LOS ANGELES – Time was when the Philippines and Japan were the most interesting places in the Pacific Rim, at least to colonial America. The Tournament of Roses, which started in 1890, validated this historical vignette when, in 1917, it recorded a most significant feature of the Rose Parade — “Hotels from Yokohama and Manila enter massive floral floats for the first time.”
In a historical entry by Joe Hendrickson (Tournament of Roses, a Pictorial History), he stated that, “The year 1917 will go down in the Tournament of Roses history for two reasons: The Parade became international in scope, with hotels from Yokohama and Manila, as well as American cities, entering massive floral floats…” The other reason was about football becoming a national sporting event for the first time. Hendrickson completed his entry with the highlights of the Oregon -Pennsylvania game. Also mentioned was the Hawaiian participation, with an impersonator of the legendary King Kamehameha escorting the float on an outrigger canoe formed of marigolds, smilax, and white carnations.
A copy of the 1917 archived photo of the Philippine float, obtained by these writers from the Tournament of Roses Historical Committee, depicted the Manila float as an ensemble of flowers and palm leaves put atop a trailer with spoke wheels. A “bahay kubo” made of palm, surrounded by bamboo fence was visible on one end of the trailer. Four young mestiza women, clad in elaborate Filipina dresses, were shown riding the float, one holding a banner marked “ CITY OF MANILLA.” Manila was obviously misspelled, but the floral decorations on the side of the float showed “Manila.
Sixty years later
It was not until 1997, exactly sixty years later, when the Philippines came back to join the Rose Parade again. The country fielded a two-tier float depicting two famous Philippines landmarks — the Rizal Monument and the Ifugao Rice Terraces. Also highlighted on the float were the exotic Pampanga parols and the colorful Zamboanga vintas. The following year, in 1998, another two-tier Philippine float participated, this time depicting the ubiquitous Pinoy jeepney and the mystical Filipino icon sarimanok. Both entries won “Most Beautiful Float from Outside the USA” honors.
Historical perspective
At the turn of the 20th century, the Philippines was under the American sovereignty, which started when Gen. Wesley Merritt assumed the duties of Military Governor of the Philippines on August 26, 1898. With the subsequent election of Woodrow Wilson as president of the United States, he appointed Francis Burton Harrison the next governor of the new island territory. Harrison served from 1913 to 1921.
The late Fil-Am newsman/historian Jonathan Briones said, “It was during the time of Harrison when “American policy took a turn toward Filipinization. The President appointed majority of Filipinos to the Philippine Commission and thus to Filipinize the Philippine legislature. Thereafter, the Jones Law of August 29, 1916 was enacted with a preamble in Wilson’s own hand (quoted in part) … to withdraw their sovereignty over the Philippine Islands and to recognize their independence as soon as a stable government can be established therein.” Briones put in perspective the Philippines’ Rose Parade participation in 1917 when he commented, “Seeing a float from the Philippines at that time, the crowd may had likely been seeing a representation of an independent country about to be born… although, independence did come until July 4, 1946.”
(Editor’s note: Larry Pelayo has covered the Rose Parade for the Fil-Am media for the past 25 years, making him the most authoritative Fil-Am journalist on the subject. He is the only Fil-Am writer who gets Rose Parade media accreditation every year.)
NEVER ON A SUNDAY
Meanwhile, all roads lead to Pasadena for the 2012 Rose Parade which will take place on Monday, January 2, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. (PST). The parade, which is presented by Honda, features select marching bands, stunning high-stepping equestrian units, and massive floral floats. Themed “Just Imagine…,” this year’s parade celebrates the power of imagination, inspiration and determination to encourage people to reach higher and try harder.
According to the information provided by the official Tournament of Roses website (www.tournamentofroses.com.), “this year, the Rose Parade (which is often referred to as the “Rose Bowl Parade”) and Rose Bowl Game will take place on Monday, January 2 according to the Tournament of Roses’ “Never on a Sunday” tradition. In 1893, officials decided it would be best to avoid interfering with Sunday worship services and decided to move events to January 2nd whenever January 1st fell on a Sunday. The last time the “Never on a Sunday” policy was in effect was in 2006.”
Parade Grand Marshall
Earlier, the Tournament of Roses announced that J.R. Martinez , retired soldier, actor and spokesman, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Tournament of Roses festivities. As Grand Marshal, J.R. Martinez will ride in the 123rd Rose Parade presented by Honda in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin at the start of the 98th Rose Bowl Game.
“J.R. Martinez is an inspiration to us all and a natural fit for our theme Just Imagine…,” said Rick Jackson, president of the Tournament of Roses. “J.R. is not only a courageous and engaging role model for us all but has dedicated himself to helping not only servicemen and servicewomen, but all Americans facing challenges. His outlook on life is admirable and we couldn’t be happier to have the chance to celebrate the New Year with him as we entertain the millions of fans around the world during the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.”
“J.R. Martinez was deployed to Iraq in March 2003, and on Apr. 5, 2003, less than a month into his deployment, he was serving as a driver of a Humvee in Karbala when his left front tire hit a land-mine. Three other soldiers with Martinez were ejected from the burning vehicle, but Martinez was trapped inside. He suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to  40 percent of his body. Martinez spent 34 months in recovery at BAMC and underwent 33 different surgeries including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery.
“During his time in recovery, a nurse asked Martinez to speak to a burn patient who had become withdrawn after seeing his body for the first time post-injury.  After Martinez’ 45-minute visit, the patient began to open up.  Seeing the impact a simple visit had on this patient, Martinez decided to use his experience to help others, visiting with several of the patients in the hospital, sharing his story and listening to theirs.  Since then, Martinez has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker, traveling the country to spread his message of resilience and optimism.
“When I was first asked to be Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses festivities by President Jackson, I was speechless,” said Martinez.  “To be able to participate in this iconic American tradition on New Year’s Day is something I could only imagine.  I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful the events of my life have provided me with the opportunity to share my message of hope and possibility on New Year’s Day.”
The Tournament of  Roses webpage also stated that information about dates, times and prices that appeared on the website are subject to change and visitors are encouraged to call the toll free Visitor Hotline, (877) 793-9911; or contact the Tournament of Roses office, (626) 449-4100. The 123rd Rose Parade will be broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV and Univision. The Parade is also seen in more than 200 international territories and countries.
Rose Parade Tickets
Grandstand seating for the Rose Parade is available through December 31. Every person, regardless of age, must have a ticket to sit in the grandstands. However, if a child is two years of age or younger he/she may sit on an adult’s lap. If not seated on an adult’s lap, each child must have a ticket. Call the Sharp Seating Company, the official Grandstand Seating Provider, @ (626) 795-4171. Curbside viewing is also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Pasadena city ordinance allows the occupancy of curbside space along the Parade route beginning at noon on the day before the parade.■

In my generation, I learned to admire only three politicians in the Philippines. They are Oscar Orbos, Rodolfo Biazon, and Nene Pimentel. Whenever Biazon, Orbos, or Pimentel is in Los Angeles, I really make it a point to listen to what they say about statecraft and the state of the homeland. These guys I consider “a few good men” who served the Philippine government. These three men have something more than integrity. They are essentially patriots. They teach and inspire people with their ideals and wisdom, and they are not afraid to go against the powerful flow of the dysfunctional bureaucracy even if the price they had to pay spells great setbacks to their political careers.=
Another generation of leaders
Koko Pimentel III, the son of Nene, came to the scene in the manner most patriots do. He got pushed out by the election cheats, appealed, won, and eventually declared winner in the end. He was in town last week, on the last leg of his working visit, and wanted to have a feel of the pulse of the Fil-Am community of Los Angeles.
The solon from Cagayan de Oro is interested in things that are related to what he does in the Senate as Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Reform, and the Games and Amusement Board.
The free-wheeling chat with the local media lasted for over an hour at the Max’s of Glendale. Los Angeles-based lawyer Abraham Lim, a friend of Koko at the Ateneo College of Law, acted as moderator.
Said Koko: “As the chairman of the Committee on Electoral Reform, I am concerned about the people’s participation, election systems, including our overseas voting system. I make it a point to consult the (Filipino) community whenever I am in foreign country;
“There is much work to do on the overseas voting system. Right now, we have 7.5 to 9 million voters outside the Philippines who are qualified the register. Of this number, just over half a million do register. This is not good. This is a very low. Even more disappointing is that from that half a million registered voters only 250,000 cast their votes. If you do the math, and if you look at the budget for nine million… it is not really a money well spent. That is the feedback when I went to Singapore. Yes, I think we have to review the system.”
Legalize and regulate gambling?….

Read more at www.balita.com

Boracay is arguably a world class destination. Surprisingly, a lot of Filipinos and Fil-Ams have not been there because they think they don’t have enough money to spend for the trip. It is a shame, because when I did my own personal survey, only one of ten Pinoys that I pooled had been to that Paradise Island, while the Chinese and Korean tourists come in droves everyday to frolic with abandon on one of God’s most awesome masterstrokes.

Going Boracay is not, by any stretch of the imagination, very expensive. You can have fun under the sun on one of the most fabulous beaches in the world without breaking the bank.

Let us start in Manila with $500 (roughly 22 thousand  pesos), or less a quarter of your paycheck in California.  The next thing is pick a month that is not in season;  say, July to November (the average round trip Caticlan Boracay-Manila airfare is  PHp10,000). The air fare, you can charge it to your visa card.

And even if you don’t  use your credit card, you still have a full 12k in your pocket. Less the terminal fees and taxes (these are usually covered if you go through a travel agency), you should have a solid 10k left when you disembark on the shores of the tropical wonderland.

Don’t get crazy, watch your luggage, the white powdery beach is still a twenty-minute ride away. Look to your right where the pedicabs are lined up. (The taxi and FX are not options if you are on a budget trip).Tell the pedicab driver to bring you to Stage Two (the beach area has three stages), and in a street where the Boracay Police Station is located (just tell him you have business with the cops).  In that street, you will find 700 pesos-a-night air-conditioned pension houses; others with wi-fi connectivity like Alice In Wonderland and Roque charge a couple of hundred dollars more.  If you want to save more, tell the pedicab driver you don’t mind if he loads more people in. In that case you cut your pedicab fare by half. Now, pay attention, there is a caveat here:  You have to hold your L.A. accent in check.  If the driver senses that you are from the la-la Land of the dollars, most likely he will overcharge you.

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 2011 (PNA) – “I have never dated a Filipina, maybe in the future I might go into a relationship but right now I am more focused on playing good football,” this was the assertion by Jason Sabio, one of the five Philippine Azkals that visited this city.

Sabio, in an interview, said he looks forward to having a relationship with a Filipina but he was quick to say that this (relationship) would be set aside because he is concentrated more on playing football.

Sabio, 25, single, a Filipino-American from Alabama, USA, with Filipino parents, his father is from Marikina while his mother is from Koronadal, South Cotabato in Mindanao.

Asked if the group failure to get the World Cup Football qualifying was because they were more involved in socializing with celebrities rather than training well for the competition, he flatly denied the allegation, saying that the team worked hard and remains focused.

He claimed that despite the two months rigid training, the Kuwait team was very strong for us to handle.

“Despite the upset, our team remained focused and played with one goal,” Sabio said.

Asked what’s in store for the Philippine Dragon Boat Team having won five gold medals in the United States International Boat competition without any government support, he said government support would not come quickly.

He said “in 2004 when the Azkals started our team and the Philippine Dragon Boat team were on the same boat, we had no support from the government but as we moved on, government and private support came in.”

“As the team grew and football was considered one of the country’s national as well as international sports events, private sponsorship and government support and recognition came in,” he said

Sabio, together with Ricardo Becite, Nate Burkey, Patrick Ace Bright and Richard Pacana, including the crew of Sports Unlimited, arrived here for a three-day holiday.

The team visited Embarcadero Mall and tried the malls Zipline and Go-Cart raising ground, then they trek the famous Lignon Hill where one can view the entire city.

The team would stay for a day at the Misibis Bay Resort and luxury island resort in Bacacay, Albay.

The Azkals’ two-day stay at the Misibis Resort would be hosted by Zaldy Co, president and CEO of the Sunwest Group, a corporation that operates the Misibis Bay Resort, Embarcadero Mall and hotels Venezia and Saint Ellis here.

The Azkals return to action in the Long Teng Cup starting September 28 in Taiwan. The team will be a mix of the seniors team and the Under-23 squad preparing for the Indonesia Southeast Asian Games in November.

The Azkals saw their World Cup qualifying run end last July 28 when they lost to Kuwait, 1-5, on aggregate in the second round.

Still, they already made history by reaching the second round after beating Sri Lanka in their first World Cup qualifying tie in close to 10 years. ■

CLARK, August 15, 2011 (AFP) – Asian budget carrier AirAsia launched a new affiliate in the Philippines on Monday, promising to undercut its rivals on regional and domestic routes.

To minimise costs and avoid Manila’s crowded terminals, AirAsia Philippines will fly out of a former US airbase that has been turned into an industrial zone in Clark about 90 minutes’ drive north of the country’s capital.

“We will be substantially cheaper (than our competitors),” AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Marianne Hontiveros said at the launch in Clark where she oversaw the arrival of the airline’s first Airbus A320.

Although the launch ceremony was held on Monday, she said the airline was not expected to start commercial operations until October when it received its final flight certification from the government.
Hontiveros said AirAsia Philippines’ first routes would be between Clark and Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok, with its fleet expected to expand to four Airbus A320s by June next year.

She said the carrier would then branch out to the rest of Asia, while also looking to fly domestic routes in the Philippines.

Hontiveros said there were also plans to make Clark a hub for the entire AirAsia network’s routes to and from the United States.Like the rest of Asia, the Philippines has seen a boom in low-cost air travel in recent years with home-grown budget carrier Cebu Pacific rising to overtake Philippine Airlines as the nation’s dominant airline.
But Hontiveros said AirAsia’s reputation should ensure the local affiliate succeeded amid the rising competition.

“We’re banking on the very strong brand of AirAsia. We might be low-cost but we are not cheap (in quality)… we plan to be a substantial player,” she said.

Philippine investors including Antonio Cojuangco, a cousin of President Benigno Aquino, have a 60-percent share in AirAsia Philippines, with the Malaysian parent company led by Tony Fernandes holding the other 40 percent.

AirAsia has similar affiliates in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, with another to start in Japan, which are independent companies but work together as one network.

AirAsia already has routes from Clark to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu daily. Hontiveros said the parent firm would continue with its flights even after AirAsia Philippines started.

MANILA, Aug 2011 (Mabuhay) 
A total of 76 families or 310 people were evacuated after a landslide caused by heavy rain hit Subic town in Zambales province Friday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the incident occurred at 10:30 a.m. at Asinan village in Subic.

“A total of 310 persons were affected and evacuated to two evacuation centers (at the) barangay hall and senior citizen hall (in) Asinan proper,” it said.

Clearing operations were still going on as of Saturday even as there was no casualty reported, it said.

Meanwhile, at least 15 villages in Mindoro Occidental have been flooded since Monday also due to heavy rain.

The NDRRMC said these include three in Calintaan town; eight in Sablayan; and two each in San Jose and Sta. Cruz.

A total of 2,065 families or 10,325 people had been affected, although only 260 families from Sablayan were brought to the Ilaya Day Care Center.

Rendered impassable were Marumpungin and Cambatok Bridges in Calintaan (passable only to medium and heavy vehicles); parts of Buenavista in Sablayan (knee-deep floods); and Mompong Bridge in Malisbong, Sablayan (cut off). (MNS)

If all goes well, Yee may yet be the first Asian-American to become SF city mayor

To say that the Chinese are now dominating the globe – no thanks  to its almost 10% growth rate compared to the U.S.’ dismal 1.3 percent during the same second quarter  period this year – is an understatement. But one Chinese immigrant from China in San Francisco, where 30% of the city residents are of Chinese descent, may yet become the first Asian-American ever to be elected as mayor of the city come November.

Arriving in the U.S. when he was just three years old, Leland Yee, currently serving as California State Senator representing the Bay Area, was perhaps born to serve. Prior to becoming a state senator back in 2006, Sen. Yee served four years in the California State Assembly. In 1996, Yee was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He then served in the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education for eight years prior to his stint in the Legislature. A son of a U.S. Army, Sen. Yee is the first Chinese American ever to serve in the California State Senate.

Last Wednesday, Sen. Yee was in Los Angeles to meet with several Asian leaders, Filipinos among them. Together with our friend and colleague, Francis Espiritu, the man behind Philippine News, who traveled with Yee all the way from up north, the senator granted BALITA MEDIA a one-one-one interview to share with our readers what he has in store if elected San Francisco mayor.

Jarred by what just happened in Washington where the U.S,. Congress almost caused the U.S. to go into a default and the biggest drop in the stock market since 2008, Yee said the city of San Francisco is still reeling from an economic crunch where unemployment is over nine percent, even if tourism may be on the rebound in 2010.

Yee told BALITA MEDIA that growing business in the city will be his first priority if elected mayor of San Francisco. A Democrat, Yee said this will involve giving tax breaks to businesses but not just to big corporations but to small businesses as well. “Tax incentives will be tailored to specific business,” Yee said, and that training of the unemployed and of those still in school will be “extremely critical” if the city intends to address its present economic state.

A pillar of public education, Yee also took notice of the rising cost of education that he said is impacting the city but at the same recognized the deteriorating state of education in the whole of United States whose students are faring miserably compared to other students in other  states, not to mention the whole world.

“We are the eighth economy in the world,” Yee said of California. “Yet, we are ranked 47^th among the 50 states in funding public education. This is wrong.” Yee said that with the state’s resources, “we can be the very best in educating our children.”

As a result, Yee said many of the Bay Area’s more influential and affluent families are choosing to go to private school. “What’s happening is that we’re losing the more influential with the loudest and strongest voice because they’re no longer in public schools. More and more of these individuals with money and power have been forsakenly leaving  our public schools.”

When asked if immigrants, in particular undocumented children, are impacting public schools, Yee said he supports the Dream Act – a measure to allow undocumented students to earn permanent residency after attending high school in the U.S. – because “it is important that we educate any child so that they will not become a burden to the society.”

Any student who doesn’t go to college, Yee said, “will not realize his or her potential.” Most importantly, Yee said, “anyone whom we educate, it’s not that they intend to leave the state,  they’re here to stay and contribute to the economy.”

Interestingly, while Yee may yet be the first Asian-American mayor of San Francisco, supporters said Yee wants a Filipino to win a California Senate seat. A friend to many Filipino leaders in Los Angeles, Filipino-Americans look up to Yee in the State Senate, where has always been a proponent of measures to help the Filipino-American World War II veterans and other measures that benefit the community.

Yee told BALITA MEDIA that he also looks forward to establishing better trade relations with the Philippines to enhance economic cooperation between San Francisco and Manila to bring more business to the city, where a huge number of Filipinos reside and work in the San Francisco’s financial district. Yee said he came to Los Angeles and meet with local leaders because he knows that many relatives of Fil-Ams in Southern California reside in San Francisco.

Yee is running against current board members Board President David Chiu and Supervisor John Avalos, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting, former supervisors Bevan Dufty, Michela Alioto-Pier and Tony Hall, and venture capitalist Joanna Rees. And according to recent reports, interim San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee is also contemplating on running for mayor for the city, which is home to more than 800,000 people, which according o Wikipedia, is the 13^th most populous city in the U.S.

Luchie Mendoza Allen

Luchie Mendoza

Luchie Allen

Balita

LIVING in OC is a totally different experience compared to being a resident of Los Angeles. The roads are wider, houses are bigger and of course, Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm are located in this area. And since OC is a county, sometimes finding a Filipino restaurant for our kababayans longing for Filipino food prepared in traditional prubinsya way just like grandma used to prepare it may be a little difficult.

Thankfully, there’s one on Champan Ave., in the City of Orange, home to the famous Chapman College – the school of would-be Hollywood production artists – a restaurant that caters to our distinct Filipino cuisine. Ang Lutong Pinoy may only be a Filipino fastfood restaurant, but it sure prepares dishes the way we get to enjoy them mostly during the celebration of our patron saints back home in the Philippines, when the best of Pinoy chefs share their mastery in cooking Filipino dishes.

This is why the slogan for the Ang Litong Pinoy restaurant is “Araw-Araw ay Piyesta” (Everyday’s a Feast). The fastfood restaurant, owned by proprietor Emmauel T. Torracha, also offers groceries to prepare Filipino food, desserts, etc.

But what’s best at Ang Lutong Pinoy is that they have also Lechon (roasted pig!), which is a must for any fiesta.

According to Emmanuel, Ang Lutong Pinoy has lots of other services, including catering for your party for as many as 50 guests, while their prices remain very competitive. The restaurant, which is also a one-stop-shop for the Filipino who needs to send a balikbayan box back home, buys a phone car and even for those who need tax preparation, has a friendly and very courteous staff to serve your needs so you can experience and serve the fiesta feeling in your home or in your place of business.

For catering and all other needs, please call (714) 634-9400. Ang Lutong Pinoy is located at 1738 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92868. For more information, please visit www.anglutongpinoy.com.

Luchie Mendoza Allen

Luchie Mendoza

Luchie Allen

Balita

DEBT ceiling deal, Arab Spring, unemployment, stocks falling. Hmmm…But hey, regardless, we still have to look pretty, right? Besides, if you’re unemployed, the prettier you are, the more chances that you land the next job opening that comes along. And the prettier you are, the more that a company will keep you in their payroll. In these dismal times, bosses and everyone else would also like to see a pretty picture, don’t you think?

This is why it’s not surprising to see beauty salons such as the one in Stevenson Ranch offering discounts and pampering their customers because of the newfound way of keeping ourselves feeling energized during these hard economic times.

“Not only do we make our customers feel like beautiful all the time, we offer the best quality of service to meet their complete satisfaction,” says Fair Lady Hair & Nail Salon owner Rachel Yun.

“We also offer the best prices.” In addition, “Our beautician and manicurist are experts in the field with almost 20 years of experience,” she adds

The Fair Lady Hair & Nail Salon has been serving the nice urban community of Stevenson Ranch for over ten years now. The salon offers a full service of waxing, hair, nail, and skin care.

“We also have a wide variety of beauty services at our salon in a relaxed and friendly environment,” rachel says.

The Fair Lady Hair & Nail Salon specializes in the following: haircuts, color, perms, highlights, eyelash extensions, permanent make-up, straight & silk smooth shiny hair, ultra strength permanent straightening system, (japanese style) hair rebonding, magic straight.

Call for appointment at (661) 799-3830. The Fair Lady Hair & Nail Salon is located at 25836 W. Hemingway Ave. Stevenson Ranch CA 91381. Call (661) 799-3830 for an appointment.

Luchie Mendoza Allen

Luchie Mendoza

Luchie Allen

Balita

Las Vegas is fabulous enough, but Caesars Palace makes it a destination like no other. The 85-acre resort-casino that celebrates the old grandeur of Rome sets the standard for entertainment and dining luxury.

Reigning at the heart of the Strip, Caesars Palace arguably ranks among the world’s top luxury resorts that cater to the needs of the most discriminating guests, that include A-listers and world celebrities.

The resort features 3,300 hotel guest rooms and suites, 23 diverse restaurants and cafes, five-acre Garden of the Gods pools and gardens, 50,000 square foot Qua Baths & Spa and 300,000 square feet of premium meeting and convention space.

The 4,300-seat Colosseum sits just steps from celebrity chef restaurants and the acclaimed Forum Shops at Caesars. The resort spotlights world class entertainers such as Cher, and Jerry Seinfeld, and Celine Dion, who did her triumphant return to the Colosseum on March 15 this year.

Caesars Palace is home to some of the Vegas finest dining experiences, including Restaurant Guy Savoy, Rao’s, Bradley Ogden, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, Neros, Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro, Serendipity 3, Hyakumi, and, from mainland China, Beijing Noodle No. 9 and Sea Harbour.

Caesars Palace has taken command of the Las Vegas fine dining scene by luring world-renowned chefs to open restaurants at The Home of Champions. These critically-acclaimed restaurants provide diners the opportunity to experience some of the world’s best cuisines all under one roof.

This rich gourmet tradition began in 1966 when founder Jay Sarno opened the Bacchanal, his take on a Roman feast. The extensive meal included six courses with Caesar and Cleopatra appearing twice nightly amidst belly dancers, “vestal virgins” who poured wine, and goddesses who moved around the restaurant feeding grapes to pampered diners. After the main course, guests sat back to enjoy a neck and shoulder massage from one of the beautiful hand maidens.

Pinnacle of culinary achievement

In May 2006, Caesars Palace welcomed Guy Savoy, the famed French chef whose namesake restaurant in Paris has three Michelin Stars, which is widely recognized as the pinnacle in culinary achievement. In 1997, he was honored with a “Guy Savoy” entry in the prestigious Larousse encyclopedia. In 2000, he received the Legion d’ Honneur, his country’s highest honor, from the French Minister of Agriculture. In 2002 he was awarded his third Michelin Star and voted “Chef of the Year” by his French peers. His only U.S. dining establishment, the Caesars Palace restaurant, has received widespread critical acclaim, including Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants,” and Gayot’s “Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.“ It earned 3 -1/2 stars from the Los Angeles Times while Newsweek International called it “the best restaurant in Las Vegas, and one of the finest anywhere.” In 2008, after only two years of operation, Restaurant Guy Savoy won the AAA Five Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Grand Award. Its signature dishes include colors of caviar, oysters in ice gelée and artichoke and black truffle soup.

Central 24/7 by Michel Richard is scheduled to open in late summer of 2011 adjacent to the iconic Caesars Palace hotel lobby. Central 24/7 will offer a 24-hour dining experience daily highlighting breakfast, lunch and dinner selections. The 9,600 square-foot restaurant will seat approximately 300 guests including an outdoor patio terrace. The restaurant also will feature a large lounge complete with full bar including several beers on tap and a specialty cocktail menu.

Culinary national treasure

In December 2006, Caesars Palace brought to Las Vegas the legendary Rao’s Italian restaurant. Widely believed the oldest restaurant in the U.S. in its original location and owned by the same family, the 115-year-old, 10-table, East Harlem Italian restaurant, is considered by many as the ultimate New York dining experience. Rao’s has been called a “culinary national treasure,” widely acclaimed for its authentic, southern Neapolitan Italian cooking and its home-style family ambiance. In 2008, Rao’s Caesars Palace was named Best Italian restaurant in Las Vegas by the readers and food critics of the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper. Signature Dishes: Meatballs and lemon chicken

Yet another “best of the best” in dining experience is Bradley Ogden . It offers guests seasonal, farm-fresh American cuisine in a fine dining setting. Specializing in artisanal and organic ingredients, the restaurant treats its guests to farm-to-table selections that change seasonally, serving the best of America’s bounty. Since its March 2003 opening, the Caesars Palace restaurant has received countless accolades. Twice-baked Maytag blue cheese soufflé and Bradley Ogden burger are two of its signature offerings.

Mesa Grill, Neros, Payard Patisserie & Bistro, Serendipity 3, Hyakumi, Munchbar, Lago Buffet, Empress Court, and Beijing Noodle No. 9 complete the array of diners that offer the chic sophistication of a trendy restaurant featuring a diverse selection of favorite international dishes.

For a total dining experience and all its best amenities on the Strip, book your next stay at Caesars Palace located at 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 or call toll free at 1-877-634-6001. You can also book online at www. caesarspalace.com.