Joshua passes away; family, friends pay respects

Joshua Lao Cordero with his wife Marivie

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Defiant to the end, Joshua Lao Cordero, known and called by friends as “The Godfather”, passed away after a long battle with leukemia last Feb. 24, 2014. He was 53 years old.

Joshua Lao Cordero, younger brother of immediate past president Florami Lao Cordero-Lee of the Filipino-American Association of the Carolinas (FACC), succumbed to leukemia caused by complications from his chemotherapy. 

Lee posted the death of her younger on her Facebook page in response to “answer queries from her family and friends all over the world.” 


She said her younger brother fought leukemia with all medical options available in the last three years. 

Lee said if her younger brother was in pain, he didn't show it  as she quoted his friends who said “he was full of energy and hope.”

One of Joshua's close friends Joel Jose said Joshua was known as Godfather to their group because “he goes out of his way to help those who call on him for assistance. If he can't help, he'll find someone who will.”

“Pareng Josh has fought a long and gallant battle,” Joel said. Joshua Lao Cordero was born on April 28, 1960 in Cebu, Philippines and grew up in Quezon City.

Owner of the J2man Construction Co., Joshua is the son of Higidio Cordero of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte and Naomi Lao of Danao City, Cebu. 

Josh was an avid gun collector and is one of the better Filipino pool (billiards) players in the country. According to friends, Joshua also has a very good low soothing karaoke voice and can sing Nonoy Zuniga songs.

Joel recounted one incident that showed Joshua's willingness to help people in need.

Joshua with past FACC vice president Amelia Bell

“I was working then as an office manager/salesman at Ace Auto Brokers on Independence Blvd., near where a new Wal-Mart now stands, I had an argument with a group of customers. I called Pareng Josh for back-up. As soon as he pulled up, these other guys left in a hurry.”

“Pareng Josh came with his two Cambodian 'friends', opened up his trunk and said to me, "Pare, mamili ka na kung ano gusto mo dyan (Buddy, you pick what you want). They stayed with me that whole afternoon,” Joel said.

As “Godfather,” Joel said Joshua helped Filipinos adjust to life in the US, specifically in North Carolina. 

Joel Jose gave this message at the FACC's Facebook page: “I first came to Charlotte in 1992 and was blessed to be welcomed by good friends and their families - dear friends until now.”

“We've all been through a lot of wars and battles, together and within our individual lives. Here we are on June 9, 2013 - a little bit older (hopefully wiser), still standing, still laughing, still fighting that day-to-day struggle called 'life'. 

We were known as the wacky 'Wais-Wais' back in the day - Edgar (Ukim-ukim) Salcedo, Hector (Kabsat) Aspa, Jun (Lakay) Medina, Josh (Godfather) Cordero, Johnny (lawn mowering at 3am) Quiocho and myself.

Pareng Josh has fought a long and gallant battle. But he's home now. Pare, pls put in a good word for us while you're up there, para pagdating namin dyan, medyo may padrino kami (so when we arrive there, we have a patron).

Also at the FACC Facebook page, Edgar Salcedo gave this account: 

“We were born Wais-wais, we die together as WAIS-WAIS pa rin. Pare/Pogi where ever you we love you and we never forget you!!!! Mabuhay ang Wais wais.

For Joshua's sister Florami, his epitaph would read: Dedicated father and a good  husband and a loving brother. Great friend and a good heart, helpful.

Joshua Lao Cordero is survived by his wife Marivie and children Mark, Naomi, Jocelyn, Angel and Melissa. 

His remains would be cremated at the JB Tallent Funeral Service and crematory located at 1937 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205. 

Last public viewing is on Friday and Saturday at 6-8 pm with Sunday service at 11 a.m also at JB Tallent Funeral Service and Crematory. 

Joshua with his group of friends in a pic posted in the FACC Facebook page

New Gilead Church donates to typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines

FACC president Malette Oliveros shown here with Clarence Cook and Gail Linker of New Gilead Reformed Church receiving their donation.

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The New Gilead Reformed Church donated the proceeds of their lunch service to the victims of supertyphoon “Haiyan” in central Philippines last Sunday.

The church invited Dr. Malette Aquino-Oliveros, president of the Filipino-American Association of the Carolinas (FACC) to update the congregation on the status of the typhoon victims during their service.

Oliveros who assumed the FACC presidency last January read the report of the Catholic relief services on the needs of the victims and what had been done to rehabilitate the typhoon-hit areas. 

“I am nto going to sit here, I have to help. We really appreciate the help of everyone especially the prayers to provide for their spiritual needs,” Oliveros said.

Oliveros was introduced to the congregation by Clarence Cook as a dentist from the Philippines. Pastor Jeff Richards then talked about the gospel as intended for the world.  “The whole world desperately needs the gospel,” he said.

He continued to talk about the close relations between the US and Asian countries like the Philippines and then prayed for the Filipinos, the Americans and their leaders. 

“Watch over them and guide their thinking process,” Richards said. The second part of the Sunday invitation was the lunch service in which pinto beans, vegetable soup, corn bread and coleslaw were served.

Three months ago the Philippines was hit by supertyphoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) that devastated towns and left hundreds dead and homeless. 

The plight of the victims drew assistance from all over the world, including North Carolina where the Fil-American community raised funds to support them.

Me with Jeff Richards, Pastor New Gilead Reformed Church, Clarence Cook and FACC president Malette Aquino-Oliveros 

Marian procession, Congress at Kannapolis

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

LAST Saturday's weather cooperated with over a hundred Mary devotees who joined the Eucharistic procession held around the Performing Arts Center at Kannapolis.

The procession followed the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The statue of Mary that was dressed in a white garment with white sequins was carried by four men and followed by devotees who sang “Ave Maria.”

Ahead of the procession was Aida Gamalo of New York's Jesusthroughmary.org. clad in a long light blue terno Filipino costume. A native of Davao City, Philippines, Gamalo helped organize the Marian Congress held at the center.

She said Mama Mary is alive in every person and is not just a statue adorned by devotees. Gamalo said devotees are asked to pray towards her son Jesus. “This is Marian evangelization,” Gamalo said of the crowd that attended the procession.

Last Saturday's event was the fourth Marian Congress held in the center. Gamalo said they are preparing for the Marian Congress in 2018.

Inside the Performing Arts center, most of the devotees were Spanish families but there were also large numbers of other Catholics of different races. 

The 2014 Marian congress was held in two venues in Kannapolis. The English tract which started early was held at St. Joseph Church while the Spanish track started at 8:00 at the Kannapolis Performing Arts Center.

The two groups joined the procession and it was followed by the concelebration of the Mass by Bishop Jugis.

One of the speakers during the morning retreat in the was Immaculee Ilibagiza, a genocide survivor of Rwanda during the 1980s and early ‘90s.

Ilibagiza, a renowned Catholic author and inspirational speaker, shared her story of God’s love and the power of prayer amid the violence that she faced in her community.

Eskwelahang Munti visits seniors in pre-Valentine's Day celebration

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Over 10 students of the Eskwelahang Munti (Little Schoolhouse) of Charlotte, North Carolina joined a field trip to two seniors houses a week before Valentine’s Day. 

Dr. Nini RB Bautista de Garcia, chairperson of the Filipino American Spirit Inc. that created the Eskwelahang Munti, said the pre-Valentine's Day visits is intended to foster love and respect among kids for their elders and other senior citizens. 

The Eskwelehang Munti students visited the the Brookdale Nursing Home and Legacy Heights Senior Living Community where they distributed Valentine cards and flowers to the seniors.

Brookdale Nursing Home houses 25 residents near the Pink Cathedral while Legacy Heights Senior Living Community has a sizeable number of residents. 

The students also performed the Filipino folk song “Paru-Parung Bukid (Butterfly Field)” in both centers. The parents, teachers and volunteers dialogue with the elders and helped the staff in distributing snacks.

The short presentation which delighted the elderly audience was followed with  a group photo. The student group headed to the home of Linda Judson where a Valentine's party was held for the students and parents. The field trip officially opens the new semester for Eskwelahang Munti.

Eskwelahang Munti started last September with the objective of teaching the next generation of Fil-Americans the culture and heritage of the Philippines using Tagalog as the medium of instruction. Emphasis is also placed on the core values of the Filipinos.

Me second at left with Dr. Nini RB Bautista de Garcia on my right. 

Nonoy Zuniga to weave magic in North Carolina

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Nonoy Zuniga will perform live in Charlotte this April 19 and I'm quite excited because he happens to be my favorite Filipino balladeer. 

Who would forget the soft and tearful voice of Nonoy Zuniga in the airwaves during the 80s? He's a singer whose voice would linger on in every listener even if he or she hears him sing just once. 

When you hear Nonoy sing, it's like every day is a Valentine's Day, know what I mean? Like love is just around the corner.

His big hits like “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Doon Lang,” “Kumusta Ka ?,” “Ako Ay Ikaw Rin,” “Live for Love,” “Love Without Time,” and many more have captured the hearts of people both young and old.

Nonoy Zuñiga's singing career spans more than three decades. As a folk singer from 1971 to 1975 and then to being one of the lead singers of the Family Birth Control Band which performed in the best nightspots and hotels like Philippine Plaza, Holiday Inn and the Manila Hotel from 1975-1980.

All his performances in the US from 1983 to the present are well-acclaimed. He also performed in Asia including the major cities of Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and New Zealand.

In 1979, he lost his left leg in a bombing accident, reportedly a terrorist attack. He was at the restroom near the trash bin at that time. Unknowingly, the bomb was hidden in the trash and it exploded. 

Now, Nonoy walks with an artificial leg and was given the title of the “slowest balladeer”, a joke made by fellow singer Rico Puno during one of their Greatest Hits concerts.

Despite his handicap, Nonoy's talents cannot be denied. He served as an inspiration to other physically challenged persons that nothing can hinder them  in achieving dreams if they tried their very best. 

Nonoy was tapped to sing the theme song of the Year of the Disabled in 1980 entitled “Ako Ay Ikaw Rin.” A doctor by profession, Nonoy graduated from the University of the Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Philippines.

On top of his successful singing career, he hosted a public service TV program called "Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko", which was formerly aired in GMA-7, and an info-med TV program formerly aired in IBC 13, called "MedTalk with Dr. Z.”

Nonoy is also an ecology advocate, heading EcoWise and NOW, two companies that deal with the protection of our environment through proper waste disposal and the manufacture and marketing of organic products.

Zuniga became one of the hosts of Pilipinas Win Na Win, an old show in ABS-CBN. Joining Zuniga would be a host of local talents at the Carolinas. 

Straight from the Carolinas learned that Nonoy Zuniga's April 19 concert would be his first performance in the Carolinas. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at the University of North Carolina boulevard Charlotte's Cone Center,Mcknight Hall,9201 University City Blvd,Charlotte,NC 28213.

Tickets are pegged at $ 69,49,39 and 20 for kids. The concert is sponsored by Core Visions Productions.

Nonoy Zuniga in Charlotte this April 19

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

WHO would forget the soft, yet deep and soulful voice of Filipino balladeer Nonoy Zuniga?

The man responsible for hits like “Doon Lang”, “Kamusta Ka?” “Ako Ay Ikaw Rin” “Live for Love”, “Love Without Time” and the immortal “Never Say Goodbye” will perform live at the UNC in Charlotte, North Carolina this April 19.

The show is brought to you by Core Visions of Charlotte. Mark that date and venue as more stories of the concert and the man himself will be featured here at Straight from the Carolinas. In the meantime, check out at the top of this post a YouTube video of one of his classic songs.

Democrats meet up for 2016 in executive party meeting in North Carolina

US Democratic presidential hopeful Robbie Wells at center obliges with a group pose that includes my hubby Ron Dennis (extreme left)

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The North Carolina Democratic Party committee meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina held at the Charlotte Convention Center last Feb. 1 was deemed a success, presidential hopeful Robby Wells said.

The meeting attended by a sizable number of Democrat members in North Carolina discussed among other issues, proposed amendments to the Plan of Organization, the 2014 precinct meeting dates, the 2014 Congressional District Convention Date, the party’s 2014 Platform and the resolutions mapped out by committee meetings.

Robbie Wells meets up with a supporter

Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon was expected to welcome the delegates. Robby Wells and his supporters attended the meeting. Wells is seeking the party nomination as presidential standard bearer in 2016.

Wells vowed to bring back the manufacturing jobs in the US and restore its sufficiency in energy supply. He was seen talking with a lot of mayors during the meeting. 

One of the local officials spotted during the meeting was Mayor Chris Rey of Spring Lake, North Carolina who told Straight from the Carolinas that he is hoping that the meetings would unite all Democrats for the 2016 elections.

“We hope that also in this meeting we can identify the urgent iissues confronting the party.” Rey said. When pressed to identify the issues, Rey mentioned Medicaid. 

The mayor said he attended the meeting to identify the issues confronting the state which would impact in the national and local elections.

Me interviewing Spring Lake Mayor Chris V. Rey

Mayor Rey is on his second term in Spring Lake, the third largest municipality in Cumberland County.  He was elected in 2011 at 34 years old, the youngest elected mayor in Spring Lake.

Spring Lake was named in 1923 by Arthur Priddy who opened the Spring Lake service station in relation to the lake (Spring Lake Pond) that ran beside the rail line.

The town was previously called "Clayton Cut," due to the pathway cut that ran through the area where the railroad later resided as well as "Prince's Siding," after a man named Prince who owned a sawmill on this land.

Spring Lake was officially incorporated on April 9, 1951. Grady Howard was named interim mayor on this date, and was officially elected the first mayor of Spring Lake on June 5, 1951. The modern growth spurt beginning in World War II is attributed to the town’s proximity of Fort Bragg.

The Democrat Party executive meeting in Charlotte Convention Center