02/11/06

At the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO, scheduled for August 12-13, 2006, at the Fairplex in Pomona, everyone can celebrate.

“Full speed ahead,” said Russell Panopio, President of R-P.A.G.E, Inc., organizers of the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO. “We’ve received such positive feedback about the come back of this grand event,” Russell explained when asked about the progression of their event planning. He further added that, “Many of the participants and those we’ve invited recognize the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO Vinta logo. They associate it with the annual U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO in the 1990s.”

R-P.A.G.E., Inc. members comprise of the children of U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO Founder, Ruben S. Panopio, Jr. “We’re honored to be welcomed back by the community!” exclaimed Rutherford Panopio, Chief Executive Officer of R-P.A.G.E., Inc. The entire R-P.A.G.E., Inc. group wants to maintain and uphold the quality that their father has established.

Russell Panopio, President of R-P.A.G.E., Inc. (organizers of the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO) and Lorena Gomez, Fleet Manager at the Diamond Bar Honda both agree on the importance of providing quality products and services.

The community does show great interest. “At this early stage, we could not ask for a better response with 140 booths already reserved,” said Rutherford. In fact, “Diamond Bar Honda will participate and hold a section for an Auto Display,” Russell continued. Diamond Bar Honda, in the city of Diamond Bar, is proud to have Lorena Gomez join their winning management team. “Our company is proud to participate in the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO. We are really looking forward to the event,” Lorena, Fleet Manager of Diamond Bar Honda, claimed. With more than ten years in the auto industry, Lorena explained that serving her kababayans has always been a priority. “I go beyond the call of duty to provide service with the utmost loyalty and integrity; I believe in building relationships with our clients,” she added. Diamond Bar Honda believes in meeting the needs of their community, while providing high standards of quality and service. The U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO will also provide different components to put smiles on everyone’s faces. “All of the aspects of the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO, we’re doing to involve the community. We want people to come out and really enjoy themselves; furthermore, we want our sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers to experience promoting their products and services to this captive Filipino community,”

Rutherford said. “We will start accepting applications for the Ms. U.S.- PHILIPPINES EXPO 2006 Pageant,” said Genevieve Caton, Director of Operations. Prospective candidates must meet the following criteria: Must be a talented Filipina or Filipina-Amercian; must be between the ages of 18-25, single, and of good moral character; must either be employed full time or part time or be enrolled in high school or college. “The Ms. U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO 2006 must exemplify excellent attributes,” mentioned Genevieve.

“The U.S.-PHIIPPINES EXPO is truly a grand event! We’ve incorporated many things to ensure a successful come back,” said Ruben, Founder of the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO. To further promote the talents of the community, a Karaoke Contest will also take place. Finalist will perform and compete during the event.

In support of heroes, the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO will honor great achievers and military service men and women. “The Great Achievers Award acknowledges the contributions of those whom have succeeded and excelled in their careers, while the Salute to Our Troops will give tribute to those whom have sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy,” Ragsdale Panopio, Director of Public Relations, explained. The U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO accepts nominations for the Great Achievers Award; moreover, the public may submit names of service men and women whom they would like to give tribute to.

Of course, the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO would not fulfill its goal for an exciting event without the Kids Corner, which will certainly delight children and adults, too. “R-P.A.G.E., Inc. is literally a family. We love so much for children to enjoy themselves. We’ll have clowns, magicians…face painting, balloons…you name it,” said Jonathon Caton, Director of Marketing. The Show of Shows will also make its come back. The various forms of entertainment, from old to new and traditional to contemporary, will certainly please the crowds.

“We aim to create this kind of atmosphere once again,” Russell proudly stated. Genevieve agreed and wanted to remind everyone that this is the Filipino-American Community’s time to get together, as she said, “We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO, as well as in the years to come.”

If you want to be a part of the upcoming U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO, please call (310) 561-8474. (AJ)

-Asian Journal