May 7, 2008

Kristine Johnson to host the first ever Asian Pacific American Cultural & Heritage Grand Parade & Festival
Grandstand ceremonies on June 1, 2008 as Mistress of Ceremonies

WCBSTV channel 2 HDTV Anchor Kristine Johnson  will host the first ever Asian Pacific American Cultural & Heritage Grand Parade & Festival grandstand ceremonies on June 1, 2008 as Mistress of Ceremonies. The Grand Parade  was organized by The Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc. in Bergenfield headed by its Chairwoman Ludi Hughes with the participation of almost a dozen Asian Pacific countries including Korea, Taiwan, China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Thailand and Vietnam. This is a first of its kind in the whole United States. New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine was invited to head a delegation of elected officials and politicians. Even John McCain for President’s campaign staff for Asian outreach is inquiring about the Grand Parade and had indicated interest in participating. The Parade itself will start at 11:00 am at the corner of Washington Avenue and East Clinton in Bergenfield NJ, and ends at the Teaneck National Guard Armory where a Street Fair and Festival awaits all participants and everyone who will be treated with an array of Filipino and other Asian cuisine and Cultural entertainment headed by Erno Hormillosa  who will coordinate all the different performances by all the Asian countries participating in the Cultural Show.

In the past, FHFI had the “Walkthrough the Philippines” which showcased Philippine culture via an assortment of display of artifacts and Filipino related materials  set up in a big tent where everyone is invited to see. This year, a similar display will be dubbed “Gateway to Asia” which will showcase all of the Asian countries’ culture and heritage. Corporate sponsors and booths also will have individual raffles for an assortment of prizes. Asian Beauty Queens along with the Heritage Muses will lead the others including Miss Teen Philippines USA of 2008 and pageant finalists. Three roundtrip tickets to Asia will also be raffled along with scholarship grants and other activities for children.

Both organizations (FHFI and AAHCNJ) had very successful fundraising campaigns including substantial donations from prominent companies which include Western Union, ABS CBN.TFC, PSE&G, NorthWest Airlines, Garden Sate Travel, GD Pandey Ayurved University, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, United Staffing Registry, Asian Journal and  many others. The parade will also honor its very First Grand Parade Ambassador of Goodwill & Culture, 1st and 2nd Mortgage, Inc.   headed by its owner, Andy Pada Jr. whose million dollar pledge to the Foundation excited the crowd of more than six hundred attendees at the Gabi ng Parangal Dinner Dance Gala held at the Sheraton Meadowlands on Sunday May 3rd.  The keynote speaker in the event was no other than NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg who was joined by Bergen County Sheriff Leo McGuire and several State officials.

We urge everyone not to miss this historical event. For more information on food, corporate, and entertainment participation, call the following Committee Chairs:  Overall Coordinator-Parade Committee – Nena Kaufman (212)799-1847, Parade Chair- Lito Pernia (201) 658-0476,  Food Services-Chona Holland (201) 663-2629, Street Fair: Mac Villapando ( 631) 331-2441 - Lita Sarmiento, (201) 253-7388,   Annie Bermudez (212) 428-2210  Cultural Chair:  Erno Hormillosa (646)637-6337, to reserve food and non-food booth call Buddy Deauna (201) 501-8388 and any information call Ludi Hughes 201-841-3070 or Nimfa Tinana (908) 494-4014.