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For the past 17 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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This website includes selected articles from this week's edition of the Filipino Express. Not all the stories published in the printed version appear on this site.
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To tell us what you think about Filipino Express Online or to comment on the stories published here, E-mail us at Filexpress@aol.com
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JERSEY CITY, February 17, 2005 --- In the summer of 2003, Filipino American inventor Jun Tobias, was tinkering with wires and soap. He wrote in his journal each step he took and spent countless hours experimenting. In his sleep, he dreamed about inventing new toys. When his awake, he was busy fiddling with soap, blowing it and mixing it. He was perplexed on the mystery of bubbles. He knew there must be ways to create a bubble within a bubble.
After three long weeks, he emerged satisfied: He discovered the right formula to create the only toy which can create “bubble within a bubble.” This means, that unlike other toys in the market which produces only one bubble at a time. His creative discovery created bubbles inside bubbles. Tobias credited his perseverance and luck in getting his invention.
“I feel elated. This product is unique. I was happy to find the right solution,” Tobias, 63, said.
Now, Tobias is ready to market his products. He will manufacture the toys in China and will be exported to the U.S and many countries.
The only problem is, Tobias needs capital amounting to $30, 000 to 50,000 to manufacture his bubble toy. He plans to sell his product to Toys R Us and other outlets.
Because of his successful experiment, Tobias was able to get a patent from the U.S. government. Although he fears that there’s a danger that his invention could be copied, he paid about $20,000 to get his patent. For him, creating the bubble toy was a breakthrough. “I was lucky to find results in my experiment,” said Tobias.
Tobias will sell his products with a brand name “Byz Bubbles.” It will be sold and manufactured in three types: regular bubble within a bubble, flower-shaped generating bubble toy and animal-shaped generating bubbles toy. He said kids and adults would be delighted with his discovery.
“It will be very colorful and fascinating,” said Tobias.
He said he wants to outsource the manufacturing of his toy in China because of cheap labor and materials there. He ruled out getting a business partner because he thinks he could produce the product himself.
Few years ago, Tobias also discovered a new a baseball board game toy. With the advent of electronic game and Gameboy, his product didn’t get to be sold in the market because very few kids play board games these days.
Tobias’ brother invented the fluorescent light being used in many public buses in Metro Manila.
“I have many ideas. I love to tinker but I have to start and make money now. To invent something is not easy. You have to sacrifice a lot,” Tobias said.
He said he has other ideas to invent materials and equipment for construction.
Since he was a student, Tobias recalled that he had enjoyed experimenting in various toys. He says he will continue to discover new things.
“I want to leave a legacy to my children and grandchildren. To have invention is a good opportunity,” said Tobias.
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Attending the President Bush/Vice President Chenney Inaugural Ball, Washington, D.C., from left, Ernie Gange, Choir National Federation of Fil-Am Republican, Therese Lizardo, Miss District of Columbia, her escort, Dr. Jude Escano, Elena Brady, 2nd Vice-Chair National Asian American Republican Coalition.
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Jersey City, NEW JERSEY, February 17, 2005 --- Ms. District of Columbia 2004 Therese Lizardo is embarking on two meaningful missions. From Feb. 16 to March 2, she will be in the Philippines for a medical mission, and to promote her project “ Pi Pals” to connect Americans to Filipino students .
“The purpose of Pi Pals is to establish a motivational connection between Americans and Filipinos. Whether you realize it or not, you are an inspirational role model simply because you are an American. You have achieved a life that many Filipinos aspire to attain,” said Lizardo.
The project is encouraging as it will pair successful Americans to give advice to Filipino students who will be their role models.
“I believe that motivation, and encouragement is the key to success,” said Lizardo.
Lizardo asked Filipino Americans and Americans to send a letter to the Miss District of Columbia Organization to inspire young people to succeed in their lives and careers.
Lizardo recalled that when her mother, Lorie, came to America more than 30 years ago, she had only $300 in her pocket and nobody guided her to pursue her goals. Her parents worked hard to pay for her medical education in Manila. Through perseverance and strong motivation, her mother became a licensed physician in the U.S. and now has a lucrative practice in New Jersey. Over the years, she has successfully sponsored each one of her family members to come to the U.S.
“It is stories like these that encourage people in the Philippines to pursue their dreams because they see how their struggles can be overcome,” said Lizardo.
Pi Pals mentorship does not require volunteers to give money or donation. It only asks participants to share their stories with a student in the Philippines. The group will connect participants in the Philippines.
Lizardo, a medical student at George Washington University, won the Ms. District of Columbia pageant last year due to her charming personality and intelligence. She has still six months to reign as Ms. DC. Her platform was based on promotion of values such as ambition and integrity and the encouragement of right values in education. Lizardo graduated cum laude with triple degrees in biology, psychology and women’s studies at George Washington University.
“As Miss DC, I want to encourage students to set goals for themselves and to motivate these students to develop to the best of their abilities,” said Lizardo. She said very few Asian American women joined beauty pageants because they have different priorities such as education, careers and other ambitions.
As a bright and talented beauty queen, Lizardo says she wants to be a psychiatrist to empower those with illness to take charge of their minds and achieve something in life.
“There is no greater service that I can perform for another person, than help that person live his or her life to the fullest,” said Lizardo.
She will fly to the Philippines on Feb. 16 to March 2. The Department of Tourism will sponsor a conference for her and a group of doctors, upon arrival in Manila. Lizardo will also be in the limelight in Manila as many TV stations are scheduled to interview her. She will create a pilot project for Pi Pals in Manila, Bulacan and Tarlac where students will be paired with successful Americans.
She will be accompanied by her parents– Don Rudy Lizardo, born and raised in Bulacan, and former president of Association of Philippine Physicians in America and Auxiliary (APPA), and her mom Dr. Lorie Lizardo, a native of Tarlac.
Lizardo attributes her sweet success to her mom’s strong influence, guiding her to follow her dreams with strength and persistence.
Last year, Lizardo traveled with a team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers on two medical missions to the Philippines. They performed over 200 facial reconstructive surgeries, 75 minor surgeries, and hundreds of general screening. The group raised over $10,000 to fund the heart transplants of two boys in Manila.
“One of my main priorities is teaching other Filipino-Americans the importance of giving back to the community from which they came. That is the only way that we, as Filipinos and Americans, can empower ourselves. “We are very lucky to have been given our many opportunities, but we must also share these opportunities with others so that we can continue the cycle of giving,” said Lizardo.
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Feature presentations include “Batang West Side”, “An Untold Triumph”
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JERSEY CITY, February 17, 2005 --- The Jersey City Museum launches an Asian Film Series on Thursday, Feb. 24, that continues through Sunday February 27. Featured films are “Batang West Side”, “For Youth by Youth”, and “An Untold Triumph.”
“For Youth By Youth” part of Asian CineVision’s 2004/05 National Festival Tour, is a series of films created by teens that address racism, debunk stereotypes and protest prejudices through community activism. They not only tackle the definition of their own identities, but also look towards a more optimistic future amidst the questionable present by sharing their own stories and the histories of those who have been forgotten. Screenings are at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and admission is $4 (groups rates are available).
On Saturday, February 26, audiences have the unique opportunity to view Lav Diaz’s epic film “Batang West Side.” The film follows a Filipino police detective investigating the murder of a young Filipino immigrant freshly arrived in the United States found dead on West Side Avenue, Jersey City.
As the detective questions the victim’s family, friends and suspected killers, he recalls his past life as a government agent sent to kill student activist leaders in downtown Manila’s university belt. As the story unfolds, one comes to know some of the people at the center or periphery of his life, each representing his salvation or damnation --- sometimes both at the same time. Beyond that, Diaz gives us an overview of the Filipino-American community, both its functional and dysfunctional members.
“Batang West Side” is the winner of numerous film awards including Best Picture at the Singapore International Film Festival, Brussels Independent Festival and Gawad Urian. The screening begins at the Jersey City Museum at 12 pm and is free with museum admission.
The Jersey City Museum Asian Film Series culminates with two special screenings of “An Untold Triumph” presented by the Philippine American Friendship Committee. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary Film at the 2002 Hawaii International Film Festival and a Silver Telly at the 24th Annual Telly Awards, this landmark piece documents and honors the 7,000 men of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments of the US Army who fought in World War II in the Philippines. Director Noel Izon intimately captures their stories through the voices of the veterans, less than half of whom are still alive today. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips provides the sensitive narration and Charlie Barnett’s original orchestral score enhances the immediacy of these stories. Tickets for “An Untold Triumph” are $10 and reservations (which are encouraged), can be made by calling (908) 313-6877 or (201) 420-5926.
The Jersey City Museum is located at 350 Montgomery Street at the corner of Monmouth Street in the Historic Downtown District, and is conveniently accessible by PATH and NJ Transit Light Rail. For more information on the Asian Film Series and other Jersey City Museum programs, call (201) 413-0303 or visit www.jerseycitymuseum.org.
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