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| The 2019 FACC officials with husband Ronnie (third from right) |
by Susan Palmes-Dennis
Charlotte, North Carolina—A native Kagay-anon recently became the new president of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).
Antonina “Tonette" Batoon-Asay of barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City was proclaimed by the FACC's Comelec chairperson Maria Te as president in a general membership meeting held at the International House,Central Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina.
The election also coincided with the FACC's annual Christmas party that was attended by both members and incumbent and past officials.
Te along with other members of the Comelec like Roditha Fuentes Terado and Gil Dango checked, vetted and determined the qualifications of the nominees in accordance with the FACC by-laws.
FACC past president Adelia Fallar was present during the voting process and thanked everyone for their participation. She also reminded incoming FACC officers about the principles of transparency and accountability that sustained the organization for more than 30 years.
The FACC was formed to build ties and forge solidarity among Filipino-Americans in the South especially in North and South Carolina. The FACC is also the venue to promote Philippine culture and heritage.
Other members of next year's Board of Directors (BOD) are 1st Vice President Muffy Therrien, 2nd VP Ron Dennis, Secretary Dorena Reynolds, Treasurer Gina Minnick and Auditor Emelyn Burgess.
Chosen as FACC Area representatives were Wes J. Williams and Marjorie Enriquez Ray.
Asay was an area representative in FACC BOD 2017 and was credited for her production on the Ensemble Marawi Dance which portrayed the ordinary life of the Maranaos in Marawi City, Mindanao in the Philippines.
As 2019 FACC president, Batoon-Asay is a founding member of the Kagayhaan de Oro Theater Arts, a group created by the late Father Demetrio of Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier University).
She brings with her a wealth of experience, education and skills in heading the 2019 board of directors that consist of people with different skill sets: a teacher, a veteran, a phlebotomist, a full time house wife, a young entrepreneur, a singer and a health services employee.
Asay, who lived near the barangay hall in Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City, studied at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos. She finished high school in Lourdes College and graduated from Xavier University with a psychology degree.
1st VP Muffy P. Therrien is from Makati City and is an entrepreneur with her own Filipino food catering business.
She earned her psychology degree from the Philippine Christian University and holds a masters degree in Healthcare Services from Strayer University where she graduated with honors.
In serving as FACC officer, Muffy said she wants to give back to the Filipino-American community in the Carolinas.
2nd VP Ronnie Dennis is born and raised in North Carolina. A war veteran, Ronnie served in the US Army in the post Korean conflict. He was sent twice to Germany during the Cold War.
A civil service retiree who worked in the US postal service for more than 30 years Ronnie loves the Philippines much that he volunteered to be an FACC officer even when he is suffering from hip pain.
FACC Secretary Dorena Reynolds is from Davao, Philippines. Doreen as she is known to family and friends served as auditor in the FACC last 2017. While admitting that secretarial work is not her favorite, Doreen said she is willing to volunteer if only to help the FACC.
Doreen is a certified medical assistant and a registered phlebotomist technician. She graduated from the University of Mindanao-Tagum with a management degree in 1999.
This year's FACC treasurer is Gina Minnick of Culion, Palawan. She earned an education degree from the University of Makati.
Emelyn Burgess is from Dumaguete City, Philippines and she worked in Assisted Living/nursing homes. Her passion is singing and she wants to serve the Filipino American community through her musical abilities.
Em is a vocalist and she was recently invited to sing in the Gala Night of the Filipino-American community in New Jersey.
FACC Area representative Wes J Williams is a cancer survivor for five years now and is originally from Columbus, Ohio. A firm believer in prioritizing family life, Wes volunteered for the post and said he is ready to bring fresh ideas to the organization which he said is growing.
Jailani J Wallace is from Clover, South Carolina. She loves to cook and be with her family. She also loves to travel. She served in the FACC board of directors last year.
Marjorie Enriquez Ray is from Toledo City,Cebu province and with music as her passion.She is a sales merchandiser at Belk.
The oath taking for the 2019 FACC officials is scheduled at the Asian Library on Jan. 12 from 12 PM to 2 PM. (For questions and comments email me at susanap.dennis@yahoo.com)
