual-miss-asia-usamrs-asia-usa-and-4th-annual-miss-latina-global-miss-latina-global-cultural-pageants-2015/

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles Networking Christmas Party 2014

2014-12-03T23:00:00.001-08:00

Please Join The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles

Networking Christmas Party 2014.

WHERE:

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles
5121 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 205, Sherman Oaks, California 91403

TIME: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

BENEFITS:
• Advocacy
• Opens doors to great business opportunities
• Access financial assistance and resources
• Work with other local businesses & community
• Be part of the organization’s activities & projects
• Participate in all events Mixers, Workshops, Expos, Conference, etc.

FREE Admission. FREE Gifts/Give Aways
FREE Parking in the building if you arrive before 7pm.
After 7pm, street parking will be available.
. . .Did We Say IT’S FREE ADMISSION, FREE NETWORKING, FREE PARKING, FOOD & BEVERAGES WILL BE SERVED.. . .

• www.FilAmChamberLA.org

(See flyer for more information).

For more information visit Welcome to the Official site of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles

Virgelia Productions to presents the Crowning of the 26th annual Miss Asia USA and Mrs. Asia USA 2014

2014-11-09T01:50:00.000-08:00

Virgelia Productions to presents the Crowning of the 26th annual Miss Asia USA and Mrs. Asia USA at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center set for Saturday, November 22, 2014

Save the Date! Virgelia Productions to presents the crowning of the 26th annual Miss Asia USA and Mrs. Asia USA at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center set for Saturday, November 22, 2014

We welcome you to the 26th annual Miss Asia USA and Mrs. Asia USA. We look forward to also welcoming our many guests and new friends coming from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Dubai and Jordan.

Please join us in this amazing celebration and witness the crowning of the 2015 Queens.

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.

Red carpet begins at 4:00 pm. (The event to have 3 red carpets: one for photographers, one for videographers and one VIP green room).
Show begins at 5:00 pm.
VIP. Show After Party – Buffet Dinner, Entertainment, Dancing and Hosted Bar to follow after the show.
For ticket inquiries you may text us
at 818 641 7779.

For more information visit Diversity News Magazine

SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute Grand Open House and Inauguration of its Panorama City Medical Office on May 18th

2014-05-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Save the Date! SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute Grand Open House Inauguration and Ribbon Cutting Set May 18th (via Diversity News Magazine)

Apr. 18, 2014 - PANORAMA CITY, Calif. – SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute announced that the official Grand Open House/Inauguration/Ribbon Cutting will be held on Sunday May 18, 2014, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at its San Fernando Valley office at…

Rematch for Pacquiao vs. Bradley Set for April 12, 2014 at MGM Grand Las Vegas

2014-02-06T20:55:00.003-08:00

A Rematch for Pacquiao vs. Bradley Set for April 12, 2014 at MGM Grand Las Vegas (via Diversity News Magazine)

Beverly Hills, CA, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. …..At the Beverly Hills Hotel 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90210, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao assured the media that a much “younger” and energetic Manny Pacquiao will defeat Timothy…

Announcing Speakers, Presenters & Entertainment of the FPACC 2013 Bi-National Conference

2013-11-03T22:03:00.002-08:00

Announcing Speakers, Presenters & Entertainment of the FPACC 2013 Bi-National Conference (via Diversity News Magazine)

Announcing Speakers, Presenters & Entertainment Line-Up of The Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce 2013 Bi-National Conference hosted by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles set for November 8 – 10, 2013. On November…

Fil-Am International Published Author Lourdes Duque Baron to Co-Host Live Diversity News Radio on Air with Steven Escobar

2013-06-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Diversity News Radio on Air with Steven Escobar to be Co-Host by International Published Author Lourdes Duque Baron (via Diversity News Publications)

June 27, 2013 – Hollywood, CA — Diversity News Productions producer of Diversity News Radio announced that Diversity News Radio on Air with Steven Escobar to be Co-Host by International Published Author Lourdes Duque Baron from “Scripted In Heaven…

Mary Ann Omega of FACC LA Joins Council of Presidents of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce of Southern CA

2013-06-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mary Ann Omega from FACC LA Joins Council of Presidents of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce of Southern CA (via Diversity News Magazine)

Los Angeles, CA — On June 8, 2013, Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos celebrated with the newly-formed Council of Presidents of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce of Southern California. Committed to a major effort in increasing the economic empowerment initiatives of the Southern California…

Letter from LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to Lizaso House of Barong and Style’s 5th Annual Kayamanan ng Bayan at CBS Studio Center

2013-06-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Letter from LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to Lizaso House of Barong and Style’s 5th Annual Kayamanan ng Bayan at CBS Studio Center (via Diversity News Magazine)

June 1, 2013 Dear Friends: On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, it is my pleasure to welcome members and guests attending Lizaso House of Barong and Style’s 5th Annual Kayamanan ng Bayan “A Philippine Independence Day-Week of Celebration” 115th Anniversary. The Lizaso House of Barong and Style…

Stylefest 2013 Panama Awards U.S.A. and 5th Annual “Kayamanan ng Bayan” coming June 1, 2013 at CBS Studios

2013-05-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Lizaso Stylefest 2013 Panama Awards U.S.A. and 5th Annual “Kayamanan ng Bayan” coming June 1, 2013 at CBS Studios (via Diversity News Magazine)

Lizaso, House of Barong and Hair Salon to present Stylefest 2013 Panama Awards U.S.A. and 5th Annual “Kayamanan ng Bayan” (a Philippines independence day - Week of celebration’s 115th Anniversary) coming June 1, 2013 at CBS Studios at 4024 Radford Avenue Studio City, CA 91604 from 5:00 pm…

Controversial Fil-Am Newspaper Lawyer sued by his own newspaper staff

2013-05-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

Atty. Joel Bander (in photo) is still under a three-year probation in the first State Bar case when he stipulated on another round of disciplinary action with the State Bar after more complaints were filed against him by several homeowners. Now, he will also have to deal with his own newspaper staff who claimed were not paid by him.

Atty. Joel Bander is accused of not paying two editors and a reporter

Controversial lawyer Joel Bander, who just last month was going to be tried by the State Bar, faces another legal tussle after his own newspaper staff at Pinoywatchdog.com on Tuesday filed a small claims complaint against him at the Los Angeles Superior Court.

In the cases filed last April 30, managing editor Rene Villaroman, editor Alfonso Aquino and reporter Dionesio Grava claimed that Bander owed them $6,000 each for a total of $18,000, which they said was equivalent to six months of unpaid compensation.

In their complaint, each of the three gave similar reasons: “Unpaid services as (their position) of defendant’s newspaper Pinoywatchdog.” All of them also claimed to have worked for Pinowatchdog for a year at a rate of $1,000 a month, which was already low compared to the average salary of editors in Los Angeles which is around $60,000 annually. However, unlike most newspapers in Los Angeles, Pinoywatchdog is a fortnightly tabloid that comes out every other week.

The complaint came amid what many considered internal conflicts in the newspaper outfit when Aquino was headlined as having resigned as executive editor in one of their recent issues. Aside from being its executive editor, Aquino served as president of the newspaper under the Tanod Bayan Inc., a Nevada corporation which listed “Joel R Bander” as the registered agent and the lone corporate officer and director.

Aquino was replaced as president by Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle, who is also the newspaper’s entertainment editor. After taking over Aquino’s post, she wrote in a front page message that as “PWD President…we seek the truth as we are independent.” She also wrote that “Fellow ‘Pinoys’ that have no guilt or shame or anything to hide love PWD.”

After that, however, a new newspaper came out with Aquino as president and executive director written in the staff box, while Villaroman and Grava were named as managing editor and associate editor respectively. Even Larry Pelayo’s name was in the same staff box as editorial ombudsman. Pelayo is also Pinoywatchdog’s ombudsman.

In its maiden issue, The Filipino Advocate editorial lambasted Bander calling the attorney as behaving like a “spoiled brat and a privileged publisher, sometimes demanding perks from prospective advertisers and would-be supporters, and eventually eroding their respect for the core missions of PinoyWatchDog.com.” The same editorial also said that the “financier-owner…started behaving like he owned not only that publication but also the views that its writers and editors espoused.”

In addition, the editorial made it appear that Bander may have had some unsettled financial obligations with the staff when the newspaper wrote that “Never mind that our columnists were not accorded pay for their efforts. But when Mr. Bander reneged on the agreement to compensate the writers and editors for their labor, we put our collective feet down. Enough was enough.” The editorial, however, didn’t mention who wrote the piece, but it was believed to have been written by Aquino.

In an email to Weekend Balita, Aquino said that “when Bander offered me the job of president and as executive editor, I made my position clear and they were as follows:

1. I write as I please and I won’t take dictation or correction from him, except issues that are defamatory against the subject concerned;

2. That I have no role as far as financing the undertaking was concerned, including the salaries of staff members and payment of contributed articles;

3. That I received no emolument of any kind in the meantime until the paper is financially viable; and

4. That I do no marketing.”

Aquino reiterated that his resignation was caused by policy differences with Bander, “who seemed to have gotten swollen in the head after savoring the sweet smell of the perceived success of the paper to the extent that he considered such as his personal achievement.”

Also according to Aquino, he is the registered owner of the newspaper’s name, Pinoywatchdog.com. “I am the registered owner of Pinoywatchdog with the Secretary of State, California, and still the registered owner of the dba (doing business as) of pinoywatchdog.com.”

He said that “if I don’t get paid I will sue him for infringement against my property right, as I am the legal and rightful owner of the paper as my last resort to get this man out of circulation in the Filipino community.

Thru Facebook, Villaroman – who was the co-founder of Pinoywatchdog – had only these to say: “Thanks for giving me the courtesy of airing my side on this story. But I would rather not make any comment or address your inquiries for personal reasons at this time.” Grava also said that “at this time I am not issuing any statement nor answer questions from the media in that regard. Thanks”

For his part, Bander said that he has yet to see any of the lawsuits. Despite that, however, he said, “I love Al, Rene and Mr. Grava! The lawsuit is silly though. That is my comment for now."

Bander is currently facing a State Bar complaint involving a loan litigation program his firm launched back in 2008. The complaint by the State Bar is currently on “Hearing Stipulation” stage, which means that Bander may have settled the case and agreed on another round of disciplinary action after serving a three-month suspension last year. In the first State Bar complaint which was filed on behalf of several homeowners who signed up in the failed “Save Your Home, Sue the Banks” mortgage litigation scheme, Bander allegedly failed to perform the legal services that he was supposed to do for his clients.

According to State Bar, that first case against Bander cost them more than $20,000 in court fees, including investigation and hearing expenses, all of which may have to be paid by Bander. More fees are expected to be incurred by the ongoing second State Bar complaint that would've forced Bander to face 35 witnesses, including his former lawyers at the now bankrupt Bander Law Firm, in the already scuttled five-day trial.

Article via http://rhonylaigo.blogspot.com

Fil-Am Author Lourdes Duque Baron Wins Award for “Scripted In Heaven” at MoneyCytec Achiever Awards Night 2013 in New York

2013-03-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Author Lourdes Duque Baron Wins Award for “Scripted In Heaven” at MoneyCytec Achiever Awards Night 2013 in New York (via Diversity News Magazine)

On Thursday, February 28, 2013 The National Association of Medical Business Leaders in collaboration with Moneycytec held their 1st Semi Annual Achiever’s Night Awards at Antun’s Restaurant located 96-43 Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village, New York 11429 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Event ticket…

FIL-AM Mary Ann R. Omega is the New President of The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA for 2013

2013-02-25T19:32:00.003-08:00

Mary Ann R. Omega is the New President of The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA for 2013 (via Diversity News Magazine)

Mary Ann R. Omega is the New President of The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles for the term year 2013. The 2013 Officers & Board Members Induction Ceremony and General Membership Assembly was held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 7:00 pm until 1:00 am at May Flower Seafood Restaurant…

Fil-Brit Matthew Parry-Jones, Cynthia Manley to perform at Lourdes Duque Baron Private Press Book Signing on Feb. 16th

2013-02-15T14:23:00.001-08:00

Matthew Parry-Jones, Cynthia Manley to perform at Lourdes Duque Baron Private Press Book Signing on Feb. 16th (via Diversity News Magazine)

Hollywood, CA — Friday, February 15, 2013 Diversity News Productions/Publications, The Baron Publishing House Corporation in association with The Filipino American Press Club of California invites you to a Private Press Book Signing event of International Published Book Author Lourdes Duque Baron…

Author Lourdes Duque Baron from Scripted In Heaven Private Press Book Signing at Cafe Sierra Universal Hilton

2013-02-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

International Published Book Author Lourdes Duque Baron from Scripted In Heaven Private Press Book Signing at Cafe Sierra Universal Hilton (via Diversity News Magazine)

The Baron Publishing House Corporation in association with Filipino American Press Club of California invites you to a private press book signing event of International Published Book Author Lourdes Duque Baron from Scripted In Heaven to be held Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Cafe Sierra, Universal…

Noel S.V. Omega and Boy Lizaso honored at Fil-Am Image Awards 2013

2013-01-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

Noel S.V. Omega and Boy Lizaso honored at 1st Annual Fil-Am Image Awards 2013 (via Diversity News Magazine)

On Friday, January 4, 2013 Mutch Carino from Maxx Promos and John James Sacramento from Kabayan Entertainment Presented the 1st Annual Fil-Am Image Awards 2013 Benefiting SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans) at Florentine Gardens located at 5951 Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood, California 90028…

Boy Lizaso and Noel S.V. Omega to Receive Award at 1st Annual Fil-Am Image Awards

2012-12-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

Boy Lizaso and Noel S.V. Omega to Receive Award at 1st Annual Fil-Am Image Awards Set for January 4, 2013 (via Diversity News Magazine)

Fil-Am Image Awards event will be held at Florentine Gardens located at 5951 Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood, California 90028 on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. The event to be hosted by Kababayan L.A.’s Jannelle So and Winston Emano. A Hollywood Night Theme Party to celebrate the…

Robinson Medical Clinic Staff Private Christmas Dinner Party at Cafe Sierra Hilton Universal City

2012-12-17T16:32:00.000-08:00

Dr. Baron’s Medical Clinic Staff Private Christmas Dinner Party at Cafe Sierra Hilton Universal City (via Diversity News Magazine)

On Saturday, December 15, 2012 Dr. Baron’s Medical Clinic held their annual Staff Private Christmas Dinner Party at Cafe Sierra Universal Hilton Hotel located at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive in Universal City, CA 91608 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event featured all you can eat from Sierra Cafe…

Fil-AM Christine Love in Love Songs for Christmas 2012 Special Live Performance at L.A. Rose Cafe

2012-12-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

Christine Love in Love Songs for Christmas 2012 Special Live Performance at L.A. Rose Cafe (via Diversity News Magazine)

On Thursday, December 13, 2012 Maxx Promos and Kabayan Entertainment Presented CHRISTINE LOVE in LOVE SONGS for Christmas 2012 at L.A. Rose Cafe located 4749 Fountain Ave., in Los Angeles, CA 90029 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event headliner was Christine Love featuring performance by Chenza…