LOS ANGELES, CA -- A press conference at the Philippine Consulate General recently announced the launching of the first ever annual Filipino-American Visionary Awards to be held Friday Night, March 7, 2008 at the legendary Kodak Theatre, home of Hollywood's biggest events.

"We want to make a difference in this industry, and by awarding those who have achieved excellence in their respective fields we hope to bring pride and recognition to honor those who have put Filipinos on the map," said Ramil Q. Rodriguez, Chairman and CEO of NuVision Worldwide Media. "And not just the Filipino Americans who have made a difference in Hollywood, but those from the Philippines whose contributions to promote our talents have uplifted the profile of Filipinos in the arts and entertainment," he added.

Panelists

Also at the presidential table were Craig Heller, Emmy Award- Winning writer and Visionary Award Writer; Douglas Velasco, Visionary Award Producer/Director; Ramil Gonzales, CEO/Chairman of NuVision; Rowena O'Leary, Vice-President of Operations; Jannelle So, Producer/Host, "Kababayan L.A" and Visionary Award Co-Host; Ding Dong Avanzado, Singer and Visionary Award Co-Host; Ken Rose, President, AFM, Public Relations; Jeff Coggins, Emmy Award Lighting Designer; Edith Montelibano and Jet Montelibano, Creative Concepts, Consultants to NuVision.

Ted I. Benito of TDRZ Productions, Visionary Awards Consultant and assistant producer, facilitated the press conference.

Honorees

These honorees have confirmed their participation: ABS-CBN Global, The Filipino Channel, Legend Award Media Pioneer; Sen. Robert Jaworski, Lifetime Achievement Award; Dolphy, Legend Award for Comedy; Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Legend Award for Television Hosting; Rudy Fernandez, 2007 Visionary Award for Action Performance; Francis Magalona, Legend Award for Music; Sen. Ramon "Bong' Revilla, Visionary Award for Courage; Mike Enriquez - GMA7 Network, 2007 Visionary Award for Journalism; Manny Pacquiao, 2007 Athlete of the Year; Martin Nievera, 2007 Visionary Award for Entertainer of the Year; Apl.de.ap - Founding Member, Black-Eyed Peas, 2007 Image Award for Music; Dante Basco, 2007 Role Model Award;

Anna Marie Perez de Tagle, 2007 Rising Star Award; Sonny Garcia, World Champion Surfer, 2007 Legend Award for Sports; Congressman Luis Villafuerte, 2007 Visionary Award for Government Service; Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, 2007 Visionary Award for Television Host of the Year; GMA7 Network, 2007 Visionary Award for Excellence in Television Programming; Nia Peeples, Legend Award for Acting; Mark Dacascos, 2007 Image Award for Acting; Ding Dong Dantes, 2007 Favorite Television Actor; Marian Rivera, 2007 Favorite Television Actress.
Presenters

The following have confirmed their participation as presenters of the award: Ms. Nora Aunor, Superstar and Legendary Actress and Singer; Ms. Jennifer Paz, Broadway Singer/Actress/Recording Artist; Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles; Reggie Lee, Actor - "Pirates of the Caribbean;" Ms. Lilia Dizon, Actress; Ms. Pinkie de Leon, Actress; Ms. Lani Mercado, Actress; Ms. Jessa Zaragosa, Singer/Actress; Michael Copon, Actor - "One Tree Hill," "Power Rangers;" Ms. Esperanza Catubig, Actress -- "Dogeaters," "The Vagina Monologues;" Ms. Giselle Tongi, Actress/Model/TV Host; L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca; Ms. Jean Marteriz and Mr. Bob de Castro, KTTV Fox 11 News Anchors.

Performers

Jasmine Trias, Billy Crawford, Kuh Ledesma, NONOSINA, Anna Marie Perez de Tagle, Martin Nievera, Jessa Zaragoza and Ding Dong Avanzado with perform during the event to be hosted by Jannelle So and Ding Dong Avanzado.

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