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U.S. Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA) was the keynote speaker at the Filipino American Republicans of Virginia awards dinner and gala ball held September 9 at the McLean Hilton. Warie G. Azarcon is FARV president and Vellie Dietrich Hall is FARV chairman of the board.

White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Ollie Cantos, Associate Director on Disabilities at the White House Domestic Policy Council, received the top Parangal ng Lahi Award from presenters State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli and RPV Chair Kate Obenshain Griffin. Delegate John O’Bannon III and State Sen. Jeanemarie Devolites Davis, presented the Ramon Magsaysay Award to Virginia Beach Councilman Ron Villanueva and Lyndon Remias, Virginia Beach School Board Member. The award is named after the late Philippine president. Alma S. Conty received the Bayanihan (working together)Award from Susan Allen, wife of Senator and potential 2008 presidential candidate George Allen. Joey Lee, WH Public Liaison for Asian American and Pacific Islanders, received the Kaibigan (friend) Award from Jean Ann Bolling. Dr. Rene Alvir was the chairman of the awards committee.

The other speakers were Virginia Lieutenant Gov. Bill Bolling Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Congressional candidate for District 8 Tom O’Donoghue. Ayn Sandalo Dietrich was emcee, with lawyer Miriam B. Riedmiller as program director. Entertainment was provided by the popular PACAS Dance Troupe.