FACC Bankeros compete with the best in Dragon Boat Festival

The FACC Bankeros in their victory pose

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT was a proud moment for all, especially for Fil-Americans in the Charlotte, North Carolina community when the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC)  Bankeros placed third in the recent Dragon Boat Festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the crowd-drawing events of the Asian Festival that’s usually held in May.

There were 41 teams composed of three Dragon Boat club sports teams and 38 corporate or private teams who participated in this yearly activity at Ramsey Creek.

The FACC Bankeros participated in the A Division, the top division among the non-sports clubs. 

“We won first place and we’re way ahead of the competition in two qualifying heats with times of 57 minutes and eight seconds and 56 minutes and six minutes,”  Dr. Mike Borja said.

United
Borja, also the FACC first VP, was one of the team captains in charge of the organizational management. The other team captain was Ro Lawsin, who’s tasked to motivate and work on the rowing skills of the members.

“Ro worked on the strategies, ” Borja added.  The FACC Bankeros had the seventh best average time overall including those among the Sport Club teams.

List of paddlers. Katia Debian was replaced by Randolph Villamor 

“We were the 3rd seed in the Division A Championship Final Round of which our competitors were the best among non-club teams,” Borja said.

Among those participating were TIAA CREFF,  Duke Energy,  Microsoft, Lake Norman Chamber and other teams. Rogelio “Ro”Lawsin credits his teammates for sticking together throughout the event. 

“We came this far because we were united and we awoke the Pinoy Pride in us,” Lawsin said. 

He said the Bankeros only had two practices before the actual competition compared to other teams who’ve been paddling together all the time.

Outreach event
Borja said the Bankeros team consisted of novice and experienced rowers. There were 13 men and 12 women in the team who came from diverse professions and backgrounds such as medicine, business, music, school and the military.

Christine Olarte of Dust N’ D’ Attic beat the drum for the team. Borja also credited Mylene Clemente and  Marynell Rivas of the Charlotte Dragon boat team for  coaching the team.

The Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) hosted the 15th annual Charlotte Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Festival last May 17 at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius.

The free event usually draws 4,000 to 7,000 people, said Chamber chairman John Chen.  It is considered a major CAACC community outreach event, both for the Asian population and the community at large.  

In 2005, the Board of Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) approved the formation of the Charlotte Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) as a dedicated resource to promote, plan, organize, and sponsor dragon boat racing events in order to raise awareness and enrich and celebrate the diversity of Charlotte’s Asian community.

Also on hand was Kay Ronquillo, FACC 2nd VP who took charge of the logistics and banners with FACC President Malette Oliveros. FACC Public Relations Officer/Auditor Tracy Borja and FACC Area representative Terry Laabid were in charge of the food.  

Borja said the recent success of the FACC Bankeros would hopefully set the foundation for a champion team in the future. Congratulations to the team and may they succeed in next year’s event. 

I’ll feature the Pinoy Striders in the next article. Till then, 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)

Flo lauded at 14th Asian Festival in Charlotte

Florami Lao Cordero-Lee (left) poses with  friend Roxanna

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Yet another Fil-American achiever was given recognition by the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce during the 14th Asian Festival last May 17.

Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, head of the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe here in Charlotte, wore a native Filipina dress in preparation for a subli dance when she received the award from CAACC chairman Dr. Chen, CAAC President Nimish Bhatt and Phin Xaypangna, president of the Charlotte Asian Heritage Association (CAHA).

Cordero-Lee was awarded for promoting Filipino culture through traditional costumes and dance performances. She said it was the first time the group received recognition from the CAACC after being awarded by different groups and schools.

“It was a proud moment to get this and I was surprised,” Cordero-Lee said. She also credited the group for their tireless efforts in making every performance special.

Lee said there would be new dances to learn and more Fil-Americans joining the group this summer. “Time, practice and availability is much required besides buying our own costume,” she said.

The Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe at the Charlotte World Parade and Festival

The Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe had been receiving invitations left and right and recently represented the Fil-American community in the Charlotte World Parade Festival.

It was set up by Florami Lao Cordero-Lee four years ago before she became the president of the Filipino American Association of the Carolinas (FACC).

Lee said there are seven adult members including her and the youngest, Ginger Butler, is nine years old. 

Other members include Maria Benrokiya, Alma Butler, Raquel Robinson, Blessel Butler, Allyssa Abalos and Rutchie Secretaria.  “I had different performers as the years go by,” Lee said. 

She said some of the members are in college while the others got married. The dance troupe had been invited to different gatherings, not just in Asian communities.

Of the many dances in the Philippines they performed, the “tinikling,” “binasuan” and “subli” are among the most requested. “Different dancers, different choreographies and different times,” Lee added with a smile. 

The tinikling dance is one of the most popular and well-known of the traditional Philippine dances, a pre-Spanish routine that involves two people beating, tapping and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and against each other.

While two people handle the bamboo poles, one or more dancers step in and out between the poles. 

The dance originated in Leyte among the Visayan islands in the central Philippines as an imitation of the tinikling bird dodging bamboo traps set by rice farmers.

(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)

Dr. Nini given recognition for founding Miss Asia Festival

Dr. Eumelia "Nini" Bautista de Garcia voices her thanks for being recognized for her work. 

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A SPECIAL recognition award was given to the founder and chairperson of the Miss Asian Carolinas during the 14th Asian Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina, a week ago.

Dr. Eumelia “Nini” Bautista de Garcia personally received the award from the publisher of Asian Herald Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun who also founded and organized the first Asian festival fourteen years ago. 

Chun was assisted by Nimish Bhatt, the president of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) and Dr.John Chen of the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce(CAACC) The Miss Asian Carolinas was founded by Dr. Nini in 2003 and is now called the Miss Asia Carolinas Multi-Cultural Showcase.

During the pageant's 11-year-history, the Miss Asia title was won by one Korean, one Vietnamese, two Indians and seven Filipinas. A Filipina won the crown last year.

There is no Miss Asian Carolinas (MAC) this year since the new team was unable to prepare in time due to other commitments.

The past winners underwent a rigorous three-tiered selection process and was evaluated by a panel of non-Asian judges. Scholarship awards and other prizes were given to the winners.

In her response Dr. Nini said thank you in many languages : “Maraming Salamat, Merci Beaucoup, Damke Schon, Tse tse, thank you for this beautiful award, I owe it all to the participants of the Miss Asia Carolinas who inspired me and the many volunteers and donors who supported me.”

Clad in Filipiniana dress, she also stood with the winners of the pageant after receiving the award. Dr. Nini said it was a “joy and privilege” to provide young Asian American women a venue to shine and be recognized in the Carolinas community.

Dr. Nini said the Miss Asia Festival is not just a pageant but a multicultural showcase that gives focus on a young Asian American woman's leadership development, cultural advocacy, community service and academic excellence.

“It's truly brains, beauty and talent,” she said. Dr. Nini said the journey to establishing the Miss Asia Festival cannot be possible without the help of generous volunteers and sponsors.

She quoted author Dennis Kimbro who wrote: let others live small lives, but not you, let others argue small stuff, but not you, let others cry over small hurts, but not you, let others leave their future in someone else’s hands but definitely not you, Take charge of your own destiny and happiness.”

Dr. Nini then faced the pageant winners on stage and told them “I love being with you and being there for all these  11 years. It is time to move on.” 

(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 showcases slices of Filipiniana in Asian Festival

Me at the FACC Fil-American booth at the 2014 Asian Festival

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The weather cooperated and the smiling photo of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III greeted Fil-Americans and visitors at the Fil-American booth the 14th Asian Festival here at Carolinas yesterday.

President Aquino's smiling photo shared space with the beautiful Filipino handicrafts and inventions at the Fil-American booth which showed the Filipino's ingenuity. 

The sight of miniature jeepneys and tricycles has Dorena Buten Reynolds commenting that the vehicles were “her favorite rides” back home in the Philippines.

FACC President Dr. Malette-Aquino Oliveros with FACC secretary Lota Macarenas

Jeepneys and tricycles are among the widely used means of public transportation in the country nowadays. 

It started right after World War II when the American troops sold and gave surplus military jeeps to the local Filipinos. 

The Filipinos pimped the jeeps to accommodate several passengers, added metal roofs and decorated the vehicle with vibrant colors. Since then, it had evolved in many forms, shapes and sizes.

The Fil-American booth as set up by the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) also showcased  necklaces made of sea shells and other local materials and national wear like barong Tagalog and sequined kimono for women.

The female visitors also found and bought the native “bakya” or wooden sandals with matching crocket for straps. There were also big fans made of banahaw leaves that were used by Filipinos to cool themselves in humid weather.

Outside the booth were posters and streamers showing Philippine facts and figures that were read by young Fil-Americans. The Philippines, officially called the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelago of 7,107 islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Clad in neon green kimono and matching local skirt, FACC president Malette Aquino-Oliveros manned the booth along with FACC secretary Lota Mascarenas to entertain visitors. 

(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)

Dr. Chun spearheads 2014 Asian Festival in Charlotte

Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun grooves to the song performed by Silver Moon Rising

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT was entertaining to look at the leader who started the Asian festival 14 years  in the Carolinas dancing up a storm yesterday.

Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun of Chun Industries whose businesses include the Asian Herald was dancing to Silver Moon Rising's rendition of that classic disco song “I Will Survive” inside a makeshift building along with many others.

Chun wore a white polo-shirt with tie and black pants and sat with a friend when a lady got him to join the others in dancing to the disco tune.

Also dancing up a storm was Jennifer Watson Roberts, Board President of the International House. 

Dr. Chun, Ph.D., LL.D., CCIM, CPA, is the founder, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Chun Group, Inc.  Dr. Chun is also a practicing Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who started his practice in April of 1983. 

The Chun Group, Inc. has two additional subsidiaries, one of which is the Asian Herald newspaper that he founded in July 1993 and is printed in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

Dr. Chun came from Seoul, South Korea and studied history at Korea University then arrived in the US on a Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship. 

He graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1974 with a B.A. in Business Administration, received his M.A. in Business from Appalachian State University in 1975, his CPA license in April of 1983, a Ph.D. from La Salle University in 1986, and received an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree (LL.D) from Lenoir-Rhyne University in May 2000.

Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun came to the US with his wife Sunny with big dreams and ambitions. 

These dreams and ambitions became a reality through his key philosophies which are "Live for Others" and "Knowledge is Power."

The good doctor espouses these fundamental principles through his work and his community service. 

He held teaching posts as Adjunct Professor for two years at Pfeiffer University and seven years at Johnson C. Smith University and won teaching awards. 

Dr. Chun taught accounting, federal taxation, business, economics, and auditing.

He and Roberts were on hand during the Asian Festival to distribute awards to various persons and groups that extended assistance to the Asian community.

Dr. Chun organized the first Asian festival at Marshall park at uptown Charlotte in 2000. The festival's purpose then and now is to unite the Asian communities in the Carolinas and celebrate Charlotte's Asia-Pacific heritage in May.

Since then, in Roberts' words, the festival has become “bigger and better in attendance.”

The festival venue also changed from uptown Charlotte to Wachovia Atrium and finally to Ramsey Creek where the popular Dragon Boat festival continues to become a major Asian tourist attraction. 

This year the Asian festival featured a cultural presentation, dragon boat race, Asian food and crafts and vendors booths. The day was both sunny and cool for everyone who attended the event.

Fil-American Ranulfa Deloso Cammarano who came with the Lightle family  told me that she has been attending the festival every now and then. But this year she came to look for Filipino barbecue.

Everyone had a grand time and it was good seeing Dr. Chun celebrating it with the Asian communities that attended the event. 

To quote a beautiful Chinese lady who I met at the designated parking area of the bus that would lead us to our own ride “Xie-xie (Thank you)” - see you next 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. 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 spearheads Flores de Mayo celebration in Charlotte

Photo by Jeric Jarical Photography

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

SIXTEEN-year-old Sophia Escobal was chosen the Reyna Elena (Queen Elena) for this year's Flores de Mayo event here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Statuesque at 5'8, Sophie looked regal as she glided through the social hall of St. Matthews Catholic Church. With Cyrus A. Antonio as her escort Emperor Constantine, Sophie was warmly received by the more than 400 parishioners in attendance.

Sophie is the daughter of Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) representative Robert Escobal. He and Matthew Antone were the ark bearers during the event.

The ark was decked with beautiful flowers in keeping with the event's name, Spanish for Flowers of May. It is a beautiful tradition celebrated by Filipino communities during May, a month filled with fiestas.

This tradition was introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines centuries ago and remains a part of the country's Filipino culture. This celebration is part of the Flores de Maria, which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Santacruzan is the highlight of the celebration and it's held at the end of the month. Over the years there are changes to the celebration though the spirit is there.

Elder Fil-Americans see to it that they pass this tradition to the next generation.

“It's a devotion to Mama Mary actually,” Nena Amigo, one of the organizers, said.

Amigo said a Fil-American named Homer de Leon started the Flores de Mayo celebration at the St. Matthews Church here in Charlotte due to the space and it had become an annual tradition since.

Photo by Jeric Jarical Photography

Amigo said since de Leon got sick she and her husband Paul Amigo, who's also a past president of the FACC continued what de Leon started.

This year the Flores de Mayo is sponsored by the FACC and incumbent FACC president Malette Aquino Oliveros welcomed everyone to the occasion while Dominican sister Sr. Edeva Jover gave the invocation.

The audience waited for the parish priest of St. Matthew to give his message for the day. Alexis and CJ Riley led the singing of the Star Spangled Banner anthem while Rommel Olarte, lead singer of the Dust N' D' Attic band led the singing of the Philippine anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”

The marshals were Nicolas Escobal and John Paul Escobal while Simon Oliveros was the standard bearer. Asia Antone,Nicole Santero and Kaitlyn Ronquillo stood as Mary’s Three Joys.

The Seven Virtues were represented by Hanna Asibal (Faith), Stephanie Bunao (Hope), Francine Castillo (Charity), Sharon Bounds (Prudence), Grayson Siplon (Justice), Casse Bunao (Fortitude) and Miel Mantecon (Temperance).

The 12 stars were Kate Asibal (Source of our Joy), Nicole Jarical (Mystical Rose), Alyssa Abalos (Morning star), Corine Olarte (Gate of Heaven), Maria Olarte (Ark of the Covenant), Raine Antonio (Tower of Ivory), Noelle Escobal (Queen of the Apostles), Nina Kasingal (Queen of the Prophets), Giselle Pagunuran (Queen of Virgins), Alexis Riley (Queen of Peace) and Cazandra Riley (Reyna de los Angeles).

The students of Eskwelahang Munti (Little Schoolhouse) under the tutelage of Gloria Grifenhagen and Dr. Nini Bautista also made quite an impression with their performance of the Filipino song “Magtanim Ay Di Biro (Planting Rice Is Never Fun) clad in the native Filipino native clothing.

Towards the middle of the program flowers were brought to the foot of the statue of the Virgin Mary by both young and adult faithful alike.

On hand to receive the flowers were Dr. Nini Bautista, the global Pinoy par excellence who helped marshal the groups along with Dr. Oliveros to make the event a success.

After the prayers and the offering to the Blessed Virgin, Leah Castaneda Anastacio led the audience in singing the songs “Ave Maria” and “Amazing Grace.”

“An Ode to Virgin Mary” written by Ron Beltran was recited by Dr. Ben Lorenzo.

FACC 1st VP Dr. Mike Borja and his wife, FACC public relations officer Tracy Borja emceed the event.

The program ended with the procession inside the hall after which dinner was served to all present.

In a post at the FACC Facebook page Dr. Oliveros has this to say: “To all FACC members and non members...thank you so much for all your help and support for the Flores de Mayo event, also to all volunteers, all rosary groups, participants and parents of our 2014 Santacruzan, thank you! To 2014 FACC officers and representatives, I appreciate all the hard work you've done for today's successful event. Maraming Salamat.”

Other FACC Officers like Lota Mascarenas,Terry Laabid, MJ Maturan and Robert Escobal and those who weren't around like Luisa Castaneda and Blessel Arcamo Butler were present in spirit. To everyone who attended I can only say Viva Mama Mary!

Photo by Jeric Jarical Photography

(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)

Jaden's first communion

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Jaden Gleen Kremer, the first born of spouses Brent and Beth Kremer will be having his first communion this Sunday, May 4 at the Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church at 2505 Electric Road at 11:30 am at Roanoke, Virginia.

It was disappointing that my husband Ronnie, my daughter Gg and I cannot attend despite being invited by the family.

From those unfamiliar with communion, a brief description from Wikipedia: The First Communion, or First Holy Communion, is a Latin rite of the Catholic Church. 

It refers to a Catholic's first reception of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and in Roman Catholic Churches occurs typically at age seven or eight depending on the national custom. 

Catholics believe this event to be very important, as the Eucharist occupies a central role in Catholic theology and practice. Lutherans also traditionally observe First Communion.

I knew Brent and Beth as well as the paternal grandmother Linda kremer are all excited about Jaden's first communion.

I couldn't exactly remember all the details of my first communion in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental in northern Mindanao, Philippines. 

What I do remember is that I wore a white veil that that was bought by my mother especially for that day. It was actually the whole elementary class doing the confirmation on that day. And it was quite important for all of us. 

Anyway, Jaden's communion will be followed by lunch at the Kremer’s home at 3765 Chesterton Street Roanoke at 2 p.m.

(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.

Susan also has her website at susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com 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)