Admerasia congratulates Yi Ping Lee, SVP/Account Director par excellence of Admerasia, in his highly anticipated banquet wedding to lovely Stella in  Shanghai, China on July 18.

After the grandeur of the Beijing Olympics, there has been no other event that has excited and thrilled the Admerasia staff until the news of Yi Ping’s upcoming nuptials.

To our recollection, Yi Ping has been carrying the torch for Stella for  many years now.  He will take that torch of love from New York to Shanghai, China starting this week to  give him time to prepare for the wedding, which we think will be a lavish one with fireworks to beat all Chinese fireworks (that’s the Honeymoon part).

As Yiping often calls this blogger  “Yes,” in his Filipino language (much like the campaign they work with), here’s all of us at Admerasia, saying, “Yes!” We wish you and Stella all the best!

What is her last name, Yi Ping?

Filipinotown on Temple Street (between Alvarado and Union) in Los Angeles is abuzz with activities.

On Aug. 1, 7:30 a.m.- 9 p.m., the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council invites anyone interested to take part in a 5K run/walk. The day-long program will feature Filipino celebrities Nora Aunor and Bernardo Benardo as well as other special guests such as Malou Toler, the Burlington School children and the Silverlake Adult Health Care.  The program also include live music performances by the Albert Garcia Band, Jazz Phil-USA and other bands as well as salsa dancing and a fashion show. There will also be game booths and great food.

For sponsorship booths and other information, call 212-413-3323 or email hifiprods@aol.com.

On the same day, the Filipino American Library (FAL), in partnership with the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council, and the Office of Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, will open the floor to questions about the history of Filipino settlement in Los Angeles.

FAL reportedly provides  largest Filipino library in the country. It provides access to information and knowledge through the collection, preservation, and dissemination of a unique collection of Filipino American and Filipino reading material to those that seek knowledge.

To learn more about these tours and Historic Filipinotown, visit FAL’s website at http://www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org/

We wish them a great event.

In the recently concluded Filipino Film Festival by the Indio Bravo Foundation I watched “100,” supposedly a hit in Korea. It’s the story of a hard-nosed corporate drone who decides to become a human being again upon learning she has 100 days left. (Think “Bucket List.”) For a $20,000-budgeted movie, it’s serviceable but largely forgettable.

Meeting the writer-director afterwards didn’t help in my assessment of the movie. Talking about directors, I was told by the organizers that Brilliante Mendoza, the best director winner at the recent Cannes Film Festival for his movie, “Kinatay” (Butchered) was supposed to fly to New York for the festival; one of his movies, “Slingshot”  was included in the festival. At the last minute, however, he had to beg off because CNN was doing an interview on him. Ah, the price of fame.

My colleague Ruth watched another movie titled “Jay,” a satire on reality TV in the Philippines. She said she liked the movie. It’s a low-budgeted movie, too. The Indio Bravo films chose the movies doing the rounds of prestigious international film festivals.

But that festival is over. The Philippine Consulate has come up with its own film festival of sorts, with a theme centered on heroism.

Starting this July, the Philippine Consulate is showcasing the Philippines in previously screened movies, including Filipino and American heroes who fought side by side during World War II. This is also in line with the Philippine-American Friendship Day celebrated on July 4.

The Filipino film screenings are for free and will be held at the Philippine Consulate on 556 Fifth Ave. in NY.

Back to Bataan. A John Wayne starrer in World War II Philippines.

Not all movies in the special screenings are made by Filipinos.  Others like the classic, “Back to Bataan” and the more recent “The Great Raid,” are big Hollywood productions set in the Philippines.

The Philippine Film Festival will be every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.  Full schedule below:

July
02 – Thursday – Great Raid
09 –Thursday- Back to Bataan
15 –Wednesday- Sakay
23 – Thursday- The Forgotten War (Korean War)

August
05– Wednesday – Corregidor
13- Thursday – Paraiso
20 – Thursday- Baler
27 – Thursday- Inang Yaya

03 September – Thursday – Bayani

All screenings are free, but please call first at 212-764-1330 ext. 310 or 336 to make sure you get a seat.