words & images by Edward J. Mallillin
The Three Filipino Tenors kicked-off a star-studded night in song. Then, actress/host Tamlyn Tomita welcomed the packed house by speaking in Tagalog.
Pilipinos were well-represented last night at the East West Players 43rd Anniversary Visionary Awards Dinner and Silent Auction at the Hilton in Universal City.
Since 1965, the EWP has served as "the nation's pre-eminent Asian American theater troupe" (New York Times) and served as one of the most prestigious organizations to showcase the talents of Asian American entertainers. Their annual Visionary Awards salutes many artists who have helped to raise the visibility of the Asian Pacific American community.
With a who's who list of Asian American entertainers in tow to celebrate, Philippine entertainers were represented in full force. Tamlyn Tomita assumed her popular position as Mistress of Ceremonies, while America's Best Dance Crew winners Quest Crew were honored with a "Breakout Performance" award. Lea Salonga (pictured), whose popularity continues to soar not only in the Philippines or USA, but internationally, performed to the delight of the crowd.
Other Asian performers were honored, such as Star Trek and Harold & Kumar favorite John Cho, along with Oscar winner Jessica Yu, who both received Visionary Awards.
Although I was there as a member of the press, to cover the event for BakitWhy.com and my show Flipped Switch (whose first guest was actually John Cho), it was also nice on a personal level to see Philippine America include in this celebration of Asian America. Pilipinos weren't just there for the dinner and to applaud, they were also a big part of the show.
For more information on the East West Players, their upcoming productions, or the 43rd Anniversary Visionary Awards Dinner and Silent Auction, visit their website at www.eastwestplayers.org.
