As you know, Asian Pacific American Heritage month is observed during the month of May each year to honor the accomplishments of Asian Americans and to recognize their many contributions to the nation. This year in conjunction with this annual observance, the Filipino-American community will hold its 8th Annual Filipino Heritage Fair and the First Asian Pacific American Cultural Heritage Parade and Festival beginning in Bergenfield. and ending at the National Teaneck Armory, Teaneck, New Jersey on Sunday, June 1, 2008.  The parade and festival will run from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM to once again celebrate Filipino culture as well as Asian American culture.

Organized and hosted by the Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc, and the Asian American Heritage Council of New Jersey, Inc. and for the first time in New Jersey's history, we will honor our First Grand Parade Ambassador of Goodwill and Culture, our very own, 1st2nd Mortgage Company at the "Gabi Ng Parangal" and the 15th Annual Celebration of the Asian American Heritage Council of NJ. In addition, we will also present the Outstanding Filipino American Achievers of America Awards. Since our annual Heritage Ball falls in May, we will also honor the Most Outstanding and Fascinating Mothers for 2008. Lastly and since its inception, we will continue our traditional coronation of the Filipino Heritage Muses for 2008.

The new highlight for the Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc. (new this year), is the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade and Festival. The joint celebrations will feature a Grand Parade, a Festival and a Street Fair with participation by Asian Americans in the tri-state area. All will showcase their ethnic attires from their country of origin. The entrance to the Asian Festival will be a "Gateway to Asia" where everyone can pass through the gateway before they get into the open festival. People who passes through the gateway will be issued a symbolic passport from their own countries where they came from. This will continue to our very own "Walkthrough the Philippines" where we have displays of artifacts, arts and crafts and a map of the Philippines so parents can bring their children and show them where they came from the Island of the Philippines. Everyone is encouraged to bring their children and sign their names on the map where the parents originally came from. There will be a non-stop program from every Asian countries with the many Asian traditional performances through music and dance, exhibits, games and many more. Other activities will include a food fair, health fair, children's fair and others. Because Asians loves to eat together and eating is their way of gathering family, each countries are encourage to display their array of foods because we will feature the Asian Cuisines for all walks of life. This event is a way of showing our Asian traditions to the mainstream America.

The parade will be graced by our First Grand Parade Ambassador of Goodwill and Culture, 1st2nd Mortgage Company and tentatively our First Honorary Grand Marshal, the Honorable Jon S. Corzine, Governor of the State of New Jersey.

I cordially invite you to witness this historic parade and festival. Our Asian elected officials as well as dignitaries from different Asian countries are invited to join us. I look forward to the pleasure of your company, and moreover for all your support in this endeavor.

Thank you very much for the support of our First Ambassador of Goodwill and Culture, 1st 2nd Mortgage Company, the Western Union, Northwest Airlines through Garden State Travel and many more sponsors and benefactors. My heartfelt thanks for all the committee members whose countless time are spent in the preparation of this huge event and we will make this happen. For all our the media partners, our Filipino businesses, artists, and everyone who are involved, many thanks.


Ludi Hughes
Chairwoman of the Board
Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc. 2008