FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2017
Contact: Jason Tengco, NaFFAA Executive Director
jason.tengco@naffaa.org
Tel. 650-867-9837
National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Celebrates Twenty Years of Leadership and Advocacy with Gala in Nation’s Capital
Washington, DC — Today, October 21, 2017, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) convenes its 20th Anniversary Gala at the Wardman Park Marriott in Washington, DC. The historic gala brings together NaFFAA’s national and regional network of leaders with Filipino American leaders and advocates from across the country, for a retrospective celebration of NaFFAA’s two-decade legacy of leadership development, community advocacy, and civic engagement, as well as NaFFAA’s vision for the future.
Fittingly observed during Filipino American History Month, this gathering commemorates the fateful 1997 National Empowerment Conference that resulted in NaFFAA’s formation. This year’s gala, themed “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans living in the United States.
During the NaFFAA 2.0 program, several companies, organizations, and individuals will be honored for their contributions to the enrichment of the Filipino American community. Among the honorees are: Loida Nicolas Lewis, the late Joe Montano, Wells Fargo, and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), among others.
“It is a poignant honor to be recognized by an organization I hold so dear. One that has played an integral part in my history, and whose mission and vision align so fully with the hopes I have for my beloved Filipino American community,” says Leadership and Professional Development Awardee Loida Nicolas Lewis. “As we come together to celebrate 20 years of NaFFAA, I am proud of the boundless efforts of dedicated leaders and advocates, awed by the progress made on behalf of our veterans, students, and the greater Fil-Am community, and hopeful for the potential NaFFAA can unleash moving into the next decade.”
The gala, which will be emceed by ABS-CBN Television Personality Ginger Conejero, will feature remarks by NaFFAA National Board Chair Brendan Flores and Retired General Antonio Tacuba, among others. In addition, it will host a lively program of Filipino American entertainers, including performance group Broadway Barkada, comedian JR De Guzman, and singer/actor Jon Joven.
The complete list of awardees and performers are as follows:
AWARDEES
Leadership and Professional Development Award
Loida Nicolas Lewis
Corporation Partner Award
Wells Fargo
National Advocacy Award
Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP)
Civic Engagement Award
Joe Montano (posthumous)
Posthumous Award
Ed Navarra
Visionary Awards
Alex Esclamado (posthumous), Michael Dadap, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Rodel Rodis, Alma Kern, Greg Macabenta, JT Mallonga, Ed Navarra (posthumous)
Special Awards
Bing Branigin, Gloria Caoile, Rozita Lee, Jon Melegrito
PERFORMERS
Emcee: Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN TV Reporter and Host
Broadway Barkada
JR De Guzman, Comedian and Winner of Standup NBC 2017
Jon Joven, Singer and Actor
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