Raiders Announce Filipino Heritage Game INQUIRER.net
October 16, 2008
The Oakland Raiders will salute Filipino Heritage at the Sunday, October 19th game vs. the New York Jets as part of Filipino Heritage Month. The Raiders have a long standing tradition of multicultural initiatives and were the first team in professional American sports to host its own Tagalog language web section in 2007. (The Raiders publish web content in six languages: English, Tagalog, Japanese, Chinese and German).
Pre-game entertainment will be performed by LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble. LIKHA’s mission is to educate the Filipino American community and diverse audiences about Philippine culture through music and dance theater. LIKHA has served the community since 1992 and performed all over the nation and the world.
“We are pleased to salute Filipino Heritage and to add a new tradition to our ever increasing commitment to our global and multicultural fans,” said Raiders Chief Executive Amy Trask.
The Filipino Heritage game is supported by and coordinated in conjunction with several Filipino community groups: Filipino American Arts Exposition, West Bay Multi-Service Center, Philippine Children’s Fund, Manilatown Foundation and CW Marketing Solutions. The Raiders are working with these groups to support local Filipino community and youth organizations.
“To our kids at West Bay, this generous support by The Oakland Raiders will provide academic assistance, employment and sports & recreational activities,” said Rudy Asercion, Executive Director, West Bay Bulti-Service Center. “As paper, the money is nothing, but at work in the lives of our young people we know it means a future for the individuals involved and a contribution to society and to all of us.”
“We want to commend The Oakland Raiders for celebrating Filipino Heritage Month at a regular season National Football League game,” said Al Perez, President, Filipino American Arts Exposition. “This historic event is the first time Filipino culture will be celebrated by the Raiders and the NFL. By showcasing Filipino American culture in this way, the Raiders truly honor the many contributions of Filipinos to American society. We invite and look forward to the Filipino American community in the Bay Area joining with the Raider Nation for yet another Raider victory!”
“Philippine Children’s Fund of America’s mission of building better llives and stronger communities just got a whole lot stronger with awesome and historical support from The Oakland Raiders,” said Pearl Parmelee, Executive Director of Filipino American Rescue Mission, Board member Philippine Children’s Fund of America.” It is with great honor to add The Oakland Raiders as a Ninong (godfather) to our Filipino Heritage Month.”
“The Philippine Consulate General urges all Filipinos in the Bay Are to come, join and take part in the inaugural Filipino Heritage Game with The Oakland Raiders on Sunday, October 19, 2008,” said Philippine Consul General Maricano Paynor. “Let us take pride in our Filipino heritage. Aside from promoting the Philippines to the mainstream audience, we will be able to contribute to local Filipino community and youth organizations. Part of the proceeds of the ticket sales will be used to support these organizations. We hope to see our kababayans (community neighbors) gather at the game.”
The first 1,000 tickets purchased online at www.Raiders.com/FilipinoHeritage with the password FILIPINO, will come with a limited-edition, Raiders Filipino Heritage Game hat. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact the Raiders directly at 1-800-RAIDERS to inquire about special benefits.
The Raiders have long been pioneers in global outreach and now have more international language web properties than any other pro sports team and will continue to be the leader in multicultural initiatives.
The Raiders have long been recognized as a global organization and have increased the popularity of NFL football worldwide by playing in American Bowls in London, Barcelona, Tokyo and Mexico City. The Raiders reach an international audience through the team’s official web properties in English, Spanish, Chinese, German and Tagalog.
The Philippines is one of the fastest growing internet audiences in the world. In addition, there are large Filipino communities in the Bay Area. RaidersinTagalog.com will also be helpful in using sports as a communication vehicle between the younger and older generations of Tagalog speakers.
