Fil-Am Francisco Martin enters 'American Idol' top 7

Francisco Martin has earned his ticket into the top 7 of “American Idol.”

Host Ryan Seacrest revealed the results of the nationwide votes in America on Sunday (Monday in Manila).

Aside from the Filipino-American singer, also advancing to the next round are Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Jonny West, Julia Gargano, Louis Knight and Just Sam.

After learning the good news, all seven had to perform two more songs while at home: a Disney song, and another one dedicated to their mothers. 



For Martin’s first performance, he did his own version of “You’ll Be in My Heart” from the movie “Tarzan,” and admitted to judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry that he enjoyed himself while filming it. 

Dubbing it as the “transformation of Francisco,” Richie noted how he saw the 19-year-old singer actually smiling at himself while performing.

“In other words, when you’re doing that, that was just giving us the confidence and the enjoyment. And by the way, we as an audience, we love to see that kind of emotion,” he said.

Perry, for her part, could not help but favorably compare Martin to a fellow contestant, saying what he did was “really amazing.”

“I agree with Lionel, you looked relaxed. All that self-doubt has been really stripped away. What you gave us at the end is kind of what I wanted from Louis Knight. This is a competition. Let’s get real. There’s only one Idol and you were spot-on with your performance and then at the end, you let us have it with the talent of your voice. Good for you. You are a good bet,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bryan said Martin’s first performance showed that he’s not just "the king of the jungle but you felt like king of ‘American Idol’ in my opinion.”



For his second song, Martin chose to dedicate a heartfelt performance of Leon Bridges’ “River” to his mom.

Perry thought Martin was already incredible with the Disney song, but he grew even more when he did his second performance.

“This set of Mother’s Day songs is really separating the pack. It’s showing who deserves that top position and you are making it difficult for all these other contestants because that performance was so, so full and beautiful and real. It was so heartfelt what you just did,” she said.

For Bryan, Martin’s version was actually better than the original and he wouldn’t think twice of spending his money on it the moment he heard the young singer’s first note.

Meanwhile, Richie reiterated how he loves that Martin’s confidence is now front and center.

“You’re no longer in your head. It’s all about your delivery now. We were checking your pulse [during auditions], remember that? Congratulations because you have a career and that is what’s most important and we saw it happen here on ‘American Idol,’” he said.

Voting for the next round began midway through Sunday’s episode and it will end on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

For those in America, there are three ways to vote for Martin and that’s through the American Idol app, or by dropping by the American Idol website, or through texting “12” to “21523.”

The top 5 vote-getters will be revealed next week and will advance to the next round.

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Fil-Am Francisco Martin sings Katy Perry song as he fights for a spot in 'American Idol' Top 10

The show must go on for “American Idol” as it returned on Sunday (Monday in Manila) with a fresh new episode featuring the top 20 contestants singing from their homes as they vie for a spot in the top 10.

For Francisco Martin, he took a chance when he decided to cover “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry, who is one of the show’s three judges along with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.



While saying it was a “dice roll to do that song,” Perry gave her seal of approval, telling the Filipino-American singer that what he did was really beautiful.

“I thought it was really beautiful at the beginning. That one note that you hit was amazing, and then it was all the way uphill,” she said. “You did it real justice. Good job!”

Bryan, on the other hand, said: “I was nervous. I was like please do not let this kid cover a Katy song and mess it up. You didn’t man, you made it you, and you just have the magic. I’m jealous.”

Meanwhile, Richie said it’s just warming to watch Martin go on stage and take anybody’s song, especially a Katy Perry tune.

“Are you kidding me? You took the chance of life. But you turned it into your song. You made it your song. Congratulations you’re doing a great job,” he said.

After the top 20’s performances, fans can vote for their favorites through the “American Idol” phone app, at the American Idol website, and by texting the contestant’s number to 21523. Ten votes are allowed per contestant for every method of voting.

Here’s how to help send Martin through to the next round:

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Roll the 🎲, nail a @katyperry hit... 🤯🎸 Just another day chez @franciscomartinmusic⁣! ⁣ 3⃣ ways to vote:⁣ ⁣ 🌟Go to americanidol.com/vote⁣ 🌟In the American Idol App ⁣ 🌟Text “12” to “21523”⁣ ⁣ #AmericanIdol #IdolAtHome

A post shared by American Idol (@americanidol) on Apr 26, 2020 at 6:07pm PDT

Host Ryan Seacrest said the top 10 contestants with the most number of votes will be revealed next week.

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MMA: NY nurse, ex-UFC fighter Phillipe Nover says COVID-19 different type of battle

Retired US-based Filipino fighter Phillipe Nover has fought numerous wars inside the MMA cage.

But as a registered nurse in New York, he has seen the battle against the feared coronavirus first hand, and that this opponent is something else entirely

“Things just kind of turned upside down in a matter of days and weeks,” Nover, who has fought in the UFC and Bellator, said in an article posted on MMAFighting.com.

“I’d say New York City was quite ill prepared... I mean this pandemic is spreading so rapidly and there was only one hospital in Long Island, N.Y. that was able to actually test in the hospital. It took three days even to get the results and that was as of a week or 10 days ago. Now we’re moving quick where we’re testing people, but we still don’t have enough tests.”

Nover said the shortage of test kits has been the biggest issue when treating patients who are suspected of COVID-19 infection.

New York City reported more than 38,000 cases of COVID-19 with more than 900 deaths caused by Coronavirus as of Monday. 

Nover said the number of infected people isn’t even remotely close to accurate, considering what he’s witnessing in the hospital daily.

“We’re not even giving tests to everyone,” he said. “You literally have to be critical and have a lot of symptoms to be tested. There’s an influx of patients."

“Our emergency rooms are maxed out most of the time at 80 to 100 percent. Our ICU’s (intensive care unit) is maxed out. Those are the two areas of the hospitals where all medical personnel are directed towards.”

Nover said that some of his co-workers contracted the virus, but none of them critical.

“As far as putting myself on the line, I thought about it initially but I said sign me up. I got into healthcare to help people and this really is what our calling should be,” he said.

Nover added that he has decided to stop training since it meant possibly passing the virus to his gym mates.

“As a former MMA fighter and jiu-jitsu practitioner, I’d love to go and train with the guys and I’m sure there’s guys out there training, but I just can’t risk it,” Nover said. 

“I’m probably a carrier. I might not even show symptoms, but I just can’t risk it.”

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'Is that Bruno Mars?': 'Idol' judges send Fil-Am singer Francisco Martin to Top 20

Filipino-American singer Francisco Martin received a standing ovation from “American Idol” judges as he performed before them in Hawaii for a spot in the Top 20.

During the show’s Sunday episode (Monday morning in Manila), Martin chose to sing the new Harry Styles hit “Falling” for the Showcase Round.

Compared with his last performance, Martin owned the stage this time, showing no signs of nervousness, while playing the guitar and singing his heart out.

After his song, the judges were up on their feet, with Luke Bryan even jumping up and down in his seat.

“I don’t really recognize who you are anymore, especially what you did last night, and that’s a good thing,” Katy Perry told Martin, as the judges talked to the contestants individually about their fate the following day.

Lionel Richie agreed, saying: “When the girls screamed, did you see what he turned into? I don’t even think he sang for a moment. He just kinda sat there and took it all in.”

Martin’s performance even prompted Perry to liken him to another popular Filipino-American artist.

“I was like, is that Bruno Mars? I like it,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Bryan said he’s proud how Martin is “figuring out how to be a real artist, somebody that you naturally root for.”

“You check every box. I have a feeling that great things are just going to happen to you in this experience. You’re just a wonderful talent,” he said.

It was at that point when Bryan told Martin that he made it to the Top 20 after they have decided to send him through to the next round.

Watch how Martin impressed the judges with his performance 


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Filipino-Americans 'fired up' as Tagalog added to Nevada ballot

LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao, roast pig dinners and prayer services: Activists are using every tool possible to get the booming Filipino-American community in Las Vegas to the polls for Saturday's Democratic nomination vote.

Overlooked in the past, Filipinos have rapidly become the western desert state's largest Asian-American community -- almost 200,000 by some estimates, in a state of 3 million people -- forcing candidates to take notice.

For the first time, the Tagalog language will be used on voting cards along with English and Spanish at the Democratic caucuses.

"We're proud that they are recognizing us," said Margie Gonzales, a Filipina community leader. "It means a lot -- it means recognition."

Gonzales, who chairs the county's Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) commission, has also begun training politicians to speak a few Tagalog words.

"When you start knocking on doors, it helps if you greet a Filipino family opening the door in Tagalog," she said. "That's a way to make that person smile -- you feel welcome."

Feeling welcome is key for a minority community in which immigration and xenophobia are major concerns. Like Latinos, Filipino-Americans tend to vote Democrat.

"When Trump talks about not bringing in relatives and things like that, that same thing applies to Asians," said Tick Segerblom, a commissioner for Clark County, where Las Vegas is located. "So Trump has really been a boon as far as organizing Asians."

But traditionally, Filipino-Americans have not voted in large numbers.

To counter that, Gonzales and her fellow activists introduced a tradition commonly found during election campaigns back in the Philippines -- the Kamayan, a large communal feast.

These typically see politicians mingle at long tables covered in banana leaves, with a whole roast pig on the menu.

'SQUEAK OF A MOUSE'

The feasts hosted in Las Vegas by Gonzales so far have not endorsed specific candidates. A grand Kamayan is planned once the Democratic Party settles on a nominee -- but that has not stopped those in the race from reaching out.

Democratic candidate Tulsi Gabbard, who is Hawaiian, has made inroads, as have Pete Buttigieg and Elizabeth Warren.

"This is an overlooked and often ignored community and I feel like Elizabeth Warren celebrates our existence and doesn't use us as props," said Filipina campaign volunteer Ninna Diaz, 27.

The community is "definitely taking notice," she added. 

More recently, Gonzales has conducted Tagalog language caucus training for campaigns including that of Bernie Sanders.

"The mere fact that a lot of politicians are calling me and other Filipino-American leaders, it shows you that we are becoming important," she said.

"They are paying attention to us, because they know now that we vote."

She added: "Our voice used to be like the squeak of a mouse... But we are getting fired up now."

In a sign of the group's growing visibility, Segerblom and others are leading a campaign to rename a stretch of eastern Las Vegas, which is home to many community restaurants and stores, Little Filipinotown.

But Gonzales turned to one of the most visible icons of all -- global boxing superstar and Philippine Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who was in Las Vegas for a fight in 2014.

"We were able to get to his suite -- he posed with us, holding our banner," said Gonzales, who now uses the image to boost voter registration drives.

"It gets the Filipinos excited -- in fact, even non-Filipinos!"

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'Future superstar': Fil-Am singer wows judges on 'American Idol'

Another Filipino-American is set to make waves in Hollywood.

During the pilot episode of the 18th season of “American Idol,” singer Francisco Martin walked into his audition with his nerves getting the best of him.

Clasping his guitar, Martin looked extremely anxious only to be calmed down by judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

This seemed to have helped him as he nailed his cover of Maggie Rogers’ “Alaska,” earning raves from the judges.


“I just checked the pulse of a future superstar,” quipped Bryan.

Richie, for his part, said in jest that he loved how Martin set them up by looking afraid and timid at first only to explode into the amazing singer that he is.

As for judge Katy Perry, she lauded the singer’s “incredible voice” before asking him to perform one of his originals saying “we just want you to win.”

In the end, Perry said: “Would you faint if I told you that you are top 10?”

All three judges then unanimously sent Martin through to the next round.

Aside from the judges, Martin also received a positive feedback from Rogers herself, who took to Twitter her reaction.

“I can’t handle this,” she wrote in all capital letters.


Eighteen-year-old Martin, who is currently taking up his pre-law course, hails from San Francisco, California.

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Fil-Am teen alleged victim of hate crime in California; 3 suspects charged

Authorities have charged three suspects in an alleged attack on a Filipino-American teen from San Bruno, California in a reported hate crime. 

The unidentified 17-year old who is half Filipino, half African-American was reportedly visiting a 15-year old girl at her family's home last August 22, 2019.

The girl's biological father Luisandro Suares, her mother Haydee Arguello and stepfather Wilfredo Amaya arrived and found the teen boy in her bedroom.

They then allegedly physically assaulted him for about 30 minutes and threatened him with a deadly weapon.

The victim told authorities that the suspects yelled at him using racial slurs.

The three suspects have been booked into the San Mateo County Jail and have been charged with felony hate crime, kidnapping and assault with deadly weapon and criminal threats.

Read more on Balitang America.

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Fil-Am hit by drunk driver in New Jersey dies, is laid to rest

WESTFIELD, New Jersey - A Filipino-American who died 2 days after a drunk driver hit his car was laid to rest in New Jersey on Monday.

Michael Sot, 20, was making sure his friends got home safe only to be hit head on by a drunk driver last Dec. 2.

The driver, 22-year-old David Lamar, crossed over the double center line and crashed into Sot’s car. The accident also injured 7 others.

Lamar survived and was charged with vehicular homicide, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

"I want the other guy to know how he affected everyone and I want him to know how good of a kid he took out in the world. I have other fraternity brothers still in the hospital right now, unconscious, and I want him to see that too," said Sot’s best friend, Giancarlo Santo.

For many of Sot’s friends, he was not only a former star football player and an outstanding student, he was someone who put others first.

"He might be gone now, but like now, pieces of him live in every one of us and I think we just need to do our best job to carry out what things Mike would have done to people if he was here, because it’s the only way he could live on now,” Santo said. 

More than $73,000 dollars has been raised at this time through a GoFundMe page to help the Sot family and other victims of the car crash.

Another GoFundMe page called TCNJ Car Accident Recovery Fund has raised more than $120,000. The money raised will be given to each family affected by the crash.

Read more on Balitang America:

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'One of my favorite things about myself is being half-Filipino': Darren Criss and his roots

The Filipino runs in his blood. 

Born to a mother from Cebu who loves music and performing, Darren Criss has lived a life dedicated to the spotlight, swaying to the rhythms that would eventually earn him an Emmy -- the first Filipino-American to do so. 

His "drive" to become a star, he attributed to his mom who, along with his "sneak attack musician" (a person who has musical talent but refuses to play instruments, he explained) dad, made sure that he grew up surrounded by singing and dancing. 

This upbringing meant that pursuing a career in Hollywood was inevitable; in fact, he is still best known for his role in the award-winning musical series "Glee." 

Now, Criss holds the distinction of becoming the first actor with Pinoy roots to win an Emmy -- perhaps the highest honor in TV. 

He won for his role in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" as Andrew Cunanan, the half-Filipino serial killer notorious for murdering five men, including famous fashion designer Gianni Versace, in 1997. 

In an interview back when was promoting the drama, he revealed that he celebrated getting the part with a trip to his favorite Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles -- an example of just how proud Criss is of his connection to the Philippines. 

However, this association faced scrutiny last March, when he was perceived to have renounced his Pinoy roots. 

Speaking with Vulture, he said that it would "be unfair" to have identify himself as Asian-American, likening it to "reaching for the minority card on a college application." 

He did clarify this by writing on Twitter: "One of my favorite things about myself is that I'm half Filipino. PERIOD."

"I happen to not look like it, but that face is not what I like. I like the fact that most people don't know it's an ace up my sleeve, an ace I'm very proud of, regardless of what I look like." 

That love for his Pinoy side shone through when he helped raise funds for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. 

Recently, he also took the time out to send his love for those affected by typhoon Ompong. 

"Stay safe. My thoughts are with you. There’s only so much we could do for this side except send love and as many good vibes I can. Look out for each other out there," he said.

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Asa Miller finishes 70th in Olympic Alpine skiing

Filipino-American skier Asa Miller wrapped up his first ever Winter Olympics stint by placing 70th in the Alpine skiing event on Sunday morning in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The 17-year-old Miller was in 81st place after his first run, with a time of 1:27.52.

But he rose 11 places after a strong second run that he completed with a time of 1:22.43.

His combined time of 2:49.95 was good for 70th among a total of 110 skiers.

Miller, who was raised in Oregon, was 31.91-seconds off the gold medalist, Marcel Hirscher of Austria, who had a time of 2:18.04.

Norway's Henrik Kristoffersen was second with a time of 2:19.31, while France's Alexis Pinturault settled for bronze with a time of 2:19.35.

Miller was the Philippines' flag-bearer in the opening ceremonies, and is one of only two Filipinos in the Olympics. The other, Michael Martinez, competed in men's figure skating.

In giant slalom, the gates are spaced at a greater distance to each other than in slalom but not as far apart as in the super-G, a later development.

While giant slalom lacks the raw speed of the downhill and super-G, the technique shown by the skiers as they carve their way down the slope can be breathtaking.

Although it is one of Alpine skiing’s technical rather than speed events, the top skiers can still get up to 40 kph on the giant slalom course and crashes can be dramatic. – With Reuters

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Pinay judge found guilty of mortgage fraud

A Filipino American judge in Illinois was found guilty of mail and bank fraud in a $1.4 million real estate scheme.

A federal jury found Cook County Judge Jessica Arong O’Brien, the first Filipina elected as a judge in the state of Illinois, guilty of the charges against her.

Authorities first charged O’Brien back in April 2017 with fraud for lying on loan and refinancing documents for two investment properties. They said O’Brien then made profit by unloading the homes to a straw buyer whom she paid.

Authorities added she pocketed at least $325,000 from the transactions.

Under Illinois law, the conviction means O’Brien loses her spot on the bench. A sentence hearing has been set for July 6th.

In a statement to Balitang America, O’Brien said, “This too shall pass. I still do believe that ultimately, the truth will set me free.”

Read more on Balitang America.

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Fil-Am book fest features life of Elizabeth Ramsey

One of the books featured during the recent Filipino-American International Book Festival in San Francisco is a book that chronicles the life journey of Elizabeth Ramsey and her six-decade long career as the Philippines' queen of rock and roll.

Prior to her death two years ago, Ramsey told her story through one of her children, Sansu, about what it took to make it as the first black Filipina accepted in the Philippine entertainment business.

"She wanted all her fans, and family and friends to know more in-depth about who Elizabeth Ramsey was," said Sansu.

Conflict between Ramsey's children is also included in the book - particularly between Sansu and Jaya, a soul singer in the Philippines.

"I wish that one day she can visit her mother's burial - if she knows where it is, if she really wants to, if she is interested to see where her mother is buried. To let you know, Jaya, she was buried in San Carlos where she was born and raised - you may have to take a trip!" Sansu said.

Read more on Balitang America.

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Team Sharon's Jeremy charms his way to 'Voice Teens' finals

MANILA -- Sharon Cuneta is betting on Jeremy Glinoga to become the first winner from her team when he represents Team Sharon at the grand finals of “The Voice Teens” next week.

During Sunday’s live episode, Glinoga got a higher average score (99%) compared to his rival Christy Lagapa (90.59%), from the combined votes of the viewers and Cuneta's score.

Glinoga, a Filipino-American teenager who comes from a family who idolizes Cuneta, impressed viewers as he performed Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times.”

“You owned that stage tonight. I am so proud of you. Puro ballads ang ginagawa mo for us. When you said that you were gonna do this, sabi ko medyo this has kind of a stronger beat, a higher energy and I said it’s a big stage,” Cuneta told the teen singer.

“I was a little scared but you owned the stage tonight. You gave me everything I asked for. I am so proud of you. From the bottom of my heart, I believe you belong up there,” she added.

Lagapa, on the other hand, sang the "Evita" ballad “Don’t Cry For Me Argetina,” which was likewise praised by Cuneta because she still was able to deliver a good performance despite nursing an illness.

Glinoga will be competing against Isabela Vinzon from Team Bamboo; Jona Soquite from Team Sarah; and Mica Becerro from Team Lea.

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Pinay hospitalized due to dust storm in Arizona

PHOENIX, Arizona – Metropolitan Phoenix was hit by dust storm and thunderstorm over the weekend causing damages to properties and putting many lives in danger.

With zero visibility on the road during a sandstorm, Giselle Sloan’s car was hit by another vehicle despite taking precautions.

“Zero visibility talaga. So I got my vehicle in high beam. And then as I was getting ready to pull over on the side. Grabe yung impact na di ko na nga alam. Basta, I think na unconscious ako for a while,” Sloan said.

Sloan said she was in pain but managed to get out of her car. She obtained multiple bruises on her head and legs and was admitted in the hospital with a fractured back bone.

“Nahirapan ako i-open, as soon as i-open ko ang door grabe yung dust. Instead na maliligo ka sa tubig. Dust na lahat. Nilagay niya ako sa kotse niya. I didn’t know what happened, basta nakita ko na lang may kotse. May pulis. Maya-maya may ambulance na,” she said.

Sloan is expected to recover with outpatient therapy services and has to wear a back brace for at least a month.

Meanwhile, another kababayan drove into the dust storm last weekend. Luckily, Jennifer Aquino had enough time to pull over to safety.

Aquino said receiving the Arizona Department of Transportation’s campaign to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” via text message alerted her to be more careful and aware of her surroundings during extreme weather conditions.

“It is helpful and it should be followed to keep everybody alive,” she said.

Read more on Balitang America.

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Why Fil-Am Snapchat millionaire kept working after $54-M jackpot

MANILA - Technology entrepreneur Garrett Gee was $54 million richer when he decided to start fresh as an "adventure travel journalist," exploring the world with his wife and two young kids.

The flip flop-wearing Filipino American recalled how he was at a crossroads after having sold his scanning app to US-based social networking giant Snapchat.

Gee said he was ready to go on a "never ending vacation and be done with it," living off instant fortune.

But together with his wife, Gee hatched a plan to document their adventures on "The Bucket List Family" and encourage people to travel.

"Don't get comfortable. Comfort never was happiness. You can get comfortable for a little bit, that's when life stops," Gee told TFCU.

Gee said the sale of Scan to Snapchat was a turning point that could have turned bad, had he chosen an easy life, free from money problems.

"None of this is gonna matter of I can't take this situation and make something special of it," he said.

Gee, who is in his mid-20s, is in the Philippines for the first time, working on a television and website project with ABS-CBN International.

He said his new work is as enlightening as it is financially rewarding.

"You learn a lot of lessons everyday, one thing you learn when you're traveling is (there are) good people all around the world," he said.

"Maybe the world is a scary place. When you travel, you learn the opposite: The world is safe, the world is beautiful, the world is kind," he added.

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Fil-Am lawyers oppose, act upon Trump travel ban

NEW YORK - President Donald Trump’s executive order, which bans citizens from seven predominantly Muslim nations, has become an issue within the Filipino American community especially since Trump has mentioned the Philippines as a concern during his election campaign.

“I think it’s clear at this point that it’s highly unlikely that the travel ban will be expanded to include the Philippines,” said Fil-Am Atty. Rio Guerrero. “In all likelihood, they would probably wait to see how this all plays out before the court system and probably the Supreme Court, before they were to issue any new travel ban, or to try to expand the existing one obviously.”

The National Filipino American Lawyers Association, or NFALA, a three-year old organization with about 700 lawyer members across the United States, opposes the president’s executive order, which they say promotes hostility toward immigrants and refugees.

The organization has mobilized efforts to support the needs of affected individuals.

“We don’t want any groups being singled out. This is a country where we’ve always welcomed immigrants,” said Atty. Jhanice Domingo, President of NFALA. “We’re asking attorneys and people in the US to speak up and oppose this travel ban. We’re asking immigration attorneys to help out.”

Its local affiliate, the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York, has been volunteering at different airports, disseminating information on their availability to those who may be affected by the travel ban.

Lawyers urge the community to remain vigilant not only on the issue of immigration, but on other issues as well.

They assure the community that they will advocate for citizens' rights.

“Lawyers will defend our country. We will defend the freedoms and the liberties of the people here in the United States, both the documented and the undocumented, fighting for the rights of individuals, and their families,” said Guerrero.

Read more on Balitang America.

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Health drink created by Fil-Am couple expands in US markets

A popular health drink in the Philippines that was created by a Filipino-American couple is now set to take the US by storm. Its main ingredient - the acai berry.

Organique, one of the most popular health drinks in the Philippines, is now available at US retailers.

Eight years ago, Cathy Salimbangon was a nurse working in Toronto, Canada and eventually California. Her husband Elton was a healthcare administrator. But at some point, as they ran care facilities in Fresno, they decided to use their experience and create a health revolution.

“My husband used to work in a nutritional company that's making all these healthy products in California and worldwide. There, he said, we formulated with the help of the research and development team a really good product that does not only taste good but is healthy,” said Salimbangon.

The acai berry-based drink Organique was eventually created, made in California. It has become a hit in Asian markets especially in the Philippines.

“The product is from here, California manufactured, USDA certified so we really proud of that. We're one of the pioneers of Filipino-owned companies that has a USDA logo and we started bringing it to the Philippines eight years ago. It's doing well,” she said.

The main ingredient, the acai berry, a versatile berry that possesses a high amount of antioxidants and omega oils.

“We come up with a special blend to ensure that the micronutrients of the acai berry will maintain and be maximized in our cells,” she explained.

US-based fans say it’s a recipe for success, adding that along with proper diet and exercise, the juice has given them a variety of benefits.

Organique is now readily available at mostly Filipino and Asian American grocery stores. As the brand builds its US following, they're hoping it can also eventually penetrate the mainstream markets.

Read more on Balitang America: http://www.balitangamerica.tv/

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Fil-Am families remember loved ones lost during 9/11

NEW YORK - It has been 15 years since the 9/11 terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, including about 20 Filipinos. The Twin Towers collapsed after two commercial planes hit the World Trade Center buildings.

On Sunday, about 8,000 people, including family and friends of the victims, gathered at the National September 11 memorial plaza.

Four moments of silence were observed at Ground Zero to remember those who died when each plane hit and when each tower fell that started at 8:46 in the morning of September 11, 2001.

Among those honored were Filipino cousins, Maria Theresa Santillan and Judy Hazel Santillan Fernandez, both 27 years old then.

“It’s been 15 years, yet the pain and sorrow is still felt by your family, relatives and friends. We all miss you dearly, kisses to everyone,” said their cousin, Bess Quilino.

Both were employees of Cantor Fitzgerald, an investment bank located at the World Trade Center that lost 658 employees.

About a dozen Santillan family members attend the yearly 9/11 commemoration.

Amelita Fabello-Poral, a Filipino nurse who worked at the NYU Hospital on 9/11, just two blocks away from ground zero says she will always remember September 11 as a day when Filipino nurses in New York stepped up to save lives.

“I’m very happy and proud as a registered nurse. Marami kaming mga Filipino din na mga nurses sa NYU Downtown Hospital, sa Beekman, and we really we’re able to help a lot of patients,” she said.

[I’m very happy and proud as a registered nurse. There are a lot of us Filipino nurses at the NYU Downtown Hospital in Beekman and we really were able to help a lot of patients.]

But for many New Yorkers, the stories of survival, loss of loved ones and the heroism of many will always be remembered not just on September 11 but for the rest of their lives.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinay tattoo artist inks her name in New York art scene

In a world filled with self-proclaimed, multi-hyphenated millennials, it is a rarity to find a legitimate, accomplished talent who crafts for art and not for social media likes.

Fortunately for me, I stood witness as a bystander when Sarah Gaugler discovered and nurtured her genius before she eventually made a name. Today, the Filipina-American is on The New York Times for her impressive work on reinventing old tattoo choices.

She has gone a long way since rising from her personal tragedies of being orphaned at such a young age, and her difficult childhood in the Philippines that unfolded after that. The 29-year-old University of Santo Tomas graduate, who once graced EDSA’s billboards and Manila’s glossy magazines, has moved beyond her local accolades knowing full well that the world is at her feet.

In 2014, her feet, ingrained with a skull adornment, brought her west – to a Mecca for multi-platform artists like herself– the Big Apple. Here, between gigs with her electronic band Turbo Goth, modeling and doing commissioned art, Gaugler inks people for a living.

People struggling to find something that lasts forever come to her Snow Tattoo studio in Chelsea, New York. And she offers permanency in the form of beautiful custom art for display on one’s personal gallery, the human skin.

But “New York is just the beginning,” she says.

Who knows which international publication will see her next?

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Ams among anti-Trump protesters outside RNC

While there has been much for supporters of Donald Trump to celebrate inside the Republican National Convention, those who oppose Trump’s presidency made their presence known outside. Balitang America, 20 July 2016

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com