Excitement amped up over 32nd FACC Gala Night

The Hilton Charlotte University Place

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--With only a few more days  to go before the big event, attendees are excited over the 32nd Gala sponsored by the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas, Inc. (FACC).

There will be first timers, second timers and loyal attendees. One member of the FACC Board says many  attendees this year are either first timers or returnees. 

Among the first timers are Aneth Gomez and Jeff Houte who are newly inducted FACC members having moved here from New Jersey. 

Miguela Grant,  a resident of Rock Hill, South Carolina is a regular fixture at the FACC Gala because she loves to dance.

Miguela Grant

It was learned that Grant’s group bought one table good for 10 people first because they wanted to be near the stage where the action is. 

When Grant was asked why is attending she explained that she wants to have fun and meet people old and new. 

She said the first time she attended the FACC Gala was in 1999 or two months after she gave birth to her first son. “To enjoy life, while we can. Maybe, I attended five Galas already including one in Greensville,” she said.

Another regular, Marilyn Capinig, is also excited to attend the 32ndGala to be held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place. 

Marilyn, who is Maymay to friends, lives in Gastonia. She recalled the first time she attended was during the Gala when Lynn Lorenzo-Polk was the president. 

This year’s Gala is the 32nd year since it was started in 1988 by spouses Rudy and Lita Joaquin at Royce hotel. Since then the Gala became the signature event among the members and non members of the FACC. This year’s Gala carries the theme “Celebrating World Class Pinoy.”

Maymay Capinig with husband Jun 

A few days ago, some members of the FACC’s board of directors had a food tasting at the Hilton Charlotte University Place days before the event which you can read here. This year’s Gala would be held at the hotel’s University Ballroom.

There are still a few tickets available and those interested can contact any of the nearest board of directors nearest them.

For updates on the event check the FACC Facebook page or the profile page of any FACC board of directors or at the Straight from the Carolinas Facebook page.