VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK BLOGGER

“PINOY POWER WORLDWIDE!” AT THE 3RD GLOBAL:
A GATHERING OF DOERS & A MEETING OF BUILDERS


Manila, Philippines, December 18, 2004 - On January 20-22, 2005, Filipinos from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and countries in Asia, as well as from Manila and the provinces, will converge in the Province of Cebu at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino for the 3rd Global Filipino Networking Convention.

Like the first convention held in San Francisco in late 2002 and the second, staged in Manila in December 2003 (sponsored by the Department of Tourism), the objective of the 3rd Global is to enable Overseas Filipinos, through networking, to help each other and to help the Philippines. The theme of the convention is “Pinoy Power Worldwide.” The sub-theme is “A Gathering of Heroes.”

The 3rd Global will have various Filipino overseas groups (professional clubs, provincial organizations, alumni associations, and religious, cultural, and service groups) holding their respective international/annual meetings in Cebu City and all of them coming together for the common opening and closing plenary sessions, breakout seminars, receptions and cultural activities.

Overseas Filipinos or Global Filipinos, in the 3rd Global’s point-of-view, are composed of immigrants, second-or-third generation foreign nationals of Filipino ancestry, Overseas Filipino Workers, and their guests. For many Global Filipinos, a trip to the Philippines for the 3rd Global symbolizes a “paying forward” or “giving back” mission that emphasizes a sharing of experiences without the “holier than thou” attitude. A vacation, a reunion, or a medical mission with a planned side-trip to Cebu are some of the primary reasons for attending the convention. Another motivator is their genuine desire to engage in discussions and conversations with other Overseas Filipinos and Philippine-based Filipinos as a foundation in gaining first-hand knowledge and insights so they can assist each other in shared causes and programs or projects.

The Philippine-based delegates who will be networking with these Overseas Filipinos will be posing some challenging questions among themselves. “What have we done for the country lately?” or “We’re grateful for these Global Filipinos’ support since they believe that the Philippines is a land of opportunity, full of hope and promise. But we are the movers and shakers of the Philippines. Why don’t we show our visitors what we are doing as a community of doers and builders?”

One of the highlights of the 3rd Global is the unveiling ceremony of a special exhibit at the convention, “The Gallery of Heroes,” on January 21. The exhibit will give due recognition to Filipinos around the world who have brought honor to the Philippines or have been of exemplary service to the Philippines and its people. The Junior Chamber International-Philippines and TOYM Foundation will also co-sponsor the 3rd Global’s “TOYM Gallery of Horoes” and the Youth Leadership Forum on January 22.

Simultaneously, the Entreprenoy Expo, a travel and trade exhibit organized and managed by L.A. Ducut & Company, Inc. for the 3rd Global, will be held from January 19 to January 23. Entreprenoy Expo allows the delegates and the general public to sample the products and services of local and Overseas Filipinos. This “Showcase of Unique Pinoy Entrepreneurial Spirit Here & Abroad” promises something for everyone’s interests and buying power --- from domestic travel destinations and events, real estate, business opportunities, manufacturing to consumer goods. The venue is the high-traffic, high-visibility Cebu Trade Hall, third floor at SM City Cebu from January 19 in the afternoon through January 23.

Some of the invited guests and speakers from the Philippines include President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Vice-President Noli de Castro, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, Secretary of the Department of Tourism Joseph “Ace” Durano, Senator Richard Gordon, Jaime AugU.S.to Zobel de Ayala, and Manny Paningilan. The local public officials, led by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmena, will officially welcome the delegates to the 3rd Global Filipino Networking Convention at the Welcome Reception on January 20.

A cross-section of the Global Filipino community is represented among the invited speakers who are noted as models of empowerment in their respective fields of expertise. Some of these are: Dado Banatao, Anny Misa Hefti, Dr. Belinda Aquino, Maria Haley, and Former Canadian MP Rey Pagtakhan.

The “shopping cart” format of the 3rd Global’s break-out sessions allows the delegates to plan their participation effectively. For instance, the January 21 afternoon schedule offers forums and panel discussions that range from “Brain Drain to Brain Gain,” “The Saga of the Overseas Filipino: The Filipino Diaspora, Immigration, Plight of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), European Opportunities, Employment Opportunities” to “Filipino World War II Veterans: The 2nd Death March, Status of Veterans Equity Legislation, and panel discussions on how best to gain equity.”

Some of the January 22 sessions include: “Trade, Investments, and Entrepreneurship,” “Medical Mission & Health Care Conference,” “Global Filipino Media,” “Filipino History, Culture, & Arts,” a forum on “OFWs: Teachers, Nurses, Therapists, Laborers, Overseas Performing Artists, and Others – Risks & Opportunities,” “Philippine Studies in the U.S. & Foreign Schools,” “Educational Exchange between U.S. & Philippine Schools,” and “Absentee Voting & Dual Citizenship.”

During the convention, there will be special “sub-conventions” and gatherings such as The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) Conference, JAYCEES/TOYM Youth Leadership Forum, Real Estate Forum, the Philippine Science High School Reunion, the Hawaii Trade Mission, and the San Francisco Police Department-Philippine Exchange Training Consortium’s community policing forum and workshops. Other activities such as sports tournaments and convention-organized tours will be confirmed before the convention commences on January 20.

At the Closing Plenary Session, the forums’ and mini-conventions’ resolutions will be presented and the formation of the “Global Confederation of Filipino Associations,” which was conceptualized during the 2nd Global in Manila, will be organized.

The January 22 Closing Reception celebrates “The Filipinos in the Diaspora” with a special presentation and Philippine launching of “2006: 100 Years of Filipinos in Hawaii” by the Hawaiian delegates. A formal turnover of the Global Filipino Networking Convention --- the 3rd Global to the 4th Global --- symbolizes the continuity of “Pinoy Power Worldwide!” when it convenes sometime in late September or early October, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Hawaii state-mandated Philippine Centennial Celebration Commission, chaired by Elias Beniga, will oversee the joint activities of the NaFFAA 7th Empowerment Conference and the 4th Global Filipino Networking Convention.

Since everyone is encouraged to play an active role during the convention, each delegate is urged to volunteer as a proponent or “reactor” during the forums, or assist in hosting out-of-town guests. Additional sponsorship and souvenir program opportunities are also available.

The 3rd Global is a project of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the leading Filipino umbrella organization in the U.S.A., with headquarters in Washington D.C. and twelve (12) regional chapters across America. Loida Nicolas-Lewis, CEO of TLC Beatrice and one of the most respected women entrepreneurs in the U.S., leads the 3rd Global’s Executive Committee together with Alex Esclamado and Rodel Rodis, who serve as vice-chairs. The 2005 Organizing Committee’s Chair is Greg Macabenta, who owns and manages an advertising agency in the U.S., publishes and edits a Fil-Am newspaper, and writes a column for Business World, the leading business daily in Manila. The 3rd Global’s co-convenor is the Cebu Visitors & Convention Bureau (CVCB) led by Founding Chair Patrick Gregorio who is also the President of Waterfront Hotels and Secretary General of the 2005 Organizing Committee. The other members of the 2005 Organizing Committee include: Marivic Bamba as vice-chair, Lorna Lardizabal Dietz as Executive Coordinator, Jenny Franco as Project Director, Officer Joe Robles of the San Francisco Police Department, Armando “Doy” Heredia, and Jon Melegrito. CVCB and DDB Philippines share marketing responsibilities in the 3rd Global’s national sponsorship offerings.

The “early bird” registration fee of $50 for delegates residing outside the Philippines is good until December 31, 2004. The standard registration fee of $ 75 is effective starting January 1, 2005. For delegates coming from the Philippines (with proof of local residence), the registration fee is PHP 1,750. “Value-packed!” best describes the features and benefits of the convention’s registration fee. It includes printed literature and handouts, meals, receptions, and any conference-organized tours or site visits during the three-day “Gathering of Heroes.”

The “FAQ” section of the 3rd Global’s website, www.thirdglobalcebu.com, provides information on travel and land arrangements, tours, and activities. Hotel reservations are coordinated by the Philippine Secretariat’s Registration Committee at CVCB.

There are four (4) ways to register:
By Phone – (63-32) 234-1282 and (63-32) 255-1250
By Fax – (63-32) 234-1463 and (63-32) 254-7850
By E-mail – travelvision@skyinet.net or bernadettejingco@yahoo.com
Website – online registration at www.thirdglobalcebu.com

For delegates who are planning their trip to Cebu for the 3rd Global, the general schedule provides opportunities to devote dedicated time to networking and sampling Cebu and its neighboring islands’ dynamic and visitor-friendly attractions.

January 19 – all day delegates’ arrival; Cebu tours, hometown & alumni reunions, pre-event meetings
January 20 – registration; film screenings; any convention-sponsored site tours; organized tournaments; 3:00 p.m. Entreprenoy travel & trade exhibit opening; opening reception starts at 6:00 p.m.
January 21 – formal opening at 8:30 a.m.; various forums & conferences; luncheon; 6:30 p.m. evening reception
January 22 – forums & conferences continue at 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; luncheon; 6:00 p.m. closing reception
January 23 – religious services; tours and any convention-sponsored site tours; departures; post-event speaking engagements

For more information about the 3rd Global Filipino Networking Convention, e-mail thirdglobalcebu@yahoo.com. In the U.S., call (650) 992-4001 and in the Philippines, contact the Philippine Secretariat at (32) 234-1282, (32) 234-1463, or (32) 255-1250.