NEW JERSEY — Several New Jersey-based organizations have endorsed a real estate manager who is an able fund-raiser to be the Grand Marshal for the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. for 2006.

The PIDCI 2006 Grand Marshal is among the highest honor bestowed by the PIDCI within the Filipino community. The Grand Marshall is chosen based on his / her ability to raise substantial funds, his / her philanthropic history, honesty and integrity.

Dan de Guzman, a real estate manager and the founder, owner and president of Starlight Ballroom Dancers Association of Livingston, NJ, has been nominated by various NJ organizations.

De Guzman was able to raise tens and thousands of funds to support past PIDCI projects and other charitable projects of the Red Cross and for the victims of the World Trade Center attacks.

A chemical engineer by profession, he is a member of Pilipino Golf Club and the present president of Federation of Philippine Societies of NJ, one of the biggest Filipino American association in NJ.

“Dan helped me to raise $10,000 when we held a PIDC golf tournament in 2003,” said Fe Caliolio, founder and former president of Federation of Philippine Societies a former Grand Marshal of PIDC. She said De Guzman was able to solicit donations from the GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical firm.

Caliolio said that De Guzman and his dancers performed free for other groups to raise funds for charitable activities.

“Mr. De Guzman’s ballroom firm has been in existence for 15 years and he has given unselfish time to create unity among Filipinos,” said Dr. Beth Dimen of the Philippine Medical Association of NJ.

“He has inspired Filipinos in advocacy work. He was able to support the Cabrini Church in Piscataway,” said Dr. Bimen.

Dr. Elma Castillo, a pediatrician, also gave a ringing endorsement for De Guzman. “He has supported projects of the Philippine Pediatric Federation Association of America and supported our medical mission to the Philippines.”

The Philippine Medical Association of America Auxiliary group also backed the nomination of De Guzman to be the Grand Marshal for 2006, said Rudy Lizardo, president of the group.

De Guzman’s ballroom dancers group was also invited to perform at the PIDC ball of 2005 as requested by PIDCI president Nimia Lacebal.

“He is energetic, gracious and dynamic and determined to help greatly “ said Dr. Bert Velez, president of PAMS–NJ Foundation.

“Through dancing sports, medical affiliation nd socio-civic activities, De Guzman has made numerous projects a success,” said Dr. Velez.