by Susan Palmes-Dennis
Charlotte, North Carolina---The treasurer of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) youth group won the Bb. Pilipinas Earth title of the FACC's Kalayaan at Kagandahan ng Pilipinas pageant last July 7.
Ashley Faye Perez was crowned by Amie Ervay in a standing room capacity at the TinTin theater. She also grabbed the best in gown award with her outfit that she designed herself.
“I designed this dress to represent my hometown of San Juan, Batangas which is known for its pristine beaches and beautiful coral reefs,” she said.
Her skirt is made of a fishing net that she said represents her town's fishing industry while her headdress is made of chicken feathers that illustrates the “sabong (cockfight) culture” of San Juanenos. Her necklace illustrates the town's corral reefs.
Ashley, who has a good singing voice, performed the “Tala” song of popular Filipino singer Sarah Geronimo. She used to sing the anthems in last year's FACC events.
The Kalayaan at Kagandahan ng Pilipinas ng Pilipinas pageant was spearheaded by the FACC under the leadership of its current president Jyoti Friedland.
Ashley wants to join the US Navy and a take pre-medical course in college which she said would enable her to achieve professional advancement and give back to the Filipino-American community.
“My winning the title is very significant to me as a youth because I want to be a good example to every young Filipina. I want to show them that even at a young age, I am confident to show the world what I am capable of,” she said.
Ashley described her pageant stint as fun. “It was awesome to meet the other candidates who are interesting women, beautiful, kind and talented,” she said
Ashley recently graduated from Rocky River High School here at North Carolina and while in High School at Joseph Marello Institute in Batangas,Philippines, she was active in her school theater club and varsity table tennis team.She also joined dance competitions.
During the interview portion Ashley was asked about selfies and she said there is nothing wrong with people taking selfies.
“I’m surrounded with people who love to take selfies. My mom loves selfies. She It is one way of showing the likeness of our own physical beauty because no one would love us the way we love ourselves. It is also a way to gain more confidence to show the world that we are beautiful,” she said, drawing appreciative laughter from the crowd.
She added that she will compliment those who take selfies “if it helps them to be more comfortable of their appearance.”
When asked what she intends to do after the pageant she said she would be more active in the community.
“I will use my platform to encourage my fellow Filipino youths and others to be more aware of their community and also of their background,” Ashley said.
Ashley thanked incumbent FACC incumbent secretary Mary Anne dela Peña for the sponsorship and also thanked her family, relatives and friends for their 100 percent support to her joining the pageant.
Other candidates who joined the pageant were Diannah Rose Sumile, Karen Dalton, Marilou Connie Vitug, Nikki and Mellow Shindler. Those who served as judges in the FACC pageant were Dwayne Asay, Mael Armstead and Muffy Therrien.
Amie Ervay and Rob Gorlach provided the entertainment. Gorlach sang two classics “What A Wonderful World” and “Fly Me to the Moon” while Amie performed the song “It's Never Enough.”
The event was choregraphed and produced by Tonette Asay, a trained member of the Philippine Theater Association and a theater scriptwriter.
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