PAAC's Fiesta Night on Oct. 11

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT'S still a month away but preparations are underway for the 29^th Fiesta Night of the Philippine American Association of the Carolinas (PAAC).

Incumbent PAAC president Junie Ramos said it would be a night to showcase the best Philippine Folk Dances. “It's also about bringing awareness to our natural resources and the environment,” said Ramos, who hails from Pasig City, Sta.Cruz, Laguna.

Ramos used the Filipino term “kalikasan” which translates to nature/environment in English as the theme of this year’s fiesta night. He said it's timely in light of what's happening in the Philippines and around the world.

“This event is about creating awareness of the need to protect environment. As for the theme we wanted to dedicate it to the Yolanda victims. We thought about 'bayanihan' (community spirit) or something to that effect - then it evolved to 'kalikasan' since calamities are usually caused by the way we've been mistreating nature,” Ramos said.

Ramos said the PAAC wants to instill that awareness and love for the environment.

“In our gala night, we'll back up the theme with most, if not all, of our dances that has something to with 'nature', like magtanim ay di biro (planting is never fun), bulaklakan (flowers), diwata (fairy), among others and we would explain our presentation to others,” he said.

PAAC raised money for the victims of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) which devastated the Philippine provinces of Leyte, Cebu and Samar last year.

The fiesta night would be held on Oct. 11, 2014, 6:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Resort Hotel 670 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29607, Ramos added.

PAAC is composed of Filipino and American families from the upstate area of South Carolina, specifically from Greenville/Spartanburg and as far as Atlanta and North Carolina and nearby areas.

In an email message, Ramos said it was in 1980 when the first 17 families started the PACC. These families are the Casidas, Franciscos, de Guzmans, Espiritus, Handogs, Loys, Saldanas, Baquirans, Muanas, Loftis, Neals, Duckers, Burgers, Milfords, Diamanos, Manous and Chings.

As of this date there are 300 registered families. Ramos said there are still 100 more unregistered. 

“But even non-members are invited to attend in all the activities and these are the people we would like to reach out to,” Ramos said.

Based on their website www.paac-sc.org the organization would like to provide a place to foster Filipino culture and heritage even if they're staying in the US.

Here are excerpts of my Q and A with Ramos:

Q: What year was that when the first "five families" started the PAAC? 

1980

Q: Can you provide me the names of the original founding families?

There were actually 17; Casida, Francisco, deGuzman, Espiritu, Handog, Loy, Saldana, Baquiran, Muana, Loftis, Neal, Ducker, Burger, Milford, Diamanos, Manous, and Ching

Q: Aside from the Gala Night what other activities were done/sponsored by PAAC during your watch?

Simbang Gabi(Midnight Mass), New Year’s Eve Party, Easter Sunday Picnic, Summer Picnic, Donations to Orphanages, Typhoon Victims.

Q-How many member families right now?

We have about 300 registered families, probably 100 more unregistered. Not everybody pays their annual membership though. But still everybody’s welcome to join our events !

Q-Is membership voluntary?

Yes

Q-Aside from the beneficiary of fundraising which are all institutions back home- you have local projects also?

Donations to Harvest Hope Food Bank, Participation at International Festivals in Greenville and Spartanburg.

Q- What are your other projects?

We used to visit and perform at some Nursing Homes and also Church functions for the Elderly, Independence Day celebration in NJ for 2 years, local parades in Greenville. 

We also used to celebrate Valentine’s party where we induct new officers. At one time we even have a welcoming committee for newly arrived Filipinos in the community.

For more info see the PAAC's Facebook page and visit their official website at  www.paac-sc.org

(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 and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. 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)

Zumbathon, wellness fair in Charlotte on Sept. 5-6

The Fil-Am participants in last February's Zumbathon

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A TWO-DAY wellness program for workaholic Fil-Americans in Charlotte, North Carolina is scheduled on Sept. 5-6. 

Tracy Borja of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) said the activity will promote “health awareness among the Fil-Am community.”

Tracy, whose doctor husband is 1st Vice President of FACC, said the program starts with a Zumbathon on Sept. 5 at Matthews Crews Rec,1201 Crews Matthews,NC from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is the second Zumbathon event sponsored by the FACC for this year after last February's Zumbafest drew members and guests alike.

The Zumbathon involves dance and aerobic elements. Zumba's choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo and martial arts. Squats and lunges are also included.

Kay Ronquillo, FACC 2nd Vice president, said the Zumba instructors are Maria Pahang and Azel Viches. Dr. Sheila Villamor also volunteered as a Zumba instructor. 

This will be followed by a wellness fair participated by 15 Fil-American doctors at the St. Thomas Aquinas Hall on Saturday, Sept. 6. 

“There will be booths to promote your Medical/Health/Wellness. There is no better time than now to start living healthy. Hope to see everyone,” FACC president Malette Aquino-Oliveros said. 

The FACC 2014 officers had a series of planning sessions for projects and events for the remaining months of 2014. 

The planning session includes the 27th Gala Night that would highlight the 2014 FACC watch at the Embassy Suites in Concord, North Carolina on Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

The FACC officers 

(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 and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. 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) 

'The Messiah' play a resounding success in Charlotte, North Carolina

The cast with Fr, Richard Ho Lung (left) 

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A week after it was held at the 800-person capacity Halton Theater of CPCC in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, the musical presentation “The Messiah” remains the talk of the town.

“It was hard to find seats...presenting the life of Christ and integrating it with Jamaican culture was interesting and different,” said Raymond Kelly. 

The priest who wrote and produced the play, Fr. Richard Ho Lung of Kingston, Jamaica founded the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP). Raymond said Jamaican culture was also evident in the backdrop, scenery and lighting.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis of the Arcdiocese of Charlotte  with /Fr. Lung .

He said the Last Supper scene was lifted straight from a Leonardo Da Vinci painting. 

“Jamaicans music and dance were prevalent. You can see elements of Jamaican music and dance which was fine,” said Raymond, who came with wife Jesett and son JR.

Jesett said the presentation may be different but the message was still the same. 

She watched the presentation the day before and volunteered to usher in the event. Jesett came to watch again with her husband Raymond on Sunday.

The 2 ½ hour play started at 3:30 pm on Sunday.  The audience was a  big cross section of the community consisting of Filipinos, a few blacks, Asians, Hispanics and Caucasians. “Everyone was there,” Jesett said.

Malette Aquino-Oliveros, president of the Filipino-American community of the Carolinas (FACC) said the play was very entertaining and the performances were spectacular.

Malette Aquino-Oliveros (right) with the religious sisters

“Colorful costumes, as if you're watching Ten Commandments. It was told through a very creative production and well written songs and stories of the life of Jesus Christ,” she said.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis and some of the clergy watched the Saturday schedule. 

The musical was held for the benefit of the poor, homeless and abandoned in Jamaica where the MOP missionaries seat is located. 

The musical is also a celebration for the MOP as it celebrates 33 years of existence. 

Organizers described “The Messiah” is a musical drama consisting mostly of reggae and Caribbean rhythms with dances, colorful costumes and powerful performances.

To quote Wikipedia “The Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) is an international Roman Catholic monastic religious institute of brothers dedicated to joyful service with Christ on the Cross" to serve the poorest of the poor.” 

Started in 1981 in Kingston, Jamaica it has now grown to over 550 brothers from 13 countries.

Their headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, maintain six mission homes for destitute persons, including abandoned sick, disabled, or dying men, women, infants, and children. 

They also operate in India (Andhra Pradesh and Orissa), the Philippines (Naga City and Cebu), Haiti (Cap-Haïtien), Uganda (Kampala), Kenya (Nairobi) and in Monroe, North Carolina, the US. A mission is being established in Indonesia.

The brothers gave away all personal belongings, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everything is done in community including eating, sleeping, and traveling. 

All their daily activities revolve around prayer, service and worship. More than just giving aid with food, clothing and shelter, the Missionaries of the Poor are dedicated to building up the Church and spreading the faith.

The play's cast of characters

(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. 

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)

Evening Mass with Missionaries of the Poor at Charlotte on Aug. 6

Fr. Richard Ho Long with the Couples for Christ and Missionaries of the Poor. Photo by Jesett J. Kelly

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

EVERYONE is invited to Mass at the Reedy Creek Park Shelter #3 here in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 6 pm.

Fr. Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) extended the invitation to the public. The Mass will be held two days prior to the opening of their Caribbean musical entitled “The Messiah” that opens Friday, Aug. 8 at Halton Theater CPCC at 1206 Elizabeth Avenue,Charlotte, North Carolina.

The musical ends on Aug. 10. A fellowship with simple potluck supper will follow after the Mass. Straight from the Carolinas learned that the Couples for Christ are spearheading the invitation to attend the mass.

The musical is written by Fr. Lung, also concurrent Superior General with God’s Little Ones at Bethlehem home, MOP in Jamaica. The musical is also a celebratio n for the MOP as it celebrates 33 years of existence.

“A joyful service with Christ on the cross,” stated its fliers that were distributed in Catholic Churches around Charlotte.

Organizers said “The Messiah” is a musical drama consisting mostly of reggae and Caribbean rhythms with dances, colorful costumes and powerful performances.

Among the members of the MOP community are Filipinos from Masbate and Naga City who are part of the musical.

One of the Filipino brothers is Bro. Lito Janaban, a native of Bicaol, who said he's been with the mission for seven years.

Quoting Wikipedia “The Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) is an international Roman Catholic monastic religious institute of brothers dedicated to joyful service with Christ on the Cross" to serve the poorest of the poor.”

Started in 1981 by Fr. Lung in Kingston, Jamaica it has now grown to over 550 brothers from 13 countries.

Their headquarters is in Kingston, Jamaica, where they maintain six mission homes for destitute persons, including abandoned sick, disabled, or dying men, women, infants, and children.

They also operate in India (Andhra Pradesh and Orissa), the Philippines (Naga City and Cebu), Haiti (Cap-Haïtien), Uganda (Kampala), Kenya (Nairobi) and in Monroe, North Carolina, the US. A mission is being established in Indonesia.

The brothers, who gave away all personal belongings, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everything is done in community including eating, sleeping, and traveling.

All their daily activities revolve around prayer, service and worship. More than just giving aid with food, clothing and shelter, the Missionaries of the Poor are dedicated to building up the Church and spreading the word of God.

(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.

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)

'The Messiah' musical plays in Charlotte, North Carolina this August

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A MUSICAL for the benefit of the poor, homeless and abandoned will be held at the Halton Theater of CPCC at 1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28235 on Aug. 8 to 10 this year.

Entitled “The Messiah”, it is an original Caribbean musical by Father Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) and Superior General with God’s little ones at Bethlehem home, MOP in Jamaica.

The musical is also a celebration for the MOP as it celebrates 33 years of existence. “A joyful service with Christ on the cross,” stated its fliers that were distributed in Catholic Churches around Charlotte.

Organizers said “The Messiah” is a musical drama consisting mostly of reggae and Caribbean rhythms with dances, colorful costumes and powerful performances.

Among the members of the MOP community are Filipinos from Masbate and Naga City who were among those distributing fliers and information at St. Mark Catholic Church at Huntersville, North Carolina.

To quote Wikipedia “The Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) is an international Roman Catholic monastic religious institute of brothers dedicated to joyful service with Christ on the Cross" to serve the poorest of the poor.” 

Started in 1981 by Father Richard Ho Lung in Kingston, Jamaica it has now grown to over 550 brothers from 13 countries.

Their headquarters is in Kingston, Jamaica, where they maintain six mission homes for destitute persons, including abandoned sick, disabled, or dying men, women, infants, and children. 

They also operate in India (Andhra Pradesh and Orissa), the Philippines (Naga City and Cebu), Haiti (Cap-Haïtien), Uganda (Kampala), Kenya (Nairobi) and in Monroe, North Carolina, the US. A mission is being established in Indonesia.

The brothers, who gave away all personal belongings, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everything is done in community including eating, sleeping, and traveling. 

All their daily activities revolve around prayer, service and worship. More than just giving aid with food, clothing and shelter, the Missionaries of the Poor are dedicated to building up the Church and spreading the faith. 


Dedicated to the Holy Rosary, they wear the beads on their sash, and it was on the feast of the Holy Rosary in 1997 that the Holy See recognized them as religious community. Ho Lung stepped down as leader of MOP in 2014, with Brother Augusto Silot succeeding him.”

Among those excited about the presentation are spouses Raymund and Jesette Kelly of Plaintain,Charlotte who personally invited the Filipino brothers of the MOP to their home.

“I have to watch this,” Jesette told me. Tickets are priced at ddult $25.00, with reservation fee at $40, senior/child is $15.00. A family special is priced at $60.

The play runs on Aug. 8, Friday at 7 p.m., Aug. 9 on Saturday, at 2 p.m and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.  For more information email at messiahincharlotte@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.

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 picnic for Philippine Independence Day

Me (near the Philippine flag) with FACC president Dr. Malette Oliveros and friends

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The Fil-American community in Charlotte, North Carolina celebrated in advance Philippine Independence Day with a summer picnic at the Hornets Park in Beatties, Ford Road last Saturday, June 7.

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Malette Aquino-Oliveros,  this year’s president of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) and the entire board along with area representatives and was attended by a sizable number of Fil-Americans.

It kicked off with the singing of the Philippine national anthem by FACC past president Dell Fallar followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner led by an elder from the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

Dr. Malette-Aquino-Oliveros (center in yellow blouse) with some Fil-Americans

Dr. Chris Villapando led the invocation. Villapando extolled the virtue of the Filipinos and asked the Fil-Americans in North Carolina to extend their support to the Filipinos back home.

Yours truly, an FACC representative, talked about the shared history of Fil-Americans and the Filipinos back home. 

The picnic was emceed by couple Dr. Michael Borja and his wife Tracy Borja. 

Aside from the sumptuous food, the Fil-Americans had a grand time dancing, singing and playing games. Among the featured performers were the students of the Eskwelahang Munti (Little Schoolhouse), Hannah Laabid and Lance Lawsin. 

The Eskelahang Munti was presented by founder Gloria Grefenhagin and Dell Fallar.  

Popular Filipino food like puto (rice cakes), pancit (native noodle dish), adobo (stewed pork and chicken), barbecue, torta (short cake), biko (sweetened rice),  suman (rice cake), cakes, lumpia Shanghai (Spring roll derived from Chinese cuisine),  rice, dinuguan (pork blood stew) and even maruya (banana fritters) were sold to the delight of elder Fil-Americans who missed Philippine fare.

A batch of maruya sold during the picnic

Kay Ronquillo-Antone, FACC 2nd VP, was seen buying the food in bulk. Also seen at the picnic were former FACC officers Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, JP Ave, Wally Penilla, Letty Waddell and many others.

It was also a first time for some to come and participate. In an interview, Wally Penilla of the Filipino American Spirit (FAS) said the present FACC officers have done so much for the community halfway through their mandate.

“This is a good sign for the next generation of the Fil-Americans  here at the Carolinas,” said Penilla, also a past FACC president. Penilla is considered one of the Fil-Am pioneers in the Charlotte, North Carolina community.

Dr.  Malette Aquino-Oliveros  said she’s confident that there are more activities to come for the FACC before the year ends and she credits the teamwork of her fellow officers for the success of these programs. 

She also appealed to all Fil-Americans present in the community to spread the good word on FACC to their families, neighbors and friends.

Hula-hoop dancing during the picnic

(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, Leyte Dance Theater brings the house down in Charlotte

Photo by Boging Mata

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IT was the audience participation in a native dance number that brought the house down during a performance by the Leyte Dance Theater in the Peace Auditorium of Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina last Friday.

The show entitled “Bayan Ko” was spearheaded by the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) and the auditorium was filled to its 400-person capacity, FACC secretary Lota Mascarenas said.

The number that drew the most applause was the kuratsa, a Filipino native dance number which the dance group invited the audience to participate in. It helped that the group got the audience into the dancing mood with its fiesta barrio setting on stage.

Among those who danced the kuratsa were incumbent FACC president Malette Aquino Oliveros who is clad in beautiful Filipiniana dress, Dr. Nini Bautista, Matthew Antone and many others.

Past FACC President Adelia Fallar also enlivened the audience with her sure kuratsa dance moves. “This is fun, so fun,” said Dorena Reynolds, who came in late with her mother. She doesn’t mind the US $15 ticket charged to each attendee because “it’s the kind of Filipino show I want to see.” 

Also in attendance were Dr. Michael Borja, FACC 1st VP, Kay Ronquillo-Antone, FACC 2nd VP, FACC treasurer Luisa Castaneda, FACC auditor Tracy Borja, FACC area representative MJ Maturan, Terry Laabid and yours truly. 

FACC area representative Blessel Arcamo Butler is in the Philippines for a brief vacation. The Leyte Dance Theater group is now on its 7th US tour and had 20 performances under its wing, including Charlotte. 

Grea Tulio-Penilla hosted the show which also drew Fil-Americans from Greensboro . Some of the audience like Yulie Amara-Armstrong said the show revived a love for Filipino entertainment and culture in her and her son Gregory.

Also seen were spouses James and Joan Lightle with their boys Charlie and Alan. Rocky Robinson a member of the Philippine Charlotte Dance troupe said the show was “very educational” and wished that more shows would promote their heritage. 

Dr. Nini de Bautista paid homage to the group in a group email whom she said performed brilliantly despite suffering from the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan in Leyte, Central Visayas in the Philippines in November last year. 

Photo by Susan Dennis 

“Their performance is a testament to the fortitude and resiliency of the Filipinos,” she said in an email to me. Another guest, Eric Robinson, described the dance group’s performance as “powerful and heartrending.”

The group ended the show with a dance re-enactment of the different eras in Philippine society starting from the Spanish period followed by US and Japanese occupations and eventual independence as shown by the dancers who were covered by the Philippine flag. 

The Leyte Dance Theater is composed of dancers who are either living or studying in Tacloban City, the area hardest hit by typhoon Haiyan.  “I am happy how the group is received here in Charlotte,” said the show’s artistic director Jess de Paz. 

For more on the show, see this link. 'Till next time, have a good day.  

(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)