...the Pinoy wave in US

Pinoys make headway in US politics, performing arts

By NR RAMOS

May 4, 2012

Manila Bulletin

Victor Lirio with Lea Salonga (Diverse City Theater Co.)

MANILA, Philippines – 72-year-old Guillermo Udarbe, formerly a doctor by profession, found his way into a small town in the US several decades back. Today, he happens to be the mayor of Ridgway, Pennsylvania.



Originally from Camalaniugan, Cagayan, Udarbe shared that he decided to settle in the area as it reminded him of his hometown. He admitted that the early years there were hard for him and his wife.


“We received phone calls telling us to go away. They even called us niggers,” said he in a report on GMA News.


But the couple persisted, staying on even as the population of the town declined during the height of the recession.


According to the same report, Ridgway’s population today stands at 4,600, where about 98 percent are Caucasians and two percent are Asians.


Udarbe decided to run for mayor in the 2009 election. He trampled his four American opponents, winning on a 65 percent margin.


“It’s all because of my relationship with the people. I’m a friendly guy,” Udarbe said.


Since Udarbe assumed office, Ridgway has slowly come back to life.


Just recently, Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. lauded Udarbe for his effort and dedication.


Consul General De Leon said, "Mayor Udarbe's election as the first Asian American and Filipino American mayor of Ridgway is truly an outstanding feat considering the fact that Ridgway is 98.5% Caucasian. Asian Americans comprise just 0.7% of the population and there are only three Filipino-American families in his borough, including his own family. With his remarkable achievements, Mayor Udarbe has brought a great honor for the Philippines and the Filipino-American community."



Like Udarbe, Victor Lirio has found a place for himself a state away in the land of milk and honey– via Broadway, that is.


Lirio discovered acting at an early age in the Philippines. He went on to pursue his dream in San Francisco at age 11 before eventually moving to New York.


In 2003, he founded the Diverse City Theater Company (DCT), which develops and produces original stage productions.


In a report on GMA News, Lirio shared that the Filipino, as artist, is doing well and thriving in New York.


He went on to cite several names including Nelson Eusebio, May Adrales and Victor Maog as among those who contribute to the continued rise of Pinoys in their field.


According to Lirio, he aims to further the cause through DCT by commissioning, developing and producing original plays.


“I want to create a theater company that also promotes non-traditional casting of actors by producing pieces traditionally cast with Caucasian actors—classical or contemporary—with actors of color,” he said.


Though he admits it is quite a huge undertaking, Lirio said, “If we want to capture a bigger share of the roles that are being cast on Broadway, we need to expand the way we portray ourselves. Then we can better influence mainstream producers, directors, casting directors—the commercial theater establishment—in the way they see Asians. As Americans. Perception is reality, as they say.”