"Queens Asian Fest Networking Event Launch at Payag Restaurant a Success"

NEW YORK - On August 31, 2010 the Queens Asian Fest (QAF) Networking Event launched its monthly (Last Tuesday of the Month) meetings at the Payag Restaurant, located at 51-34 Roosevelt Avw, Woodside NY 11377. The event was divided into two: the artist's showcase and the business interview. QAF aims to promote local artists, so the first in the series of gallery exhibits was launched for local photogprapher, Ronn Tan (RonnTan.com). Sixteen framed photos by the artist are featured at PAYAG for one month. Frames range in size from 8x10 to 16x20. While giving a tour of his photographs that started at the ground floor of Payag was of a train door closing. The types of photographs range from portraits to news photography (Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao" at the NYC press conference announcing the venue of the Pacquiao-Clottey fight with at the billion dollar Dallas Cowboys stadium), abstract themes, street scenes, and a behind-the-scenes shot from an evening photoshoot atop a Manhattan building

Ronn Tan summarized his exhibit, "the pics are from a 365 Project that I post on facebook everyday, which shows a moment in my life in NYC." Rena Advendula, Payag's owner, commented, "his pictures are a reflection of a Filipino in NYC...and there is a dynamic between the photographs from the Philippines and America" She added, "I [would] definitely like to buy the photo with the Filipino flag being carried by Pinoy youth on the streets of NYC." It complements the theme of the restaurant: Bayanihan (supporting each other).

Another showcase done at the event was an actor's show were in NYC actors did their original and play/film monologues: featured actors were: Frances Lozada, Monique Berkley, Sarah Hetlzer and Armi Piamonte (Miss Philippines - USA PACEC). Luis Pedron, producer of QAF, explains "every month we will feature Pinoy artists: for the exhibit: for September 2010 will be Ernie Pena, for October 2010 will be Richard M Reyes; for the showcase: September will be singers and October will be dancers."

QAF producers, Rolan and Myrna Gutierrez mention, "the second part of the event is an interview session about Marketing with Queens based Filipino businesses. Our networking event will evolve into a Chamber of Commerce in the longterm. At this point, we are co-promoting fellow businesses people by letting them talk infront of the audience to promote their businesses. Luis Pedron and Richard M. Reyes interviewed successful business owners about their effective marketing strategies. Some of the individuals interviewed were: Perla Reyes, Mylz Tolentino, John Gadia, Gerry Balasta, Connie Hetzler, Mark Rouse, Noel Gamboa, Frances Lozada and Elmer and Eloisa Arroza. The set of interviews will be featured in a couple of documentaries and compiled in a book entitled "WOW-Marketing" authored by Luis Pedron and Richard M Reyes.

The event featured a food tasting beautifully showcased and prepared by: Executive Chef Raymond Ganados and included special Filipino-style h'oudvres such as mini-bamboo-skewered spicy Longaniza slices with Mango and Cucumber, Pork-based Lumpiang Shanghai paired with a spicy rendition of banana catsup, and a bite-sized Pancit creations neatly placed atop miniature pastry.

Queens Asian Fest Networking event is also a fundraiser to help produce the Queens Asian Fest (Job Fair/Home Based Business Exhibit), a FREE to the Public showcase happening on November 13, 2010 at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel 135-20 39th Ave Flushing, NY 11354.

( queensasianfest.com )

caption: 863 Luis Pedron, Linda Braga, Ronn Tan, Rena Avendula, Myrna Gutierrez, Rolan Gutierrez and Chef Raymond Ganados - Ribbon Cutting for Ronn Tan Photo Exhibit (Richard M Reyes)

2316: Actors Showcase: Sarah Hetzler, Monique Berkley, Luis Pedron, Frances Lozada and Armi Piamonte ( Miss Philippines - USA PACEC)

2303: Mark Rouse, Pastor of Journey Queens Church interviewed by Luis Pedron and Richard M Reyes for WOW - Marketing book