We’ve all heard the stereotype of Filipinos having parents that are engineers and nurses or that all Asians are good at math and science. I’m sure we all know that this isn’t always the case, but when you think about it how many Filipino-American engineers or scientists do we know of that are recognized for anything significant. Did you know that a Filipino-American invented the first successful moon buggy used by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission. Most people wouldn’t because this man is not even listed as the inventor in any books or scientific journals. Eduardo San Juan may not have been recognized officially, but we will recognize him right now for his achievements.

 Eduardo San Juan (aka The Space Junkman) was born in the Philippines and graduated from the Mapua Institute of Technology as a mechanical engineer. He later studied Nuclear Engineering at the University of Washington which was one of the first programs of its kind in the 1950s. In  1966 he was hired by Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporations where he was able to produce many concepts for the new field of space technology. His greatest achievement was being the main inventor of the moon buggy. Although the Apollo 11 mission was a success, many critics debunk Eduardo San Juan’s contributions. Even today his family has to answer to these false accusations, but the Filipino community has made efforts to recognize him for his achievements. He did however receive one of the Ten Outstanding Men (TOM) awards in science and technology in 1978. A special print issue of a Philippine postage stamp commemorated San Juan’s invention and honored him during a celebration of the golden foundation anniversary of the Filipino Inventors Society in 1993.

Elisabeth San Juan, the proud daughter of Eduardo San Juan, had the following to say about her father.

“When my Father submitted the conceptual design for the Lunar Rover he submitted it via Brown Engineering, a company owned by Lady Bird Johnson.

During the final test demonstration to select one design from various submissions, his was the only one that worked. Thus, his design won the NASA Contract.

His overall concept and design of the Articulated Wheel System was considered brilliant. Each wheel appendage was mounted not underneath the vehicle, but were placed outside the body of the vehicle and each was motorized. Wheels could work independently of the others. It was designed to negotiate crater ingress and egress. The other vehicles did not make it into or out of the test crater.

In addition to his passion for his work and his love for his family, he was a huge mentor to local students. He spoke at school science fairs and to children in challenged economic areas to encourage them to follow their dreams and not be deterred by anything. He ‘reached for the stars’ and encourage them to do as well.”

Although Eduardo San Juan was not given recognition he deserved for the moon buggy, he continued to work hard and encouraged others to work hard as well. The very creative San Juan also conceptualized other designs for NASA like space shelters as well as jet propulsion and missile trajectory control systems. Although he had a good life abroad, he decided to go back to the Philippines in the late 1970’s to become a university professor and speak at school fairs. He overcame a stereotype that he was consequently also a minority in, but that did not stop him from being an influential engineer.

Don’t Stop Believing…

That’s the message sent to us fromArnel Pineda, the lead singer of the bandJourney!

Not only is this Pilipino native living out his dream after struggling with his mother’s death & being homeless at a young age, he’s also dedicated his success and funds to a non profit organization for street kids!

“Arnel Pineda Foundation, Inc. (APFI) is a non-stock, non-profit, and independent Philippine foundation that provides underprivileged children quality education, health services and medical attention.

For millions of youth in developing countries like the Philippines, education is seemingly beyond reach. Poverty and inadequate government support stifle the future aspirations of Filipino children. Hence, Arnel Pineda Foundation, Inc. (APFI) was formed, principally to address their sad plight by preparing them for a brighter future through education”

http://vimeo.com/13014937

This week’s highlight isArnel Pinedawho struggled growing up in poverty & loss of family. Rather than following the stereotype and falling victim to what cards has been dealt to him, he rose above all of it in order to achieve his dreams and goals.

“I’ve seen enough pain and poverty in the Philippines. I’ve never been that big. All I wanted was to be able to get out of it — the pain and the poverty - and live decently everyday,” -Arnel Pineda

Bataan Death March Candle Light Vigil

Do you remember when this scene first played on primetime television, and the inevitable outrage that followed it? Many saw the controversial dialogue as racial slander towards Pilipinos, while others merely brushed it aside as nothing but a joke. However, joke or not, it’s pretty apparent that even today the overall legitimacy of medical degrees achieved in the Philippines remains in question. That perception, along with the stereotype that Pilipina women are often found taking some sort of medical profession, are issues that Dr. Connie Mariano faced throughout her career. But with much determination, she was able to achieve success while breaking through barriers and boundaries.

Dr. Eleanor “Connie” Mariano was born in Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite City, Philippines, to a Navy enlisted serviceman and a dentist. At the age of 2, she and her family moved to Hawaii, and continued to move thereafter, with her father in the military. After graduating from high school as Valedictorian and receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with honors from the University of California at San Diego, Mariano proceeded to follow in a similar path to both her parents.

In 1977, Mariano joined the U.S. Navy and began attending the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, which was the nation’s military medical school. Graduating in the 1981, she received her medical degree and was commissioned as lieutenant in the United States Navy. From there, Mariano completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, where she later became the Division Head of General Internal Medicine. She also served as General Medical Officer and Medical Department Division Head onboard the USS Prairie; and after receiving her board certification in Internal Medicine, Mariano was assigned to the Naval Medical Clinic in Port Hueneme, California, where she was in charge of the Specialty Clinic and urgent care facility. 

All of her work and experiences eventually led to these accomplishments:

• In 1992, she became the first military woman to become the White House Physician to the President.
• In 1994, she became the first woman Director of the White House Medical Unit.
• In 2000, she became the first Filipino American in US history to become a Navy Rear Admiral, nominated by Clinton.

Dr. Mariano was first chosen by President Bill Clinton to serve as his personal physician, eventually serving a total of 9 years to three sitting presidents (President George H.W. Bush, Clinton, President George W. Bush). After receiving the rank of Navy Admiral and completing 24 years of active duty service in the military, Dr. Mariano retired in July of 2000, and in 2001 she retired from the White House. Dr. Mariano now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she founded the Center for Executive Medicine in 2005.

Dr. Mariano has definitely been one of the most successful Pilipina Americans in United States history. However, much of her success didn’t really come too easily. With all of her achievements, Dr. Mariano fought through the obstacles of being a woman and a Pilipina American. She had stepped into uncharted territory aiming to do what she did best, and survived to share her experiences. And not only did she survive, Dr. Mariano has become one of the most influential Pilipina women in United States history, to both Pilipino Americans and women in medicine and the military. With all the negative stereotypes and perceptions in today’s society, she has found a way to open doors for those aspiring to be just like her.

Do you remember when this scene first played on primetime television, and the inevitable outrage that followed it? Many saw the controversial dialogue as racial slander towards Pilipinos, while others merely brushed it aside as nothing but a joke. However, joke or not, it’s pretty apparent that even today the overall legitimacy of medical degrees achieved in the Philippines remains in question. That perception, along with the stereotype that Pilipina women are often found taking some sort of medical profession, are issues that Dr. Connie Mariano faced throughout her career. But with much determination, she was able to achieve success while breaking through barriers and boundaries.

Dr. Eleanor “Connie” Mariano was born in Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite City, Philippines, to a Navy enlisted serviceman and a dentist. At the age of 2, she and her family moved to Hawaii, and continued to move thereafter, with her father in the military. After graduating from high school as Valedictorian and receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with honors from the University of California at San Diego, Mariano proceeded to follow in a similar path to both her parents.

In 1977, Mariano joined the U.S. Navy and began attending the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, which was the nation’s military medical school. Graduating in the 1981, she received her medical degree and was commissioned as lieutenant in the United States Navy. From there, Mariano completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, where she later became the Division Head of General Internal Medicine. She also served as General Medical Officer and Medical Department Division Head onboard the USS Prairie; and after receiving her board certification in Internal Medicine, Mariano was assigned to the Naval Medical Clinic in Port Hueneme, California, where she was in charge of the Specialty Clinic and urgent care facility. 

All of her work and experiences eventually led to these accomplishments:

• In 1992, she became the first military woman to become the White House Physician to the President.
• In 1994, she became the first woman Director of the White House Medical Unit.
• In 2000, she became the first Filipino American in US history to become a Navy Rear Admiral, nominated by Clinton.

Dr. Mariano was first chosen by President Bill Clinton to serve as his personal physician, eventually serving a total of 9 years to three sitting presidents (President George H.W. Bush, Clinton, President George W. Bush). After receiving the rank of Navy Admiral and completing 24 years of active duty service in the military, Dr. Mariano retired in July of 2000, and in 2001 she retired from the White House. Dr. Mariano now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she founded the Center for Executive Medicine in 2005.

Dr. Mariano has definitely been one of the most successful Pilipina Americans in United States history. However, much of her success didn’t really come too easily. With all of her achievements, Dr. Mariano fought through the obstacles of being a woman and a Pilipina American. She had stepped into uncharted territory aiming to do what she did best, and survived to share her experiences. And not only did she survive, Dr. Mariano has become one of the most influential Pilipina women in United States history, to both Pilipino Americans and women in medicine and the military. With all the negative stereotypes and perceptions in today’s society, she has found a way to open doors for those aspiring to be just like her.

Born August 29, 1975 Originally from Pittsburg, California he was born and raised in Cerritos and Paramount. He is an American actor, voice actor, Poet and Dancer. He has played many roles that people are familiar with, Rufio in the movie Hook with Robin Williams, and voice acting as Jake Long in American Dragon: Jake Long and Zuko in the nickelodeon show Avatar the Last Airbender. 

Dante Basco is consider an icon in the eyes of the filipino community. Mr. Basco has so much talent and has not forgotten his roots. When he is not busy writing poetry, or acting or playing for the NBA entertainment league for film industry professionals he is giving back to the community showing up to events and contributing his talents and his gifts. He started off in Cerritos and ended up a huge icon in the media. He really  broke the barrier and help pave the way for american asian actors in the early 90s and today.

When you hear the word ‘Jazz’ what do you think of? Do you hear the blazing trumpets in a big swing band? Or maybe New Orleans, the city that made jazz music famous. How about the Philippines?

The first exposure of jazz music to Pilipinos could of been at it’s birth in Louisiana, where the first Pilipinos settled in America from the 18th century to early 20th century. Jazz bands started to emerge in the Philippines during 1920’s, known as Pinoy-Jazz, where it evolved the same time as American Jazz.

Music, what better way to learn about different cultures and bridge gaps. Today, we see the rebirth of Pilipino and jazz music blend with a newly developed musical genre called “Jazzipino”. Created by a Pilipina jazz singer, Charmaine Clamor.

Charmaine Clamor was born in Subic-Zamblaes Philippines. She began her singing career at the age at 3, where she would sing in the back of buses traveling to Manila. At the age of 16, she moved to California and later earned a masters degree in physical therapy from Cal State-Northridge. While working as a karaoke waitress, she was discovered by the musical director of Crescendo, a vocal jazz harmony quintet.

As an Asian-American Woman, she dazzled fans world wide with her unique soulful voice. Earning her many awards and honors in jazz music including:

• Philippines Movie Press Club - 2nd Annual Star Award nomination in Jazz Music
• Filipinas Magazine -12th Annual Achievement Award in Entertainment
• Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences [the “Oscars” of the Philippines] -Award of Merit, “Philippine Pride Best Jazz Singer”
• Asian Heritage Society - 6th Annual Asian Heritage Award in Performing Arts
• National Federation of Filipino American Associations - V-Day “Vagina Warrior” Award for Championing Women’s Rights
• State of California and City of Los Angeles - Certificate of Recognition in Performing Arts
• Filipino Women’s Network - 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the United States

Many of Clamor’s songs are conscience driven, with subject matters that include: women issues, stereotypes, equity, environmental, and the Pilipino identity. She has been credited with introducing Pilipino culture to mainstream jazz audiences, bridging the gap between American and Pilipino Cultures. As a founding member of JazzPhil-USA, she has helped many jazz artist of Pilipino descent in the United States. She has also narrated a documentary film, The Hidden Dream, which explores Pilipino’s relationships with America.

“‘Jazzipino’ is the ultimate expression of my artistic self, a Filipino-American. Jazz has always been an immigrant’s music, open to different spices that each culture adds to the stew. This is my Filipino contribution to the continuously evolving unique American art form we call jazz.”
-Charmaine Clamor

Jazz, hopefully the Philippines just popped in your head. As Charmaine Clamor and many like her have proven, no matter who you are or where you come from, if you have the courage and the passion, you can sing any song you desire.

-Jordan Juliano

Today, we are highlighting Cristeta Pasia Comerford in our online series, Successes over the Stereotypes because she has broken that barrier of stereotypes that we face today in society, not only with race, but sex as well. She has broken the barrier by becoming the FIRST FEMALE and ETHNIC MINORITY EXECUTIVE CHEF of the White House. 

This video was taken when she received the award of Chef of the Year in 2010. Other key awards that she has received are mentioned below along with a mini-biography on her. 

• Key note speaker at the International Women’s Leadership Conference in Kapiolani, HI
• Mentor-ship to younger Culinarians
• Won Iron Chef:America with teammate Bobby Flay
• BPinoy Awardee in 2009
• Chef of the Year 2010 by the March of Dimes, Illinois

Executive Chef Cristeta Pasia Comerford was born in Manila and studied Food Technology at the University of the Philippines. At the age of 23 she came to the U.S and expanded her culinary career and has traveled through Chicago, Napa Valley, Austria and France. Traveling expands her palette and exposes her to new and vibrant ingredients and techniques. 

She was an assistant chef under the Clinton administration from 1995-2005 and was appointed Executive Chef by the Bush administration in 2005.  Now, she has been re-appointed by the Obama administration because of her emphasis on healthy eating. She has said that her Pilipino heritage made her better equipped into becoming the chef she is today in the challenge of incorporating healthier diets.

She is very humbled and honored by all the blessings that has come her way and believes that all the choices that we make today, are the choices that will influence the upcoming generations. It is important to stay driven and passionate in all that we do. 

“I love proving people wrong.  I love competing. When I first started hearing those remarks, I would always want to say something back, or to play well to get them back. As I grew older, I realized that I shouldn’t allow that stuff to effect me, and at the same time I shouldn’t retaliate. I shouldn’t say anything back. So at this point, now, this year, it hasn’t really bothered me.”

-Jeremy Lin, current Point Guard of the New York Knicks

That is what Jeremy Lin had to say in response to the critics and doubters that didn’t believe he’d make it in the NBA because of his college experience, background, and ultimately, his ethnicity. Now the world definitely isn’t wrong for thinking this way, because we haven’t seen any Asian Americans ever in the game. But now after a couple of weeks of exceptional play, Jeremy Lin has proved not only that he can play, but that anybody can play.

He is just one of the many examples of people in America overcoming struggles to reach great achievements and aspirations. From the time Asian Americans first started to immigrate to America, all the way to the present, there have been several people facing adversity head on and succeeding with determination and the willingness to prove that no matter what race you are, what culture you celebrate, or what attributes you were born with, anything is possible.

In our rich American history, most people are aware of the struggles that Pilipinos have faced, however, many may be unaware of those that succeeded through the stereotypes. As a way to pay tribute to these inspirations, we will be highlighting an individual person each week. This will give you a look at the many people who chose not to believe in the stereotypes during their time, instead, believing in themselves and their abilities to reach their goals. Drop by every Wednesday to find out who we’ll be highlighting!

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