Philippine/Asian American Times Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary
By Elnora M. Mercado
May 7, 2001

The Philippine/Asian American Times celebrated its 5th anniversary of successful publication and service to the Asian community with Tom Migaki, Manager of Denver General Services, as guest speaker, last April 28, 2001 at the Filipino American Community Cultural Center in Edgewater, Colorado.

Heading the list of dignitaries who attended the event were: Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder,

Dr. Phillip Hernandez, Director of Human Rights and Community Relations, (representing Denver, Mayor Wellington Webb),

Aurora Councilman Ed Tauer (representing Aurora Mayor Paul Tauer).

With Maria Concepcion Panlilio, Feature Editor of P/AAT, as Master of Ceremony, the program started with the posting of the American and Filipino followed by the singing of the national anthems.

Father Greg Mirto, Pastor of St. Williams Church, did the invocation.

Joseph Noli Lopez, Publisher and CEO, gave the opening remarks.

Nestor Mercado, Editor, gave brief highlights of the history of the Philippine/Asian American Times.

Tom Migaki, guest speaker, spoke about his career as accountant and later as Manager of General Services for the City and County of Denver.

Dr. Philip Hernandez and Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder gave special messages and congratulations on the success of the paper.

Sum Cong Nguyen, Special Vietnamese Reporter and President of the Unified Nationalist Vietnamese Committee of Colorado, introduced the special guests. He received a special award for his contributions and support to the paper.

The entertainment portion began with Philippine Rondalla of Denver, directed by Pepita Tuason, delighting the audience with Filipino and popular music.

As a surprise "P/AAT singing group" sang "Yours" and "Independence March" which was composed by a blind composer in the Philippines during World War II.

Erica Le, granddaughter of Sum Cong Nguyen, sang a song in Vietnamese and in English.

The "Jr. Wahines" who performed a special Tahitian dance choreographed by Helen Simms, Executive Director of Polynesian –Pacifica Foundation of Colorado.