THE Manila based BANTAY PILIPINAS, a cybernet group that advocated for free, clean and honest elections in the Philippines last May 10 presidential elections - formed the Steering Committee of its LA project last August 15, 2010.
In a collective decision to continue the tasks of BANTAY PILIPINAS not only as an election watch dog but also as the premier advocate of good governance and anti graft and corruption campaign in the Philippines - individuals and groups banded together and formed a steering committee in Los Angeles.
The composition of BPP-LA Steering Committee a self selecting body was chosen by the BANTAY activists themselves. The initial members are Austin Baul Jr., FACLA Executive Director; Paul Julian, FACLA Ist Vice President; Jerry Esguerra, Bantay Pilipinas USA convenor; Arturo P. Garcia; Nila Jamias, Oliver Sulit; Clarita Julian; Rita Dinsay; Cela Esguerra; Linda Nery; Aurora and Armando Torreda.
Building on its success
Prior to the elections in May, Los Angeles witnessed the first ever political related debate featuring represenatives of leading presidential candidates in the Philippines. Pegged as “Debate sa PTown”, hosted by Bantay and held at the Historic Filipinotown, it was well attended and received extensive press coverage. A similar event was also held in San Diego California.
Night with Jose Rizal, October 16
On October 16, 2010 - Bantay will. again venture into another ground breaking event - a multi media celebration of the heroism and artistry of the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
This will be held at the East West Players in the heart of Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo - Isang Gabi ni Rizal will feature a full reception replete with chamber music, wine table, verses from Rizal’s work, exhibition of paintings by US based Filipino artists, books and Rizal inspired publications and a sumptuous Filipino style light buffet. The highlight of the evening will be the screening and review of Marilou Abaya’s 1998 film “Jose Rizal”.
Proceeds will go to BANTAY PROJECT and to support the JFAV Legal Aid Fund.
At the steering committee meeting on August 19 Bantay geared for the planned inaugural ball early next year in Los Angeles and the Bantay Pilipinas International Conference in Manila next summer.
Exploratory organizing committees are also forming in San Francisco, San Diego, New York-New Jersey area and Chicago. Bantay Pilipinas is surely moving forward!
For more information please contact; Arturo P. Garcia at (213) 241-0995 or Jerry Esguerra at (818)749-0272 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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