Can’t find words to describe my feelings of joy, elation, and satisfaction over the just recently concluded 16th annual Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame gala event held last March 13th at the Hyatt Regency downtown hotel. In other words, I’m just tickled pink to be receiving outpourings of congratulations, warm thank you’s, and sincere compliments from the hall of fame awardees and guests. This really makes me forget about my long, sleepless nights and hard days’ work devoted in putting together a most successful event in which words of smashing success reverberates throughout our community. (Read hof awardees’ letters on “Veronica’s   Vibes” (page 5) and “Letters from Readers” (page  6). 


    This March issue, of course, features  on our cover the most fantastic batch of well-accomplished  and most outstanding recipients of the most-awaited  2010 Chicago Filipino American Hall of Famers. And, for their very interesting write-ups and more pictorial of the event, please go to pages 54 to 58. Also, please enjoy  looking at the memorable group shot of the 2010 hall of famers with VT/CPRTV staff, co-emcees Ma. Girlie Pascual and James dela Cruz, Lou Maningas, Jovie Calma-Santos, and Joe Mauricio  at the above photo, credited to both our professional fotogs Amie Hana and Rosie Reed.

    Surprise! surprise! Our Jovie Calma-Santos, VT’s Wassup Columnist, CPRTV’s Showbiz Pinoy host, and our Facebook social media director, is the recipient of our annual “hush-hush” award for her dedication and loyalty to VT, CPRTV and for the Hall of Fame annual production and programming for all these years. Teary-eyed Jovie was beyond belief that that evening would turn out to be an evening to remember for the rest of her life.

    For the last few years, AzulaySeiden Law Group has been supporting the Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame by serving as the event’s Platinum Sponsor, and from this group, we’ve also picked the “Friend of the Filipino” awardees in the field of Immigration Law in the persons of Judd Azulay, Esq.(2005), Robert Gard, Esq.(2006), and this year, Ira Azulay, Esq.

    We also thank our other major sponsors...Mr. Sidney Lee of Golden Country (we surely have a lot of stories to tell about your bags of 3 Horses Jasmine Rice and bottles of Oyster Sauce. To the Philippine Department of Tourism’s engaging audiovisual presentation...thanks to the PDOT Director, Vernie Morales (our awardee for Outstanding Community/Public Service, an international award.

    Of course, the big success of the night is attributable to the most dedicated and hardworking VT/CPRTV staff...Joe Mauricio, Girlie Pascual, James dela Cruz, RJ & Jovie Calma-Santos, Glenn Turner & Sarah Lee, Lou & Lee Maningas, Baron Cabalona, Adam Gruel & Anthony Andaleon, and our most efficient ticket/reservation/accounting friends  who always try to lend their helping hands in spite of business commitment in their tax service firm, Rose Tosino and Lito Vitug, and our new assistant, Chie Rowland. My favorite gown designer, the most talented Ramon Lazaro and hair/make-up stylist Robert Chavez.

    Photo below shows the 2010 batch of the Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame awardees.in a group shot with the VT/CPRTV staff.  Enjoy this special edition & happy Easter to all!

    Enjoy reading our other important topics touching on the immigration reform & the presidential politicians of the Philippines by Joe Mauricio.