Tony

My name is Tony Rago, I'm an Italian-American who over the past 2 years, became entrenched in the music scene coming out of the Philippines. Through my interactions, I've made connections with numerous bands and people in the Indie scene (Up Dharma Down, Taken By Cars, Quark Henares, Zach Lucero, Kalia Aguilos, etc.), connected with hundreds of Filipinos both here in the US and abroad through music & culture, and I have consistently made an effort to promote the Philippines and the amazing & rich culture that exists. Much of what I currently have done to promote, has been posted on my page, https://www.facebook.com/LIFE2shortProductions, which has more than half of it 600 + followers in the Philippines. I also produced a documentary based on my experience in Manila which was shown at the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival this past November, A Week In Metro Manila: Up Dharma Down (http://vimeo.com/19254405). I have plans to do additional projects of a similar nature.

I'm very excited to have this opportunity, and I look forward to working with all of you, and providing a unique insight into the culture, covering stories that are relevant, but also under the radar. It's amazing how small the world actually is, when common interests and an open mind unite. Without that sort of mindset, I would not even be writing this message, and it is my hope that I will be able to open some eyes, both inside and outside of the Filipino community.