Evolution of Philippine fabrics on show in NY

What better way to mark the centennial of Filipino Immigration to the United States than to make Independence Day celebrations in the U.S. even more special than it usually is. The Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) is flying in a dazzling collection of the traditional baro’t saya, terno, and barong that will trace the evolution of Philippine fabrics in an exhibit called “Habi Filipina.” Edgar San Diego, President of FDAP, will be on hand together with designers Richard Papa, Edgar Madamba, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Gener Gozum, Tony Cajucom, Delby Bragais, Roland Lirio, Arielle Agasang, John Abul, Jonti Martinez and Raoul Ramirez. They will also participate in the Philippine Independence Day parade. The exhibit “Habi Filipina” can be viewed from June 4 – 16, 2006, weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm at the gallery of the Philippine Center on 556 Fifth Avenue (bet. 45th St and 46th St.), New York City. Admission is free.

Northeastern Film-Ams donate to landslide victims

Film-Ams in northeastern U.S. donated over US$12,496.00 for the victims of the Southern Leyte landslide. The amount was handed over to the Philippine Consulate General in New York. “Compassion for those in need can be seen through the generosity and concern of our kababayans who were shattered by this latest tragedy. We hope that our prayers and support can provide the hope needed to rebuild the lives and the future of those affected by this tragedy,” Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong said. The donation will be remitted to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC for transmittal to the National Disaster Coordinating Council together with donations received from other states.

The Consulate General will continue to receive donations for the Leyte fundraising until the end of June 2006.

What to do in case of a DHS crackdown

In light of the recent resolve of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to crack down on undocumented immigrants, New York-based lawyer Reuben S. Seguritan has written an article advising non-U.S. citizens on their rights under the U.S. Constitution. Among his recommendations:

1. Assert the right to remain silent. Seguritan says that “although government agents lie to the person arrested or to use any form of trickery to extract information, lying to government agents is a crime.” Keeping quiet is the prudent recourse.

2. Obtain the advice of a lawyer. Except in California where it would be considered a crime if a person refuses to give his or his name, a person is not required to give any other information including his addresses or immigration status without the advise of his lawyer. This is true even if the person is under arrest or in detention, says Seguritan.

For more information, log on to www.seguritan.com.