GK's Tony Meloto Laud Filipino Women's Success in U.S. - from Asian Journal

Gawad Kalinga'S TONY MELOTO LAUD FILIPINO WOMEN'S SUCCESS IN U.S.
Tuesday, October 27, 2010, Asian Journal Press

La CANADA – In an afternoon tea event to celebrate Filipinas in Los Angeles, Gawad Kalinga Founder Antonio "Tony" Meloto praised successful Filipina women for achieving success in the United States and for being the backbone of GK.

"These Filipina women are quite accomplished in their chosen profession and have achieved success in the most competitive marketplace," said Meloto at the ‘Women Inspiring Women Inspiring Change’ event held at the home of Mark and Gloria Lilly.

"The Filipina women especially here in California in the early 2000 were the first supporters of GK when it wasn’t fashionable or popular. These women have supported us through the years. These women are game changers."

The event featured a who’s who of several successful Filipina women – from Chef Cecilia De Castro, who catered the event; film director and author of Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella Myrna de la Paz Mulhern; authors Carina Monica Montoya, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard and Mae Respicio Koerner, among others.

Manguerra Brainard said it’s important to celebrate Filipina women.

"Throughout the years, we as women have often been marginalized or not taken seriously," said Manguerra Brainard who has written several books including When The Rainbow Goddess other titles such as Growing Up Filipino, Vols. l and ll. "It’s time for our community to recognize our achievements."De la Paz Mulhern agrees. She said this event is about women inspiring other women.

"It’s very challenging in the Filipino community but as you can see from the women in this event and the authors that we are doing that. Our work inspires other women to do their best."

Donations raised in the event benefited GK.

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