California Journal for Filipino Americans 18th Anniversary

Honored The Community Leadership Award Recipients

Celebrated on August 25, 2012

Crystal Ballroom, Double Tree Hotel, Torrance, CA

Comments from Advertisers and Sponsors

"We at AT&T congratulate the California Journal for Filipino Americans and Publisher Joey Quinto on reaching the significant milestone of 18 years of operation serving the California Filipino community. It remains our privilege to be a strong supporter of the California Journal for Filipino Americans and sponsor of this years wonderful celebratory event and also extend our congratulations to the California Journal for Filipino Americans 2012 Community Leadership Award honorees."

Ken McNeely, President AT&T

"Union Bank is proud to participate in the 18th Anniversary Awards Dinner of the California Journal for Filipino Americans. It is especially gratifying to recognize true champions of the Filipino community such as Congressman Ed Royce, Public Utilities Commission President Mike Peevey, and corporate philanthropist Tim Hanlon."

Carl A. Ballton, President, Union Bank Foundation

US Bank and I are so proud to be part of this great event and this strong community of Filipino Americans. One could not help but feel the energy and strength of the people at the event. Thank you for giving US Bank the opportunity to be a part of it.

Matthew Gambina, US Bank

Comments from Community Leaders

I am pleased to introduce and to serve as a presenter to the California Journal for Filipino Americans honoree Congressman Ed Royce for playing an important role in enhancing the Philippines in terms of democratic practices and economic growth. U.S. Representative Ed Royce. He either authored or co-sponsored numerous U.S. legislations and to mention a few: Filipino Veterans Equity Acts; Recognizing and honoring the Filipino Warld War 11 veterans; Recognizing the celebration of Filipino-American History Month in October; Save Our Industries Acts; And calling for a peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea. He raised major concerns to the previous and current Philippine administration on how to combat corruptions, violence against member of the media and land grabbing issues. Congratulations and Mabuhay to all the honorees.

Councilmember and Former Mayor Antonio "Tony" Cartagena

Congratulations on a splendid celebration of your 18th anniversary! The event was complete with great friends and lively entertainment, and we were honored to be recognized with the other award recipients. Our community is fortunate that the California Journal for Filipino Americans continues to keep the spotlight on the problem of land grabbing in the Philippines. Keep up the good work!

Artesia Councilmember Victor Manalo

"California Journal, not just for holding such a great anniversary event but for also opening the eyes of our fellow kababayans on the Filipino American issues that are still facing us today, through your recognition of Congressman Ed Royces advocacy."

Linda Sarno, Director-Emiritus, Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County

"Attending your anniversary celebration is a blast! Having a conversation with Tim Hanlon, Tim McCallion, Mike Peevey, Don Kincey and Carl and Lula Balton is worth driving from San Diego . These people that truly care about Filipinos showed it that evening."

Faith Bautista, President, National Asian American Coalition (NAAC)

"Thank you for having us at the awards dinner. It was a phenomenal event. Your event is great inspiration to the Filipino American community with your initiatives towards having justice prevail in the Philippines . Keep up the impeccable work. Congratulations!"

Gloria Rull, President, Asian Business Association

The California Journal For Filipino Americans, and Congressman Ed Royce for escalating front and center the systematic land disputes and land grabbing cases in the Philippines. This breakdown in the rule of law is one of the deterrents and impediments in advancing the Philippines from its current status as a 3rd world country, and in reversing the downhill plunge since independence in 1945."

David Paraiso

"I thoroughly enjoyed the event celebrating the 18th Anniversary of California Journal. Thank you for recognizing the awardees on their hard works to assist the Fil-Am community."

Ruby De Vera, President, Filipino Business Association of Glendale (FBAG)

"I was quite impressed with the quality people and new connections I met. The fruits of your hard work over the years are apparent in the solid support by major companies and legislators who came to join and applaud your eighteen years of success. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the program. On land grabbing ... I trust that President Aquino is taking bolder steps to implement "matuwid na daan" campaign deeper into the local government level and give voice to land grabbing victims to find social justice that has eluded them for so long. If and when the government clears the way for rightful land owners to finally gain the freedom to develop their land without coercion and yield high-value agricultural crops, it will send a strong positive signal to Filipino Americans and foreign investors. The benefits to the Philippines agricultural industry and overall economic development can be enormous in the long run. Thank you!"

Para Anderson, Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County

What a wonderful event! A great way to recognize those people and organization that highlight the true value of Fil-Ams. It is high time the Philippine government curtail these land disputes and land grabbing to restore peace and economic stability, thus encouraging more foreign investors to invest in the Philippines . Now is the time!"

Edith Fuentes

"Powerful event! A cause oriented group. Its about time somebody is pro active in helping the kababayans in their land disputes. You are getting everybodys attention Joey. More power to you."

Marlene Cagatao

"This is one of those really memorable, meaningful, and relevant events that Ive attended. Very well organized, classy, elegant, and intelligent are some of my superlatives for it. The issues about the land grabbing and the actions taken towards it are what the Fil-Am community should really know about. Kudos to you and your publication for focusing and narrowing with laser accuracy on a REAL issue."

Mike Pestano

"In two words, it is INSPIRING and ENTERTAINING. It is clear that you are an advocate for the Filipino Americans here and at home. Your event recognition of the Community Leader awardees gives acknowledgement and reinforces their efforts to consider Fil-Ams in their decisions and actions."

Adel Luzuriaga