Perry Diaz receives “Gintong Pamana Pluma Award in Journalism” from Chicago Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim (left) and Bart Tubalinal, Chairman and CEO of Gintong Pamana Awards Foundation Inc. (GPAFI) at the 17th Gintong Pamana ‘Golden Legacy’ Awards Gala Night and Dinner Ball on August 27, 2011. Sixteen others were honored for excellence in their fields of endeavor.
PERRY DIAZ is a columnist and writer, a businessman, a community leader, and a political activist. He has devoted many years of his life to community and public service.
He arrived in the United States in 1970 and worked as a computer programmer analyst until 1997 when he took an early retirement to concentrate in his construction company and real estate businesses.
In 1987, California Governor George Deukmejian appointed Diaz as Assistant Director for External Affairs in the California Department of Rehabilitation. He served in that position until 1991.
In 1990, President George H. W. Bush appointed him to the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board in Washington, DC. The “Access Board,” as it was commonly called, was responsible for the development of the regulations of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, known as the civil rights act for people with disabilities. Diaz served on the board until 1996.
Diaz has been a community leader for the past 30 years. He served as President of the Filipino Community of Sacramento and Vicinity, Inc. and several other community organizations. Since 1974, he has been affiliated with international organizations such as the Jaycees, Toastmasters, Rotary, and Lions. He also served as Vice-President and Treasurer of the International Leadership Foundation, a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization, which awarded scholarship grants to deserving Asian-American students.
As a businessman, Diaz was involved with various chambers of commerce. He was a founding member of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Sacramento and Vicinity, which he served in various positions including President and Executive Director for which he was conferred “Lifetime Member.”
Diaz started his writing career in 1987 when he published and edited a community newsletter called “Balita” and wrote his first column, “From the Grapevine,” for four years.
In 1990, he began writing his “PerryScope” column with the Philippine Herald-U.S.A. His first article, “Why politics affect our daily lives,” got him started in writing opinion on political issues in the United States. The newspaper ran for about a year.
Perry and Dolores Diaz enter the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Illinois during the Gintong Pamana Awards Night.
In 1992, Diaz was the recipient of the “Role Model” award for “The Most Outstanding Performance In The Field Of Public Affairs” by The Eye International.
In 2003, Diaz had an opportunity to write a weekly column again, this time with “Ang Panahon” in Northern California. He retained his original column’s name, “PerryScope.” He also wrote feature stories for about a year under his column, “Grapevine,” for Filipinas Magazine.
In 2004, Fil-Am Image recognized Diaz as one of the “Twenty Outstanding Filipino Americans in the United States and Canada” at its 12th Annual “Circle of Leaders” event in Washington, DC.
In 2008, Diaz launched GlobalBalita.com, an online news service, which features his articles as well as those of other well-known journalists and columnists. The following year, he started writing his weekly “Balitang Kutsero,” a humorous and satirical column that delves into the comedic aspect of Philippine politics.
Today, numerous publications have published his “PerryScope” and “Balitang Kutsero” columns, which include: Fil-Am MegaScene (Chicago and Midwest); Philippine Fiesta (Sacramento); Pinoy Weekly (California); Pinas Global News (California, Hawaii, and several other states); Pinoy Herald (Washington, DC); Mindanao Examiner (Mindanao, Philippines); Zamboanga Today (Mindanao, Philippines); Northern Philippine Times (Northern Luzon, Philippines); Filipino Journal (Winnipeg and Alberta, Canada); Philippine Courier (Toronto, Canada); Balita (Toronto, Canada); Filipino Times (New York/New Jersey); Filipino News (Milan, Italy); Pinoy Watchdog (Los Angeles, California); Vancouver Times (Vancouver, Canada); Kabayan Weekly (Dubai, United Arab Emirates); and several other broadsheets, online news publications, and websites.
The Gintong Pamana Award honorees pose with Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim and GPAFI officers Bart and Yoly Tubalinal.
In 2011, the Gintong Pamana Awards Foundation bestowed to Diaz its 2011 Pluma Award in Journalism for “being in several Philippine publications all over the world and for consistently writing sharp, responsible and well-researched editorials on current issues affecting the lives of Filipinos both here in the U.S. and back in the Philippines. His moral conviction and passion for truth and justice, evident in his writings, are the hallmarks that earned him the prestigious Gintong Pamana Pluma Award in Journalism.”
Last February 2012, Diaz was one of the recipients of the Adamsonian Awards in relation with the celebration of the 80th Founding Anniversary of Adamson University in Manila, Philippines.
Diaz currently operates a residential care facility for the elderly. He is married to the former Dolores Valdez for 41 years. They have two daughters: Lara, a lawyer, who works as the Senior Vice President of a lobbying firm in Sacramento; and Andrea, a graphic designer, who works as an instructor at a community college and also operates her graphic design business. Perry and Dolores are the proud grandparents of five young grandchildren.
Hey Perry,
Wow! Ang galing mo naman. All over world, ha? Wa say na ko. Kamias Boy ka nga. Balato naman diyan. Hehehe.
BTW, a long time ago, I got one of those awards, too. So, let’s put it on record, nauna ako sa ‘yo. So, welcome ngarud to the club. Better late than never, ha? Hehehe. Congratulations, pare.
Jesse Jose
Seattle, WA
Hi Jesse,
Thanks, pare. Now we can form a two-man club ha? Since you’re older than me, you be the prez and I’ll be the veep.
Perry
Perry
Kudos to you for a lifetime distinction , fame, glory and honor. As I read all your accomplishments and previous appointments by high ranking US government officials I concluded and I salute you and say you are a man of a HARD ACT TO FOLLOW. MABUHAY si Perry and more power to your PerryScope and your Kuentong Kutsero.
Rex & Lina , Rocklin Calif.
Originally from Paoay, I. Norte
Hi Rex,
Thanks for your kind words. My family is from Paoay, too. We might be related!
Perry
Perry
Tama ang kutob ko.
Mahusay ka talagang sumulat at malawak ang karanasan mo.
In media, we separate the MEN from the Boys.
You are one of these MEN.
I hope the articles you share, and the opinion and commentaries of your avid readers will contribute to the progress of each Filipino abroad as well as to our mother country, the Philippines.
May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.
Salamat, Mac.
Perry
Delayed for three and a half months but my congratulations to a man I truly respect. I do read your writings.
Hi Jun,
It’s only now that I found time to do it. There was just too much on my plate. I finally caught up!
Perry
Perry, I salute you for your accomplishments and thank you for your continuing love of our Inang Bayan. I am sure you have endured many hardships and sacrificed much to get where you are. And no doubt you continue to know many sorrows.
When you are a man for others, that is the life you will get. Recognition reaped will help a man like that some, but he will find his real happiness only in the life beyond where, paraphrasing Shakespeare, “there is more than you can ever dream of in your philosophy.”
-Raoul
Hi Raoul,
Thanks for your eloquent words of kindness. i appreciate it. I hope that the good Lord would give me the strength to continue writing on issues that affect our people and country. There is so much work to be done to rid our country of corruption. Finally, there is now a flickering light at the end the tunnel. There is hope.
Best,
Perry
Congrats Sir! karapat-dapat lng po sa inyo ang award na yan! never po kayo nawala sa inbox ko. everytime na may message na galing sa inyo, lagi ko po ito binabasa at halos wala po me pinalalagpas…very informative po ang mga isinusulat nyo! Madalas sa mga sinusulat nyo lamang ako kumukuha ng balita ng tunay na kaganapan sa ating lupang sinilangan. Maraming salamat po at ang aking taos pusong pagbati ang aking ipinaabot sa inyo! Godbless!
Hi Marlon,
Maraming salamat sa iyong komento. I’m glad na binabasa mo ang aking mga column. Sa wakas ay nakikita ang pagbabago sa ating Inang Bayan.
Gumagalang,
Perry
Congratulations Perry…You deserve a round of applause for a job well done…!
Whatever you’ve been doing,keep doing it..!
Hi Fernando,
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
Best,
Perry
What an impressive career Perry! You earned every accolade and praise for your pluma award. Every word and every issue of the Perryscope is backed by your rich experience. You’re the embodiment of the American dream for Fil-Ams…and still continue to be a role model for all of us. Congratulations.
Hi Ike,
Thanks for your kind words. I hope that my writings would contribute in small ways in helping P-Noy fight corruption. Finally, we’re seeing a beacon of hope in a long tunnel of despair.
Best,
Perry
Dear Perry,
Truly great achievement, belated congratulations! Proud to have a Fil-Am who has in his heart the character of a truly Filipino. Your a role model for the OFW diaspora.
Hi Joji,
Thanks for your kind words. I’m humbled.
Best,
Perry
Congratulations!!!! You enrich our lives with continues update, news analysis from the Philippines, As we enjoy the fruits of labor here there always a hunger to connect with our roots. You fill in a very important need. Thank you, Perry and may God bless and your family. You are the best!!!!
Hi Cita,
Thanks you for your kind words. I’m glad that you enjoy reading the daily Global Balita updates from our Inang Bayan.
Best,
Perry
Perry,
I’m one of those people who won’t forget that event. And I’m also one of those who knew and believed that you deserved the GP’s Pluma Award for Journalistic Excellence bestowed on you that night. How could I forget that event when I was there? I could still vividly recall when I called your name and proudly introduced you in this manner: “Ladies and gentleman. presenting from Sacramento, California, Mr. Perry Diaz!”
Congratulations, Perry!
Don Azarias
Hi Don,
Thank you for nominating for the Pluma award. I was humbled for being selected for the award. It was quite an experience to join the other recipients and listen to them as they narrated what each has done in their field of endeavor. And kudos to you my friend for your part in the program. You did a wonderful job!
Best,
Perry
Hi Perry, Congratulations!! I have been also offered to received the Gintong Pamana Award last year from Yoly. For personal reason, I requested to have it next time.
I enjoy the Balita and participates in ‘commentario’ a lot of times.
Perry, You really deserve it. I really missed mine. Jesse Jose, congrats too. CDC.
Hi Doc,
Thanks for your kind words.
Best,
Perry
I am very proud of you, brother!
Thank you so much for your service na maka-Diyos, maka-Bayan at maka-Tao through your God-given talent. Keep on, keeping on.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa iyo at mahal na pamilya.
Keep in touch..
Hi Apin,
Thanks for your kind words. I feel good to finally see that change is happening in our country. I hope that the corrupt would be punished for betraying the people’s trust.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!
Gumagalang,
Perry
Perry, I admire you for giving vent to our God-given talent while being able to provide for your family through other ventures. You desrerve the award because of your tireless advocacy for public causes. More power to you and keep up the excellent work.
I just have one remark on Global Balita’s catch phrase, “From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay”. Why have you limited the scope of your “domain” to the West Coast? I suggest a more emcompassing replacement, “From Manila Bay to Chesapeake Bay”. This way, even Obama will be one of your “subjects’!
Hi Philip,
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate your words of encouragement. On the scope of my “domain,” the shortest distance between Manila Bay and San Francisco Bay is to go east by way of the Pacific Ocean. However, if you go west from Manila Bay you’d take a route that would take you the South China Sea and through the Strait of Malacca to the Indian Ocean and then to the Strait of Hormuz and through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean and then to to the Atlantic Ocean and to the U.S. East Coast and finally to San Francisco Bay. That’s a lot to cover.
Congratulations, Perry! Thank you for giving those of us here in the US, news that really matter and get us involved. God bless and more power to you and your word!
(‘ ‘,)
Hi Natz,
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate it.
Best,
Perry
Truly impressive background. You, Perry, has covered a lot of grounds. Your vast talent should be used more widely such as leading those of us who have made it in other countries and have discovered better lives. Living in the confine of the Philippine Islands limits our knowledge of things. When I was in the Philippines, I was reasonably happy. I did not know anything different. With your expertise, perhaps we can find a way to share our experiences with our people. Please know that I am your sincere admirer. In other words “hangang-hanga ako saiyo” and all your efforts. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Hi Amando,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I’m not as young as i want to be. But I’m using the best weapon I have — my pen — in helping make our Inang Bayan a better place to live. I’m beginning to see a flicker of hope at the end of a very long tunnel. I hope that P-Noy would succeed in cleaning up corruption.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you and your family, my friend.
Best,
Perry
Perry……..Congratulations on your achievements! It’s been sometime since I met with you during your real estate days visiting the San Francisco area. Enjoying your informative and investigative writings/writers through PerrysScope and Balitang Kutsero humor. Thanks and keep up the good work. Merry Christmas to the family! …..Cip Ayalin
HI Cip,
Yes, it’s been a long time! Thanks for your kind words, my friend. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Best,
Perry
Merry Christmas and a Better New Year to you , family and to our adopted and mother country ..Delighted to know more about your background and accomplishments.
So Thanks ! For sharing / enlightening us to what happening back home, with your perspective and sense of humor
It energized us , who moved back. My extended vacation here will soon be over and going back
inspired with more vigor to continue our own community advocacy.
May your tribe continue and be blessed.
PS. Don’t hesitate to call anytime you are in Cebu.
Hi Manny,
Glad to hear from you. You must really be enjoying your extended vacation in Cebu. I’m jealous! Hehehe….
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
All the best,
Perry
How can one not be impressed and even moved, Perry, with your track record and distinguished roles in your public and private lives. No wonder even before I had the honor of reading this piece I knew in my heart I was relating, lucky me, with a polished, and fine gentleman not to mention erudite Journalist-investigative reporter. I shall cherish this moment, Perry and my kudos for you and and the lucky Diaz family.
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate. I have made any postings the past few days. I’ve been travelling outside the country and I’m having a hard time communicating via email and the web. I’m trying to get something published in Global Balita. With luck, I hope soon.
Best,
Perry