FACC showcases slices of Filipiniana in Asian Festival

Me at the FACC Fil-American booth at the 2014 Asian Festival

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The weather cooperated and the smiling photo of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III greeted Fil-Americans and visitors at the Fil-American booth the 14th Asian Festival here at Carolinas yesterday.

President Aquino's smiling photo shared space with the beautiful Filipino handicrafts and inventions at the Fil-American booth which showed the Filipino's ingenuity. 

The sight of miniature jeepneys and tricycles has Dorena Buten Reynolds commenting that the vehicles were “her favorite rides” back home in the Philippines.

FACC President Dr. Malette-Aquino Oliveros with FACC secretary Lota Macarenas

Jeepneys and tricycles are among the widely used means of public transportation in the country nowadays. 

It started right after World War II when the American troops sold and gave surplus military jeeps to the local Filipinos. 

The Filipinos pimped the jeeps to accommodate several passengers, added metal roofs and decorated the vehicle with vibrant colors. Since then, it had evolved in many forms, shapes and sizes.

The Fil-American booth as set up by the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) also showcased  necklaces made of sea shells and other local materials and national wear like barong Tagalog and sequined kimono for women.

The female visitors also found and bought the native “bakya” or wooden sandals with matching crocket for straps. There were also big fans made of banahaw leaves that were used by Filipinos to cool themselves in humid weather.

Outside the booth were posters and streamers showing Philippine facts and figures that were read by young Fil-Americans. The Philippines, officially called the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelago of 7,107 islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Clad in neon green kimono and matching local skirt, FACC president Malette Aquino-Oliveros manned the booth along with FACC secretary Lota Mascarenas to entertain visitors. 

(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. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. 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/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Dr. Chun spearheads 2014 Asian Festival in Charlotte

Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun grooves to the song performed by Silver Moon Rising

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT was entertaining to look at the leader who started the Asian festival 14 years  in the Carolinas dancing up a storm yesterday.

Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun of Chun Industries whose businesses include the Asian Herald was dancing to Silver Moon Rising's rendition of that classic disco song “I Will Survive” inside a makeshift building along with many others.

Chun wore a white polo-shirt with tie and black pants and sat with a friend when a lady got him to join the others in dancing to the disco tune.

Also dancing up a storm was Jennifer Watson Roberts, Board President of the International House. 

Dr. Chun, Ph.D., LL.D., CCIM, CPA, is the founder, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Chun Group, Inc.  Dr. Chun is also a practicing Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who started his practice in April of 1983. 

The Chun Group, Inc. has two additional subsidiaries, one of which is the Asian Herald newspaper that he founded in July 1993 and is printed in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

Dr. Chun came from Seoul, South Korea and studied history at Korea University then arrived in the US on a Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship. 

He graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1974 with a B.A. in Business Administration, received his M.A. in Business from Appalachian State University in 1975, his CPA license in April of 1983, a Ph.D. from La Salle University in 1986, and received an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree (LL.D) from Lenoir-Rhyne University in May 2000.

Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun came to the US with his wife Sunny with big dreams and ambitions. 

These dreams and ambitions became a reality through his key philosophies which are "Live for Others" and "Knowledge is Power."

The good doctor espouses these fundamental principles through his work and his community service. 

He held teaching posts as Adjunct Professor for two years at Pfeiffer University and seven years at Johnson C. Smith University and won teaching awards. 

Dr. Chun taught accounting, federal taxation, business, economics, and auditing.

He and Roberts were on hand during the Asian Festival to distribute awards to various persons and groups that extended assistance to the Asian community.

Dr. Chun organized the first Asian festival at Marshall park at uptown Charlotte in 2000. The festival's purpose then and now is to unite the Asian communities in the Carolinas and celebrate Charlotte's Asia-Pacific heritage in May.

Since then, in Roberts' words, the festival has become “bigger and better in attendance.”

The festival venue also changed from uptown Charlotte to Wachovia Atrium and finally to Ramsey Creek where the popular Dragon Boat festival continues to become a major Asian tourist attraction. 

This year the Asian festival featured a cultural presentation, dragon boat race, Asian food and crafts and vendors booths. The day was both sunny and cool for everyone who attended the event.

Fil-American Ranulfa Deloso Cammarano who came with the Lightle family  told me that she has been attending the festival every now and then. But this year she came to look for Filipino barbecue.

Everyone had a grand time and it was good seeing Dr. Chun celebrating it with the Asian communities that attended the event. 

To quote a beautiful Chinese lady who I met at the designated parking area of the bus that would lead us to our own ride “Xie-xie (Thank you)” - see you next 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. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. 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/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

FACC spearheads Flores de Mayo celebration in Charlotte

Photo by Jeric Jarical Photography

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

SIXTEEN-year-old Sophia Escobal was chosen the Reyna Elena (Queen Elena) for this year's Flores de Mayo event here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Statuesque at 5'8, Sophie looked regal as she glided through the social hall of St. Matthews Catholic Church. With Cyrus A. Antonio as her escort Emperor Constantine, Sophie was warmly received by the more than 400 parishioners in attendance.

Sophie is the daughter of Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) representative Robert Escobal. He and Matthew Antone were the ark bearers during the event.

The ark was decked with beautiful flowers in keeping with the event's name, Spanish for Flowers of May. It is a beautiful tradition celebrated by Filipino communities during May, a month filled with fiestas.

This tradition was introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines centuries ago and remains a part of the country's Filipino culture. This celebration is part of the Flores de Maria, which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Santacruzan is the highlight of the celebration and it's held at the end of the month. Over the years there are changes to the celebration though the spirit is there.

Elder Fil-Americans see to it that they pass this tradition to the next generation.

“It's a devotion to Mama Mary actually,” Nena Amigo, one of the organizers, said.

Amigo said a Fil-American named Homer de Leon started the Flores de Mayo celebration at the St. Matthews Church here in Charlotte due to the space and it had become an annual tradition since.

Photo by Jeric Jarical Photography

Amigo said since de Leon got sick she and her husband Paul Amigo, who's also a past president of the FACC continued what de Leon started.

This year the Flores de Mayo is sponsored by the FACC and incumbent FACC president Malette Aquino Oliveros welcomed everyone to the occasion while Dominican sister Sr. Edeva Jover gave the invocation.

The audience waited for the parish priest of St. Matthew to give his message for the day. Alexis and CJ Riley led the singing of the Star Spangled Banner anthem while Rommel Olarte, lead singer of the Dust N' D' Attic band led the singing of the Philippine anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”

The marshals were Nicolas Escobal and John Paul Escobal while Simon Oliveros was the standard bearer. Asia Antone,Nicole Santero and Kaitlyn Ronquillo stood as Mary’s Three Joys.

The Seven Virtues were represented by Hanna Asibal (Faith), Stephanie Bunao (Hope), Francine Castillo (Charity), Sharon Bounds (Prudence), Grayson Siplon (Justice), Casse Bunao (Fortitude) and Miel Mantecon (Temperance).

The 12 stars were Kate Asibal (Source of our Joy), Nicole Jarical (Mystical Rose), Alyssa Abalos (Morning star), Corine Olarte (Gate of Heaven), Maria Olarte (Ark of the Covenant), Raine Antonio (Tower of Ivory), Noelle Escobal (Queen of the Apostles), Nina Kasingal (Queen of the Prophets), Giselle Pagunuran (Queen of Virgins), Alexis Riley (Queen of Peace) and Cazandra Riley (Reyna de los Angeles).

The students of Eskwelahang Munti (Little Schoolhouse) under the tutelage of Gloria Grifenhagen and Dr. Nini Bautista also made quite an impression with their performance of the Filipino song “Magtanim Ay Di Biro (Planting Rice Is Never Fun) clad in the native Filipino native clothing.

Towards the middle of the program flowers were brought to the foot of the statue of the Virgin Mary by both young and adult faithful alike.

On hand to receive the flowers were Dr. Nini Bautista, the global Pinoy par excellence who helped marshal the groups along with Dr. Oliveros to make the event a success.

After the prayers and the offering to the Blessed Virgin, Leah Castaneda Anastacio led the audience in singing the songs “Ave Maria” and “Amazing Grace.”

“An Ode to Virgin Mary” written by Ron Beltran was recited by Dr. Ben Lorenzo.

FACC 1st VP Dr. Mike Borja and his wife, FACC public relations officer Tracy Borja emceed the event.

The program ended with the procession inside the hall after which dinner was served to all present.

In a post at the FACC Facebook page Dr. Oliveros has this to say: “To all FACC members and non members...thank you so much for all your help and support for the Flores de Mayo event, also to all volunteers, all rosary groups, participants and parents of our 2014 Santacruzan, thank you! To 2014 FACC officers and representatives, I appreciate all the hard work you've done for today's successful event. Maraming Salamat.”

Other FACC Officers like Lota Mascarenas,Terry Laabid, MJ Maturan and Robert Escobal and those who weren't around like Luisa Castaneda and Blessel Arcamo Butler were present in spirit. To everyone who attended I can only say Viva Mama Mary!

Photo by Jeric Jarical Photography

(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. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. 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/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Jaden's first communion

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Jaden Gleen Kremer, the first born of spouses Brent and Beth Kremer will be having his first communion this Sunday, May 4 at the Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church at 2505 Electric Road at 11:30 am at Roanoke, Virginia.

It was disappointing that my husband Ronnie, my daughter Gg and I cannot attend despite being invited by the family.

From those unfamiliar with communion, a brief description from Wikipedia: The First Communion, or First Holy Communion, is a Latin rite of the Catholic Church. 

It refers to a Catholic's first reception of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and in Roman Catholic Churches occurs typically at age seven or eight depending on the national custom. 

Catholics believe this event to be very important, as the Eucharist occupies a central role in Catholic theology and practice. Lutherans also traditionally observe First Communion.

I knew Brent and Beth as well as the paternal grandmother Linda kremer are all excited about Jaden's first communion.

I couldn't exactly remember all the details of my first communion in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental in northern Mindanao, Philippines. 

What I do remember is that I wore a white veil that that was bought by my mother especially for that day. It was actually the whole elementary class doing the confirmation on that day. And it was quite important for all of us. 

Anyway, Jaden's communion will be followed by lunch at the Kremer’s home at 3765 Chesterton Street Roanoke at 2 p.m.

(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. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. 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.

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

FACC headlines 14th annual Charlotte Asian Festival

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

EVERYTHING is set for the 14th annual Charlotte Asian Festival scheduled on May 17, this year.

The annual Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Races are organized by the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and the Charlotte Dragon Boat Association.

The annual Asian festival is a family-oriented event for Asian and non-Asian communities in and around Mecklenburg County and throughout the Carolinas. It celebrates various Asian cultures, their ethnicities, roots and histories.

Fil-Am dragon boat racers practicing to win.

Aside from the Dragon Boat races, organizers also lined up cultural performances, the search for Miss Asia Carolinas and the traditional Asian food and crafts among other activities.
However, there won't be any Miss Asia Carolinas pageant for this year.

The first Asian Festival was organized several years ago under the leadership of Ki-Hyun-Chun and was first started at the Wachovia Atrium. 

The festival was then transferred at the Ramsey creek park and along with the dragon festival became Asia’s premier Asian festival.

The Dragon Festival dates back two centuries in ancient China specifically in the southern province. 

According to the website of the Charlotte dragon festival, dragon boat racing is one of the earliest known forms of boat racing.

It is celebrated at festivals and races throughout the world and signifies Chinese culture and spirit. 

Legend has it that Qu Yuan, a scholar and advisor to the emperor of the Chu Kingdom, jumped into the Mei Lo (Mi Luo) river in despair to protest against government corruption.

Local fishermen raced out in their boats to save him. 

They beat drums and pounded their paddles on the river’s waters and threw rice dumplings wrapped in silk into the river to distract the water dragons from eating Qu Yuan’s body. 

It was this legend that dragon boating evolved into what it is today. 

The Fil-American contingents are all excited about this month's event. 

“It is more than a big deal for the Filipino team to win the Dragon Boat race on May 17,” said Kay Antone, 2nd Vice President of the Filipino-American Association of the Carolinas (FACC) in the group's Facebook page. 

There are 43 teams that pre-registered in the Dragon Boat festival. Dr. Michael ”Mike” Borja, Fil-Am team captain, said the Charlotte Dragon Boat Association will host a pre-race mixer at Vida Mexican Cantina at the Epicenter from 6 to 8 p.m on May 15. Vida is located in the heart of uptown Charlotte at the intersection of Trade and College Streets Epicenter.

Complimentary appetizers will be served and beverages like beer and margaritas will be available at $3 and $5 respectively.  

The first 75 people will receive a complimentary beverage. “Don't forget to wear your team shirt,” Dr. Borja said.

The FACC through its 2014 president Dr. Malette A. Oliveros encouraged all Fil-Americans to join the celebration. Last year an estimated 4,500 people attended the 13th Annual Asian Festival and 7th Annual Dragon Boat Festival.

Read more about the twin activities at http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/19/3328272/13th-annual-asian-festival-and.html#storylink=cpy.

(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. See her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. 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)

James Lightle turns one year old

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

JAMES Allan Dequina Lightle, the second child of couple James and Joan Lightle, celebrated his first birthday with a party which I was invited to in one of the restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I missed the event unfortunately but James’s godmother Beth Kremer posted photos of the party that started at 1 p.m and was attended by close friends of the Lightle family.

Looking at the pictures alone I can see the kids had a ball and they were dressed in their Sunday best. No birthday party is complete without a cake but it wasn’t in the photos which mean it went out quickly enough.

One year old Allan James

James’s mother is from Negros province in the Philippines. 

The little guy was born in April 13 2013 and loves the company of his elder brother Charlie. 

James was dubbed a “rosary maker’s baby” since the parents are active in making rosaries and are devoted to the rosary of St. Mark Catholic Church.

Aside from Beth, James’s baptismal godparents were  Raymond James Kelly and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Ranie Cammarano. Happy birthday James Allan and I hope to visit your party next 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.
Susan also has her website at susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Nonoy Zuñiga wows crowd in Saturday concert

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT was a Black Saturday and it rained all day but it didn't dampen the spirits of those who watched Filipino balladeer Nonoy Zuñiga in his “Kamusta Ka” concert at the McKnight Hall, Cone Center at the UNCC campus in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The venue was sizable enough for the audience who included Dr. Malette Aquino-Oliveros, president of the Filipino American Association of the Carolinas (FACC), 1st vice-president Michael Borja and wife Tracy, 2nd vice-president Kathryna R. Antone whose two daughters sang the Star Spangled Banner, Terry Laabid and Blessel Arcamo-Butler.

Seen also was last year's FACC president Florami Lao Cordero Lee who came with friends. 

Among the performers in the concert were the Dust ’N D' Attic with the special participation of Dr. Ed Tautjo; Rene Escarcha who did his signature Elvis Presley performance; Chrystle Mactal, Gelnda Mori Blair and Marissa Olarte-Helbing who were accompanied by Silver Moon Rising band members Adam Yabez and Glenn Espiritu. The youngest performer, 14-year-old Alexis Riley, sang an Adele song. 

The concert was hosted by Myra Tranquillino, who encouraged the audience to sing with Nonoy and the rest of the performers. Since most of the songs were Tagalog they found it easier to participate.

The songs also took the audience to a trip down memory lane and the star performer who helped them in their evening journey to their memories, Nonoy Zuñiga, was like wine that gets better with age.

It was also my first time to watch Nonoy sing live. His songs “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Doon Lang”, “Kumusta Ka” and “Live for Love” were impeccable but it was his rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight” was the best for the night.

“Nonoy is not only a singer but an entertainer,” said Dorena Reynolds, herself a singer who came with her mother. “It was fun I enjoy watching him with his humor,” she said.

My sister Betty Alombro and her husband Medel are big fans of Nonoy Zuñiga and they couldn't help comment on my Facebook post about him. “Request Never Ever Say Goodbye, Love Without Time, Kamusta Ka and Doon Lang, Medel's favorite,” Betty said.

The Alombros are now in New Zealand. Grea Tulio-Penilla, owner of Grey Oven also commented how she loves Nonoy “laughing at his own expense.”

I didn’t know that Zuñiga has a good sense of humor towards his artificial leg, which he got after losing his own in a bomb explosion at the height of martial law in the 80s in the Philippines.

Nonoy told the audience how he and his mother talked over what to do with his detached leg. He said they discussed that if it is buried then they would be visiting the leg every All Souls day and the epitaph on the tombstone reading would be “Here lies the leg of Nonoy Zuñiga the rest would follow.” So mother and son decided to preserve it.It is a long story though because of typhoon Ondoy.Trust me- separate writing for that.

The concert was the initial production of Core Visions Productions and while Nonoy was thankful at the turnout, he asked whether those who attended were the only Filipinos at Charlotte, North Carolina.

I agree with him and I could only wish that the next concert of a Filipino performer should be fully supported by the Fil-American community here.

I would be writing about the performance of Dust ‘N D' Attic and Marissa Helbing in my next post. All things considered it was a success. Thanks Nonoy Zuñiga for the music and laughter.

(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.
Susan also has her website at susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)