Kagay-anon to head Filipino-American group in the Carolinas

The 2019 FACC officials with husband Ronnie (third from right)

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina—A native Kagay-anon recently became the new president of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

Antonina “Tonette" Batoon-Asay of barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City was proclaimed by the FACC's Comelec chairperson Maria Te as president in a general membership meeting held at the International House,Central Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. 

The election also coincided with the FACC's annual Christmas party that was attended by both members and incumbent and past officials.

Te along with other members of the Comelec like Roditha Fuentes Terado and Gil Dango checked, vetted and determined the qualifications of the nominees in accordance with the FACC by-laws.

FACC past president Adelia Fallar was present during the voting process and thanked everyone for their participation. She also reminded incoming FACC officers about the principles of transparency and accountability that sustained the organization for more than 30 years.

The FACC was formed to build ties and forge solidarity among Filipino-Americans in the South especially in North and South Carolina. The FACC is also the venue to promote Philippine culture and heritage.

Other members of next year's Board of Directors (BOD) are 1st Vice President Muffy Therrien, 2nd VP Ron Dennis, Secretary Dorena Reynolds, Treasurer Gina Minnick and Auditor Emelyn Burgess.

Chosen as FACC Area representatives were Wes J. Williams and Marjorie Enriquez Ray.

Asay was an area representative in FACC BOD 2017 and was credited for her production on the Ensemble Marawi Dance which portrayed the ordinary life of the Maranaos in Marawi City, Mindanao in the Philippines.

As 2019 FACC president, Batoon-Asay is a founding member of the Kagayhaan de Oro Theater Arts, a group created by the late Father Demetrio of Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier University). 

She brings with her a wealth of experience, education and skills in heading the 2019 board of directors that consist of people with different skill sets: a teacher, a veteran, a phlebotomist, a full time house wife, a young entrepreneur, a singer and a health services employee.

Asay, who lived near the barangay hall in Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City, studied at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos. She finished high school in Lourdes College and graduated from Xavier University with a psychology degree. 

1st VP Muffy P. Therrien is from Makati City and is an entrepreneur with her own Filipino food catering business.

She earned her psychology degree from the Philippine Christian University and holds a masters degree in Healthcare Services from Strayer University where she graduated with honors.

In serving as FACC officer, Muffy said she wants to give back to the Filipino-American community in the Carolinas. 

2nd VP Ronnie Dennis is born and raised in North Carolina. A war veteran, Ronnie served in the US Army in the post Korean conflict. He was sent twice to Germany during the Cold War.

A civil service retiree who worked in the US postal service for more than 30 years Ronnie loves the Philippines much that he volunteered to be an FACC officer even when he is suffering from hip pain. 

FACC Secretary Dorena Reynolds is from Davao, Philippines. Doreen as she is known to family and friends served as auditor in the FACC last 2017. While admitting that secretarial work is not her favorite, Doreen said she is willing to volunteer if only to help the FACC. 

Doreen is a certified medical assistant and a registered phlebotomist technician. She graduated from the University of Mindanao-Tagum with a management degree in 1999.

This year's FACC treasurer is Gina Minnick of Culion, Palawan. She earned an education degree from the University of Makati. 

Emelyn Burgess is from Dumaguete City, Philippines and she worked in Assisted Living/nursing homes. Her passion is singing and she wants to serve the Filipino American community through her musical abilities. 

Em is a vocalist and she was recently invited to sing in the Gala Night of the Filipino-American community in New Jersey.

FACC Area representative Wes J Williams is a cancer survivor for five years now and is originally from Columbus, Ohio. A firm believer in prioritizing family life, Wes volunteered for the post and said he is ready to bring fresh ideas to the organization which he said is growing. 

Jailani J Wallace is from Clover, South Carolina. She loves to cook and be with her family. She also loves to travel. She served in the FACC board of directors last year.

 Marjorie Enriquez Ray is from Toledo City,Cebu province and with music as her passion.She is a sales merchandiser at Belk. 

The oath taking for the 2019 FACC officials is scheduled at the Asian Library on Jan. 12 from 12 PM to 2 PM. (For questions and comments email me at susanap.dennis@yahoo.com)

Carla's success and wisdom

By Susan Palmes-Dennis



  


                                               *********
Indeed the stars cascaded down to earth to watch Carla Salvana make a grand entrance and receive his lifetime achievement award from the organizers of rhe Soiree 2018 event at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City last Nov. 20.

Salvana, the hair and make up artist known in Cagayan de Oro and the province of Misamis Oriental and neighboring provinces wore a bright red gown with bodice spread wide to the ground in the event as he profusely thanked the Soiree 2018 event chairperson Frank Tongco and the organizing committee for the award.

The simple plaque of recognition cited Carla's invaluable support and dedication to the hair and make up industry not only in Misamis Oriental but in northern Mindanao as well.

A brief heads up: Soiree 2018 is a awards gathering of hair and makeup artists and personalities in northern Mindanao and the event's proceeds were given to the St. Joseph Golden Home Foundation Inc. 

With more than 500 guests that filled up to capacity the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Carla and other awardees were at their glittery finest as they each received awards and recognition from their peers.

Carla, better knownas Carla 2000 is known for kick-starting the makeup practice to highlight women's eyebrows back in 2000, a trend that the millennial's now label as “kilay is life.” 

He takes effort to create the perfect brow and for that alone, Carla deserves the award since he is one of a kind. An artist on a different platform, a seasoned veteran that still works to improve his craft by attending trainings, readings and comparing his work with others abroad. 

“He is always updated with what is new and trending,” said Carla's friend George Patalinghug. Carla was my official makeup artist when I worked as both station manager and anchor of TV 39 based in Cagayan de Oro College.

At the time TV 39 broadcast news live from 2000 to 2006. Despite his busy schedule, he would always work with me even if the elevator on the sixth floor was in the fritz.

Carla is no lightweight either. He studied at Xavier University and is very well informed of local and world news.  Ask him anything and he can give his opinion on issues backed by proven facts, not fake news. 

Maybe you know by now my source for local news in Cagayan de Oro and elsewhere. But more than anything, Carla's work is perfection and nothing else. 

He can always earn money even if left alone at his home in Solana, Jasaan town armed only with scissors. He can trim and cut hair in buses to make money.  There are no dull moments with Carla. 

He takes pride in paying his own social security a long time ago and he already paid for his burial plans since he doesn't want to be a burden to the family should his time come.

Carla also helped his nephew finish school and he's now mostly financially independent. His success isn't just measured by wealth but by his foresight.

He realized early on the importance of financial independence after seeing his contemporaries in the industry pass away without so much as a bank account or a centavo attached to their name.

That alone makes Carla deserving of the lifetime achievement award, said a friend who requested anonymity. 

Carla said that success is not determined by what happens to a person but how he or she handles whatever comes his or her way. 

“Life is full of beautiful opportunities,” Carla told me as he admitted that it was not an easy walk in the park for him who is part of the Salcedo-Salvana clan.

“During low moments I realized that my attitude, not my aptitude will determine my altitude,” he said. Carla said great work is the outcome of great effort and great attitude.

In thanking the organizers of Soiree 2018 led by Frank Tongco, Carla advised the millennials to follow their dreams, listen to their heart and be true to themselves. 

And to his contemporaries Carla has this to say: "Don't think about retirement it is not the end yet, rather a beginning of a new life where we can do a lot of things which we had sacrificed and left incomplete.”

He also thanked the owners of Lerouge Salon family (Martin snd Love Joie Libago) for the support . 

In closing, I doff my hat to Carla and the other winners for their commitment to quality service which shows just how they value and care for their customers (For comments and questions email me at susanap.dennis @yahoo.com).

Malou gets creative for July 27 fashion show

Malou Cordery with her models

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--Chicken feathers sourced from Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao in the Philippines was used to create a headpiece for male models  in a fashion show to be held at the  Lemeridien Hotel here on Saturday, July 27.

The headpiece is designed by Malou Tabada Cordery, originally from Villanueva, town and now a sought after avant garde fashion designer here in Charlotte. 

Malou was asked to create an outfit by Fashion D’ Lux for their editorial photoshoot titled the “New Male Warrior.” .She then made her own interpretation of a modern male warrior and submitted it to Fashion D’Lux as requested. 

Fashion D” Lux's fashion show entitled “The Modern Masculinity/ The New Male Warrior” will benefit the “Lily Pad Haven,Inc” founded by Carla Tweddale which supports victims of human trafficking. 

Prior to the show, Malou was asked to submit a picture of her creations.
“The next thing I knew the organization  set an editorial photoshoot session for their social media news, flyers, and cards.” Malou said.

She made two garments for the two male models and worked on it for two hours every night for two weeks. 

“The material I used are really my comfort zone materials---“recyclable materials. I used burlap, disposable hospital lab gown and painted them gold.” It was easy for her to find a hospital lab gown since she worked at a local hospital. 

Online buzz builds for fashion show

Malou used old used black yarn in creating tassels along with gold party plastic cups and beads to create jewelry. 

And the  chicken feathers and broken window blinds were used to create a headpiece. 

The chicken feathers came from her hometown of Villanueva where she was born and raised until she migrated to the Carolinas 25 years ago. 

“I have those feathers for the last 20 years and I don’t know why I brought those feathers,” Malou said. She recycled the feathers and used them for different projects all of which brought joy to her heart.

Malou came from the Tabada and Tadeo families in Villanueva and Tagoloan towns of Misamis Oriental and she got married to Richard Cordery 26 years ago. Their union is blessed by two lovely and charming daughters named Genevieve and Alyson. 

She has no particular designer that influenced her and she said she loves all up o  beautiful dresses that are displayed in stores and malls. Malou is a self-taught designer, reading up on the latest fashion trends to hone her craft.  She recalled that fashion designing is not new to her.

“As a young girl growing up in the Philippines, I was always cutting paper or shaping banana leaves to create doll dresses. I designed my first dress when I was in college. I joined the Achievers Club in my hometown of Villanueva.” Malou said. 

The Achievers Club is a group of ladies, mothers, sisters and friends who gather every Saturday morning for an arts and craft class. 

Right now, Malou is preparing for her new project in Charlotte in September and is busy helping online her younger cousin Ericka Paulin on how to win the Miss Cagayan de Oro 2018 pageant.

Baguio beauty wins Miss Talent in Charlotte pageant

Elvie Bramich with her costume and 'banga' 

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--When it comes to achieving one's dreams, one has to believe in it enough to motivate oneself into making it a reality. 

This is the truism that Elvie Bramich lives by and she proved it by winning Miss Talent and landing in the top 5 of the Kalayaan at Kagandahan ng Pilipinas pageant held at the Tintin Restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina last July 7.

The event spearheaded by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas, Inc,(FACC) is held to commemorate the annual Filipino-American Friendship Day.

For her winning performance, Elvie realized her dream of dancing the “banga”, a popular folk dance in Baguio City which she represented in the pageant.

Elvie, a bank employee who likes computer technology since she was young, got her inspiration on dancing the banga from seeing women in Benguet province where she was born.

Despite moving to Cebu later on, Elvie didn't stop dreaming about performing the “Sayaw sa Banga” or “Dance of the Jar.” In Benguet, banga is a round pot or jar made of clay used for fetching water.

The challenge lay in balancing the pot or jar on her head and she practiced for two weeks with her mentor and coach Maria Corazon Ducusin, who had been dancing the banga in many major Filipino-American events in Charlotte.

For two painful weeks, Elvie practiced the banga and she had a stiff neck and back pain though she didn't show it. She was thankful to Ducusin for training her and providing her the costume and equipment for her dance.

The event only showed her determination to do things well. She graduated with a Computer Science degree at the Divine Mercy Computer College in the Philippines  and later earned an Information Technology degree at ITT Tech North Carolina. 

She studied for two years and was the class salutatorian. Elvie wanted to be active in fund raisers and ministries. 

Elvie was also thankful to Marjorie Ray for “polishing her steps” and Muffy Therrien, whose birthday celebration theme of “Ms Around The World” that motivated her to join the July 7 pageant.

Lastly, she was thankful to friends, her church Grace Point International Church (GPI) and her family for cheering her on and to the FACC for sponsoring the event.

“The pageant taught me a lot of things....how to be patient and manage my time and be respectful to others by being punctual and maintaining a good attitude towards others at all times,” she said.

Elvie said all the candidates were gorgeous and supportive of each other. “There's no jealousy and cat fights. We just did our thing and had fun the entire time. We supported each other,” she said.

“I definitely gained lots of friends, good, lovely friends. I'll say that the whole experience made me a better person- inside and out,” Elvie said.

Other winners in the show were Bb. Pilipinas Carolinas Eillen de Guzman, Bb. Pilipinas Earth Ashley Faye Perez, Cecilia Tolbert who won Ms Congeniality and Lindsay Carter. 

Other candidates who joined the pageant were Diannah Rose Sumile, Karen Dalton,Marilou Connie Vitug,Nikki and Mellow Shindler.Those who served as judges were Dwayne Asay,Mae Armstead and Muffy Therrien.

The event was choregraphed and produced by Tonette Asay,a trained member of the Philippine Theater Association and a theater scripwriter. 

Amie Ervay and Rob Gorlach provided the entertainment. Gorlach sand two classics ”What a Wonderful World” and “Fly Me to the Moon” while Ervay performed the song “It’s Never Enough.”  

FACC youth treasurer is Bb, Pilipinas Earth winner

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina---The treasurer of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) youth group won the Bb. Pilipinas Earth title of the FACC's Kalayaan at Kagandahan ng Pilipinas pageant last July 7.

Ashley Faye Perez was crowned by Amie Ervay in a standing room capacity at the TinTin theater. She also grabbed the best in gown award with her outfit that she designed herself. 

“I designed this dress to represent my hometown of San Juan, Batangas which is known for its pristine beaches and beautiful coral reefs,” she said. 

Her skirt is made of a fishing net that she said represents her town's fishing industry while her headdress is made of chicken feathers that illustrates the “sabong (cockfight) culture” of San Juanenos. Her necklace illustrates the town's corral reefs.

Ashley, who has a good singing voice, performed the “Tala” song of popular Filipino singer Sarah Geronimo. She used to sing the anthems in last year's FACC events. 

Ashley also received $250 cash, sash and a feature story at the FACC souvenir program on its gala event. 

The Kalayaan at Kagandahan ng Pilipinas ng Pilipinas pageant was spearheaded by the FACC under the leadership of its current president Jyoti Friedland. 

Ashley wants to join the US Navy and a take pre-medical course in college which she said would enable her to achieve professional advancement and give back to the Filipino-American community.

“My winning the title is very significant to me as a youth because I want to be a good example to every young Filipina. I want to show them that even at a young age, I am confident to show the world what I am capable of,” she said.

Ashley described her pageant stint as fun. “It was awesome to meet the other candidates who are interesting women, beautiful, kind and talented,” she said

Ashley recently graduated from Rocky River High School here at North Carolina and while in High School at Joseph Marello Institute in Batangas,Philippines,  she was active in her school theater club and varsity table tennis team.She also joined dance competitions. 

During the interview portion Ashley was asked about selfies and she said there is nothing wrong with people taking selfies.  

“I’m surrounded with people who love to take selfies. My mom loves selfies. She It is one way of showing the likeness of our own physical beauty because no one would love us the way we love ourselves. It is also a way to gain more confidence to show the world that we are beautiful,” she said, drawing appreciative laughter from the crowd.

She added that she will compliment those who take selfies “if it helps them to be more comfortable of their appearance.”

When asked what she intends to do after the pageant she said she would be more active in the community. 

“I will use my platform to encourage my fellow Filipino youths and others to be more aware of their community and also of their background,” Ashley said.

Ashley thanked incumbent FACC incumbent secretary Mary Anne dela Peña for the sponsorship and also thanked her family, relatives and friends for their 100 percent support to her joining the pageant.

Other winners in the pageant were Bb. Pilipinas Carolinas Eillen de Guzman, Elvie Bramich who won Ms. Talent, Cecilia Tolbert who won Ms. Congeniality and Lindsay Carter. 

Other candidates who joined the pageant were Diannah Rose Sumile, Karen Dalton, Marilou Connie Vitug, Nikki and Mellow Shindler. Those who served as judges in the FACC pageant were Dwayne Asay, Mael Armstead and Muffy Therrien. 

Amie Ervay and Rob Gorlach provided the entertainment. Gorlach sang two classics “What A Wonderful World” and “Fly Me to the Moon” while Amie performed the song “It's Never Enough.”

The event was choregraphed and produced by Tonette Asay, a trained member of the Philippine Theater Association and a theater scriptwriter.  

Legal Studies student wins FACC's Bb Pilipinas Carolinas pageant

Eileen de Guzman wants to promote Fil-American community presence

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--A 26-year-old student taking up Legal Studies got crowned as the winner of the Bb. Pilipinas Carolinas pageant held by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) held at the TinTin Restaurant in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina last Saturday, July 7.

Eileen de Guzman of Mooresville, North Carolina wore a “banig (straw mat)” style dress made of dried palm leaves as she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Carolinas by Dhi Donato, first vice president of FACC.

De Guzman bested other candidates in becoming the first Filipino-American beauty  to hold the title sponsored by FACC. Aside from the crown, she received a US $500 and a featured story  in the FACC Gala Souvenir Program.

De Guzman chose the dress made by her sister artist Edelweiss de Guzman since she is an environment advocate. The material was supposed to be disposed by a friend and instead was used to make a dress which drew the attention of the Fil-American community. 

Unknown to the crowd of more than 250 at TinTin restaurant at downtown Charlotte, de Guzman was teary-eyed when asked what was the most important thing taught by her mother during the question and answer portion. 

She said her mother taught her to care for others since “caring is hardest thing to do.”  She said it is human nature to care for yourself before caring for others.

“If I did not have that trait I do not think I will be who I am today. I have cared for so many people in my life that I have put them first before me,” de Guzman said.

Eileen's gown is inspired by the Filipino straw mat called banig

As pageant winner de Guzman is excited in her new role. “I want to encourage the Filipino-American Student Union (FASU) to get involved with FACC and the community,” she said.

In addition, she wants the Eskuwelahang Munti (Little School) Charlotte to be publicized so anyone who wants to learn Tagalog can do so along with the culture of the Philippines.

“I want our Filipino-American children not to forget their roots of their motherland. I want to promote Filipino culture, language and history in social media and raise awareness of what is happening in the Philippines, so we can help our kababayans (fellow Filipinos) in need,” de Guzman said.

As  ambassador of the FACC, de Guzman said she would like to ensure that FACC's legacy will be passed down to next year's winner so she can look back and see her successor work even harder to promote awareness of the Filipinos in the Carolinas. She said she was also impressed with the other candidates.

“I was impressed even though we belong to different age groups but we managed to work with one another and remain humble. When I arrived, I was taken aback by how nice and helpful the co-candidates were with preparing with make-up, and they were encouraging one another when the talent portion is up,” de Guzman said.

She admitted she is not good in doing make up but fellow-candidate Connie Marilou Rodis Vitug helped her out. A little background info: Eileen de Guzman was born in the Philippines on September 21,1992 and her family moved to the US when she was eight. 

After high school she went to Mars Hill in her first year of college then she transferred to UNC-Charlotte where she graduated with a Sociology degree with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. 

She will graduate with a Masters degree in Legal Studies (MLS) at Washington University School of Laws. This is her first time to compete in a beauty pageant and she is happy and excited about it.

“During the pageant I realized everything is not just physical beauty but how you represent your beauty from within as well. Beauty comes from within and it will shine when it is your moment. I want to leave a legacy and to make sure the next Bb. Pilipinas Carolina will take this seriously so that we can empower the Filipinos that we are here for one another and that they are not alone,” de Guzman said.

Other winners in the pageant were Bb.Pilipinas  Earth Ashley Faye Perez who also won the Best in gown and Elvie Bramich who won Ms. Talent. 

Rounding out the top 5 were Cecelia Tolbert who won Ms. Congeniality and  Lindsay Carter. 

Other candidates who participated were Diannah Rose Sumile Capunay (Forest City), Karen Dalton, Marilou Connie Vitug, Nikki Shindler and Mellow Shindler. 

The judges in the FACC led pageant were Dwayne Asay, Mae Nonato Armstead and Muffy Therrien. Tonette Asay produced and choreographed the event. 

Asay is a trained member of the Philippine Theater Association and is a scriptwriter on theater. The entertainment was provided by Amie Ervay and Rob Gorlach while Joy Moore emceed the event.  

Kalayaan at Kagandahan ng Pilipinas pageant on July 7

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--Eleven candidates will compete for the Kalayaan at Kagandahan ng Pilipinas pageant to be held at the New Tintin Restaurant in 10215 Park Road, Charlotte on Saturday, July 7.

The event is part of the comemoration of Philippine Independence Day here at Charlotte, NC  and is hosted by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas, Inc. (FACC).

Tonette Asay was appointed by FACC 2018 president Jyoti Friedland to organize and head the search.  

The 11 candidates are Conception Paylor, Diannah Rose Sumile Capunay, Lindsay Carter, Karen Dalton, Eilleen de Guzman, Connie Vitug, Nikki Shindler, Mellow Shindler, Cecelia Tolbert, Ashley Faye Perez and Elvie Bramich. 

Contestants will be judged based on their intelligence, sincerity, honesty, diction, beauty, poise, stage presence and overall appearance.

There would be a casual wear, formal wear and interview portions and they will be scored on their answers. 

Among the titles up for grabs are Bb.Pilipinas Carolina, Bb. Pilipinas Carolina Earth, Best in Gown, Ms. Talent and Ms. Congeniality. The board of judges consist of Rose Talley, Muffy Therrien and Dwayne Asay.

The candidates were asked to answer five questions: Indicate who they are, where they were from, when they were born, their early life, important figure/s in their lives, words of wisdom from their influencer, and how these words impact their lives. 

Among the candidates are:

Ashley Faye Perez 

Born in San Juan, Batangas, Philippines May 17, 2000, she spent some time in San Juan, Batangas with relatives. 

In high school she was active in her school choir and theater club, varsity table tennis and dance company. She also joined the Senakulo sponsored by the parish church in the town plaza. 

She graduated from Rocky River High School and is preparing to join the Navy. She considers actress Emma Watson as an influence for going back to school despite being in showbiz.

Her words to live by were “beauty is not physical but experience, of living a full life.”  “It will remind me about the importance of life and not always the material things,” she said.

Cecelia Tolbert.

Cecilia is 16 years old, born on April 22 and raised in Dallas, NC with two brothers, one older and one younger. She attended a private Catholic school for nine years.

She loves art and considers her mother Runa as a major influence for teaching her how to live and enjoy life. She wants to take up a Physical Therapy course. 

Concepcion Paylor.

Originally Elma Auman, Concepcion was born on September 15, 1970 in Placer town, Masbate province in the Philippines and lived in a farm with a family of nine.

With no electricity at home, Concepcion walked miles to go to school and this taught her to work hard for everything in her life. She said her mother, Filipina Auman, taught her to be strong and she now imparts that strength to her children.

She said her mother taught her to value education and to be humble and respectful towards other people. She graduated at the Southern Masbate Roosevelt College. If she wins, she plans to donate her winnings to a church or charity in the Philippines. 

Diannah Rose Sumile Capunay

Born in the Philippines on February 24, 1998, she and her sister were raised by her mother who met another man that became Diannah's stepfather. 

At 20 years of age, she said she experienced “many interesting and diverse people” during family gatherings and she considers her mother, who brought her and her sister to the US, as a major influence in her life. 

She said her mother inspired her to work hard and to care for other people. She plans to become a model or actress and a victory in the pageant is a good stepping stone for those goals. 

Elvira Bramich

Born in Benguet Baguio City, she grew up in Cebu. A single mother, she graduated with a Computer Science degree at the Divine Mercy Computer College and later earned an Information Technology degree at ITT Tech North Carolina.

Her words of wisdom are to “always put onerself in the other's shoes” to appreciate their status in life. If she wins, she wants to be active in fund raisers and ministries. 

Lindsay Klaire Bobares Carter. 

At 16 years old, Lindsay was born in Tacloban City, Leyte on May 17, 2002. She is in 10th grade at Cox Mill High School and is a member of the National Beta Club, Key Club International, HOSA club, and art club. 

She babysits for kids in her neighborhood every day after school and is an active volunteer in the children’s ministry of Concord International Church. I am also a member of the Couples for Christ (CFC) Youth for Christ.

She is in the top 100 in her class of 2020 and was chosen to be a part of the Cambridge International Program in 2015 and 2016. 

She graduated summa cum laude at Cabarrus Charter Academy and considers volleyball as her sport of choice, attending Davidson College Volleyball Camp and Carolina Juniors Volleyball camps.

She is passionate about science and loves to read and write in her spare time. She volunteers at local food banks, nursing homes, and many school events. 

She lost her dad who passed away when she was about to turn four years old. She said she learned to process her grief and considers her mother to be her major influence.

Describing herself as “independent, well driven, and hardworking” she dreams of becoming a model and she is optimistic that she can achieve her goals in life in time. 

Connie Marilou Rodis Vitug.

Born December 8, 1961 in V-Luna Gen. Hospital in Quezon City she was the first born of 1st Lt. Generoso Vitug and Rosalinda Rodis Vitug. 

She wanted to become a doctor but due to the long years of study she took up dentistry instead, graduating in 1984 at Centro Escolar University College of Dentistry and passing the dental board exam. 

She worked in the Philippines and spent four years working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a dental supervisor in Sigal Dental Center. 

She was a board member of the San Juan Dental Chapter of the Philippine Dental Association from 1995-1996 and became vice president from 1996-1997. She’s a single mom to her three daughters ages 34, 32 and 28.  

As of the moment she already has four grandkids from her two daughters back in the Philippines. Like any immigrant, she had the American dream when she moved to the US in 2007 with her youngest daughter Ivy.  

She worls as a nursing assistant in Novant Health Hospital and her faith in God sustains her life in the US. If she wins, she wants to join in dental outreach programs in the US. 

Eilleen de Guzman.

Born in the Philippines on Sept. 21, 1992  she moved to the US when she was eight years old and lived with her aunt at Davidson, NC and later moved to Mooresville. 

After high school she went to Mars Hill in her first year in college then transferred to UNC-Charlotte where she graduated with a Sociology degree with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She will graduate with a Masters degree in Legal Studies (MLS) at Washington University School of Law. 

As a kid she loved to play outside until sundown. She said she knew what it was to grow up hungry in poor but it shouldn't stop people from finding their purpose in life.

She had many people whom she considers as an influence including her teacher Janet Kurtz who told her that education is key to moving ahead in life.

She said people like her should work hard to get what they want and to be themseves, to stay humble and remain optimistic. 

If she wins, she plans to donate half of her winnings to Hope House Foundation in Huntsville, NC. She plans to set up a business in the Philippines and work for providing shelter to the homeless.

Karen Dalton

Born in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, Karen is a 32-year-old mother of three. She said she wants to share her knowledge and ideas to those around her and to help people and care for animals.

Her words of wisdom are to “live, love and to be patient, humble and kind to other people since life is too short to be lived in any other way.” 

Florami does God's work in New York

Florami (third from left) with some of the volunteers

By Susan Palmes-Dennis


Charlotte, North Caroina--From community builder to church mission trips, Florami Lao Cordero–Lee keeps busy these days by serving the Lord through Sunday School.


Lee recently helped in gathering the biggest Sunday School in Bronx, New York and offered to work for the Metro World Child group based in Brooklyn, New York.


The Metro World Child Group is an organization founded by Pastor Bill Wilson. Lee was invited by Lisa Sustar of Joy Church based in Matthwes, North Carolina. The New York mission trip was held from June 7- 10.


“We took youth groups aged 11 to 19 years old and 6 adults,” Lee said. The organization is a global faith-based humanitarian group dedicated to serving inner city children throughout New York City and urban centers around the world.

Sustar organized the trip and the volunteers meet for a few Sundays to learn about the mission trip and to get to know everyone.


“We had one final day to get together and spent dinner with the families before our departure. Most of the people that went were families too. When we got to work the first day, at the Metro World Child's warehouse, we have to put together 1,000 small boxes, then filled it up with goodies. I think we finished in less than three hours,” Lee said.

Lee was the president of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas, Inc (FACC) five years ago. 

For the mission trip, Lee said the volunteers were divided into groups of three and were accompanied by a preacher and interns for a sidewalk Sunday school.


“We went with a Korean lady from Japan, another lady from France and one from Canada.The preachers is from Russia. We went to three areas in the Bronx and helped with the singing, registration and witnessing to children,” Lee said.


On Saturday, Lee said the volunteers picked up the children from the inner cities in a school bus and brought them to a school auditorium for Sunday school.


“The boxes we made were given to these children as we brought them back home in the school bus again.There were almost 55 kids in the bus i was in, Some were siblings and the youngest was two years old,” Lee said.


“It was a very humbling experience to be able to volunteer and give hope to the children through Sunday School. This is all for God's glory. He gives me time, talent and resources. With the support of my family and friends and prayers. God willing, I will do it again,” Lee said.


This is Lee’s second mission trip after her trip to Nicaragua in October last year. As someone who personally witnessed her work up close, Lee truly exudes the spirit of volunteerism.

Couples for Christ nat'l conference in Charlotte on June 30

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

About 1,000 youth and parent delegates from all over the US are expected to attend the 24th Couples for Christ Youth Conference to be held at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 30 to July 2.

Lorena Ostrea, said the delegates include 100 delegates from North Carolina and 45 from Charlotte. The CFC Youth is the youth ministry of the Couples for Christ. 

Lorena and John Ostrea are CFC Couple Coordinators for CFC-Youth in Charlotte.

The conference theme for this year is “Rekindle the Gift: Fulfill your Ministry 2nd  Timothy.” 

The Couples for Christ is a movement aimed at the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. It is now a global Catholic/Christian organization of men and women.

It grows mainly through the establishment of localized units in different parishes. Incidentally, the Couples for Christ started in the Philippines in 1993 and was brought to the US a year later. 

Members of the Youth ministry of Couples for Christ are aged 12-20 years old.
The CFC national confernece is held in a different location every year with last year's event held at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada.

The year before that or in 2016, it was held at the Catholic University of America and in 2010 it was on Riverside, California.

In 2009, the CFC national conference was held in Urbana Champaign, Illinois and the year before it was in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2007 and 2006 the conference was held at Anaheim Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada respectively. 

Last year's participants in Las Vegas numbered 820, while conferences in Jacksonville (2008) and Illinois (2009) were attended by more than 600 delegates and there were 1,100 delegates in the CFC conference in Southern California Riverside the year after. 

For this year's event, his eminence Bishop Peter Joseph Jugis was invited to concelebrate the Mass on the first day from 12 to 2 pm but he was unavailable on that date. 

In his place Fr. Patrick Winslow, parish priest of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church will concelebrate the first Mass. Ostrea said there will be daily Masses, Eucharistic adoration and hourly intercessory prayers. 

Incidentally it was Dr. Eumelia "Nini" Bautista, past president of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) who was instrumental in securing the UNCC as venue for the conference. 

The three-day conference also lined up activities like volleyball and basketball contests, events like original song, band, dance, slam poetry and spoken word competitions as well as photography, video and banner contests.

There are also workshops, teaching of songs, praise and worship. “A major conference is a powerful expression of the mission of the community, and in the area the conference is being hosted,” Ostrea said. 

The event is a collaboration of service teams and volunteers from the Couples for Christ ministries, Singles for Christ’s and the youth.

CFC organizing committee heads in Charlotte and North Carolina include, John and Lorena Ostrea, Jake and Marie Miranda, Joy and Manny Arrojado, Richard and Nenette Costes, Art Aquino, Oscar and Rina Goco, Lindo and Betty Javelona.

A new chapter unfolds for Forest

Me with Forest

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--It was last June 3, when close to 100 friends of Lin and Miguela Grant gathered for the post-graduation party of the couple's eldest son Forrest held a the Lake Pavilion at Manchester Meadows.

The Grant family had been living in Rock Hill, South Carolina for years. Miguela or “Ghing” to close friends is from Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao in the Philippines.

She traces her roots to the Barros of Tagoloan town in Misamis Oriental on her mother's side. Miguela is a relative of mine on my father's side. Her son Forest graduated from Rock Hill High School.  

Forest with his brother Ian Micah

The party started at 3 pm when the sun is out and the weather was cool. It was like a village fiesta in the Philippines with a mix of Filipino and American food laid out buffet style at the long tables.

Among the dishes served were Filipino favorites like adobo (chicken and pork stew), Filipino style barbecue, pancit (noodles) ginat-ang mongo (stewed mung beans), beef stew, lumpia (vegetable and meat rolls), chili, grilled hot dogs and so on. 

The sweets and fruits made me forget my diet and I reminded myself that it was a party and so I considered it my cheat day. But I did balance it with fresh vegetables like lettuce, celery, carrots and tomatoes. 

But back to Forest. The 18-year-old Forest is headed to Winthrop University to study engineering and music.  Based on what I learned, Forest was born here in Charlotte and baptized in the Philippines.

He eats rice and barbeque and loves Filipino and Italian food especially pizza.  Forest is a Marvel Cinematic Universe fan and superhero films in general and played percussion instruments and piano in high school.

Forest's mother Miguela told me that they buy Garfield comic books for him and his brother Ian Micah so they won't have to argue over who gets to read them first. 

“Kung akong bana mag palit ug Garfield books, kinahanglan duha gyud kabuok pero mao ra ang title kay mag away sila ug mag ilog kinsa ang una mobasa (If my husband buys Garfield books, he needs to buy the same issues for the two of them since they would fight and argue over who gets to read first),” she said. 

Ian Micah in particular, likes Lego blocks. Aside from comics, Miguela said her sons also share a common love for jigsaw puzzles.

A family friend, Zybel Opolentisima Riano, has this advice for Forrest: “Forrest, make a choice to wake up and be grateful for life. List and count your blessings. As you do,you will find out that it will open doors for you to be equipped in the next chapter of your journey. Cheers for your life.”

Aside from me and my husband Ronnie Dennis, others who attended the party Andy Villaluz Pagilagan and wife, Zybel Opolentisima Riano” Zee”, Sarah Jane Drake, Grace Williams, Imee Aguila Riano, Mike Riano, Bea Marie, Julland dela Cruz, Liezel Huckleberry and daughter, Julita Serviss and so many others.

Forest with his family

Filipino teacher cited anew for outstanding work in the US

Roditha Fuentes Terado (in black skirt) receiving her award

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A Filipino teacher based in North Carolina is a recipient of the Ulirang Guro 2018 award given by the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) in simple ceremonies held at Washington DC last May 26, 2018.

Roditha Fuentes Terado, a native of Tacloban, Leyte province in the Philippines, received the UNIFFIED award nearly a year after she was also cited as one of the outstanding teachers in the Carolinas by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

The United Federation of Fil-Am Educators or UNIFFIED is an organization with chapters all over the US and abroad comprised of teachers, educators and professionals.

The group is committed to promoting excellence in teaching and providing community services through projects that will benefit the communities in the US and the Philippines.  

UNIFFIED awardees are noted for their exemplary literary or artistic talents. When she was cited as an outstanding teacher awardee by the FACC, Terado said she loves teaching because it  is both challenging and awesome. 

“Because you deal with multi-diverse students, a multicultural community and a different educational system,” she said. Terado credits her teaching stint in the US for making her a better person and expanding her perspective in life.

To be a good teacher, Terado said one must be strong, tough and consistent with one's rules and procedures. She said she is trying to be the best version of herself. 

Terado said her passion for problem solving enhanced her passion for imparting her knowledge to the students.

“That way I can make a difference and be a catalyst of change because I believe that I am teaching the country's next generation of engineers, scientists, doctors and teachers,” she said.

When not teaching, Terado finds work as a civil engineer and she has a deep interest in structural engineering.

She's also into cooking Filipino delicacies and is making a name for herself in cooking “ puto (rice cake), biko (sweetened sticky rice), suman, pancit, lumpia, adobo and other Pinoy food. 

Terado teaches at the Harding University High School and has 20 years of teaching experience, a decade of which was spent at Philippine Science High School and Eastern Visayas State University. 

She attended school at Divine Word University and Eastern Visayas State University.