PGMG, MTVi to publish California Filipino book
The Philippine Global Media Group (PGMG) and Media Touchstone Ventures Inc. (MTVi) have entered into a partnership to produce a coffee-table book documenting the journeys, achievements and legacies of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in California.
The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by MTVi president Melandrew T. Velasco, PGMG president Dan E. Niño and PGMG chairman Val G. Abelgas. PGMG Public Relations officer Ellen Rodriguez-Swing will serve as the project’s marketing director.
The agreement followed the unanimous approval of the PGMG Board, reflecting the organization’s support for the publication and its aim of documenting the history and contributions of the Filipino community in California.
Tentatively titled Filipinos in California: Journeys, Dreams, Achievements and Legacies, the publication will feature Filipino-Americans, community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, media practitioners, public servants, organizations, businesses and institutions.
The book will document the experiences of Filipinos who built new lives in California while maintaining their cultural identity and ties to the Philippines. It will also highlight contributions in public service, healthcare, education, business, science and technology, media, culture, sports, the arts and community development.
“This is more than a publishing venture. It is a collective effort to document the Filipino experience in California and ensure that the sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions of our community are remembered by future generations,” Niño said.
Abelgas, who will serve as senior editor alongside former National Press Club president and Philippine News Today editor Alfredo G. Gabot, said documenting the community’s history through credible journalism and storytelling is important.
“The Filipino presence in California has a long, rich and inspiring history. This coffee-table book will help bring together the stories of the people and institutions that have shaped that history and continue to build a lasting Filipino-American legacy,” Abelgas said.
Under the agreement, MTVi will serve as the project’s lead publisher, editorial manager and production manager. It will oversee the publication’s conceptual and editorial development, research, interviews, writing, editing, photography, archival documentation, design, layout, production and publication.
PGMG will serve as the principal Filipino-American media, community and institutional partner.