New FACC officials sworn in

The FACC officials including Ronnie Dennis (seated center) and myself (standing center) at the Asian Library

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

An oath taking ceremony for officials of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas, Inc. (FACC) was held at the Asian Library in downtown Charlotte over the weekend.

FACC Comelec Chairperson Maria Te administered  the oath taking for seven  officers, five area representatives and one ex-officio officer forming the FACC board of directors for 2019.

Those who took their oath as witnessed by family members and guests  were Tonette Asay, FACC president; Muffy Therrien, first VP; Ronnie Dennis, second VP; Dorena Reynolds, secretary; Gina Minnick, treasurer; and Susan Dennis, press relations officer.

Those chosen as area representatives were Rose Talley, Lulu Land, Rommel Barrientos, Jllani Wallace and Marjorie Enriquez Ray. FACC immediate past president Jyoti Friedland is this year's ex-officio member.

FACC past president Erlinda Polk opened the program by sharing how the early Filipino-Americans launched the FACC Gala which paved the way to the creation of the FACC's Articles of Incorporation. 

Polk mentioned Rudy and Lita Joaquin, Bill and Glo Grifenhagen, Wally and Merly Penilla, Don and Nellie Ocampo, Lito and Estrel Balcita Marshall and Cynthia del Mundo, Frank and Lucy Cabugwasan and Dell Fallar as pioneers.

Polk served for two years as FACC president. During the program she acknowledged the help of her VP Bill Grifehagen who credited the full cooperation of every member and official for FACC's continued existence.

“That was the FACC of yore," Polk said as she concluded her opening remarks by reminding everyone present that FACC's greatest strength is its unity and that any division will only weaken it. 

Another FACC immediate past president, Dr. Nini Bautista de Garcia, also thanked Jyoti Friedland's group for their sacrifices and contributions to the community as she handed each of them a folder containing their individual recognition. 

In her speech, Jyoti Friedland talked on community engagement and shared her experiences on this last year. 

This was followed by an intermission number from Roditha Fuentes Terado, a 2017 FACC teacher awardee, who performed “Ang Lahi”, a song popularized by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez. The song echoed what Polk said about Filipinos being united regardless of political and religious affiliation..

FACC President Asay closed the program by thanking past presidents and past officers while giving a glimpse about plans being readied by the FACC's board for this year. 

Myra Tranquilino, a 2017 FACC teacher awardee, hosted the program with Emelyn Burgess,incumbent auditor  who also conducted the American and Philippine anthems.

FACC past president Steve Mirman did the opening prayer in lieu of Carllyn Francisco Ave.

Among those who attended were Eskwekahang Munti Director Gloria Grifehagen who came with her husband Bill, FACC past president Malette Oliveros and Dell Fallar who with Mirman reviewed the salient provisions of the FACC by-laws, Duane Asay and other guests.

The program concluded with a fellowship lunch. (For comments and questions email me at susanap.dennis@yahoo.com or follow me at Instagram @Carolina 1girl).