Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

First, her family business is thriving despite the bad economic times.

Second, her family is bringing Max’s, the famous fried chicken restaurant in the Philippines, to New Jersey and New York.

On top of that, she has been reaping awards left and right.

Earlier this year, she was one of four Filipino recipients of this year’s Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Awards, awarded by Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) to honor achievements of entrepreneurs and corporate professionals.

The 67-year-old Pat is president of Phil-Am Trading, Inc., an importer and distributor of various Philippine food products. Her family also owns different restaurants and groceries that cater to the Fil-Am community.

A couple of weeks ago, she received another wonderful news. She was chosen by the Commission of Filipino Overseas as one of this year’s Presidential Awardees and in two weeks, she will by flying to Manila to receive the award from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself.

"Medyo nakakainip na," she admits, adding that plans of bringing the chain, first to Jersey City, was an idea hatched back in 2006.

Among the organizations where she plays an active role are the Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM) and Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL). PAFCOM is also set to honor Pat with an award in community service at the 2009 Community Heroes Awards scheduled for next year in recognition of her efforts in leading, supporting, volunteering and participating in community undertakings big and small.

A biennial event, the 2008 Awards will be hosted by President Arroyo on December 8, 2008 at the Malacañang, in observance of the Month of Filipinos Overseas. The President will honor Filipinos overseas who have dedicated their work in the service of the Filipino people and who are exemplars of Filipino talent and industry.

Among the East Coast-based organizations receiving the presidential award are the Association of Philippine Physicians of America (Linkapil Award), the Philippine Nurses Association of America (Banaag Award) and Catholic Medical Mission Board and Children’s Chance CT (Kaanib ng Bayan Award).

The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines. The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

The global search for Presidential awardees seeks candidates whose personal, vocational, professional or organizational achievements truly reflect professional excellence, cultural pride, dedication to national development, faith in the Filipino, and parental sacrifice for the country.

Lamberto Garcia, Santiago Muzones, Jr., Libertito Pelayo, Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan are the other New York-based individuals who are receiving the award.

In recognition of the important role of Filipinos overseas, the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas was instituted through Executive Order No. 498 issued in December 1991.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on November 28, 2008 in Asian Journal New York p. A1 )