LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) will mark its 45th year of service to the Pilipino community with an awards gala and benefit dinner tonight at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The gala celebration, whose theme is “Embrace, Empower, Evolve,” will honor community leaders who have contributed to improving the quality of life for Pilipinos. Honorees include Los Angeles City Deputy Mayor Miguel Sangalang, Chef Isa Fabro, Pilipino Workers Center Executive Director Aquilina Soriano, and retired SIPA board members Benito Miranda, Cirilo Pinlac, Joe Sayas, and outgoing board president Dr. Leo Pandac.
“SIPA is proud to recognize these passionate and dedicated leaders who share our commitment to Filipino culture and community,” said Dorothy Gamoning, interim executive director of SIPA. “Like SIPA, they are dedicated to the enrichment and empowerment of Pilipinos in America and improving the quality of life for everyone.”
In addition to the award winners, several notable Filipino-Americans will be on hand including Grammy award-winning performer Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, actors Dante Basco, Eugene Cordero, and Roshon Fegan, and NCAA basketball player Kobe Paras. K-DAY disk jockey PJ. Butta and singer Krista Kleiner will host the event with awards presented by actresses Asia Jackson and Leslie Anne Huff, along with YouTube stars Megan Batoon and Liane V. Scheduled musical performances include artists Ryan Gallagher, Jessica Reynoso, and Jeserey Sanchez, with music provided by DJ Icy Ice.
Corporate donations are encouraged, and a limited amount of individual dinner tickets ($100/person) may be purchased at the door or online at sipa.ticketsocket.com. In addition to the awards and scheduled entertainment, the gala features a silent and live auction benefiting SIPA. More information is available at www.sipa-online.org or by contacting 1-213-382-1819.
