FACC Spring Picnic a resounding successs

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Everyone who attended the recent spring picnic sponsored by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) had a grand time, so much so that past FACC President Dr. Nini Bautista congratulated the officers and volunteers for a job well done.

“And the great fringe benefit is that now you know how you can work as a team more efficiently, more effectively,” Bautista told the FACC officers led by Malette Aquino-Oliveros.

Last Saturday’s Spring Picnic was the first big event held by the FACC 2014 officers who were inducted to office last January.

The Spring Picnic is an annual event since FACC came into life and this year's edition was held at the Reedy Creek Park, Shelter 3 at Rocky River Road.  

Twenty five new members registered for membership for the FACC during the spring picnic which started at 10 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. 

FACC secretary Lota Mascarinas said FACC treasurer Luisa Castaneda is still verifying how many attended the event though the estimates were placed at 300 people including children.

1st Vice president Dr. Michael “Mike” Borja and wife Tracy hosted the event while Malette Aquino Oliveros welcomed the picnickers and visitors.

Tess Garcia led the singing of the US and Philippine national anthems while Rocky River High School-JROTC cadets  John Mharlou Maturan, Bryan Le , Dylan Sengphrachanh, Jose Bonilla, Muhammad Khan and volunteers Bradley Canipe, Jo Ann Lester and Earl Lester carried the flags of both countries.

Spotted in the crowd were past FACC officers Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, Joannes “JP” Ave, Amelia Bell and Ms. Amira Issa, Past FACC president Engr. Bert Rodriquez and Letty Waddell helped prepare and serve the food from the “kitchen.”  

The picnic was a “young and old” affair, first time visitor Jennifer Oraza Board wrote in her Facebook account.  

Entertainment was provided by the Pinoy Noir band, a local band based in North Carolina and composed of Filipino doctors. The band consists of Dr. Edward Tautjo, Dr. Ronel Enrique, Dr. Stella Lawsin, Ro Lawsin, Dr. Tony Amor and Michael Ebalorza.

Their repertoire included songs ranging from “Somewhere over the Rainbow” to classic rock like “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits and Pinoy hits like “Tell Me” by Joey Albert and “Sa Kanya” by MYMP to latest hits like “Try” by Pink and “Roar” by Katy Perry.

In the FACC Facebook page, Dr. Tony Amor also congratulated the FACC 2014 officers and thanked Jet Sayson (the human jukebox/keyboard virtuoso) and Rommel Olarte and wife Christine and Tess Garcia of  Dust 'N D Attic. 

Tracy Borja said there were other doctors who were unable to come due to previous engagements. Also providing entertainment was Rene Escarcha alias RenElvis.

Most of the food served were Filipino dishes and the food preparations were headed by FACC President Oliveros and 2nd Vice President Kay Ronquillo Antone. Joining them were Blessel Butler, Terry E. Laabid and women’s advocate Vida Arcamo.

A lechon (roasted pig) was prepared and served by “lechonero par excellence” Robert Escobal. The Borja couple led the gams while MJ Matural led the sack race. Mascarinas and Castaneda handled the registration and issuance of meal tickets.

Other officers headed by President Malette and 2nd Vice President Kay Ronquillo Antone as well as Blessel Arcamo Butler and Terry Laabid were on hand at the kitchen. 

The officers stayed until the last person was served.

Oliveros and Borja thanked everyone for making the event a success and said more activities are lined up for the year.

(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)