Marily Mondejar in Morning Consult: Filipina Network Supports Congress Setting Net Neutrality Rules
Keeping our far-flung members informed on issues that affect us, our families and our kids is not always easy, with some living in places that do not enjoy the same internet freedoms that we in the United States do. Networks like FWN that lean so heavily on social media and messaging applications to organize, resist and empower rely heavily on a stable, fair and innovative internet — without one, we’d have no means by which to engage our Filipina sisters in the diaspora about women’s rights and educational programs.
FWN Member Spotlight: France Viana (US FWN100 '11)
Philippines Vice President Robredo Keynotes Filipino American Symphony Gala
The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will hold “A Night of Symphony,” its first ever gala benefit dinner on June 17 at the majestic estate of Hollywood legend Mary Pickford in Hancock Park, Los Angeles.
This will be a unique chance to be on the sprawling grounds of the former home of Mary Pickford, the original America’s Sweetheart, and the location of movies, including the 2011 Oscar best picture winner, “The Artist,” and “Rocky IV.”
The special evening is chaired by Rocio Nuyda (US FWN100™ 2012 and Global FWN100 2016).
Edwin Raquel, one of FASO’s board members, and his family will graciously open their home for the event which will raise funds to sustain FASO, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Filipino music and artists and for its music education programs.
Filipino chefs who are part of the movement that’s making Pinoy cuisine a worldwide sensation will prepare the sumptuous dinner.
Guests will be serenaded by FASO, which has been giving enthusiastically received concerts over the years, under the baton of musical director and conductor Robert “Bob” Shroder. Select performers and the Music in Excellence awardees will also entertain the guests.
In addition, guests will have the opportunity to bid and win unique auction items, including a week’s stay at an apartment on Champs-Elysees in Paris; a round-trip ticket to Manila via Philippine Airlines plus a trip to Coron, Palawan; a stay at the Handumanan estate in Kalibo, Aklan, with complimentary river cruise and sightseeing to coincide with the popular Ati-Atihan Festival, and a stay at Boracay; and a chance to conduct FASO, no less.
Another highlight will be the Rigodon de Honor, the traditional Filipino dance by couples.
The exciting gala, sponsored by Bank of Hope, Pacific Western Bank and Silver Saddle Ranch & Club, will feature two parts. There will be a meet and greet for a limited number of guests, starting at 4:00 p.m., with a guest of honor Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, the awardees and other distinguished guests. The second part will be the main event – awards program and dinner – which will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Limited tickets still available by contacting FASO board members Rocio Nuyda, the gala’s chairperson (rocio@msn.com), or Jose Luis Garcia jl.garcia@aol.com). More info at www.fasogala.org.
Net Neutrality
The principles of net neutrality are vital--everyone involved in this conversation agrees. We now need to ensure that those principles are codified in federal law, ensuring clear and permanent rules that will spur broadband investment and innovation to the benefit of diverse communities and small businesses. The Filipina Women's Network implores Senator Markey and all members of Congress to support legislation to cement net neutrality principles that instill regulatory certainty and ensure a thriving future for the internet.
San Francisco: FWN New Year Museum Visit: Madeleine Albright's Iconic Pins Exhibition
Connect with your FWN sisters at Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection, a showcase of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's extensive collection of decorative diplomatic pins.
Enjoy full-access to all exhibitions at San Francisco's beautiful Legion of Honor and bond over lunch at the Legion of Honor Café. Limited tickets. RSVP now: http://www.ffwn.org/event-2409139
WooHoo! Analisa Balares (U.S. FWN100™ '09 and Global FWN100™ '14) Recognized as "Global Visionary" By UBS
Analisa Balares (Global FWN100™ '14) was recently handpicked by Swiss global banking giant UBS as one of its inaugural batch of “Global Visionaries,” described as a select pool of 10 extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to projects, research, movements and technologies that have the potential to profoundly impact our lives and the society we live in.
“Analisa understands the economic benefits of higher participation rates of women in the workforce and that a holistic approach needs to be applied to women’s education and development,” said Simon Smiles, chief investment officer at UBS Wealth Management." News story from The Inquirer.
WooHoo! Franklin Ricarte Appointed by San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee to Immigrant Rights Commission
Devoted FWN volunteer Franklin Ricarte was recently appointed to San Francisco's Immigrant Rights Commission by Mayor Ed Lee. “I’m honored that I was appointed by the mayor to serve in this commission. And my experiences as a Filipino-American and as an immigrant…will inform the kinds of things we need to discuss and work on in the commission,” quipped Franklin. News story from ABS-CBN.