FACC holds election, Christmas party on Dec. 6

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The election of the new set of officers for the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) and their annual Christmas party will be held this Saturday,  December 6.

This was learned from Tracy Borja, FACC Auditor and Press Relations officer who posted the announcement on the FACC's Facebook page and informed me. The theme for this year's party is “Give Love on Christmas Day.”

The annual Christmas party starts at 4 p.m. at the Crown Point Elementary School located at 3335 Sam Newell Road Matthews.

The annual Christmas party is also the last official act of the incumbent officers of the FACC, the largest Fil-American organization in the Carolinas.

Hannah Laabid

The incumbent FACC officials are led by its president Malette Aquino-Oliveros Dr. Michael (Mike) Borja, its 1st vice president, Kaye Ronquillo Antone, 2nd vice president, Lota Mascarenas as secretary, Luisa Castaneda as treasurer. Tracy Borja as auditor and public relations officer. 

Area representatives are Blessel M. Butler, Mary Jane Maturan-Canippe,Terry Laabid and yours truly, Susan Palmes-Dennis.

The Christmas get-together will start with the invocation by Lota Mascarenas incumbent secretary while the Philippine National Anthem will be sung by all. 

Oliveros will give the opening remarks while the Pinoy Noir, a local band of doctors, will perform a special number. The candidates will be presented to the audience followed by a special routine to be formed by ATA World Champ Lance Lawsin.

Hannah Laabid will reportedly perform a gymnast routine. Details of the program have yet to be finalized, Borja said. Games and dances will also be featured. The FACC is encouraging members and guests to share their specialty dishes because the party is a potluck event.

A system was employed to ensure that every guest will bring a different dish to the table. This consists of the guests bringing food that corresponds to the first letter of his or her last name.

Letters A-D will bring adobo (chicken, beef, pork stew), E-H-pancit/palabok (Chinese egg noodles), I- L spaghetti, M-P fried chicken wings, Q-T desserts and U-Z vegetable dishes.

ATA World Champ Lance Lawsin

The nominees for the various positions are now with the FACC's Comelec. Section 3 of Article X of the FACC constitution and by-laws provide the committee on election shall be responsible for soliciting nominations for all offices insuring that the candidates nominated possess the qualifications to run for such offices and such nominations is accepted in writing by the candidate.

The committee shall oversee the manner of election, including the distribution and accounting og ballots.  The Comelec has the power to declare the elected officers. 

FACC area representative Terry Laabid extended the group's greetings to every member. 

”May this Chrsitmas end the present year on a happy note and make way for a fresh and bright new year. Wishing you all more blessings and may the coming year be filled with joy and prosperity,” she said.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who worked as a nanny and is now employed as a sub-teacher and a part-time teacher assistant in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Christmas Midnight Mass in Charlotte, North Carolina

Inside the St. Thomas Aquinas Church

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Everyone is invited to attend an early Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass) to be held at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church here in Charlotte, North Carolina on Dec. 5. 

Lota Mascarenas, a devout Catholic and a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) Filipino community said Fr. Patrick Winslow will officiate the Mass. I learned though that the community is still hoping that Fr. Leo Patalinghug, a Filipino priest would celebrate the Mass.

“Father Patalinghug is based in Maryland.”Mascarenas said. She said the choir will be composed of Filipinos singing classic Filipino Christmas songs like Gumising Pasko na (Wake up it's Christmas), Emmanuel, Tanging Alay (Sole Dedication) and Sa Yo Lamang (Only for You).

The Simbang Gabi at St. Thomas Catholic Church had been an annual staple for Fil-American Catholics in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.     

It is part of the Filipino culture on Christmas and part of the Misa de Aguinaldo and traditionally begins on December 16 and ends on December 24. The celebration is held at around four o’clock in the morning.

There's a well-known belief by Filipinos that a devotee who completed all nine days of the Simbáng Gabi will be granted the request that he or she made as part of the novena. This centuries-old custom is still popular to this day.

St. Thomas parish began serving the Catholic community of UNC Charlotte and the surrounding areas of northeast Mecklenburg and southern Cabarrus counties in 1978 and is proud of their diverse parishioners. 

The church also hosts the annual multi-cultural festival attended by different international Catholics in the area.

After Mass, the congregation will be invited to partake of classic Filipino Christmas delicacies like bibingka, (rice cake cooked on a clay stove) and puto bumbong (purple-colored rice pastry, seasoned with grated coconut and brown sugar), chocolate made from local cacao beans and salabat (ginger tea).

In its flyer posted online, the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is also asking for contributions from families to bring their Filipino dishes. You can see it here in this link. Hope to see all of you there!

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who worked as a nanny and is now employed as a sub-teacher and a part-time teacher assistant in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

FACC Gala Night: An evening of fun and good memories

Me wearing glasses with FACC president Malette /Aquino-Oliveros in white and Merly Penilla.

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

CLOSE to 500 persons attended the 27th Gala Night of the Filipino-American Communities of the Carolinas (FACC) with guests coming from as far as Durham, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington DC. 

Registration was still ongoing even as the event rolled out said FACC Secretary Lota Mascarenas who handled the registration along with FACC cashier Luisa Castaneda outside the venue.

The lovely FACC ladies

Walks-in and out-of-town guests were accommodated to the event which kicked off with the singing of the Philippine national anthem (Lupang Hinirang) by Leia Anastacio followed by the US national anthem (Star Spangled Banner) performed by Marissa Helbing.

The Rocky River JROTC conducted the Flag Formation Honor guard while Sister  Edeva Jover of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena led the invocation. 

Acknowledgement of the FACC board of directors, district representatives and guests followed then FACC president Malette Oliveros delivered her welcome address. 

A big success
Oliveros recalled that her family moved to the Carolinas seven years ago and witnessed the growth of the Fil-American community during that time.

“Our FACC officers and representatives have zealously volunteered their time and energy to foster unity and harmony within the Filipino community as well as with other Asian communities. They continually seek to educate, promote and perpetuate the Filipino culture, traditions, heritage and values especially with the younger generation,” she said.

Dust N' D Attic performed live

She thanked her team, describing them as a “talented and dedicated group of officers and representatives.” 

Oliveros ended her message by praising her team. 

“Many thanks to all who made the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas 27th Annual Gala Night a big success, to all our performers, volunteers and donors, thanks,” she said.

A special message was delivered by Bill Biddle, the 2012-2013 Rotary Club President of Asheville, NC. The group Pinoy Noir provided the entertainment during the dinner.  

Then and now
It was followed by a play entitled “Anak (child)” performed by the Rocky River JROTC and directed by MJ Maturan Canipe. 

Canipe is part of the cast which also featured performers such as Allyssa Abalos, Maria Angela Ariola, Jose Bonilla, Muhammad Khan and John Mharlou Maturan. 

The play was followed by a slide presentation which carried the theme “Then and Now” that featured the Fil-American community in the Carolinas from the 60s to the millennium or Y2K generation. 

Each slide presentation was narrated with accompanying performances by one group. The 60s were narrated by Joan Ascalon,Wally Penilla and Cynthia del Mundo while the performers were Simon Oliveros, Andre Tautjo, Aaron Tautjo and Gabby Pagunuran.

It was followed by the era of the 70s and the performers were Estrellita Cuering, Dolly Esparagosa, Terry Mirman, Susie Bartiniski, Edna Mager, Marlyn Pahang and Mercia Sanches.

Then came the 80s which were narrated and performed byt Nenenette Costes, Emily Lorenzo, Lorena Ostrea, Gina Pagunuran, Belinda Villadarez, Cecille Tautjo and Malette Oliveros. 

Tribute
The 90s featured Blessel Butler, Terry Labid, Brenda Ferguson, Margie Clark, Raquel Robinson, Kaye Antone and Cecile Perry. Rounding out the performances were the millennial generation represented by Thomas  Oliveros and Kyle Lorenzo.

Oliveros also gave awards to past FACC presidents Dr. Nini RB Bautista, Dell Fallar, Wally Penilla, Bert Rodriguez, Rosalie Kirkly, Lynn Lorenzo Polk, Florami Lao Cordero Lee and Steve Mirman. 

A tribute was also given to FACC members and officers who passed away like past FACC president Dell Amor, Larisa Escobal, Bob Acton, Josue and Danny Cordero. 

Some of the awardees during the FACC Gala Night

Each member of their families received flowers like Dr. Tony Amor, while Florami Lao Cordero Lee received in behalf of the family of her brothers Josue and Danny.

The slide presentation turned sentimental when MJ Maturan belted a song. The first half of the program ended with the song “Hawak Kamay” (Hand in Hand) sung by the FACC 2014 officers and representatives.

The Fil-American group Dust ’N D Attic performed live with Alexis Riley giving a special song number.  Bert Rodriguez, Nenette Costes and Ben Lorenzo emceed the Gala Night.  

Indeed the Embassy Suites was a showcase for beautiful women and handsome men that one of the long time attendees, Juliana Virtudazo-Richards, described it as ”the best so far.”

My hubby with friends Faith Minase Springborg (right) 

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who worked as a nanny and is now employed as a sub-teacher and a part-time teacher assistant in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Countdown to FACC Gala Night starts now

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) promises a bigger, better Gala Night next month and advised those wishing to attend to buy tickets now while supply lasts.

“Let this gala night on Oct. 25 be a uniting factor among us here at the Carolinas,” FACC president Malette Aquino-Oliveros told me. 

She said weekly meetings are already in full swing in preparation for the event. In between are the continuous text messages among the officers to meet the gaps in between days. 

Preparations for the registration, reception and program at the Embassy Suites 5400 John Q. Hammons, Dr. Concord, North Carolina 28207 are underway, Oliveros said. 

The theme for this year’s event is “Then and Now” or “Ganoon kami noon, Ganito kami ngayon in Tagalog,” Oliveros said.

She said the FACC is looking at the past to use it as a map for finding its direction in the future.  “The growth of our community is something to look as it has really grown through the years,” said Oliveros, who held various FACC positions in the past.

I learned that the FACC has the Gala Night as its signature event, the in the words of past FACC president Dr. Nini RB Bautista. The Gala Night is a three-hour festive event for Fil-Americans and their guests who were regaled with food, dances, songs and other entertainment. 

Oliveros said the gala night would also pay tribute to members “who had gone before us, like the late FACC president Dell Amor.”

She hopes that the Gala Night would help build unity among Fil-Americans in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and all over the US. 

This year’s Gala Night is the 27th to be held ever since the FACC was organized in l988 by spouses Lita and Rudy Joaquin . Tickets are priced at US $55 and sold by the FACC 2014 officers. 

“Tayo na mga kapamilya sa Carolina (Let’s all go fellow families in Carolina) :)))) and show off your pretty evening gowns and tuxedo suits or barong,” said Kay Onquillo-Antone,  FACC 2nd VP. 

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who worked as a nanny and is now employed as a sub-teacher and a part-time teacher assistant in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Chinese pipa virtuoso Wu Man to perform in Charlotte on Oct. 10-11

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

World renowned US-based Chinese pipa virtuoso Wu Man is scheduled to hold a concert with the Charlotte Symphony at the Belk Theater in Oct. 10-11, said Virginia Brown, Charlotte Symphony communications manager.

Virginia Brown told Straight from the Carolinas that Wu Man would hold her first performance in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. “This promises to be an exciting performance,” she said. 

Wu Man would be at the Bechtler Museum on Tuesday, prior to the event. Some background provided by Brown sheds light on Wu Man, a leading ambassador of Chinese music to the world, to those unfamiliar with her work.

Wu Man was named as the 2008 US Artists Broad Fellow because of her efforts to promote the pipa, a Chinese lute-like instrument with a musical history going back to more than 2,000 years. 

Brown said Wu Man strives to promote the pipa through various musical styles in both solo and quarter works, concertos, operas, chamber, electronic and jazz music a well as in theater production, film, dance and collaborations with visual artists including calligraphers and painters.

Photo taken from carnegiehall.org

She has been trained in the Pudong School of pipa playing,one of the most prestigious classical styles of China. 

Wu Man is now recognized as an outstanding exponent of the traditional repertoire as well as a leading interpreter of contemporary pipa music by today’s most prominent composers such as Tan Dun, Philip Glass, the late Lou Harrison, Terry Riley, Bright Sheng and Chen Yi among many others. 

Wu Man was born in Hangzhou,China, and studied with Lin Schicheng, Kuang Yuzhong, Chen Zemin and Liu Dehai at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, where she became the first recipient of a master’s degree in pipa. 

She was also accepted into the conservatory at age 13. Wu Man’s audition was covered by national newspapers and she was held as a child prodigy.  
  
During the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 B.C.-220A.D.), instruments with long, straight-necks and round resonators with snake skin or wooden boards were played with a forward and backward plucking motion that sounded like ”pi” and ”Pa” to fanciful ears. 

Hence, all plucked musical instruments in ancient times were called pipa. Straight from the Carolinas (yours truly) was invited to attend the concert and so will post my review of the event afterwards. Stay tuned.

Photo taken from ojaifestival,org

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas.

Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

PAAC's Fiesta Night on Oct. 11

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT'S still a month away but preparations are underway for the 29^th Fiesta Night of the Philippine American Association of the Carolinas (PAAC).

Incumbent PAAC president Junie Ramos said it would be a night to showcase the best Philippine Folk Dances. “It's also about bringing awareness to our natural resources and the environment,” said Ramos, who hails from Pasig City, Sta.Cruz, Laguna.

Ramos used the Filipino term “kalikasan” which translates to nature/environment in English as the theme of this year’s fiesta night. He said it's timely in light of what's happening in the Philippines and around the world.

“This event is about creating awareness of the need to protect environment. As for the theme we wanted to dedicate it to the Yolanda victims. We thought about 'bayanihan' (community spirit) or something to that effect - then it evolved to 'kalikasan' since calamities are usually caused by the way we've been mistreating nature,” Ramos said.

Ramos said the PAAC wants to instill that awareness and love for the environment.

“In our gala night, we'll back up the theme with most, if not all, of our dances that has something to with 'nature', like magtanim ay di biro (planting is never fun), bulaklakan (flowers), diwata (fairy), among others and we would explain our presentation to others,” he said.

PAAC raised money for the victims of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) which devastated the Philippine provinces of Leyte, Cebu and Samar last year.

The fiesta night would be held on Oct. 11, 2014, 6:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Resort Hotel 670 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29607, Ramos added.

PAAC is composed of Filipino and American families from the upstate area of South Carolina, specifically from Greenville/Spartanburg and as far as Atlanta and North Carolina and nearby areas.

In an email message, Ramos said it was in 1980 when the first 17 families started the PACC. These families are the Casidas, Franciscos, de Guzmans, Espiritus, Handogs, Loys, Saldanas, Baquirans, Muanas, Loftis, Neals, Duckers, Burgers, Milfords, Diamanos, Manous and Chings.

As of this date there are 300 registered families. Ramos said there are still 100 more unregistered. 

“But even non-members are invited to attend in all the activities and these are the people we would like to reach out to,” Ramos said.

Based on their website www.paac-sc.org the organization would like to provide a place to foster Filipino culture and heritage even if they're staying in the US.

Here are excerpts of my Q and A with Ramos:

Q: What year was that when the first "five families" started the PAAC? 

1980

Q: Can you provide me the names of the original founding families?

There were actually 17; Casida, Francisco, deGuzman, Espiritu, Handog, Loy, Saldana, Baquiran, Muana, Loftis, Neal, Ducker, Burger, Milford, Diamanos, Manous, and Ching

Q: Aside from the Gala Night what other activities were done/sponsored by PAAC during your watch?

Simbang Gabi(Midnight Mass), New Year’s Eve Party, Easter Sunday Picnic, Summer Picnic, Donations to Orphanages, Typhoon Victims.

Q-How many member families right now?

We have about 300 registered families, probably 100 more unregistered. Not everybody pays their annual membership though. But still everybody’s welcome to join our events !

Q-Is membership voluntary?

Yes

Q-Aside from the beneficiary of fundraising which are all institutions back home- you have local projects also?

Donations to Harvest Hope Food Bank, Participation at International Festivals in Greenville and Spartanburg.

Q- What are your other projects?

We used to visit and perform at some Nursing Homes and also Church functions for the Elderly, Independence Day celebration in NJ for 2 years, local parades in Greenville. 

We also used to celebrate Valentine’s party where we induct new officers. At one time we even have a welcoming committee for newly arrived Filipinos in the community.

For more info see the PAAC's Facebook page and visit their official website at  www.paac-sc.org

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas.

Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Zumbathon, wellness fair in Charlotte on Sept. 5-6

The Fil-Am participants in last February's Zumbathon

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A TWO-DAY wellness program for workaholic Fil-Americans in Charlotte, North Carolina is scheduled on Sept. 5-6. 

Tracy Borja of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) said the activity will promote “health awareness among the Fil-Am community.”

Tracy, whose doctor husband is 1st Vice President of FACC, said the program starts with a Zumbathon on Sept. 5 at Matthews Crews Rec,1201 Crews Matthews,NC from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is the second Zumbathon event sponsored by the FACC for this year after last February's Zumbafest drew members and guests alike.

The Zumbathon involves dance and aerobic elements. Zumba's choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo and martial arts. Squats and lunges are also included.

Kay Ronquillo, FACC 2nd Vice president, said the Zumba instructors are Maria Pahang and Azel Viches. Dr. Sheila Villamor also volunteered as a Zumba instructor. 

This will be followed by a wellness fair participated by 15 Fil-American doctors at the St. Thomas Aquinas Hall on Saturday, Sept. 6. 

“There will be booths to promote your Medical/Health/Wellness. There is no better time than now to start living healthy. Hope to see everyone,” FACC president Malette Aquino-Oliveros said. 

The FACC 2014 officers had a series of planning sessions for projects and events for the remaining months of 2014. 

The planning session includes the 27th Gala Night that would highlight the 2014 FACC watch at the Embassy Suites in Concord, North Carolina on Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

The FACC officers 

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas.

Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.


You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063) 

'The Messiah' play a resounding success in Charlotte, North Carolina

The cast with Fr, Richard Ho Lung (left) 

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A week after it was held at the 800-person capacity Halton Theater of CPCC in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, the musical presentation “The Messiah” remains the talk of the town.

“It was hard to find seats...presenting the life of Christ and integrating it with Jamaican culture was interesting and different,” said Raymond Kelly. 

The priest who wrote and produced the play, Fr. Richard Ho Lung of Kingston, Jamaica founded the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP). Raymond said Jamaican culture was also evident in the backdrop, scenery and lighting.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis of the Arcdiocese of Charlotte  with /Fr. Lung .

He said the Last Supper scene was lifted straight from a Leonardo Da Vinci painting. 

“Jamaicans music and dance were prevalent. You can see elements of Jamaican music and dance which was fine,” said Raymond, who came with wife Jesett and son JR.

Jesett said the presentation may be different but the message was still the same. 

She watched the presentation the day before and volunteered to usher in the event. Jesett came to watch again with her husband Raymond on Sunday.

The 2 ½ hour play started at 3:30 pm on Sunday.  The audience was a  big cross section of the community consisting of Filipinos, a few blacks, Asians, Hispanics and Caucasians. “Everyone was there,” Jesett said.

Malette Aquino-Oliveros, president of the Filipino-American community of the Carolinas (FACC) said the play was very entertaining and the performances were spectacular.

Malette Aquino-Oliveros (right) with the religious sisters

“Colorful costumes, as if you're watching Ten Commandments. It was told through a very creative production and well written songs and stories of the life of Jesus Christ,” she said.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis and some of the clergy watched the Saturday schedule. 

The musical was held for the benefit of the poor, homeless and abandoned in Jamaica where the MOP missionaries seat is located. 

The musical is also a celebration for the MOP as it celebrates 33 years of existence. 

Organizers described “The Messiah” is a musical drama consisting mostly of reggae and Caribbean rhythms with dances, colorful costumes and powerful performances.

To quote Wikipedia “The Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) is an international Roman Catholic monastic religious institute of brothers dedicated to joyful service with Christ on the Cross" to serve the poorest of the poor.” 

Started in 1981 in Kingston, Jamaica it has now grown to over 550 brothers from 13 countries.

Their headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, maintain six mission homes for destitute persons, including abandoned sick, disabled, or dying men, women, infants, and children. 

They also operate in India (Andhra Pradesh and Orissa), the Philippines (Naga City and Cebu), Haiti (Cap-Haïtien), Uganda (Kampala), Kenya (Nairobi) and in Monroe, North Carolina, the US. A mission is being established in Indonesia.

The brothers gave away all personal belongings, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everything is done in community including eating, sleeping, and traveling. 

All their daily activities revolve around prayer, service and worship. More than just giving aid with food, clothing and shelter, the Missionaries of the Poor are dedicated to building up the Church and spreading the faith.

The play's cast of characters

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas.

Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis. 

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Evening Mass with Missionaries of the Poor at Charlotte on Aug. 6

Fr. Richard Ho Long with the Couples for Christ and Missionaries of the Poor. Photo by Jesett J. Kelly

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

EVERYONE is invited to Mass at the Reedy Creek Park Shelter #3 here in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 6 pm.

Fr. Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) extended the invitation to the public. The Mass will be held two days prior to the opening of their Caribbean musical entitled “The Messiah” that opens Friday, Aug. 8 at Halton Theater CPCC at 1206 Elizabeth Avenue,Charlotte, North Carolina.

The musical ends on Aug. 10. A fellowship with simple potluck supper will follow after the Mass. Straight from the Carolinas learned that the Couples for Christ are spearheading the invitation to attend the mass.

The musical is written by Fr. Lung, also concurrent Superior General with God’s Little Ones at Bethlehem home, MOP in Jamaica. The musical is also a celebratio n for the MOP as it celebrates 33 years of existence.

“A joyful service with Christ on the cross,” stated its fliers that were distributed in Catholic Churches around Charlotte.

Organizers said “The Messiah” is a musical drama consisting mostly of reggae and Caribbean rhythms with dances, colorful costumes and powerful performances.

Among the members of the MOP community are Filipinos from Masbate and Naga City who are part of the musical.

One of the Filipino brothers is Bro. Lito Janaban, a native of Bicaol, who said he's been with the mission for seven years.

Quoting Wikipedia “The Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) is an international Roman Catholic monastic religious institute of brothers dedicated to joyful service with Christ on the Cross" to serve the poorest of the poor.”

Started in 1981 by Fr. Lung in Kingston, Jamaica it has now grown to over 550 brothers from 13 countries.

Their headquarters is in Kingston, Jamaica, where they maintain six mission homes for destitute persons, including abandoned sick, disabled, or dying men, women, infants, and children.

They also operate in India (Andhra Pradesh and Orissa), the Philippines (Naga City and Cebu), Haiti (Cap-Haïtien), Uganda (Kampala), Kenya (Nairobi) and in Monroe, North Carolina, the US. A mission is being established in Indonesia.

The brothers, who gave away all personal belongings, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everything is done in community including eating, sleeping, and traveling.

All their daily activities revolve around prayer, service and worship. More than just giving aid with food, clothing and shelter, the Missionaries of the Poor are dedicated to building up the Church and spreading the word of God.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas.

Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

'The Messiah' musical plays in Charlotte, North Carolina this August

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A MUSICAL for the benefit of the poor, homeless and abandoned will be held at the Halton Theater of CPCC at 1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28235 on Aug. 8 to 10 this year.

Entitled “The Messiah”, it is an original Caribbean musical by Father Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) and Superior General with God’s little ones at Bethlehem home, MOP in Jamaica.

The musical is also a celebration for the MOP as it celebrates 33 years of existence. “A joyful service with Christ on the cross,” stated its fliers that were distributed in Catholic Churches around Charlotte.

Organizers said “The Messiah” is a musical drama consisting mostly of reggae and Caribbean rhythms with dances, colorful costumes and powerful performances.

Among the members of the MOP community are Filipinos from Masbate and Naga City who were among those distributing fliers and information at St. Mark Catholic Church at Huntersville, North Carolina.

To quote Wikipedia “The Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) is an international Roman Catholic monastic religious institute of brothers dedicated to joyful service with Christ on the Cross" to serve the poorest of the poor.” 

Started in 1981 by Father Richard Ho Lung in Kingston, Jamaica it has now grown to over 550 brothers from 13 countries.

Their headquarters is in Kingston, Jamaica, where they maintain six mission homes for destitute persons, including abandoned sick, disabled, or dying men, women, infants, and children. 

They also operate in India (Andhra Pradesh and Orissa), the Philippines (Naga City and Cebu), Haiti (Cap-Haïtien), Uganda (Kampala), Kenya (Nairobi) and in Monroe, North Carolina, the US. A mission is being established in Indonesia.

The brothers, who gave away all personal belongings, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everything is done in community including eating, sleeping, and traveling. 

All their daily activities revolve around prayer, service and worship. More than just giving aid with food, clothing and shelter, the Missionaries of the Poor are dedicated to building up the Church and spreading the faith. 


Dedicated to the Holy Rosary, they wear the beads on their sash, and it was on the feast of the Holy Rosary in 1997 that the Holy See recognized them as religious community. Ho Lung stepped down as leader of MOP in 2014, with Brother Augusto Silot succeeding him.”

Among those excited about the presentation are spouses Raymund and Jesette Kelly of Plaintain,Charlotte who personally invited the Filipino brothers of the MOP to their home.

“I have to watch this,” Jesette told me. Tickets are priced at ddult $25.00, with reservation fee at $40, senior/child is $15.00. A family special is priced at $60.

The play runs on Aug. 8, Friday at 7 p.m., Aug. 9 on Saturday, at 2 p.m and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.  For more information email at messiahincharlotte@gmail.com. 

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

FACC spearheads picnic for Philippine Independence Day

Me (near the Philippine flag) with FACC president Dr. Malette Oliveros and friends

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The Fil-American community in Charlotte, North Carolina celebrated in advance Philippine Independence Day with a summer picnic at the Hornets Park in Beatties, Ford Road last Saturday, June 7.

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Malette Aquino-Oliveros,  this year’s president of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) and the entire board along with area representatives and was attended by a sizable number of Fil-Americans.

It kicked off with the singing of the Philippine national anthem by FACC past president Dell Fallar followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner led by an elder from the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

Dr. Malette-Aquino-Oliveros (center in yellow blouse) with some Fil-Americans

Dr. Chris Villapando led the invocation. Villapando extolled the virtue of the Filipinos and asked the Fil-Americans in North Carolina to extend their support to the Filipinos back home.

Yours truly, an FACC representative, talked about the shared history of Fil-Americans and the Filipinos back home. 

The picnic was emceed by couple Dr. Michael Borja and his wife Tracy Borja. 

Aside from the sumptuous food, the Fil-Americans had a grand time dancing, singing and playing games. Among the featured performers were the students of the Eskwelahang Munti (Little Schoolhouse), Hannah Laabid and Lance Lawsin. 

The Eskelahang Munti was presented by founder Gloria Grefenhagin and Dell Fallar.  

Popular Filipino food like puto (rice cakes), pancit (native noodle dish), adobo (stewed pork and chicken), barbecue, torta (short cake), biko (sweetened rice),  suman (rice cake), cakes, lumpia Shanghai (Spring roll derived from Chinese cuisine),  rice, dinuguan (pork blood stew) and even maruya (banana fritters) were sold to the delight of elder Fil-Americans who missed Philippine fare.

A batch of maruya sold during the picnic

Kay Ronquillo-Antone, FACC 2nd VP, was seen buying the food in bulk. Also seen at the picnic were former FACC officers Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, JP Ave, Wally Penilla, Letty Waddell and many others.

It was also a first time for some to come and participate. In an interview, Wally Penilla of the Filipino American Spirit (FAS) said the present FACC officers have done so much for the community halfway through their mandate.

“This is a good sign for the next generation of the Fil-Americans  here at the Carolinas,” said Penilla, also a past FACC president. Penilla is considered one of the Fil-Am pioneers in the Charlotte, North Carolina community.

Dr.  Malette Aquino-Oliveros  said she’s confident that there are more activities to come for the FACC before the year ends and she credits the teamwork of her fellow officers for the success of these programs. 

She also appealed to all Fil-Americans present in the community to spread the good word on FACC to their families, neighbors and friends.

Hula-hoop dancing during the picnic

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

FACC, Leyte Dance Theater brings the house down in Charlotte

Photo by Boging Mata

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT was the audience participation in a native dance number that brought the house down during a performance by the Leyte Dance Theater in the Peace Auditorium of Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina last Friday.

The show entitled “Bayan Ko” was spearheaded by the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) and the auditorium was filled to its 400-person capacity, FACC secretary Lota Mascarenas said.

The number that drew the most applause was the kuratsa, a Filipino native dance number which the dance group invited the audience to participate in. It helped that the group got the audience into the dancing mood with its fiesta barrio setting on stage.

Among those who danced the kuratsa were incumbent FACC president Malette Aquino Oliveros who is clad in beautiful Filipiniana dress, Dr. Nini Bautista, Matthew Antone and many others.

Past FACC President Adelia Fallar also enlivened the audience with her sure kuratsa dance moves. “This is fun, so fun,” said Dorena Reynolds, who came in late with her mother. She doesn’t mind the US $15 ticket charged to each attendee because “it’s the kind of Filipino show I want to see.” 

Also in attendance were Dr. Michael Borja, FACC 1st VP, Kay Ronquillo-Antone, FACC 2nd VP, FACC treasurer Luisa Castaneda, FACC auditor Tracy Borja, FACC area representative MJ Maturan, Terry Laabid and yours truly. 

FACC area representative Blessel Arcamo Butler is in the Philippines for a brief vacation. The Leyte Dance Theater group is now on its 7th US tour and had 20 performances under its wing, including Charlotte. 

Grea Tulio-Penilla hosted the show which also drew Fil-Americans from Greensboro . Some of the audience like Yulie Amara-Armstrong said the show revived a love for Filipino entertainment and culture in her and her son Gregory.

Also seen were spouses James and Joan Lightle with their boys Charlie and Alan. Rocky Robinson a member of the Philippine Charlotte Dance troupe said the show was “very educational” and wished that more shows would promote their heritage. 

Dr. Nini de Bautista paid homage to the group in a group email whom she said performed brilliantly despite suffering from the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan in Leyte, Central Visayas in the Philippines in November last year. 

Photo by Susan Dennis 

“Their performance is a testament to the fortitude and resiliency of the Filipinos,” she said in an email to me. Another guest, Eric Robinson, described the dance group’s performance as “powerful and heartrending.”

The group ended the show with a dance re-enactment of the different eras in Philippine society starting from the Spanish period followed by US and Japanese occupations and eventual independence as shown by the dancers who were covered by the Philippine flag. 

The Leyte Dance Theater is composed of dancers who are either living or studying in Tacloban City, the area hardest hit by typhoon Haiyan.  “I am happy how the group is received here in Charlotte,” said the show’s artistic director Jess de Paz. 

For more on the show, see this link. 'Till next time, have a good day.  

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)