Pinoy heritage dances at its finest with the Asheville Troupe

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

(Note: Will reserve my column for ‘Gala Of The Carolinas’)

Charlotte. North Carolina--Philippine dance appeals to people across all sections of society and nowhere was this proven than during the 32nd Gala of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) held at the Hilton Charlotte Place last Nov. 16.

The Filipino American Association of Western North Carolina (FAS-WNC) dance troupe or “Asheville dance troupe” performed three dances namely the Sinulog, a mix of tinikling and subli and the third set to the tune of “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas (Choose Philippines) and they were warmly applauded by the 500 Gala attendees.

The mostly Filipino-American crowd were glued to what transpired on the stage and the display of graceful footwork and movement of the dancers especially the Pit Senyor dance performed during the annual Sinulog celebration in Cebu.

The second dance was a medley of subli/kalatong and tinikling and the crowd can only marvel at the skill and panache of the dancers. 

In a conversation I had with one of the dancers, Brian Rodriguez, he told me that they practice a month or more in advance for the events they were invited to perform. 

For special events like their own gala at Asheville, they even practice five months in advance, he said. 

“Most practices are three to four hours minimum,” said Brian who helps out the choreographer and director for the preparations. As the event draws near, their practices go overtime to eight hours rehearsal. 

The Asheville dance troupe is roughly composed of 50 people of whom 33 attended the 32nd FACC Gala.

'Day' (Mary Ann) and 'Doy' (Brian) 

It was learned the dance troupe was founded in 2001 by Mrs. Mary Ann Tan Ar who is the lead choreographer and director.  Among the dancers Mary Ann is affectionately known as “Day” and Brian is known as “Doy.” 

Mary Ann studied at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu where she was part of their dramatics group.  She is also an entrepreneur and has three businesses here in Asheville.

“The choreography we did at Charlotte, most of it is her original choreography,” Brian said. 

Brian admitted that the dance troupe have been extremely fortunate to have a number of talents here in Asheville.

When asked why he explained “we have a music director who edits our music, artists including myself who design props and backdrops for the stage and a carpenter.”  Even when officers come and go, the core group remains intact, Brian said.

The FACC Gala started in 1998 by spouses Rudy and Lita Joaquin and was first held at Royce Hotel.  Two years after, the FACC’s articles of incorporation was filed at the office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina.  

This year’s Gala carried the theme ‘Celebrating Filipino Heritage Around The World’ and the incumbent FACC president is Muffy Therrien. 

The Gala’s guest speaker was Ann Gonzales, president of the Carolinas American Asian American Chamber of Coomerce.  Other performers were GPI Youth, Krush Krew and the Schindlers Sisters while the opening number was performed by the FACC’s 2019 board of directors.  

FACC obituary

Charlotte, North Carolina--The Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) is condoling with the family of 52-year-old Jose Tolentino who died due to liver cancer last Nov. 18, at 7 am.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized pending the arrival of Mr. Tolentino’s mother Dr. Josefina Tolentino, former superintendent of schools in Bataan. Jose Tolentino is survived by his wife Josie and son Jorland. 

Tolentino’s sister Jo Kojac is an active member of the Filipino-American community.  The Our Queen of Peace Rosary Group is conducting a novena everyday at 6 pm at 9007 Blue Shot, Charlotte, North Carolina 28273.

The FACC also condoles with the family of 86-year-old Homer de Leon who reportedly passed away due to complications from diabetes. De Leon is one of the FACC’s stalwarts that organized the Santacruzans, the Flores de Mayo and other cultural shows featured in the FACC Gala Night./Susan Palmes-Dennis

#Countdown to 32nd FACC Gala Night 2

Charlotte, North Carolina—Gala tickets to the 32nd Gala Night of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) are nearly sold out with only 20 tickets remaining of the 500 printed, FACC President Muffy Therrien confirmed in an FACC meeting on Monday, Veterans Day.

This year’s FACC Gala Night will be held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place.  The first FACC Gala Night took place in 1988 at the Royce Hotel. Here is FACC past president Dr. Nini Bautista saying something about the event./Susan Palmes-Dennis

#Countdown to 32nd FACC Gala Night on

Charlotte, North Carolina—Six days more to go for the 32nd Gala Night of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) and every last detail is being ironed out for the convenience of the attendees, FACC President Muffy Therrien said/

This year’s FACC Gala Night is scheduled at the Hilton Charlotte University Place, specifically at the  University Ballroom.  The hotel’s events manager Michele Grote, explains how to reach the venue./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Hotel catering manager invites Fil-Ams to 32nd Gala Night

It’s not just the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) and their invited guests that are excited about the 32nd Gala next week but the people behind the chosen gala night venue, the Hilton Charlotte University Area.

The hotel’s Catering Sales Manager Michele Grote the hotel has this to say.

This is the 32nd Gala organized by FACC since it started in 1988 at the Royce Hotel by spouses Rudy and Lita Joaquin.  Since then it became the trademark event of the FACC.  Registration starts at 4 pm and everyone is encouraged to come on time as dinner is served until 8 pm after which the buffet table be closed. A menu of the buffet is in this post./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Baby sitters for parents attending 32nd FACC Gala Night

Baby sitters for parents wishing to attend FACC 32nd Gala Night

Baby sitters will be provided to parents who attend the 32nd Gala Night of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas scheduled on Nov. 16 at the Hilton Charlotte University Area.

FACC President Muffy Therrien said the group’s board approved a resolution to this effect to allow parents wishing to attend the FACC Gala Night but are worried over who will care for their kids.

Those wishing to avail of the babysitting services are advised to contact the nearest FACC board of directors member.

A few Gala tickets are still available for purchase and those wishing to buy can contact FACC President Therrien, FACC Secretary Dorena Reynolds or FACC Treasurer Gina Minnich.

The 32nd Gala starts at 4 pm at the Hilton Charlotte University Area.  Attendees will be served buffet starting at 6:30 pm until 8 pm./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Excitement amped up over 32nd FACC Gala Night

The Hilton Charlotte University Place

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--With only a few more days  to go before the big event, attendees are excited over the 32nd Gala sponsored by the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas, Inc. (FACC).

There will be first timers, second timers and loyal attendees. One member of the FACC Board says many  attendees this year are either first timers or returnees. 

Among the first timers are Aneth Gomez and Jeff Houte who are newly inducted FACC members having moved here from New Jersey. 

Miguela Grant,  a resident of Rock Hill, South Carolina is a regular fixture at the FACC Gala because she loves to dance.

Miguela Grant

It was learned that Grant’s group bought one table good for 10 people first because they wanted to be near the stage where the action is. 

When Grant was asked why is attending she explained that she wants to have fun and meet people old and new. 

She said the first time she attended the FACC Gala was in 1999 or two months after she gave birth to her first son. “To enjoy life, while we can. Maybe, I attended five Galas already including one in Greensville,” she said.

Another regular, Marilyn Capinig, is also excited to attend the 32ndGala to be held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place. 

Marilyn, who is Maymay to friends, lives in Gastonia. She recalled the first time she attended was during the Gala when Lynn Lorenzo-Polk was the president. 

This year’s Gala is the 32nd year since it was started in 1988 by spouses Rudy and Lita Joaquin at Royce hotel. Since then the Gala became the signature event among the members and non members of the FACC. This year’s Gala carries the theme “Celebrating World Class Pinoy.”

Maymay Capinig with husband Jun 

A few days ago, some members of the FACC’s board of directors had a food tasting at the Hilton Charlotte University Place days before the event which you can read here. This year’s Gala would be held at the hotel’s University Ballroom.

There are still a few tickets available and those interested can contact any of the nearest board of directors nearest them.

For updates on the event check the FACC Facebook page or the profile page of any FACC board of directors or at the Straight from the Carolinas Facebook page. 

Taste testing menu items for FACC's 32nd Gala Night

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina—With 24 days to go before the 32nd Gala of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC),  the menu for the big event is already in place.

The FACC’s Board of Directors went to a food tasting at the Hilton Charlotte University Place days ago and among the dishes readied was the herb chicken and grilled salmon.

“As I started taking a bite on the grilled samon which sat on liquid green herbs, the dish took my breath away,”  said Liza Salyer who was present during the food tasting.

FACC President Muffy Therrien said the menu was great while Ron Dennis agreed that it was perfect.

The menu for the 32nd FACC Gala Night consists of romaine and baby spinach salad with grape tomatoes, cucumbers, julienne carrots, sunflower seeds and croutons and served with  ranch and balsamic vinaigrette dressings.

There’s also the roasted vegetable salad of baby carrots and squash served with dijon vinaigrette and herb roasted chicken thighs, grilled salmon with chimichurri sauce and sauted pepper, jasmine rice tossed with lemon zest and fresh herbs, steamed broccolini with shitake mushrooms, carrots, soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds.

For dessert there is pecan pie/cheesecake,  freshly brewed Columbian coffee, regular and decaffeinated and select hot tea

After the food tasting, the group met again with Michele Grote, manager and chef to discuss the menu which will be served buffet style for the enjoyment of those in attendance.

The 32nd Gala will be held on November 16 at Hilton Charlotte University Place from 4 p.m to 11:59 p.m.  The food will be served from 6:30 p.m to 7:45 pm followed by the program proper. 

For more information look to the FACC Facebook page or the Straight from the Carolinas Facebook page.

Headliners for FACC's 32nd Gala Night confirmed

The Schindler Sisters 

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina—A Filipino-American dance troupe based in Asheville, North Carolina will be among the headlining performers scheduled for the 32nd Gala Night of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

The Filipino American Community-Western North Carolina (FAC-WNC) Cultural Dance Troupe had been invited to perform in cultural shows and festivals in Charlotte, Greenville, Columbia and Atlanta, Georgia since 2001.


The group’s background was spelled lout in a message by choreographer Mary Ann “Day” Rodriguez as published in the FAC-WNC souvenir program. 

The group will perform the ‘Sinulog’, ‘Tinikling’ and for their finale, the song ‘Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas.’

The Sinulog is one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines and honors the miraculous image of the Infant Jesus and is celebrated every third Sunday of January over a nine-day period. 

Devotees honor the child King with processions and street dancing with the dancers chanting “Pit Senyor.” 

The Tinikling or the bamboo dance is regarded as the Philippine national dance and takes its name from the movement of the ‘tikling’ birds as they move between grass stems and tree branches.

Another dance group called the Krush Krew will perform a ‘ K-Pop Song Medley’ number, a mix of traditional and modern Korean dances. Krush Krew is headed by Lauren Lee with members Angel Thai, Naomi Ksor and Terrell David .

A contemporary dance number will be performed by the Schindler sisters Carmella and Jiji.

Carmella is 19 years old and is enrolled at the Belmont Abbey College majoring in biology.  She is part of the Gaston Dance Theatre since she was three years until she graduated high school. 

Carmella played roles such as the Snow Queen in the ballet Nutcracker production as well as Tinker Bell in a dance production of Peter Pan.

Her 15-year-old sister Jiji is in 10th grade at the Highland School of Technology in Gastonia. She is also with the Gaston Dance Theatre since she was five years old and took advance ballet at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. 

She has played Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker Production in 2018, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella in the Spring Show 2019,and Snow Queen this coming December.

Other performers for the 32nd Gala Night include the youth group of Grace Point International Church who will perform a mime of the Christian song ‘Who Am I’ with Joy Moore leading the kids. 

The GPI kids are Miko Therrien, Marielle Gorlach, Maxie Gorlach, Jaasiel Williams,m Andie Palting, Nigel Tranquillino, John Reid and Jospeh Matthew Carballo.

Miko Therrien is studying at the Gaston Christian School while Marielle Gorlach and sister Maxie are enrolled at the Piedmont Charter School.

Miko Therrien is the daughter of incumbent FACC president Muffy Therrien and had performed the ‘Who Am I’ hand mime at her school.

Speaking of which, the FACC’s 2019 Board of Directors will perform an interpretative dance number of the 32nd Gala theme ‘World Class Pinoy.’

The US and Philippine anthems will be conducted by  Kee Martin and Karen Sedillo Dalton respectively while the attendees will be serenaded by the Pinoy Jam Barkada (PJM) of Sain Diaz during dinner time at 6:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m.

Pinoy Jam Barkada which consists of Gerry Canta, Adam Yabes, Glenn Espiritu, Sain Diaz, Tara Hang and Oliver Rodriguez last performed during the FACC Spring Picnic last June.

Karaoke Night at Asian Library this Friday Oct. 11

It’s Karaoke Night this Friday at the Asian Library, said Muffy Therrien, president of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

Therrien added a $15 will pay for entrance at Asian Library and a free dinner package with a bottle of water.  “Every song you’ll sing you will donate a voluntary amount for FACC,” Muffy said. 

FACC Secretary Doreen Reynolds said they expect many to attend since it is a Friday evening which leads to the weekend. 

Another FACC Officer Gina Minnick called on Filipino Americans to sing the night away and enjoy the weekend with their fellow Fil-Ams.  Prizes will be raffled off on FACC Karaoke Night at the Asian Library and the session starts at 6 pm and winds up at 11 pm./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Among the items to be raffled off

Purse to be raffled off

Celebrating Gandhi's legacy of peace in Festival of Unity

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina—‘We talk (and engage in dialogue) to  continue our struggle for quality inclusion for a better tomorrow.”

Thus said former Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts in an interview minutes after she delivered her welcome message to the participants and guests to the Gandhi Festival for Unity.  

“We are still struggling for unity, we are still struggling for equality but we can solve the challenges if we continue to work forward,” the former mayor said in citing Gandhi’s legacy.  Roberts said democracy works better if people can participate, vote and make their views known to their leaders and their opinion is valued.

Roberts, who wore an Indian inspired blouse or top, reminded everyone of the teachings of the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi who spoke of how each person is worthy of respect.

The annual celebration of the Gandhi Festival for Unity began during Roberts’ time as county commissioner of Charlotte, said Nimish Bhatt, past president of the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) and current Vice-Chair

Bhatt, this year’s George L Maddox Awardee, said Roberts understood the Asian community’s values, sense of unity and commitment to growth for everyone.  

Roberts even recounted that there were generous folks in the Indian community who reserved a place for a statue of Mahatma Gandhi that would inspire people to work for peace and equality and make connections to people across the world. 

For her part, Dr. Nini Bautista, past CAACC president recalled how Gandhi’s brass statue arrived in Charlotte and the people who made it possible.

Among those who attended the festival were Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera, County Commissioner Mark Jerrell, music professor Mei Wang, Phin Xaypangna and many others.  The Gandhi Festival for Unity is sponsored and organized by the CAACC.

CAACC President Ann Aquino Gonzalez was among the prime movers for the annual event held to mark Gandhi’s legacy of peace.

Gandhi’s birthday is on Oct. 2.  The festival was held at Martin Luther King/Marshall Park and the program consisted of a recognition ceremony, the International Drum Circle headed by Mei Wang and cultural performances. 

Among those who performed was the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe with Florami Cordero Lee,  Dorena Reynolds and Elizabeth Bacalzo
 Onia.

FACC to sell Pinoy spring rolls for Gala Night fundraiser

It’s a ‘wrap and roll’ affair as past president Dell Fallar said for the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) as they plan to sell Filipino made spring rolls called lumpia from scratch every Thursday starting this month.

FACC President Muffy Therrien said proceeds from the sale of the spring rolls will fund the annual FACC Gala Night on Nov. 16.  “There are 12 pieces per one pack at $10 per pack with either pork or veggie fillings,” Muffy Therrien said.

In one night 40 dozen lumpia are ready for sale, she said. For anyone interested please place your orders with any FACC board director. Here is former FACC Secretary Aurea Barbee issuing the invitation to the public./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Filipino Mart to open in Charlotte Sept. 14

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina—For Filipino-Americans wishing to prepare their favorite homegrown dish or those adventurous enough to try and cook Filipino dishes, a new Filipino-American owned store will open on Saturday this week, Sept. 14, here in the Charlotte area.

The Filipino Mart located at 11855 N Tryon St. Suite A, Charlotte 28262 is owned and operated by Suzanne Silva Horne whose name is synonymous to food catering in the greater Charlotte area because she takes orders from Pinoys there. 

She said she and her husband Drey Horne had long been planning to open a Filipino-American store. 

“The store is called Filipino Mart because it is simple and easily recognizable to the Filipino-American community. We sell a wide variety of products from the home country of the Philippines including food from recognizable brands like Goldilocks,” Suzanne said.

Old favorites like sardines, soy sauce, coconut vinegar, noodles, margarine, catsup, corned beef, Spam and so much more are sold in the store, Suzanne said. The store is open everyday and it accepts balikbayan boxes to be sent to loved ones in the Philippines.

Filipino dishes like dinuguan (pork blood stew) and bopis (spicy minced pork liver) will also be served by Suzanne who traces her roots to Dumaguete City in the Visayas, Philippines and loves to cook. 

She graduated from Siliman University with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. “I cook a lot and I learned cooking from my mom Susana Sumalpong who taught me to cook a lot of dishes. My daughter who graduated in the Philippines also knows how to cook,” Suzanne said.

She said she previously had a hard time looking for Filipino ingredients in specialty stores and this convinced her to open a Filipino-American store that sells Filipino products. 

Suzanne said she has a natural inclination for businesses having sold coconut candy in her childhood.

Suzanne said she is both excited and nervous in opening a store to serve the Filipino-American community in the Charlotte area. 

“Sometimes we cannot please everyone but we are trying our best to provide their needs and we hope they reciprocate our commitment with their patronage of our store,” she said.

FACC 2019 yard sale a success

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

Last Saturday’s (Aug. 31) successful yard sale organized by the 2019 Board of directors of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) inspired the group to hold another sale this time on September 28.

FACC president Muffy Therrien confirmed this right after the end of the yard sale which saw late comers still buying the unsold items just as the volunteers were about to pack them away.

The yard sale began at 7 a.m.  The Sept. 28 yard sale will help raise funds for the FACC’s 32nd Gala.

Among the items sold at Therrien’s home were assorted clothing, kitchen and cooking items, knick knacks,  books,  bicycles and child strollers and vanity items.

Dr. Nini Bautista de Garcia, Grace Basilan, Jyoti Friedland, Dhi Donato, Muffy Theirren, Liza Salyer, Marjorie Ray and Dorena Reynolds donated the items for the yard sale and they are accepting donations for the Sept. 28 yard sale.

“This is the first time in the history of FACC that this was made,” the soft spoken Lynn Lorenzo Polk, past FACC president, told everyone present.  The FACC 2019 Board of Directors will pass a resolution thanking the donors for the Aug. 31 yard sale.

FACC Yard Sale on Saturday, Aug. 31

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

For anyone in the market for cheap, quality goods, the yard sale sponsored by the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2151 Wynbourne Drive in Gastonia, North Carolina 28056 may be right up their alley.

This was confirmed by FACC president Muffy Therrien after the Aug. 24 regular meeting of the group’s board of directors held at the Asian Library. The big sale starts at 6 am. 

Therrien said proceeds of the yard sale will help fund the FACC Gala scheduled November 16 at Hilton Hotel.  This year’s Gala night will hand out additional awards, prizes and recognition to participants. 

Assorted home goods, kitchen, art works and many more are available for purchase at the yard sale. Therrien asked the FACC members and the community to donate used books and other items of general use to the FACC yard sale.  

For those interested to donate and give please contact any of your officers and area representatives near you.

A list of FACC officers one can contact include the following: Muffy Theirren, Gastonia County; Dorena Reynolds, Charlotte area; Emlyn Burgess Concord area; Ron Dennis, Huntersville and Cornelius; Gina Minnick, Gastonia area; and representatives all over Charlotte like Jlanani Wallace, Marissa Borja, Marjorie Ray, Liza Talyer, Rose Talley and Lulu Land. 

In a related development the search for Mr. and Mrs. Gala Night, Miss Teen Gala and Best in International Gown are among the highlights in the coming 32nd Gala at Hilton Charlotte University Place on November 16.  

Tickets are still sold at $65 and are non refundable.  Gala tickets are now available for sale and interested buyers can contact any member of the FACC board of directors near them.  The sitting arrangement is on a first paid basis for those wishing to be seated near the stage. 

Get ready for FACC 2019 Night Gala at the Hilton

To Filipino-Americans in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, please save this date November 16 on your calendar.  

That’s because Nov. 16 is the date set for the annual Gala of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) after last week’s meeting by the FACC 2019 board of directors headed by its new president Muffy P. Therrien.

“Due to some changes, there is also a change of date and venue,” Therrien said. 

The 32nd Gala will he held at Hilton Charlotte University Place located at 8629 J. M Keynes Drive, Charlotte.  The first Gala was held in 1988 at the Royce Hotel, said Dr. Nini RB Bautista de Garcia in the book “Footprints of the Past 30 years of FACC Galas.”

This year’s Gala would have special awards like Best National Costumes (male, female and couple).  

A sterling lineup of performers are on hand to entertain the crowd. Tickets are sold at $65 which is non refundable but transferable and assignable to allow everyone to attend. 

Everyone is encouraged to purchase tickets early to have tables near where the action is at the stage.  For those with kids and who want to enjoy the night there is nanny service available for taking care of your kid/s. 

Please contact officers and area representatives near you for tickets sales and reservations./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Pinoy Jam Barkada leads performers for FACC Summer Picnic

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

The Pinoy Jam Barkada band will lead the list of performers scheduled for the Summer Picnic sponsored by the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) this Saturday, June 8.

Incumbent FACC president Tonette Asay said the Pinoy Jam Barkada will perform six original Pilipino music (OPM) plus two songs from their guest singer Emelyn Burgess, current FACC auditor. The band will serenade the crowd during their meals.  The band is composed of Gerry Canta, Adam Yabes, Glenn Espiritu, Sain Diaz, Tarah Hang and Oliver Rodriguez.

The band used to be known as Tara and the Emojis.  Their latest performance was during the Charlotte Amore Dance Event in February organized by the Couples for Christ (CFC). 

The members used to be with other bands in the Charlotte area and they bonded together with  their common love of music.  

They formed the Pinoy Jam Barkada and they made a name for themselves not only in the Filipino-American community but in neighboring areas too. 

This year’s FACC Summer Picnic carries the theme “Pagbabalik-Tanaw sa Mga Larong Pinoy (Reminiscing our Childhood Games).”  Jake Miranda, manager for Ancop Foundation Inc’s Southeast Asian Region will lead the invocation while Emelyn Burgess will conduct the National Anthems of the US and Philippines. 

FACC President Tonette Asay will deliver the welcome address while a “Dance Dahil  sa Iyo” program follows with Doreen Reynolds and Emelyn Burgess leading the way.  A keyboard performance by Zild Dalton of songs like “Faded” and “Hello” by Adele is also included along with an interpretative dance number by Jamie Burgess and Cadence Neely of the song “Riptide.”

Pinoy games like jumping rope, sack race, sipa, tug of war, Chinese garter, tiyakad, limbo rock and sangkayaw are included and open to everyone in attendance, Doreen Reynolds said.  Tons of prizes await the winners.

In between the games are intermission numbers like a gymnastics routine by Karolyne Dalton set to the songs “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon.  Abby Thomas is also on tap to perform the song “Can’t Help Falling In Love” on ukulele while Marissa Borja will perform songs like “Boom Boom” and “Girl in the Mirror.”

Cip Onia, 2018 FACC First VP and this year’s Volleyball Chairman, will announce the winners and close the program.  Joy Moore will host the picnic while Dr.Cris Villapando will lead the prayers before meals.  The summer picnic ill be held at Park Road Park from 10 am to 4 pm.  

Food, music, dance galore in FACC Summer Picnic

Music, games and food galore are all in abundance in the annual Summer Picnic sponsored by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) on Saturday this week, June 8, at the Park Road Park.

The PinoyJamBarkada band are among the headliners for the event, said incumbent FACC president Tonette Asay.  

The PinoyJamBarkada will perform six Filipino songs plus two more from their guest singer Emelyn Burgess, current FACC Auditor.  The band is composed of Gerry Canta,  Adam Yabes,  Glenn Espiritu,  Sain Diaz,  Tarah Hang  and Oliver Rodriguez.

The band used to be known as Tara and the Emojis and their latest gig was during the Charlotte Amore Dance Event in February organized by the Couples for  Christ.  

They used to come from other bands but have since grouped together and are becoming a favorite in the Charlotte area.  The FACC Summer Picnic  carries the theme “Pagbabalik-tanaw sa Mga Larong Pinoy  (Looking back on Filipino Childhood Games).

Jake Miranda, manager of Ancop Foundation Inc’s Southeast Asian Region will lead the invocation while Emelyn Burgess will conduct the National Anthems of the US and Philippines.

President Tonette Asay will welcome guests.  A dance segment to be led by Doreen Reynolds and Emelyn Burgess is also on tap aside from a keyboard performance by Zild Dalton. FACC first VP for 2017 Cip Onia is the chairman of the volleyball event./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Fun Class 73 reunion of Jose Abad Santos High School in Charlotte

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

It has been said that a person has to recall a happy memory as often as he or she can and this is especially true when one attends family or class reunions.

One such class reunion is is Class 73 of the Jose Abad Santos High School in San Fernando, Pampanga (JASHS) held in North Carolina recently.   Jose Abad Santos High School is now named Pampanga High School and it takes pride in one of its former graduates, the late Philippine president Diosdado Macapacal.

About 29 people--20 graduates and nine spouses--came from all over the US, Europe and Canada to attend the three-day reunion held last May 16.

On the opening day, the batch mates were treated to an arrival dinner at the Ferreras Home in Concord, North Carolina.  The host Angel Ferreras is a member of Class 73.

Class 73 consisted of 25 sections of 40 to 50 students each or 1,000 graduates that year. Angel and his lovely wife Herminia hosted, a boodle  fight (a communal meal in which diners partake of the food spread on the table).  Soul music wafted through the early summer night, sparking animated conversations among those present.

The dinner at North Carolina was the  first for JASHS 73.  Class 73 holds its reunion every one to two years either in the Philippines or in the US.  Most of the attendees have never been to NC.  Angel wanted to show to friends the best that North Carolina had to offer.    “We held a smoke pit barbecue in Concord to Biltmore house/estate in Asheville.  They also ate at Bojangles and shopped at Charlotte’s premium outlets,”  Mrs. Ferreras said.

Last year year it was held in San Diego, California.

Here's a photo of the attendees.  

Standing from left are Dr Jun Canaria from Maryland

Edan Garcia- Toronto Canada

Annie Martinez- Arizona

Lucy Galang- Chicago

Peter Puno- Switzerland

Lourdes Velasco- Maryland

Greg Velasco - Maryland

Ian Arranza- Virginia

Gloria Mangune- Portland

Armando Panlilio- California

Ed Miclat- San Diego

Rommel Meneses- Jacksonville

Angel Ferreras - Concord NC

Ritz Panlilio- California

Lerna Meneses- Jacksonville

Second row from left

Alma Canaria - Maryland

Lot Mather - Florida

June Concepcion- Vancouver

Mollet Aranza - standing from Virginia

Lilian Julian - Chicago

Alma Scali- New York

Elvira Atienza- New Jersey

Emmy Puno- Switzerland

Shirley Cristobal Hermie from Concord, NC

Front row

MC Canlas - San Francisco

Val Cristobal - Michigan

Dr Cezar Tapnio- New Jersey
Cristobal- Michigan 
and Armand Atienza.

Angel Ferreras provided live music courtesy of the IBand.  For those who attended the reunion it was yet another precious memory to be savored in their life’s journey with more to come in next year’s reunion.

Pinoy volunteerism in 20th Asian Festival

Jay An Anderson carried by Lydia Reynolds with Samantha clad in a green shirt

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina --The story of Liza McNamara and Joan Anderson is one characterized by volunteerism.

Who says you can’t help a community if you have a daughter and granddaughter of your own?  Liza McNamara is a living contradiction of that misperception.  Liza McNamara is a beautiful grandmother of four-year-old  Samantha while Joan is a beautiful mother of 20-month-old Jay An.

Both are Filipino-Americans who live close to each other so Samantha and JayAn can play.  They were asked by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) incumbent Secretary Dorena Reynolds to volunteer in selling Filipino food during the 20th Asian Festival held last May 18. 

Since it was the first time for the FACC to be in charge of selling food, they had to recruit volunteers to handle the long lines of patrons.  

Liza McNamara and Joan Anderson

Joan didn’t hesitate when asked by Reynolds to volunteer as she wanted to experience something familiar.  

Joan was a volunteer during her life in Valencia town, Bukidnon province, helping out in distributing barangay (village) assistance during assemblies.

Both Liza and Joan decided to take turns babysitting the kids. On the day of the festival, Joan helped prepare the tables and transfer the utensils for cooking at the designated stall reserved for the Filipino American Spirit (FAS) that is used by the FACC this year. 

Joan, the tall Pinoy with long hair blended well with FACC Officers Marjorie Ray, Marissa Borja, Gg Minnick, Muffy Therrien and Muffy’s daughter Miko.  They were all in the front line taking orders, giving orders and answering questions.

FACC past president Dell Fallar was not only the go-to-girl but managed the whole operation. “I made friends and the officers of the FACC who were with me where good,” Joan said.  She said she and Liza worked well together during the whole activity while watching over the kids.

The Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce and the Asian Boat Race Association organized the Asian Heritage Month which celebrated its 20th year last Saturday, May 18.   The Philippines is one of many Asian countries that participated in the event. 

This year the FACC sold standard Filipino classics like adobo, pancit, barbecue, rice, dinuguan and biko laced with ube and baked siopao to the attendees.  Even non-standard fare like balut and mangoes with bagoong that was personally cooked by Area Rep Liza Salyer were served.

Yes, the Reynolds girls Lydia and Lyndsey likewise helped in keeping Samantha and JayAn busy and happy.  At the end of the day everyone went home happy, satisfied and looking forward to next year’s edition of the Asian Festival.  

Me posing with the kids.