Why the Filipino Will Survive the Global Economic Storm
by Gus Mercado for Fil-Am Press
MANILA—One of the songs of David Foster that have endeared Oprah Winfrey’s young Filipina protégée—singing sensation Charice Pempengco—to millions of music lovers in America and all over the world is “I Will Survive.”
With the Filipino’s indomitable spirit and battle-tested resiliency to weather the worst of times, “We Will Survive” seems to be the theme song that our kababayans throughout the archipelago are singing in welcoming the New Year. Maybe it was the spirit of the Christmas season in a country that is known for its very long celebration of Christmas (Dec. 1 to Jan. 6) or maybe it was the Filipinos’ hopelessly fatalistic way of looking at life (“May awa ang Diyos!).
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to celebrate with you the long-awaited passing of the Filipino World War II Veterans legislation (as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act 2009) by the U.S. Congress - a major victory for Filipino WWII veterans. Our thanks to all of you who kept vigil with us and supported our veterans’ cause. Those who have died can now rest in peace, and the few veterans who are still living can now feel vindicated.  For more timely news about Filipinos and the Philippines, click on http://www.filamimage.com.
FINAL UPDATE ON THE CONSULAR OUTREACH TO TEXAS:
A total of 1500 applicants for passport renewals and dual citizenship have been received for Houston, and Houston is no longer accepting applications.