Genevieve Cordery to star in 'Passport for Fashion' show

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Watch Genevieve Megan Tabada Cordery as she joins other models in the “Passport for Fashion 2014” shown to be held at the North Carolina Music Factory Boulevard, NC 28206 on April 26.

The fashion show which starts at 6:30 p.m. is hosted by Rita Miles. Proceeds of the show go to the Levine Children Hospital.

Genevieve Megan Tabada Cordery is a 20-year-old student enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Communications, Mass Media with minors in Journalism, Women and Gender Studies.

Her favorite books are the Harry Potter series, while her favorite TV show is “Friends” and her favorite color is midnight blue.

Her hobbies consist of arts and crafts, home decorating and caring for modeling dogs: She has two dogs, a Rottweiler/border-collie named Sam and a pure-bred Yorkie named Toby.

Genevieve is half-Filipino. Her mother Malou is with the Tadeo and Tabada family of Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao, Philippines.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis)

FACC Spring Picnic a resounding successs

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Everyone who attended the recent spring picnic sponsored by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) had a grand time, so much so that past FACC President Dr. Nini Bautista congratulated the officers and volunteers for a job well done.

“And the great fringe benefit is that now you know how you can work as a team more efficiently, more effectively,” Bautista told the FACC officers led by Malette Aquino-Oliveros.

Last Saturday’s Spring Picnic was the first big event held by the FACC 2014 officers who were inducted to office last January.

The Spring Picnic is an annual event since FACC came into life and this year's edition was held at the Reedy Creek Park, Shelter 3 at Rocky River Road.  

Twenty five new members registered for membership for the FACC during the spring picnic which started at 10 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. 

FACC secretary Lota Mascarinas said FACC treasurer Luisa Castaneda is still verifying how many attended the event though the estimates were placed at 300 people including children.

1st Vice president Dr. Michael “Mike” Borja and wife Tracy hosted the event while Malette Aquino Oliveros welcomed the picnickers and visitors.

Tess Garcia led the singing of the US and Philippine national anthems while Rocky River High School-JROTC cadets  John Mharlou Maturan, Bryan Le , Dylan Sengphrachanh, Jose Bonilla, Muhammad Khan and volunteers Bradley Canipe, Jo Ann Lester and Earl Lester carried the flags of both countries.

Spotted in the crowd were past FACC officers Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, Joannes “JP” Ave, Amelia Bell and Ms. Amira Issa, Past FACC president Engr. Bert Rodriquez and Letty Waddell helped prepare and serve the food from the “kitchen.”  

The picnic was a “young and old” affair, first time visitor Jennifer Oraza Board wrote in her Facebook account.  

Entertainment was provided by the Pinoy Noir band, a local band based in North Carolina and composed of Filipino doctors. The band consists of Dr. Edward Tautjo, Dr. Ronel Enrique, Dr. Stella Lawsin, Ro Lawsin, Dr. Tony Amor and Michael Ebalorza.

Their repertoire included songs ranging from “Somewhere over the Rainbow” to classic rock like “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits and Pinoy hits like “Tell Me” by Joey Albert and “Sa Kanya” by MYMP to latest hits like “Try” by Pink and “Roar” by Katy Perry.

In the FACC Facebook page, Dr. Tony Amor also congratulated the FACC 2014 officers and thanked Jet Sayson (the human jukebox/keyboard virtuoso) and Rommel Olarte and wife Christine and Tess Garcia of  Dust 'N D Attic. 

Tracy Borja said there were other doctors who were unable to come due to previous engagements. Also providing entertainment was Rene Escarcha alias RenElvis.

Most of the food served were Filipino dishes and the food preparations were headed by FACC President Oliveros and 2nd Vice President Kay Ronquillo Antone. Joining them were Blessel Butler, Terry E. Laabid and women’s advocate Vida Arcamo.

A lechon (roasted pig) was prepared and served by “lechonero par excellence” Robert Escobal. The Borja couple led the gams while MJ Matural led the sack race. Mascarinas and Castaneda handled the registration and issuance of meal tickets.

Other officers headed by President Malette and 2nd Vice President Kay Ronquillo Antone as well as Blessel Arcamo Butler and Terry Laabid were on hand at the kitchen. 

The officers stayed until the last person was served.

Oliveros and Borja thanked everyone for making the event a success and said more activities are lined up for the year.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis)

FACC treats Southminster Center's senior residents with song, dance presentation

Me at right talking with one of the senior residents

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

MORE than 20 residents of the Southminster Senior retirement home were visited by volunteers of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) last Saturday. 

The residents were joined by the nursing staff and the certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in watching the presentation given by the FACC volunteers.

The FACC headed by its President Malette Aquino-Oliveros and its 1st Vice President Dr. Mike Borja led the performance consisting of songs and dances that were warmly received by the senior residents.

The FACC officers with the volunteer dancers.
FACC president Malette-Aquino Oliveros is fourth from left in front

The program opened with a welcome message from host Tracy Borja and a message by Oliveros about the FACC and the Filipinos at the Carolinas.

“This is the first stop of our volunteer work in senior centers. We also bring to you the culture of the Philippines by way of music and dances,” she said.

In its website at www.southminster.org, the center states its commitment to “integrating health and wellness into daily life (by ensuring that senior) residents (and their loved ones) are freed from unnecessary stress to enjoy a full and enriching life.”

I learned from Rebecca Boakye, one of the nursing assistants, that the senior residents at their wing have their own room. She showed me the rooms which looked like a condo with all the essential facilities for comfortable living.

FACC president Malette Aquino-Oliveros performs with the volunteer dancers

Boakye pointed to the picture frames outside each room which shows the name of the resident and the history of their lives complete with pictures.

One of the residents, 100-year-old Anne McBryde from Laurinburg, Scotland County, told me that she has two daughters and was a teacher. A widow, Anne said she had been at the center for several years now. 

Talkative and gracious, Anne said “I love everybody here.”  Her birthday is on Nov. 8. Madeline Chandler, Southminster Center's activities coordinator, said the FACC volunteers visited the center's hospital care unit.

During the presentation, the FACC volunteers danced the Macarena, the chicken and wobble dances. The senior residents also joined in on the fun, moving on their wheelchairs.

Dr. Mike Borja, a pediatrician, wooed the elders by singing Mike Buble songs which caused some of them to be teary-eyed and wax sentimental. A short video showing about the Philippines followed suit.

The FACC officers pose with the senior residents, their
nursing staff  and the volunteer dancers

The FACC officers and volunteers danced with the senior residents and served their snacks assisted by the nursing staff. 

At the program's end the senior residents and staff were given “back catchers” made from the Philippines.

Other FACC officers who attended the event were Luisa Castaneda,Terry Laabid and Blessel Arcamo-Butler and Susan P. Dennis.

The volunteer dancers were Rocky Robinson with her sister Rutchie Mae, both members of the Charlotte dance troupe and Allyssa Abalos, a representative to the Miss Asia Carolina who got two awards.

FACC's 2nd vice president Kathryn Ronquillo-Antone facilitated the event but was unable to make it though she monitored the program along with MJ Maturan and Lota Mascarenas.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis)

Elite Hataw Shooters event on March 30

Kathryn Ronquillo Antone with husband Matthew Antone 

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The first Fil-Am introduction pistol shooting competition dubbed as “The Elite Hataw Shooter Pistol Bowling Pin” would be held by the Matthews Mobile Collision Center Elite Training Academy on March 30, this year.

The activity to be held at the academy's shooting range at 2811 Chamber Drive Monroe, North Carolina 28110 starts at 1 pm and ends at 4 p.m., said Kathryn Ronquillo-Antone.

“This is the first Fil-Am introduction on pistol shooting competition,” said Kay, wife of Matthew Collision Center Elite Training Academy owner and president Matthew Antone. 

Kay, also the 2nd Vice President of the Fil-American Association of the Carolinas (FACC), said pistol shooting may look dangerous but is actually fun if done responsibly.

She said shooters should be knowledgeable about the use and care of their firearms and always observe safety. Those interested to join can fill out a waiver and forms and send a copy of their ID cards. 

“Pre-pay $15 to save your spot,” Kay said. For more details, please visit their Facebook page Elite Hataw Shooter and their website www.matthewsmobilecollision.com for more details. Also contact Kaye Antone at telephone numbers 704-953-0435
and her email at Azyangerl20002000@gmail.com.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis)

FACC's Hop For Fun picnic on April 5

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT'S all systems go for the Hop For Fun Spring Picnic to be held at the Reedy Creek Park in North Carolina on April 5.

Mary Jane ”MJ” Maturan, the event chairperson, said the event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m and will be joined by the members of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC).

“Those coming from Luzon are asked to wear white, while those from the Visayas and Mindanao are asked to wear red and blue respectively, “ Maturan said.

She said the color scheme was intended to identify the picnickers and help them bond with each other. The Philippines has 7,107 islands and is divided into the three major island groups  of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

"If their hometown or parents hometown is in the Philippines we encourage them to wear the suggested color,” Maturan said. Despite the island clustering, Filipinos are known to unite and be cooperative.

The Fil-American community in the Carolinas is no different, Maturan said. 

The color yellow is reserved for FACC officials so participants can go directly to them if they have any problems.

Kathryna Ronquillo-Antone, FACC's 2nd vice president, said this year's picnic is different from past events because they are offering a menu instead of requiring participants to bring food. 

“Pick 2 meals for $5 dollars and serve with white rice and fried plantains and soup,” she said. Antone also said one can buy lechon (roasted pig) for $2. 

The menu consists of pork menudo (pork stew), fried mackerel, pancit bihon with chicken (rice noodles with chicken), kaldereta baka (beef stew), sauteed vegetables and hilabos na hipon (stewed shrimp).

The games to be staged include pabitin, pinata, chaco, tumbang preso, tug-of-war, sack race, egg race, humvee pull and so on. Featured band for the picnic is Pinoy Noir.

FACC president Dr. Malette Aquino-Oliveros is inviting all members and their families to attend. “Everyone is welcome,” she said. Donations of dessert are welcome. 

(The blogger/author is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis. 

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/)https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063. )

DuST 'N D Attic to perform in Nonoy Zuniga concert in North Carolina

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Watch out for my one–on-one interview with Dust 'N D Attic, the hottest band in North Carolina soon here at the Straight from the Carolinas News page. 

Dust 'N D Attic will be the special guest performer at the Nonoy Zuniga concert at the UNCC McKnight Hall (Cone Center) at 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina on April 19, at 7 p.m. 

Joshua passes away; family, friends pay respects

Joshua Lao Cordero with his wife Marivie

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Defiant to the end, Joshua Lao Cordero, known and called by friends as “The Godfather”, passed away after a long battle with leukemia last Feb. 24, 2014. He was 53 years old.

Joshua Lao Cordero, younger brother of immediate past president Florami Lao Cordero-Lee of the Filipino-American Association of the Carolinas (FACC), succumbed to leukemia caused by complications from his chemotherapy. 

Lee posted the death of her younger on her Facebook page in response to “answer queries from her family and friends all over the world.” 


She said her younger brother fought leukemia with all medical options available in the last three years. 

Lee said if her younger brother was in pain, he didn't show it  as she quoted his friends who said “he was full of energy and hope.”

One of Joshua's close friends Joel Jose said Joshua was known as Godfather to their group because “he goes out of his way to help those who call on him for assistance. If he can't help, he'll find someone who will.”

“Pareng Josh has fought a long and gallant battle,” Joel said. Joshua Lao Cordero was born on April 28, 1960 in Cebu, Philippines and grew up in Quezon City.

Owner of the J2man Construction Co., Joshua is the son of Higidio Cordero of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte and Naomi Lao of Danao City, Cebu. 

Josh was an avid gun collector and is one of the better Filipino pool (billiards) players in the country. According to friends, Joshua also has a very good low soothing karaoke voice and can sing Nonoy Zuniga songs.

Joel recounted one incident that showed Joshua's willingness to help people in need.

Joshua with past FACC vice president Amelia Bell

“I was working then as an office manager/salesman at Ace Auto Brokers on Independence Blvd., near where a new Wal-Mart now stands, I had an argument with a group of customers. I called Pareng Josh for back-up. As soon as he pulled up, these other guys left in a hurry.”

“Pareng Josh came with his two Cambodian 'friends', opened up his trunk and said to me, "Pare, mamili ka na kung ano gusto mo dyan (Buddy, you pick what you want). They stayed with me that whole afternoon,” Joel said.

As “Godfather,” Joel said Joshua helped Filipinos adjust to life in the US, specifically in North Carolina. 

Joel Jose gave this message at the FACC's Facebook page: “I first came to Charlotte in 1992 and was blessed to be welcomed by good friends and their families - dear friends until now.”

“We've all been through a lot of wars and battles, together and within our individual lives. Here we are on June 9, 2013 - a little bit older (hopefully wiser), still standing, still laughing, still fighting that day-to-day struggle called 'life'. 

We were known as the wacky 'Wais-Wais' back in the day - Edgar (Ukim-ukim) Salcedo, Hector (Kabsat) Aspa, Jun (Lakay) Medina, Josh (Godfather) Cordero, Johnny (lawn mowering at 3am) Quiocho and myself.

Pareng Josh has fought a long and gallant battle. But he's home now. Pare, pls put in a good word for us while you're up there, para pagdating namin dyan, medyo may padrino kami (so when we arrive there, we have a patron).

Also at the FACC Facebook page, Edgar Salcedo gave this account: 

“We were born Wais-wais, we die together as WAIS-WAIS pa rin. Pare/Pogi where ever you we love you and we never forget you!!!! Mabuhay ang Wais wais.

For Joshua's sister Florami, his epitaph would read: Dedicated father and a good  husband and a loving brother. Great friend and a good heart, helpful.

Joshua Lao Cordero is survived by his wife Marivie and children Mark, Naomi, Jocelyn, Angel and Melissa. 

His remains would be cremated at the JB Tallent Funeral Service and crematory located at 1937 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205. 

Last public viewing is on Friday and Saturday at 6-8 pm with Sunday service at 11 a.m also at JB Tallent Funeral Service and Crematory. 

Joshua with his group of friends in a pic posted in the FACC Facebook page