Opening Remarks by Betty Burgos-Bael, Project Organizer
Good evening, everyone
Welcome to our esteemed Consul General in L.A., the Honorable Adel Cruz, and to our Honorary Consul in San Diego, Atty. Audie de Castro.
May I especially recognize Dr. Benjamin Camacho, our Event Sponsor.
Warm embrace to all participants of the "Filipinos in America: Stories of Triumph over Trials" Project. Thank you for coming from far and wide to share your inspiring stories.
Our very special friends and guests, ladies and gentlemen:
This evening, we see a new beginning for more community sharing. The seed of this unfolding project was planted right here in San Diego - the place that our family call 'home'; it is the place where we lived the longest time (that is, 6 years) as a family in our journey in the four continents of this world.
In some of those years, I had the privilege of serving as member of the Board of Judges of the Annual Family Histories Essay Competition of the Immigration Museum of San Diego, now called the New Americans Museum. As such, I had the honor to read hundreds of student essays recounting the compelling stories of the first wave of immigrants in their families. Our friend, Norma Austin shared with me her riveting story as an immigrant here in America. She is one of our speakers here tonight. These stories brought tears to my eyes and never left me.
Now in our season of reflection, I thought it meaningful to celebrate our wedding anniversary (3 days from today) together with the Feast of Epiphany or Three Kings Day which is today. Though miles apart, Edwin is sharing his thoughts to celebrate this day with all of us...
And why "Black and White Party"? Tonight, we honor LIFE in its duality...unified in dynamic defeats and victories, sorrows and joys, darkness and light...
I would like to particularly thank the writers of the stories here for this new journey. The past month had been painful for us. Reliving some of these memories that we have long buried was our crucifixion. Today, we are enjoying our redemption...the whole writing exercise proved to be our catharsis. In our own little way, we consider these stories as our legacy to the future generations of Filipinos in America.
Ladies and gentlemen, many of you have made a great effort to join us today. On behalf of us participants, we deeply appreciate and offer you our most grateful welcome.
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