By Joseph G. Lariosa -- as updated on Aug. 7, 2008
(Journal Group Link International)

CHICAGO, Illinois (JGLi) – A salute to the troops, singing and beauty contests and other cultural presentations will highlight this year’s U.S.-Philippines Expo presentations from August 9-10 at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds (Fairplex) in suburban Pomona, California, according to one of its supporters.

Bobby M. Reyes, a Los Angeles community leader and MabuhayRadio.com publisher, said the 8th US-Philippines Expo to be held at 1101 West McKinley Avenue, Pomona, will also witness the launching of a grassroots movement called “FBR-Philippines.” FBR is an initial for “Friends for Bold Reforms” in the Philippines. It was registered with the Los Angeles County Clerk in October 2003 to support the then presidential campaign of Sen. Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. in the May 2004 elections.

The FBR plans to play an active role in the upcoming presidential elections in the Philippines in 2010 through what it calls “Philippine Revotelution 2010." (Its website, www.revotelution.com, is under construction.)

Inspired by the ideals of Jose Rizal, the FBR will try to complete Rizal’s unfinished business. It will be “pro-active, pro-people, progressive, pro-environment and peaceful” undertaking of its leaders, supporters and volunteers, who could even meet “their martyrdom before the election period is finished by June 30, 2010.”

Among others, the FBR will link up with some cause-oriented groups such as the Los Angeles-based Bangon! Bagong Pilipinas headed by Ramoncito P. Ocampo, a licensed lawyer both in the Philippines and in California; Philippine-based Ang Kabutihan Panglahat (AKP or Common Good), headed by Eric Manalang; Aksyon Demokratiko (of the late Sen. Raul Roco); and regional parties like Bicol Saro (Bicol United).

The FBR plans to join an OFW-led political alliance that will field common slates for the presidency, vice presidency, Senate, House of Representatives and local-government positions in the 2010 elections.

The US-Philippines Expo is the original grand cultural, trade and consumer show in Southern California. Among those expected to perform in its Show of Shows are Charice, Randy Santiago, Sitti Navarro, Paul Enriquez, Long Espina, Malou Toler, Bambi Lopez-Roda, Dan Dizon and Pio Roda. Filipino-American cultural and dance troupes and ensembles are slated also to perform. Bambi Lopez-Roda will host, and Jet Montelibano will direct the shows.

Winners of singing and beauty competitions will get the top prizes of $650 and $350 plus trophies. The Expo will also feature kids corner and exhibits. Entrance fees to the Expo are $8 for adult and $5 for child/senior.

Among the main sponsors are Normandie Casino, KSCI-TV Channel 18, Asian Journal, Asian-American Peoples Journal and Weekend Balita, ABS-CBN and TFC. One of the missions of Expo is to create awareness of the vast market potential of the Filipino-American community’s products and to showcase Filipino and Filipino American cultures before mainstream America.

The MabuhayRadio.com heads the list of secondary sponsors, which include among others the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Department of Tourism, Western Union, MoneyGram, Manila-US Times, MyGringos.com, Abraham Lim Law Office, Creative Concepts, Chase Bank, Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel, Frontliners Media Group, Beau Monet Corp., San Fernando Valley Balita, RPJ Productions and Talent Agency, RSG Fine Jewelry and the LA Sound Machine Recording Studio.

For event sponsorship, component sponsorship, exhibitor, and advertiser information, interested parties may either visit www.R-PAGE.com or call (310) 561-8474. # # #  (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

JOSEPH G. LARIOSA
P.O. BOX 805072
CHICAGO IL 60680-4112
Telefax 773.283.5986