2016 Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) Hailed A Success Held June 18, 2016 at Hyatt Regency Hotel

(1) Some of the hardworking committee chairs took time to greet the CPRTV audience “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas”, |”Mabuhay Amg Pilipinas” before the start of the gala event last June 18th; (2) A colorful “ati-atihan” ensemble started the evening’s program (Entertainment Committee Chair, Neneth Miranda); (3) Jo WeeSit, Essay Writing Contest Chair on the podium with Girlie Pascual, emcee.

(1) The hardworking PIWC committee chairs and volunteers helping serve lunch at PIWC Picnic held at Proesel Park Lincolnwood; The 2016 PIWC Beauty Queens’ Coronation (will be the featured VT cover in July issue & coronation can be watched on CPRTV): Joy Alexander (Mrs. Philippines); Melanie Carlson (Mrs. PIWC); Mina Medalla (Mrs. Illinois); Nellie Lequin (Mrs. Chicago); Czarina de Leon (Miss Philippines); Isabela Battaglia (Miss PIWC); Emma Callada (Little Miss Philippines); Kayla Alexis Flores (Little Miss PIWC), with Beauty Queen Chairperson Nellie Lequin; The three winners (two were not present) of the Essay Writing Contest proudly holding their winning checks. The winners are (& you can read their winning essays in this issue): FLORENCE ALMEDA, $ 250 –1st prize, Donor: Tito M. Wee Sit Foundation; KAYLA TEJERO, $ 200 – 2nd prize, Donor Lourdes C. Livas; REIJHAY ANTHONY VARGAS; $150 — 3rd prize; Donor — Drs. Manny & Remy Escalona; BENJAMIN LORTIE, $ 100 — 4th prize, BENJAMIN LORTIE, $100 , 4th prize, Donor Jean Tesoro Paredes; NICHOLE E RIVAS, $50, 5th prize, donor Anita B. Rosa.