Maniolas

Orange County joined the rest of the nation in highlighting the role of Asian American and Pacific Islanders by recognizing the visionary spirit that serve as community role models at the South Coast Plaza, a commercial complex known for being an international shopping destination  which had generously made its resources available for the annual commemoration for years. The May 31 event brought together by local organizations and their partners made the May celebration known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, one that showcased the celebration of culture, traditions, and history of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the county of 34 cities. The awardees had their moments of recognition for their exemplary effort to succeed in their respective ventures. These community role models who have joined their peers in receiving the  Diversity Visionary Awards which recognized their abilities to compete in the highly competitive environment of Orange County whose demographics represent tapestry of cultural and entrepreneurial mix. Joining in the efforts to recognize in acknowledging the achievements of the awardees who serve as role models for going the extra mile in the pursuit of their passions for the second year are the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, the Friends of Thailand International Network, the Hong Kong Association of Southern California, and their community partners like  the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, and the Asian Business Association of Orange County. Honored for their Read More …

By Elena Johnson As the weather heats up in the summer, I start preparing more fresh salads and light, vibrant dishes. This Summertime Pasta combines delicate angel hair with a lemony sauce loaded with fresh herbs and snow peas – though you could use any green vegetable that cooks quickly such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini. Pair this recipe with a side salad or grilled asparagus for a quick and easy meal. Summertime Pasta Summertime Pasta 6 – 8 servings 1 medium onion, finely chopped 5 garlic cloves, minced 3 tablespoons olive oil ¾ pound snow peas, halved and ends removed 1 pound angel hair pasta Juice of 1 lemon Zest of half a lemon ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat until onion becomes translucent. Add snow peas and cook approximately 3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. When snow peas are cooked, turn off heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, chives, basil, salt, and pepper. Add pasta and toss well to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon, oil, salt, or pepper to taste. About the Author Elena Johnson Elena Johnson is a second-generation Filipino American living in Baltimore, MD. As a vegan chef and caterer she has been reinventing her family’s recipes and sharing them with friends, relatives, and those interested in vegetarian cooking. Elena is also the Read More …

Unleashing the power of feminine talents and experience to make FilAms in L.A. happy…very happy (From left) Susan Oca, Adele Raspado, Art Flores, Ernie Tabayan and Glo Resurreccion Glo Resurreccion, the mentor, and Susan Oca, her protégée, came to America in search of the American Dream. Like the pioneers who came before, they left behind families, earthly possessions, and fond memories. Armed only with their God-given talents and a deep faith in the future, they braved the uncertainties of the New World. Like everyone, they experienced the harsh environment in this land they thought was filled with “milk and honey”. They went from state to state, hopping from one job to another, hoping that someday, they may come to live the American Dream. That Dream has become elusive to them, as it has been to most of us. Until one day, on May 16, 2014, after pouring their resources and skills to help their friends, Ernie Tabayan and Adele Raspado, host an unforgettable dance event at the Angelus Plaza for seniors – a success by any measure, it dawned on them that using their feminine magic of creativity and resourcefulness, they can “make Fil-Ams in L.A. happy…very happy”. Henceforth, they will now stop searching; they will, instead, start creating the American Dream. Not only for themselves, but also for everyone who share that dream. This new American Dream discards the old myopic notion that success is to be measured by the accumulation of wealth alone; rather, it adds the subjective Read More …

SWS survey results showed 9 out 10 Filipinos experienced financial shortage in the last 12 months.

Ai Ai delas Alas (MNS Photo) Veteran comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas has begun shooting scenes for her first independent film. On Instagram, delas Alas shared a photo of herself on the set of the film “Ronda,” which is a finalist in the New Breed category of Cinemalaya 2014. The actress said she is excited to be part of an indie film. “First time ko makaka-experience ng indie film… Yahoo, art-art naman to,” she wrote. Delas Alas shared that she will play the role of a policewoman in “Ronda.” “Pwede pala kong pulis…Hehe,” she wrote. Directed by Nick Olanka, “Ronda” is written by Adolfo Alix Jr and Jerome Zamora. (MNS)