FAIRFAX, Virginia–A number of top Republicans will attend the annual Filipino American Republicans of Virginia (FARV) Awards Dinner and Gala Ball, to be held on September 19 at the McLean Hilton.

Former FARV President Vellie Dietrich-Hall announced this at a fundraising event here last July 19 for Ron Villanueva. Villanueva is the Republican candidate for delegate in Virginia’s 21st district in the November 3 elections. Smart and articulate, he’s a former Virginia councilman, father of four and a highly-successful businessman.

Ms. Dietrich-Hall said, “Among the VIPs coming are awardees Congressman Steven Austria (Ohio), Congressman Joseph Cao (New Orleans) and Virginia Delegate John OBannon. We will announce their specific awards on gala night.”

She added the categories, some of them named after heroes, are the Tambuli Award, R. Magsaysay Award, Bayanihan Award, Sikatuna Award, Most Valuable Player Award, and Gabriela Silang Award.

Republican leaders invited are: RNC Chairman Michael Steele, Congressman Eric Cantor and Congressman Frank Wolf, RPV chairman Pat Mullins, former Senators George Allen and Fred Thompson and famous Filipino American columnist Michelle Malkin.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. For gala tickets, contact Vellie, (703) 786-3999; FARV President Ed Pabalan, (703) 909-5711; FARV VP Maurese Owens, (703) 825-5194; or Alma Conty, (703) 825-5194.

Villanueva fundraiser

FARV Vice President Maurese O. Owens said the total amount raised was $5,000. She presented the checks to candidate Villanueva, who came from Virginia Beach, accompanied by strategist Pepe Cabacoy.

In his remarks before the presentation, Villanueva, the youngest and first Filipino American to serve on City Council, talked about his “track record in bringing jobs, cutting taxes, and providing affordable housing and transportation projects.” He answered questions after his speech and posed for photos.

The fundraiser was held on a Sunday afternoon at the residence of Oscar and Evelyn Bonoan. Evelyn, entrepreneur and food columnist, prepared a creative menu of meat, fish and vegetable dishes. The event drew both Republican and Democratic members of the community.

Guests included Jon Melegrito and Rey and Elvie Bangit, prompting others to note the bipartisan support for Villanueva. Another guest, Mya Talavera, said she makes it a point to support Filipino American candidates, regardless of their party affiliation. “I also contributed to Kris Valderrama when she ran for delegate in Maryland,” she added.

Other FARV officers at the fundraising event were former FARV President Warie Azarcon and his wife Norma; Becky and Pat Pagsibigan; Alma Conty and Inday Alvir. Ben Aceron came with Glen Logan, in charge of FARV website, www.Filamvagop.org