{"id":15552,"date":"2013-05-31T21:06:25","date_gmt":"2013-05-31T21:06:25","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2013-05-31T21:06:25","modified_gmt":"2013-05-31T21:06:25","slug":"Jessica-Sanchez-s-lola-steals-scene-at-White-House-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asiancemagazine.com\/?p=15552","title":{"rendered":"Jessica Sanchez\u2019s \u2018lola\u2019 steals scene at White House event"},"content":{"rendered":"

President Barrack Obama on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) pointed out what he called \u201ca sign of warmth\u201d from the audience gathered in the East Room of the White House\u2014a lipstick smear on his collar.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He said the culprit was the \u201caunt\u201d of Filipino-Mexican-American singer Jessica Sanchez.<\/p>\n

But Obama was actually referring to Sanchez\u2019s maternal grandmother, Virginia Bugay, who was visiting from her native Bataan and accompanied her granddaughter to a White House celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.<\/p>\n

Sanchez, a runner-up in the reality show American Idol, performed at the White House event.<\/p>\n

While the audience waited for Obama to arrive, Virginia stood near the entrance, recounted Bing Branigin, spokesperson of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), who attended the event.<\/p>\n

When Obama entered the room, Virginia rushed toward Obama and said, \u201cMr. President I\u2019m a big fan, can I have a hug?\u201d Branigin said.<\/p>\n

In his speech, Obama said the contributions Asian-Americans have made to the US underscore the need to overhaul the nation\u2019s immigration system.<\/p>\n

A diverse group of artists, authors, and musicians, including Sanchez, spoke or performed, showcasing the many contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the rich artistic traditions of America.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Watch Jessica’s performance<\/strong>
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