Boy Jayson passes away as family asks for help

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina--I was saddened on receiving word last night that Albert "Boy" Jayson, a friend and a neighbor from my hometown of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental in northern Mindanao, Philippines, died of a heart attack.

I commiserate with his family consisting of his wife Esperanza Sabio Valdehuesa, his daughter Marie "Whong" Jayson Escalante, her husband Junmar Escalante and their son Noah for their sudden, untimely loss.

Boy with his wife Esperanza in the US

Boy as he was called by friends arrived in the US last Oct. 1 to fulfill his childhood wish to come to the US to visit his eldest daughter Whong and her family who had resided in the Charlotte, North Carolina area for sometime.

At 9:45 pm last Saturday Nov 17, while preparing for a trip next day to Washington DC to see the White House, he collapsed and never woke up. 

Boy was 64 and he left six children—five back in the Philippines and one in Charlotte. He was an only child and most of his relatives are in the Philippines.

As incumbent president of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC), I want to ask for help to help the family bring Boy's remains back home in the Philippines.

The family is targeting to raise US $12,000 to cover expenses. This amount is big but if we work together and raise the amount then we can help reduce the family's burden.

Boy's daughter Whong said her dad died happy and was in fact so proud that he finally reached the US. On behalf of the family and the FACC, I am asking for help from all Filipino-Americans and those who read this blog to contribute what they can to help raise funds for the family.

Boy was a good father, a good husband and a good friend. He had a ready smile to anyone and enjoyed life as a businessman in Tagoloan town but he always dreamed of visiting the US and he realized it.

Now let us help his family bring him back home to Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental in northern Mindanao, Philippines. Go click on the GoFundMe link provided here and give what you can to help them./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Boy with his daughter Whong 

FACC to hand out awards in Dec. 9 Christmas party

A total of 21 awards will be handed out by the 2017 board of directors of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) in its Annual Christmas party on Dec. 9. 

In a recent meeting, the outgoing FACC board decided to honor both members and non-members who gave time, resources, talent and ideas to help make the FACC's calendar of activities for this year 2017 a rousing success.

The FACC, the premier Filipino-American community in the US is now on its 28th year and it celebrated its 30th Gala Night last month as a culmination of sorts for its calendar year 2017. 

This year's awardees are categorized into the following : 1. Keynote speakers 2. resource persons and emcees 3. facilatators and volunteers.

Keynote speakers consist of the following: Judge Ty Hands of the 26th Judicial District ( Women’s Empowerment), Dr. Keith Alan Ayrons (breast cancer awareness),  Adelia Fallar (Teacher’s Recognition) and Kirstan Feist (FACC Youth Summit).

Awardees for serving as emcees (master of ceremonies), falicitators and resource persons are: Myra Tranquilino, Mirasol Abogi, Gloria Grifenhagin, Alex Romero,Ann Gonzales, Dhi Donato and Dr. Eumelia Nini de Bautista Garcia.

Volunteers who were always around and helping during events before and after the events : JP Ave, Beth Kremer, Ashley Faye, Elizabeth Onia and Marissa Borja, Dexter Reynolds and Dalangin Wheeler. 

Those helping out on special projects like FACC past president Florami Lao Cordero Lee, who is ever present in events and provide dance numbers for these programs and Amelia Lambert for extending assistance in the Walk for Marawi project are also given due recognition.

A special award will also be given to Mark Borja, the videographer in the 30th Annual FACC Gala. 

The awards would be presented during the FACC Christmas party at the Newell Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina on Dec. 9./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Annual FACC Christmas Party set on Dec. 9

Charlotte, North Carolina-- All roads lead to the Newell Elementary School at 325 Rocky River W. Charlotte,North Carolina 28213 for the Filipino-American community in the Carolinas on Dec. 9.

Reserve that date and remember that venue for it will host the annual Christmas party of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

The FACC Christmas party follows on the success of the Oct. 14 Gala Night and marks the last event to be celebrated by the incumbent FACC officers. The party will also feature the election of the FACC's Board of Directors. 

FACC Auditor Dorena Reynolds, who is this year's Chirstmas party chairperson, posted the announcement on the FACC's Facebook page. She said this year's party is dubbed Pasko sa Carolinas.

Hosted by the FACC's 2017 board of directors, the event will also serve as “the farewell party of the FACC's 2017 board of directors,” Reynolds said.

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

The incumbent FACC officials are led by its president Susan P Dennis, Cip Onia  (1st VP), Edelweiss de Guzman Perry (2nd VP), Carllynn Ave  (Secretary), Yulie Amar Armstrong  (Treasurer), Dorena Reynolds  (Auditor) and J. Andrew Arligue  (Public Relations Officer).

The Area representatives are Rogelio Ro Lawsin, Jyoti Friedland, Tonette Batoon-Asay, Miah Price and Beth Rothermond. Ro Lawsin will host the event.

The FaCC Youth through its president Jayson Ave is this year's Christmas party vice chairperson. Reynolds also said there are a lot of prices to be given during the Christmas tree decorating contest, Christmas parol (lantern), games and door prizes.

FACC is providing the roast pig (lechon.). Read the FACC Facebook page for updates or email facc.us for further announcements. The party starts at 5 pm./Susan Palmes Dennis

Ray An Fuentes to speak, perform in 30th FACC Gala

Multi-awarded singer and songwriter turned traveling evangelist Ray An Fuentes will be a keynote speaker and performer in the 30th Gala of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) to be held at the Renaissance Charlotte Sites Hotel this Saturday evening, Oct. 14 this year.

Known for his popular duet tune “Umagang Kay Ganda” with singer Tillie Moreno, Fuentes was lead performer in Philippine Broadway musical adaptations such as the Wizard of Oz (where he played the Scarecrow), Cats (as Rum Tum Tugger), Evita (as Che Guevarra) and Jesus Christ Superstar (as Judas Iscariot).

As one of several pop icons in the 80s, Ray An Fuentes paved the way for then budding artists like Gary Valenciano to make their mark in the Philippine entertainment scene. 

He was also among a handful of Filipinos to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall of New York, Ray An sang with artists like Sandi Patti, First Call and Phil Driscoll.

Recently the Canada-based Ray An was the main performer for the Full Gospel Businessmen’s World Convention in Florida and was a guest artist in pastor Tony Evan’s church in Dallas, Texas.

Aside from this he was the main performer in the “God Help Us” men’s conference in Macon Georgia. He was given a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in 2002 from the U.S. Congress for “Outstanding and Invaluable Contribution to the (Filipino) Community.”

Ray An also gave command performances for the Washington D.C. Diplomatic Corps at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Sultan of Malaysia and the King of Morocco. 

Married to Sylvia Gozun with whom he has children named Miguel, Julio and Daniella, Ray An leads a full time faith based ministry for the past 28 years and traveled extensively to the US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East.

Whenever his schedule permits, Ray An visits the Philippines to touch base with Filipino fans and gives the occasional performance or two as evidenced by online videos uploaded in YouTube. 

As both keynote speaker and a scheduled performer in the Oct. 14 Gala of the FACC, Ray An will perform three of his best known songs. 

As a true-blooded Filipino artist, Ray An will always have a place among Filipino-American communities in the US, Canada and the rest of the world./Susan Palmes-Dennis  

Sterling lineup of performers for 30th FACC Gala Night

EVERYTHING is set for the 30th Gala Night of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina next Saturday, Oct, 14.

A sterling lineup of performers have been tapped to ensure that this will be a memorable evening for everyone in attendance.

Leading the performers is  Ray Ann Fuentes, an 80s pop icon in the Philippines before he migrated to Canada in 1988 and became known as the singing evangelist. 

Watch out for yourself since he has still the moves and voice. Fuentes is a keynote speaker who will deliver an inspirational message to the community. He's doing double duty tonight as he will render three songs from among his repertoire of hits through the years.    

Also in the lineup are the Couples for Christ Sisters composed of the ladies of an International Catholic lay ecclesiastical movement who will perform The Charleston dance. 

The Charleston dance is a 1920s hit set during the era of jazz music, speakeasies, and Flappers and is named after the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina. 

The dance was popularized in US mainstream entertainment through a 1923 tune called ”The Charleston”  by composer/pianist James P. Johnson who originated  the Broadway show “Runnin Wild.” 

The CFC Sisters consist of Mirasol Abogi, Mae Armstead, Joy Arrojado, Ida Bauer, Luz Blackwell, Nenette Costes, Diding Cuering, Baby Erikson, Meng Lorenzo, Marie Miranda and Lorena Ostrea. 

The jazz music will be provided by Andre Anthony Duran Braza who is headed to the Appalachian State Univeristy to study a Performing Arts course next year. He sings in the church choir at the St. John Neumann Catholic Church. 

Andre is part of the Chamber choir at Butler High School and got the gold trophy for a choral award along with the best musician and best actor award.  

The next performance will be delivered by the Grace Point International Group Care, the Philippine Dance Group of North Carolina and the Charlotte Dance Group.

They will perform the Ensemble Marawi dance which shows the ordinary life of Maranaos in Marawi City in Mindanao, Philippines. 

The dance is composed of four elements; the Kini Kini or beauty and elegance, courtship, Malong or hand movements representing the waves of Lake Lanao and the use of tubular cloth called Malong Landap and the war dance.

The dancers featured tonight are Florami Lao Cordero Lee, Maria Corazon, Alma Redelosa Alindao Butler, Tonette Asay, Muffy P Therrien, Marissa Borja and Marilou Connie Vitug.

The War Dance will be performed by world class extreme martial artist Lance Lawsin, son of FACC board of directors members Rogelio Lawsin and Dr. Stella Lawsin.  

The Ensemble Marawi Dance is especially important owing to the situation in Marawi City which had been placed under martial law by President Rodrigo Duterte last May due to the terrorist violence instigated by the Maute group.

Credit to the choreography and direction goes to Tonette Asay, an FACC 2017 Area representative. 

Asay is a founding member of Kagayhaan de Oro Theater Arts (Kota), a group created by the late Fr. Demetrio of Ateneo de Cagayan or Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao in the Philippines. 

Also in the Gala tonight is world class award winning duo Gabriela and Dmitriy of Dance USA.  

The anthems of the Philippines and the US will be performed by Rommel Olarte, lead singer of the Dust N’ D’ Attic band. 

Olarte, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class 1994, had been born with a musical spoon in his mouth as described by his wife Christine.

Lastly let us watch a skit portraying the lives of Filipinos back home as we see how they coped with the process of migrating to the US and how it had changed their lives for the better. 

In sum the performances featured in the FACC's 30th Gala are dedicated to the 12 incorporators who gave their time, resources, mind and money to draft the FACC's Articles of Incorporation and the By-laws. 

These 12 incorporators are Orlando Angeles, Carlos Balcita, Frank Cabugwason, Danny Cordero, Adelia Fallar, Virgilio Ipapo, Lindo Javelona, Wally Penilla, Luz Quinio, Bertito Rodriguez, Rosario Sapinoso and Larazo Siplon. 

There were also those who likewise offered their talent and time to help the 12 incorporators and we also thank and are grateful to them for helping build what the FACC is today.

We also thank the spouses Lita and Rudy Joaquin who initiated the first FACC Gala 30 years ago. This event paved the way for the founding of the oldest 
Filipino-American community in the US as chronicled by Dr. Eumelia Nini Bautista de Garcia. 

With these words, let us lift the curtains for the 30th FACC Gala. May everyone  in attendance have a great time on Gala Night.

CFC Sisters to perform The Charleston at FACC 30th Gala

THE Couples for Christ Sisters (CFP sisters) will perform in the 30th Gala of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) at the Renaissance Charlotte Sites Hotel on Saturday evening, Oct. 14 this year.

Joy Arrojado of the CFC group confirmed this to the FACC officers, saying the CFC sisters will perform the Charleston dance, a popular 1920s dance born during the era of jazz music, speakeasies and flappers.

The dance is named after the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina and popularized in US mainstream entertainment by a 1923 tune called "The Charleston" by composer/pianist James P. Johnson.

Johnson originated the Broadway show "Runnin' Wild" and it became one of the most popular hits of the decade.

The CFC Sisters dancers are Mirasol Abogi, Mae Armsstead, Joy Arrojado, Ida Bauer, Luz Blackwell, Nenette Costes, Diding Cuering, Baby Erikson, Meng Lorenzo, Marie Miranda and Lorena Ostrea.

In support of the FACC and the ANCOP, the CFC Sisters are sure to entertain the FACC crowd with their rendition of the Charleston./Susan Palmes-Dennis

FACC elects first batch of youth officers

Incumbent FACC officers and members

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) had its first elections for its youth officers after a whole day training activity at the Asian Library in Charlotte, North Carolina last Sept. 16.

Elected president of the FACC Youth group is Jason Ave, a freshmen at Mallard Creek and son of FACC secretary Carllyn Ave and 2013 FACC 1st VP Joannes “JP” Ave.

Other elected youth officers were Kryzle Kwan also of Mallard Creek High School as vice president, Andre Braza of Central Piedmont Community College, Ashley Perez as treasurer and Pamela Maturan as press relations officer.

Kryzle is the daughter of this year's FACC teacher awardee Mirasol Abogi. Dr. Eumelia “Nini” Baustista, 2003 FACC President and a global awardee, inducted the pioneering batch of FACC youth officers. 

The FACC Youth group is being pilot tested by the FACC's 2017 board of directors to groom them for future leadership roles in the FACC. 

The FACC youth officers were elected by more than 25 participants after their whole day training on topics like Introduction to Youth Leadership, Responsible Use of Social media, Civic Engagement and  Philippine Culture and Heritage, Travel Philippines, and Introduction to Parliamentary Rules. 

The facilitators were Myra Tranquilino who also served as emcee, Ann Gonzales Mirasol Abogi, Gloria Grifenhagen, Alex Romero, Dr. Eumelia Nini Baustista and keynote speaker Kirstan Feist.  

The attendees were:

Gracie Armstrong, Piedmont Middle School;

Grant Armstrong, Piedmont Middle;

Greg Armstrong;

Philip O’Berry;

Hannah Gabiana, W.C Friday;

Therese Gabiana, North Gaston High School;

Grace Onia, Hickory Ridge Middle;

Andre Braza, Central Piedmont Community College;

Christian Pauyon, Olympic High School;

Edward Butler, Weddington High School;

Jaden Kremer Woodrow Wilson;

Lydia Reynolds, Newell Elementary School;

Lynsey Reynolds, Newell Elementary;

Derek Reynolds MLK Middle School;

Jason Ave, Mallard Creek;

Christina Borromeo, Carolina International Al;

Pamela Maturan Ardey Kell High School;

Alexa Anquilo, Marvin Ridge Middle School;

Ranny Barrientos, Charlotte Secondary School;

David Glass, Rocky River High School;

Alexa V- Northwester High School;

Ronnie  Palermo, home school;

Kryzle Kwan, Mallard Creek High School;

Ashley Perez, Rocky River High School;

Dazel Cularte, CC Griffin Middle School;

Kurt Wwan of MCHS.

Keynote speaker Kirstan Feist is the president of the Filipino American Student Association of the University of North Carolina (FASA) in Greensboro and is a member of Class 2019 taking a course in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality.

In his speech, Fiest told the participants that a leader should be a problem solver and effective communicator, able to empathize instead of just sympathize as well as adapt to any situation and turn these situations around for resolution.

Fiest said a great leader should be able to touch base and earn the trust of his/her followers. 

When asked what they remember about the Philippines, the 25 particpants answered that they knew Gen. Douglas McArthur, Boracay Island and Filipino fastfood chain Jolibee. They also know that it is a heavily populated country.

Gloria Grifenhagen talked about the Filipino bayanihan spirit while Mirasol Abogi talked about everyday civic engagement by the students. It was during her topic that some of the participants mentioned national hero Jose Rizal as a politician.  

Alex Romero then told the attendees about the different fiestas and places in the Philippines while Dr. Nini Bautista held the young audience's interest when she talked about the FACC and FACC Youth and the journey of Filipinos here in US as well as the galleon trade. 

Lastly, Ann Gonzales  used the acronym Share to serve as guidelines for Filipino youths in using social media. She spelled Share as S- for safe, H- helpful, A for Artistic, R for respectful or regret and E for Education. 

Gonzales told the participants that privacy in social media is never 100 percent as  job recruiters will scope out the online profile of their applicants.  It was already past 4 when the elections were held and the event wrapped up.

Hannah Gabiana said she wished there was more but then there is always another time.

FACC Youth Summit in Charlotte on Sept. 16

IT'S all systems go for the Youth Summit of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) at the Asian Library on Baxter Street in Charlotte, North Carolina this Saturday, September 16.

Close to 30 participants are expected to attend this one day event that organizers promised will consist of fun-filled learning activities on leadership and governance, culture and heritage of the Philippines.

Participants will also be taught how to deal with social media. The training is divided into six topics.

These are: Introduction to leadership, civics, Philippine culture and heritage, introduction to legislative agenda, impact of social media in leadership and learning about the FACC.

The speakers and facilitators include Kirstan Feist, president of the Filipino American Student Association University of North Carolina Greensboro, retired teacher Gloria Grifinhagen of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Myra Tranquilino, Lincoln Charter, Alex Romero, artist/photographer, Ann Gonzales, business co-owner at Create-ster and Mirasol Abogi also of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. 

Feist is also the keynote speaker of the day. He has a diverse heritage being born to a Filipino mother in Rosenheim, Germany on Feb 6  and growing up in the Charlotte area. 

His father is a native of North Carolina and served 24 years in the US Air Force. The father was assigned in the Philippines where he met his future wife. 

Born to a mixed heritage, Feist considers himself having experienced different cultures around the world.  

He is now  a junior at the University of North Carolina Greensboro majoring in Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism  and is the president of the Filipino-American association which has more than 120 members. 

The association started with 17 members and has grown into the Filipino-American Association at UNCG’s. It is the largest multicultural organization on campus. 

Participants are requested to please bring their cellphone and other gadgets for the event./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Silent auction at 30th FACC Gala

AN added feature to the 30th Gala of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) to be held at the Renaissance Hotel on Oct. 14 this year is the Silent Auction. 

Tonette Asay, this year’s chairperson on the Silent Auction who has considerable expertise on the activity, said the items to be auctioned off include paintings, collector's items, Filipiniana items, home decorartions and kitcken ware, unused clothes with tags, vintage costumes or jewelry and works of art. 

Proceeds of the auction will go to the FACC's Tabang Marawi project done in coordination with the Ateneo de Cagayan Xavier Unviersity's Social Development Center. 

Deadline for the collection of donated items is at noon on October 7, 2017. For more information please contact Tonette Asay at # 919-588-0646 or any member of the board of directors of the FACC. 

FACC 2nd Vice President Edelweiss de Guzman with her paintings

FACC officials to guest in WBTV News in Charlotte

Edelweiss de Guzman, FACC 2nd Vice President

TWO top officials of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) will appear live over WBTV Charlotte on Sept. 14 to announce the 30th annual FACC gala on October 14, this year. 

Edelweiss de Guzman, FACC 2nd vice president and Rogelio “Ro” Lawsin, FACC area representative and FACC spokesperson will be interviewed live by WBTV anchors Brigida Mack and Delano Little in their program at 8:30 pm on Sept. 14. 

De Guzman is the chairperson of this year’s Gala and she said she would talk on how the ad sponsors can benefit from placing their ads on the 30th Gala souvenir program. 

FACC 2nd area rep Rogelio Lawsin

Lawsin, the master of ceremonies or emcee of the 30th FACC Gala will talk about how the FACC had made a difference in the Filipino-American community of the Carolinas.

“This is exciting to watch,” Cip Onia said of de Guzman and Lawsin's guest spot in the program hosted by Brigida Mack, an award winning anchor/reporter for WBTV News in Charlotte.

Miah Price, member of the FACC's board of directors, said she is excited to watch the interview as Delano Little is her favorite sports reporter. 

Delano Little won the 1992 RTNDCA Award for Best Sports Reporting and is also a winner of the 1995 Mid-South Emmy Award for Best Sportscast./Susan Palmes-Dennis

FACC to offer childcare services on 30th gala

For those wishing to but are hesitant to attend the Oct. 14 Gala of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel because of chiildren to care for, here's a solution for them.

The 2017 board of directors of the FACC will offer nanny services for a fee of 10$ each child. In this way parents can have a chance to enjoy the gala and remain confident that they are within distance to see that their children will be cared for.

The teens and children will be contained in one room with their nannies. This proposal was contained in a board resolution to address the concerns of parents who plan to attend but had children to take care of.

“But we can only accommodate 10 children and between the ages of 12-6 ” said Cip Onia, FACC 1st Vice President.  Aside from the $10 per child, parents are also requested to bring food, drinks, books and electronic gadgets. Space is limited to 10 so please contact the nearest FACC director and or pre-register at the nearest Board of Director near you.  

In the meantime there would be no selling of gala tickets on the door on the day of the gala to enable the officers to concentrate on the program./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Ray An to perform in FACC Gala Night Oct. 14

An 80s pop icon will perform in the 30th Annual Gala of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas, Inc (FACC) at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel on Oct. 14, this year. 

Ray An Fuentes was a popular 80s singer in the Philippines before he migrated to Canada in 1988 and became known as the singing evangelist. He still has the voice and moves and he will showcase his talents anew in the FACC Gala Night.

Ray An Fuentes who is Raymund Anthony Fuentes in real life  is a former member of the Fourth Congregation, the New Minstrels and the Circus band. 

He's also a composer and wrote songs for top Filipino artists like Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Martin Nievera and Janno Gibbs among others.  Catch him at the 30th FACC Gala Night and he may regale the audience with an additional song to his three-song performance. 

The FACC's 2017 board of directors also announced that there won't be any sale of gala tickets on the door or on the day of the event in order to give enough time to the officers to concentrate on the program. 

“This would really be an exciting night,” said Edelweiss de Guzman, who is this year's Gala Night chairperson.  It is an exclusive event and a must join party of the year for the Filipino-American community in the Carolinas. A night to enjoy and remember indeed./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Ashley Faye to sing anthems in Fil-Am youth summit

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Yes, this “chinita” looking girl is going to sing the American and Filipino anthems again for the Filipino American Youth Summit scheduled at the Asian Library on Sept. 16.

Ashley Faye frequently sings these two anthems—the US “Star Spangled Banner” and the Lupang Hinirang of the Philippines--everytime there's an event sponsored by the Filipino American community here in Charlotte. 

And she will again be called to sing these two anthems during the Filipino American Youth Summit sponsored by the Filipino American Youth Summit is sponsored by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

When Ashley sings, her back is usually turned to the audience so while they can only see her long black hair, her voice reverberates across the stage.

Three months ago Ashley turned 17 and this self-confessed fan of Philippine pop stars Yeng Constantino and Sarah Geronimo is beginning to sound and look like them. 

Right now though Ashley is into K-Pop or Korean Pop and when asked why she said “in music the language doesn’t matter at all, what matters is the feelings and messages that's being portrayed to the audience.”

Ashley also said music is a universal language that the world understands. A student of Rocky River High School under the Charlotte Mecklinburg Schools, Ashley used to dream of becoming a nurse.

But she dreamed bigger and now wants to become a doctor. Ashley started singing young when she would go with her cousins to sing carols in the Philippine neighborhood. 

She gets extra money but that's not her only benefit. Ashley said she really gets a kick out of singing songs with feelings. She remembered climbing on top of the table and singing her favorite songs whenever her mother or aunt plays them. 

Ashely remembered the delighted expressions of family whenever she grabs the hair brush and sings with it like a microphone, her voice filling the room she's in. 

Young and patriotic, Ashley remembered that students like her sing the national anthem during the flag-raising ceremony.

She's quite familiar with the two anthems and in fact knows them by heart because of the stories they tell about their respective countries. 

“In singing the anthems the whole experience is memorable because I represent the country's voice in that song—their story, their hope, their dreams and hopes for the future,” Ashley said.

She has a long way to go, but based on what she can do, Ashley has a bright future ahead of her. 

Fil-Am youth summit at Asian Library on Sept. 16

A SUMMIT for Filipino-American youths in the Charlotte, North Carolina area will be held by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) at the Asian Library on Sept. 16.

This one day event promises to be filled with fun-filled activities and lessons on leadership and governance, culture and heritage of the Philippies and how to deal with social media. 

The FACC hopes the event will tap potential future leaders for the group and the Filipino-American community in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. 

The training is divided into the following topics: Introduction to leadership, Civics, Philippine Culture/heritage, Introduction to legislative agenda, Impact of social media in leadership and learning FACC. 

The summit participants are expected to chose their leaders at the end of the day.  The training design was actually intended for two days but due to previous commitments it was squeezed into one day. 

The keynote speaker is Kirstan Feist, president of the Filipino American Student Association University of North Carolina Greensboro for school season 2017-2018. 

Feist is a junior at UNCG majoring in Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism. Feist shared that when he was still a representative of the UNCG in 2013, there were only 17 members.

Now the UNCG is the largest multicultural organization on campus consisting of more than 120 members. Feist is not new also to FACC activities since in 2012 he served as an usher and color guard for that year's gala.  

“Never lose sight of who are you and always remember your roots,” Feist told fellow Filipino-Americans in the Charlotte area.

Lecturers/facilitators include Gloria Grifenhagen, Ann Gonzales, Myra Tranquilino, Mirasol Abogi and Kirstan Feist. Those interested to attend can contact any of the board of directors of the FACC or you can email me at susanap.dennis@yahoo. com./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Lions of CDO tour the US

Mart Maandig, District Lions Governor with fellow members

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

Close to 50 Kagay-anons (natives of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao in the Philippines) are in the US today for the 100th Lions Convention held in Chicago.

I learned about this from my friend Dorena Reynolds here in Charlotte, North Carolina. One of the Lions who attended the event is Fred Buten, who used to work in Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro and resided in Scions, Barangay Canitoan also in Cagayan de Oro.

The Lion District Governor is Mart Maandig, a former city councilor of Cagayan de Oro. Fred is the brother of Dorena's mother. When she told me about it, I was excited to see the group picture of the Lions in their journey to the capital cities of the US.

That got me started in reconnecting with Atty. Mart Maandig, a lawyer by profession through the web. He told me that there were 150 delegates from Mindanao and 42 from Cagayan de Oro.

“I’m glad I visited the US to attend the 100th Lions Convention,” Maandig said. The convention started last June 30 and lasted for five days. Maandig said it was held in Chicago where the group was founded in June 1971.

The event drew groups from 210 countries around the world. Maandig was proud that he was chosen to be the centennial district governor for 2016-2017. His rank is District Governor Mart B Maandig, Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow (PMJF).

Mart with some friends

As district governor, Mart heads all the clubs in Mindanao with 2,110 members and 53 clubs. The title of Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow is given when one member donates US $2,000 to the Lions Foundation for worldwide humanitarian projects. 

I knew some members of the Lions back in the Philippines and every now and then I saw the logo of the Lions in some benches or in waste dumspters. I also heard the name as sponsors in some activities. 



Lions is a service club just like the Rotary. But what makes them difffernt is that in Lions, it is a family membership. 

Lions also focused on four core programs namely conservation, relieving hunger, youth development and environment preservation. “Other projects are done on what the community needs,” the young lawyer said.

Lions, Rotary or Kiwanis clubs and other social-civic clubs in the Philippines are really partners of community development for a long time. They delivered all sorts of beneficial projects to the community and we should be thankful to them for that.

Just like any other clubs they have to work harder to recruit younger folk in the club beyond the children of their members and I think they are doing it . The presence of Atty. Mart as Lion DG is a testimony.

Atty. Mart Maandig was a city councilor during the term of former mayor Vicente “Donkoy” Emano. He was one of the administration councilors that would answer my questions all the time, even if the answers were limited.

I learned that Atty. Mart opened a bar review center in the city that helped those reviewing the bar exams in Mindanao sometime after he served his term of office. 

That is his contribution I guess. I have no idea if that review center is existing. Maybe I knew that he would make good in life and him leading delegates from Mindanao is something else.

He also said that after the convention the group rented a van and went to Niagara Falls and passed many counties and states before visiting New York. I saw the photo posts of Fred Buten with the White House and Congress as background.

The group planned to visit Texas on Thursday. I wish them luck. May these Lions continue to soar and help their fellow Mindanoans especially those in Cagayan de Oro. 

Fred Buten and his wife in New York

Good luck Atty. Mart hope you join Fred and his wife in visiting me here in Charlotte. 

Fred Buten and his wife are scheduled to visit Charlotte since his niece Dorena is the current auditor of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas, Inc.(FACC). 

Welcome to the US Lions from Mindanao especially those from Cagayan de Oro.

Eskwelahang Munti to hold reunion on Saturday, July 15

Myself (second from left) with EM's movers

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

THE Eskwelahang Munti (Little School) will hold a reunion for its students on Saturday this week, July 15.

Gloria Grifenhagen, school director of the Eskwelahang Munti (EM) and a retired teacher who worked at Charlotte Mecklenburg said the reunion will also be attended by EM's volunteers and staff who worked with them since it opened in 2013.

In its flyer posted at Facebook, Grifenhagen said the reunion will be an afternoon of fun, games and food.

Dr. Nini Bautista of the Filipino American Spirit group and a past president of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) said a “boodle fight” consisting of one long table filled with food will be featured for the attendees.

Dr. Nini Bautista Garcia talks with seniors at a foster home

About 26 students enrolled at EM at the Asian Library when it opened on September 2013 at the Asian Library and classes were held at 2-4 pm every Sunday. 

Its school calendar was adopted from the Charlotte Mecklinburg School. The school received a grant from the Catholic Diocese Foundation of Charlotte while fund raising was done by the Filipino American Spirit group with help from the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC). 

EM taught students about Philippine history, geography and culture including literature, music and performing arts along with traditional values. Through visits to senior citizens's homes, EM also taught students to show love and respect to elders.

Today the FACC's 2017 board of directors is campaigning to spark interest among young Filipino-Americans in studying the culture and heritage of their parents in the hope that they would incorporate Filipino values as they become future community leaders.

EM recently opened a Tagalog Conversation class composed of American adults interested in learning Tagalog. The school recently held its graduation ceremony with their students singing live the “Dahil sa Yo (Because of You).”

Filipino-Americans urged to join leadership course

The deadline for application for the free 11-week on leadership course of Charlotte City's Civic Leadership Academy is on July 14, Friday this week.

In an email sent by Dr. Eumelia "Nini" Bautista Garcia to the 2017 board of directors of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC), it was learned that the course is designed for Charlotte residents.

"I hope someone from the Filipino American community will be able to avail of this opportunity in order to help promote their growth,” she said.

Charlotteans (residents of Charlotte) ready to take the next step in being community leaders and improving the quality of life in all of Charlotte's neighborhoods were advised to take the course.

Dr. Bautista said the course will provide participants an opportunity to grow in  their leadership, analyze issues using data, connect with decision makers and other Charlotte leaders and make a difference in their communities.

During the Civic Leadership Academy, participants will:

·         Receive a personalized Leadership Assessment and 1 session of executive coaching

·         Learn how to efficiently utilize your leadership style to positively impact community

·         Enhance understanding of Charlotte history and culture

·         Develop relationships with other leaders in the community and local government

·         Learn how to use data to articulate challenges and advocate for community resources

·         Learn to navigate issues through local government

·         Commit to using your leadership skills in the broader community

The academy is limited to 35 participants who must commit to attend at least 9 sessions. To review the workshop schedule or apply, visit http://bit.ly/2jAABLm.

Applications must be received by July 14th since sessions begin September 13th. 

For additional information contact Lacey Williams at lacey.williams@charlottenc.gov or 704-336-2175./Susan Palmes-Dennis

FACC holds Silent Walk For Marawi City

Last Saturday, more than 20 members of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) joined in a Silent Walk For Marawi City that covered three miles back and forth.

The participants gathered at the greenway across Asian Library at Baxter Street at downtown Charlotte for the walk. 

Dalangin Wheeler, a retiree from the court office who has been in Charlotte for 30 years led the prayer before the walk. In her prayer she asked help from heaven for solutions to the peace and order problem in Mindanao. 

This writer who is the incumbent FACC president gave updates to every FACC member on the situation in Marawi City based on accounts of journalist friends covering the area. 

Among those who joined the walk were Cip Onia, incumbent 1st VP, Edelweiss de Guzman 2nd VP, FACC auditor Dorena Reynolds who is from Tagum Davao, Tonette Batoon Asay who came from Cagayan de Oro and Miah Respecio Price. 

Also joining the walk was former Mrs. USA-Asia Janet Pichon-Hixson who is from Davao City prior to migrating in Charlotte. Hixon was 2nd VP for FACC in 2013. 

Other participants were Amelia Lambert, past FACC officer who labored in contacting members to join the walk as well as taking pledges of support, Dhi Donato, Lannie  of Lake Wylie who came with her children and Lydia Burdeous also of Tagum City in Davao province and other non-members who were invited.

There were others who were unable to join but sent in their donations and pledges. 

The collected money will be sent Dr. Dures Tagayuna, incumbent governor of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) in Northern Mindanao. 

The FACC learned that Tagayuna and other doctors are spearheading a medical mission on July 26 in Cagayan de Oro where the evacuees,wounded soldiers and the dead are brought in from Marawi City. 

The FACC was informally launched in 1988 by a handful of Filipinos headed by Lita Joaquin and a handful of friends to provide information and promote understanding of Philippine culture and heritage to the Americans and other cultural communities in North and South Carolina. 

FACC has now developed into a strong community of Filipino-Americans. It is helping in community building not only in Charlotte, NC but also had supported projects and donations to worthy cause in the Philippines.

The Filipino-Americans here in Charlotte are monitoring the events in Marawi City which is still under threat from the Maute terrorist group.

Lydia Burdeos said the search for peace in the country should be a concern among all Filipinos abroad.

De Guzman said she was sad with what is happening there and joined the walk despite a grueling work week. "We've got to be engaged of what is happening," she said. 

The walk is considered as a preliminary activity aimed at creating awareness on what is happening in the country. The FACC board of directors is considering to sponsor a forum or a symposium on the Mindanao situation.

The FACC also made contact with Robert de la Serna of Ateneo de Cagayan/Xavier University,office of the Vice-President for Social Development,concerning the relief operations conducted by the school. Filipino-Americans in Charlotte may be far from the conflict zone but they still grieve for the families who lost their loved ones due to the conflict./Susan Palmes-Dennis