Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

We began publishing LifEASTyle Magazine last July to celebrate the life and style of Filipinos in the East Coast, particularly New York and New Jersey. The journey though doesn’t just stop in Manhattan, Queens or even the Jersey Shore since our reportage knows no boundaries.

As we say goodbye to 2009, we can’t help but be grateful for God’s grace and faithfulness in this interesting and memorable year. Several misfortunes challenged the world like the recession and the swine/H1N1 flu. And some tragedies again tested the Filipinos’ resiliency (i.e. Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the Maguindanao massacre). The Queen of England described 2009 as a year best forgotten, many say that maybe she had a point.

But there are some who have had a banner year in 2009, many of them Filipinos.

Indeed, there were many of our kababayans who prominently hogged the limelight in the world stage, earning them worldwide recognition and bringing honor to our country. Some of them are among the movers and shakers who made it to the cover of Asian Journal’s LifEASTyle Magazine.

Here, we present 9 newsmakers for 2009.

At the start of 2009, there were many talks about who the Obamas would pick as the new administration’s head chef. There were many names of candidates being presented as the choice of the First Couple. But on January 9, 2009, Obama’s transition team announced that Filipina Cristeta Comerford would be retained as the administration’s head chef.

"Cristeta Comerford brings such incredible talent to the White House operation and came very highly regarded from the Bush family," Michelle Obama said in a statement released by the transition team. "Also the mom of a young daughter, I appreciate our shared perspective on the importance of healthy eating and healthy families."

What an achievement—to be chosen by the President of the United States of America for a key post within the White House. Former First Lady Laura Bush, who highly recommended Cristeta, said she was delighted that Ms. Comerford had accepted the job. "Her passion for cooking can be tasted in every bite of her delicious creations," Mrs. Bush said.

Cristeta Comerford is the first female, first Filipina and first executive chef of ethnic minority to be in charge of feeding the first family. She not only plans and prepares the food for the First Family and the never-ending guests at the White House; she also creates menus for state dinners, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons hosted by the President and the First Lady.

"Being a Pinoy at the White House, Filipino values and traits are innate in me. My faith and belief is an integral part of who I am now. It’s always there, always a part of me. Even if I prepare a French classical cuisine, it is Filipino because I am a Filipino," said Cristeta.

And in the New Year, the world will witness Comerford take on a new exciting challenge. She joins forces with Chef Bobby Flay to battle against popular chefs Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali in a two-hour special episode of Iron Chef America on January 3, 2010 entitled Super Chefs Battle.

Considering her record of amazing feats, it would be no surprise indeed if Cris comes out a winner—again!