PHL Consulate General Spearheads Fund Raising Drive for Fil Veterans
Consul General Cruz with the Spotlight on Vets performers and Filipino community leaders. Also in the photo is former Mayor of City of Carson, Mr. Jim Deer (6th from left).
09 August 2017 LOS ANGELES — The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, headed by Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz and in cooperation with MAXX Promos spearheaded a benefit show, dubbed “Spotlight on Vets”, held on July 29 at the Envision Center in Van Nuys, California.
Spotlight on Vets, produced by Mr. Mutch Carino of MAXX Promos, a Filipino-American owned Special Event Production Company, was organized in response to the appeal of Consul General Cruz to all Filipino-American organizations under the Consulate General’s jurisdiction to help raise funds to purchase bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States’ highest civilian honor, granted by Former U.S. President Barack Obama to be given to the living Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans and posthumously to surviving family members.
Net proceeds of the show were donated to the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) for the purchase of the Congressional Gold Medal replicas. FilVetREP is the organization designated by the U.S. Mint as the official liaison for the design and distribution of Congressional Gold Medal replicas to Filipino WWII Veterans
Mr. Sonny Busa, FilVetREP’s Regional Director graced the show to express FilVetREP’s appreciation for the Los Angeles Filipino community’s support of the campaign to help Filipino WWII Veterans obtain a replica of the Medal.
Consul General Cruz, in his remarks, emphasized the Consulate General’s two major thrusts: 1) to empower young Filipino-American leaders; and 2) to provide valued assistance to Filipino Veterans in the United States, including, but not limited to the awarding of said Medal to Filipino soldiers who fought side by side with the Americans during WWII. He thanked Maxx Promos and other Fil-Am organizations who have heeded this call. He, however, called on to the audience to continue spread the word about this campaign and help our veterans.
Two other Fil-Am organizations: the Philippine Arts Council, University of Southern California (USC) Pacific Asia Museum and the Los Chabacanos of Cavite City, based in San Diego also donated the amount of US$1,000.00 each in support of this drive. The donations were likewise presented to Mr. Busa during the show.
About 20 Fil-Am talents, led by Filipino Jazz legends Boy Katindig and Mon David were featured in the benefit show. Filipino-teen Dance Troupes, Junior New System, 2016 Champion of the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) as well as Xtreme Dancers, 2nd Placer in the Upper Division of World of Dance Philippines, captivated the audience with their breathtaking and hip dance performances. The magic act of Cecil and Mighty (sword swallower) was also featured.
For more information, visit www.philippineconsulatela.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA.